case in
one
say that it will be regarded by all unprejudiced persons as the finest or, at any rate, one of the finest and handsomest buildings in the Colony. (Applause)!
7
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JUNE JED, 1910,
prisonment with hard labour, The value of the subject matter of the charge was about
2. In the olroumstances of the case, and na it
was understood that the defendant's ship: was leaving the next day, thus allowing no time for a re-hearing of the ease, His
Excellency decided to remit the penally, otherwise the Magistrate would have re heard the case.
3. The Optum Ordinance as It stands forms the basis of a contract with the Opium Farmer.
The Magistrates already have discretion in imposing pensities and forfeitures, and further legislation is not considered TIBOGBAAR.
APPROPRIATION BILL.
The CHAIRMAN-This is for the maintensuou
TRADE
13. The River Trade in Imports, Exports Pas
of the water supply at Shaukiwan
As pointed out last year, and in many previons sengers carried, compared with that in 1908, is The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS-It was years, the figures which used to appear under shown in the following to augment the supply which had become short. this heading were as a whole never accurate, Year. Imports. Exports. Passengers. We had already inported some water in the and in some cases actually misleading.
1908. reservoir at Chaukiwas, and measures had been. However in the few items of import trade of
362,769 287,847 -1,929,436 1909. 371,280 230,908 1,947,209 taken to Introduce a supply here in the same which substantially accurate detella can be
14. The fellowing shows the Jank Trade of
IMPORTS, Junks measuring
way, but they have been suspended now that the rain has gone.
Y CHARITY,
recommended the Connail to vetes sum of Fifty The Officer Administering the Government Founds sterling (£50) in aid of the vote Chari table Services, Charitable Allowance to the family of late Lance-Sergeant A. Counsell
HONGKONG'S TRADE AND SHIPPING,
mauder Basil Taylor, B.N., was yesterday laid then the table at the meeting of the Legistative
Council.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
The Bill provided for the money to be expended as under
Post Office
... 8 62,254.99 Harbour Master's Department 11,652.85 Observatory
936.63 Miscellaneous Servicos
45.322.55 Police and Prison Dopartments 1,478,16 Public Works Extraordinary 186,852.75 Pensione
6,035.39
1лг
#
Total
$314,533.32
SHIPPING,
The total of the shipping entering and clear ing at ports in the Colony during the year 1909 amounted to 527,280 vessels of 34,830.645 tons, which, compared with that for 1908, shows & decrease in numbers of 4,832 vessels, with an increase in tonnage of 215,604 tous. Of this total 43,794 vessels of 22,415,125 tons were engaged in forsign trade.
Of ships of European construction, 4,191 ocean steamers, 7 sailing ships, 3,576 river steamers, and 1,580 steam-launches (to, steam ships not exceeding 60 tons) entered during the year, giving a daily average entry of 25,6, as compared with 268 in 1908.
Foreign trade....
Total
Toms.
12,546
21,795
1,144,264 1,030,242
34,341
EXPORTS. Junks measuring
12,545 ... 21,703
34,247
2,174,506
Tons.
1,099,160
1,057,078
2,156,184
given, the towing remarks may prove of the Colony during 1909 interest. These items are coal, korosene oil, including all products of petroleum, opium,
imported into the Colony during the year. This Local trade morphins, compounds of opium, and
COAT Here I find that 1,126,836 tons were shows an increase over the imports of 1903 of 108,083 tons, or 106 per cent. This would appear to be due to nothing more phenomenal than an Increased demand, and to a general improvement in business and manufactures. It is a curious fact that although the Imports of coat have increased to this extent, the shipment of banker coal in the Colony has decreased. This is due to the fact that an increasing number of vessels
pacifio liners in Japan, Chineza in Canton ocal elsewhere, s.g., Japanese and most trans- whither a considerable quantity of coal passer through Hongkong in transit-and many vessels on the home run at Singapore, &o. This may be due in part to the fear of detention in Hong Kong,
enhanced by the provalence of typhoons late years.
