March 26, 1896.}
to raise a portion of the fund for its endowment. But what would our friends in England say to us if they find that locally the taxpayers and the Government are not moving a finger to help it, and what would be the effect on those noble few who have sustained the establishment for so long, both with money and labour? Their energy and endurance, like everything human, must have a limit, but God forbid that they should give in even under the most trying and dis- couraging circumstances. I hope that notwith- standing the apparent callousness of some of their fellow-citizens, they will still unite in carrying on cheerfully the most useful and humane work that they have engaged in hitherto.
I do not approve of the suggested plan of a public subscription, on the ground that it is extremely difficult to raise such a big amount from the public at large, and, most especially, that the burden would ultimately fall on the shoulders of the few who have, already assisted to their uttermost. This College is a public institution, and will accomplish certain objects conducive to the public good. It is therefore but right that the fund for its maintenance should come from all the members of the com-
This can best be
munity alike, the Chinese contributing a just and proportionate share. done by a grant from the Government, as the money thus granted will represent the con- tributions from the taxpayers of all nation- alities in just and equal proportions.
Dated this 19th day of March, 1896.
+
ΗΟ ΚΑΙ
THE CATTLE PLAGUE AT POKFULAM,
17th March. Yesterday three animals out of the sixty re- maining at the Pokfulam Dairy Farm showed symptoms of illness and they were at once isolated. It is not known yet whether they are suffering from plague. but should it be seen to-day that they are they will be immediately shot and dumped into the sea. Several carcases have been seen floating in the sea by steamers coming to Hongkong, and the authorities are rather puzzled to know how on earth they got there. Heavy bags of stones were fastened round each carcase before they were dumped, but it seems that in many instances the dump was merely a dip, as even while carcases were being thrown overboard some of them came up again. Three cargo. boats were used on the second occasion and one suggestion is that the Sanitary Inspector who was in charge of the three boats could not superintend the proper carrying out of the work by the coolies. Of course he could not, and it will doubtless be asked by many people why one man was not placed in charge of each boat.
18th March.
Four cattle belonging to the Dairy Farm Co., were shot yesterday, the illness which they showed on the previous day having developed into plague. Seven more of the herd are now under observation and apparently the extinction of the whole lot is only a matter of time.
21st March.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
ST. PATRICK'S DANCE,
261
This imprudence, though calling for notice, does not call for further action.
The Court therefore orders that the master's certificate be returned to him.
The first and second officers behaved well, and their certificates are also returned to them.
After the stranding all possible measures were taken by the master, officers, and crew for the safety of the vessel.
THE HONGKONG ROPE MANUFAC- TURING CO., LIMITED.
The twelfth ordinary annual meeting of the shareholders of the Hongkong Rope Manufac turing Co., Limited, was held at the Com- pany's office, No. 9 Praya Central, on Satur- Mr. R. Shewan presided, and day, at noon. there were also present-Messrs. M. E. Ezekiel, T. I. Rose, J. H. Lewis (Consulting Committee), G. H. Potts, Feng Wa Chun, W. Shewan, T. Arnold, F. Henderson, F. J. Jorge, and C. A.
Tomes.
The CHAIRMAN read the notice calling the meeting.
St. Patrick's Eve was celebrated on Monday night (March 16th) by a most enjoyable dance in the City Hall. There are very few Irishnen in the colony, and therefore they cannot, like the Eng. lish-when the English rise to the occasion- and the Scotch-who are ever in the green stage of patriotism-indulge in a gorgeous display or issue invitations to all and sundry. But though they be few the Irishmen give their guests a most cordial welcome, and those who were for tunate enough to be present at Monday night's celebration had a hearty evening's enjoyment. St. George's Hall was used for the dancing, St. Andrew's Hall for supper, aud the Chamber of Commerce for the ladies' refreshment room. The rooms and the staircase had been very effectively decorated under the superintendence of Mr. E. D. Sanders and Mr. J. Coyle, whospared no pains to make the surroundings as pleasing as possible. The staircase was made beautiful with foliage and flowering plants, and at the head was a handsome banner bearing the words "Cead Mille Failthe." and a harp, surrounded by shamrock, was worked upon it in silk On the walls of the dancing room, in which the electric light was used, were placed several harps worked
The CHAIRMAN-Gentlemen, with your per- in roses, while Erin-go-bragh “ was dotted
mission we will dispense with reading the report about in conspicuous positions. At the end of and accounts, printed copies of which have been the dancing room was a very handsome mirror,
in your hands for some time past. When we which was tastefully set off by arps and
met together on a similar occasion to this about foliage. Mr. R. T. Wright and Mr. S. L.
this time last year I told you that 1894 had been Darby had charge of the refreshment room and
an exceptionally good year, but I am glad to say the arrangements they made were in every way
that 1895 proved to be a still better year for us, satisfactory and no one could complain of a lack and we are now compelled to consider the neces of hospitality. It was very unfortunate that sity for increasing our means of production Major Moore, who had, as hon.ecretary, before the demand over takes the supply. At a worked exceptionally hard to complete hesuccess private meeting held on the 29th February of the dance, was unable to be presput owing we consulted the shareholders on the subject, to ill health. The greatest credit is due to him and the result is the recommendation made for the pains he took in his arduous duties.
in our report now before you.
