1930-08-16 — Page 7

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 1930.

THIRTEEN SHOTS AT DALIP SINGH.

INDIAN CONSTABLE RELATES DETAILS OF SHOOTING

TRAGEDY AT LOK MA CHAU.

WHAT HAPPENED AT A FEW MINUTES BEFORE FIVE ON FATAL EVENING.

*

The inquest into the shooting tragedy at Lok Ma Chau was continued before Mr. R. E, Lindsell at Central Magistracy. yesterday":

After two sailors had given evidence, a Chinese interpreter was put into the witness-box. He stated that as soon as the firing bad started he and his wife who were in their quarters. at the time, concealed themselves under their bed, after locking the door of their room.

The interpreter stated that his duty, in case the alarm was sounded, was to attend to. the telephone, but in this instance he did not do so because the shots came from the main build- ing where the charge-room was situated.

The Indian constable who was station guard on the afternoon in question next gave evi dence. This, is fully reported below from which it can be seen that half an hour before the shooting started, Dalip Singh, who is stated to have been responsible for the tragedy, was chatting merrily with a colleague. The witness also stated that in all he fired thirteen revolver shots at Dalip Singh, all of which failed to have any effect. The hearing was adjourned until Wednesday next, when this constable will continue his evidence.

WHEN WAS LEWIS GUN REMOVED FROM CHARGE ROOM?

The cook to the Chinese ́ em- ployees at Lok Ma Chau Police Station was then called He stated that on hearing the two shots, he ran across the compound from the kitchen to bia barracks. He did not see anyone on his way across the compound. He bolted straight for his room, and when he reached it he closed the door.

Similar evidence was also given by a atation coolie, who told his Worship that he was then in a very panicky state of mind.

Ng Koon, seaman attached to Lok Ma Chau Police Station, said that he was on reserve duty on July 21. At about 5 p.m. he was cooking rice in the kitchen, which was at the side corner of the com- pound surrounding the station. He beard two loud shots which seemed to come from behind the kitchen. Running out to the doorway, he saw an Indian stätion guard run- ning across the compound, and entering the station. He followed the guard, who was seen to run iate the passage-way by the charge room. The Indian switched on the alarm bell, and then bolted for the Indian married quarters Witness stood on the passage for a few moraents watching the Indian, after which he also bolted into his own barracks, which were next to the charge room.

Beplying to the Coroner, witness in plain clothes rush into the com- replied that he ran into his own gate. The station guard, who was pound. They entered by the back room because he had observed the in uniform, was amongst them and Indian guard' taking the same pre-witness thought he was the only one

who was armed.

-caution.

والبر

Continuing, witness said that soon after he eatered his barracks three other persons, the cook, an- other seaman and a coolië, also came in: Many shots were then heard. The first shot was heard

Cheung Man Wai, a police inter- preter attached to the Lok Ma Chau Police Station, said that at 5 p.m. on July 21 he was. in his quarters with his wife at the end room over the compound when the trouble started. shouts outside the station. A few Witness said that he heard

This witness went on to say that he knew Dalip Singh: The man with everyone, and according to seemed to have been very friendly witness had never expressed annoy. ance at having been sent out to Lok Ma Chau..

HONG KONG SCOUTS

AT MACAO.

ENJOYABLE FOUR DAYS" CAMP.

WELCOME BY GOVERNOR AND OFFICIALS,

The First Hong Kong (St. Joseph's College) Group of Boy Scouts spent four days in camp at Macao. Fourteen, scouts under Group Scoutmaster B. M. Talati and Scoutmaster C. N. Dragon made the trip and were received on their arrival in Macao in the evening of Saturday last by Group. Scoutmaster A. Borges and scouts of the Frat Macao Group.

Immediately on landing, the visiting scouts marched to the site selected, with their tents and other camp gear in & trek cart which they had taken with them, and got busy pitching the three Bell tents and two stores tents. The camp cooks" lost no time in im provising an open air kitchen and started preparing dinner.

hand and there was little to be

done.

The next day being a Sunday. a joint Church Parade was held of the Catholic scouts of Hong Kong and Macao. On the 320 right, a Camp Fire was held, when the visitors entertained the Macho scouts and their friends with songs, gymnastic excercises, and torch and Indian Club, dis plays. The Macao scouts also' con- tributed a few musical items.

