1933-10-26 — Page 7

INQUEST ON CONVICT SUICIDE

Jury Find: "Police Search Quite Thorough"

THE

CORONER'S CRITICISM.

"So far as I can see, prisoner was entirely responsible for his own death, and there is no evidence that he was of unsound mind or suffering from any disease that would make his mind unsound: From his statement it is clear that he was determined not to serve a prison sentence, and so far as my experience goes, I cannot remember a similar case."

With these words, Mr. Schofield summed up the inquiry that was held into the death of one Yam Wai, who died as the result of a dose of self-administered arsenic poisoning in Victoria Gaol on October 17.

¿:

It will be recalled that the deceased was sentenced to a term of six months' imprisonment in connection with "a breach of the Opium Ordinance and while waiting in the Prison Reception room to be taken into the cell, he took a fatal dose of arsenic which he managed to smuggle into the gaol.

The jury which comprised Messrs. G. A. Harriman. (foreman), W. E. Winston and C. L. Cate returned a verdict of "Suicide" without retiring. They added the rider that they considered the police conducted the search quite, thoroughly.

THE ANALYST'S EVIDENCE

Mr. V. Branson, Government Analyst, who was recalled yesterday said:-

"At 2.55 pm. on the 18th. inst., received four sealed jars from Dr. Griffiths and these were stated to be some of the post mortem material from prisoner 16,058. There was a envering note which said that the symptoms before, death "were con- sistent with arsenic poisoning, and the doctor wanted to know if arsenic was present in the specimen submitted, and if so, was there enough of it to cause death.

grains."

"In each of the specimen submitter, Mr. Hranson said he found very strong reaction of arsenic and ap to the pre- sent he havi isolated arsenic up to 97 Concluding, witness said that in the aormal course of events, two or three graina would be enough to cause death while there were some cases on record where mults had been known to die after alxorbing only two grains.

Dr. Griffiths of the Victoria Gaol Hospital, who was also recalled, said that having heard Mr. Branson's filence, he was satisfied that death was due to arsenic poisoning and that the post mortem finding would be in keeping with the statement made to hich from the reception room warder that the prisoner had taken a dose of poison.

In The Reception Room

I was on reception room duty, on the day in queation when the prisoner was taken in by a Chinese Revenue Officer," said Assistant Indian Warder Bhagda Singh who went on to say that Warder Cornwall was also present at the time.

Witness said that prisoner hid a sack with him and when asked what it contained, replied that it was clothing. A search revealed that this was the

«case.

Warder Cornwall also took a look at the sack and while he was doing this, witness checked the warrant, and when he found that this was in ordar, he handed it over to the European Wardor and then went out to receive other prisoners.

I was just nearing the door" wit ness said, "when I heard Warder Cornwall shouting, come back quick ly I returned to the room and w the man lying on the ground and the Warder told me that prisoner had taken poison. As soon as I heard this I telephoneri to the doctor who came in a minute and prisoner was sent to the prison hospital."

Witness added that when the prisoner was admitted to the gool, he was moving his mouth as though he wore eating something.

J

The Coroner: Did you see anything found in his hand or his person Yes, Warder: Cornwall found small piece of stone in his jacket pocket.

Prisoner's Distress Warder Cornwall said that at about 11.50 p.m. on 17th. inst. the prisoner was brought into the reception room in the gaol, by a Chinese revenue oficer.

"Prisoner took the mug, turned his back on me and made as if he was drinking water but instead of doing so he put something in his mouth and I heard his teeth crunch as if he were eating a hard piece of toffee." Wit

888 said that he ran up to the prisoner and as there was nothing in his hands, he (witness) began a search. In his right hand pocket, I found something which looked like piece of stone," witness said. "I took out an examined it and another prisoner who was working in the reception room saw this and ex- claimed, "Ai yah, suun sek", and the wan added that prisoner would die in a few minutes".

it

A

Witness concluded his evidence by saying that he got a tumbler of water and put a lot of salt into it and tried to give it to the man who refused to open his mouth. Witness then hit. him and when the man fell down, he, with the help of some other prisoners, forced the salt and water down the man's throat. Soon after this the doctor arrived.

Prisoner's Statement Evidence as regarcia taking a state- Hospital was given by Acting Assist ment from the prisoner in the Gaol

he went with the prisoner interpreter ant Chiet Warder Paice who said that

on instructions received.

