1904-12-17 — Page 2

336.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1904.

teenth, was principally directed on the arse- nal and the torpedo-depôt at Tiger's Tail, and the ships and boats in that vicinity.

The torpedo-depôt was ablaze for one hour,

Three ships were destroyed and one, sunk,

JAPANESE NAVAL ATTACK.

TORPEDO BOAT DISABLED,

it was urged that there was nothing illegal in the carrying of contraband of war; it was not an offence against the municipal law of Great Britain for a subject to carry contra- band to a belligerent country. It is not quite easy, however, for the dispassionate besides the buildings being greatly damaged. observer to see how a voyage to Nagasaki The indirect bombardment of the Seas con have been considered safe, if one to topol, staying outside the harbour, was sus Hongkong was supposed to be dangerous;pended owing to the bad weather which and we can quite understand the men's ob prevented its observation, Jections to going on there, in view of Russia's doctrine as to coal and the fate of the "Knight Commander.. They were signed on at Peace risks and peace pay, and when they learned that the ship was not to proceed to this port, they refused to go aboard This refusal was upheld by the magistrate, Who ruled that the owners were hound by the agreement to proceed to Hongkong, and

Each time they met the enemy's fierce fire. 'when they informed the seimen that it was One torpedo-bont was disabled and towed hot their intention to come here that agree-back, while three received one shot each. ment terminated. It was further held that the owners had not just cause to refuse to make this port from Singapore as the danger of being undermined was too remote. The 'magistrate thought the crew had a good -reason to refuse to go to Nagasaki, consider- ing the risks that there were, and therefore the summons was dismissed. This is one instance of mischief that results from Russia's Pattitude, and failure of the Government to

get it amended.

TELEGRAMS.

THE WAR.

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

SERVICE.

“THE PORT ARTHUR FLEET.

"SEVASTOPOL'S" LAST EFFORT

TO ESCAPE DESTRUCTION.

(Fram Our Own Correspondent.)

WEIHAIWEI, 15th December,

4.10 p.m. Heavy firing was heard here at

Admiral Togo reports that the torpedo boat flotillas twice attacked the Sevastopol on the night of the twelfth and thrice on the night of the thirteenth; the result was

uncertain.

Our total casualties were only three men wounded.

PORT ARTHUR BOMBARDMENT.

Tokio, rath December, 4-45 p.m. The Port Arthur Army reports that the bombardment on the 11th instant inflicted considerable damage to a wireless tolegraph station on Golden-Hill and also set the

arsenal afire.

THE NAVAL ATTACK.

AT FORT ARTHUR.

TORPEDO. BOAT MISSING.

Tokio, 15th Dec., 4.55 p.m. The Commander of the Third Squadron reports that two torpedo-boat flotillas attack. ed the Sevastopol and the commissioned ship at 3-30a.m. on the 14th during a heavy

snow storm.

One torpedo-boat is still missing, but the rest returned in safety.

an aniline dye, but both colouring and flavour- and there is no evidence of the presctice of any ing matters are used in very minute quantities, substance not usually found in spiritueua drinks of this kind.

These brandies" and whiskies" cannot, therefore, be considered" ds”inˇthy way of a specially deleterious character; and, apart from the quantities consumed, are at least as whole country by publicans and other licensed some as spirits of the same quality sold in this traders.

The Hon. Colonial Secretary, in laying the report on the table said, the origin of the re port was that at the end of the year 1898, à commission was appointed here to inquire, inte the quantity of the alcoholic liquors sold here, their soundness and otherwise. The report, among other things, showed that the cheaper kind of spirits contained less deleterious sub sauces and less fuel oil than some of the higher priced brands. Drunkenness was ge- nerally due to the quantity, and not to the quality of the liquor consumed. In conse

quence of many questions that had arisen on the subject, five samples of the cheap- est qualities of liquor sold by public houses frequented by soldiers and sailors, and men of that class in the Colony were obtained and sent home with the request that they might be analysed by the highest analysts in the United Kingdom. The repart was one of the results of that analysis and con firmed the report of the Government analyst, THE LIGHTING OF THE HARBOUR FAIRWAY. The Hon. Mr. Shewan had, by deputy, given notice, at the last meeting, of the following questions

1. With regard to buoys and lights will the Government take into consideration the advis ability of having the present fairway marked at night by automatic light buoys ?

