Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 214

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On the 22nd of October a man named CHAN SING KIU, a passenger on board the S.S. Japan, from Singapore, was removed to the Government Civil Hospital where he died a day later; the cause of death was a rupture of the spleen. It appears that while the ship was moored alongside the Tanjong Pagar Wharf at Singapore and shortly before leaving for Hongkong a fight between Indian and Chinese passengers took place about selecting comfortable quarters on deck. One man (Indian) was arrested and discharged by the Police Magistrate.

GANG ROBBERIES.

5. There were 6 gang robberies reported during the year. In connection with 3 of these cases, 12 prisoners were arrested, 9 being convicted and 3 discharged. In 3 cases no arrest was made.

Two of these robberies took place in the City of Victoria, 1 occurring in the Eastern and 1 in the Central District.

Of the remaining 4, 1 was reported from Tsim Tsa Tsui, and 3 from the New Territories.

STREET AND HIGHWAY ROBBERIES.

6. Twenty-two cases were reported. In connection with 7 of these cases 14 prisoners were arrested, 4 being convicted and 10 discharge. In 15 cases no arrest was made. Of these robberies (Highway), two affected Europeans, viz. :—

On the 17th of September while a seaman named ARTHUR GIESE who lived in the Sailors' Home was riding in a ricksha in the Queen's Road and when a little distance past the Ko Shing Theatre going West, the driver suddenly dropped the shafts of his vehicle and threw his fare out. The fare was suddenly pounced on by the driver and two others who robbed the inan of a purse containing $30. The men were arrested but owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence the Police Magistrate discharged the 3 men.

On the 6th of November while Mrs. GIBBS was walking on Plantation Road towards the Tram Station, she was suddenly attacked by a Chinamau who had the appearance of a houseboy who stole a silver chain purse containing some small silver and a handkerchief, total value about $10. An advertisement giving the man's description failed to get any information.

ROBBERIES ON BOATS AND JUNKS.

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7. Four cases were reported, of which 2 occurred in the New Territories. In connection with 1 of these cases 4 prisoners were arrested and convicted. In 3 cases, no arrest was made.

8. An impudent case of larceny occurred when the thief took the brass hinges off the Chinese Constables' beds at the Central Station representing himself to be an employee of the Public Works Department. He made the attempt once too often with the result that he was convicted, birched and imprisoned.

FELONIES NOT ALREADY GIVEN.

9. Under this heading are comprise the following :—

Attempted Arson,

1

Administering Poison,

1

Cutting and Wounding..

17

Demanding money with menaces,.

Embezzlement,

27

Forgery,

22

Housebreaking,

135

Manslaughter,..

7

Shooting and Wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, Abominable Offences,..

3

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