SHAMEEN.
RATEFAYERS' MEETING.
Monday, February 28, 1921.
of
PresentH.B.M. Consul-General Mr. J. W. Jameson, C.M.G., LL.D.,
THE CHINA MAIL.
sum down to clear the land from tires
HOMUNTIN TRAGEDY.
ORIGIN STILL. OFSTURE.
THEATRE ROYAL
MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY.
AMUSING ORIGINAL REVIS,
re
tantion to the fact that caskutine | further area. The cost price, which No. 5 made an alteration to Bye-law included purchase money and a limp 44 A, and it was amended to read 1" Firms exporting Raw Silk from the in perpetuity, was $1,200. The posi- RYQUIRY INTO EXPLOSION.
Concession, shall pay ten pants for tion of the cemetery did not make cach beis of Raw Silk over and above the development of the concession 1,000 exported and that Byclaw No. essy or make it an economical burial The Annual General Meeting 44 A be read accordingly. The re-ground, but the question could not
A crowded house,, happy augury As briefly reported in yesterday's } be considered in that light. To re- landrenters and ratepayers of the solution was then unanimously gar- British Concession, Shameen, was red Mr. Surton then referred to claim the band and place a wall round China Mail, Magistrate Orme, in his for a successful season in Hongkong. resolution No. 11. They were all the area would cost about $13,000, capacity as Coroner, with a jury gave an enthusiastic welcome in the beld at H.B.M. Consulate-General of aware that the present Fire Engine It was en bonourable duty to look composed of Messrs. F. H. Smith, R. Theatre Royal last night to W.} A. Green and G. T. Eveleigh opened Banvard's talented London Musical did not work well and was out of after the cemetery, and though 60 peran inquiry yesterday, afternoon to Comedy Company and Beauty Chorus, date; he believed it dated back to cent. of those buried there were not the circumstances attending the who gave as their initial performance 1553, and as good an engine as pos- Shameen people the Concession could death of the thirty victims of the highly amusing original revue in the chair H.B.M. Vice-ConsulThe cost had been left black as the tery-
sible must be obtained to replace it. well shoulder the cost of thell come explosion at the Hoi San, Firecracker entitled "Plums for Picking the Factory, at Homuncia, on the after first of the series of latest London Mr. E. A. Sty, Mr. W. A. Alexander. Council had not yet succeeded in get the cost of reclamation, ck, had been
In the resolution no statement of noon of February 25.
and New York, roccesses comprising į Pro-Consul and Rev. C. A. Gutting a satisfactory estimate. So far
Following the usual course, the the Company's entertaining Messrs A. Burley, R. T. Matheson, all estimates had been high, one he made because at the time the report inquest was confined to one of the pertake.
The programme, arranged in six C. E. Peacock, H. Sutton, T. knew being £1,800 f.ob in Eng- was drawn up the Concession had victims as typifying the rest. In this Brameld, G. N...Courtney, H. Bond, land, and the incoming Council would only just been obtained. An appró- instance an aged woman named Scenes, including a farm, a country M. O. Clark, E. A. Stenton, H. have to go into the question of the ximate estimate of $13,000 had now Leung Sze was chosen as the subject lane, a railway station, a tez shop, and a reception room, was brimainl price. Il a new engine were not
been obmired. The amount might of the enquiry. Staples Smith, D. Forbes, E. B.
work, both Individual and Price, E. Pepperell, W. Farmer, H. obtained be thought the Insurance seem large, but it was only fair that Detective Sub-Inspector Tim Murphy of good things excellent vocal F. Campbell, W. J. B. Roope. E. Companies might raise their rates the Concession should pay for it, and conducted the enquiry on behalf of
concerted, dances of exceeding grace whereas the Council desired to make there would probably be room to xe the police. Baron, H. H. Sandeman, H. S. Stet-
After Dr. J. T. Smalley, medical and skill, inimitable raimlery and sor, F., A. Nixon. D. G. Bruce, G. the companies subscribe to the cost commodate the stones and tablets C. Kitching. E. U. Reid, K. T. Niel- of a new engine. Mr. Staples Smith from the Military Cemetery outside officer for Kowloon had deposed that delightful burlesque, all enhanced by seconded the motion. The Chairman the North Gare. In reply to an enthe woman Leung Sze had died of clever orchestral effects, pleasant sen, A. Wilson and others.
pointed out that no timit was being quiry from Mr. Stanton he stated that burns received in the outbreak of scenery, and admirable lighting placed to the discretion of the Cout the extension was about twice the fire after the explosion, Mr. R. Sarrangements. That the application. it, and he thought that it should not area of the present cemetery. He Vergette, overscer of the P.W.D. of so much talent, artistic and Consul-General-declared the meet-be given carte blanche but that an would therefore propose the adoption put in plans of the factory, building ) mechanical, was not in the smallest
approximate figure should be stated.
