SAHIDEER.
LAGER BEER
SPECIALLY BREWED EXPORT
COMPANY
CARICA TO
ASAHI
BEER
A Refreshing and Invigorating Beverage.
The very brand for all
occasions.
O
MITSUI BUSSAN KAISHA, LTD.
user
ChinaTMTM Mail
ESTABLISHED
1846
No. 27,364 HONG KONG, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1929.
LOCAL STEAMER
TO-DAY'S DOLLAR. — The closing rate of the dollar on demand, to-day was 1/8 3/16.
PRICE $3.00 Per Month.
bilious 2
PERHAPS ITS EYES!
Bome forms of eyestrain cando billousness. Our examination will quickly determine whether you need glasses or not. We never prescribe glasses unless they are necessary.
LAZARUS
Hong Kong's Only European Optician. 13. Queen's Road, Central Telephone Mr. Cooper C. 1203 for appointment.
SUNK IN FOG: FINANCIAL CRISIS AVERTED
COMPROMISE BY THE HATRY MISSIONARIES IN LOCAL SHIP DANGEROUS DRUG OUR FORCES
LOCAL
BANKS
►
COMMISSION EARNED OF OVER
$5,000,000
NEW RATES FIXED
INFLOW
INTO SPECULATORS' POCKETS CONTINUES
Unwilling to relinquish the opportunity of earning commis- sions-which have already amounted to $5,00,000—those engaged in the local Gold and Silver Exchange, where a financial crisis was reached yesterday, have compromised.
"
As was the case in the Hong Kong stock market when the strike and boycott intervened in 1926, rates have now been fixed for the notes issued by the Government repository in Canton, the Central Bank of China. By a coincidence, this comes at a time when the exchange bankers are also co-operating in regard to the value of the Hong Kong dollar vis a vis sterling.
CONFIDENCE REGAINED
Kong dollar (Bombay mint, as Reggle Greensmith said at the Theatre Royal Inst night) is ac-
CRASH
ALL COMMITTED FOR TRIAL
"A RUINED MAN”
£42,526 PAID OUT TO DEFENDANTS
P
London, Yesterday. Hatry and three of his associates were committed for trial to-day, bail being refused. "I am irretriev
'RED" HANDS
MINISTERS ADDUCTION FROM TAYEH MISSION
$10,000 RANSOM
REBELS DRIVE OUT GOVT. TROOPS & OCCUPY TOWN
three hours.
Hankew, Yesterday. "Reds" raided Tayeh, 50 miles south-east of Hankow, on Friday. They drove out the Government troops and occupied the town for The Communists were well dis- ably and irreparably ruined," declar-ciplined, and there was no indis- ment, adding "I shall prove my ac- ed Hatry, reading a written state-criminate looting. They carried off from the town. Mr. H. A. K. Sandy, of the Wesleyan Mission, who left tions to have been clean and credit-without hat and coat, and a magis able, and take whatever punishment trate, amongst others. is in store uncomplainingly."
L
'SERIOUS OFFENCES Sir Gilbert Garnsey (Price, Waterhouse & Co.) In the course of his evidence, said that Hatry tele- phoned on September 17 saying that he would like to see him. The four defendants came with Hatry, and their spokesman said that they were
guilty of serious offences in con- nection with the companies. They had given loyal assistance to the investigation. The total remunera-
Some of the "shorts" (or "bears") in the bank note exchange had sold at 40 per cent. (of face value) or cented; but the Mexlean dollar is tion paid the
went.
disliked.
It is believed that the magistrate was afterwards released, but Mr. Sundy is still held, and a large ransom demanded (aaid to be $10,000).
Later.
The "Reds" also abducted Mr. E. H. Livesley, of the Salem Mis- sion, as well as Mr. Sandy, from Tayeh-Reuter.
(Continued on Page 12)
CHINESE MINISTER TO
BRITAIN
MRS. SZE TO ATTEND
London, Yesterday. Tho China Association this afternoon welcomed the Chinese Minister (Mr. Alfred Sze) and
four defendanta by TO BE RECEIVED BY THE KING thereabouts. With the Canton Gov-
seven companies was £42,526 to
AT THE PALACE ernment proving itself capable of Some of the leading native banks Hatry; £23,575 to Daniels; £11,585 defeating the Ironsides and press- have been importing Hong Kong to Dixon (all from 1925) £5,065 ing back the Kwangsi-ites, confd-dollars from Shanghai with nice
to Tabor (from October 1926 to ence was regained and up the notes following the example set by local profits to themselves. They were
September 1929). Sir Gilbert Garnsey agreed that not a penny of exchange banks which have pur- chased newly minted Hong Kong the moneys which were the subject dollars from Bombay-this not be-
of the charges were traceable to the pockets ing a Government monopoly and
of the defendants open to anybody with the requistite personally, facilities.
