INTIMATION
A. S. WATSON & CO.
LIMITED.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH, 1909.
H. E. the Governor proceeds to Canton to call made upon him recently by H. E. Yuan night for the purpose of returning the official TELEGRAMS. shi-fan, the Vicemy of the Two Kwangs.
H. E. the Govenor entertained Rear Admir. al Harbor and the Offeërs of the U. 8. Squad, ron at dinner on Saturday evening at sígan- talu Lodge. The Squadron proceeds to Milulis to-day.
AIR CONCERT.
Acts of Parliament, of course, come into operation in this manner; they generally specifically state on what date they will come into force, as is the case, for instance, inthermended Stamp Ordinance, which was recently passed, but the Government cannot be expected-would not in fact be justified in the pablic interest in delaying the operation of spoli a measure as this liquor || HONGKONG CRICKET CLUB OPEN- tax a day after it has passed through the Legislative Council. It does not seem to us that "the trade or the general public can have any legiate grievance against the Government that account, and WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS. though it may be that the community ia surprised by the addenness with which the new Ordinance is brought into we think they will upon operation, reflection agree that the Government would have deserved the almagest censure had it
ESTABLISHED A.D. 1841,
CLARET.
ST. ESTEPHE
ST. JULIEN
Por Case Per Case
$ 8.00 $ 9.00
10.00
11.00
13.00 14.00
24.00
LA ROSE
CHATEAU HOUTBRION
LARRIVET
19.00 20.00
CHATEAU MOUTON
D'AEMAILHACQ 23.00
CHATEAU PONTET
CANET
CHATEAU LA TOUR
CARNET
25.00
1 doz. Qts. 2 doz. Pts. failed to do this, and an allowed large imports of wines and spirits to come in free of duty to be sold to consumers at the higher prices which merchants have already announced. No doubt the operation of the Ordinance at the outset will be attended with many serious difficulties, a few of which are indicated in the letter from Mr. CHARLES GARNER which we publish to-day. It is evident that the Ordinance could have been greatly improved had the Government been able to allow further time for the consideration of such a measure; but we must all recognise that when ones the placiple of an import tax was approved by the Council it would have been manifestly detrimental to the interest of the taxpayers as a whole to prolong the discussion over the details. It is to be gathered from the reports of the proceedings in Council that the Government do not regard the details of the measure as un. alterable, like the laws of the Medes and
30.00
CHATEAU RAUZAN 44.00
50.00 CHATEAU LAFITE
The above Clarets, imported from the wel known firm of CHAS RANCOURT ET FILS, are of exceptional value, and guaranized to be the genuine product of the Juice of the Grape.
We should think the attendatice" on the
Cricket Ground on Saturday night must have been a moord one for a concert in Hongkong. The theatre would probably not have socom. modated more than half the number. Owing to the proximity of a typhoon the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive and only relieved by vory itful breezes, but the night was fairly the concert proved a great clear, and success in every way. The Club pavilion, which the large sadience faced, had been gaily adorned with banting, greenery, fastoons of Chinese lanterns and galeared electric lights, and formed a very pretty platform for the performers.
[Protected by the Telegraphis Message
Copyright Ordinance 1894]·
("DAILY PEER” MIOLUSIVE SERVICE.")
A JAPANESE DIPLOMATIC
APPOINTMENT.
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE LIQUOR TAX.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HONGKONG DAILY PRESS”).
·Hongkong, September 18th, SI," The Ordinanes to provide for the collection of duties upon Intoxicating Liquors" resolved the assent of His Froollenoy the Governor late in the evening of yesterday. and I have received the personal assurance of the Colonial Secretary that from that moment it was operative.
an
Is it known that spirits of wine rectified spirits of the strength of not less than 43 degrees above proof? A little, water and burat sugar to this and you have the ingredients of China-mado Brandy, which gives the wily compounder a clear $1.20 per case profit on daty alone, apart from his profit on the reducing part of his manufacture.
Part 3, Chanso 22, is going to be troublesome; there will be more leakage out of the warehouse than in.
