Page
SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1920,
SNEERS AND FACTS.
A BRUSH WITH THE
TREASURER.
In consequence of a cheap sneer at the Press by the Colonial Treasurer it is necessary to add yet another chapter to the strange tale of "Ways That Are Darkly Official" which otherwise would have been relegated to merciful oblivion.
Yesterday morning a visit to the Treasury Office gained the informa tion that up to that time to further particulars had been received of the new salaries. In the afternoon when the Pressmen arrived at the Treasury Office on the same errand they were the Colonial requested. to see Treasurer in person..
No sooner was the object of their visit made known than the Colonial Treasurer said that there was no further information after what had appeared the previous evening. He did not know who was responsible lor what appeared in the previous afternoon's China Mail but he did not think that it was playing the game..
this
Somewhat surprised t attitude, the unabashed delinquent frankly admitted his responsibility for the offending article,.
least to him, then, that he had no knowledge of the previous refusai, for it is not to be thought for a moment that he would have allowed personal feelings to prevent him giving to the Press information, that (as proved by the fact that he did give it) there was at the time no departmental reason for not publish Ing. No, the Colonial Treasurer's grievance is imaginary (department- ally at least), and cannot conceivably justify his amazing attack on the Press and its methods,
Finally if the Colonial Treasurer of the Colony can afford a cheap sneer at the Press, then what is to be said, it might be asked in justice, of a departmental head who first de- clares in the presence of two re porters and reporters do not make mistakes in, these matters that he not yet ster a document, bas
which be tacitly possession of admits a few minutes later when he telephones the Colonial Secretary for authority to give its contents to the Fress, and openly admits in another few minutes when he actually offers: to allow them to copy it on condition that they do not publish it until the following day!
Though of no great moment, it might be mentioned why this offer was refused. As already stated, the head had asserted that his point was Then, continued the Colonial not the actual publication of the new Treasurer, he could only say that he salaries but the fact that the informa- id not think it was a fal thing totion would come from him before he Ask him for information withou: first telling him that it had first beer refused by someone else.
But. protested the Pressman, if the Colonial Treasurer could freely give the information to the Press, as he did on the occasion in question. was that not in itself pufficient justifica tion for its publication?
"Still," persisted the Colonial Treasurer, is not a thing that would care to do!"
had given it to his men, and because hopes were entertained of securing that information from another source. Had the information been accepted under that condition a condition, incidentally, that would penalise only those newspapers which accepted the offer publication would obviously have been out of the question even had the particulars been obtained from another source.
In consequence of these stirring incidents, the luckless rearcher for news was faced with the following dilemms:
now
to
The position was this," replied the reposter. The head of the department in question when apprca- ched on Wednesday morning for a As a result of the refusal of the allow the copy of the new sale for his depart Colonial Treasurer to ment at fist declared that he had Press the privilege of copying the not seen . himself yet, and then duplicates of the scales sent to his having received ful authority (per office as the originals were sent in median of the telephone) from the the different departments, application be 'made the Colonial secretary, who apparently must had no objection to its publication, individual departmental heads—a next said that he did not want less simple and more troublesome the announcement made in the Press arrangement to official and reporter until he himself, as head of the de-alike. But it has already been shown, partment, had announced it to the in one poignant instance at least, mea affected. When it was pointed that a head had made available (only out to this departmental head that after much unnecessary delay inspired the information might be obtained by an apparently purely personal through another source, perhaps by and in the circumstances, quite a rival newspapera possibility he fatuous objection) a brief portion could not deny he clearly stated in of a statement
CREW OF THE "HUNT.
"SEND" RELEASED.
THE CHINA MAIL.
