Over a Hundred Men Employed by Government Department Left Without Supplies: Two-thirds Dead of Scurvy Want and Beri-beri It seems incredible that 110 human bebigs can be left marooned in the China Seas, short of food and supplies of all kinds, until, before they are rescued, two thirds of the number die of scurvy; hunger and beri-beri.
Yet the following story reaches ws from sources not to be disbelieved.
The case is surely one that calls for searching investigation.
At the lidest, it suggests gross negligence and inefficiency.
Some time ago, front page ad~ vertisements in the local newspapers proclaimed to the shipping world the news that the Hydrographic Department of the Chinese Navy, was establishing a light on the dreaded Pratas Reef. In connexion Fortunately for the survivors of] tis tragedy the revenue cruiser Hai Shing haptened to be at Amoy at the request of the Chinese Navy the vessel was ordered to proceed with all despatch to the Pratas to render aid to these with the construction work some 110 coolies were engaged and landed fon the reef where their labours resulted in the erection of a light the value of which has yet to be estimated, Apparently the party] was insufficiently supplied with foodstuffs and medical supplies, for recently news was received from the reef that, since June of this year, '63 of them had died and that of the balance, over 40 were sick with beri-beri.
An attempt was made by the supply ship of the Hydrographic Department to reach the island last month, which attempt ended in a. failure, and when another ship tried to reach the men it is reported to have returned with the story that the officers were unable to find the light. fan urgent on powers that be from their seeming lethargy. Am assumption that the Chinese Navy, or the newly organized coast service would attend to the matte we are informed, quickly dispelled. Nat the southern and also of squadrons were too busy saving their country to have time to waste on ing unfortunate coolies from it appalling predicament.
We are informed that the Hongkong Government, which heard of the matter, offered to send a ship to take these wretched people off the reef, but whether it was regard-das an intolerable interference with China's sovereign rights or not, we do not know, but, we are|h told, the offer was not accepted. stricken men.
The Hai Shing went there and a.wireless message was subsequently received stating that 47 men had been found living under appalling conditions." It appears that the food had completely run out and that [they were living on roots and grass. Since September 9 they had been entirely without food and when found many of their number were suffering from beri-beri and scurvy. JOne died on the ship, and four more Jsucctimbed to their hardships after being brought to the mainland. Of the rest nothing but their whitening bones was to be seen on the beach nally arrived. "has has another tragic and costly blunder been added to the many of China's attempts to do something for herself, It is a great pity that work fof this kind is not left in the able the Coast Inspector and) his staff. For years past the few revenue cruisers controlled by this official have, amongst their numer ous duties, found time not only to land supplies and materials at various stations along the coast of China, but also to attend efficiently to them all.
"in sharp contrast to the Pratas tragedy it is worthy of note that. although there are only five revenue cruisers, instant assistance is sent to any of the outlying China coast lighthouses or stations, should notice be received that even one man is in need of aid. Fair weather or foul, clear day or dark nights, these foreign controlled ships un-tingly respond to any call for,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.