2. Are the present two small white lights in the Capsuimun Pass adequate?

3. If not, what steps have the Government taken to replace them by better?

The 'Hon, the Harbour Master replied to cach question as follows:-1. Yes. 2. No. 3. A red light similar to that displayed by the Chinese imperial Maritime Customs at Amhurst Point has been ordered for Ma Wab Island.

FINANCE.

then held to consider the following, recom- A meeting of the Finance Committee was

mendations, which were ultimately passed.

TREE PLANTING.

The Governor recommends the Council ta

On the morning of the 14th, our observa-vote a sum of $500 in aid of the vote, Botanical tion station and the picketship reported that and Afforestation Deportment, "other charges, the Sevastopol's bow had sunk three feet. for tree planting.

COALS. The Governor recommends the Council to vole a sum of 31,0:0, in aid of the vote miscel Janeous services, for coals for offices.

FIRE BRIDADE.

From 11.30 pm. of the 14th to 3 a.m. on the 15th, six torpedo-boat flotillas and special torpedo-boats incessantly attacked the Sevas topol, Olvasny and the commissioned ship. The details are not yet reported, but at a.m. on the 15th the observation station re- ten o'clock last night. It is surports that the Sevastopol's bow was further mised that the Russian battleship sunk, with the torpedo tube completely im-engines, hose etc, and gratuities, Sevastopol, while attempting to mersed. escape from Port Arthur, was either captured or sunk.

THE ADMIRALTY DOCK-

YARD

AT HONGKONG.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

12:15 p.m.

HONGKONG CORINTHIAN YAGHT CLUB.

15th inst.

A meeting of the promoters of the one-design sailing club was held last evening at No to, Wyndham Street, when it was decided that the club should be known as the Hongkong

Corinthian Yacht Club.

Mr. E. M. Hazeland presided, and the office-

hqarare, warm...almain duman foliowe --Drzw

Clark, Commodore, Mr. E. M. Hazeland, Vice Commodore. Mr. J. Reidie, honorary secretary and treasurer: Mr. W. A. Crake, official According to the london corres-measurer; and Messrs. F. Howell, M. McIver, pondent of the Birmingham Post, Sir J. Hands, and W. H. Donald, committee, John Fisher, the Senior Naval Lord, and it was decided for the present to keep intends to thoroughly ere haut the the area to two hundred and fifty square feel. The question of keels was left to the Admiralty dockyard system.

consideration of the committee.

Much greater significance than hitherto will be attached to the Naval stations of Gibraltar and Hongkong.

Opium for China.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

BOMBAT, 14th December.

The P. & O. Co.'s mail steamer left Bombay yesterday afternoon with about 1,050 chests of Malwa opium Prices are as follows:--

Malwa (New) Boa. 1,820 (Old) 1,750 (Oldest) 1,860

F1

"

31

PORT ARTHUR FLEET.

· FURTHER PARTICULARS,

Mr. M. Noma, Consul for Japan, has "kindly forwarded to us the following tele- *gram'

Tokio, December 10th, 4 p.m. The Commander of the Naval Artillery reports that the bombardment on Friday set the Bayan afire. She heeled over to port nearly twenty-five degrees, and almost tapsized.

The Retoisan and Poltava submerged in bigh tide up to the upper deck, below the .conning tower.

The Poltava and Pobieda heel consider- ably to port and starboard, respectively, ex- posing the hull below the water line. In high vilde a part of the upper deck is awash.

The Peresies submerges in high tide up to the poop, and up to the torpedo tube at 'the bow."

The Gilyak is close to shore and is listing considerably. It is believed that she is rests -ing on the bottom.

At dawn on Friday the Sevastopol removed her anchorage to the outer raadstead, pre sumably for the purpose of escaping from our shells.

LATER..

JAPANESE CRUISER SUNK.