HONGKONG TO KEELING
The 5.9. "Kaijo Maru”: 2015 George Davison, George Hamley, gross rods. 13 knots, of the Osaka William Barry, Samuel Clee, Carriak Shosen Kaisha, leaves for Keelung Nolan. Joseph Devicaux. Benjamin (Formosa) via Swatow and Amoy on Bryant. James. Bennett. Cornelius Sunday the 16th instant. She berths Barrett, and John Fitzpatrick, mem- at the O.S. K. pler near the Harbour hers of the crew of the s.s.Hunt Office. There are three steamers on send," who appeared at the Marine this run, giving a service of six Court yesterday morning, on remand, sailings per month. before Captain Basil Taylour, charged with damaging the store and cargo of the ship in Singapore Harbour, and by reason of drunkenness emitting to do a lawful act required to be done by them or May 6. and who were found guilty and sentenced to be imprisoned, ar hard labour for six weeks, jail charges to be deducted from their wages, have, it is rumoured. been released from jail this morning on The Japanese name for Formosa order of the Magistrate, as their ser--The Land of the Morning, Calm- vices are needed to work the ship.. is Taiwan.
SEVEN DOLLARS.
In addition to the "Kaijo Maru,” there is the "Amakusa Maru, 3,356 tons, 14 knots, and a smaller vesse
"Joshin Maru," 1,156 tons, 12 the knots.
་
The passenger accommodation in all these ships is said to be excel- tent, and they are provided with the latest improvements to make the voyage safe and pleasant.
"DUNERA" LEAVES
TO-DAY.
DEFENCE CORPS /
ELECTIONS.
The ballot for officers and N.C.O'L
of the Reserve Company, H.K.V.D.C took place at headquarters last evening resulting as follows:
Lieutenant G. M. Dodwell, Sergt. A. M. Thornhil, Corporals F. A. Wells and F. L. Cooke, Lance Corporals I. A. Lyon, J. H. Oxberry, I. Macdonald.
CIVIL SERVANTS' SALARIES.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT.
The following new rates for the Colonial Secretariat are issued.
Chief Clerk, £600 to £800 by 220 Sannually.
First Clerk, 400 to £600 by £20 anquaily.
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
Before the Marine Magistrate, Captain Basil Taylour, R.N., 10. day, were haled Lo Tai Ngan, and
The a.. Dienern P. & D. Steamship Wong Chiu, boatmen and Leung Lines, is due to leave this part for Singa Kam and Leung Kee Kam, boat. women, charged with unlawfully dis-pore, Colombo and Bombay at 4 pm
to-day: obeying the lawful orders of the Har-
Ross.
· Amone fost class passengers are :-- bour Master he mooring their cargo
Miss Hodson, Miss R. Langdon, Miss. N. Langdon, and afr. Lang on, Mr. and Mrs Havlicek and Mr. Sadluck, Mr Keshold and native servant, Mr. Heijd and native servant, R. R. Halband in-.
boat outside the five other cargo boss alongside the ss. "Taga Maru," in Victoria Harbour on the 14th instant. Lance Sergt. H. E. Langies made the complaint.
After evidence on both sides, was heard, his Worship found all four of the defendants guilty and sentenced them to pay a fine of $7each.
TO-DAY'S ADVERTISEMENTS.
CANADIAN PACIFIC OCEAN SERVICES, LTD.
Absecce
DURING the tempora Awetce of
Colony, Mr. P. A: CON is appointed; Acting General Agent for Hongkong, China Philippines, Strafis Settlements, Java and India, effective 17th May, 1920
W. T. PAYNE Manager for China & Japan.. Hongkong, May 15, 1920.
.WANTED.
that the Co-ANTED FIRST GRADE
the presence of two reporters that lonial Treasurer had seen no de- he did not mind the publication of partmental reason for withholding the new scale as long as it did from the Press in the smallest part. not come from him personally as Accordingly, it was to ascertain the head of his department. The Press position of the Press that a repres was therefore at liberty to get the sentative of the China Mail this information from another source, and morning visited the Colonial Secretary the mere fact that the Colonial from whose office the new scales are Treasurer made it available showed issued to the departments concerned that there was no real objection to and in duplicate to the Treasury
Office. ics publication,"
cerved."
"I cannot see with you on Pressmen are invariably received that point, retorted the Colonial with the greatest courtesy and con- Treasurer," but I suppose that all's sideration by the Colonial Secretary, and this morning was no exception
▪ fair in reporting!"