Mr. Stanton said that since he was last in Camon he understood that fire hydrants had bee installed and be
The necessary quorum of voters being present the Chairman-H.B.M.
ing open and the notice convening the meeting was read by the Secre
tary.
As the Report and Financial Sute-
degree in vain, was clear from the of this resolution and be was second- before the explosion.
Mr. E. R. Davey, Government cordial manner in which the audience ed by Mr. Farmer.
The Chairman said he could cor-Analyst, stated that on March 2, he expressed its manifest enjoyment,
With a plot-if plot it could be roborate. Mr. Sutton's remarks as to received a packet of crackers and a
+4
a stray
ment for the past year had been cir enquired if the necessity for the par- the necessity for the British Conces-small wooden box containing a paper/called so slight that an important payers' hands for the requisite mus į these had not been a success. Mr. regards the Military Cemetery the to those used in the crackers. On7 venue for a pleasing little duet prais- ber of days, the Consul-General asked Sation replied that the hydrants had transler of the graves was under con-examination, he found thar the ing certain hithertò: unsuspected the Chairman of the outgoing Coun-on several ocasions proved most use-sideration in 1914 when an army crackers were each charged with 13) amorous qualities of the funar orb.
full scope was afforded for the Beauty: cil to propose that the Report and ful, but they were of no use for high engineer came to Canton to look into grains of explosive.
The Coroner: Is the formala a re-Chorus description admitted by Accounts as subained be approved buildings such as Arnhold's or the the question. It was then too late
unanimous option to be justly de- and to make any remarks or explana Mongkong and Shanghai Bank, and in the season to proceed with the cognised one? tions he had to offer. Mr. Sutton said that further the tanks would only
Witness: Yes; it is sensitive to served whose singing and dancing. transfer and the proposal was then that he would only offer a few remarks furnish 20 minates supply. The type suspended owing to the outbreak of /percussion and ignition by flame or/both consistently good, met with on the Report ghd Accounts. Under of engine the Council proposed to the war-
He expected another army spark. It is quite a violent explosive. warm apgianse.
Outstanding among the many in- The Coroner: I take it there is the heading Police
dividual numbers of merit-too the ratepayers purchase, was an our motor engine. engineer officer in Canton next month
nothing out-of-the-way or objection- would notice, that Mr. Farmer was The Chairman expressed a hope that who would go into the question. The able about it?
numerous to enumerate in detail- resigning from his post as Honorary the Council would secure an efficient North Wall was bound to come down Witness: No; it is quite in order. were the irresistible contributions of Superintendent of Police. "Mr. Farmer
The resolution was engine.
ther sooner or later and provision must
Mr. Dovey, in reply to further Leonard Neville, who was equally had taken on the position four years
carried. ago at a time when the old country not to exceed £2,000 sterling Mr.
