PIRACY TO-DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1924, Page 4

PIRACY TO-DAY.

There is oiiiy one place in which piracy as a trade flourishes to-day—the China seas, and more particularly the Canton deita, the hub of the shipping trade of the Far Fast writes David .Neville in the “Daily .Mail.”

The protracted civil wars in China have resulted in the throwing broadcast on till* country of a horde of disbanded or deserting soldiers and masterless men. Accustomed for years to a life of danger and adventure, reckless of him life, whether their own or another’s, they have turned to piracy as an easy and profitable way ol life, and have evolved a new method that is perfect in its; .simplicity.

The coastwise steamers of China carry always, when they can get them,

deck passengers—gangs of coolies on

their way to other ports where work awaits them. Since the democratic revolution the dress of all ( hinese of the uneducated class has dropped to a deail level of uniformity, a blue dungaree jacket and trousers. Butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, they tire absolutely undistiitguishablo. Dow, then, is the master of a ship to know that his gang of deck passengers are no peaceful coolies hut dangerous pirates I'

They flv no dolly Unger. Inti settle down peacefully till the ship is out ol reach of ports or other shipping. The rest is easy. A swift rush for the bridge, the engine-room, and the wireless room at it time when their guard is weakest, a hold-up of sleeping oliicers in their cabins, an overawoing of terrified passengers, and the way to the bullion-room and the cargo is open. Thereafter they need only steer the ship to a prearranged point, where confederate junks meet liiem, and the loot and the pirates are taken aboard and ashore.

It is done nearly every titty in the China seas, and the lash ol tleiecfion is an almost impossible one. A looted ship, and empty sen, a deserted const —where is the evidence?