$
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1929.
A CITY OF FEAR
Suicides, Crime And Bankruptcy In New York
RUINED MARKET
CORRESPONDENCE
RENTS PROBLEM
[To the Editor of "China Mail."]
THE
Sir, The advice to merchants suffer-
CHINA MAIL,
NEW
SHADOWS BEFORE ADVERTISEMENTS,
ing from both trade depression and COMING EVENTS ANNOUNCED "nierciless landlorda" to put up their shutters la far from being, of a par-
Empty Savings Banks: Embezzlement Charges sive nature. Indeed it is the most effec
WITHERED STOCKS
New York, Nov. 13.
New York is like a city with the plague. Every house is afflicted with the blight of withered stocks. ruined market is the death-knell of a thousand hopes, and fear replaced the light-hearted gaiety with which New Yorkers a few months ago went about their business.
The
has
People gather at street corners, turning feverishly to the latest news of a fresh collapse, when only recently they could be scen point- ing triumphantly to rising profits.
RUMOUR'S GRIM HORROR
Bumours add their grim horror to the enlumity, for scarcely an hour passes but there is a story that game well-known broker or financier bas committed suicide. The news papers hide the neww of self Inflicted deaths in different parts of the papers, usually 'tagging to the tale some hint that the suicide was quite solvent at the time of his death. But the suggestion deceives nobody.
The governors of the Stock Ex- change have become so alarmed at the increnting flood of rumours that they inqued instructions to all brokerage Arma that uncon-
firmed stories must not be repeated, and that to say anything detri- mental to the interests of anyone is a statutory offence.
While trading only continued for three hours share sales numbered almost 6,500,000, establishing a new record in the shape of more than 1,000, million shares already sold this year.
ity
tive weapon that tenants have; and of offectiveness, "Supporter of the Rent Problem Committee" must have been well aware; as in the latter part of his letter, he darkly hints that un. loss landlords show more sympathy, they may be likened to taking a "plunge over the precipice," which can mean nothing but that landlords will have
cause to regret when they find them- selves, over-burdened with houses ren- dered vacant through, the closing, of concerns which have become too un- profitable to continue. The recommen- dation to cease business was proffered) as one means of bringing down rents and to show where the real influence of rents is to be found and also to dis-
pel the false conception that imme diately on the requisition of a piece of property by a speculater, he is free to raise rents to any lovel he wishes.
There has never been any intention to advise keeping quiet when one is "kicked in the shina by n bally"; but one should be clear who that bully is
IN “GHINA MAIL”
Social Functions To-day-Tea Dances at Hong Kong Hotel and Peninsula Hotel, 4.30 p.m.
THE CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO. (1918), LTD.
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
W
ITH reference to the Notice to Shareholders dated 7th November, 1929, announcing the resolution of the Board of Direc- To-day-Dinner Dances at Hong tors to offer to Shareholders Ad- Kong Hotel and Peninsula Hotel,ditional Shares in the proportion 8.30 p.m.
of one Additional Share of the nominal value of $5 for every
To-day Dinner Dance at Repulse Bay Hotel, 8.30 p.m.
To-day Kowloon British School F.P.A. Dance, 8.45 p.m.
Hotel
Dresa
Dec. 14 Peninsula Carnival Dance, 8.30 p.m.
Dec. 18 Police Fancy Carnival Dance at Lane, Crawford's Restaurant, 8.30 p.m.
of the Hong Kong Ladies' Hockey Jan. 10 Second annual dance Club, at Lane, Crawford's Restaur-
ant.
Entertainments To-day Queen's "Behind that Curtain."
To-day-Star Theatre, Sister."
To-day World
Theatre, "The Sin
Theatre,
"The Gate Grasker."
To-day Majestic Theatre: "Nell Gwyn."
There were several large initial and not get muddled like the hurt sales, including 50,000 General small boy, who when asked the identity Motors, 20,000 Standard Oil of New of his aggressor, points with unsteady Jersey, and 10,000 Anaconda and distance whom through vision obstruct- grubby hamkto same dim figure in the International Nickel. All optimisticed by heavy salt tears and another statements that good investments equally grubby hand could but faintly Dec. 14-At Theatre Royal, "The were going begging failed to rally Re The figure in the distanco-Geisha," 9.15 p.m. the market. The bright sunny the unfortunate landlord is not the Dec. 16At Theatre Royal, "The day found no reflection in Wall-bully. Trade depression is, go for the Geisha,” 9.15 p.m. street.
hully by all means.
