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would now be able to form an idea of the kind, of society intended and of its possibilities.
The Governor invited any lady or gentleman who wished to make any remarks relative to the proposal to do so.
The General Officer Commanding, Major General Villiers Hatton, said he might assume, from the fact that nobody had stool up to speak, that he was expressing the unanimous wish of the meeting in moving that a Horticultural Society should be formed on the lines laid down by Mr. Dann. He did not think he could add much to what Mr. Dunn had said, but there word one or two things which he thought would appeal to the Chinese element. They called their country the Flowery Land." And certainly it was a flowery land, but they had only one street in Hongkong that was fwery.
He thought we might grow many of the flowers ourselves. Most of them, he was told, came at present from Canton. Not only that but we might grow vegetables ourselves. In emphasising the necessity for this he mentioned that one of the Indian regiments stationed here had had more deaths in a few months than the whole garrison had iu three years. The Indians apparently had their own
on the subject of vegetables. At any rate they suffered from dy entery, etc., and many had died, 24 during the last few months. He referred to the Chinese nursery gardeners being able to make a profit out of their plots, and in conclusion said he felt it was necessary for health's sake to have more vegetables grown. He hoped he was expressing the unanimous wish of the meeting that such a society should be formed (app'ause). The Chief Justice said he had very much pleasure in seconding the proposal and did so with the greatest personal pleasure, because for many years he had been associated with horticulture in England and elsewhere. He thought such a society would be useful in creating an exchange between Mauritius, where the conditions were practically the same as here, and Hongkong.
ideas
The resolution was carried with unanimity. The Governor proposed that Sir Francis Piggott ba the first president of the Horticultural Society. (Applause.) He had made a study of gardening and, as in all other matters of which he had made a study, he had become a recognised expert in the
matter (applanse).
Mr. Barton seconded and the proposal was carried.
Dr. Ho Kai proposed a vote of thanks to His Excellency for presiding. and with the Governor's reply the proceedings terminated.
A formal meeting of the society was after- wards held under the presidency of Sir Francis Piggott when the rules were provisionally adopted; and Mr. Dunn was asked to act as
secretary.
HONGKONG VOLUNTEERS.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
and equipment, and it is doubtful if any corps in the world can be said to be provided with more up-to-date equipment
It is interesting to Lote that the new Head- quarters should be ready in June next at the latest and will consist of a large drill hall, a billiard room and reading room for the men besides ap officers' mess, sergeants' mess, offices, &c.
W. A. FITTON & CO.'S
MONTHLY MANILA MARKET REPORT.
Manila, P. I., Nov. 24th, 1905. Gentlemen:-Our last circular, No. 48, was issued 27th ult., since when, we regret to state, there has not been the slightest improvement; our local stook market coutinues neglected and we have little business to report.
Transactions-Sales of Electricistas are re. | ported, and we are given to understand La Concha Button Factory stock has been sold. Our stock market, however, is nearly as dead a one as ever existed.
all
Demand-As mentioned in our last circular, the existing condition of our local money mar- ket (usurions rates of interest) has about killed dealings in legitimat and profitable businesses, and until money becomes easier, we can scarcely expect investors to dabble in stocks which pay only 8 to 12 per cent. per annum. Electricistas at P 35, Ice Co. at P 80, and Tramways (MER & L Co.) at P 125, can be placed.
Meetings The Varadero Co. hold their half yearly meeting this month. The Maritima Board of Directors at their half yearly meeting gave a good account of themselves, and it would appear as though stock of this concern should be higher.
New Companies-Nothing new about the Agricultural Bank, to which we made reference in our last; we assume the idea will fizzle out, much as the Bank is needed. The new Telephone Co. has been floated but we have no details baudy.
General-Surely something will be done, and in the near future, to alleviate the existing state of affairs (and particularly as regards banking facilities) which is unprecedented. We were pleased to see such prompt measures were taken by the government as regards exportation of our local currency: there is altogether too little money here (anyhow, altogether too much money locked up), and it would have been the "last straw had exportation of the pesos commenced; it would have proved a profitable business given the present price of silver in London. If our word carries any weight we would like to impress upon the authorities the necessity of carrying out our suggestions as to the crying need of common or garden Banking facilities, and to unrestricted immigration of Chinese coolies or, failing these, Japanese who are skilled agriculturalists. The local Banks cannot be blamed for their conservative action,
confidence. We are pleased to learn rice and sugar crops promise well, and from what we can gather, importations of former should be some 40 per cent under those of current year.—Yours faithfully
W. A. FITTON & Co.
H. E. The General Officer Commanding has made the following comments on the Com-given existing condition of affairs; they lack mandant's report on the annual camp of 1905.
C
This is a satisfactory report, for it shows progress all round and the attainment of greater proficiency. The good attendance is the out- ward and visible sign of the determination of all ranks to improve themselves."
