CHINESE PIRACY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10509, 13 February 1928, Page 5

CHINESE PIRACY.

MARAUDER ARMED TO THE TEETH. (Aust. amt N.Z. Press Assn.) (Received February 12. 5.5 p.in.) SHANGHAI. Feb. 11. Recalling the days of the Spanish Main, a two thousand ton steamer appeared off the China coast armed to the teeth and fully manned by Chinese preying on coastal trading and passenger vessels, according to the crcAv of the Zuiho Maru, a Japanese; steamer, Avliieh has reached Tsiftgtao. The Zuiho avus attacked when crossing the Yellow Sea to Japan, a pirate ship pursuing her for many miles, firing furiously Avith rifles. The Zuiho escaped in a blizzard. It is supposed the pirate ship is a vessel seized from the Japanese. Warships of the Japanese fleet at Tsiugtao and in the Yellow Sea have been despatched to search for the pirate.

BRI TISH GUN BOAT RESCUES PRISONERS.

(Aust. and N.Z. Press Assn.)

SHANGHAI, Feb. 11 f

The piracies of Chinese boats on the Yafik-tsze in the vicinity of Hankow are alarming the business community and traders. The pirates are becoming more daring Avith each successful outrage. Every A-essel. from ■sampans to steamers of seA'eral hundred tons are preyed on, usually accompanied by bloodshed. The situation is seriously affecting trade. The gunboat Bee avus engaged seeking a junk load of pirates carrying off a Avealthy Chinese and two girls for ransom. It overtook the pirate junk, Avliieh ivas already beached. The crew escaped inland, abandoning the victims. British and other foreign gunboats are engaged in protecting Chinese trading vessels in addition to foreign. It is hopeless to try to . police the twelve hundred miles 'of the Yang-tsze unless they are reinforced. .