THE LIABILITIES Giving, evidence at the resumption At the present rates of exchange, the Guildhall, Sir Gilbert Carney, an of the hearing of the Hatry case at it is worth one's while to bring accountant who has been investigating Hong Kong dollars here. With the affairs of the Hatry Companies, silver being Issued, paper has bo-stated that "the gross liabilities [epme scarce and the pinch is begin Ining to be felt. -
Yesterday's quotation reached the neighbourhood of 60 per cent. causing three so-called native banks to default, one for several lakhs of dollars and another for about $100,000.
There are two deals each day in the exchange and last night's was suspended in order to arrive at a solution.
It was fixed that the rate cannot go higher than 58 per cent. nor
PAPER MONEY SCARCE
This, necessarily, lé only a step in a transitionary stage which, in the
1
of the Company were £29,500,000 no including an issued share capital of
3,110,000.
Unsecured claims totalled £19,750,000
lower than 56 per cent.--which will considered opinion of experts, will and there was a very small prospect
mean that the "short" will be hard hit in any case, but possibly fatally.
not
benefit the Colony as a whole."
One of the native banks Import-
of a dividend for the unsecured credi- tora,
The deficiency will apparently total ing dollara from Shanghai desired, over £13,500,000-Reuter, the other day, to pay $100,000 into an exchange bank. The latter is stated to have refused
acceptance.
DANGEROUS
DRIVING
CAR
MAGISTRATE AND PUBLIC VEHICLES
"GETTING WORSE & WORSE"
Mr. Alfred Sze
his wife, who will be received by
WRECKED
STRIKING ROCKS IN DEEP BAY
ALL SAVED
FISHING JUNKS TO RESCUE
SEIZURE
GANG THAT SMUGGLES DOPE TO THE EAST FROM EUROPE
ESTER OF MORPHINE
THE MYSTERIOUS DR. MULLER AND HIS BOOKS
a
tha
All aboard the local cousting steamer "Ka Hing" have been saved, following the wrecking of the vessel while en route to Hong Kong from Kwong-chow-wan. When of Yenngkong, on south const of Kwangtung, the "Ka Hing" struck a rock while steaming in a fog at night. The and passengers clambered crew over the ship's side on to a small Island where they passed the night.
Two fishing junks approached and a small boat put off to gue-
KWANGSI RETREAT
Cantonese Moving Up West River
The Kwangsi invaders of Kwangtung continue to retreat up the West River, with the Cantonese moving up after them. Nothing further has been heard about the Ironsides' re- treat.
General Ho Ying-ching, who was specially sent down by the National Government to direct the campaign for the Cantonese, came down to Hong Kong last night and embarked on the "President Lincoln" for Shang- hal, to return to the North, as the situation down here is not sufficiently urgent to need his immediate attention.
cour those marooned. The latter, however, thought their saviours were pirates and forthwith forbade them, under pain of being shot down, to land on the island. Mat- ters were subsequently explained and those distressed were set on the way home.
RAN INTO FOG.
IN CHINA
ENOUGH TO PROTECT NATIONALS?
L
NAVAL STRENGTH
HENDERSON TAXED IN PARLIAMENT
In the
Cairo, Yesterday. The discovery of a large quantity of heroin derivative in a consign- ment of building material from
London, Yesterday. Bale, provided the authorities with question time, reviewing the situa- House of Commons at a clue which resulted in unearthing tion at Nanking and Shanghai, Mr.
widespread organisation who smuggle dangerous
Arthur Henderson enumerated the drugs into Egypt and the East from Europe. British naval forces available on the The co-operation of the Egyptian, spot to protect British nationals in Swiss, and Italian authorities led to case of need, and sald" that other the breaking up of the gang, and arresta were made, implicating per-
aggregate naval
Strassburg, Including a certain Dr.mately the same as the British, and sor in Lugano, Milan, Genoa and strength in China wators approxi- Muller of Bale, whose books showed about 8,000 troops, mainly at Tien- extensive dealings in drugs, includ-
Powers had an
ing "Ester" of morphine. The lattain and Shanghai. Swiss law as ter la at present not classified in The Conservative Mr. Peter Mac- a narcotic, but as Donald, (Isle of Wight) asked if result of the present episode it is this rising were due hoped that it will shortly be treated
to Soviet propaganda. Mr. Henderson replied, as such.--Reuter.
that he had no Information.
