August 20, 1906. j
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·CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT|
out the plans. It is therefore proposed that Tls. 100,000 be raised in the Province of Chibli and Shangtung for the necessary expenses; that experienced Police Works officials be selected and appointed to proceed to Chefoo to assist in the management of the affairs that the charts prepared and the Regulations proposed by the Consular Body be duly consulted, to the end that mutually satisfactory results may be obtained. Should the funds mentioned be insufficient, then money can be obtained by establishing a system of licenses in the port. We trust that you will present this scheme to the Ministers in Peking for their con-
Mueno steamers. This great convenience is very much appreciated by the travelling public in the summer season. Keen competition on all the lines operated by the company, and adverse condition of trade by exceptionally low rates and constantly increasing loss by exchange on subsidiary coinage, of which a very large portion of our revenne is derived, and trade generally, during the period under review, has been very dull. I will mention one article of export from Canton of which we only carried 5,082 tons against 12,825 tons of corresponding period 1905." The working of the West River service continues to be very unprofitable, especially the Hongkong-sideration." Kong Moon line, and as a consequence your directors recently decided, together with the other joint owners, to withdraw the steamer Tak Hing, thus abandoning this line. Judicious economies have been effected without impairing the efficiency of the service, and we hope by this means to counterbalance to some extent the increasing expenses that burden the com- pany Turning to the balance sheet, I don't think there is any item that calls for special comment; I will merely remark that, as usual, our investments in stocks stand at a figure well within their market value, and that for every loan on mortgage there is a satisfactory margin, Before proposing the adoption of the report and accounts as prevented, I shall be pleased to answer any question bearing upoù same which shareholders may wish to ask.
There being no questions, the CHAIRMAN proposed the adoption of the report and Rocounts.
Mr. DENISON seconded, and the proposition was confirmed.
Mr. Moses moved that the appointment of Mr. A. Babington to the Board of Directors be confirmed, also that Messrs. F. A. Gomez and W. A. C. Cruickshank, retiring members, be re-elected.
Mr. SILVA secunded, and the motion was carried.
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The retiring auditors, Messrs. A. O'D. Gourdin and W. H. Potts, were re-elected on the motion of Mr. HOUGH, secouded by Captain MORRISON.
The CHAIRMAN-That concludes the business of the meeting, gentlemen. Dividend warrants will be ready early to-morrow. Thank you very much for your attendano".
CHEFOO MUNICIPALITY.
CHINA REFUSES HOME RULE,
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A meeting of local residents was held to don- sider the reply, of which they strongly dis- approved. They would have "their own munici pality or nothing." There is quite a fi svour of || diplomacy about the following paragraph from the Chefoo Daily News --
An exceedingly interesting document, and one which would undoubtedly cause legal minds to|| investigate whether or not a demand for a municipality might be based on it, was presented and read by Mr. Lyman. The writer of the same did not disclose his identity. The docu- ment dealt with international negotiations con- gerning Chefoo. and it may prove the trump card in securing for Chefoo a foreign-controlled municipality.
JAPANESE GUNBOAT LAUNCHED AT SHANGHAI.
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The launching and the naming ceremony of the new Japanese river-gunboat Fushimi took place at the Japanese Naval Yard, Pootung, on August 8th. There were in all about one hundred guests, amongst whom were Mr. Eftaki, Consul-General for Japan; Mr. F. Y. Matsuoka, Vice-Consul; Admiral Taketomi, comminding the Japanese South China Squadron the officers of H. M. 8. Alacrity, with the exception of Capt. Leatham, who was engaged in H. M. Supreme ourt; the Commander and officers of the Russiau guoboat Mandjour; the officers and men of the Japanese cruiser Tukuhicho and gunboats Uji and Sumida; Mr. W. A. Carlson, Harbour Master; Dr. Gilbert Reid, President of the American Association; and several prominent resideuts.
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The Fushimi had taken the water the previous evening and was lying just off the shore, looking. rery trim and neat, and gaily decorated Sasrended on the port side of the gunboat was a globe of red and white silk, containing several
From this a silk thread extended to a table on the shore, where stood Admiral Taketomi, surrounded by the officials and guests, with the orews of the Japanese men-of-war forming & rear-guard. At 4 p.m. Admiral Taketomi severed the thread with a chisel, and immediately the silk globe opened into red and white streamers and released the pigeons and the tokens of good luck. Then amidst a chorus of the Japanese National Anthem, played by the band of the flagship Takachiho, the Fushimi glided slowly ahead. It was a very pretty ceremony and perfectly carried out.