"The Commander of the Third Squadron "reports that the "cruiter Salyen, 1,344 tons, while engaged in co-operating with the army and blockade near Port Arthur fortress,' hit a Russian mechanical mine on November 36 and sink. All her men excepting 38 were saved, including Captain Tajima.

BOMBARDING TIGER'S TAIL.

***MOTE/SHIPS DESTROYED,

The Commander of the Naval Artillery *reports that the bombardment, on the thit

Some discussion arose as to the sail area,

The following boats with their owners were

named as follows: Garl (Mr. Melvor), Nina (Mr. R. M. Hazeland), Asthore (Mr. J. Hands), Waratah (Mr. W. H. Donald), Cam (Mr. F. Howell) and Hibernia (Mr. E. F. Gibson).

We understand that other boats are either building or contem: lated, and that the new club will prove itself into an important and energetic organisation in the near future.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

rgth inst,

A meeting of the Legislative Council was held this afternoon. Present His Excel-

tency the Governor, Major Sir Matthew Nathan, K.C.M.G., R., Major General Villiers Hatton, (General Officer Commanding), Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.M.D., (Colonial Secretary), Hon. Mr. L. A. M. Johnston (Colonial Treasurer), Hon. Capt. LA. Barnes-Lawrence, -IN. (Harbour Master), Hun. Mr.F. N. II. Jones, (Director of Public Works), flon. Mr. A. W. Brewin (Registrar-General, Hoa Sir C. P. Chater, C.M.O. Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, C.M.G, Hon. Mr. Gershom Stewart, Hon. Mr. W. J. Gresson, Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk, and Mr. S. B. Č. Ross (Clerk of Councils).

MINUTES.

FINANCE

The Colonial Secretary brought forward financial minutes Nos. 54 to 56, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded, and the motion was carried.

The Colonial Fecretary moved, and the Colonial Treasurer seconded, the adoption of the report of the Finance Committee, No. 13.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a further sum of $300 in aid of the vote, Fire Brigade, other charges, for repairs to

H. E. the Governor returned to the chair, and the proceedings of the Committee were confirmed in open Council,

The Council adjourned sine dit.

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Yumfa, and the other in the Provincial Trea- Chinese heroic had put forwed in s entirely a sury. "The Crown forward a theory of erroneous. They asserted that the appellants were merely licensees, without any estate in the property at all,

The Chief Justice said that what Mr. Slade had to do to succed, was to what its only that the Crown case was inconsistent, but that Mr. Slade remarked that he was accupied in Mr Gompertz's decision was inconsistent. showing that they had absolute title in this land.

Mr. Slada explained the procedura in regard to the issue of Board of Revenue receipts or certificates. A number of documents in Chi. nese, etc., were put in, after which the further hearing was adjourned.

r3th inst.

Mr. Stada continued his arguments to show that the documents A., and A.T, conferred

title 'to the land on the appellants. He main- tained that they had an estate in the land, whether above or below water.

refused, and they went off in his boat. The boat' the second charge, when we were walking. quarter of an hour's walk away. They put a one girl into the sea, and one child into belonged to Chow Fat. He was at a village about along the island Smith said he had knocked boat in the water, and witness, Chow Fat and the hold. This was the first I had heard of another man chased the thron "nglishmen." the other child; I did not see her on the boat. After chasing then they asked them to exchange | As regards the third charge of attempted boats, and witness returned in the beat they murder, 1 wish to draw attention to the state-

had taken from him, the foreigners going in the boat that chased them. Witness raturned day he was taken to the gaol to see if he could alone. He remembered the 4th inst. --On that.

identify any of the foreigners, and picked out two of them. They were now in Court; they were: No. 1 and No, a accused. They were two of the men who came and took his boat, Witness did not know the difference between an Englishman, a Frenchman or a German. He could not recognize No 3

A fisherman living in Tsu To-on, Lan Tao Island, said that Wong Luk told him to chase | three Englishman, who had taken his boat. His further evidence was corroborative of that of the last witness, excepting that he added that when they caught up the "Engliahmen" they (Castle Peak) where they landed.

ment made as to the first charge."