KEROSENE OL-Decreases are shown in all olasses of this product, iz.;-26,235 tons of bulk oil, 3,858 tons of case oil, and 9,493 tons of might have been expected after the phenomenal liquid fuel. Those decreases aro only what
subject foreshadowed them), and do not indicate increases in 1908 (indeed, my remarks on the any falling off in the trade. Liquid fuel has increased considerably-(32 per cent.) over the Agures for 1907-the last normal year.
OPIUM-The imports of raw opium show a decrease of 6,087 chests, or 14:5 par cert, while cent. During the year 1909 the raw opium the exports declined by 3,620 chests, or 9-7 por trade of the Colony is described by the following #gures
Foreign trade Local trado
Total.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURA. Department during the year was $453,469,32,
The gross revere collected by the Harbour
your, showing an increase of $104,701.30, or as against 8357,768,52 collected in the previous 29-2 por cant
1908
1909 Increase Light Dous $79,975.68 $82,473.37 82,497,69 Light Dues, Spe
dial Assessment
90,337.67 90,337,67 ternal Revenus 130,594.05 133,391.00 2,796.95 Fous of Court
Line Revenus
and Office,... 147,308.19 156,133.38 9,025.19 Miscellaneous
Receipts
assurance which has so far been given relates to those artistle considerations which I have had the temerity to advance in this Council. The assurance is that the
Hon. Mr. Hrwerf did not propees to publio may rely upon the Governor-In-Council to impose architectural conditions of sale which spelloney had to say. I hold no brief for any apez this subject until I heard what your will preserve the beauty, dignity, and try of Royal Square." I trust I may be excused body, but there is one point which I think bemarle clear. I for saying that it fills me with hat little con- ought in justice to
bold, as
not asked to spook fidence. desire to speak with the
for myself. speak respect of the Executive Connell, intends for anybody, but disrespect in pointing out there is no antecedent I can assure your Excellency of one thing. ox intimated that the Standard Oil Company probability that its judgment on artistic matters will always be just. I take it that the have nover seriously contemplated the purchsso qualification for membership of the Executive of this plot, but if the hon, member ou may loft Council is administrative ability, and adminis will excuse me for esying so, it was the a trative ability does not necessarily carry with pacity of the Treasury which prevented the it urbitectural good taste. Not only is there sale. It was merely a question of the price no resson to expect that the Governor in which they, as business meli, could not in
The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the Council should display it, there is the evidence tice to their employers accept, and I think
first reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance in our senses, appealed to in many directions that is the gist of the whole thing.
HIS EXOBLLENCY-Does the hon, member, to authorize the appropriation of a supplement- In the Colony, to prove the contrary. It is not necessary to go outside this controversy to find after what I have said wish to press his revolu-ary sum of Three hundred and fourteen thousand
13on f
five hundred and thirty-three Dollars and The report of the Harbour Master, Comcalling at Hongkong prefer to take their bunker In of the letters which I
Hon. Mr. STEWART-I am extremely sorry thirty-two Cents, to defray the charges of the Led the honour to receive on the subject from to indict myself again on the Council, but I year 1909, the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, it was advanced as a reason for building on the site should like to remove the impression which I that it would be an esthette adeem to have raised in your Excellency's mind izi question
unsightly roofs the that I was indicating the view that the Law Fantage to hide the words are not mino" the unsightly roots" Courts was not in the main a bountiful of the new Law Courts. Who passed the building. I think with you that the effect of the roof will not nearly be so bad the question designs for that building? Surely of accepting them was not left solely to the Hon. when the dome is on, and I, in the original ourable the Director of Public Works F. Surely instance, never raised this question of the Exsentiva Council had something to say. I the Law Courts' roof being so unsightly, and that the only thing to do was to hide it. I imagine the members must have soon elevation of the building. Even from a small pointed out that the Government, in a letter elevation it should have been seen that those signed, Bit, by yourself put forward this as an argument, but I would certainly recommend roofs were wrong I cannot imagine how any most people, before condemning that building, one could help sooing it, and yet the Governor- In-Council apparently failed to. The Govern es seems to be the fashion, to wait
other point one ment's contention is an admission of failure on goat. There is the part of the very body that we are invited theul. Hire to reply to. I am perfectly aware of implicitly to trust to impose conditions of sale the distinction made between the expression of under which nothing unsightly can spring up hope and a promise confirmed by the Secretary on the plot in question. It is not wonderful of State as to the disposal of, any land in this that the roofs of the Law Courts should be de Colony for public purposes, and I quite under
stand that Sir Henry Blake had never gone soribed as unsightly by independent critics.
