}
December 23, 1907.)
during a sojourn in Japan, may be of immense future benefit in the relations of the two countries. Hence from the proper point of view this is move than a visit of courtesy.
A GREAT ANNUAL SOCIAL EVENT.
What is known as the Imperial Chrysan- themum Garden Party took place a few days ago, the rendez-vous being the beautiful grounds of the Akasake Pal ce. The adjective" beauti- ful" applied to these gardens is certainly the fittest, for the grounds of the palace are not only grest in extent but beautiful to the eye, where magnificent old trees, covering hill and dale shrubbery, well-kept lawns, lakes, rivulets, and rustic bridges are arranged by the band of man for the improvement of nature. Here, every year, members of the Imperial Family, officials of the Government, the Diplomatic Corps, and prominent Japanese and foreign residents and their ladies are invited to view the chrysa ·- themum, cultivated in all its glory. Sid to say, there are not so many Japanese ladies present at this particular function as could be wished, the explanation being that as they are compelled by etiquette to wear foreign clothes they stay sway in preference to having expensive gowns made which would probably only be worn on this particular occasion. But who can imagine a Japanese woman delightful in any other dress but her own?
EASTERN SHIPPING COMPETITION, The Japanese Ambassador at Rome reports that the Italian Minister of Communications will introduce a Bill for the establishment of a line of steamer plying between Venice and Japan and presumably calling at way ports. More competition for the unfortunate shipping companies! The N. Y. K. has felt he effect of its fight with the N. D. L. between Hongkong and Bangkok, and nothing but a heavily subsidised line will pay in the near future. Traffic seems to be outgrowing trade, but doubtless bottom will be reached b-fore long.
THE RACING MANIA.
|
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
2ND EVENT, LOCAL VISITORS. 100 yards. 303 ammunitions. Target 24 inch; Bull's eye 24 inch. 1st, W. Hill, 20 out of a possible 24. 3RD EVENT, MEMBERS OF THE DETACHMENTS.
50 yards, 303 ammunitions.
Target 12 inob; Bull's aye 11 inch.
1st, Sergt. McKirdy, 15 out of a possible 20, 2nd, Capt. Crosbie, 14,
4TH EVENT, LADIES. Revolver Morris tube.
15 yards, Target 24 inch, Bulls' eye 6 inch. 1st, Miss Hoskins, 18 out of a possible 20 2nd, Mrs. Mitchell, 16.
5TH EVENT, HONGKONG VISITORS, 50 yards, 303 ammunitions. Target 12 inch, Ball's eye 1 inch. 1st. S. M. Higby, 18 out of a possible 20. 2nd, 8. M. Spenser, 18.
PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.
Sergt. Lochead, on behalf of Sergt. MoKirdy and for himself, expressed regret at the absence of C.O. Lieut. W. Murray Scott through indisposition, and at the same time had much pleasure in asking Mrs Grimshaw to distribute the prizes. Hearty votes of thanks were corded to Mrs. Templeton, Mrs. Grimshaw and Muir, Lient, W. Murray Scott, Sergis. Loch-ad and McKirdy, and the Hon. Secretary.
CANTON.
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT,)
re-
401
long time. The foreign Consul concerned has communicated the matter to the Viceroy but so far no steps have been taken by the Chinese Authorities to eject the intruders. His | Excellency Chang in variably leaves all important international affairs in the hands of his subordinate officials to settle, which is a trick on his part to evade responsibility. Owing to the recent rebellion in Kwangui, and the West River patrol affair, in which the latter has caused a great deal of agitation in the two Provinces, Viceroy Chang has declared his inability by telegraphing to one of his colles- gues in Peking to memorialize the Throne on his behalf to permit him to resign his position on the ground that there are too many inter national matters and difficult problems in the two Kwang provinces for him to solve and that a more competent offloil be appointed to take over the position. An Imperial Edict was issued a few days ago ordering Viceroy Chang
to remain where he is.
WATER RETURN.
Level and storage of water in reservoirs on the 1st December :-
Tylam
LEVEL.
1906.
1907.
Below overflow. Below overflow.
1 ft. 3 in. 0 ft. 64 in. 28 ft. 2 in.
Tytam Byewash. 28 ft. 11 in.
Tytam Interme.
diate..
Above overflow.
2 ft. 4 in. Below overflow.
6 ft. 7 in. 2 ft. 6 in. Wongnaicheong 6 ft. 6 in. 2 ft. 6 in.
STORAGE Gallons.
1906. 372,550,000
nil.
Tytam
Tytam Byewash Tytam Interme-
diste Pokfulam
50,550.000 Wongnaicheong. 22,173,000
1907. 330,250,000
Bil.
209,355,000
60,520,000
27,185,000
677,343,000
Total 415,273,000
CONSUMPTION OF WATER IN THE City and HILL DISTRICT DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.
