: - August 22, 1908.]
and visitors have sweltered under the broiling sun in the lengthy intervals between the destruction of the mat roof and its reconstruc- tion, bat apparently the voice of complaint has been listened to at last and the iron shed which should have been built at first will henceforth interpose between the fierce rays of the sun and the many people who have to wait on the pier prior to enshipment, that is, if the structure be strong enough to withstand every typhoon that blows in this direction.
When are we going to get an up to date firefloat, one that will be of service on the water and get to the place in time to be of service? The present one is certainly entitled to be treated with the respect due to age, but people will wax sarcastic over its performances,
and one man was heard to declare that a week's provisions ought to be taken on board before it was despatched any great distance in the harbour. Sarcasm may prick where statement fails and it may be that ways and means will be found to procure something more modern before any great disaster occurs on the water.
Excursionists to Macao had rather a bad time last Sunday. The steamer stuck on the mud at the entrance to the harbour and remained there for about five hours. It was tantalising to be so near and yet so far, and language was used on that occasion which would do credit to the dragoons who are reputed to be adepta in the art of concise and forcible expression. The fantan houses how ever came to the rescue of their patrons and sent out launches to bring them ashore but those who could not describe themselves as fantan players had to be content with their position on board. Prices for refreshments| ruled high in consequence and one of the unfortunate declared he had to pay a dollar for
■ banana and a tooth pick. Probably this is exaggerated, but it is no joke to go to Macao and not get there. N.B.-This is a bull.
Among the sins of commission and omission laid to the charge of the Hongkong Govern:
|
ment the latest is the resolution which decided that the valuation of the Colony for the year 1907-8 shou'd be adopted as the valuation for 1908 9. The reason for this is not very appar. ent. No explanations have been offered for taking this course in preference to the usual assessment, and its effect will be to lessen the value of the published list. Any one with s knowledge of the conditions obtaining in the Colony during the last year or two does not need to be told that prosperity has not attended us. Business has declined, numerous merchants bave had to close their doors, and the consequent effect has been felt by the population. Property is not so fully occupied as before. There are more empty houses standing on both sides of the harbour than have been seen for many a day, yet the valuation of the Colony is increased by something like $10,000 according to the latest assessment. I am afraid that the advance is more apparent than real, and when we come to
raise money for necessities it will be found that our position is not so good as it was hoped.
That was an admirable suggestion made by a correspondent in the Daily Press a few days ago for the formation of an organisation which would provide faclities for rescue work on the barbour front during typhoon or ther storms, and I hope the suggestion will not be allowed
to pass without efforts being made to follow it with something more definite. Many years up ago a similar organisation existed in the Colony. It was known as the Hongkong Humane Society and had three stations, east, central, and west, the east at Hongkong Pier and Go- down, the central at Daddell Street, and the west at the Sailors Home. Looking up
Chronicle and Directory" for 1878, I noticed the names of the Committee and officials but none of them are known to the present generation. One of the promoters was, Ι believe, Mr. J. Emmanuel, at that time repor- ter on the Daily Press.
sure, would
Nobody in Hongkong I am like to be regarded as wanting in loyalty or respect for the King, but incidents do sometimes -though happily very rarely-occur in Hong kong which show a deplorable forgetfulness of
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT,
the respect which is due to His Majesty's representative in the Colony I am told that H. E. the Governor, who who is now in residence at Mountain Lodge, was awaiting the | arrival of the car at the lower tram station after the polo match, but when it came in there the usual eager rush for seats which occurs between seven and eight o'clook at this season of the year-and His Excellency was left standing on the platform to await the arrival of the next! It is a pity that someone in authority was not at the station to teach the occupants of the front seat a lesson which was obviously much needed,
WES
We are now in the dog days, and not having the sea serpent or the big gooseberry to discuss like the privileged people at home we take up one or other of the recurring themes peculiar to Hongkong and once more exercise our intellects over it. Some folks might be sarcastic and re- mark that we don't possess any intellect, but as the Scotch say "we'll let that flee stick to the wall." At present it looks as if the subsidiary coinage stood a good chance of being revived. It has been referred to at one company meeting already and will very likely be mentioned at others. But what good joan be done ? The subject has already been seriously discussed by men who have the best of reasons for trying to find solution but yet we are no forrarder. Who shall de- liver us? It looks as if, like the poor, it will always be with us. We may talk about it for a little. Then we get tired of hearing so many speeches and reading so many columns about the wretched thing that we drop it and go and play golf or tennis or do something where we can knook something. After all there is a great deal of satisfaction in hiṭting a ball.
