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December 29, 1900.] penses of which will be met by the just and proportionate taxation of each renter.
5.-The bidding for the rental of land, limit on which the rental expires, paying of the rent money, and all minute rules, will be subject to a separate set of regulations, which will be partly taken from the "Yochow" regulations as thought best.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
THE THEATRE.
The Taylor-Carrington Company scored a distinct success on the 22nd inst, in their production of Mr. A. C Gunter's universally- read Barnes of New York. Mr. Charlie Taylor, as the easy-going, nonchalant Barnes, complete- When this is done, the Consulsly established himself as an actor of undoubted of all the nations will be notified.
ability-as, indeed, he has already done in the multifarious roles in which Hongkong audiences have seen him. Miss Ella Carrington, as Marina Pauli, vividly expounded the passionate nature of the Corsican muiden who has sworn a vondotta against the man who killed her bro- ther. In her double role of Marina Pauli's brother and Enid Austruther, Miss Laura Roberts showed to excellent advantage, and this can also be said of Mr. C. W. Taylor and Mr C. Inglis, the latter making a particularly good bull-dog, fire-cating Englishman, whose frequent snubbings by the inimitable Barnes were nevertheless much enjoyed by the sailor all the parts were excellently sustained, although and soldier portion of the audience. In a word,
Mr. P. Carlton (Count Danella) might with advantage have infused more life into his words and actions. The programine was under the patronage of Mr. Rounserelle Wildman, U.S. Consul-General, and the audience was fairly large.
CHILDREN'S GALA DAY AT THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION. Following on the polico dance on Christmas night, in which the big folks had an outlet for superfluous energies, Mr. and Mrs. May on Wed- nesday gave their annual treat fo the children of police officials. The entertainment was given in the compound of the Central Police Station, which was bedecked with flags and hunting The event of the day, from the juventile point of view, was the opening of the brun - departure from the old Christmas pie"- tree custom. The "pie was a large vessel something like a bath. in which, covered with bran, the presents for the children were placed. After ten, races were hell, the majority handicap events, in which the following were successful:
Girls over 10:1, Katie Ennson; 2. Alice Hanson; 3. Ethel Hanson.
Girls, 7-10-1, Beatrice Robertson; 2. Dorothy Baker; 3, Ella MeNah.
On the 21st inst., our visitors presented the legendary drama. Rip van Winkle, in which the performers showed "to better advantage than they have yet done in Hongkong. Mr. Charlie Taylor in particular, as Rip himself, proved what a genuinely good actor he is, and his Boys over 10.-1, Willie Mackie; 2, Leonardoken Dutch-English alone was well worth a Ford; 3, Stanley Lord.
Children under 7-1. Henry Hanson; Madeline Cuthbert: 3, Bertha Baker.
Boys, 7-10.-1, Willie Hanson; 2. Willie Robertson.
Boys under 7.-1, James Fyfe; 2, Robert McNab.
Girls' Consolation Race.-1. Alico Eanson 2, Ethel Hanson; 3. Lily McNah.
Boys' Cousolation Race (under 7).-1. Alec Robertson; 2, George Hanson; 3, James Robert.
son.
Older Boys.-1, Willie Mackio: 2, Leonard Ford; 3, Stanley Ford and Willie Hanson (dead heat).
A piper from the Naval Yard was in at tendance, and after the races dancing was in. dulged in by the police officers and friends present. A bluejacket went through the Ghillie Callum and the Highland Fling, and was warm-
ly applauded. Mr. and Mrs. May were accord ed three cheers and a tiger.' Altogether a most enjoyable day was speut.
MEETING OF JUSTICES.
APPLICATION FOR LICENCE REFUSED,
A special session of Justices of the Peace was held in the Justices Room at the Magis tracy on Thursday afternoon for the purpose of considering an application from one Washing ton Woodcock for a publican's licence for the premises situated at 192-194, Queen's Road East, and known as the Eastern Hotel. Mr. F. A. Hazeland, Acting Police Magistrate, occupied the chair, and there were present Messrs. G. H. Kemp, C. A. D. Melbourne (Clerk to the Justice), H. P. Tooker, A. Denison, and Dr Clark,
Mr. M. W. SLADE, who appeared in support of the application, said Mr. Woodcock was at present the holder of a licence in Kowloon City. Sinco the acquisition of the New Ter- ritory by the Government. licences there cost the same as one in Victoria, and could not be made to pay at the price charged. The appli- cant was willing to give up his present licence if the magistrates consented to grant him one for Eastern Hotel.
Mr. HAZELAND--The application was before the magistates at the last regular meeting. and it was thought that there was no necessity for another public-house in that district. Thero is no objection to the man himself.
success.