"In future," added the Colonial to the happy rule. Mr. Fletcher that there had been I stated Treasure, closing the interview, have no information on the subject, a misunderstanding. It was quite Particulars must be obtained from optional for heads of departments the beads of the departments con- to give to the Press just so much information regarding the new The Colonial Treasurer does not salaries as they deemed advisable hesitate to cast an carranted at the moment. It was not always aspersion on the Press. He claims possible to publish all the details factors still that it was not playing the game to owing to various ask him for information without unsettled which required the con- telling him that it had already been sideration of the head of a depart. refused by someone else. He quitement Recommendations might alo overlooks the facts. The reporters be made by departmental heads and had been assured that there was in no circumstances were the private no objection to the publication of minutes of the Colonial Secretary to the information as long as it did not be made available for publication.
It was explained to the Colonial come from the head of the depart mert concerned, who, it would seem,Secretary that the reporters had, in was actuated, not by departmenatal, the circumstances already related, Colonial Trea. but by personal reasons. Never for approached
the
be
a moment dreaming that they were surer in good faith, had receiv: a copy of the scale, and doing something that the Colonial ed Treasurer "would not care to do" ignorant that it contained private they naturally accepted the informa. minutes of the Colonial Secretary tion when it was forthcoming in a which were not to be published, had spontaneous manner that did not copied it in full with a clear con- conflict with the abstruse desire of science.
The Colonial Secretary, regretting the departmental head to give the information to his men himself before with the Pressmen, that a mis giving it to the Press, Had there understanding had arisen, said that
future it could been at the time a valid in reason why the information ascertained at the Secretariat each should not be given by his depart-day what scales were to be isaged ment it is reasonable to presume and then application for particulars that the Colonial Treasurer would could be made direct to the indivi have remained silent. Seemingly, dual beads of departments con-
cerned. then, there was no valid reason
And so the matters ends,
Had, it at the time why the information
hould not be published, and it in not been for the weird objection of a the light of our article on ways certain departmental head in declin- official, the Colonial Treasurer has ing in the first place to give even cause for annoyance, then his reason. such information as he might at the must be personal, not departmental. moment deem advisable " without so In a personal matter, unquestionably Buch unnecessary evasion and delay, be is entitled to his personal view, and had it not been for the action of and we to ours, but because he can the Colonial Treasurer in giving to hot see eye to eye with us on, "that" the Press information that was not or any other point, he is certainly not intended for publication, and covering bis subsequent justified in making the uncalled for then insinuation implied by the words annoyance with a gratuitous insult "All's fair in reporting" as uttered to the Press, the matter would never have arisen. In a sorry tale in which in the circumstances.
No, the Colonial Treaturer cannot so much that is unpleasant has seriously plead that he was treated had to be said it is refreshing unfairly when he was rot informed to be able to conclude with a tribute that the information had already been to the courtesy of the Colonial refused. Had he been informed of Secretary who at all times personally the refusal of his colleague to give gave to the Pressmen the fullest the information to the press on a assistance that he felt, be-could merely academical ground, giving afford in the circumstances,
them liberty to get it from another
sagice, would he have refused also?
On departmental grounds, no. Other
wise in the first place he would never
To-day's health return consists
have given the full statement that be of a fatal case of plague and a case did to the Presa. It matters not the of enteric fever, both Chinese
SCHOOLMASTER. maximum
attained, would like to hear of an open- ing in the Colory, with prospects, of a living wage after 20 years" service. Excellent qualifications and experience in his own profession. Apply Box No. 114, c/o CHINA MAIL"
WANTED.
w
WANTED-SECOND
||
GRADE. SCHOOLMASTER, no prospects, desires to be adopted. Only bona fide offers considered. Apply Box No. 1195, c/o "CHINA MAIL."
PUBLIC AUCTION.
HE Gɔdersigned have received instruc-
1 doas to sell by Public Auction,
(rea account oF THE CONCERNIJA
00
FRIDAY,
May 21, 1920, at 10.30 a.má at their Sales Rooms, No. 8
Des Vœux Road, Corner of
Ice House Street. Sundry Household Furniture,
Shing
*,,
&c. (Remored to Sales Roans for Co- venience of Sale), comprising :-
:
Pair Teak White Enamelled Twin!