The cost of the fire engine be made for the graves. The troops questions by the Coroner, said that amusing as an aspiring chauffeur, a
who were stationed here in 1911 took the use of an iron hammer would be quaint railway porter, or could not spare anyone to do the work Sutton then referred to Resolution en interest in the cemetery and got quite sufficient to explode the powder. restant customer. His merry and had carried on the duties of his
No. 12 dealing with the telephone into touch with the regiments whose The powder was very light, and if quips and witty repartee, heightened honorary arduous and onerous post service. At present the service was officers and men were buried there some of it adhered to the head of ay inimitable facial expressions, were very efficiently, and he could honestly so bad that much time and language and a subscription was raised in order nail it would be sufficient to cause an only less enjoyable than his extra- say that Mr. Farmer bad done more was wasted. A report had been drawn to pay the cost of transfer. He explosion, if that rail were struck ordinarily clever and original "dan- genuine work than all the rest of the Council put together. He himself had by a sub-committee who had look-understood that there was a sunt of with an iron hammer. The dropping cing." Noteworthy also was the had a great deal of work to do on the ed into the matter, and it had been about $851 available which would go of an iron hammer on the floor would exceptionally clever and skilful pierrot specialty circulated. If the resolution were a long way towards paying the cost be sufficient to cause the explosion. pierrette and Council but he could not have done. adopted he did not suggest that the/of removal and interment of the in- He saw a shoe with iron nails in it dance by Miss Winnie Goodwin or attempted to do all that Mr. Farmer Council would necessarily carry out mates, so to speak. this amount at the scene of the explosion; it would and Mr. Adrian D. Ross, both adepts had done. From the Census it would
the proposals. It might use she proved insufficient he was confident be very dangerous to wear such at a difficult, not to say startling, be seen that the population had re- covered from the setback caused by Proposals as a weapon against the that he could raise the balance by shoe in an explosive factory, seeing art. Worthy of special mention also Telephone Company, which would be subscriptions from British subjects in that a certain amount of the powder were the light sentimental ballads the war, and be also desired to call unwilling to lose a good revenue and Canton, as he was sure that the got on the floor. The use of such (including a charming duet. "By the attention to the fact that the propor tion, of Chinese to non-Chinese resin improvement of the service and a loyalty of present day British sub- shoes was absolutely prohibited in Light of the Stars," written by Mr. H. Judge Robinson, musical director dents had increased and that the reduction of the fees might be jects to the past was as strong as ever. explosive factories.
secured. He proposed and Mr. Non-British ratepayers need therefore added that the instructions in the of the Company), sung by Miss Council would probably have to 80 Courtney seconded the adoption of not fear any additional expenditure. formula used by the firm stipulated for Isabel Horley and Mr. Ian MacLean, Winnie Goodwin and Mr. Mr. Niron enquired if it would be the use of eight grains of explosive Miss possible to do anything for the Wham- in the crackers, in which he found Leonard Neville, Miss Viola Williams poa Cemetery. The Chairman said 13 grains. That might be considered and Mr. Douglas MacLaren, Miss Grace Feathers and Mr. Adrian D. that the graves there were very scat- evidence of carelessness.
Ross, several of whom were assisted
whom were vigorously encored. The Coroner asked the Inspector ditties in which Leonard Neville Excellent likewise were the comical if an iron hammer was found in the
further delighted his audience factory. Inspector Murphy replied that co hammer was found, but the Several pretty scenas in which the evidence would show that a hammer costumes (by Madame Keeler, of New was used in the place where firecracYork, who accompanies the Company as wardrobe mistress), aroused not kers were kept..
little interest, were included in a programme with not a dali moment
To-night the Company will give a from start to finish. second performance of Plums for
into the question to safeguard the
health of the Concession had been
Resolution No. 12.
To the Chairman's enquiry it any
The witness
beath of the community. The good
ratepayers had observations to offer maintained. During the year the Mr. Stanton asked under what bead Council had been asked to consider the cost would be charged and was tered and numerous so that the pro- up-to-date proposals for the There is no chance of arriving at the the Beauty Chorus, and all of
from the Sinking Fund. Mr. Fea- cock remarked that when ratepayers
were called on to bear the cost of so
there.
engineer officer could, however, also go into that question. Many of the graves were very ancient and almost represented many other extra items, which were every nationality was necessities, it was strange to spend a large amount on a luxury. He fur- The resolution was adopted ca- ther queries the use of the proposal animously. as a weapon against the Telephone Company. The Chairman asked if it was known what proportion the Sha- meea subscribers bore to those in the
tion of a Septic Tank system, id raport had been furnished by a com- petent engineer and had been cir- culated to matepayers. After careful consideration the Council had decided that the proposed system. provided the efficient control over the present system by the Medical Officer was mainmined, would be an unp.ecessary expense for ratepayers to bear.
In referring to the report of the Waterworks Mr. Surton said that the City. Mr. Huxley stated that the ser
during the hot weather was felt.
The accounts called for no remarks.