MAKING BRITAIN A "SOUP KITCHEN”
MR. CHURCHILL SAYS LABOUR HAS INCREASED POVERTY
MAD EASTERN POLICY
Mr. Wardlaw Milne asked whether Japan was Included among the other Powers mentioned. Mr. Henderson asked for notice to reply.
Mr. Charles Williams asked if Mr. Henderson meant that the whole of the British naval forces were at least as great in China as the whole of the foreign put together, in- London, Yesterday. eluding Japan. Mr. Henderson re- "Without steps to improve theplied "I think I was dealing with outlook of British industry, the the comparison of military forces,' current tendency to increase taxa-
As regards piracy, the British tion at the behest of sentimental Minister had been instructed to keep the matter before the Chinese Government, with a view to the latter taking effective, suppressive measures, he believed that the situs- tion had not deteriorated with the past few months.
At 4 a.m. on December 12, the "Ka Hing" cleared from Kwong- chow-wan. Later that morning she ran into a fog and, according-
The Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill ly, proceeded very slowly. grounding occurred just less than The
The Chinese driver of a public their Majesties at Buckingham half way to Hong Kong, the posi
"SELLING SHORT" The most interesting feature of the wholesale apeculation has been the "selling short" by former The Chinese bank then handed over Generals, politicians, camp-follow-the silver to its legal representa- ers and hangers-on, who banked on tives to pay in. Half the sum was the Canton Government being over- accepted. But, since thon, the ex- thrown (and, of course, the notes change bank, when paying out on being jettisoned by the newcomers, cheques lasued either by the native whoever they might be). +
bank in question or the law firm Native banks dealing with specu- concerned, has always paid out in lators in Canton notes have, it silver!. is estimated, already earned com- mission to the extent of over $5,000,000. Rather than shut down, they have now arrived at this com- prise in order to continue transac- -tfons-and sustain the inflow of
commissions' into their pockets.
As from December 21, arrangement will come into force in Canton. In payments to the Government (that is, for taxes, etc.), the public will have to render 30 per cent. in silver subsidiary coin and 20 cent. In paper. In other words the Treasury will take a.tenth of its receipta in notes, but only at half face value (20 per cent. Tizilov, Chairman of the Agri-the lorry to pass. for the 10 per cent.).
new
SILENCE PAYS Death For Opposing Policy
at
motor car was summored before Mr. E. W. Hamilton to-day for dangerous driving by cutting past a car driven by Mrs. M. B. Barker.
Defendant claimed that Mrs. Barker's car was stationary when he passed it.
Mrs. Barker said that she was driving her car along Chater Road toward the Dockyard. was about to turn into Murray When she
Road to go to Queen's Road, che lorry approaching the aen-junction from the Praya. She im-
Riga, Yesterday. The trial bas concluded Ekaterinovka, Russia, of 28 trade union officials and peasants charg od with opposing the present agri- noticed cultural' policy. Six were
TAX REDUCTION BILL
Palace on December 19.-Router.
STEAMERS UNDER FIRE
AN INCIDENT ON · THE YANGTSZE
46 · MILES ABOVE
BOVE. ICHANG :
Ichang, Yesterday, It is reported that the s.s. "Iping"
Rapids Co., were under heavy fire 40 miles above Ichang on December 14-British Naval Wireless...
These ships belong to an Ameri- can concern operating on the Upper Yangtare. River. Ichang is in the
tion being given as Lat. 21.45 N.,
Long. 112.15 E
She is believed to have struck the rocks off amall island in Deep Bay, into which the Mak-
1929 'rainfall
Average
Deficit
,69.40 Inches
.82.58 inches
13.18 inches
young River flows (with the port of Yeungkong, at the mouth).
The second officer, Ho Fo, was on watch at the time, which was 1.15 a.in. on December 18.
to bankruptcy." theorists, would lead the country
Mr. Henderson said that, accord- ing to a Preas report, Chinese and Soviet agreement had been reached locally on Immediato issues in Manchuria, But he had received no official information so far.
"SITUATION NORMAL" Reports received in authoritative quarters in London show that the situation in China has greatly im proved.
Canton forces seem to have decisively defeated Chang Fa- kuefa Tronsides," north of Can- ton, and Kwangsi troops were also rapulaed in the West River section.
The situation is consequently generally quieter. Hankow is un- disturbed, and Tsinanfu, Peking. Tientsin, Chinkiang, and Manchuria
are normal.