On Tuesday afternoon the Hon. Mr. Antonio Hello entertained the Hong Kong scouts at ten at Hotel Raviera. His Excellency, Sir Ar thur Tamaginini, the Governor of Capt. Mayer, arrived at 4.30 p.m. Macao, accompanied by the A‚D.C., but could not stay for long owing to other engagements Among those present were Major Luis Lello, the Commander-in-Chief, Major Guerreiro d'Andrade, the Commissioner of Police, Comman der Almeida Pinheiro, the Har bour Master and Mrs. Pinheiro, the Scoutmaster of the First Macao Group, and Mrs. Borges, and some prospective Girl Guides of Macso.

13

His Excellency on Scout Movement,

His Excellency in his address referred to the great developmenta By 1.30 p.m., that is within one that the Boy Scout movement had hour after reaching the site, the made since its inception twenty- One years ago and dwelt on its boys had settled down in their new comfortable in the little space al canvas houses and made themselves international aspect as one of the greatest forces working towards loted to them. Mats were spread the establishment of the spirit of round in the open and the scouts brotherhood among boys of all took their places amid the clatter races and creeds. He also spoke of plates, mugs, forks, knives and of the good which scouting did in spoons to enjoy a hearty meal un developing character and in draw- der the soft light of the fulling out all the good qualities that moon.

the boy possesses. He paid a tribute to the genius of Lord Baden Powell for founding such an ad- mirable organisation and wished

every success

Relating the events of the day witness said that at s.p.m. he went on duty and was to go off duty main path that ran down from the at 5 p.m. He went down to the

The site was undoubtedly the station. At 4 p.m. be noticed bath best that could have been found Dalip Singh and B553, Gurdit in Macao. It is situated on the Singh, sitting under a tree at a south side of Benha Hill, almost apet to the left of the main path. at the top, and overlooks practical Shortly after 4.30 p.m. Dalip Singh ly the whole town, commanding an rose and went back towards the excellent view of the landlocked station. Neither of the men had stretches of water and the islands rifles at that time. The other cop-around. The water supply was stables attached to the station were drawn from a well near by. indoors.

towards the station, witness did not "After Dalip Singh had returned see the man coming out of the back gate again.

A Day's Good Deed. On the very first night, just when the boys were thinking of enjoy ing a well-earned rest, a big blaze The Coroner: The boy who has was noticed in the very heart of

had seen Dalip Singh sitting by given evidence has said that for the town. Armed with their staves, about ten minutes after 4.30, he the scouta mustered together in full force and found their way I did not see him.

running twenty paces and walking twenty paces alternatively. How over, they had a fairly long way to go and by the time, they reach d their destination, the fire brigade had the situation well in

The Hon, Mr. Mello expressed his appreciation of the smart and prompt turnout of the Hong Kong fires that scouts at the two occurred, and said though they could not render any materi- al assistance, the spirit they had shown by being prepared for such emergencies and the readiness with which they sacrificed their personal comfort and rest to render public service, greatly impressed him as an example of what rea! scouting stood for. He hoped that the visit of the Hong Kong scouts would in Macao and lead to its being established on a firm footing. He also wished that Girl Guiding, the counterpart of Scouting for girls, would also be started in Macao bar. fore long

seconds later he saw some Indians the flagstaff, cleaning his riffe i-down at scouts' pace, which means givé an impetus to the movement

I could not see the flagstaff.

Could you see the flagstaff No,

round the station 1-We have re- Was it not your duty to patrol Witness stated that he saw Beceived no such instruction. falling in the middle of the com- pound. The man was first een walking hurriedly forward with his hands on bla stomach.

,'

Got Under the Bed."

At this stage witness at once closed the door of his room and to- bed and wrapped themselves in a quilt.

Continuing, witness said that at 4.55 p.m. he heard a shot, from the

rection of the flagstaff. He at once rushed in that direction and

there saw B543 still in mufti iying on the ground with a rifle in his hands. I saw him fire in the

direction of the main path," said witness," and I saw the officer-in-

ably firing at him."

The Coroner: What did you do. My rifle was not there. then? Did you take your rifle

How many rifles were there in the barracks 1-Six

Why didn't you arm yourself volver with me.

af about 5 p.m. and the last wasgether with his wife got under their charga coming up. He was prob with one ?-Because I had my re-

probably near 10 p.m. Witness stated that he did not leave his shelter till the rescue party from Hong Kong had arrived,

In answer to Mr. Lindsell, the seaman said that at about 5.15 p.m. he heard a telephone ringing up atairs.

