1937-01-07 — Page 7

SMUGGLING

THE

HONGKONG

THURSDAY, TELEGRAPH.

RAMP IN

HONGKONG.-II

Colony As Base For Operations

UINTIN

15.

TAISILAN

12.

DEEP

BAY

TO CANTON

UN LONG

1

KATONG

LANTA U

ISLAND

STONG KONG

KUTO

CHINESE AUTHORITIES SET

So

HOPELESS

TASK

By A Special Correspondent

skau Ciens

PENG Cha

BAY

would entail but a short trip in- shore before the contraband was landed and inoved rapidly Inland.

NOT SO SAFE

But, there were occasions-and

more and more frequent of late-when contraband-running was not the safe or easy undertaking it would seem; risky And then it could become a and dangerous adventure assuredly- for both sides.

much has been heard of the activities of smugglers these occasions had become operating on land and in waters adjacent to Hong- kong, that the impression may be created of a Chinese Customs Preventive Service supposedly helpless to cope with the situation.

This I am told, is far from being the case, and if assumed, would not be taking into account the immense difficulties generally associated with anti-smuggling work, but which are much increased in the present case by geographical considerations such as are to be found in no' other part of the world.

These geographical considera- tions could not have arisen it Hongkong is not the free port it necessarily is, adjacent to Chinese territory coming within the operations of the Chinese Maritime Customs. Within this side of the frontier, or in British waters, muggler is completely immune from interference, ex- cepting, of course, where he deals in goods such an opium; spirituous liquors, tobacco and gasoline, which are the four sole articles within the scope of the Hongkong Preventive Department. On the other hand, all goods pay a tax which go into Chinese terri- tory; and inducements. are many for the smuggler of seasonable lines.

Where Chinese offioial connivance has ceased to operate, as another factor complicating the general situa- tion, as it has ceased with the re- entry of the Customs recently into its autonomous state in Kwangiung, the geographical factor still remains as a "{ solution problem satisfactory

saved many which would have millions in a year for the Customs..

A QUESTION OF BOUNDARY?

of

In brief, the situation would have resolved itself into a question boundaries if that were not alrendy considered and the delimitation actually fixed. In the narrow waters, in the many indentations between Chinese and British territory, It would be difficult to have a line fair- ly dividing the two spheres of au- thority; or, if one were, drown, avoid a constant reference to com- pass and bearings in order to deter mine, at perhaps a critical moment, a curving Ine necessitated by

the numerous British islets and rocks, from the point of view of the Cus- toms, so Inconveniently presenting themselves In those Inlets. ""

to

By the Treaty of 1000, the entire basing of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay, at both ends of the land frontier, are British waters, within wilch no sus- pected junk, launch or other eraft may be interfered with; but their: Northern shores are Chinese territory, forming, with the land frontier in between, an uninterrupted dividing line of some 60 miles beyond which, this side of it, the operations Customs men must always fall short.

a

ok

From this frustration (if I may use. the term for want of a better, al- though the effect remains the same) has emerged ́n curious situation .where a smuggler, up to certain very advanced point in British waters, may "twick his nose" at Customs officer, or cruiser, who, al- though within sight and hailing dl. tance, is unable to get at his quarry, much less to come within grips," unul the latter is fairly. In Chinese territory

ก

and so within the legitimate sphere of Customs operation.

The fact can there be fully appreciated of the difficultles and limitations by which the Customs worker must always be handicap- ped, in a task designed to prevent the enormous leakage known to be laking place despite the best efforts being brought to bear by a Pre- ventive service lacking nothing in emelency.

BASES OF OPERATION

If the grophic sketch which accom- panies this story, tells us anything, it is to be discerned at once in the relative ease with which the

can-

trabandist may establish himself at any point within British territory and yet near enough to the dividing line for that short, quick rush across with his goods at the, appropriate Instant.

We can therefore appreciate the good sense that has dictated his choice of such places like Pengchau or Kulo Island, or Shataukok and Un Long as tactical bases of opera- tion and points of concentration for his goods, therein combining a technical but effective immunity with convenience to business.

