[英文] 總督發表應對罷工聲明　罷工持續

GOVERNOR ISSUES STRIKE PROCLAMATION

STRIKE EXTENDS.

HOW PUBLIC UTILITIES ARE AFFECTED.

AMPLE SUPPLIES OF PROVISIONS.

Phenomenal Chinese Exodus to Canton.

To-day the general strike of Chinese has assumed great proportions, every hour adding to the numbers out. The authorities have the situation well in hand, and an important proclamation has been issued by the Governor. Food supplies are ample, and exports are being strictly examined. At the time of going to Press the Ferries and the Peak Trams were still manned by Chinese.

This morning further signs of the strike having spread were visible. At the markets, pork was not available, the pork butchers having ceased work last night. As pork is to the Chinese what beef is to Europeans, the natives were much inconvenienced.

The absence of trams will also hurt the Chinese more than any other community although launches are maintaining communication between town and the outlying districts like Shaukiwan.

Profiteers have not been slow to take advantage of the situation. Rice, oil, and other essential food-stuffs have moved up slightly in price, and there was a decrease in the supply of vegetables this morning.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce has arranged an extra ordinary meeting at 4 p.m. to-day.

Making Mischief.

Most disquieting of all is the face that no definite object is given by the strikers. Those who belong to guilds merely state that their organization has received instructions from Canton. Accordingly, they suspended work. As they have not the wherewithal to carry on they must return to Canton, Kongmoon, or some other port by which, they can get to their native villages.

"Strike money" was being distributed some days ago, and is still being paid out now. Every man reporting for Canton is paid a certain sum of money for travelling expenses. Those who prefer to travel by rail are met, beyond the border, at Shamchun, where they are put on board trains for Canton. On arrival there they are allotted to quarters or are given free passes to travel by up-country shipping to further destinations. An enormous sum of money must have been paid out in this manner, but nobody will or can say whence this support originates.

Workers who are not attached to any union, have been roped in mysteriously. Some months ago, the guild embodying the houseboys, cooks, etc., was dissolved. Nevertheless, circulars have been passed round quietly, and the ranks and five have responded.

A malicious rumour that firing on the Chinese will be opened without compunction to-day has had an aggravating effect. Those who are not workers have fled to avoid danger.

From one of the best-informed sources, the "China Mail" learns that a batch of delegates, speaking the Swatow dialect, have been in touch recently with the guild leaders, arranging strike terms. Before the week was out, these delegates, together with the guild officials, had left the Colony.

At the Dairy Farm.

The absence of the usual morning milk supply was almost general over the Colony this morning, the only households not being so affected being the upper Peak which gets its supplies from Pokfulam direct. This dislocation was due to the distributors at the Dairy Farm. Ice and Cold Storage Co., Ltd. walking out last night. The butchers also struck about the same time, and this morning most of the clerks at the depots discontinued work.

No distribution is being made from the Dairy farm but there is no the slightest need for alarm. There are plenty of supplies on hand, and it is only a question of sending to the Main or Kowloon depots between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and to the Peak Hotel Depot between 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are asked for at the Dairy farm depots, in order that supplies may be prepared for distribution.

At the Peak.

Peak residents were not able to get bread from the store until later than usual to-day but this was due to the lorry despatched being held up. Arrangements are now complete by which the possibility of a recurrence of the delay is obviated as far as possible.

The cafeteria system has been inaugurated at the Peak Hotel where there are no waiters. Residents help themselves on lines similar to those in operation at Café Wiseman and the greatest despatch in this manner of service is reported.

On the Peak a number of Amahs returned to work this morning, stating that as all the amahs in the city were working, they did not see why they should not work also. Of course, their return may be only for a day or even half a day at the outside.

In spite of rumours of pending developments the Peak tramway and ferry services are maintained and upon making enquiries the "China Mail" was informed that arrangements have been completed by which they will be carried on by volunteer labour if necessary. Offers of assistance from many sources have been made to the Government and among the most valued of these are those of the two guilds of the mercantile marine officers who will be able to render invaluable service.

Peak Ladies Combine.

Ladies on the Peak are determined to render whatever assistance is within their power and a Ladies' Emergency committee is being formed for the purpose of cooking for patients and Sisters in Hospitals, helping nurses in the performance of their duties wherever possible, helping in cases of sickness in private houses and also helping with children.

The Committee is being formed in connection with the Peak Residents' Association, but any ladies in the Peak area, whether or not they are members of the Association, are asked to communicate with Mrs. Mackenzie, 465 The Peak or Mrs. F. C. Hall, c/o The Peak Club if they can spare time in the morning, afternoon or all day for duties in connection with any of the above mentioned.

Kowloon Provisions.

Special arrangements have been made for the maintenance of a full supply of provisions at Kowloon and the K.R.A. are co-operating with the Dairy Farm in this matter, being in fact almost entirely responsible for the direction of the main branch in Nathan Road, just as the Taikoo Sugar Refinery are making themselves responsible for distribution from Quarry Bay and the China Sugar Refinery for that from East Point.