Home Malls
Gilt-edged bank stocks have dur Perhaps one may be permitted to To-day Inward from London ing the recent break reached price reiterate that the rent of a house is de- and porte ("Antenor"); America levels from 38 to 60 per cent. belowing that house, which explains why and ports ("Empress of Asia").
pendent an the mumber of people desír- their high record, quotations for the rents in the central district are higher
Lammerts' Auctions year and recoveries have not been than in other parts of the town. Propio
To-day At Sales Room, Post- particularly impressive.
find it more profitable to carry on the age Stamps, 5.15 p.m. Wheat and cotton fullowed stocks business as pawnbrokers or boarding To-morrow-At the promises of in their downward trend, wheat house keepers nearer the sea front in the H.K. & K. WhỂ. & Godown Co., showing a loss of five cents of bushel proference to May Road and are conse- Ltd., Kowloon, 16,000 Bags Harbin while cotton dropped a dollar a balequently prepared to pay more for the Soya beans and Manchurian Soya
privilege of installing themselves where Cake Meal, and they hope to gain the highest return churian pressed soya bean oil, 11 Further, in vying with one another
Doomed Investors' Siege The brokers oflices are besieged with ruined speculators hoping to save some last mite from the crash. They are treated tenderly enough, for the brokers malte no urgent roto a new low record. petitions for margin calls.
Yet these are serious, and many
To obtain that privilege, they cach offer a.m.
15 drums Man-
doomed investors are roused from LOIS MORAN IN A the highest amount they think they Dec. 14 At Sales Rcom, mla-
sleepless heds by delayed telegrams which are delivered at all hours of the night. Wealthy and benevolent employers have In many cases cime to the aid of their over-speculating employees and quarantred their marginal aernunts.
The crash has produced the Jargest embezzlement in American history. It was reported from Flint, Michigan. where ten clerks of the Union Industrial Bank are charged with the theft of more than £700,000 taken to covar stock *18ses. Of this sum £100,000 is net
according to the auditors. Ir. Charles S. Mott, the vice president of General Motors and president of the bank has added more than £200,000 fram his private
recovered.
fortune to the bank's funds as a guarantee against any possible loss. Some stolen securities have been
Saving Banks Empty Saving banks. which a fortnight ago were foverishly busy attending i to withdrawals. are now empty, but the loan departments of all bankas are besieged with anxious cus tomers.
Unfortunately collateral stock, good one day, is of no use on the next.
Most sorrowful of all is the man who was wise enough to foresee the coming disaster but failed to reckon on more than one day's holocaust. He plunged in heavily on margin after the first Black Thursday, only to find that the fortune of the week before was lost by the following Wednesday.
Pawnbrokers seem the only happy people in the present scene of desolation. Their trouble is that
they do not possess sufficient money
to lend. Many of them have been obliged to put up their shutters and take enforced holidays owing to the depletion of their capital.
Diamond rings are as cheap as Gilbert's famous dakes, and stones worth £100 will not fetch more than £10. Jewellers, finding their shops deserted, are issuing alluring ad- vertisements that jewels are assets that cannot depreciato in value.
Christmas Slump
TALKIE
"BEHIND THAT CURTAIN " A SUCCESS
could spare out of their estimated pro-cellaneous goods, (more or less fits and the offer which is accepted damaged), 11 a.m.
would become the rent of the premises. Dec. 16 At Sales Room, mis- Is it not clear then, that the specula-cellaneous goods, (more or Jess tor's role in fixing rents is a negligible damaged), 11 a.m. one and that what a merchant pays in rent is dependent on the number of his
Meetings
competitors who desire the premises he To-day Regular monthly meet-
occupies?