He accordingly proposed the adoption
of the report and accounts submitted
by the outgoing Council and was seconded by Mr. Farmer. This was passed unanimously.
#
Mr. E. A. Stanton proposed that in view of Mr. Wm. Farmer's onerous and voluntary services to the Council for the past four years some token of the ratepayers appreciation should
The Coroner to Inspector Murphy: origin of the explosion?-Nou
Mr Woo Yun-pan, Manager of the Hoi Sang Factory, said the factory had been under his control since its inception 18 months ago. The head
a Chinese and partly American con- cera. The formula mentioned by
'new-musical melange,
SURVIYCES' EVIDENCE.
TUESDAY, MARCH 6 1911.
DAIRY FARM NEWS.
Customers are requested to
apply for our Revised Price
List which came into force
on 1st March, 1921.
THE DAIRY FARM, ICE & COLD STORAGE Co., Ltd.
WHITEAWAY, LAIDLAW
DES VOEUX ROAD.
HAVE JUST RECEIVED A LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF HANDSOME TOILET SETS.
Toilette cervices
FIGURED · DESIGNS AT $12.50, $22.50, $25.50, $27.50- & $35.00
ALSO A LARGE QUAN- TITY OF PLAIN COLORED SETS IN ART SHADE'S. AT
$22.50 SET.
ON
SHOW IN OUR CHINA DEPT.
SECOND FLOOR.
WHITEAWAY'S
HONGKONG.
JAPANESE SHIPPING.
SUFFERING SEVZBZŁY.
:
NO DEMAND IN EUROPE FOR
ORENTAL GOODS..
All shipping lines to and from this
in view of the financial reaction prevailing.
Moreover, European goods, supplies ruspended during the war, have made their re-appearance, and Japanese merchandise. finds it by no means easy to retain the position attained during the waz. Shipments on the return voyage continue slow, but in view of the moderation of the em bargo on the exportation of cereals from the Argentine sometime ago, a few shipping men hope to see an in-
On the European run shipments fair shipments of rice and other arti continue scarce.
plant was proving a profitable invest vice could not be improved. He had be made to kim and might take the office was in Seattle. It was partly Picking, and to-morrow night a}
'Girls and ment. He hoped that the new visited the Central Exchange and had form of a suitable souvenir. machinery would be in position before seen that it was unch overloaded and The Chairman, H.M. Consul- the extra demand made on the works had not an efficient staff or any ex-General, said that he had much plea by Mr Priestley and had been used
Mr Davey was brought to Hongkong Giggles" Booking is at Montrie's. There were numerous short sure in associating himself with Mr-since the establishment of the factory. perts. circuits on Shameen.
Mr. Dovey: That, I think, is the The exchange Stanton's resolution. No one on the The rules of the factory for the was two miles from Shameen so that island appreciated more than he the safery of the operatives included most likely cause of the whole affair. subscribers speaking to people on self-sacrifice of Mr. Farmer and the the prohibition of smoking in the It is admitted that the hammer was Shamsen had to speak over nearly time and hard work he had given to workshop. Of about 150 workers used to prise up the nails, and, of five miles of wires. The service the Council. As the Chairman of in the factory only six were men. course, the next time a spool is country are suffering severely from could only be improved by installing the Council had said, it was an oner-All the women were searched for required to be nailed down, it is ex- the present depression, except in a The Chairman then asked Mr.
a system on Shameen. With an effous as well as honorary office, and he matches and cigarettes in the morn-pecting too much of human nature Sutton to bring the Budget before the cient service firms would be able to himself had always been a most con- ing and afternoon. The men were that the hammer should not be used. / few solittry cases where comparative } provement.. meeting."