Silver in Demand.

Last night there was a run on money changer establishments. At several places subsidiary coins - both Hongkong and Chinese - were not available and this caused a panic, the unthinking firmly believing that there would be a boycott on Hongkong bank notes and ultimately accepting change at a discount.

At some of the small retail stores and hawker stalls, notes were also refused, vendors politely suggesting silver when a banknotes were offered. This turn of events also had an effect on the Chinese masses.

On enquiry at the Banks it was learned that the demand for subsidiary coins to-day was higher than normal, but there was nothing which could be described as a "run."

Settlement Postponed?

Business circles were all agog with excitement this morning as it had been stated that native banks and native firms which take in "call" deposits had suspended payment, or were limiting payments to 20 per cent.

This news visibly affected Ice House Street where the effect of the strike on to-morrow's share settlement (it being also the half-yearly settlement) was the sole topic discussed. The "China Mail" was reliably informed that some of the leading sharebrokers were interviewing the bank managers pending a decision. It was felt that with the alleged attitude of the native banks, the settlement would not be put through. At a late hour it was still stated that postponement was likely.

Shipping Movements.

Thanks to what really amounts to a cordon to prevent agitators establishing communication with seafaring natives, the strike among seamen has not extended as rapidly as was expected.

The Steamboat Co.'s river vessels are marking time behind Stonecutter's Island, and the Chinese-owned services are being maintained.

Along the water front an undercurrent of tense feeling prevailed, but all authorised persons performed their duties with admirable restraint. At some places it was impossible to drive a car through the thick crowds of would-be refugees, departing strikers, onlookers, etc.

The s.s. Empress of Asia came in from Manila and it is rumoured that her Chinese crew may leave after being paid off to-day. However, the liner is not due to sail till Thursday, and much may occur by then.

On Saturday a movement started on several Indo-China costal steamers. At first skeleton crews remained, but now only the No.1's are on board. In some cases of ocean-going shipping, no Chinese has stayed behind.

Some of the China Navigation steamer crews have also shown a tendency to join the movement, and the Jaya Lijn Tjisalak departed without her usual complement.

Trespassers Arrested.

A batch of Northern Chinese fell into the hands of the Water Police yesterday when they visited Holt's wharf after receipt of a message that the men were there on an unlawful mission. Altogether five men were arrested three on the wharf and two on board a steamer lying alongside.

The three men arrested on the wharf were charged before Mr. E. W. Hamilton at the Kowloon Magistracy this morning with trespass and alleged intent to intimidate the seamen.

After taking evidence His Worship held there was no doubt that the men were guilty of trespassing on the wharf, but considered that the other charge could not be proved as the vessel had left Hongkong.

Sentence was deferred pending further inquiries.

A Caution.

At the Marine Court the other two men were charged with going on board the Merionethshire without permission. They were cautioned as they were certified to be visiting friends.

Exports Scrutinised.

No sooner was the Government Proclamation out than officers were despatched to scrutinise exports.

It is understood that shipping clearance permits will, during the emergency, be referred to the Imports and Exports Department, which is also in charge of the embargo on food.

Rice Intercepted.

At the cargo coolies and harbour lighters were still working, a considerable quantity of food-stuffs was being shipped away, and in nearly every case the Department exercised its authority. One lot of 1,000 bags of rice bound for Canton is known to have been intercepted.

Scenes at Cafe Wiseman's.

Scenes of great activity were witnessed at the Café Wiseman and the Hongkong Hotel throughout the morning. European ladies, many of them being connected with Lane, Crawford, Ltd., were busily engaged in serving large numbers of house wives at the Café with bread and other necessities. There being no coolies, these articles had to be wrapped up and taken away by the Europeans themselves, but there was a spirit of friendliness and good-humour abroad, and every one seemed to be making the task of the deputies as light as was possible.

Many ladies volunteered for the purpose of serving coffee, sandwiches, etc., to the usual morning crowd at Café Wiseman and did so very capably, too, with the result that the business of the Café proceeded almost as usual. Cold tiffin was served.

Under European supervision the new machinery at the bakery of Café Wiseman (Lane, Crawford, Ltd.) is being kept going and bread sufficient for all needs can be turned out as usual. As regards general stores, also, there is no need for anxiety, Lane, Crawford, Ltd., having plentiful supplies in hand.

Hongkong Hotel Arrangements.

Extensive arrangements had also been made some time previously at the Hongkong Hotel, where between 80 and 90 percent of the boys are "out" and as a result of these the Hotel is proceeding almost normally, except that the only bar open is "Bessie's" (on the first floor) and that at certain hours only (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and that the meals are served at stated times also. The courses are restricted as regards variety but excellent meals may be obtained at the moderate prices of breakfast 75 cents, tiffin $1, afternoon tea 50 cents, dinner $1. The Hotel customers will have to conform to a ticket system by which they will get a card entitling them to the particular meal at the main reception office on the ground floor. This they have to present inside the dining room door.