any further than merely expressing his hope. But it is wonderful that the government Of course, if he had gone so far as that, there sponsible for the construction of a building Which Ins so far cost soyon lakhs and taken would never have been any question on this years during which matter; but the Government of the day, at the to erect -Baron Boven years
were made, did they have had the designs in contemplation-time those speeches referred should now calmly state that the effect promises in my opinion intend that that site should be
retained to be so ugly that the beat thing to do in to hide
As an open space, and if it from the harbour ! This, indeed, is net "wonderful out of all whooping. have complained to Sir Aston Webb long ago and had the roofs altered ? A failure of this sort not merely admitted bat advertised in so amas. ing a manner-should strengthen the case in fav. of my resolution. Autocratic powers thus Ineffectually wielded should be placed on a broader bass. They should be shared, as for as is practicable, with the public. Ar hitecture the one art in which every-made it clear, if ausweet, those questions led one has an interest. You need not bother up, not to a request of the Government to your head about printing or soulpture; you say they had promised this, but that the
ad zover aoo anything of them unless vou impression created was quite understandable apt to leak out. That is the idea of putting the'] Powan and Yingking, which ran for half of 1906; of the Colony. It is obvious from the above launches, including 9 motor boots employed in please. But if you live in a town you cannot seeing how very freely ther had stated their power in the houda of the Justices of the Peace. to the withdrawal of two smaller steamers, the figures that the supply does not meet the de, the harbour, of these 137 were licensed for con- help seeing the buildings about you, and whether hepas. I have, of course, no wish to embarrass they are a pleasure to look at or the reverse is you, Sir, in the position in which you find your
archi- everyone's personal concern Tasto in
as of any ordinary "man in the street as BOY member of the Fixecutive Council, and as it is "the map in the street" who has to suffer from unsightly roofs whether on the Courts or on Blake Pior or other unfortunate results of mistakes being mode, he ought to Kare an
TO-
you
I
anyone took
PHARMACY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT,
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the third reading of the Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to amend the Pharmacy Ordinance, 1909."
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
clause three refers to one Justice of the Peace.
Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART-I see that The COLONIAL SECRETART-You are irrega lar. You ought to move the re-committment of the Bill if you wish to discuss it.
Hon. Mr. STEWART-I move that the Bill be re-committed.
Hon, Mr. Osos-I second it. Hon. Mr. STEWART-It seems to me that in and it was decided to have the signatures of two the Liquor Ordinance there was a similar claues, Justices of the Peace before these drastic powers of search sould be given into the hands of a police officer. I do not see why the same safe guard should not be put in here.
the trouble to read the apteches made, at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Law Conte, they would see that it was abundantly clear that Sir Henry Blake dosized that plot to be left open, and the categorical statement of the Director of Public Works
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL-The reason it is that it would remain unbuilt upon. That put in is that is-easy to get one Justice of the created an impression in the public mind that Peace. It would not be so easy to get hold of the Government so intended, and the fourth 1 of the questions I put on the subject would have thot Speaking from my experience, I know The staff has to be got where it is. If the action that these things have to be done in a hurry is taking by ordinary summons information is
It is only a question of convenience.
Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART That is per fly obvious
His EXCELLENCY-It is a common provision. make it as easy as possible. I think oue Justice is an honest · អ
selt
bat Insamooh ne I intended this resolution
The average tonnage of individual cosan vessels visiting the port has slightly decreased
from 2,448.6 tons to 2,3904 tons. That of British vessels has remained stationary 2,594 as against 2,593-while that of foreign vessels has decreased from 2,3099 to 2,205'3 tone. In this connection it is interesting to note that during the
past twenty years the average of ocean vessels visiting the Colony has risen from 1,182-2 tons to 2,390-4 tons.
The average tonnage of riversteamers entered during the year decreased from 665.5 tons to 687 tons to 640.4 tons, and that of foreign river 620.5 tona, that of British river steamers from steuners from 565.2 to 538.1 tons.
of 207 ships of 230,657 not register tons, or of 5.3 per cent, in numbers and 3 per cent, in tonnage, which points to revival of traile noted in my report for 1908. continuance of the The improvement has been continuous through nut tan year. British river steamers h cent. in unmbers end 13 per cent. in tonnage, decreased by 466 ships of 585,728 tons, or 7.4 per This is due to the loss of two large steamers, the
There is an increase in British ocean shipping
....
Stock in hand, Ist January, 1909, Imported during the year,
Total....
Boiled by Opium Farmer, Exported during the year, Spurious Opium destroyed,
Totah...
*
90.60 134.40 43.80
Total, ..8357,768.52462,469.82 104,701.30 $2,497.69; light dnes special assessment in The principal increases are under light dues, respect of the Mongkoktoni typhoon refuge, 890,337.67; junk licences, $3,838.05; fees for Chests. storage of explosives. $2,637.73, medical examin
5,808 tion of omigrants, $7.567.25 oxamination of 35,734 masters, &c., 8237.50, and Sunday cargo wor
permits, 2600. The falling-off it revenue comed eargo working andor the headings-Engagement and dis 41,542
charge of seamen, $1,032.60; sugar certificates 1,044 and permite, $550; lines $430.35; stoom-laguch
licences, &o., 51
$369.75 5; survey of steam-launches, 8330; Chinese presenger ship licences, 3275; 35,938
sale of printed forms, 9127: and registry including $3,204 specially expended on buys 37,033 fees, $106. The expenditure of the Harbour
Department for 1909
$169,672.04 and the Crown Agente charges for December, 1908, but not including the Crowa Agants 1903, this shows an increase of $6,092.50, or 3.5 charges for December, 1909. Compared with
Stock remaining on 31st December, 1909, 4,609 Of the several varieties of oplum exported, Malwa decreased by 348 chests, or 6.1 per cent., Benares by 1,228 chesta, or 12.6 per cent, Patua by 1,674 chests,or 78
imported ar exported, and Chinese opium has 15 version by 410 chests, per cont.
per cent., while no Turkish opium was either
never formed any appreciable part of the trade
STEAM LAUNCHES,
On the 31st December there were 291 steam
veyance of passengers, &o., 136 ware privately owned, 14 were the property of the Government. and 4 belonged to the Imperial Government in abarge of the military authorities.
Sixteen Masters' Certificates were suspended ance of their duties, 3 for 6 months, 1 for 3
tecture is just as likely to bo the possession of te hind the Government for all time, and he- It is in the Opium Ordinances. You want to ships of 460,072 tons, or4.5 per cent, in numbers compared with 1908, by 2,543 lb., or 2383 per for incompetency or negligence in the perform.
opportunity of making his. vofee heart in the choice building on the most
of a
prominent position on our only public square. It may be Fald that the conditions of sale will, in any case, have to be published in the Gazette, and that this will provide oppertunity for discussion. But once that 28
is done, I am we shall be told that nothing more can be done, in the absence of an overwhelming and practically unanimous onters out, if we
population." That, all know, only arises in this Colony over such. matters as plague, pestilanca, or a water famine. We cannot look for it in a matter of this sort which does not paturally make such a general appeal as the fear of death, or the deprivation or a bath, lately foreseen, but now happily averted by today's glorious rain, I havo mit that I believe the idea of Balling the site is at the moment dead, and I have no ambition to slay the slain. But I do not feel sure that it may not come to life again, and I am anxions to provide against this event- ality. Accordingly, I move the resolution. Hon. Mr. Wei Yux-I beg to second the motion.
