July 27, 1908.]
A SUGGESTION.
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE "DAILY PRESS.'
Hongkong, 21st July. SIE, The home and American papers have lately been full of the dangers incidental to spitting in public conveyances and throughfares, and many are the schemes that are brewing to check this filthy habit. Might I, sir, suggest through the median of your valuable columus that a fine of $1 be imposed in this spit-ridden Colony on all persons guilty of an infringement of, let us say. Sub, Seo! of Bec. II of the Ex- pectoration Ordinance? The revenue of the Colony would be increased by $200,000 per diem; all insanitary properties could be bought in by Government; roads increased to 100 feet in width; offers could be made to purchase the Naval Yard so tempting that even the naval authorities could hardly refuse; and last, but not least, our overworked and brainy Govern- ment officials could once again increase their own salaries.—Yours, etc,
TO THE EDITOR OF THE E
PHLEGM.
DAILY PRESS.
"
Hongkong. 22nd July. SIR,—It was with infinite alarm that I read Phlegm's letter in this morning's Press, Rumours have been ripe of late that some mis- guided individuals have had the hardihood to express their disapprobation of our indulgence in our quaint pastime of elbowing people-more es pecially ladies-from the footpaths of Queen's Road? It is even said that we of our craft may at some period be compelled to be as civil to our employers as are our colleagues in Shanghai, though, of course, that will not be in our time. Now, horribile dictu, your correspondent has the audacity to suggest the alienation of our rights as citizens of Hongkong (or somewhere else) by suggesting an ordinance against spitting wherever we please.
In common with many of my friends I have been supine until this last contemplated injustice, but trust that others will make themselves heard with no uncertain voice in regard to this manifest curtailment of our common privileges.-1 oars, etc.,
J
COOLIE.
A QUESTION OF TITLE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY PRESS,"
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Hongkorg, 24th July. SIR,-I notice that in the report of the one of your evening contemporaries which gave a description last night of the ceremony at the Alice Maternity Hospital yesterday, the name occurs on the list on parchment buried beneath the foundation-stone of the "Hon." E. R. Belilios, whereas in your account the title does not occur. I am curious to know the reason for this discrepancy. Is there any question of the title of Hon." for ex-members of the Legis- lative Council enduring for life ?—Yours, etc.,
ANON.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT. Shuntak magistrate did not come to this office under the circumstances mentioned. Yours, etc.,
[The official copy of the parchment list given to as showed the prefix Hon." to Mr. E. R. Belilios's name, but thinking this merely an error we omitted it. It appears, however, that it did actually occur on the list which is to go down to posterity. We do not know who is responsible for the stupid blunder, which will doubtless cause more pain and annoyance to Mr. Belilics himself than to anyone. Of course temporary members of the Legislative Council in the past do not bear the title "Honourable" for life, and we are certain that the Government does not sanotion continued use of such titles. We are surprised to find the mistake perpetuated at a ceremony like that of. Thursday ED. D.P.|||||||
E. EDWARDS, Gen. Agent for Canton and District,
New York Life Insurance Co.
CANTON LAND CO., LD.
ANNUAL MEETING.
holders in the above Company was held at
The fifth ordinary annul meeting of share the offices of the general managers, Messrs. Shewan, Tomes & Co., on The Hon. R. Shewan (chairman) presided, and the 19th inst. the others present were Messrs. A. Babington. A. G. Gordon, T. H: Reid, Fung Wa Chup, and N, H. Ratherford (secretary).
CANTON KIDNAPPING CASE.
TO THE-EDITOR OF TEB "DAILY PRESS."
Cantor, 22nd July. SIBI shall be much obliged if you will, through the medium of your paper, correct the widespread idea that the undersigned was responsible for the report of this case which appeared in your columns last week. The account was not in any way authorised by me, nor are the facts of the matter accurately described, and I would further say that the
The notice calling the meeting having been read,
and accounts having been in your hands for The CHAIRMAN said-Gentlemen, the report some days will now with your permission be taken as read. The total rent earned during the year was $4,609.59 as against $4,315.70 for the previous year, but of this $2,268.80 has not Kaifong in seizing our wharf and dispossessing been collected owing to the action of the the tenant. This matter has been placed in the hands of the British Consul and a claim will be made in due course for the loss we shall have suffered. The question of the registration of our title-deeds and of the reclamation is still pending but thanks to the energy of the Consul-General, Mr. Scott, there seems being come to with the Chinese authorities some hope of a final settlement of these matters before very long. In the meantime we can but rest satisfied in the assurance that our interests could not be in better hands than those of Mr. Scott. That is all I have to say, but before moving the adoption of the report and accounts I shall be pleased to answer any questions that share- holders may wish to ask.
DOW
of the CHAIRMAN, Seconded by Mr. BABINGTON, There were no questions, and on the motion
adopted and passed. the report and accounts as presented were
The next item of business was the election of directors, and on the motion of Mr. GORDON, seconded by Mr. BABINGTON, the retiring members of the board were re-elected.
The reappointment also of the auditors for another year brought the meeting to a close.
S. C. FARNHAM, BOYD & CO., LD.
ANNUAL MEETING.