RODERICK RANDOM
THE CULTIVATION OF NATIVE OPIUM.
outport correspondence in the N. C. Daily New
The following extracts which are taken from form interesting contributions to the discussion of the opium question:-
New Vioeroy, Chao Erh-sen, took over the seals From CHENGTU (Ssechuen) Jaly 15-The
on June 16. Though no definite action has been outlined, there is throughout the Chengtu plains a feeling that the opium question will have a prominent place in the new administra tion. The opium bulb north and west of Chengtu, though not less in area, yielded forty to fifty per cent. less than last year, but as the prices have advanced at the same rate the loss The rising prices, however, may be more effec- to growers has not been as great as expected. tive in its prohibition than the numerous pro clamations that have turned out so far to be this part of Szechuan promise an unusual erop. largely empty words. Both plains and bills in Thus, though the tael exchanges for 200 to 300 remain about the same. more cash than formerly, prices of fool stuff
TSSUCHOW (Kansu) July 15-The year opened in expectation on the part of the Chinese as to what was going to be done by the officials in the way of regulating the opium trade. A proclamation soon made its appearance, stating that the tax on the land, at a slight advance on would be collected (it was remitted in 1907). This did not stop the sowing of seed, perhaps a little leas in some parts and decidedly
former yeare,
more in other districts.
In the early months of the year there was promise of a splendid gathering of the drug, but continual dry weather in the fourth and fifth months stopped the growth of the plant and this resulted in a very small ingathering. In spite of this, the price rules very low, only some fifteen cents an ounce for the raw drug. The low price is accounted for by the non-appearance of the buyers who
naed to flook into
the province from the neighbouring provinces, whilst the Hankow merchants, who bring up opium. Now the opium seems to be consumed foreign cloth, etc., used to go back laden with for the most part locally, as there is no outlet. There is no hindroos to the smoking of the drug and rich and poor go on as of yore.
An official was appointed in 1907 to a new office, (wholesale) ander his eye. He is assisted by a few Tu-yoh-chu, and all opium was ordered to be sold police and frequently illicit dealers are arrested,
SUPREME COURT,
Monday, August 17th.
IN BANKRUPICE JURIS DICTION.
BEFORE THE Căiny Justice (812 F. PIGGOTT).
135
AN INTERESTING APPLICATION, Mr. R. F. C. Master of Mesars. Johnson, Stokes and Master, representing the trustee in the bankruptey of A. H. Rennie dee ased, applied for directions with regard to the payment of certain data incurred before the es ́ate was actually in bankruptcy. The applion- tion was to pay certain costs incurred by Mrs. A. H. Bennie to Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Master before the estate actually went into There was an affidavit filed bankruptcy. by the trustee setting forth the desired by his Lordship.
facts
Certain setions commenced
Mr. immediately after Rennie's death and costs were incurred in
were
order to protect the estate.
The Chief Justice-Can you give any authority F
Mr. Mastér-The application parta kes of the Your nature of an application for directions. Lordship has power to give directions to s trustee under the Bankruptcy Ordinanos.
The Chief Justice—I don't see why you call it directions.
Mr. Master-It is directions that we may pay costs. There is no committee of inspection, and where there is no such committee the trustee can apply to the court to obtain the consent which the committes bould give.
The Chief Justice-Can you mention similar case ?
Mr. Master-I don't know a similar case. It is an extraordinary case. Undoubtedly your trustee to make certain payments. Lordship has power to give directions to a
The Chief Justice-The actions were brought against Mrs. Ronnie as executrix?
tered Bank got any priority.
Mr. Master-Yes. No one but the Char-
The Chief Justice-It seems to me an im.
portant principle is involved, though I can sse it seems to be right.
Mr. Master-The costs had to be incurred priority. The actions had to be defended. otherwise certain persons might have got
The Chief Justice- I think I had better have a formal àeport from the trustee.
RECEIVING ODER RESCINDED.
Mr. M. J. D. Stephens applied to have the receiving order, re L. C. Logan rescinded. Since his previous application a few weeks ago there was now sufficient money in the hands of the Official Trustee to meet the claims of those who did not consent to withdraw, so the bank. ruptcy was really at an end.
His Lordship granted the application.
ALLIGED FRAUDULENT PREFERENCE.
Re Li King Shek a motion was presented that the transfer by Li King Shek the property of the Kwong Yik Wo firm, of 14,000 bags of four in favour of Chai Wai Chi was a fra idu. lent preference as against the other creditors of a bonafide purchaser of the bigs of flour from the deb'or, and further that Chai Keo was not Chai Wai Chi,
Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., instructed by Mr. Holborrow of Messrs Deacon, Looker and Wakeman, Official Receiver, in support of the Deacon appeared on behalf of Mr. G. H. motion, which was opposed by "Mr. Blade, instructed by Mr. Beavis of Messrs. Wilkinson
and Grist.
Mr. Pollock having read the motion.
Mr. Blade said the motion against Chai Koo valid until it was set aside. ought to be dismissed. The transaction was
The Chief Justice remarked that the motion ought to be wiɛhdrawn against both parties.
Mr. Pollock submitted that the mɔtion wa
not premature. There were serious objections to putting the parties through a preliminary examination, and he argued that the motion whe in orfer.
Evidence adjourned.
was called, and the hearing