HIS EXCELLENCY-Gentlemen, I desire to
• a few words in reply to references which the mover-of-the-resolution has made to an absent Governor. It is not in the power of any governor to give to an individual or to dedicate to the pablis one square fuck of land in this Colony without the sanction of the Secretary of State. Therefore, when the Colonial Secretary said that Governor Sir Henry Blake merely expressed a wish when he referred to this area being kept free of buildings he was perfectly correct. It is only the Government of the Colony with the duo sanotion of the Secretary of State which can dedicato land to the public. I have no doubt that Sir Henry "Blake
did entertain such a hops, but it is impossible to identify the Government expression of the day with the expression of opinion to which Sir Henry Blake than gavo utterance. Then as regards the statement of Bir Frederick Lugard which the hon. member, it is quite intelligible. He said: "Nor is it to be a bar to the hopa expressed by one of my predecessors Sir Henry Blake-seeing that the Government intend to preserve the entire area between the Law Courts and gardens on the opposite side, together with a corresponding ares on the west side of the plot Dow under discussion, and these areny are now being laid out na pablis gardena. The plot in
cause I think that they ought to so bind them selvas, I do not propose to withdraw it.
The resolution was then put to the meeting, with the following result:-
For: Hon Mr. Stewart and Hon. Woi Tuk, Against Hon. Mr. Keswick, Hon. Mr.
Osborne, Hon, Mr. Hewett, Attorney-Gangrai the Superintendent of Police, Re gistrar-General, the Director of Public Works, the Colonial Treasurer, the Colonial Secretary, the Offcor Commanding the Troops.
Hrs EXCELLENor-Tho resolution is lost, gentlemen.
TYPHOON BEFUGE,
The Hon. Mr. OSBORNE asked the following questions standing in his name
1. (a) Whether a contract for the new typhoon breakwater has been let, and, if so, what is the contract date for completion of the work?
(b.) If a contract has not been let, what is
the cause of delay in doing so P (8) On what date did the Home Authorities finally approve the plans of the break- water?
The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS made the following replies:
(a), “A contract has not yet been let.
two or more.
Hon. Mr. HEWETTYou say one Justine is as Food any other. In any case the matter goes before the magistrate in the usual way, and if remedy. Therefore one signature is as good
tave
as
The matter was not continued, and Council resumed.
The Bill was then read a third time and passod.
MALICIOUS DAMAGE ORDINANCE,
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the third reading of the Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to amond the Malicione Damage Ordinance, 1865,
The COLONIAL SECRETALT seconded, and the motion was agreed to. -
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved that the Bill entitled “An Ordinamos to amend the Opiam Ordinance, 1909," be re-committed.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
The ATTORNEY-GENEBAL said there were several amendments which had been printed in the copy of the Bill before the Conneil He proposed several verbal alterations and afterwards moved the addition of twe now
(By. Proceedings have been somewhat delayed nb-sections to dlane taros, so as to deal with by the difficulty experienced in negotiations unlicensed person who were found in posses with the lensees of K.M.L. 32. Madifcasion of cocaine and euch like drugs which tions have been male in that portion of the they have obtained legally, but which were in
cheme adjoining the above lot, which it is excess of the amount allowed. frosted will remove those objections.