Of course The card room was well patronized, as also was we do not mean to spend all your money at once the bar, and as this is happily a free port oue in the purchase of machinery. The money is could say in all truth, "Come and faste some invested to very good purpose just now, and good poteen, that has not paid a rap to the except for the purchase of the land, which Queen.“ The Committee issued about six
we have now in hand, and which it is im- hundred invitations, and amongst those presentperative we should secure at once, we shall go. during the evening were His Excellency the very slowly to work in spending it. Governor, Sir William Robinson. Earl and spects for this year, 1896, are good, but I must Countess Spencer, and Major-General Black repeat that 1894 and 1895 were exceptional and Mrs. Black. Dancing was kept up nutil the years, the war and subsequent operations having early hours of the morning. The following brought us exceptional orders which we cannot was the programe, the music being supplied count on being repeated, and that you must not by the Band of the Rifle Brigade:-
expect such results as those now presented will Lancers
be obtained every year. There is little, I think, in the accounts that requires explanation, but I may remark that the odd amount of $30 which has been added to the reserve fund since last account is derived from unclaimed dividends, which according to the articles of association must be put to reserve. Sundry debtors $12,021.05, consisting principally of customers' and agent's balances of accounts, have been col- lected, with the exception of one amount under, $200, and sundry creditors 89,954.56 have since been all paid off with the exception of one or two items not yet due. Before moving the adoption of the report and accounts I shall be pleased to answer any questions.
No further cases of cattle plague were re- ported at the Sanitary Board offices yesterday. The four animals which were said to have been stricken with the disease were not, it seems. killed, as it was afterwards thought that their | illness was not the result of plague and they are therefore still under observation, together with eight other animals.
24th March.
Four more animals belonging to the Dairy Company have been shot and put into the sea. There are now four under observation.
25th March.
Mr. McCallum, Secretary to the Sanitary Board, received an intimation yesterday that eight more cattle belonging to the Dairy Con- pany were to be disposed of.
A London telegram of the 5th March to the Chugai Hochi Shimbun says that the Steamship Owners' Conference has met ard discussed the entry of the N.Y.K. into com- petition for the Far Eastern trade with Eu- rope. It was decided to maintain existing arrangements for the present,
•
Valse....
Valse.
Pas de Quatre Valse
Valse
Polka
Valse.
Valse...
Lancers
Valse
Knight of St. Patrick. Dorothy Santiago. Tola. River of Years. Visions d'Amair. Con Amore. Love-Dreamland. Go Fang. Ram the Town Sweetbriar. Hay Darkies. Toreador. The Cloister. Come Back to Erin. Polka and Galop ...... Black and Tan Jolm Peel, The following gentlemen were on the Com- mittee Mr. T. Jackson, chairman. Major Moore, hon. secretary, Mr. A. Coxon. Mr. J. J. Francis, Q.C., Lieut.-Colonel The O'Gorman. Dr. Hartigan, Lieut.-Colonel Norett, Mr. E. D. Sanders, Mr. S. L. Darby, and Mr. R. T. Wright.
Pas de Quatre Valse....
Valse Valse.
THE STRANDING OF THE HUMBER.
Our pro-
No questions being asked, the CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report and accounts.
Mr. G. H. POTTS seconded. Carried
Mr. F. HENDERSON proposed the re-election of Messrs. Lewis and Shewan to the Consulting Committee, and the confirmation of the ap- pointment of Messrs. T. I. Rose and M. D. Ezekiel to the Committee.
Mr. FENG WA CHUN Seconded. Carried.
Mr. G. H. POTTS proposed the re-election of Messrs. T. Arnold and F. Henderson as auditors.
Mr. LEWIS seconded. Carried
A Naval Court was held at Amoy on the 11th March, before Mr. C. T. Gardner, C.M.G., H.B.M. Consul, Lieut.-Commander Spencer master of the steamer Tamsui, to inquire into the de Horsey, H.M.S. Plover, aud Mr. J. Pearce. circumstances attending the loss of the steamer gentlemen. I thank you for your attendance. Humber. The following was the finding of the Court-
The Court having carefully inquired into the circumstances attending the stranding of the Humber finds that it was occasioned by the master relying on an erroneous chart: at the same time it considers that on March 2nd after sighting land the master altered the course too soon, and steered imprudently too close to the rocks,
|
The CHAIRMAN-That is all the business
Captain Franz Meyer, of the steamer Chow Chow-fu, was found lying unconscious at the foot of the Deshima Hatoba steps, Nagasaki, on the 11th March. He was suffering from concussion of the brain. The unfortunate It is believed he captain has since died. slipped and fell down the wet steps in the dark and no foul play is suspected.