Particularly is this the case with Pengchau, a rock in she no larger thian Statue Square, but upon whose extani has been built godown for contraband, of a size and nature demonstrating the expectations of permanency of their owners.

an-

Lokmachau, at the foot of the British Police Station itself, is other place where goods are stored, and smugglers there carry their mer- chandise into China in full view of both authoritiesi

A veritable thorn in the side of the Customs, this Pengchau Island has become, with other conveniently- placed localities ke di, an establish- ed base for the smuggiers. So much so, their netivities have called into action special devices entalling the greater employment of a much personnel and material resources than would elsewhere be put into such a relatively small area,

Hemming this little land, and that of Kuto, in on all sides, are numerous

Stationa Customs

brought into existence by the exceptional require- Pook. ments, including Náino, Tip Sha U Chung, Kaichung, Yim Tim; and the Chinese half of Shataukok across the Sumchun creek.

These stations are disposed within fairly equal distance of each other, but the cordon traced by them, and stretched out to the distaper entalled, is not so effective that it has prevent- ed those short, sharp Inrushes at points in between, na soon as the patrols have passed out of sight or hearing.

A tare, a torchi or other "light, would then signal the "all clear" - across to ̈junks walting,' say; - at ́ Pengchian or in the offing, when it

It may be that an unusually em- efent spy system had erred in cal- culations of the probable times of arrival al, or departure of a Customs foot patrol or craft from a certain spot; or that a trap had been well- laid by the other side; but whatever the implication, it had not in- frequently led to this result: a junk or whole band of centrabandiste being ambushed or surprised.

It is not the polley. I am told, of the Chinese Maritime Customs Ad- ministration to go into details, how- ever interesting and sensational these could be as news for the public. Dut from the fact that both sides_nre habitually armed (contraband car. riers are now accompanied by arm- ed escorts in the ratio of a rifle to every 20 carriers), and that smug- glers caught in a desperate situation, or who think they have a reasonable. change of making a get-away, usual- ly do not hesitate to use their wea≈ pons, it may be reasonably inferred that the encounters on these occasions are of a sanguinary character.

That these encounters are also numerous increasingly so of late is revealed by the recent record attained of 3,000 smugglers and carriers captured within one month, In addition to more than 70 craft captured or destroyed at sea. То make this record possible. eight cruisers and 'a number of auxiliary craft had been employed, on cruises sometimes extending to 20 days; while on land, a force of some 300 men covered possible points of entry with a triple cordon reaching back into the remoter villages.

PREPLEXING problem

Except to free them afterwards, what to do with wilful offenders when caught is a perplexing problem not to be solved by a limited prison accommodation falling far short of the enormous requirements suggested by the figures given. But, as far as possible, other measures are adopted for the deterrent effect secured. Junka caught bringing in contraband destroyed-drastic punishment with a restraining influence on many a junk that had contemplated making a similar voyage out from Hongkong, sometimes with the full knowledge and in full view of the Customs launch following in ita very wake,

are

any onc

It would be overstating the facts to ascribe the major part of these

to smuggling operations particular persons or group, since every passenger in the six millions moving in a year between here and Canion, or any other point it is pos- sible to reach by crossing the frontler, is, for the purposes of the Customs, a potential smuggler.

аге

But where these activities along well-defined channels as to present the appearance of organized

direction-the same direction Dat has made of Pengchau, Kulo, Un Long, Sheungahul, and Shataukok huge concentration bases it is pos sible to assume that a substantial portion of the illicit trade has had behind it the well-directed backing of large financial resources

If the Customs Administration knew of these potential Interests—as it may be inferred it did-It is closely guarded secret, for the present at any rate, Meantime, the smuggler with all the advantages conferred by his geographical position, this side of the boundary line, continues to sin in comfortable knowledge of personal "untouchability" as one of Liese: nd- vantages.

m

TISABE

This sketch map with the red line drawn to mark the delimita- tion of British and Chinese

JANUARY

7

1987.

ERADIO BROADCAST

Dance Music from The Hongkong Hotel CHILDREN'S CONCERT

הוס

Radio Programme Broadenst by Z.B.W.

wavelength of 356 metres (845k.c.'s), 31.49 metres (0.52 megacycles).

