1930-12-31 — Page 7

TRIAL FOR ARSON. $3,500 TO APPEASE

CONFLICTING DATES OF

AN INTERVIEW.

MISTAKE AT MAGISTRÁCY SUGGESTED,"

When the trial of three men on charges of attempted arson ät 77,

THE SPIRITS!

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1930.

S.P.C.C. MEETING. MILITARY FUNERAL.

WORK OF SOCIETY REVIEWED.

A woolt before November 13, sald Bergeant Fitches, there was a fur- ther development. When the com plainant went to defendant's house, the second nocused produced a written communication, which,, 'hơ safd, he had received from the INCREASING NEED OF FUNDS. spirits. It concerned the previous | STRANGE CASE IN ROWLOON | life of the complainant. The mes-

COURT.

"ALLEGATIONS. AGAINST CHINESE SOOTH-SAYERS.

water,

and

October 18, was resumed at the Criminal Sessions yesterday, a witness named Leung Luk Tin was subjected to a lengthy cross examination on the subject of an alleged conversation which he stated zook place between him and the first. The two men were charged

Prayers to the gode, charms to Wing Lok, Street, on thw night of est and burn, sprinkling of holy other mystical céré- monies, all to appease the spirits, were said to have been prescribed by Young Chi Chu and Li Fung Leung, in an alleged attempt to extort money from Choi Ngon, &

defendant.

Witness said that they met at a restaurant next to the Wing On Company on August, 25 or 20, when the defendant asked him about the rales of insuranco in Hong Kong. He replied that the rules were about

before Mr. H. R. Butters at the

Kowloor Magistracy with having obtained 83,500 from her by means

of a trick.

REV. CROSTHWAIT BURIED AT HAPPY VALLEY.

The late Rev. W. F. Croathwait, who died at the Military Hospital, Bowen Road, on Sunday morning,

ange revealed that the complainant The first pantial meeting of the had committed several sins in her Hong Kong Society for the Pro- was buried with full military hon- previous life, and because she had tection of Children was held yester-ours at Happy Valley yesterday wronged someone, who was now day at the City Hall and was when the Services were fully repre- dead, misfortune, bad befallen her, targely attended The President,sented at the funeral. The band It also stated that the spirits want. Sir Shou-son Chow, in moving and drums of the South Wales Bor- ed $80. Complainant, who was im adoption of the report and a derers worn in attendance, and this regiment also provided the firing pressed with the message, paid the counte, said:-

party..

money.

Further prayers were offered, and

President's Speach. You will recollect that the Society

on November 13, when the complain was formed only at the end of last ant again saw the two men, the January, and when you review the second complainant intimated that work which ang been done during ho had another message from the the period covered by the raport I gods. It stated that the compinin would ask you to bear in mind that ant's husband, in his lifetime, had the Socirty was an entirely new amassed wealth in an illegal man-Society and that we have to learn nor. This money must be purified to walk before we can run by the gods, else it would be a

Tho, service at the graveside was conducted by Rev. C. Scott Little,

senior Chaplin to the Forces, while the Bishop of Victoria, the Right Rev. C. R. Duppuy, road the pray- ers, and the pallbearers were:- Major R. H. Campbell, M.C., R.M., Major N. C. Bennett, O.B.E. M.O.. A, and S.H., Major A, G. Hewson, M.C., R.A., Major C. T. Bayaham,

the same in overy case and that de- tive Sergeant Fitches, for the pro hindrance to the attainment of the first tasks of the Executive D.S.O., R.A., Major, H. P. W, Hut-

Mr. Hin Shing Lo appeared for the accond defendant.

The facts, as outlined by Detes secution, wore that in September, 1028, the son of Choi Ngan, the complainant, fell sick. All sorts of none effected a cure. On the ad- vice of a friend, the complainant went to No. 319, Shanghai Street,

happiness.