The purchasing department has made the temporary headquarters of the Hotel staff, and here Mr. Taggart and other helpers are in charge, not only organising but also doing considerable manual labor. The Hotels Company had made arrangements for the employment of Portuguese and Filipinos in the event of a strike and this, taken in conjunction with the help rendered by the Europeans staff, has enabled the Hotel to keep going very much as usual. Two Portuguese volunteers approached Mr. White, manager of the Hotel, as a "China Mail" representative was chatting with him, and were asked to leave their addresses in the event of their services being required.

It should be noted that for convenience sake all meals at the Hotel are being served in the grill room and that they are of the very best. To-day, at tiffin an air of cheerfulness pervaded the room, aided at times by the band. Mrs. Taggart and others were prominent and the Hotel is to be complimented on what it is doing.

Exodus Continues.

Long before sunrise, in fact within a short time of the incoming river steamers discharging their passengers, hundreds of Chinese had swarmed on to the wharves determining to obtain a passage for Canton or the native villages. At daylight this morning the vessels due to leave this evening were absolutely full of passengers. Little or no cargo was worked, but a constant stream of men and women, all carrying luggage, were turned back. A conservative estimate places the number shut-out at 10,000. Many of those going down were domestic servants, ostensibly from foreign households.

This morning some households still had their servants and were able to get their meals, but the majority of the more fortunate employers were informed that their employees would, reluctantly, as in nearly every case, have to leave about tiffin time.

Scouts Helping.

The Hongkong Boy Scouts' Association is doing its "bit" and arrangements in hand by which this help will be considerably extended if necessary. At present there are several qualified Scouts working in hospitals and many others are holding themselves in readiness for all sorts of other work, down to working in lifts if necessary. The Rev. G. T. Waldegrave, Commissioner, informed us on enquiry that all Scouts had been asked to report to Headquarters. The parade arranged to take place at Government House on Wednesday had been cancelled.

Rumours About To-morrow.

Many are the rumours about to-morrow. Those who correctly predicted on Saturday night that the trams would stop on Sunday now say that the beef and other stalls at the market may have to shut down to-morrow and that the engineers and firemen on harbour ferries may stay away.

Vernacular papers suspended publication this morning but extras were issued.

Hundreds of workers are crossing the Territories to travel by train to Canton. A "China Mail" reporter was informed that had it not been for the rain yesterday and to-day, a much larger number would have trekked miles but refrained for fear of wetting their personal effects.

Earlier Developments.

The strike which commenced on Friday has now developed considerably and affects all classes and almost all industries and businesses.

The boys at the Peak Hotel began to leave shortly before tiffin on Saturday and the remainder went after tiffin. The exodus, from the Peak Club took place on Saturday afternoon, but this did not interfere with the dance in the evening, refreshments being served and the necessary washing-up done with skill and dexterity, by the members themselves.

The Chinese staff at Repulse Bay did not leave until tiffin on Sunday. It was stated that between four and five hundred Chinese engaged in the two hotels - the Peak Hotel and the Repulse Bay Hotel - had gone. A few of the boys from the Hongkong Hotel left during the course of yesterday morning, and last night all but one or two had left. At all the hotels, however, careful and well-planned arrangements have been made to "carry on" as well as is possible in the circumstances.

The boys began to leave the houses in the Peak district on Sunday morning. Previously there had been no suggestion of a strike.

During the night, however, the following notice, in Chinese, was stated to have been left at a considerable number of residences:-

Gentlemen,- This is to inform you that in consequence of the recent incidence in Shanghai, causing workers and students to suffer cruel deaths, our corps has determined to carry out a general strike on and from Sunday next. Anybody who fails to join the strike will get from our corps extraordinary treatment.

"DARE TO DIE" CORPS.

This precious document is said to have been found on the doorsteps of the houses early in the morning. Its effect was extraordinary.

When the employees of the Tramway Company finished their work at Saturday mid-night, there was no reference to any possibility of a strike. The drivers and conductors, however, failed to put in an appearance on Sunday morning and consequently yesterday no trams were running.

At the tiffin given in honour of H.E. the Governor at the Hongkong Club on Saturday, His Excellency made a passing reference to the possibility of his approaching departure being postponed on account of the strike. "If this nonsense continues," H.E. declared, "I am going to see it through, and I do not think the arrangement will be a comfortable one for those responsible for my delay!" In view of the developments since this speech was delivered it seems highly improbable that H.E. the Governor will leave on Saturday as arranged.

資料：

1. 中華民國14年6月22日（星期一）《德臣西報》第1頁、第9頁

   • 乙丑年五月初二日（夏至）

   • 公元1925年6月22日（星期一）