REWARDS FOR MURDERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 17 February 1928, Page 9

REWARDS FOR MURDERS.

REDS TEMPT CHINESE. HONGKONG, Feb. 6. A reward of £6OOO has been offered for the assassination of Li-Chai-Sum, the Canton ruler, by the Communistic Big Sword Society. The nervous tension in Canton has been heightened by these disclosures. They have followed, the arrest of a. prominent Red leader, who has confessed the details of a widespread plot for the wholesale assassination of the Canton leaders. He divulged that the society had offered varying payment for the killing of various persons. In consequence of the disclosures, which afford 1 evidence that Communistic activity is increasing, the authorities have tightened up control in the city. Interesting reports in Chinese circles foreshadow a new orientation of forces against Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, the former leader of the Cantonese. The aim is to secure the reunification of the six provinces of Kwang-tung, Kwang-si, Yun-nan, Kiang-si, Hu-nan and Hu-peh under a military clique headed by General Li Cai-Sum, who is now in power in Canton, and with Canton as the future headquarters. Chang Kai-shek is at present in Nanking making efforts to assemble the long overdue Kuomintang conference,The reported move indicates a fresh and important split in Nationalist ranks.

| BRITISH CONSULATE SEIZED. I OFFICIAL PROTEST MADE. HONGKONG, Feb. 8. Another outrage has been perpetrated upon British property in China. The British Consulate at Sha-si, a treaty port in the province of Hu-peh, Avas commandeered by Chinese troops yesterday. The British Consul has protested to General Ghiang Kai-shek. Other seized buildings include the naA r al Avireless station. Up to the present there have been no other untoward incidents. Offing to the posting of Chinese billeting notices on British buildings at Ichang, the Consul sent a. communication to the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, protesting against the action. Canton is showing signs of betterment. The Government is placing an order in Hongkong for British automobiles.