This was corroborated by the Inter- preter, and that was all the evidence

called.

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1933.

NAVY DAY

Arrangements For Saturday

Navy Day will be observed on Satur day as snnounced in full detail in an advertisement appearing elsewhere in this issue, elaborate arrangements have been made for the comfort and convenience of those attending the different entertainments in the Naval Dockyard.

The Dockyard will be open to vis itors from 1.30 pm. till e pm. while some of the warships in port will also be thrown open for inspection.. Ships will be cleared of visitors at 6.46 p.m. while the Yard" will be closed at 7 o'clock. Admission to the Dockyard will be by ticket at a charge of 81, except for Service men in uniform, children under twelve and wives of British soldiers and Airmen on pro duction of pass signed by their Com- manding officers.

Entry to the Yard will be through the Main Gate or by the Prince of Wales Gate in Murray Road, while holders of Pink Tickets may use the small gate in Murray Road. It is stated that Service men in uniform must apply for half-price tickets at the R. A. S. C. Depot, opposite the Main Gate, Queen's Rand.

Parking accommodation for motor cara ($1 each) and motor-cycles (30 cta. Bach) will be available on Murray Parade Ground On no account will any cameras be allowed inside the "Yard",

MURDER TRIAL AT SESSIONS Woman Killed at Sha Po Village

ROBBERY OR JEALOUSY?

Committed last month by Mr. E. H. Williams at the Taipo Ma Eistracy on the charge of murder

a Chinese woman in the vil lage of Sha Po on the night of Au- gust 8, Fok Kan a Chinese earth coolie, through als Counsel, yes- terday entered a

plea of "Not Gulity" when brought before the Chief Justice at the Criminal Ses- stons.

He was formally arraigned" on the following two charges:that he on August 6, at Sha Po, with others not in custody, did murder Lau Fa; and that he, with Pang Ngau Shing,

YACHT CLUB ANNUAL.

MEETING

Premises As R.N.V.R. Temporary Headquarters

CLUB NEVER IN HEALTHIER CONDITION

**This Club was founded in 1889 and has never been in a healthier condition than it is to-day," said Mr. A. L. Shields, Commodore of the Royal Hongkong Yacht Club at their Annual Meeting which was held at the Club House yesterday.

There was a good attendance of members, and the Committee's report together with the Club's accounts re- vealed a very healthy state of affairs.

With regard to the reclamation at North Point, the hope was expressed by Mr. Shields that the Government would allow the Yacht Club to stay on their present site until a permanent site was available for them.

In referring to the proposed R.N.V.R. the Commo. dore said he hoped the new premises would be near the Units Headquarters (temporary headquarters would be at the Club) as they expected many members in common.

PROBLEM OF A NEW SITE

Mr. A. L. Shields, "the Commo- dore of the Club, said:-The bal- ance of income over expenditure 19 $1,066,33, 3.3 Compared with $2,063,93, for the previous year. We have, however, debited expendi- ture account with $800.60, the cost of turfing the bowling green. ; which is non-recurrent, and with the increase in the number of yachts, yachting expenses are up by $471,85. The "Library donation was increased by $100 and you will notice increases in opening and closing cruise expenses larger figure for depreciation an boats; gear, etc, than we had last year.

and a

On the credit side. bar profit is a little lower, but subscriptions are up by over. $300. The item, "Mooring Fees," disappears, on account of the moorings being displaced by the reclamation now on the same day in progress. A grant of $400 to- wounded Chan Shing with intent wards, expenses was made to the to thurder him."

Interport rowing crew, which torney General, prosecuted, while ly met by the profit on the Yacht Mr. J. A. Fraser, assistant At-visited Manila, but this was parts Mr. Leo D'Almada e Cartro Junior Club Dance, leaving a debit of $122.52, as compared with a dance The account profit of $97.81, last year.

was for the defence.