Dea
for
8.30
LAST SHOWING TO-DAY
ing of Marine Engineers' Guild of "Supporter of the Rent Problem Chin (H.K. Branch) 67, "Behind That 'Curtain," all talk-Committee" must have reason for stat- Voeux Rd., Ctl., 6 p.m. ing Fox Movietone production of ing that there are matters which Tomorrow - Meeting Earl Derr Biggers's famous best "could not are the light of day" If Students at St. John's Hall, seller, will have its final showings investigations were made regarding the p.m. to-day, at the Queen's Theatre.
assessment of rates. The least ho
manner in
Miscellaneous
Dec, 16--Pianoforte recital by
This thrilling romantic mystery, for him to bring the matter to the at- Lecture by Canon Streeter on "In- could do as a public-spirited citizen is To-day -At University, open directed by Irving Commings, with tention of the authorities concerned, Warner Baxter, Lois Moran and Gil-although it is doubtful whether histernational Questions Arising out of bert Emery in the leading roles, pre-allegations could bear "the light of the Pacific Conference," 5.10 p.m. sents to sight and hearing such day" if they are similar to the state- To-morrow--At St. John's Cathe strikingly picturesque backgrounds ment he makes regarding the payment dral Hall, open lecture by Canon as London streets, India's bazaars of rates by Chinese landlords who are Streeter on "God. Pain and Im- and villages, the sweep of the Per-accused of collecting rent according to mortality." 5.16 p.m. sian desert and San Francisco's the solar reckoning. He is doubtless Bazaar and Sale of Work, 3 p.m.
the lunar system and paying rates on Dec, 11-Diocesan Girls' School Chinatown, with all of their charac-not conversant with the teristle sounds and native dialects.which assessment formas have to be)
Beginning with mysterious filled. If he would only look at one Mrs. Suiter's pupils at St. Andrew's murder in a London barrister's and read the questions, he would find Hall, Kowloon, b p.m. office, the action awings to India, that emphasis is laid on whether rent Dec. 16-Hong Kong Benevolent where the cartured wife of A is paid by the lunar or solar month. Society Bridge and Mahjong Drive, derelict, whom she suspects of the His reference to the sale clause in a Helena May Institute. crime, flees from him to her first out of a tight corner. He must have Ceremony, 4 p.m.
lease is perhaps the best possible way Dec. 16-Ricci Hall Opening love-and accompanies him on a cara-heard of a lease which continues to run van trip across the desert.
In spite of a change of owners,
Yours, etc.,
COMMON SENSE. Hong Kong, Dec. 11.
How she escapes, when pursued by husband and a Scotland Yard man in an aeroplane, hides berself in San Francisco, and finally finds happiness after a crashing climax, makes up a picture of absorbing interest.
NELL GWYN
Enjoyable Film At The Majestic
Yesterday, the screening of the
"THE GEISHA"
[To the Editor of the "China Mall"1
Sir, I was much interested to read
Dec. 16-Wah Yan College Tenth Anniversary Dinner, 7.30 p.m.
Dec. 19-Y.M.C.A. Debate 9 p.m. (postponed from Thursday, Dec. 12.) Subject; "That this metting is of the opinion that Western ¡Civilization not adoptable to the
Orient."
Dec. 20-Conference for Mini-
in your to-day's issue "Bingo's" article sters of Roligion and Educationalist
on the Philharmo e Society's produc-on "Education and Religion," at St. tion. Though it may perhaps pot me John's Cathedral Hall. Ten: 4-4.30 into or perilously near the class of old p.m. fogies. I must confess that "The
Geisha" was one
of my boyhood's brightest memories. I. well remember
Meeting 4.30-6, p.m.
that everyone was whistling or singing ANGLICAN CHURCH
mostly incorrectly--the sparkling
four existing Shares of which they are the registered holders on the date of the Ordinary Yearly Meeting. Le.. 2lat. Decomber, 1929, Shareholders are hereby notified that the Directors of the Company has now decided that the offer of
the
of which
Additional Shares shall be
of the existing Shares made to Shareholders in respect
they are the actual registered holders on the 11th JANUARY, 1930, justead of on the 21st De cember, 1929.
In consequence of this decision. the date for payment of the first instalment of $1 per share in res- pect of the Additional Shares hag now been postponed from 2nd January, 1980, to 6th February,
1930, in the case of shareholders
whose registered address is in the Colony of Hong Kong or the Far East. In the case of shareholders outside the Far East, the date for payment has been postponed from 2nd April, 1930, to 2nd May, 1930.
days inclusive.
The TRANSFER BOOKS of the Company will be CLOSED from Monday, 6th January, 1930, to Saturday, 11th January, 1930, both
SHEWAN TOMES & CO., General Managers. Hong Kong, 12th Dec., 1929.
PUBLIC AUCTIONS.