The Commandant's report further stated that the actual average daily attendance in camp was better than in any previous year in spite of the fact that the period extended over 16 days instead of 10. The Commandant also reported that the discipline was excellent, and that there was a marked improvement in the drill. The gun drills were carried out with far greater rapidity, and the Engineer Company carried out their duties in a very efficient manner, in addition to their very useful work in lighting the camp. The Officers of the Corps gave an excellent example to the men and their average attendance daily was 12 out of 13. It is hoped that this same average will be arrived at by all ranks at future camps.
In appealing for recruits Major Prítobard points out that H.E. the General Officer Com- manding has expressed himself satisfied wth the progress that has been made that the Corps is now provided_with up-to-date field guns and maxim guns and has the very latest army ride
|
NAVAL NEWS.
H.M.S. Crecy and Bacchante (cruisers) will replace the Diadem and Andromeda shortly on the China Station. These ships are of more powerful armament, carrying 9.2 guns, than the cruisers to be replaced.
The Bramble and Britomart, first class gun boats of 710 tons I. H. P. 900 N. D. (F. D.. 1300) will be commissioned in March next in all probability. The use of destroyers for gunboat work is not very satisfactory. Hence the commissioning of these two reserve ships.
In qaral circles little credence is given to the rumoured intention of placing the Duke of Edinburgh, Dougal and Natal on this stat on We are informed on excellent authority that these fine ships are most unlikely to be trans- ferred to the China station.
[Deesimber 11, 1906
A SINOLOGUE'S WILL.
EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF MISSIONARY WEALTH.
A most extraordinary cross-examination was made at the Shanghai Supreme Court on Nov. 28, when the will of the late Dr. Joseph Edkins was submitted for probats “ in solemn form.”
Mr. J. H. Teesdale appeared for the executora and Mr. H. P. Wilkinson, with whom was Mr. H. Browett, appeared to oppore on behalf of the lawful widow of the deceased.
Mr. Wilkinson said the onus was upon the executors named in the will propounded to prove the testamentary capacity of the testator." The widow herself would not allege incapacity, but counsel would cross-examine on it himself.
of I. M. Customs, said he had known the late J. H. Macoun. Acting Deputy Commissionar
Dr. Edkins since about 1893. In 1896 he and Mr. Björnson signed a paper for Dr. Edkins, after watching him sign it." Dr. Edkins told them it produced was the paper they signed. was not nec-ssary for them to read it. The will
Cross-examined-Dr. Edkins was employed by the I. M. Customs as a translator. He wrote, made investigations with regard to the opiam traffic, and Chinese coinage, and also translated a lot of Sanscrit. He also translated a lot of various works, etc.
Mr. Wilkinson :-What conclusion did Dr. Edkins arrive at about opinm in China?— Witness: I don't know.
Did you ever read any of his works P--Yes, I have.
respect, that he was a pensioner of Sir Robert Would I be correct in saying with all due
Hart? No. He did good work on account of his knowledge of Chinese.
Did he ever discuss with you the Lost Trihes of Israel -No.
Are you aware that he held the view that there were words in all languages that had a Chinese source ?-He held the view that words in other languages bad connections.
Dr. Edkins was married three times ?—I do not know much of that,
You were not in Pexing when he married my client?-No.
Were you ever at their house ?—Yes. Have you ever discussed money matters with Dr. Edkins? - Very seldom.
What was the discusion of money matters with Dr. Edkins P-I do not remember any particular occasion.
What was it?-Nothing of any importance. 1 should like to have any conversation of Dr. Edkins on money matters.-I do not remember any occasion that impressed itself on my mind.
Am not I right in describing Dr. Edkins, as regards any matter of business, as a simple- minded old man? Think before you answer. In a matter of, say, 810, wouldn't you find him so-No, I don't think I could call him “ a simple-minded old man.' He showed a good deal of commonsense in money matters.
Did he ever discuss with you how much be was worth? - No.
事事
Did he ever discuss with you such a mat- ter P-No.
Did you know how much he was worth?
No.
In November 1896 was Dr. Edkins quite well?—Yes.
Did you know how well he was off then ?...... No.
Did you know how much pay he was getting from the Customs? (Question pressed by counsel)-I think at that time about Tls 400 a month.
He was given double after that, was he not P He was given an increase.
It was double practically?—I was away. Between 1896 and the time of his death the
Is that true?-Yes. Customs people practically doubled his salary.
If he was getting Ths. 400 then he was get- ting double when you came back? Not doable.
It was an increase.
When you were there, at Dr. Edkins's, did you meet Mrs Edkins ?—Yes.
I suppose they were on reasonable and affec- tionate terms?-Quite friendly.
He was a great many years older than she was ?-Yie.
<
And you never heard of any quarrel ?— Certainly not.