IIKT." p.m.

12.30 The Band of H.M. Grenndier Guurds with Derek Oldham (tenor).

Time and Weather.

1.03 Planoforte Recline by Simon Barer.

1.18 Viennese Waltzes.

1.30 Renter Press, Rugby Press: Local: Weather Forecast, Time and Announcements.

1.40 Variety.

2.15 Close Down

•

5 A Relay of Dance Music- from the Roof-Garden of the Hongkong flotel.

G Front the Studio,

A Children's Concert

6.30 Marek Weber and His Orchestra.

The Hermit (Clemens Schmalstich); Forest Idyll (Esslinger); Where my Caravan han rested (Lolir): Love's old sweet song (Molloy); Entry of the Spring Flowers (Kockerl); You shall be the King of my heart; Waldteufe) Waltz Potpourri (arr. Silbermann).

7

Norman Allin (bass) p.m. and fritz Krelsler (violin).

Bass Solos-The King's Own (Crufts and Bonheur), True till death (LL.B. and Scal: Gatty); Violin Solos Serenade Espagnol (Spanish Serenade), (Clazounov), Join De Falla): Bass Solinynes), A West Off to Philadel-

and

phin (Temple and Country Courting (O'Reilly Sanderson): Violin Solos-Fair Rose- mary (Kreisler), Bondino (Kreister); Bass Solo-Father O'Flynn (Graves, arr. Villers Stanford).

7.30 Closing Local Stock Quota- tions and Hongkong Exchange Mar- ket Report,

7.35

Talkie Tunes.

7

His

jurisdiction, graphically, portrays "Palm Springs"-I don't want to. the operations of the many make history.... Francis Day (50-. smuggling ramps, big and small,odnight.....Charles

The Cousin from nowhere" Kuliman conducted from this Colony.(Tenor); "Everything is

is Rhythm"- Pengchau and Kuto Islands, and Selection....Louis Levy and

Gaumont Brillish Symphony: "Keep other bases of operations by your seats pleaseKeep your scata smugglers, mentioned in the please.

(Come- George Formby dian); "Going Places"-Plana. Med- story, are shown as well as their ley: "Sing Baby Sing"-When, did. respective distances from Chi-you leave Heaven? nese territory.

Town With

Name As Long

As This Page Is Wide!

Napier, N.Z., Dec. 31. On the road between Lake Taupo And the coast is a spot with probably the longest name in the world. Most people have heard of the famous Welsh name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyilgo-

8 p.m. Time, Weather and Aa-

nouncements.

8.05 From the Studlo,

A Chinese Concert.

Pro-

11 p.m. Close Down, 8.05-11 p.m. European grammo from ZEK. on n fre.. quency of 610 kllocycles.

8.03 pm. Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (Rachmaninoff), played by Sergei Rachmaninoff and the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Leopold Stokowski.

8.45 "Ruy Blas"-Overture (Mendelssohn), played by the Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by Dr. Malcolm Sargent.

8.55 London-News--and---An-- nouncemeats,

9.15 Reginald Dixon at the Cinema Organ

gerychwyendrobwiliantysillogogogo - 9.30 Len Fillis and His Novelty eh, which contains 58 letters, but Orchestra with The Mills Brothers. New Zealand's Tetaurantaokiokiwha- (Vocal).

Orchestra-Lullabyland-The music kalangitang hangaotekoauauaTurnate- apokalwhenua just wins with 82 of lullabies; Voeni-Shoe Shine Boy: letters. The meaning is "the hilltop Rhythm saved the world; Orchestra

Songs where Tornatea, who went throughrown and London Rhythm.

of Home; Vocal Sweet Luny

10

Jack p.m.

10.30 London-The

the land, rested and played his flute."

Hylton and His The legend of Tamatea's journey

interesting. Tun

Tumatca's full Orchestra. London-Big Ben. most

Two Leslies name was Tamatia-o-te-ra-Son of the Sun--and he was one of the and Bertha Willmott In "Silly Songs Maori's ancestral deities. His wife we used to sing." With the B.B.C. was Wairaka, and both were con- Variety Orchestra, Conducted by nected with the then still-active Charles Shadwell.