The third accused, through an interprater, only to throw a man overboard so that they Mr. Lingblom, _said: _It was our intention

could swim ashore, but when we found there were women on board and they resisted there was nothing to do but to throw them over board. Near the Canton Wharf we engaged a sampan to go to the Blue-funnel steamer, "¡ Be- fore we went on board we made it op

between us that I was, to tackle the males and Smith the females, but as we were going" along Smith told me to tackle "the woman. Smith hit the woman over the head with the tillery, and threw a child over-board, and I saw the boy In the bows jump overboard. In answer to the second charge 1 have said all

charge, and I wish to make the same statement. in this charge." In answer to the third charge I never saw the boy and I never touched him.” Robert Lingblom, the interpreter, gave avidence of the taking of the statements, and the case was then remanded till tomorrow.

The Chief Justice remarked that the docu-got into his boat and he took them to Tingmunthat I have to say about the matter in the first ments A.S., and A.T., only gave them power

.

to reclaim, or use labour to reclaim.

Dr. W. Hunter stated that on the 4th inst, The further hearing was adjourned.

be examined the body of a Chinese woman, Laged about 40. She had a tickst' atipched to 14th inst.

her clothing giving the name of Chang Li. | Mr. Slade further continued his arguments Witness examined the body and from its ap on behalf of the appellants, the number of pearance it had been in the water about a documents referred to, and put in, being no-week. The cause of death was found to be thing short of stupendous.

The hearing was further adjourned.

15th inst.

At the Supreme Court this morning, the New Territory land appeal case was resumed.

Mr. Slade, outlining his argument, said the agus of proof that they had a right to avoid the title was upon the Crown. The onus of proof was upon the respondents to prove any grounds that they might allega for avoiding the title. On the face of the document there was no pro. vision made for re-entry. The appellants re- mained in possession up to and after the cession. To establish the right of the Chinese Government to re-enter, the respondents must prove one or more positive obligations upon the land-holders, and the right to re-enter on breach of such obligation. It was not only necessary to prove merely the obligations, unless It was also proved that the rightful penalty for breach of such obligations was re-entry. There document, and if assuming there were obliga: were no obligations stated on the face of the

tions, and there was a breach, it did not give a right of re-entry.

THE ALLEGED MURDER.

IN THE HARBOUR.

13th inst. The care in which Charles Smith, Erik Hng man, and William Nason were charged with the murder of a woman and a girl, and, at tempted murder of another girl and a boy in Hongkong waters was resumed to-day at the Magistracy before Mr. H. H. J. Gompertz. Mir. F. J. Padeley, Captain Superintendent of Folice, prosecuted; and Chief of 'Detectives Hanson and Inspector Withers were in charge of the case.

sampan man deposed that on the 27th ult. the defendants asked for a sampan and took his boat telling him that he need not accom- pany them. After arranging the price at 70 NEW TERRITORY LAND APPEAL. cents they left. Witness testified as to his being called to identify his wife's and child's body.

12th inst.

At the Supreme Court this morning, sitting in Appellate Jurisdiction, the Chief Justice (Sir Smith (Puisne Judge) had before them the Henry S. Berkeley) and Mr. T. Sercombe

the New Territories, being claim C. A. survey matter of the claim of Tung Fáz U to land in

Territories Land Court Ordinances 1900 to district No. 4, and in the matter of the New 1903.

ne #on, the Attorney-General Hon... Shang Tsz U, representing the five branches of the Tang clan, appealed against the judg

ment of Mr. H. H. J. Gompertz in regard to the ownership of the land in question in the New Territories Land Court, which ousted his claim. The appellant holds official rank under the Chinese Government.