THE Undersigned have received instructions to sell by Public Auction
ON
FRIDAY, December 13, 1929, at 11 o'clock a.m..
at the premises of The Hong Kong & Kowloon Wharf & Godown Co., Ltd., Kowloon
(for account of the concerned)
16,000 Bags Harbin Soya Beans and Manchurian Soya Cake Meal
15 Drums Manchurian Pressed Soyn Bean Oil
(more or less damaged). Terms: Cash on Delivery.
LAMMERT BROS..
Auctioneers.
Hong Kong, Dec. 12, 1929.
THE Undermentioned have re-
Public Auction
to by
ON SATURDAY, December 14, 1929, commencing at 11 8.m. at their Sales Room, Duddell Street.
(for account of the concerned)
30 Cases Sewing Machines
5 Cases Gold Enamel Powder
1 Case Gelatine Capsules
7 Cases Spool Woollen Yarn
1 Case Buckles
8 Cases Printing Ink
2 Bales Leather Belting 6 Cases Umbrella. Frames 14 Bales Woollen Yarn
8 Cases Dyes
3 Cases Hacksaw Frames
I Case Packet Knives
1 Case Measuring Tapes I Case Films
6 Bales Hemp Thread
(all more or less damaged). Terms: Cash on Delivery.
LAMMERT BROS.,
Auctioneers.
Hong Kong, Der. 12, 1929.
British National Pictures, Ltd. melodică from that excclient musical Joint Social Gathering instructions to sell by Publie
and,. as farce.
A Success
"Nell Gwyn" opened at the comedy, on that night one remembers Majestic Theatre, Kowloon.
so well, one's first at a Public School. Derothy Gish was splendid a fond of "The Geisha" and am rejoiced Since then I for one have been very the orange seller. Her perfec- that I can see it again.
A happy social evenings was en- tions won the
admiration of all
There is, however, one point that loyed by a large gathering at the purchasers, as she stood in Drury should be made very clear to those of St. John's Cathedral Hall last night. Lane, that even King Charles II.,the public to whom the play is new. Members of Cathedral congregation the merry monarch, took a king That is, that it is a musical comedy attended in full force and welcomed for this simple gutter girl.
such, more farcical than "Nell won favour in the King the stage are not intended to be real Churches.
as their guests worshippers from The Japanese represented on the St. Andrew's and St. Peter's sight, with her lovable and witty Japanese, but quite a different nation anties, and was taken to Court the Japanese of the stage. Similar The stores show many signs of Here jealousy stepped in between ly. Wan Hi is a stage Chinaman- før
An excellent programme of music the provelling distress. Prices are Lady Castlemaine. and Nell, but reincarnation of Huntley Wright, contributed
and songs was offered. Those who frequently marked down as In-
were the Misses the latter proved true to the King. one might say) rather than a study Acheson, Hynes, and Gardinge, and ducements to impoverished cus
The film, on the whole, is good, from life. tomers.
Messrs. Galagan and Hethering- the acting splendid, and the People seem so easily hurt nowadays, ton, whilst Mr. J. H. Hunt conducted This declining trade is felt notice- ably in the motor-car world. There'
The big department stores are usually crowded at Christmas time with eager buyers who pay no attention to prices.
is one uptown distributing sta lon with 40,000 cars on its hands and little hope of getting rid of them.
It is too early yet to know what offeet the markat slump will have on the instaliment buying so prevalent throughout the United States, but there are many fears that goods of all sorts, and descriptions will find their way back to the original sellers.
*
Was
scenery and settings superb." that it would perhaps be as well to an interesting game which Paramount News, Miss Daphne also. For instance, Mr. Parker is an Dean of the Cathedral, the Very
Preceding the Alm and after a tross this point, and to add that the greatly enjoyed.
English characters are caricatures Leigh, Britlah revue artiate, Bang excellent Juvenlio fead, but I do not Rev. Alfred Swana, the. Rev. N. V. Amongst those present were the the popular songs "Sonny Boy" "Good Little, Bad Little You" and ful reproduction of one of our gallant Halward (the Bishop's Chaplain), suppose he is intended to be a faith-
met with applause. "The Breakaway," all of which friends in the Senior Service, I have the Roy. E. A. Armstrong (St. heard many songs in the Wardroom, Andrew's Church), the Rev. N. L. but rarely light baritone sob stuff.'
Yours, etc.,
GEHEU AB ANGULO, Hong Kong, Dec. 11.
“NO WORK!”
