ALLEGED MURDER AT SEA.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11347, 9 August 1902, Page 10

ALLEGED MURDER AT SEA.

CHINESE FIREMAN REPORTED TO BE THROWN OVERBOARD.

CHARGES AGAINST SHIPS ENGINEERS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received August Bt_, 10.40 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 8. On the information of three Chinese members of the crew of the steamer Chingtu, Archibald,Kerr, chief engineer, and Charles Pengelly, second engineer of the Chingtu, were to-day charged with the murder of Laiheng, a Chinese trimmer, on July Ist, on the high seas. The Chingtu arrived from Hong Kong yesterday. The informants explained that they had not taken action earlier beeanse they were prohibited from landing at an Australian port before reaching Sydney. Chingyon, head fireman of the Chingtu, gave evidence that the day after the vessel left Hong Kong, Kerr, with a heavy piece of wood, severely beat all the Chinese firemen because there was not enough steam. Subsequently Kerr knocked down Laiheng, and, with the assistance of Pengelly, threw him overboard. When witness and the other Chinese wanted to try and save him, Kerr drove them back. None of the other Europeans on board saw Laiheng thrown over. Witness and the other Chinese were afraid to say anything on the ship for fear they would meet the same fate, and they were not allowed to land at ports of call. Ssveral other Chinese gave similar evidence. The captain of the steamer deposed that Laiheng was reported missing. An exhaustive and useless search for him was made. No complaints were made to him. After the boat left Hong Kong it called at eight British ports, and the Chinese had plenty of opportunities of reporting. The defence offered by Kerr and Pengelly was a complete denial of ill-usage and the subsequent alleged murder. No complaints had been made, and the first they heard of the charge was when they were arrested. Both declared that the whole affair was concocted. The case was adjourned. The application of accused for bail was refused.