The big gang of alleged Shao-Ising kidnappers (59 in all, including 30 women, a couple of whom had children with them) appeared at the Mixed Court again last Friday afternoon before Dr. F. Ramondino talion" Assessor) and Mr. Za! Dau-wu) Assistant Chinese Magistrate) in connexion with long list of charges of kidnappings and armed robberies which had been peaforred againat them. Tt will bbe recalled that this is considered to bbe the biggest gang of criminals jer brought up at the Mixed Court.
The hearing occupied the entire afternoon and consisted of questioning of prisoners by the Magistrate on the statements they lamed at the police station, confessing their complicity. Most of this corroborated the evidence ady given and nothing of further importance was brought to light, Mr. E. T. Maitland (prosecuting tolictor), conducted the proseeution, Dr. 0. Fischer, Mr. W. Fleming, Mr. LID. Rodger and Mr. Lutisch defended various of the accused; and Mr. A.M." Preston watched the proceedings on behalf of one of the victims" people.
Counsel for the defence made formal application for the dismiseal of the charges against. their clients and argued that although their cliente wore Shaohsing people (all being of the same district) it did not necessarily mean that they were members of the kidnapping gang. They wore not members the gang and knew nothing about the gang's activities. They were entirely innocent of the charges.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.