Mr. M. W. Slade, with whom was Mr. H. G Calthrop (instructed by Messrs. Ewens and Harston) for the appellant, and Hon. E. H. Sharp, K.C., and Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., (in structed by the Crown Selicitor, Mr. F. B. L. Bowley) for the respondent,

Mr. Slade, in opening the case for the appet tant, said the appellant was the trustee for, and representative of, the five branches of the Tang clin. He was not appealing on his own be half alone, but on behalf of himself and his fel low clansmen for whom he was trustee, and be claimed on their behalf 150 acres or so, of the

4

drowning. On the same day he examined the dead body of a Chinese female aged about four yours. It appeared to have been in the water about a week. There were no external marks about either of the bodies, nor any signs of violence. The cause of death in this case was drowning,

qi

P.C. Edwards stated that on the 4th inst., be found the body of a Chinese child floating in the water, and took it to the station where it was identified by a Chinaman as his child, the man in Court was the man. She handed the body ever to an apothecary at the mortuary, that night, and the father identified the body: as that of Kwok Lui Chai.

ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

Ifth inst.

At the Magistracy this morning, before "Mr. H. H. J. Gomperts, Charles Smith, Erik Hogman, and William Nason were again brought up. an remand, charged with the murder of a Chinese woman and a Chinese girl; and the attempted murder of a Chinese boy,

The Chinese, coxswain of Police planace No. 5, said he was out with P.C. 59 when the body of a Chinese woman was picked up. That was about two weeks ago, and was on this side of Kellett's Island. They took it to the wharf, and some Sanitary Board coolies came and put it into a dead box. The coolies then carried it to the Police station.

P.C. George Burlington stated that he was on duty on the 4th inst, and found the dead His Worship then said that, on the evidence, body of a Chinese woman floating in the hard it was his duty to commit the accused to take hour, near Kellett's Island. The body was their trial at the next ensuing Criminal Bessions. paked. Witness took the body to Tsim Tsa

The usual caution was read over to Tsui Station, and left it there. Kellett's Island them and the first accused, Charles Smith,

eleven on the 4th inst he received a telephone months ago from Manila in the Zofire. is off Wanchai, near Jardine's sugar works, said he wished to make a statement. He Inspector Withers deposed that at half-past said, "I arrived in Hongkang about two message from the Water Police Station that at was here about two weeks when' I met Wil- body of a Chinese female had been found in liam Nason. He and I stayed together from the harbour. He took witnesses Nos, 1 and 2, that time till the 27th ulto. I made a suggeı. to the station, and the body was there identified tion then to him that we should get a sampan as their mother. He had it removed to the that had Chinese aboard, tie up the Chinese, mortuary. About 11 o'clock at night on the set them off on same island, and sail:south. 17th alto. Kwok came to witness and made The suggestion was met, with immediate but his hair was wet, and he carried in his third man, logman. He was willing to go a report to him. His clothes were then dry, approval. We walked down the street to get a hand three wet jackets, The looking-glass, and we met him at the Sailors' Home that produced, was handed to him by Sergeant Kem evening. We had some difficulty in getting The body appeared to be that of a woman a boat. After getting one finally, s between 40 and so years of age. The face was started across to the American ship. When much disAgured.

we arrived half, way to the mainland oa the other side, Nason started for the boy. ahead. Hogman started for the woman, I my self went for the children. I had some difficulty in keeping them quist. toole the first one and put her down in the hold the 13 year old one. I started back for the other one, the small one. She took fright and jumped overboard. I tried to grab her, but it was too late. The sarapan was about to run into's large ship, and I grabbed the tiller and headed her inland. That is all I wish to say."

Asked by the third defendant, witness said he was sure the men told him they wanted to duced was a shell inside his shrine on board a go to the s.5. China. The piece of wood pro.

shelf. He had never seen either of the accused where he kept his joss; cups were kept on the

before.

EVIDENCE OF ARREST,

Erik Hogman, second accused, vaid ha

I tried to heave the woman over-board, but wished to make a statement, and through the sworn interpreter, Mr. Robert Lingblom,wald; she jumped or fell over-board herself." That is all have to say Hogmanathenassidy kay wish, they had not been interpreted to him. His Worship said Hogman: was to have them read-rover quite entitled