Part 4, Clanse 23. When your legislators doal with the distillery details they come to the fine art of Revenue work!
Part 2, Clause 12. Marked by stencil or otherwise." If not by stencil how else than otherwise? Yot there was a five minutes' argument on the point!
Toxro, September 19th. It is authoritatively announced that
If this is ac, the reported seizures of native Baron Uchida, now Minister at Vien.wins made in the early hours of this morning, na, will succeed Baron Takahira at are possibly in order, but as the Government Washington.
Gamite was positively unobtainable un 3 Part 6. Clause 29 Do you think any officer will p.m to-day, and as by means of the Gase its ever be able to explain the difference in the only wore the public told what the law now is, sub-sections (a) and (b) P I maintain that any obstructive measures takon by the, authorities before this date and time wers illegal.
FOREIGNERS IN JAPAN AND LAND-OWNERSHIP.
TOKYO, September 19th, The Government is introducing
The concert was opened by the Band of The into the Diet next session a
measure
dealing with the ownership of land by foreigners.
THE SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATIONS.
Butts, with an excellent rendering of Rossini's "William Tell," the second item of the pro- gramme being a bass solo by Mr. W. S. Hone, who sang "Thy Seatined am I." Mr. Hone is a recent arrival in the Colony, and this, we believe, was his first appearance on a local concert- platform. He has very fine voice and the song was given in excellent style. An ancora was demanded, and Mr. Hone obliged with an equally excellent rendering of "A Warrior Bold." Miss Gaelic Potts fallowed with a violin solo (Professor Gonzales accompanying), left. Yokohama for San Francisco, for the piece chosen being a "Sorennds." The the celebrations that are being held violin is az instrument not heard to the best in connection with the rebuilding of advantage at an open-air concert, but the exe- ention was good, and the audience insisted on
the city. Mrs. Belilios, an old favourite, who
on ancere.
was next on the programme, sang "Ave Maria" with and accompaniment. It was a much appreciated item in the programme. Mrs. Belilies was in capital voice, and the socompat meat of the Band was beautifully impressive. In response to the demands of the audience,
Clarets from the Celebrated Chateaux abore Persians, and we think the public may part of the solo was repeated. Then omme Mr.
mentioned are too well known to con. noisseurs to need further comment, and we can confidently recommend them as mature and in fine condition.
rely with confidence on the Government to make, when good cause is shown, whatever alteration is advisible to rectify injustice and. to more efficiently protect the revenus if that be possible.
The September Criminal Sessions open at A. S. WATSON & CO.. the Bapreme Court this morning. The calendar
LIMITED,
ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS,
AND KOWLOON DISPENSARY.
Hongkong, 8th September, 1909.
(29
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MARRIAGE.
contains seven cases.
It is notified in the Gazette that Rongkong trademarks are now decorded protection in Iceland under a Doulsh Royal Decree dated, June 3rd. 1909.
The current Gazette publishes a revised scale of fees for patients the Government Civil Hospital, the Victoria Hospital, the Lunatic Asylum and the Kennedy Town Hospital.
The
His Excellency the Governor has given his shot, in the same autoa behalf of His Majesty the King, to the following Ordinance passed by the Legislative Connel-Ordinance No. 27 of 1909. Az Ordinance to provide for the collec
WG Worcester, always welcome, with a couple of humorous songs which the audience. much enjoyed, and the Band brought the first part of the programme to a close with a gélection from German's "Merrie England.” ¿After an interval of ten minutes the Band
TOKYO, September 19th. The British cruiser "Bedford" has
The Japanese cruiser “Idzumo leaves to-morrow.
[REUTER'S BERVICE TO THE "HONGKONG DAILY PERSB."}
ANOTHER AERIAL RECORD,
LONDON, September 18th.
ナル
A Reuter wire from Berlin states that Mr. Orville Wright has created a
8ave as the overture to the second part of the pro-world's record flight with a passenger
ramme Tschaikowski's 1812, which relates extending to 96 minutes.
