PIRACY IN CHINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13456, 8 April 1907, Page 5

PIRACY IN CHINA.

THE ATTACK ON INSURANCE

AGENTS

THE CLAIM FOR COMPENSA-

TION.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received April 7, 4.50 p.m.)

London-. April 6. The Chinese Government has offered to pay £1000 to Dr. Home and £100 to Mr. V. Eadie, who were attacked by Chinese pirates at Tungan last year

These amounts were considered inadequate by the claimants, but they have been accepted, on the suggestion of the British Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who pointed out that the local authorities were not blamable for the attack, as it was made by pirates.

The attack on Dr. Hume and Mr. Eadie was a sensational affair. They were travelling in China for an Australian insurance 'company. Ou nearing Tungan, in May, they were suddenly attacked by 15 pirates armed with rifles and knives. Their Chinese attendants ran away, and they had to defend themselves as best they could. The fight lasted an hour, and finally the Englishmen managed to drive off their assailants. Of the pirates four were killed on the spot, and three so injured that they could not get away. These three were afterwards arrested and beheaded. Mr. Eadie received seven wounds, and Dr. Home was stabbed in the head, lungs, and abdomen. They returned to Australia in July. Dr. Home was then still in a very serious condition, and was proceeding to Melbourne for an operation for a fractured skull. He was said to have been injured for life. Tire Times correspondent at Pekin (Dr. Morrison) reporting on the affair, said that Dr. Home was without weapons in the fight, and had displayed a fine heroism.