11 p.m.

Presented by

DAVENTRY PROGRAMMES

melte 20.28 metres

19.#2 retre

13.97 metres 19.66 metres

GRA

GHB

asc

11. k..

21.30

metre

ash

11.750 k.c.

26.02

GSE

LINGS ..

045

10.140 k..

G&G

17,303 k.c›

· 16,20

GSH

21,479 .c.

GRI

15,260 k.c.

GRJ

10.60 metres

GAL

GGO

40.10 metres 19.14 Meiter

CAP

1,540 k.c. ,110 k.e. 15,140 k..

10.00 metr 15,310 k.e. Transmission 1

(GS... 0.8.0, 0.8.P.)

iv.m. Big Ben. 'Children of the Stars"

-1.

manifestations. Tamatea Max Kester. (Electrical Recording). 10.50 London-Oddities (Gramo-, made occasional progresses through- out the country, and on his return phone Records).

Close Down. from one of these he found Walraka had been carried off by another deity -Hau, the Wind. His anger knew no bounds. The earth shook with

The fallowing ware-lengths and frequencies his beilowings and spat forth free served by Daventry.

WavelengUs Sign magic

Frequency and molten Inva. He cast his

6,507 k.. 49.60 metre dart into the air, and when it flew

0.019 k.. 31.85 metare southward he knew the direction the had taken. It fell to earth ravager

Tamatea strede near Taupe, and after it. When he had recovered the dort he sat for a white, resting, and presently drew forth his flute and played mystle music. This spei Is the site of Tetaumatake. Again he threw his dart, which now came to rest in the South Island, at of Anaura. Tomatea leapt the Sea Raukawa (the modern. Cook Strait, made dividing the two islands) and one more cast. The final landing- place of the dart was at the Arohura where he found the weeping River,

in the Wairaka. Hau was

Wading river, searching for the much-prized greenstone (tangiwal), Him Tomo- tea smote so that never again chen

8.20 p.m. Food for Thought." wife. ravish another's

in to wade wade

642 pm. A Recital of Songs, Tematea ordered Wairaka

8.55 p.m. The News and Announcements. Into the sea and fetch shellfish Greenwich Time Slunal at 9:15 pm. 9.TG The D... Welsh Orchestra. (paun). On she waded, looking

Transmission 3 until pleadingly over her shoulder, the water lapped the exquisite tattoo markings on her chin. But Tamatea ernly bade her proceed. At length no sign remained of Wairakn but her rich tresses of glossy hair floating on the waves. Then Tamatea wrought a miracle, and a sen-rock rose from the waves where Wairaka had dis- appeared, to be known by her name to this day.

he

him

As the Maori always had a pur pose in forming his traditional legends, it is easy to interpret this myth as the story of volcanle dis- turbances which occur on Tomaten's line of morch. This has since been found to be along the main geological fault-line of New Zealand, and -80 proves the keen observation of the ancient Maori folk in New Zealand.

1.49 pm. A Violoncello Recital.

4,5 pm, Food for Though

6.26 p.m. *Music of the Hours." 5.40. p.m. The News and Announcementa. Greenwich Time Signal at 6.4 p.m. Transmission 2

IG.B.B.. 0.8.0., G.8.74)

7 p.m. Biz Ben. Musk by Mozart, 7.39 pm. John Londoner at Ilome-I, A.. Dance Musle.

(G.9.D.. 0.8.F. 0.8.H.)

10 p.m. Bieg Hon. Reginald Foort, at the 1... Theatre Organ 10.30 a.m. Billy Songs we Used to Sing." 10.00 pm. Oddities."

of. ftia

11 p.m. "Palleemen Off-duty." 11.30 p.m. The Central Band

Majesty's tuyal Air Forer, IR.IS .. A Violin teeltal. 12.80 am The News and Announcements. fireenwich Time Hignal at 12.45 am. 12.50. Dance Muster Rumber

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