THE HONG KONG AND FAR EAST BUILDER
PERSONALITIES
The firm of Dreyer and Company, Limited, has been recently formed in Hong Kong to handle a complete line of building supplies, metals, and small machinery, as well as general imports and exports.
The directors are H. Dreyer, Pong Wing Tong, C. W. L. Cole, B. R. Rasmussen and Lee Wah Chue. They have all had many years experience in handling building and engineering supplies in Hong Kong and China, Mr. Dreyer being the senior with thirty eight years in the Far East.
On behalf of their many friends in Hong Kong and else- where we wish them good luck in their new venture.
The firm's offices are in York Building. Telephone 30452. The cable address is "DREYCO."
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His many friends in Hong Kong and Singapore will be interested to know that Major H. J. Hawes, R. E. was recently released from the Army and has joined The Kent Construc- tion Company, Hong Kong. His telephone number is 31593.
Mr. W. Szeto
Additions to the Hong Kong Registered List of Architects published in our August/September 1948 issue are as follows:- Mr. J. B. P. Byrne
Mr. 1. E. Roberts Mr. M. L. Chester
Mr. G. D. Su Mr. N. J. Chien Mr. D. R. Glass Mr. E. J. V. Hutt Mr. E. C. K. Lam Mr. H. S. Luke Mr. C. Mar Fan Mr. H. A. Pelton
Mr. J. A. Turner
Turner Sturrock & Brown
Mr. S. S. Yue
Mr. S. C. Yue Mrs. Y. H. Yuan
The shortage of office accommodation in Hongkong is as acute as that of residential accommodation. As a result of this the Engineering and Building Supplies department of Yut Tung Tai Ltd. has up to now been occupying restricted and unsuitable premises. They have now been able to move with the other departments of the firm to commodious newly de- corated offices on the first floor of York Building. Their telephone numbers remain the same at 33045 and 33145.
Yu Tung Tai Ltd. although rather a young firm in Hong- kong is associated with Hecht. Levis & Kahn Ltd., London, whose origins date back for over a century and whose name is a very well-known one in the rubber world. Their New York and Singapore Companies handle a very considerable percentage of the rubber trade of Malaya and the U.S.A.
The personality of Mr. W. Petro must be known to most of those engaged in the Engineering and Building Supplies trade in Hongkong, and it is just as well-known to engineers in China and Indo-China where for over a quarter of a cen- tury he has been responsible for the planning and execution of many large engineering projects including mines, roads and airstrips. His wide knowledge of the more remote provinces of China was recognised when he organised the China side of the famous Citroen-Hardt expedition, and he is an accom- plished linguist and an accepted authority on ancient Chinese history and Art.
Mr. J. Frisken handles reinforcing steel and cognate matters for Yu Tung Tai Ltd, while Mr. Robert Suez is Mr. Petro's assistant in the Power Plant Division.
On Wednesday evening, 2nd March. Blair & Company of Hong Kong held a Chinese dinner to mark the first anniver- sary of the establishment of the company. This celebration, which took place at the popular Ying King Restaurant in Wanchai, was attended by about 400 people. In addition to the compradore, sales and office staff of the company, many prominent Chinese and European dealers, contractors and per- sonal friends of the company attended. Although a new firm in Hong Kong, the principals of the company. Gray Dalziel and "Tootie" Begg, are old-timers here, the latter having been connected with Thornycroft & Co. for many years. Th energy, experience and popularity of the principals ensures a bright future for the Company, and we wish them every prosperity in the years to come.
The rapid recovery of Hong Kong from a state of mori- bund inactivity during the Japanese occupation to its post- war prosperity and its continuous development, beyond any- thing that could have been imagined before the war, has been a source of wonder to everyone connected with Hong Kong's affairs, The demand for buildings and land and the rate of construction during the past few years have been truly amaz- ing, and the increase of real estate values has been no deter- rent to purchasers. Up to now this has been truly a seller's market. However, signs are not wanting that conditions are beginning to find their true level. Auctions are not bringing the amazing prices that they did a year ago. In fact, at a public auction held on January 24th, in which a large valuable leasehold property divided into twenty different lots were pur up for sale, only one lot was sold and, although there were about 80 persons present, few bids were made, the upset prices being considered too ambitious. Ten lots were put up and withdrawn because of lack of bids, and the auction was sub- sequently abandoned.
Another indication of the state of affairs can be found in the columns of the daily newspapers, where more and more advertisements are appearing offering properties for sale.
We consider this sign a very healthy one!
We understand that there will be a number of changes in the personnel of the Public Works Department, as some of the old-timers will be going on leave prior to retirement. Mr. R. J. Vernall of the Building Authority's Office left early in March. His presence will be missed in this Department.
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Quite a considerable amount of construction work is proceeding to the north of Prince Edward Road, mainly of the Chinese tenement type of building.
FURNITURE
DECORATORS
CAMPHORWOOD CHESTS
CURIOS
PACKERS
HONGKONG FURNITURE Co., LTD.
8. QUEEN'S ROAD, CENTRAL
CABLES: "FURNITURE"
HONG
KONG.
TEL. 22634
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