ALLEGED MURDER ON THE HIGH SEAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12040, 9 August 1902, Page 5

ALLEGED MURDER ON THE HIGH SEAS.

DISAPPEARANCE OF A CHINAMAN. By Telegrapb.'-l'ross Association.—Copyright, (Eocelved August 8, 10.40 p.m.)

, Sidney, August 8. Ox the information of three Chinese members of the crew of the steamer Chingtu, Archibald Kerr (chief engineer) and Okas. Pengelly (second engineer) of J the ChiftgtU, are charged with the murder of, Laiheng, a Chinese trimmer, ;on July 1, on the high seas. The Chingtu arrived from Hongkong yesterday. , The informants explained that they had not taken action earlier because they were prohibited from landing at an Australian.port before reaching cjydney. Chirig Yun, head fireman of the Chingtu, gave evidence to-day,. stating that after the vessel left Hongkong, Kerr, with a heavy piece of wood, severely beat all the Chinese firemen because there was riot enousrh steam. Subsequently Kerr knocked down Laiheng, with the assistance of Pengelly, and ■ threw him overboard. .When v witness and tho other ; Chinese wanted to try and save him, Kerr droVe them back. Nolle of the ' Europeans saw Laiheng thrown overboard. Witness and the other Chinese wero ra"id to say anything on the ship, for fear they might meet with the same fate, and were not allowed to land at the ports of call. Several other Chinese gave similar evidence. ' . '

The captain of the steamer deposed that Laiheng was reported jmissing. An ex* haustive but useless search was made. No complaints were made to him. After they left Hongkong they called at eight British "ports. : The Chinese had plenty of opportunities of reporting the matter. - . Kerr's and Pengellv's defence was a complete . denial of. ill-usage and subsequent alleged ; murder. No • complaints had ueen mad?, and tkey first; heard of the charge when arrested. Both declared that the whole affair was concocted.

The case was adjourned, an. application for bail being refused. ,