December 16th. Contrary to expectations of the general | Pokfulam............ public, H. E. Chang Yan-Tsun has turned out to be the weakest Viceroy the Throne bas appointed to the two Kwang Provinces of recent years. He was Governor of Kwangtung daring Viceroy Shum's régime until that position was abolished. Chang was only a figure head ductug his tenure of office as Governor on account of Among the most recent developments in his disagreement with Shum in matters connected Japanese exterprise is the sudden and growing with Provincial affairs. The public thought popularity of race meetings, half a dozen of a great deal of him and looked upon him as an which in different parts of the country have able «ffloial and only believed that he had no sprang up within the last twelvemontte. Prior opportunity to display his ability because Shum to this the only interes', taken in horses as seldom consulted him on provincial matters. racers in all Japan was shown at the spring and Since he took over the Viceregal functions antuma mestings of the Nippon Race Club of here the local geutry discovered his weakness Yokohama, a foreign institution which has and incapacity and took adrautige of it to play held meetings regularly for many years past. havoc with all provincial affairs. It is publ el But recently there have been formed duly known that the gentry have defied a cabled registered joint-stock companies which hold Decree from the Central Government out he meetings in the neighbourhood of Tokyo, West River Patrol question. Shortly after Kobe and Osaka and at present enjoy the public agitation took place Admiral the greatest success. No less than four Moore and H. B. M. Consul-Gen-rai of tbese companies have their race- called on the Viceroy and had a long cu courses-in every case well appointed for forenos in which everything was supp med the accommodation of visitors-in the neigh to bave been amicably arranged. In the bourhood of Tokyo, and their meetings are meantime the Self-Government Association and orowded with enthusiastic *portsmen and and the Protection of Chinese Rights Associa- women, who perhaps would not take such keention, both of which have sprung up quit- interest in the proceedings but for the betting which is a new attraction to the gambling in stinot. Ostensibly these new business concerOS are formed to encourage the improvement of the horse, and the Government horse administration bureau supervises the companies to some extent.
recently, were permitted to hold public meetings opposing the Decree from Peking and they sent many telegrams to the Central Governm-at above the Viceroy's head. If Wong and Kong. | the principal agitators, are permitted to continue to convene these meetings where so many anti. foreign speeches have been delivered, it may eventually cause a serious anti-foreign riot. THE TAIKOO VOLUNTEER RANGE | consequence of the meetings the majority of the
The Taikoo Detachment of the H.K.V.C.. now enjoys an extension to its Miniature Rifle Range. This beautiful little Range was opened in 1906 (3) yards) and has now been extended to 100 yards with arrangements to work six targets alongside the Recreation Ground.
The thanks of the Detachment are due to Lieut. W. Murray Scott, C.O., for this new extension which was opened on Saturday after- noon by Mrs. D. Templeton in beautiful weather. A large and interesting programme (arranged by the energetic Secretary of the Shooting Committee, Corpl. Crosbie) was gune through.
Sergts. Loohead and MoKirdy were at home to all members of the Detachment, their wives and friends. All events were well contested and good shooting.the result.
1st EVENT. LADIES SHOOT. 25 yards, Morris tube, ku-eling, 12 entries. 1st, Miss Hoskine, 22 out of a possible 24. 2nd, Miss McNeill, 21.
Ia
1906.
14.9
1907. Consumption ...100,961,000 132,081,000 gallons Estimated popu.
lation
233,700 205,860 Consumption per
head
per day
21.3 gallons Rider mains in operation during the whole of November 1906. Constant supply in all dis- tricts during the whole of November 1907. The return of Consumption is subject to error owing to the difficulty of accurate measurement whilst the extension works at Albany Filter Beds are in progress.
KOWLOON WATER WORKS. LEVEL. 1906.
Kowloon gravitation
Reservoir
1907. Below overflow 29 ft. 5 in.
STORAGE GALLONS.
Kowloon gravitation
Reservoir
1906,
1907,
127,817,000
Note. The supply from the original intakes works was discontinued at the end of 1906, but the gravitation works have not been sufficiently advanced to justify publishing returns of the storage.
CONSUMPTION IN KOWLOON DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.
1906.
1907.
Consumption. 14,095,000 20,881,000 gallons Estimated popu.
82,000
80,500
lation
Consumption per
local press has lately taken up a hostile attitude towards foreigners, Several of the leading papers suppress all news on international mat- ters that shows the foreigners to be in the right as for instance the recent to Nam shooting affray in which case it was proved beyond doubt at the trial that the police were entirely in the wrong and were punished. Not a single paper has published the sentence of the Court. The Chinese Fave repeatedly complained of the uselessness of the police getting no protection from them Recently some Chinese deliberately defied the police authorities and the Chinese officials by engaging over twenty men and women, weat to a foreign house in Sha Kee Tai Kai, drove the foreigners out and took forcible possession of it with all the furniture worth over $1000, right under the nose of the police who refused to help the foreigners to eject the intruders. The matter was imme- The Registrar of Companies gives notice that diately reported to the officer in charge | at the expiration of three months the Star Pire of the nearest police station where Insurance Co. Ld., will, unless onus in shown foreigners were again refused assistanos. to the contrary, be struck off the register and Such an outrage has not been heard of for a
the
head per day 5.7
8.5 gallons The Government Analyst reports that the water is of excellent quality.
Public Works Department.
W. CHATEAN,
Water Authority,
•
the company will be dissolved.