116
(Continuation)
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The trade dollar appears to have solved the problem effectively, and the Victoria coin practically disappeared from circulation more than thirty years ago, and before the accession of King Edward to the throne.
It is worth noting that the Chamber arranged rates of brokerage, for the first time in local business, at its half-yearly meeting in the middle of 1866. These covered such commercial enterprises as represented in bills of exchange, share dealing in merchandise. Later that year, the Chamber held a meeting in response to a request from the Governor to consider share transaction, at which it was recommended that local brokers be licensed similarly to brokers on the London stock exchange. Rules and regulations were drafted by the committee for this purpose, and submitted to the Government in due course.
In 1867, it was decided to admit the Press to all general meetings at which matters of public interest were to be discussed. In 1868, a matter of public interest was discussed and the Chamber registered a protest, which was embodied in a resolution forwarded to the Governor, against licensed gambling in the Colony "as calculated to injure trade and encourage dishonesty, particularly amongst the Chinese." It will be recalled that this experiment of licensing gambling was sponsored by the Governor of the period, Sir R. G. Macdonnell (see 14-10-33).
The move to the City Hall, which was completed in 1869, was anticipated towards the end of the preceding year by a move to what was known as the Club Chambers.
In 1869, we have an interesting sidelight on what appears to have been a forgotten dispute with the big house of Jardines. This firm, we have seen, was one of the original members of the Chamber of Commerce, but must have resigned shortly afterwards, for in 1869, it is recorded that the question of asking Jardines to join the Chamber was brought up in committee. The firm rejoined in August that year, one of their principals, Mr. William Keswick, being appointed Vice-Chairman and not long afterwards Chairman.
For most of its earlier existence, the Chamber took an active part in registering protests against interference with trade by Chinese officials or Mandarins: the records contain continuous references to these more or less political-cum-commercial matters, and it is evident the Chamber kept a wary eye on anything calculated to impair British trading rights. Criticisms were levelled occasionally at the British Government for not having a proper knowledge of conditions out here, and adopting a policy adverse to the business and other interests of its subjects.
In 1870, a protest was sent Home against the policy towards China.
In 1872, it is shown the question of prompt and reliable business telegrams from London and Shanghai arose, and by arrangements with Reuter's Agency, this service was obtained, later including political messages, but in 1908, when the Hongkong Government withdrew its annual subscription (of $1,500), the service was transferred to two of the local newspapers. Other arrangements have since been come to.