Sergeant. Kerr stated that on the 4th inst. at II o'clock he was on the foreshore at Shau r'an, near Ping Chang, when he saw the three accused passing in the direction of Pong Ching, On account of information received he went on board the Police steam launch, and brought two Indian constables ashore to assist in ar- resting the men. This they did after, securing the aid of other constables. After searching them for arms, be took the men to Ping Chang station, and there they were again searched. stick; on No. 2, five Chinese cash, breast On the first were found $1.60, a razor, cap, and

stick. On the 3rd accused were 30 cents, a lie, pin, small looking glass, bed-cover, a cap and belt, bottle of toothache tincture, knife, comb, The son of the last witness said he was in small folding looking-glass, cap and 4,4uck the boat at the wharf off Pottinger Street 820call, and next day handed them over to In- pinta hamam. bar

rgained for the price. They then climbed spectar Kerr at the Ping Ghang station. on board, and one of the men helped to haul Chief Inspector of Detectives, C. W. Hanson to him, Hogman said then he only wished to up the sail. The men told them to go to the said that on the evening of the 4th inst, at bear the statement of the third accused, Nason. China. They told his father they did not want about ten

His Worship then read the statement in ques minutes past four, he placed him, and he remained on shore. When the the accused among a number of men, for idention as already recorded, and it was translated boat got a good distance off one of the mentification, the first defendant standing fourth, to the second accused.

William Naton was cautioned in the usua pressed down witness's mother. Witness was the second ninth, and the third twelfth. The rowing in the bow, and another of the men first witness identified the first only; the witness manner, and then said: "After the boy I had pressed down witness's sister, aged 13 Lui, identified the first and second, but point been fighting with jumped over-board, I put years. That was in the cabin; the mother ed out the 15th man as the third accused. The out the light before going aft. I then went aft was in the stern, and then the third man men were then re-arranged in different order, and then saw Smith chasing the small kid. It ran to witness and pressed him down and the second accused standing fifth, the third had got up on the stern, right back as far as it bit him, on the side of the face, leaving a mark eleventh, and the first fifteenth. The witness could get Smith bad just made..grabe for which was still visible. He then got a knife, Wong Luk,, picked out the first and second, her, when she jumped over-board. Then I opened it, and cut witness just above the ankle but not the third. Before this identifications Hogman holding the old woman, Smith on the right foot, and pushed him overboard. Kwok Lai Chong and Kwong Lui were called, taking the tiller, 1 put my bandkerchief in He swam to another sampan, and was picked and Kwok Lai Chong again identifed the first the old woman's mouth.tben, and went and sat up and taken ashore. He found his father accused. Kwok Lut then made another at in the wall of the boat: The woman had begun on the wharf and came with him to the tempt, but she picked out all the wrong men, to fight and pushed Hogman away from her Central Station and reported the matter. Be none of the present accused. They were again and jumped overboard. She did not push. me fore they pushed him over-board he did not re-arranged, and Wong Luk re-celled, and in because I was in the well. That is all 1, have see the defendants doing anything to his this the first accused was third, the second to say." mother or sister; he was pressed down sighth, and third, fourteenth, Wong Luk picked He remembered going to the gaol on the 5th out all the three defendants from a tow of 17

The prisoners stated that "they'did (not wish to call any witnesses.

His Worship then formally committed them

two documents, issued by a Board or Bureau Inst, and identifying Nason." It was about men. On the 5th sasi., again in the gaol com to take their trial at the next Criminal Sessions.

8.45 pm. when they left in the boat for the China. The third defendant was the man who pressed witness down. He was near a steamer coming in, which had a green flg. It was an Austrian-Lloyd steamer. When witness was thrown overboard his mother and sister were still on board. The third defendant, who threw him down, tied bimup, but he freed him self. He was sure one of the foreigners tried to pull up the sail,

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pound, the three ac used were placed among is other men, and Kwok So identified the third accused. All the men were dressed in very much the same way on both occasions. On the 11th inst, witness went to Lantao Island with Kwok Lui, where she pointed out, on the south side, the rock where she was fund by the villagers, and where her boat went on the rocks. On looking round among the rocks witness found a piece of wood used as a shelf for the joss in the sampans. The defendants were charged, on the sth ist, at the Central Station and witness read over and explained the charges to No. 1, and then rend and ex- plained the usual caution, after which Normade a statement which witness took down in type, and he signed that statement as correct. That statement was produced."

