THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1926, Page 2

THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Jovor.s TuAVBLIJNCi I.N ClllNA

Travelling by sea in South China says a returned visitor, is also dangerous, on account of pirates. Vessels the size of the Maheno, Maori ami Wahiim are litte-.l with grill iron fore and alt to keep pirates from boarding. Passengers are let aboard through a small trap door, and in the case of a Chinese passenger, he is searched hv one of the four Sikh armed sentries. The officers are caged in on the bridge and never come out of their quarters unless escorted. The sentries unlock the doors to let the stewards pass from one part ol the ship to another. Sometimes, however, these pirates smuggle firearms on hoard, and are able to carry out a hold-up. They make for the captain am! officers first, and then take specie and other valuables. Last month pirates operated in Northern China for the first time. \ cssels in the north are not protected against pirates and once on hoard they had no I rouble in shouting the captain and over-powering the officers. Armed Chinese stood over the engineers, who had to obey their commands. The Chinese set a course south. As the ship carried no wireless, she was reported missing, until she turned up ill 50uth,.,.1, china after she had been depleted of everything of any value to the pirates.