Before Bo fell, witness asid, he had heard some shots, and after, he had locked the deer he heard fur ther shots, but could not say exact could say was that they appeared ly where they came from. All he to come from the direction of the main building.

Fired Six Shota.

possible for Dalip Singh to see the Witness was told that it was not main path from the position de- stated that he was just telling what scribed by witness. The latter he saw. Continuing, he said: "I Coroner, that the alarm bell was

Witness said, in answer to the shots at G543 at fifteen yards drew my revolver and fired six ringing about five minutes after the range, as he lay on the ground. I first shot. On the question being can't say if any of the shots took

effect. only a few seconds after the Erst repeated witness said that it was.

Witness replied to Mr. King that when the Indian guard ran across the compound he was seen to be carrying a bunch of keys in one hand, and he also had a revolver shot. in his holster..

Jary: When the station guard rang the alarm bell did any Indian constables come out of their quar- ters ?

Asked whether he considered the alarm, witness at first said yes there was any delay in sounding

and then said no.

Mr. Lindaell here explained to the witness the difference between minutes and seconds. He then ask Witness: I did not see any ed the witness how long it would Indian constable appear.

take him to walk from his quarters

Jury: In the case of an alarm, where were these men supposed to muster 1

The Alarm.

to the charge room.

Witness About three minutes, I mean, walking slowly,

Mr. Lindsell: Three minutes! I think you are the champion slow walker of the world. The ordinary person could not conceivably have

Mr. Landsell: Have you passed "any revolver test recently Yes, I passed a test one month previous to this occurrence.

About 85.

How many, points did you get What was the maximum-I don't know

Scoutmaster Talati's Thanks. -- Group-Scoutmaster Talati, in hig reply, thanked the Hon, Mr. Mel I for the excellent tea which he had so kindly provided, and all the others who had contributed to- wards making the stay of Ins scouts such a happy one. He said that his boys were very glad "to have taken this opportunity of Macao and expressed the hope that meeting their brother scouts of

mately lead to a great rally of these friendly visits would ulti scouts from all parts of the Far East.

Witness said that after he had notified these in the barrack-room he went to telephone to Taipo at Taipo got the message at 5.45, 5.10. Asked if he could explian why

plained later, however, that what clerk at Taipo was slow. He ex- witness suggested that possibly the

Owing to the great distance se- he said over the telephone was in parating this part of the world Taipo clerk understood him. Later were able to take advantage of at- Chinese and he did not think the from England, hardly any scouts a Lance-Sergeant made another attending the Jamboree held ina Ár- tempt to telephone through.

row Park some months ago, but with the rapid development of the movement in the Straits, Canton, Macao, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Japan, the time should soon come for a very successful meeting of scouts from all parts of the East, to be organised to take place in Singapore, Hong Kong or Shang hai

Witness said that after the tele- phone message they manned the window of the barrack-room, the door of which they left open so that they could command a view of the charge room.

יד.

in the charge room 1-No, sir.

The Coroner: No one kept guard

You can't explain how he took away the Lewis gunt-Ia my opinion he secured it before the shooting started.

I

Mr. King: I think it is 110 or 120. In revolver they are not pass ed first, second or third class. In musketry they are classed.*

How can he do that without any- Mr. Lindsell (to witness) It ap-body seeing him-I can't say. pears in the tests that you got was on duty outside 75 per cent. hits but on this oc- casion you can't hit a man lying down within 15 yards range-1 can't explain that, as in my state

aim.

** Coma Out, All Those Who Are Alive!" Answering question by Mr. they heard shoute from the Indian married quarters. Someone was shouting Come out, all those who

Witness: When the alarm goes in the day time, we are ordered to taken more than 20 seconds. It of excitement I did not take proper King, witness said that at 7.30 p.m.. go into the charge room...

Coroner: Despite the order you bid in your room 7

Witness I ran into my own

seems to me pretty clear that you are unable to calculate time,

In answer to another question by the Coroner, witness said that when

After you fred these shots, did B543 pay any attention to you He at once got up and fired shots

Scoutmaster Talati congratulated Scoutmaster Borges for the fine work he had done in organising. the movement in Maco and com- plemented the Macno scouts on the progress they had made after only three months training. He added that he was very pleased to notion the friendly way in which all the. scouts mingled together in spite of the language difficulty.

toom because I saw the station the alarm went, it was his duty to at me. I rushed into the compound are alivé Wo then went out meant, and said that he would only

guard run into his barracks.

attend to the telephone.