This diamal prediction by Lord Nanking front is quiet, except for The situation on the Shanghal- Malchett, addressing the London minor trouble on the railway. Chamber of Commerce to-day, was There is no serious fighting at the endorsed by Mr. Churchill, simul- Pukow front and troops are being taneously speaking at a Unionist sent back to Hankow-Reuter, gathering in London. The latter. declared that far from curing un- employment, ́avery step the Gov- ernment had taken tended to ́in- crease the number of able bodied the Soviet Government is inciting young Mongols to declare their in- Labour was seeking to trans-pendence in the Barga district form the country into a vast soup -Reuter, kitchen.
paupers,
MORE RED POISON
Mukden, To-day. Reports from Hallar indicate that
Mr. Churchill said he intended MINERS AND "BATTLE
OF APRIL"
increasingly to direct attention to
the grave impending developments in Egypt, which ultimately, per
haps not distantly, would lead to MR. serious effusion of blood, while the same proposals which were cajol- ing us out of Egypt are at work. In India on a. far larger scale- Reuter.
tenced to death, and twelve to mediately went into second gear and the s.. "fling," of the Yangtze imprisonment.
and proceeded dead slow to allow cultural and Timber Workers'
After the lorry had passed, she
HENDERSON AND SOVIET
· HONOURED AT 50 PER CENT. Union, was condemned to five went behind it and was about to ac- Hong Kong appears to have more years solitary confinement and celerate when the defendant's car confidence, however.
AGITATION IN BRITAIN ⠀⠀ the the loss of civil rights.-Router. At
suddenly shot past going between arbitrary rate now announced, the
her car and the lorry. She thought
SHIP ABANDONED
MEMBER REBUFFED bank notes are only honoured at 50
that defendant's car must have
When the position was realized per cent. Yet the Hong Kong ex-}
come from Chater Road because the west of Hupeh province, 870 miles as hopeless and the ship was mak- change has laid-down "the rate as
Washington, Yesterday. car cut In front of her from the above Hankow, which is another Ing water rapidly prior to sinking, to Hong Kong, arriving at miding an article in the Soviet organ
Rugby, Yesterday, Questioned in Parliament regard- between 56 and 58 per cent. This
right.
the 400 miles from the sea Sup- the 41 crew and 11 passengers night latter is in ratio to Hong Kong
Defendant claimed that Mrs. portera of the National Governntent Two fahing boats were balled The cargo on the "Ka Hing" preparation for the battle of April,"
abandoned her for the island.
"Pravda" currency, which is considerably
forecasting increased CARGO WORTH $60,000 Barker's car left side of Murray Road, when he/are nominally in hut brity here but on December 14. Their good in was valued at about $60,000, in Mr. Henderson said that the article
was stopped on the higher than Canton liver coinage..
agitation among British miners "in
Ever since danger threatened the
came out of Chater Road, and he
military units, kiventialed and tentions were unappreciated at cluding about 800 pigs and 90 was not such as to call the notice Canton Government some time ago,
did not see any danger in passing caused trouble
first but after a parley, the 52 head of cattle, which are presum-of His Majesty's Government, the Central Bank's notes have not
here
When foreign merchant vessels men were taken off and brought ed to have perished, regagn been cashed across the counter.".
got fired upon in such zonen, it is to Yeungkong, the nearest port.
of the presentation of B. Sokolni
Asked the reason for the delay This bas occurred before but, thanka
usually due to one side desiring to are the fishermen were profuse
koff's credentials, Mr. Henderson steady recovery, normal cond!
natively thankad. me tions were restored.
said that it was not a matter reating Paul
ofther Other good samaritans were who purchased her for about with a member of the Government, there forthcoming in natives who pro- $40,000. Previously she was and added that the delay was not
that_vided the shipwrec
with known as the "Hof Nam" and had on M. Sokolnikoff's alde, but on our Kong French interests. Latterly she side, and weeklan
TALES OF WOE In the course.
to-day,
into his
care more garding: the ne of..
G' On motóribuses in.
President Hoover has signed the Income Tax Reduction Bill-Reu- ter's American Service..
STOP
PRESS
London, Yesterday...
In reply to the Magistrate Mrs. Barker said that her car was never
Mr. Arthur Henderson stated in stopped.
maintain
and troops
the House of Commons that Lord Mr. Hamilton convicted Cecil is "serving at the Foreign Traffic Sub Inspector Alexander pro for searc Office lu a voluntary capacity" ved s conviction for negligent driv on, or Government circles add that there Ing in October
is not the least likelihood of Lord-In imposing- Ceall Joining the Labour Party weeks impriso
WOTES
help an the wherewithal
The Ka Hing Is 184 feet long and fles the Portuguese flag, but is owned by a Chinese syndicate,
has been on the run between Hong Replying to a suggestion that the Kong and the French port of delay was due to the fact that the with Portugu Dominions would not sanction it Chinese cancers Mr Henderson replied
Reuter
and