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with your approval we propose to appropriate as follows:-Pay a final dividend of Tls. 8 per share, Tls, 441,600; add to reserve fund Tls. 100,000; and 43,124.22. With regard to the proposal re
carry to new account Tha
reduction of capital discussed at the last meeting, your directors decided that, as the feeling of the shareholders seemed to be against the scheme, they would take no further action in the matter for the present With regard retired and we wish to record here the valuable to the directorate, Mr. James Johnston has services he rendered to the Company. Mr. but being eligible offers himself for reelection. Twentyman is on leave. Mr. Cranston retires, The auditors, Messrs. Scott and Thorburn, retire, but offer themselves for re-election. I shall be pleased to answer any questions.
in S. C. Farnham, Boyd & Co., Ld., was held The third annual meeting of the shareholders at 14, Broadway, Shanghai, on the 18th inst., There were present Mr. John Prentice (in the chair), Messrs. H. von, Rucker, J. Groundwater and D. Cranston (Directors), W. A. C. Platt (Legal Adviser, Jas. H. Osborne (Secretary), A. L. Anderson, W. H. Anderson, W. E. Bryant, W. B. Buyers, D. T. Black, H. J. Clark, E. W. Clements, A Diercking, John Graham, A. J. Hayes, W. S. Jackson, H. E. McCann, J. R. Michael, R. Moorhead, J. G. Perry, C. H. Purcell, H. Robertson. Dr. | Mackenzie, T. Pemberton, C. E. Pearson, M. S. Robinson, H. K. Struve, Stockwell, W. Thom- son, J. D. Thorburn, Thos. Weir, Marcus Wolff, John Wright, and R. Weil, represent ing a total of 11,456 shares.
having been in your hands for some days, with The CHAIRMAN-The report and accounts
During the year we have been kept fairly well your permission I will take them as read.
910,973.92 transferred from working account employed and we consider the amount of Taels is satisfactory, as compared with last year when the amount, after deducing Tls. 862,500 -the profit made on the issue of 6,900 shares-was Tls. 834,936.56, thus showing an increase in earnings on working account of Tls. 75,037.36 or about 9 per cent.; and this we hope will go on improving. So far as this year and the prospects are good. has gone, business has been very satisfactory our works, docks, machinery, etc., in good We have kept all condition and repair out of earnings and have not written anything off these. The amount remaining for distribution now (out of the Tis. 971,124.22 at the credit of the profit and loss account, after deducting the interim dividend paid in December) is Tls, 584,724.22 and this
Mr. A. L. ANDERSON asked what portion of the Tls. 674,733.26, set down as the value of
sented the value of the steamer af ünchen. "Sundry assets" in the balance sheet, repre-
The CHAIRMAN thought it inexpedient to answer this question, as the directors were considering an offer of purchase for the vessel. He would only give the figul if the meeting showed an express desire for them.
This expression was not forthcoming. seriatim.
The following resolutions were put and carried
Mr. H. von
Proposed by the CHAIRMAN, seconded by RUCKER-" That the report and accounts of the Company made up to the 30th of April last, as printed and circulated, be adopted and approved and that the directors Taels Eight (Tls. 8) per share to the share- be authorised to pay a dividend at the rate of holders on the register at this date."
Proposed by Mr. THOS WEIB, seconded by Mr. W. A. C. PLATT-"That Mr. David Cranston, be re-elected a director of the Company."
Proposed by Mr. J. M. YOUNG, seconded by Mr. F. PEMBERTON—“ That Messrs. Geo. D. of the Company for the present year." Scott and J. D. Thorburn be re-elected Auditor:
Mr. A. L. ANDERSON suggested that after so prosperous a y. ar the directors should con- sider the propriety of according a small bonus. to the staff.
The CHAIRMAN said the dircolors had already done what they considered proper in that respect.
The meeting then ended.
HONGKONG, CANTON AND MACAO STEAM-BOAT CO, LD.
directors to the ordinary half-yearly meeting The following is the report of the board of of shareholders to be held at the office of the Company, on the 4th August, at 12 o'clock noon :--
holders the report and statement of accounts The directors beg to submit to the share- for the half-year ending 30th June last.
premia of insurance, repairs, and all other After paying running expenses, salaries, out-goings, there remains, including $50,704.14 $161,991.70 at credit of profit and loss account. brought forward from last account, the sum of From this amount the directors recommend that a dividend for the half-year of 10 per cent on capital or $120,000.00 be paid to shareholders, that $16,438.74 be written off book value of carried forward to new account. steamers, leaving a balance of $25,552.96 to be
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keen opposition on the Hongkong-Macao line, Increased running expenses, combined with
earnings during the past half-year. account for the falling off in the steamers", "net
and the steamers have been maintained in their The customary repairs have been effected, usual state of efficiency. The new steamer Kinshan successfully ran her trial-trip on the 6th April and started running on the Hongkong- Canton line on the 15th April. A daily triple service between this and Canton was inau- gurated on Monday, the 11th May. A new contrasted for with the Hongkong and Whampos steamer for the West River service has been Dock Company, Limited, whilst the steamer Kwong Hing, recently completed by M Kwong Hip Loong, has also been acquired by the Joint Companies, and after undergoing certain alterations, is shortly to start running on the West River.