Accordingly, complainant was in-

fendant could get them by applying to the companies. Later, the de- fendant naked if the commission of arson was a very sorious crime.medicines were administered, bus structed to withdraw the money, to collect the funds, necessary for FR.A.M.G.,. Major J. W. Malcolm,

Witness replied that it would mean *ten years' imprisonment.

Witness concluded his evidence by

83,500, from her bank. The first de fendant was with the complainant, when the latter withdraw the sum

Committeo' wore to decide the 800, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Major methode by which the aims of the W. A. Fitz G. Kerrich, D.S.O., Society would best be achieved, and MC., Major H. P. Hart, M.C,,

M.C., R.A.M.C...

carrying out the work.

to a very limited number of per- An appeal for support was made

Those Present,

Amongst the many present were

saying that he had come forward na to invoke the aid of the frat eroin the Hong Kong and Shangha1gons, and so generous was the re Mr. G, W. Tutton (private secre

a voluntary witness, adding that first defondant owds him money,

Witness Cross-examined.

In cross-examination by Mr. Jenkin, witness said that he came to know defendant in connection with a small ship known as the Wah San which was sold to the defend ant. The purchase price was $7,500 in cash and $2,950 in addition, for

fendant, who was reputed to be able to cure any sickness by invoking the gods.

Outside the premises of the first defendant, there was a sign board proclaiming that he was a fortune. teller by profession. Inside the first defendant's room, there was another board which announced that he was gifted with powers of healing the

Bank.

that the money was eventually de

Proceeding, Sergeant Fítches said |

livered to the secand defendant.

Banknotes Thrown in

Harbour.

At the defendants' room in Shang hai Street, the second defendant wrapped up the banknotes and a piece of iron. He left the cubicle,

sponse that by the end of March. I might say that practically every the General Officer Commanding, over $15,000 had been contributed. w. D. S. Brownrigg, representing tary to H.E. the Governor), Col.

person appealed to contributed to Denn Alfred Swan, Rev. A. J. Mac. the Society, which seems a clear intenzie, Rev. J. J. O'Brion, Rev. J. dication that the public is keenly Foley, Rev. E. G. Powell, and Rev. interested in the wolfare of II. V.. Koop, children.

Work of Inspector.

The many wreaths sent included those from the H.K.V.D.C., G.0.0.

#

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One size 3′ 6′′ one size INSPECTION INVITED.

The Executive Commitico con and Staff Officers of Headquarters, LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD.

which a promissory note was issued sick. When the complainant visited went out for a few minutes, and sidered it essential that the Society China Command, All Ranks R.A.,

returned with a similar looking packet in his hand. This he entrust ed to the complainant and asked her to take a trip on board a Taumati

the first defendant, the latter said

should, as soon as possible, have an Officers R., Argyll and Suther in favour of the seller, who was 1 that he could cure the complainant's

Inspector who could devote the land friend of witness. It was agreed

Highlanders Officers, All that defendant should pay witness child, and immediately offered a $300 after completing the deal at prayer to the spirits, for which he

whole of his or her time to the Ranks Hong Kong Signal, Section, investigation of cases, and they | All Ranks Somerset Light Infantry,, the end of August. The money was charged 20-cents. From that day ferry to Hong Kong. Complainant thought it best to seek the services Brother Chaplains, Poak Hotel, was ordered to throw the parcel, of a woman who had experience Matron and Sisters Military Hoa- ness had not yet been paid. Wit. by the first defendant, for which believed to contain the banknotes.of child wellure matters. Some pital and the Trinity College Dublin ness bad a writ issued on September fees ranging from 20 cents to 82.80 into the sea: Complainant followed difficulty was experienced in finding Association.

payable on September 1, but wit-onwards, there were daily prayers

7 or 8, but the defendant could not be found.

Mr. Jenkin: How, did you come to give evidence in this case 1-On the morning of September 19 I read in the newspapers about thờ atterapted arson and I went to see Inspector Reynolds.

You went because of the conver aation you had with the defendant about insurance and arson --No,

Then, what light did you think you could have thrown on the path of justice?—I wanted to assist in the arross of the defondant, not because ho owed me $800, but bo cause of the 82,500 owing to my friend on the promissory note of which I was a witness, and I was being blamed for defondant's do fault.