The jury was as follows:-Messrs. D. Marshall (foreman), W. J. Woo- ley, J. L. Robinson, J. D. Provan, S. A. Sweet, L. G. Rosario, and I N. Murray

a

needs very little comment. W

Balance Sheet, I think, have written off the value of gym-- nasium gear, $108.25, Our in In opening the case Mr. Fraser vestients were sold at

small "said that Chan Sing prioner's em- profit before the end of the firen-

ployer and Lau Fa the murdered cial year, which increased rice and were assisted by prison- considerable part of this sum has woman, were engaged in planting) cash. balance to $11,406.35. A

taken by Lau Fa from her girdle. er, who was paid from money since been re-invested, Chan and the woman. slept toge

our

Mr. Fleming is standing by, to the accounts, which members may give any

further explanation of

require;

On behalf of the Club, E wish to thank the Honorary Auditors. Mr. H. R. Forsyth, and Mr. T. A. Martin, for auditing the accounts.

THE RN.V.R."

the

ther in a sampan. At 3 o'clock in the morning Chan found himself Mr. Schofield then summed up

being attacked by a man with a briefly, saying that there was no doubt chopper whilst prisoner stood at in his mind that the prisoner died of the other side of the sampan. arsenic poisoning, and that he had Chan scrambled out of the boat taken enough to kill several people and run for his life along the As to the method of obtaining the mud. He had been so severely in poison, Mr. Schofield said they had itjured that he fell down a short dis- The Report of the General Com- on the prisoner's own statement that tance away whilst his assailant mittee, also, those of the Sailing, he took it into the prison with him continued to strike him. Mean-Rowing, Bowls and House Com- and that he had it with him for over a while Chan's daughter, who had mittees and the report" of month, cleverly concealing it, in his shoe. So far as the police evidence ed, ran out on hearing her mo- fully with the Club's activities and been sleeping in a nearby matsh- Honorary Librarian," dtal very regarding the search was concerned, ther's cries and saw her father be there is very little for me to add. Mr. Schofield said that he must say be thought it was rather unsatisfactory ducted a search of the sampan. ng attacked whilst accused con- insofar as thoroughness was concerned.

Mr. Schofield went on to say that Au So, another inhabitant of the the prisoner could have taken the matshed than came out and blew arsenic ever before his trist, and then a police whistle which brought two again he could have taken it when he Indian constables to the scene. office in Court while waiting to be was found to be dying of her in- was in the room. next to the shroff's

The men ran on and Lau: Fa

taken to the gaol. In any case, it was furies and Chan was so badly clear that the prisoner was deter wounded that he had to be taken mined not to serve a prison sentence. immediately to the Kowloon Hos

Concluding, the Coroner said that itpital where he remained for six was perfectly clear that when the weeks. The woman's girdle was prisoner was sent to the Gaol Hos. pital, everything was done for him missing from her body. that could be done for him.

The jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of Suicide" and the fore man said that "we consider the police search was quita thorough”.

THE CHEER-O CLUB

$24,000 Mark Passed-

Prisoner's Denials

,

best

we move to a new site, I trust that the permanent Headquarters of the Division, will be as to us as they can safely get, (as it is expressed in Charter parties, because we should always have a large membership in common.

THE NEW SITE

All I can say about a new site. is that one has tien ear-mark id for us, but "The bird is still in the bush." I lope. Government will be able to let us stay here, until a new and permanent site is available," to " avoid B double shift, with the consequent drain on our finance and inconven- lence to members.

There will be a good deal of discomfort and difficulty, in carry- Ing out our Sailing and Rowing programmes during the next year Subscribers will discount these, or so. but I hope Members and

Committee, in and back up the Flag Officers and their efforts to

carry on the work of the Club, in providing healthy exercise and re- creation.

This Club was founded in 1889 and has never been in a healthier condition than it is to-day (Ap- plause).

The number of yachts continue to increase, and we have so many races and hatches to provide for, that the season from November to April is fully taken up.

secretaries', continues to increase, The work of the Committees, and particularly of the Honorary

and our thanks are due to the joint Hon. Secretaries of the and Rowing Secretaries General Committee, the Sailing and the Secretaries of "the Bowls and House Committees. express thanks

I would also to Mrs. Rouse, The Honorary Librarian, for look- ing after our books, periodicals. and Scrap Books, "and for her generous contributions to Library Funds. (Applause)

I beg to propose, that the Re- port and Accounts for the year ended 31st August, 1933, as pre- sented be passed and adopted, and when that has been second-

and Subscribers during the past Report and Accounts, which Mem

ed. I will endeavour to answer The numbers of new Members any question arising out of the year has been very satifactory.bers may wish to ask. " and with the proposed alteration in our Articles of Association. I hope to see an increase in the number of Lady Subscribers.