Mr. Sutton said that it would be economise by reducing their staffs of sistent supporter of Mr. Farmer in not searched, but he occasionally With all that explosive dust about, improvement is shows, says the
chit coolies.
all his work. He had had many deal-inspected their quarters and was the use of the hammer would be Japan Advertiser noticed that taxation had been slightly
Mr. Staples Smith stated that the ings with Mr. Farmer as Superinten- satisfied they did not smoke. The quite enough to cause the explosion. increased, owing to the wideworld in sub-committee had circulated a letter dent of Police and had always found female workers were always, warned crease in the cost of everything, and to firms and others on Shameen and also owing to the fact that during the with few exceptions all subscribers he appreciated the amount of extra There was only one entrance the factory was next called. She said principal Eext season or two there would be had said that they would subscribe to work that Mr. Farmer had under-factory, so no one could get into the she was a powder-filler. She was European markets for Japanese increased non-productive capital ex-
an exchange if established on Sha- taken. Since his return he had heard building without being searched. working with five others on the day general cargo and Chinese produce penditure in connection with the
many remarks on the subject of the About 250 feet from the back of the of the explosion in the small room are at low tide, and there is na- Cemetery and Fire Engine. It would
Mr. Bruce asked if the proposed cunting of the trees, and some rate-factory was a powder magazine which tear the centre of the building turally no demand for these goods. further be necessary to secure the action would be likely to antagonise payers had protested to him. He was saved. The left wing of the (where the principal explosion took From the Orient to Colorabo and services of a good man to serve as Superintendent of Police and to take the people in the City and make it would say that he himself was respon building was used for filling paper place, at some time subsequent to thereabouts the shipments on the further depressed on the Australian This is alse the casc the first one). She filled cardboard European ran are scarce, but there Hongkong and Manila have to get into communication sible for the pruning of the trees as tubes with powder. There
are some shipments from ports with the return voyage, which con- on Mr. Farmer's duties and therefore
tinues as slack as it has been for several months. Saipments of wool, ÜHE the most important "articles for this line, are not satisfacina y and shipping men say that its impossible to say when the medi will Improve
Of the Indian lines, shipment
a good salary would have to be paid.
meen.
difficult
him reasonable to get on with and to remove nails from their cloga-A young girl employed in the
were
reasons
On the line to the west coast of South America, shipments from this country are scarce. There are, however,
One of thecies from China. On the return is that the voyage the decrease in the demand for nitrate bas slowed the market further.
AUSTRALIAN SHIPMENTS DOWN. The shipping situation has become
with the city, and affect private wires. it was at his suggestion that the Coun-eight benches, each of which faced tubes with explosive by means of a
atwelve-pronged scoop." Her first beyond. Early in January freight
decreased.
41.
afford to pay and contribute to the would certainly be put in their way. bim unanimously as a souvenir of his also used in the factory. No ghts began, but she," too," said she heard some other goods from Hongkong and offered is far in excess of the demand. spkeep of the police force, whose He used the telephone to the city a term of office end of the esteem workshop.. Loose powder was kept ran too." One gathered from the large. The only noteworthy" ship situation, coupled with the arrival of
Mr. Sutton thought that with the ' had applied to the Hongkong a window. Each bench had In the Council's opinion a cheap man exercise of care and politeness no Government for expert advice. Mr. wooden stand to which was nailed a knowledge that something was wrong rates were reduced about 25 per would prove dear in the long run. difficulty would be met. The Chair- Farmer had carried out the work on spool. The inserting of fuses to and was the sight of people running. cent, but this has not had the desired Accordingly the Council proposed to man considered that Mr. Sutton was the lines laid down by the Hongkong the tying up of firecrackers were also. She ran too; in fact, she ran all the effect. On the return voyage ship offer salary of from $3,600 to Jan optimist. Mr. Sutton explained Botanical Gardens Authorities. He carried out in the left wing. If the way home. She heard the explosion ments are also lacking, and no early
improvement is expected. $4,800 to a competent man a year. that the Council would only go ahead would venture to state that there was spool was exhausted it was prised up after she got out of the building.
As this witness was obviously too
KAW SILK SHIPMENTS BETTER. The House Tax had been increased they were certain on the points no one on the Island who had suffi- from the stand with a hammer.
-On-the-North American-run-ship- 1 per cent in order to provide a Sink-Faised. Mr. Sutton enquired if there cent experience of arboriculture-to-When it was refilled it was nailed to young to realize the importance of
ments of raw silk from Japan to the Calcutta run continue ing Fund in order to be able to prove were many private wires. Mr. Bruce take charge of the trees. He would the stand with a piece of hard wood. the enquiry, the Coronor, after spend to the Bank the Council's ability to koid that so far as he knew there was second Mr. Stanton's resolution that He believed one of the foremen left ing some time in fruitless examination, America: have, somewhat increased, I down grade; but the exchange 'suis. meet an increased overdraft. A Godown Tax had also been introduced only the one owned by the Company the Council be authorised to present a hammer behind on the day of the dismissed her, and Inspector Murphy but it is thought that the increase tion has become somewhat better This witness said that her duty will prove only temporary. Where indicating that this will bring about as it was felt that non-silk Godowns the A. P. Co.) whom he represented. to Mr. Farmer some suitable token of tragedy and a woman used it, resuit- led into the boz an aged woman.