Mr. Lindeell: Why did you not Jury: So therefore he did not follow out your orders 1-Because obey his instructions

the shots were fired from the main building.

Yes?

You were too frightened to goi- Mr. King: You had practised alarms at Lok Ma Chau-Yes, once a week.

Scoutmaster Borges thanked the visitors for coming over to Mocao in showing his boys what scouting. and for the help they had rendered

be too pleased to avail himself of: any opportunity that may arise to take his scouts for a return visit to Hong Kong, and hoped that it would come off sometime in Decom

ber this year.

Coroner: That is clear. Lip Lam, another seaman also stationed at Lok Ma Chau, was the next witness. He said that he was whitewashing his sun hat in the doorway of his barracks next to the charge room when he beard Witness added that the alarms two shots fired from outside. Soon were sometimes, sounded at night after, the last witness and three and sometimes during the day, other men rushed through the They had always been sounded when effect. Ha once again, reloaded, and a revolver and picked it up Ping pong and tennis matches passage and came into the room. a European officer was in the

He heard the alarm bell rung, but station.

he did not see, the Indian station

guard coming into the building.

Indian Policeman's Evidence.

Scoutmaster Borges and Afteen of his senior sequts had dinner with the Hong Kong scouts in their camp on the eve of their de parture. The Macao scoute also the visitors.TO EN took their turn in camping with

were also played, the two colonies sharing honours by Hong Kong winning in the former and Macao in the latter game.

and ran to set the alarm. I had was the first to come out, we came through a door in the kitchen, eighteen revolver rounds left on me at the time

Mound and as I was going out, I heard Did you try to reload -I switch a shot which possibly came from ed on the alarm and reloaded behind the rescuing party a half closed door leading to the

"At 6.30 p.m. while we were in compound, I saw Dalip Singh run the barrack-room, I came out, and through the compound gate and walking under the verandah I saw fired two abots, Witness said that Be lying in the compound. While later he saw Dalip Singh make for was walking I was paying atten the outer stairs in the compoundtion to any firing that might be and he at once emptied his revolver coming from the main building at him, but again the shots had no When I reached the door, I found fired ous more shot at Dalip Singh Asked if he was ordered to go, as the latter disappeared up the witness said that he went out of stairs.

his own accord.

Why did you go out I wanted to ascertain where B543 was, and also to see if the rescuing" party The Hong Kong scouts enjoyed had come and to inform the Sera pleasant bathing picnic in com geant. I was about five minutes pany with some of the Macao outside was in a Government launch placed at their disposal by the Harbour Musty and went ruing sightseeing in Macio on bicycles.

Camp was struck at 8 am. 00 Wednesday and the party of boys landed in Hong Kong just before noon, a httle tired after the busy and active time they had, but nevertheless cheerful and happy for having enjoyed such a pleasant holiday.

Boused Indian Sorgemzıt, Coroner: The alarm bell being FC B722 Gurbaksh Singh, who rung in the daytime, was it not was station guard at the time of Witness said the next thing he your duty to go into the charge the incident next gave evidence, I did was to rush into the Indian roomde said that he had been two yeará, borreek room and rouse the Inding

Witnesa Yes.

and ten months with the Police: Sergeant and another officer.no In answer to the Coroner, wit Why did you not go - BBW He was transferfed to Lok Ma Chau - Were they actually anteup tenness Baid that Hobe of them dursa the other men running into my on May 6, 1929.

Yes.

go upstaire room, so I did not go out.

The hearing will be continued on Jury: Had the alarm ever been

Wednesday next, at 2 pm, and rung on any previous occasion

again on Friday next. The jury Tea In our practice drill,

indicated that they would like a Jury: When did you last have

copy of this witness evidence to your practice -The last practice

study before putting any questions, drill in which the alarm was set

as they considered this man was about a month before::

material witness

Mr. Lindsell (to Mr. King) Is it not the ordinary rule to send men out for twelve months 1

Mr. King About twelve months. Mr. Lindsell (to witness): Were you due for transfor

Witness: Yes, but I have heard nothing about it yet.

And yet you were within a few feet of them and had fired seven shots 1-Yes

Witness said that the two officers then began to dreas while witnens shut the door on the kitchen aide of the room.ASLAWI (Continued on next Oolumn)

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