„to the wige of Misoow. Bandmaster Hewett is to be highly complimented on the Band's per formance of this place, with its illustrative muskotry firing and Anally the joyous pealing of the church bells in celebration of victory. The audience followed the music attentively and evidently greatly enjoyed it; Humorous
duetts by Meace. Carroll and Worcester followed, the topical allusions they con- tained being aspecially amusing. the best appreciated items in the pro-
One of
AN ENORMOUS. FAILURE.
LONDON, September 18th. The Littlerock Arkansas Buch Company, one of the largest grain businesses in America, has failed. The annual turnover of the company
was four to seven million dollars.
MOROCCAN AFFAIRS.
LONDON, September 18th.
At the Magistracy on Saturday Mr. F. A. | gramins was Mr. George P. Lammert's tenor | Hazeland convicted nine natives for gambling, song "Nirvana" (Adams), which was very and flaid them R3 apiece. Another native, for finely sing, and the other short song he gave se having Bifty tins of kerosene in his possession in an encore was equally enjoyed. Mrs. Badeley excess of the number allowed by his licence, was followed with (a) " Rose in the Bud” (Forster) fined $103, and the oil was forfeited.
and (6) Happy Song" (Del Riego), both
not, wefear, have been heard by the majority of exquisitely sung, but the singer's voice could the audience. Next came a comic song by Mr. Hannibal, whose re-appearance was demanded, and he gave some highly entertaining recitations in which his powers of imitation were well displayed. The programme concluded with an His Majesty the King has not been advised extract from the third set of "Lehengrin" by to exercies his power of disallowance with the Band, and the National Antken brought an respect to Ordinance No. 13 of 1909, entitled enjoyable evening to a close at half-past sleven. An Ordinance to amend The Prison Ordinance, Mr. G. Grimble played most of the accompani. MR. ASQUITH'S DEFENCE OF 1899; and to Ordinance No. 14 of 1909, entitled ments.
THE BUDGET.
tion of duties upon Intoxicating Liquora.
At the Union Church, Hongkong, on 18th September, by the Hey. T. W. Pearce, JoRN Waris, fourth son of the Rev, JAMES STEWART, DD., v., of Peterhead, to Erriz, second daughter-An Ordinance to amend The Tramwaya of the Inte: ÅLETAndre Graham, solicitor, - rieff, and Mrs. GRAHAM, Atholton, Grief, Scotland,
(1918 HONGKONG OFFIOR: 104, DES VEUX ROAD C LONDON OFFICE: 131, FLEET STREET. EC
The Daily Press.
HONGKONG, SEPTEMBER 20TH 1909,
Tin leading topic of converation in the Colony is naturally the operation of the Liquor Tax Law which was brought into force within an hour after it had passed through the Legislative Council last Friday This was a complete surprise to "the trade" and the community in general, for, in the first place, the notion is a common one that a law does not come into operation without previous notification in the "Government "Gazette," and secondly the public had had no idea that the Government, while the Bill was before the Council, had been making their arrangements for the operation of the
Ordinance, 1883.
We mentioned in a footnote to a letter
published in Saturday's issue that we under. stood arrack, on which the new law places an import duty equal to 600 per cont. on the cost price, to be commonly used in the manufacture
FEARED LOSS OF H.M.S. “CLIO,"
A telegram bas been received. in Paris from Fez stating that the Sultan, enraged at the Consular protests re- garding cruelty, had the Pretender shot in the presence of the Imperial Harem.
Mr.
LONDON, September 18th. Asquith bad a remarkable
overflow meeting of four thousand.
Part 10, Clanse 55," to determine the quality of native wines and spirits, the materials to be need therein, and the branding and labelling In a former letter to the Press I criticised of such." Ye Gods! Poor analyst ! A throat the Council Meeting in a more or less facations to appoint any erring officer to carry out these spirit.
possible regulations would absolutely ensure Maxy technical absurdities have, thanks to efficiency, Are duties payable at strength at the attitude of Mr Hewett, disappeared, but which they enter boud ? If so immediate toote there are still amendments to be made. In firetin every case will be recɛmary, otherwise it will dealing with the Bill the Authorities should not be so impossible for a native spirit at 40 ham approached some five of the mon most per cent. duty $1.20, to, shall we say sympante interested in, and in contact with, the trade, and to 39 per cent., duty 40 coats, by the morning! these should have been representative of all sectoza.