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China Squadron, of which he was pleased she was to become á unit. The work of construc-3 tion had been carried out in every way as WAY to be expected of the Kawasaki Dook Co. Before concluding, it gave him very great pleasure to announce the refloating that morning of the bittleship Mikısa, the figship of Admiral Togo, of whose noble and splendid-- almost majestic-career throughout the late war they were all cognisant. Everybody present, not excepting the officers of the Russian nwy, who had so kindly attended. would, be felt sure, welcome the news that the Mikasa was once more afloat. In conclusion, he asked all pre- sent to drink to the future success, and pr sperity of the Kawasaki Dockyard Co. ·
The foreign residents of Chefoo are not per-pigeous and little paper tokens of good luck. mitted to establish, as they desired to ao, a municipal government. Prince Ching's reply to Mr. Rookhill acknowledges receipt of a communication from "Their Excellencies the Baron de Mumm, Sir Ernest Sitow, Mr. Du- bail, and yourself," to the effect that the foreign merchants and residents of Chefoo have long desired to ask the COL sent of China to the establishment there of B sort of Municipal Council to take charge of the repairing and cleaning of the streets, sewers, etc.; this Council, moreover, should be permitted to grant licenses for the establishment of public markets, theatres, dairies, laundries, butcher The company then adjourned to a large ball shops, wine shops, and places to rent boats, in the Dock Company's building, where wipes horses, carts, etc; it should he empowered to and light refreshments were served and speeches institute a police force also, for the maintenance
the order of the day. In proposing of peace; the merchants of Chafoo have there-
to the Fushimi, Mr. Matsukata, fors drawn up a draft of some Rules and Regn-manager of the Kawasaki Dockyard Co., after Intions which they had sent to the Diplomatic extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, quid Body in Peking for their consideration. The that since its inception the Company had Diplomatic Body having delegated Your constructed 173 vessels, but this was the first Excellencies to take the matter up on its occasion on which they had undertaken such a behalf, you sent me a copy of the Rules and large piece of work abroad. It had been a big Regulations for my consideration. expressing undertaking, bat he thought it had been carried the sincere hope that I would, after a fair out most successfully, and everything had gone
thanks to their deliberation on the matter, consent to their most smoothly,
naval being put into operaticu, as this would not only superintending officer. Work on the Fushimi be beneficial as regards the health of the com. would be completed in a few days, and the new munity, but would improve and beautify the gunboat would then become an active portion of port, and make it easier to control the foreigners the great Japanese navy.
who live there.
In reply, Prince Ching says :—
The Customs Taotai and Commissioner of Customs at Chefoo have discussed this matter thoroughly a number of times. They propose to do as was done at Ningpo and Soochow, viz., to let China herself raise the funds and carry
were
success
Admiral Taketomi thanked the management of the Dockyard for inviting him to be present, and said it had given him great pleasure to accept their invitation. Small as the Fushimi was, he felt sure she would ably fu'fl her part of the noble duty on the waters of China in common with the rest of the Japanese South
Mr. Eitaki, Consu'-General, then proposed prosperity to the Imperial Navy. He referred to the increase in the tonn ige of the Navy since the beginning of the late war, and said that although the Fushimi would not materially increase the tonnage, it was none the less an important addition; its partionlar pu pɔ38 being for the protection of Japanese commercial interests on the Yangtze River. In conclusion he called for biozais" for the Imperial Japanese navy,
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In a short speech, D.. Gilbert Raid extended, on behalf of the guests, the heartiest congratu- lations to the Kawasaki Dook Company apon
their work in the construction of the new river gunboat, which he hoped would be the precursor of greater things in the way of the naval con- struction at this yard.
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The Fushimi when completed will be the speediest and most powerful shallow-draught gunboat on the river. Her dimensions are: length between perpendiculars, 160 feat; breadth, 21 f. 6 in."; draft, loaded, 2 ft. 3 in; d splacement, 180 tons; and her designed speed is to be 14 knots.
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A NEW STEAMBOAT SERVICE.
With characteristic enterprise the Toyo Kisen Kaisha is about to inaugurate a steamboat service from the East to South America. The Kasato Maru, which is to make the opening run, is at present in Hongkong, where she leaves in a few days for Japan, whence she will sail to Callao with Chinese and Japaness coolies and some cargo, afterwards proceeding to Valparaiso on what might be called a prospect- ing trip.
The Kasato Maru is a ship with a history, Built in England for Rassian owners under the name of Kazan, she was used as a transport by the Russian Government, but was sunk at Port Arthur to prevent capture. However, she was raised and employed by the Japanese Government as a troopship. Since the war ended, sad the Naval Department having no p:esent use for her, the authorities, following an example already set, handed her over to the Toyo Kisen Kaisha on condition that they kept her in repair and ready for Government requirements.
In inaugurating this service the Company With the are opening up a new traie. exception of some Chinese, who chartered vessels and made the journey when special inducements offered, they are protically the first to try this new route. The possibilities of dev-loping a remunerative trade between Japan and Callao are certainly very real, and the result should be beneficial to others thin the owners.
Depending chiefly on coolie passengers, the Kasato Maru is wall adapted for that s'ass of work. In fact she is too good for it, and doubtless her excellent accommodation will ba utilised for a better class of travellers as occasion offers. Commanded by Captain Filmer, the son of an old servant of the Company, she is in able hands and shɔuld make the most of her capacity.
It is interesting to note that the journey from Yokohama to Callao will occupy about 33 days. The end of next month shoull witness the arrival in Hoogking of the second steamer placed on the run. The Kusuko M eru, another steamer which was transferred from Russian owners during the war, has a speed of over 19 knots, and should prove a valuable agent in the development of commercial relations between Japan and South America.