The Club facilities are always at the disposal of the Navy and Army, for Sailing and Rowing Matches, and I am glad to they are constantly being availed

of.

4

say

The proposed formation of a Prisoner was captured a few Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, weeks later and gave evidence at made an instant appeal to many the Taipo Magistracy denying the of our members, and I feel sure murder and attributing it to a you will enthusiastically endorse companion named Pang Nga-ghing. the action of your Committee, in He admitted being with Pang for offering the club premises as tem- five hours before the assault but porary Headquarters. said he did not know what Pang's The Royal Naval Volunteer intentions were when he accom- Reserve, will I hope, be a "fait panied him to the sampan. Pang accompli" before long, and when dealt the blows with some instru- ment he held in his hand and said

while striking the woman "She is tioned in the case the wife of a friend of mine. I proved;

The following further contribu tion to the Cheer O Club Bulld- ing Fund launched by Lady Peel | will kill her.” has been received:→→ The Hon. Dr. Wellington

A. R..

When the prisoner was admitted, he brought with him a sack of clothing. I thought I saw him eating some thing, witness went on, "and I told him to stop his eating as there would be good chow for him in grol".

After the usual formalities were Mrs. H. Nelson (£) over, witness said. he passed, the Dr. and Mrs. W. B. A. prisoner through the grille but he had Moore hardly seated himself when the Indian HK Stock Exchange

Evidence Called

duly adopted after it had

The report and accounts were

been

seconded by Major R. G. Lochner.

NEW OFFICES The election of officers resulted as follows:-

Commodore: Mr. A. L. shields Vice-Com.:-Mr., H. S. Rouse, Rear-Com-Mr. G. G. Wood.. Sailing Committee: Commodore F. Elliot. Major R. G. Lochner, Major P. S. Stewart; V. Goulborn, B. Naess. G. H. Gandy.

Rowing Committee:-Messrs. H. W. Dulley, C. B. Easterbrook, G. S. P, Heywood, J. H. Bradford, K Knudsen and P. Ramos.

Hon. Secretaries:Messrs, R. J. Vernal aird M. I. De Ville.

Treasurers:-Mesars, Lowe Bing- ham and Matthews,

werės also else,

Under cross-examination by Mr. D'Almada, Chan said that the wo man who was murdered was tha. wife of another man, but he bad paid 880 towards the marriage "ceremony.” He had seen her husband after his own marriage to the woman and had lent · him money from time to time.

In Reply-To Mr. Fraser Chan Bing said that 'Lau Fa was Dr. J. B. Mackie, of the Kow -$2500 icon Hospital, said the woman had his wife and that he employed 14.00 11 wounds on the head which was prisoner. For knew that his wife

fractured in several places.

had a quantity of banknotes: be- The 25.00 brain was lacerated and death cause he had seen her take them 250.00 must have ensued within a short from her girdle. On the night in

25.00 time of the assault from the head question he was awakened by noise: Witness said that he knew the 20.00 injuries and fractures and felt a chopper hit his head. father of the husband of the wo 15.00 Chan Bing was in a dangerouse man who strick me was man who lived with him as his condition for several days after Pans and he kept cutting me and wife. He told Mr. D'Almada that 1,000.00 admission to the Hospital, and was then threw me into the sex My he did not know that Pang Nga Previously acknowledged 22,955,83 suffering from multiple injuries, wife crawled under the hood and Ahing was a relative of the wo

apparently caused by the weapon prisoner pulled her out by her man's husband, wh used against the woman,

hale

wardor came in to say that he was Dr. and Mrs. Strahan...

ready to take prisoner into his cell Anonymous Warder Cornwall went on to say that Denys Reiss

before the man went out he went Union Insurance Society theorigh the latter's pocket and found

som money and two watches.

***I had only just made the entry in

I

of Canton Ltd:

the prisonery property book when the man walked away witness said.

$24,329,83 think prisoner looked very distressed Further donations should be and he asked for a drink of water, sent to A Brearley Esq, Chartered This was given him.

Bank

After evidence had been given by Evidence of plans and photo Anked by Mr. Fraser, whether he the daughter of the deceased wo graphs was given and a model of was sure he saw Fok, witness said man, the case was adjourned un- the sampan, and matshed men- it could not have been anyone til this morning.

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