I understand that, officially, two man only were consulted, and if their advics has been followed the result is not flattering to their briliancy, nor have they been impartial.
Lest I am misunderstood, let me explain that
It is a misfortune that the amendment to give the naofficial members an opportunity to criticise fature contemplated regulations was lost. The necessity for this has been so fully proved-and the unfitness of the compliers. By the by, Mr. Murray Blowart's tremulous solicitudo lest the civilian friend Aliould too often be a caiteen
but the rebate should certainly be allowed and
my interest in the "trade" of the Colony, guest nearly upset the able appeal of the
items, amounts to some £1,000 C. O. for a duty rebate for the aring and navy monthly, nominally it is worth much more.
My criticism, however, is honest and netcom-in fail. - petitive, and is warinated by a life-long couve- tion with my work sad a specialized study of the coalitions in Far Eastern markets.
I have ao are to grind, but I. ask for greater consideration for the wolfare of the retailers and less influential firms, who in the aggregate are after all, of more importance than two or three larger ones.
Ifully recognise that many irritating pointe in the Bill will be removed in time, but I would call attention to the following:
Notification 570. Paragraph 7, dealing with rates for moving and storing datiable liquors. It was distinctly promised that no storage
charge should be made.
Notification 571. Paragraph 7. The fur nishing of this retora is impracticable. There is opportunity for abras, and I think the Council are overstepping their power to ask for an account of win
Where was the Colonial Secretary's point that if the men considerad themselves under. paid they should appeal to the Home Govern- ment, when the question was only that they were not overpaid and contentment wild hardly hold if their expenses were increased by the taxes?
The object of the tax is laudable, and its ap plication not objectionable, but its working will cause the Government koopa more trouble than tkey anticipate, and its enforcement will au- doubtedly entail friction.
My feeling is simply that the Bill might have been fally prepared in a more busines-like way, and might have been presented in a more complate and loss contentious manner. The provisions for its smooth working might have been more perfect, and a trained man or mån from Home should have been here to facilitate things.
That it will cause* consideraklo
iaconi- venience is natural sad not wholly un- avoidable, but it will bear most heavily on our poorer. Erlends and the small trader,
for the retailer who charges his customers
I find no fault with the duties per se, but they are not simple enough and are inconsistent. dedare that the fairest way to tax spirits is on Every practical man will unhesitatingly the proof gallonage. This favours no one and its world wide adoption declares ite atility. approximately 100 gallons containing 83 gallons If I import 50 cums whisky at 17 u.p., I have
proof-spirit, and on this 83 gallons I pay duty, say, at $1 per gallon, equal to $83. I soll the whisky at $15 per case, and so zacnire $750—Tess | large firmis. $93, equals $667.
CLUBY.
only exactly the extra cost of the duty (and they will object to pay more), and receives his
money in mall change, will lose some 5 percent.
toß per cent. on exchange, and the small trader will find he cannot so easily compete with the
The feverish anxiety of the Council to rush the Bill through was uzdignified and unneces saxy. Many simple preocutions could have beon taken to prevent too large stocks arriving.
If I import 100 gallons in bulk at proof strength, I pay $100 duty, but as this will require 21 gallons of water to reduce it to 17,
Te one with the gift of drawing I would bare actualy the equivalent of 602
suggest a cartoon in which the Colony shall ba Selling these also at $15 per case, I receive football field, the Ball shall represant the Bil preof gallonage would not alter the existing of Council Members and Condoting Interests $947.15 less the $100 tax-8807.75. Tha tax on kicked hither and thither by teams in the form
state of affairs, since the bigger firms usually generally mixed, and His Excellency shall be the import in balk, the smaller in case, and the inexpert referee. It should become historical, difference shown has always been in favour of and will certainly be applicable for senis time.