"No work in the country." That was the excuso. offered by a Chinese, who was at the Kow loon Magistragy this morning, charged with returning to the
VICE ADMIRAL LEAVES Vice-Admiral Sir A. K. Waistell, K.C.B., R.N., accompanied by Pay
Watkins (St. Peter's Church) and Mr. W. L. Pattenden, who was largely responsible for the or ganisation of the social gathering. P-300 Low Records For something which was already
BOARD OF TRADE RETURNS reported to have touched bottom the Stock Market shows a remark
London, Yesterday cable ability to descend. 300 Colony before his banishment term
The Board of Trade returns: for stocks touched or mudy new of 5 years from June, 1929, had master Commander L. CE. Ayre, November are imports, 8109,218- low levels, the bermat fight expired.
OB.E, RN. Lieut. D. P. Evans, 000; exports £85,126,000-an in- being waged around US Steel, The defendant, who had two RN, and Paymaster-Lieutenant crease of 51,898,000, and de witch at one time is 3 points previous convictions for farceny L. GH Weekes, RN left for crease of 1842,000, respectively below its previous low record for against him; was sentenced to Shanghal yesterday by the N.Y.K. compared with November, 1928 the year
eight months's hard labour, 16. “Asuma Maru.”””
Reuter
THE Undersigned have received
Auction
ON
MONDAY, December 16, 1929, commencing at 11 am., at their Sales Room, Duddell Street.
(for account of the concerned)
4 Cases Lamp Shades . and
Standa
15 Cases Lamp Shades and Fit-
tings
13 Casca Coils and Accessories (all more or less damaged). Terms: Cash on Delivery.
LAMMERT BROS.,
Auctioneers.
Hong Kong, Dec. 12, 1929.
you never know what to expect 'from a girl with
it and RED HAIR/
Commencing Saturday MAJESTIC KOWLOON,
THE VERY THING FOR THE KIDDIES LITTLE TOT RECORDS IN ALBUMS.
4 D SIDED RECORDS IN EACH ALBUM
With
g Picture Cards Blustrating The Subjects of the Eight Selections
CALL AND 'HEAR THEM AT:
The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.
EXSHAW
No. 1 BRANDY
Is the best
recommended by
everyone.
CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO., LTD.
(Incorporated under the Companies' Ordinances of Hong Kong),
Prince's Building, Ice House Street
Glazos
Tel. C.75.
Can Be Given To
The Youngest Baby
CIGARS
The
CIGARETTES
TOBACCO
·BRIAR PIPES &
A
SMOKING SUNDRIES
are
Best Christmas Gifts.
TABAQUERIA FILIPINA
Asiatle Bulding, Queen's Road C.
XMAS AND NEW YEAR HAMPERS.
We beg to Notify Customers that Ansorted Hampers suitable for the Festive Season may be obtained from us at the follow- ing Reduced Rates:----
No. 1 HAMPER $42,
-1 qt. Moet & Chandon Dry, Im-
perial Champagne
I pt. Blackberry Brandy 1 pt. D.O.M.
1 qt. Martel's XXX Brandy 2 qts. King George IV Gold
Label or Perfection. Whisky
"
1 qt. Superb Tawny Port 2 qts. St. Jullen Claret
1 qt. Old Brown Sherry Black
Beal
1 qt. Paritan Old Tem or Dry,
Gin.
1 qt. Burgoyne's „Burgundy 1 phíal Pomeranzen Bitters
No. 2 HAMPER--$38.
1 qt. Guillemart Champagne 1 pt. D.O.M.
I qt. Burgoyne's Burgundy - 1 qt. Martell's XXX Brandy 2 qts. Klóg George IV Gold
Label or Perfection Whisky
2.qts. Tawny Dry Part
.2 qts. St. Jullen Claret
1 qt. Puritan Old Tom, or Dry
Gia
1 qt. Vino de Pasto Sherry
1 phial Pomeranzen Bitters
No. 3 HAMPER $33.
1 qt. Burgoyne's Burgandy
I pt. Peppermint G.F..
I pt. D.D.M.GAS
2 qta. Superior Rich Old Port-
2 qts, King George IV Gold -
1 qt. Engrand's XXX Brandy
1 qt, Amdatillado Sherry
1 qt. Puritan Old Tom or Dry
2 qts, Medoc, Claret
Label or Ferfection Whisky 1 phial Pomeranzen Biltron.
Other Hampers made up to suit Customer's requirements.
GANDE, PRICE & CO., LTD.
Tel. Central No. 135.
Hour Kany
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