Beds and Fair Mattresses, Chesterfield Sofa, Velven Pile Carpet, Small Game phone and 70 Records,
6 Cases Destinshire Cyder
(only just arrived), Azd
A large quantity of Boundary Wetling for TENNIS COURT. Terms-Cash.
HUGHES & ROUGH,
Auctioneers. Bangkong, May 15, 1920.
The Hon. Mr. J. H. Kemp, K.C., C.B.E. has been appointed Director of the Widows' and Orphats' Pensions during the absence of Mr. S. B. C.
W. R. Fatlow has been granted a licence to trade under the not- Ferrous Metal Industry Ordinance 1919.
A corrected copy of the Dental
The Register is published, as well as the financial returns for 1919. Colony's assets en December 31 last were $9,165,142.54 and the liabilities
fant, Mr. and Mrs Saleb, Mr. G. L. Bryant and Mrs. Zaloarsky. Mr. W. Standley. Mr and Mrs. Na Tjine in. child and auth and Mr. J. V. C. Davia.$4,374,954,84.
TO-DAY'S NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
NOTICES
5
"JUST TO HAND"
REGULATION BASKET BALLS
REGULATION VOLLEY BALLS
REGULATION BASE BALLS
FOR
OUTDOOR
AND
INDOOR USE
PUNCH BALLS
ETC.
!
SPECIAL TERMS
ΤΟ
CLUBS, COLLEGES and THE SERVICES.
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
COLUMBIA
NEW RECORDS RECEIVED.
fCohen on the Phone
A 1516
Comic
Happy Tho Married
STOP!
A 2251
(Simplicity
LOOK !!
L'ardita Valse
LISTEN !!!
A 2494
(The Boy & the Birds
"OUT OF
THE FOG
A 2885
Whistling Sole
Descriptive Princes Baid In the Valley of Sunshine Tenor Solo Heary Burr JPeggy
23
53
C. Harrison
Say it with Flowers
IS BOTH
NAZIMOVA'S
GREATEST TRIUMPH
AS A STAR
AND
CAPELLANI'S
BIGGEST SUCCESS AS A DIRECTOR,
IT IS SHOWING
TO-NIGHT AT THE CORONET.
MILKMA
SHAND
RILIZED NATURAL
MILKMAID STERILIZED
NATURAL
MILK (COLORED LABEL)
POURS
OUT OF THE TIN.
PACKED BY NESTLES IN TWO SIZES
1 PINT
PISTS.
OBTAINABLE EVERYWHERE
HONGKONG THEATRE.
ONLY.
FOR FOUR NIGHTS NIGHTS Commencing TO-NIGHT, at 9.15 Sharp.
The World's Famous Comedy Star
GEORGE BEBAN
in a Powerful, Appealing Story in 6 parts.
"HEARTS OF MEN"
THE ANDERSON MUSIC CO, LTD.
16. DES YEUX ROAD.
NOTIC:
TEL. 1399.
OF REMOVAL.
We have this day REMOVED our GARAGE to N. 161, Des Voeux Road Central, (next to Sincera Co., Ltd.)
flongkong, April 3rd, lyža
BREEZY GARAGE,
Phone 2499.
FANCY
BATHING CAPS
Various Styles at Low Prices. COLONIAL DISPENSARY.
14, Queen's Road Central.
Telephone No 1877.
TANSAN
received the highest award
A GOLD MEDAL
from a committee of critical judges at the
Anglo-Japanese Exhibition
which testifies to its excellency and purity.
Beware of bogus imitations: No Tansan is genuine
unless the label bears the name of
J. ULIFFORD-WILKINSON;
Unrivalled as a drink Mixes well with Wines, Spirits of Milk.
Tansan raises the spirits and excites sang zing anticipa tion, even as a flagon of wine exhilarated the monks of old.
For the good old friar of orders grey
Would have waived the flagon of wine away
And consoled himself ss any man can
With bubbling, sparkling, cool Tansan.
Tansan can be obtained at all first class Hotels, Bars and
Clubs in the Far East,
SOLE AGENTS
GANDE, PRICE & COMPANY, Ltd.,
Prices as usual.
Book your seats in advance.
Tel. Ho, 185.
*, QUIEN'S ROAD, CENTRAL