March 1, 1909.]
Fire
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
increased and we have had to meet a consider | ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, KOWLOON. able number of repairs, due in many cases to changing tenants. We have improved the lighting on some of our properties and that item is consequently increased. Insurance amounts to more, our building extends, and management expenses are higher owing to additional remuneration to the agents, to salaries increasing with terms of service, and to sundries incidental to the growth of our
business.
Interest Account is the difference between payments of interest on debentures and overdraft on one side, and receipts from mortgages on the other. It is about Tls. 4.000 less that last year, as the amount of mortgage has been some- what reduced.
Profit and Loss Account you will find credited with Tls. 290,000, the profit on the sale of part of No. 1 Estate, and with Premiums on Debentures sold recently. On the other side is a debit under this heading as earlier last year Debentures generally were in less demand and were sold at a discount. The item of Tls. 2.012.48 is the premium on certain half shares left over from the last issue and sold, the amount received being paid over to the shareholders entitled thereto.
Reserve Fund is increased to Tls. 1,523.045.72 by the transfer authorized at our last Meeting of Tls 653,552.21 being the premium on the new issue of Capital. This Fund has reached such proportions (it is equal to nearly 40 per cent. of our (apital), that we see no reason to make further addition to it at present.
The Reserve Fund for The Equalization of Dividends" will, if you approve our proposal be brought up to the substantial sum of Tls. 300,000, and will be available at any time for the maintenance of our dividends in case of such need.
The Balance Sheet shows the cost of our various properties up to date and I may mention that we have expended during the year about:-
Tls. 36,000 on land.
394,000 on new buildings.
25,000 on raising land.
All of which is satisfactory outlay.
Our mortgages amounting to Tls. 2,579,412.20 are all fully covered. As to the future we are proceeding in all respects very cautiously wait- ing to see how this year will develop, but as far 38 we are concerned we have no cause for the slightest apprehension.
If anyone has any questibus to ask I shall be very pleased to answer them to the best of my ability before proposing the resolution.
There being no questions the following resolutions were put to the meeting and adopted unanimously:
Proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Young: that the report and accounts as presented be accepted and passed.
Proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Wrightson: that the Directors be authorized to pay a final dividend for the year 1908 of 6 per cent. and a bonus of 4 per cent. on the paid-up capital to shareholders on the register at this day.
A notable event in the short history of this church took place last night when the chaplain's house, built and furnished by Sir Paul Chater, architect, in the absence of Sir Paul Chater. At was formally presented by Mr. Bryer, the present the congregation is without a chaplain, the services being meanwhile taken by the local clergy, but in September the Rev. HO. Spink been addressed to residents in Kowloon on will take over the charge. n appeal has just behalf of St. Andrew's Church, in which it is stated that two friends have kindly promised a supply of new hymn books, that an endeavour is being made to provide front desks for the choir stalls at an early date. | and that Sir Paul Chater, in addition to his munifi- cent gift of a generously provided new electric light standards handsome parsonage, has for the approaches to the Church. The Bishop of Victoria also writes a letter to residents in Kowloon, pointing out that the gentlemen who were appointed by the annual meeting of seatholders and subscribers to con- stitute the Vestry for 1909 will gladly do all in their power to provide for the upkeep of the ment of the services," and expressing his con- Church and the orderly and reverent arrange- fidence that they will have the hearty support of English-speaking people in the District.
Proposed by Mr. A. Dallas, seconded by Mr. H. J. Clark: that Mr. C. W. Wrightson be re-elected a director of the company.
Proposed by Mr. L. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Carlsen: that Mr. G. R. Wingrove be re-elected auditor.
|
The Chairman---Gentlemen, that is all the business of the meeting. Dividend warrants will be posted to shareholders.
OUTRAGE IN KOWLOON.
seven
After those in attendance had inspected the dedication service, the blessing of His Lordship building, and Mr. Bryer had concluded the the Bishop, Peace be unto this house," etc; followed.
Another occurrence which might have even- tuated into a case of armed robbery or a deter- mined attack upon life took place at Kowloon on the 22nd inst. A boy named Chan Ko Shan, in the employ of Captain Spink at 5 Lochiel Terrace, Cameron Road, Kowloon reports that about seven o'clock in answer to the ringing of the bell he opened the door and was attacked by two men, one of whom threw pepper in his eyes. The boy called out for assistance, and Mr. Lee, occupier of the next house, came to the rescue and succeeded in arresting one of the assailants, the other escaping. Nothing was stolen but there were found an iron bar, a quantity of pepper, a quantity of wire and a pocket book. The police are making investigations.
16
The Kowloon School, which adjoins the attendance. There an excellent musical pro- building. was then thrown open to those in
gramme was gone through, and light refresh ments were provided.
A POLICEMAN'S DEATH.
At the Magistracy yesterday M. J. H. Kemp, sitting as coroner conducted an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of William Tyrrell, a Naval Yard policeman who was missed from his heat on the 31st January and whose dead body was found floating in the harbour on the 9th inst. The judy was com- posed of Messrs T. Neares, M. Manuk, and J. Manners.