Van
Was
visit to the theatre. He scored an emphatic Dame Miss Ella Carrington as Winkle
in Excellent and most the smaller part of Rowena in the third act also pleased the audience. Among the other performers, the chief honours perhaps fell to Mr. C. W. Taylor as Kuickerbocker, and to Mr. P. Carlton as Herman van Slaus in the third act, but they were well supported by the rest of the company,
The first performance of Tony Tommy Afkius on Wednesday night was a great success. The piece is full of fun, catchy music, and elever dancing, and the audience was kept amused and interested from start to finish. The scene in the first act is laid in England, and we arc introduced to Major- General Horsanfut, Tony Tommy Atkins, and Lady Constance. The Major-General loses his heart to Lady Constance, who, however, does not return his love, preferring the Private, Tony Tommy Atkins, to the General. Think- ing to get rid of his rival and thus secure a clear field for himself the General sends Tommy to Sonth Africa. Here Tommy distinguishes himself to such an extent in fighting the Boers that he is made Commander-in-Chief, and on returning to the old country marries the lady of his choice, and both live happily ever after ward Miss Carrington, who took the part of Tommy Atkins.excelled herself, comporting her- self with a jaunty ease much in keeping with the part. She looked well in her finé uniform {aul contributed several songs which went with a swing and were great successes. Miss Angia Potter made an admirable Lady Constance, whilst Miss Laura Roberts as Argelique, the! French maid, mado a decided hit with the Lu- Miss Delia Lee was Lu
song and dance. noticeable as Geisha Kruger. Mr Charlie Tay- lor as Sergeant McSpoofer (an Irish Scotchman) kept the audience in the roar with his comicali ties. It is generally admitted that as a comedian Mr. Taylor is one of the best we have had in the colony for some time, and none of the charne- ters in which we have seen him docs he come out stronger than in Sergeant McSpoofer. Other characters in the play, one Rev. Mr. Smugford (an amorous parsen), Mr. C. W. Taylor; President Steyn, Mr. C. Inglis; Oom Paul, Mr. G. Paret: Babs, Mr. Mellin; Nurse Wilson, Lady C. Clive; and Drummer Mc. Sawsee, Mdle. A. Martelli.
|
CANTON.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
$21
Canton, 27th December.. PEACE NEGOTIATIONS REPORTED. SETTLED,
It is said in mandarin circles that a telegram has been received by the Acting Viceroy announcing the settlement of peace negotiations. It is not yet made public officially, because the contracting parties are awaiting the return of the Emperor Kwang Hau to Peking to confirm it. The general opinion in Canton is that the longer the negotiations drag their slow length along the more mischief the delay may lead to, not to mention that commerce has already been considerably affected thereby. The disaffected populace might ultimately break out into open rebellion.
A GALLANT FRENCH SAILOR.
On the 21st ult. at 8 a.m., when the 8.8. Hankow was leaving for Hongkong, she steamed current being very strong at that time, ran near the French gunboat Avalanche, and, the
down a sampan with an old man and woman and child in it, who were thrown into the water. A French sailor named Hamon, on board the Avalanche, saw it, and immediately jumped into the water. Ho saved the child, and then the woman, the old man being picked up by another boat that passed by. No matter what has been said against them in other quarters, the officers and marines of the French gun- boats are very popular in Canton. This is the third time that they have saved the lives of not in such cases extend even a helping hand. poor Chinese when the latters' compatriots would
PROMOTIONS FOR CANTON OFFICIALS.
News reached Canton that the present Hoppo is promoted to be a Cabinet Minister, and that the brother of the Tartar General is made a Vice-president of one of the Imperial Depart- ments. When they will go to take up their positions is a question of time; it may be three months, six months, or a year hence.
SANDAKAN NOTES.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Sandakan, 18th December. Mr. E. W. Birch, of Negri Sembilan, has been appointed to the Governorship of British North Borneo and Labuan, in succession to Governor Hugh Clifford, C.M.G., and it is understood that the former will arrive at Labuan next month to take up his new post. All who have known Mr. Birch speak very highly of his enthusiasm, energy, and tremendous capacity for work, and there is but little doubt that uo appointment in succession to Mr. Clifford could have given more genuine pleasure to those who wish to see Borneo advance and prosper. This second Colonial Office appointment has given an amount of confidence to the country's well- wishers that has to be felt to be thoroughly understood.
THE GOVERNORSHIP OF NORTH BORNEO. ·
MANILA.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Manila, 20th December. THE RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEÉRS. On 11th December the War Department at Washington cabled to General McArthur at Manila in reference to the return of the volun- teer troops who have been in the service since July, 1809. It was a cable that has been long expected; in fact the Adjutant-General has been talking about it since before the elections in the beginning of November. As it reduces the present strength of the Philippine forces by about one-half- and everybody knows that the army to-day is barely half large enough to tackle the inzyrrection in such a way as to handle the question successfully and enforce order-it will not be any exaggeration to say that nobody had the slightest idea that the an- nouncements of the Adjutant-General would be carried out until after long delays. Therefore Capt. David Beatty, D.S.O., R.N., who was it was all the greater surprise when a bulletin was posted in the military headquarters on promoted post-captain for his services in North China, is completely disabled as far as his left Tuesday afternoon, saying that in accordance arm is concerned. He was last month in Lon-with instructions received from Washington, den, undergoing medical treatment.
On Thursday Tony Tommy Atkins was ro-
Mr. SLADE, regarding the question of neces- sity, said the house would prove very cou venient for people coming from and going toreated. Happy Valley, who deserved to be catered for.
Mr. SLADE then retired, while the magistrates considered their decision in private, the result of the discussion being that the application was unanimously refused, on the ground that thero was no necessity for another public-house.
the movement of the Volunteers from these