Answering other questions, wit

asked to make a statement.

were collected from the woman. On many occasions, she was given

those instructions..

Returning to the defendants' complainant that already the gods

The General Committee has asked

charms, some to cat and others to premises, the second defendant told services of Miss Seto Wai Sheung Mr. Hazlerigg to join Mr, T. N.

burn.

The Mystic Art.

Not long after, continued Detec tive Sergeant Fitches, the second

had returned her 83,000 to him. He produced a packet and gave it to her, and she was told not to open

|

the right typo of person, but in August the Committee, accured the. who possesses excellent qualifica-Chan as Hon. Secretary, and as it tions, and whose work has been most

is with you it decide whether you antisfactory.

will elect him, I will ask him now The number of cases is increasing to address you and also to second

defendant also became interested. the packet until there were further | each month and is likely to continue the adoption of the Report and

and introduced himself as the ten-

cher of the first defendant in the mystic. art. Like his student, "he also offered prayers and collected Icca.

(Continued on next Column.)

August 25 or 281-No, the conver sation took place in August.

I finally put it to you that this fantastic conversation about insur ance and arson is a figment of your own brain?-No, it was ensually mentioned.

A Goolle's Recollections,

ness said that on his first visit to ses, Inspector Reynolds he had for gotten about the casual convéran- Another witness, who was called tion he had with the defendant re-stated that he worked as a coolie garding insurance and areon, but in a pig dealing business carried on he remembered it later when he was by the first defendant in Macao. Later he was asked to accompany Polles Court Evidence.

the defendant's third son to work Counsel reminded the witness that for the Tin Saog Tong at 77, Wing when he gave evidence in the Police Lok Street. About October 18 or 17, Court ho stated that the conver- witness who was asked by the first sation about arson took place on defendant to go to the Po Tai Com. September 20. Asked to explain pany, at 63, Connaught Road West why he should now say that the and look after the place. Witness conversation took place on August said that on the night of October 25 or 28, witness and that a mis- 18 he woke up during his sleep and tako was made in the Police Court had a recollection that the first de- in writing down, the date which he fondant visited the premises Wit- gave according to the Chinese calen-ness repeated that he was half

awake" at the time.

dar.

Mr. Jonkin: What were the exact

Witness further deposed to secing words you used in your evidence ?—- two tins of kerosone oil at the Po Paat yust kan," meaning about Tai Company on October 18. One the eighth moon.

of these was removed in the after The insurance was effected on noun by another foki of the Tin September and I put it to you | Sang Tong."

that it is impossible for the defend. A salesman from the Wing Fat

ardera from the gods, or else the charm would be broken.

7

increase as the work of the Society becomes better known. Up Fully believing, the defendants, Christmas the total number was the woman put the packet in a box 39. The work of investigation is and loft it untouched for two years cumulative, as old cases have to be On December 10 this year, she was kept under supervision. It seems visited by a nephew who had re-highly probable that by next sum turned from Vancouver. Ab.10 p.m. mer. we shall require a second that night, the first defendant came to the house and told complain- ant that a message had been receiv ell from the spirits stating that the money could be used in from the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Complainant was asked to consul the second defendant at the latter's

house on this matter.

The nephew learned the whole story, and following a report, to the Police Station, the first defendant was placed in custody. The next day the second defendant was also Arrested.

The packet when opened was found to contain nothing but brown paper.

Evidence was taken from the com- plainant, and other witnesses, after which the case was adjourned.

JARDINE STEAMER FIRED. ON,

WEST RIVER INCIDENT.

News of an unusual incident on the West River, which occurred on Boxing Day, was contained in a report to the Harbour Authorities by Capt. R. Kettlewell, of the s. Chunn, who stated that he left

Inspector..

Juvenile Courta.

Balance Sheet.