Staff Surgeon Baiss spoke to having examined the body which was very much decomposed. He believed that death was due to drowning.
Sergt. Thomson of the Naval Yard Police stated that
he saw deceased on his beat that night more than once and saw that he was perfectly sober. When deceased did not put in an appearance shortly after midnight, as he should hare done, witness sent an Indian sergeant to look for him. He returned and reported that he could not see the deceased whereupon witness and Sergt. Taylor instituted a search, but, although they kept it up till four o'clock, they could find no trace of him.
By a juryman-Was there any examination made in order to ascertain if there were any loose planks or any dangerous place in his beat-Yes. We examined the wells and other places in the dock but without success.
Sergt. Taylor said he identified the body of the deceased at the Naval Mortuary on the 9th inst.
177
DEATH OF MR. HAVER DROEZE,
We greatly regret to record the death of Mr. F. J. Haver Droeze who for many years was Consul-General for the Netherlands in Hong- for the Netherlands at Peking. kong, and had recently been appointed Minister left Hongkong in ill-health more than a year Mr. Droeze ago, and he died last month at Dordrecht, where he was temporarily residing. It was while he was at Home on leave, we believe, that Mr. Minister at Peking and his many friends in Droeze was offered, and accepted, the post of
take up the appointment. Hongkong will regret that he has not lived to
Lance Sergt. Pitt, of the Hongkong Police stated that about 11.a.m. on the 9th iust. he proceeded to North Point where he saw at Fenwick's Reclamation the dead body of a European floating close to the shore. He was fully dressed in the uniform of the Naval Yard police. The cap however was missing. Witness had the body removed to the Naval Mortuary. In a pocket was found $6.20 and another con tained his note book. He made inquiries and found deceased was not in financial difficulties.
Mr. Droeze was formerly in the Colonial Army. His first appointment as Consul was at Djeddah. He was appointed Consul-General at down to the close of 1908. His work here was Hongkong in 1895 and held the appointment evidently greatly appreciated by his Government for Mr. Droeze was the only Consular official in diplomatic appointment. the service of the country who has been given a
His Worship said deceased might have fallen into the water when chasing sampan people. There was nothing to suggest suicide.
The jury found that deceased met his death by drowning.
A HAT TRICK.
Trying to work another hat trick than that downfall at Yaumati on Feb. 18th. The defen- known to cricketers brought about a native's
dant, accompanied by a friend, entered a draper's shop in Station Street with the object of pur- asked to place a variety of articles on the counter chasing some clothing. The counter hand was for the inspection of the intending purchasers, and after an examination the defendant decided to buy
a panama hat and a number of other small articles. In the hat, however, he had con. cealed three pairs of trousers while the shop- man's back was turned, and he was successful in getting away from the shop unmolested with the stolen property. But very little time elapsed before the counter hand became aware of the theft, and he immediately informed the the stolen trousers in his possession, was charged police. The defendant was arrested later with
before Mr. J. R. Wood at the Magistracy yesterday, found guilty, and sentenced to six weeks imprisonment.
The name of Mr. Lam Tsz Fung has been added to the list of Chinese practitioners. trained in Western medical science, who are authorised to grant death certificates.
THE NEW SHANGHAI CLUB.
The ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Shanghai Club took place on the 16th inst. There was a very large attendance of members and guests, and the weather was at its best for this historic occasion. The corner- stone was placed in position at the North-East corner of the reinforced concrete platform, upon a small staging which was gaily decorated with flags and bunting. A cinenatograph was busy while the spectators were assembl- ing, and also during the actual ceremony, and many cameras were also in evidence. Sir Pelham Warren, whose carriage was escorted by a detachment of mounted police, arrived shortly after noon, and was received by Mr. W. A. C. Platt and Mr. A. M. Marshall; Chairman and Vice-hairman of the Club Committee, Mr. Tarrant, the architect of the new building and the Committee. Mr. Platt, in a speech gave a short history of the old Club House. The foundation stone was laid some time in 1861 and the architect was a Mr. Charles St. George Cleverly, the colonial Surveyor at that time of Hongkong, who received as remuneration for his services no more than $250-a very inadequate remuneration. "We pay our architects better now." Said Mr. Platt, The building was finished in 1864 and the cost, Tis. 85,000, far exceeded what the shareholders had estimated.
Sir Pelham Warren laid the foundation stone
of the new Club House which Mr. Platt said
would be second to none in the Far East.
The stone bore the following inscription: This stone was laid on February 16th 1909 by Sir Pelham Warren, K.C.M.G., in the presence of Messrs. W. A. . Platt, Chairman, A. M. Marshall, Vice-Chairman, R. Carr, A. H, Colli- son, W. D. Graham, Henriót, C. O. Liddell, J. McKie, G. Miller, C. Selby Moore, J. R. Patter- son, F. Rayde, the Committee and the members of the Club. Messrs. Tarrant and Morriss, architects, Shanghai, Messrs. Howarth Erskine, Ld., Contractors, Shanghai. and Captain C.G. Close, Secretary.
11