Faithfully yours, the local bottlore...
CHARLESJE, GARNER, (Messrs Garner, Quelch & Co., Shanghai.)
THE PAN-ANGLICAN THANK- OFFERING.
The original price of the whisky in bottle or bulk does not affect this question, but I am prepared at any time to prove that locally bottled spirita give a bigger profit than imported bottled spirits.
ooolie
TO CHINA
The committee have resolved to appropriate the greater portion of this sum for the creation and strengthening of educational forces in
been choses →→→~
Under the present law the importers of Home THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE £35,000 ALLTED bottled spirits at usual drinking strengths have staally to pay duty on water. There are other polita, but none can modify my contention. For instance: It is mere twaddle to talk of
a bottle nearly 100 cases daily
on Home bottled goods than ou locally boiled goods. This also, I am prepared to world give bottled goods over bulk is more thani prove, and any apparent advantage a less duty() equalized by the extra cost, freight, etc.
(a) Au Anglicon hostel in connection with the educational college at Chenta, in the regions in which
(e)
Bishop Cassals has his jurisdiction.£6,000
A hostel, in connection with the educa A college, or hostel, for higher eduos
lion in the province of Fukien
5,000
Great anxiety provala in naval and official KXCITING SCENES WITH SUFFRAGETTES. eircles in Hongkong as to the fate of Squadron in the East. It is feared that the one of the vessels belonging to the British
H. M. 8. Clio, which was on her way to the port from Shangbai, has encountered the ty-reception at Bingley Hall, Birming. of swaku in the Colony. We now learn that ar-phoon which entered the Formosa Channel last hat, the audience numbering over encouraging local bottling, since a machine important strategic centres. Four of these have rack is not a necessaryingredient, bat is practi- Wednesday with disastrous results, Consider- cally nuadulteration. It is not, therefore, bolloved able neasiness was fait on Saturday when 7,000. He afterwards addressed anand maally the consumer gets better value that this tax on arrack will kill the large sasha-nothing was heard of her, as she was then two making industry in the Colony, but will lead to days overdue. This feeling increased yesterday. improvement in the quality of the beverage when the day passed without bringing any We assume that the additions made last Friday information regarding the slopp or the fate of to the tariff making a sliding scale of duties her crew. according to proof gallonage will tend to As the result of the typhoon all sale and exclude samsha containing struck or other telegraphio communication in the neighbour» spirit of wine. It may be added that arrack is a hood of Foochow has been broken, and nothing very pure spirit of vine as good as the best can be learned either from Shanghai or Hong where was Lord Rosebery's alterna- English plain spirit, and consequently is very kong as to what has happened in that vicinity. Buitable for diluting brandy or whisky, hence It is possible, of course, that the vessel may have
tive? the high duty which has been placed upon it. Bought shelter in one or other of the many bays Union Church on Saturday morning, the con-
An interesting wedding was celebrated at the on the China coast, or she may have been
tracting parties being Mr. J. W. Stewart (of destination or get into communication..
Camayel and unble either to proceed to her the Chias Sugar Refaery), fourth son of the Rev. James Stewart, D. D., V.D., Peterhead,
The hon. gentleman described the meeting as a demonstration of the determination to secure an equitable distribution of the burden of taxation. Ile defended the land taxes and asked
Was it Tariff Reforma? A band of suffragettes, led by a woman armed with an axe and hammer, mades violent effort to break through the cordon of police. Two
There is no good reason why champagne should pay a higher tax than other sparkling wines, though in this case good will be dons,
tional college at Hankow in the (a) A college for higher education in Pe-
jurisdiction of Bishop Boots
* 5,000 king, in the jurisdiction of Bishop Scott...
***
5,000
and all the so-called champagnes improperly (e) A college, or hostel, for higher educa
belled as sugh will sow change their same to
tion in Canton, in the jurisdiction of Saumur, etc., libelling the good wines of this) In the diocese of Choking for s
the Bishop of Victoria
3,000 plase as they have of Eperney.
divinity school...