Mui Taal Problem.

dressed the meeting and mentioned Mr. T. M. Hazlerigg adeo ad-

that the Society was interested in the welfare of the young, whether the child-was a mui tai or not. The Society was not formed to mitigate the mui tai nuisance, as there was Our members have urged in the already an institution for this pur Legislative Council the need for pose, and that reports of maltreat- special treatment of child delinment to little mui taais would be quants, and His Excellency the attended to as in cases regarding

other children. Governor hos now appointed a Committee to report on the mea sures required for the institution of Juvenile Courts. The Society has submitted to the Government a draft Bill which indicates the mea sures that we think necessary.

The Government is also taking active steps to secure the early in stituition of an Industrial. Home for boys..

The figures for the year 1929 show that of 985 boye abo came before the Magistrates, 172 had previously appeared in Court. In 1929 DO fewer than 131 boys and 5, girle under 16 years of age were sent to prison.n

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Continuing, he said that there was quite a big field for the activi ties of the Society, and that pre- vention of tuberculosis in children by providing well ventilated places and a sanatorum for victims might be consithred by the Society. Ha grointed out that in the annual re Police it was stated that there had port of the Inspector General of BEFORE been no less than 1861 oasts of babies picked up in the streets. Such a state of affairs was quite in Europe, and he thought that alarming compared to other places the Society would do well to take steps to remove this evil, and that

the subject should be gone into thoroughly, and investigations made as to why there had been such lack. of registration of births and deaths. We feel that much expanse might. The report and accounts were be saved and much good done by duly seconded and passed, un- binding over many of these youth-animously. ful offenders and appointing pro- bation officers who would keep them under observation, advise them and help them to lead honest lives,

Finances.

Certain amendmente to the rules and regulations of the Society were proposed and seconded and had the approval of members present.

Umcom Elected,

Proposals that H.E. Sir William and Lady Poel be reelected patrons and that Sir Ceeil Clement be elected an hon, vice president met with the unanimous approval of the meding."

Turning to finance, I need only say that we started the tenth month of our existence with the very satis, actory balance of over $90,000. The expenses of the first nine months have been very small, being slightly under $1,400..

The patrons, presidents, vice pre- Mr. Prior, one of our joint mittees, treasurer and secretaries sidents, general and executivo com- Honorary Secretarice, has express-named in this year's annual report August as I could not and the de- paint brushes to the Po Tai on dines) at the Taishek Barrier where ed his desire to resign. The work were elected to their respectiva fendant after September 1 on which October 18. Witness identited a she was ashore, and the latter, he necessarily entails groat demands office for the ensuing year at the on the Secretary's time, and I wish exception of Mr. A. O. Hynes and document produced by the Crown states, asked him to bring a mes,

to express our thanks to Mr. Prior Mr. B. D. F. Beith, whose places

ant to ask you on September 20 ship-chandlera gave evidenca of Canton for this port, at about 9.15 about the methods of insurance fapplying one tin of kerosene oil, a pm on December 23. No, the conversation took place in tin of gosoleno, cotton waste and

date I was to get the $500.

He passed the Cheongshing (Jar-

Ping Shun were cheetod members of Mesars. Lee You-Teia and Eung the Executive Committee,

I put it to you that having told as a sales note which was given at age to the Commodore in Bong for all that he has done for, the are to be filled by Mr. V. M.Gray- the Magistrate this interview took the time, but he had no recollection Hong to the effect that she had Society during the past year. Larn and the Ton 224 Hamdo place on Beptember you have of the man who placed the order since perceived the folly of swear at the shop and paid the money for ang to it and you have.accordingly, the goods. in this Court, switched the dale to The case was adjourned until this (Continued at foot of next cóluma.) morning.

No news of the incident, however, was contained in the report of the master of the Cheongshing which arrived here from Canton on Man day and sailed for Tientsin early yesterday morning.

aa

know the keen interest which he has shown, and I personally hope that he will continue to help na active member of the Executive Committee, (Continued at foot of next column,),

voto of thanks for the useful

terminated the business of the necting,

work contributed by the Chairman

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