35833-1914-Finding-of-the-Marine-Court-of-Inquiry-into-the-circumstances-attending-the-casualty-to-the-S-S-Tai-On — Page 2

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MAY 8, 1914.

The flames spread rapidly, and the ship was shortly ablaze from stem to stern, the passengers, including pirates, and crew, juinping over-board: many, however, appear to have been unable to escape, and were burnt.

The anchor was let go to bring the ship's head to wind, but the officers soon found the bows untenable, and had to jump also, the Master being the last to leave the ship. They were picked up, with the exception of the Mate, Mr. F. C. Evans, who was unable to secure a lifebelt, the fire having reached his cabin when he went to get one.

The ship was completely gutted, but was subsequently towed back to Hongkong, when the charred remains of 17 bodies were found on board, besides evidences of many more, almost totally consumed by the flames.

We find that no blame attaches to any of the certificated officers, who took all possible steps to secure the safety of the ship, and conducted the defence of the bridge most gallantly. The means adopted for the protection of the bridge appear to have been most efficient.

We are of opinion that the conduct of the Master of the British S.S. Lintan in failing to stand by the Tai On or to render her any assistance, requires further enquiry, as does that of the Master of the On Lee who similarly failed.

We also wish to point out the irregularity, and very probable source of danger, of the practice, which seems to be universal on board vessels on this run, of carrying an unlimited number of passenger runners, cargo brokers, and live stock attendants, who pay no fare, and are commonly supposed to form an intelligence department for the pirates.

Dated at Victoria, Hongkong, this 6th day of May, 1914.

BASIL TAYLOR, Commander, R. N.,

Stipendiary Magistrate and President of the Court, THEODORE DOUGLAS SHARP, Lieut., R.N.,

H.M.S. Tamar.

JOHN ROBINSON,

Master of the S.S. Sungkiang.

FRANK THOMAS WHEELER,

Master of the S.S. Kum Sang.

JAMES WILLIAM EVANS,

Master of the S.S. Haimun.

SUPREME COURT.

No. 184.-Under Section 16 of the Companies Amendment Ordinance, 1913, it is hereby notified, for general information, that in addition to those already notified, the follow- ing persons have made application to be appointed auditors for the purposes of the Companies Ordinances, 1911 and 1913, and that they are, in my opinion, qualified to perform the duties required by the said Ordinances to be performed by an auditor:-

S. G. S. BRINKWORTH, Kobe, Japan. H. S. G. ISITT,

$

8th May, 1914.

HUGH A. NISBET,

Registrar of Companies.