1,000
Rit
"Pert, Sherry, Madeira, 1.80 per gallon." (9) For the promotion of Christian litera- ture under the control of the Bishops Why not also Marsala, and Malvasis and a
in China
1,000 dozen others? I'll wager the yearly evanue from Madeira will not pay one month's salarytional work generally, with the special hope The following rums are awarded for sines- carries 120 all told, officers and oren Hee woinen carrying axes climbed on the of revenite bilder,
that the demands of women's work will be
The Olio is a wrew sloop of 1070 toas and
meantre a Boon as it became law. Previous Scotland, and Miss Efe Graham, sem cominander is Chis. T. Borrett and the other roof of an adjacent factory and uscatel and entering under the 320) In the diocese of Chekiang
A number of years and was
escape after a desperate struggle on the edge of the coping.
say where Port ends and Muscatel begins! An adopt the trade definitions right away, or he
(2)
(2)
he will have to define usuy terms he had better (7)
will have a bray time Witness the "What is Whisky?" controvany, And are the Revenue offers such experts that they will know at what rate to tax wines labelled “Amontillado,"
Manzanita," " Bolein"?
*
daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Grahim, oflcers are Liost. Portes, Ldent. Fialding, showered bricks and stones at the anty? Is it the Government Analyst who is to
What is to prevent port being labelled remembered:-- publication in the "Gazette" is not, wo solicitor, Crieff, and Mrs Graham, Atholton, Surgeos F. J Cowans, and Sub-Lieut. believe, a legal requirement. We presume Crieff. The bride, who arrived from Scotland Honry James. She has been on the station hall. They were finally brought down the practice in England in this connection a few days ago, was given away by Mr. A. Bain here for is applicable in the Crown Colonies. When of the China Sugar Fefinery. Her bridesmaid well known of the river and by the police by means of the fire the commencement of an Act of Parliament was Miss Wills, while Mr. John McCorquale, beed assigned her of conveying HB. the is not specifically enacted, the Bill becomes also of the Refinery, supported the bridegroom as best man. The Rev. T. W. Pearce, of the law when the day, month, and year on which London Mission, conducted the ceremony, which it is passed and received the royal assent is was attended by a number of friends. After endorsed on the Bill immediately below the wards a reception was held at the residence of itle. This endorsement becomes part of Mr. and Mrs. A. Hain, where many guests the Act and is the date of its commence-partank of the hospitality extended and drank
to the health and prosperity of the newly-wed ment when no other cominencement is ded couple, who abesquently left. for Macis, provided in the Act itself. Very few where the honeymoon is being spent,
Governor to Canton to night when he makes return call on the Viceroy. A few days before she left Shanghai she collided with a marchan steamer and sustained some little damage
Last night no inforamtion, had been received regarding the mising vessel. It was stated that the Astrea had been despatched from Shanghai to search for her.
How To Be BEUTIFUL-Keep your com- plexion, Mrs. Ellen's Crème Charmante. Lait
· Charmant and Spedal Skin Tonic, and Pondre Charmant will emble you to do t Specialities for the Shan are the study of licetino. A. S. Watson & Co. Ltd. Sole Agents
(453
17
is
#
£2,000
Shantung
Western China
2,000 1,000
Fukien
1,000
ti
1.000
Hariou North China
1,000
5+
1,000
29 2017
Victoria (Hongkong) 1,000 The result is that of the seven English dioceses three receive £6,000 each-viz., North China, Western China, and Fabien; Victoria (Hongkong) receives £4,000; Chekiang, £3,000, If the Government had consider the grant), £2,000; Hunan (a new sphere), £1,00; Shantung (which will benefit by the Pering physical welfare of the Colony, they would have the Amerism diocess of Hankow receives £5,000, given no incentive to purchase cheap liquors, as a great strategic centre; and the now and morals and revenue would be less likely to Canadian diocese of Honen, $1,000. The re-
maining £1,000 in for literature.
unter.