'After various solutions and possible solutions had been discussed, @ compromise which was agreeable to the owners yot in no way destroyed the sense of the Board's lecturers' in-Structions to the pullers was agreed It will be recalled that the Asia, upon. now named the s Toa Maru. was towed into Hongkong by the s. Sinn Chih of the Wo Fa: Shing Ca, As reported in the "North-Ch.na Herald," the vessel had been found derelict some 100 miles south of Hongkong by the s. Apoey, who wirelessed the Wo Fat Shing Ca. The Shun Chih was immediately despatched to the scene, and succeeded in towing the vessel to the Colony. The Hongkong company cow contend that the vessel is their property, as @ prize found on the igh seas.
The Boerd intimated to the owners that they would be willing to amend the phraseology of the lodurer 30 a3 fo meet the objections of the owners. The meaning is the same—that the pullers are not bound to their nomlatore—but they are advised to cooperate with the owners in carrying out their duties under the rickshaw licensing conditions. is expected that in a few days. the licensing of coolies will show a great improvement.
At about 1018 on the moming of January 17, the six Japanese arrived alongside and started 'o make them= selves at home. Mr, Waerry then went on shore and reported the mater to the Hongkong Water Police. At six o'clock in the eve: ing, another party of Japanese arrived, stating that they were the relief party for the Srst group. Br. Wherry then ordered the whole of the party to leave the ship, which they did He then went to the Water Police Station and returned with a party of police. On reaching the vessel it was. discovered that the Japanese bac not returned.
What further action may be taken not as yet reported. It is expected, however, that the Japanese Interests who purchased the ship as she lay ina half-sinking condition in Amoy will endeavour to establish claim to ownership.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.