The Chairman confessed that he gratitude for all the work be had done ing in the explosion. Very little and there were now a number of these the Hongkong and Shanghai was in sympathy with Mr. Bruce's and of their esteem, and he hoped that powder was spilt on the floor. The was to insert fuses in the crackers, freight rates are not excessive in the corresponding improvement in the Bank Godown for instance could well remarks. Negotiations would have to when Mr. Fermer retired and went floor was swept at tiffin time and It appeared that she was working in view of consignors, business is good freight situation. Return shipments be carried on delicately and obstacles home he would remember it was given after the day's work. Scissors were the large room where the trouble for the shipment of rice, copra and are somewhat better, but the tonnage of any description were used in the no explosion. People ran, so she Manila to America, but these are not The improvement of the exchange protection they enjoyed, and this would entail a small alteration in the cat deal and would be much incon- which he was held by the ratepayers in the magazine, from which the poor creature's muddied, story that ments are those of eggs and of food the season for the shipment of raw reading of the Godown Bye-law 44 A.venienced if communication were of Shameen.
The resolution was carried with workers obtained their supply on he was twice knocked over and made from these as material, shipped cotton, has slightly improved the
nearly crushed to death by the from Shaoghal Few shipments from Bombay run.
* LITTLE SUGAR FROM JAVA. The Septic Tank tax had also been interrupted. He also saw some force
in Mr. Peacock's remarks. He acclamation.
Answering the Coroner, witness weight of people who fell upon her America are being made. Even the increased. The other movement was would, however; not express ar· The Chairman then said that the said all spools were fixed by the fore. in a terrible struggle to get out } consignments: of: raw cotton -from on the South Seas run financial.
stringency, the adverse exchange and the adoption of resonations Nos. 1 to opinion in the matter bat leave it to final business before the meeting was man. He had a written permit to through the doorway.
I prayed that country are smaller than usual. 10 and Mr. Pepperen seconded the the ratepayers to decide. The resoluto declare elected the members of the operate the factory. He was at the for mercy and called out loudly,”
SOUTH AMERICAN TRADE SLOW the accumulation of merchandise in Shipments to the east coast of Java have kept the shipping situation. Mr. Baron enquired how the Co. tion was then pue to the meeting and incoming Council. The names which gate when the explosion occurred, said the witness, and her words sug
carried by 36 to 9 votes.
had been put forward.were Messrs. The Coroner asked Mr. Dovey if gested that many were doing the South America are suffering, doubly. at low ebb for some time. Though down Tax would be applied. For Mr. Sutton then referred to the W. Farmer, C. E. Peacock, E. Pep he had anything to ask Mr. Woo, same. No doubt the clamour and There are reports of financial troubles the exchange situation has somewhat instance he had one new and two old Cemetery question. The Foreigners perell, H. S. Smith and H. Sation. Mr. Dovey said there were distinct confusion made it difficult for any in that part of the world, and for improved, there is no corresponding gedowns; would he be required to Cemetery at Macao Fort was nearly These gentieren had expressed their signs of carelessness...
of the survivors to give a clear ac- this reason, the bankers of this improvement in freight. Ou the pay $50 on each? Mr. Sutton ex- Bill and the Council had just arranged willingness to serve if elected, and he
count of what happened:
country are very cautions regarding return voyage shipments of Javn plained that the tax was levied on with the assistance of H.B.M. Con- therefore declared them elected for the
The inquiry will be concluded to shipments. This is interfering with sugar are few the market being esch Erm, or be would say one fot
day.
the business of exporters, especially generally inactive. One br" The Chair cailed dial-General for the concession of a incoming Council for the year 1921.
motion.
.
#
requisition.
The Coroser said he was inclined
kept out altogether.
to think that clogs should have been
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