·DEFENDANTS' STATEMENTS.

JURYMEN SUMMONED, :.

-14th inst.

This morning before Mr. H. H. J. Gomperts, at the magistracy, Mr. Brabazon Barlow, civil engineer, and Mr. Hugo W. Kempf, assistant manager of Binger's Sewing Machine Company, were summened for failing to appear to answer to their names when called to serve on the jury at the inquest held last Monday, Mr-Barlow stated that finding he was detained he wrote an explanation to Mr. Melbourne, He was discharged.

Mr. Kempf said he forgot all about it; HỊ was fined $2.

י

BREACH OF THE HARBOUR RULES

foreshore in Chuk Sha Wan Bay, which was a large bay in the harbour on the mainland. The rights to the foreshore were based on in the year 1899. It was not disputed that these documents were genuine documents, or that the Board was the proper Chinese authority to issue these documents. The questions their Lordships had to decide were, firstly, what was the effect of the documents, of the title, if any, given to the appellants; and secondly, whether The British Government had the right to con/ fiscate or avoid there rights by means of any? thing done or omitted to be done by the ap

The daughter of the first witness said that The minutes of the last meeting were rend pellants. Counsel defined the bopadaries of

the claim, and said there was no dispute as to when they were a long way from the wharf and confirmed.

the boundaries to both pieces of land claimed she was knocked into the cabin, and hit on the head and became insensible. When by the appellants on the east and west. The boundary on the east was Sam Epi Po, and on he recovered it was daylight, and the boat the west the old Lalchikok Custom House, was on the rocks. She went ashore, but The two pieces of land were contiguous. The did not see anyone. Nobody came to take documents of title for the northern of the two care of her. She met a llakka women, who fed were marked A. S, and the Counterfoil A.0.ber and kept her for a few days. After that boundary of the two pieces of land were fishing boat. An Indian brought her back to board any sampan in this harbour on the 27th and the documents of title for the southern she went to a police station where there was a It was as follows:-"1 deny that. I went on marked A. T. and the counterfoil A. F. The Hongkong. She identified the first accused, ult. I started out to walk to Canton and met

16th inst reason for the counterfoil was because the mad -as the man who threw her down the hold. the men Hogman and Nason, whom I had Sergeant Aris, of the Water Police, charged who held the originals would not give them up A boatman tertified to picking the boy up never seen before and at a village near a Chinese owner of the launch Lee Hong, with and the appellants through the proper authori; near an Austrian-Lloyd's steamer, and taking Ping Shan 1 was arrested. In answer to allowing the launch to ply in the barbour ties got the counterfoils. Now the boundary him ashore. Evidence was then led as to the the second charge of having murdered without having a certificated master on board, of the piece of land held under AS, was the finding of the surviving children on Lantao Kwok Yit as well as to the third charge of in the afternoon of Thursday last." He stated northern of the two, and was stated as the | Island. embankment on the border of the people'i The case is proceeding, and will be resumed having attempted to murder So I wish to make that he saw a launch going down the harbour, and as he could only ses two men on board ba the same statement as to the first charge." fields. This northern boundary was afterwards to-morrow.

Later in the day the third accused made his went after it and found it was the Les Bong, moved a little nearer to the sea. The southern

statement. To the first charge he said: "On He saw her run into a sampan and damago ii. boundary was the sea. Now in the and

INTERESTING EVIDENCE,

Sunday the zoth of November last I was going He then heard some one call out "anya:life,” Court judgment it was held that the land com

14th inst.

up the Bowen-Road to get a bath in a stream/ but no one was in the water. He then rowed prised within. A. S. was land entirely above Remanded from yesterday the case in which I'met Smith and he suggested that we should up to the launch and found a man at the tiller high water.

Charles Smith, Erik Hogman, and William engage a sampan on pretence of going to a who was an ordinary native seaman. He asked Their case was that under these documents Naron are charged with the murder of a sam ship and then tie up the crew and land them for the master, and the coxiwala said be was The whisky would not, of course, be con- A.-S. and A. T. they'obtained a title to the pan woman and her daughter, and the attempt and make off with the boat to Singapore, We not on board. Fok Sui, said he was master sidered of good quality from a commercial land. The case for the Crown apparently wai ed murder of a boy, the son of the sampan met Hogman and he agreed to join up, and of the steam launch Lea Hong Defendant point of view, but the total percentages of that these documents conferred no titles. He woman, was resumed this afternoon at the Smith and I then went to a restaurant and got was the owner, Hollyed at No:+6>÷Ea} "fusal oil impurities," and more especially the dealt at 'some length on the Chinese law Magistracy, before Mr. H. H. J. Gampertz. soma refreshments, and Hogman went to the Wing Steel, East. He was not on the proportions of furfuro) and aldehydes present | governing land, and also referred to judgments A fisherman from Team-shi-kok, stated that Sailor Home. That night they went to the launch because he was informed his father in these samples are considerably less than are on the subject given by Chinois Courts of he remembered the fat fast At 40'clock that wharf near the Ferry and engaged a sampan; was sick and he went to get some medicine, generally found in genuine Scotch and Irish competent jurisdicilon, Another important date he was in a shed making things, when there were five people in it. We bargained with and when he returned the launch had left. The pot still "whiskies of high commercial quality, point in this case was that this land was never three Englishmen" came and asked for to the master who wanted 70 cents, but we offered lanoch was to leave at se'clock. He got thera Bamples C, D, and E are wholly, or almost Shing fa'd, but the land was registered, the bacco to smoke, one of them holding out, ahim 60 cents. We then went aboard the sath at five minutes to five and found the launch spirit diluted coloured and flavoured to imitate and the land was taxed.

silent" wholly, composed of "patent" or

name of the cultivating family was registered, | cigarette paper. Witness understood what pan and set off telling the master to stay ashore. gone. He bad an assistant but he had no brandy and whisky.

they wanted though not what they said. "Wit went forward, and walted near the boy till licence. He knew that the launch must not → Hon, E, H, Sharp said he had never heardness gave them tobacco. Then one of them got a signal to tie up the boy who was allotted move without a certificated master on board. The "silent" spirit used in concocting these of it,

picked up a bowl and made signs that he wants to me. Suddenly I heard a woman.cry out Defendant said he was the owner of the launch mixtures was highly rectified; and," as will be Mr. Stade, continuing, said it was describeded something to eat. There was some rice and then I seized the boy, but he resisted me; but be left it in charge of the minster. His seen from the results of the analyses, the "fuselin more than one place as taxed land. It had left over from his morning meat, and he gave and then 1 heard Hogman cry out a woman's Worship sald be was satisfied that the master oil impurities" in the "whisky" and "brandy" not, however, paid the regular, land taxes, as them that. They did not eat the rice, but made gone over-board. As evidence that we did not did not intend to be away from the lapoch as sold are very low.

Defendant's duly was to the land had not been Sking fa'd, and such cigarettes and smoked them. Witness then cook intend to kill anyone I may slate that Smith when it left, Two of the samples, C and E, are clouded taxer had never bees demanded. The coun fedsome fresh rice for himself, and went and an knocked a girl into the hatch. The boat then see that a certificated master was onboard with caramel only; the colouring matter in the terfalls: constituted the registry. There were tied his boat, and the "Englishman asked him drifted on to a rock and we landed, and two whenever the launch moved, and he must he other three samples containing also traces of two of them, and being kept in the local to take them. They asked by signs. Witness children came out of the sampan. As regards fined $23 and cautioned,

CHEAP SPIRITS IN HONGKONG. In the course of a report by Professor Thorpe, F.R.S., on his examination of samples of cheap spirits purchased in Hongkong, and which wad laid on the table by the Colonial Secretary, it was stated that, from a consideration of the results of analyses, they are of opinion that samples A and B) consist of "patent still" or "silent spirit with an admixture of genuine "pot still" whisky for the purpose of imparting the genuine whisky flavour to the mixture, These samples are very similar to what is usually sold in "public houses" in this country as whisky,