Hon. Pr. Ho Ka-In this case you exempt Another cause of delay has been the fully qualified practitioner-and-persons not unfortunate illness of Mr. Boulton, 2nd medically qualified to practies. There is a clause Asst. D.P.W.. who
was engaged on the in the Pharmsey Ordinance allowing licentiates preparation of the plans and specifications,
of the Hongkong College of Medicine to dispense and who was obliged to depart for England medicine to their patients. If they had more on the 15th April, leaving the work incom. than twelve official doses in their possession plate. Blatters are now in a forward state they would come under the operation of this and tenders will be called for without 3 clause. They are qualified medical practitioners weeks from the present time
whose qualifications have not been fully recogise by the Hongkong Government.
(0). On the 28th January, 1909.
BATHING FACILITIES,
The Hon. Mr. OSBORNE asked:-
Hot Sang and Kwong Fat, and to the laying up, mand, as 1,300 more chests wore disposed of during three months of 1909, of another smali than were imported, Chins took 924 per cent steamer, the Tak Hing.
of the exports Foreign Goean vessels have increased by 185 Imports of compounds of opium incresgal, ns and 6.2 per cent, in tonnage. This increase is cent., and exports by 1,613 lb, or 19.56 per has increased by 118 ships of 459,292 tons. In Colony for consumption increased by 930 1h, ine almost entirely to Japanese shipping, which cent, while the amount which remained in the breasts are also shown under the Norwegian and or 58.1 per cent. Imports of morphin showal an Swedish flags of 50 ships of 64,400 tons, and increase of 355 lb., or 5.06 per cent, Imports tips of 70,265 tons, respectively. For and exports of cetnine vore recorded for the tuguese, and Dutch flags also show small first time, and for the period from April 22nd increase. The principal decreases are under to 31st December showed 68 th, imported and French and German colours of 45 shipe
of 12 lb
exported. tona and 19 ships of 16,848 tons, re- Sectively, small decreases buity, shown under Bussian, Austrian, and Italian flags. Under the United States Bag there was an increas of 7 ships with a decrease in tonnage of 42,211 tons; while there was a similar fall in the average size of Chinese ships, an increase of 2 ship being accompanied by a decrease of 3,503 tone.
Foreign river stestiers increased by 73 ships of 2,617 tons, or 56 per cent. in numbers and 0.35 per cent, in tonnage, which is explained by the smaller vessels running more frequently and the larger less often. Two small river stemmers under Chinese colours were added to the West River rua during the year. These vessels rau only us for as Kongmoon, thus making many more trips than those running up to Wschow,
It may not out of place to draw a comparison hare between those figures and those of twenty years ago. In 1869, 2,091 British ships of 3242.955 tons entered the port, against 9,856 ships of 11,437,661 tous in 1909. For foreign ships the figures are for 1889. 1.144 ships of 1.206.983 tons and in 1909, 5,685 ships of 6,595,590 tons. These figures are those for ocean and river steamers, which were not distinguished in 1889, and ocean sailing ships, not junks.
sicerale increase of 89,766 tons, or 36 per cout. SUGAR The imports of sagar shows a con. This article is peculiarly liable to and don factuations, and the increase may be due to Increase of stocks owing to favourable prices,
Besides the above items, I propose to say a few words on the subject of others, which, from the figures at may disposal, appear to have ex- perier ced considerable increases or decreases during the past year.
months, 6 for 2 months, and 6 for 1 month; one master's certificate was cancelled and one master was cautioned. Three engineers" certiflentes worse starendad: 1 for 3 months and 1 for 2
Six hundred and forty-one engagements and five hundred and seventeen discharges of masters and engineers were made during the year.
As in 1908, seven, stam launches were per mitted to carry arms, &o, for their pretention against pirates. No new permits were granted.
EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION, Seventy-seven thousand four hundred and thirty emigrants left Hongkear for various places during the year 1909. Of these 52,923 were carried in British ships and 24,507 in foreign ships. These figures show an increase, compared with those for 1908, 6,349 (or 3-93 per cent.), which may be secounted for by the rotura of the business to normal conditione, and to the resumption of emigration to Barks and Billiton,
COTTON AND COTTON YARN.-The figures show the enormous increase of 135 per cont. This increase in not borno cut by facis, though a very considerable increase has taken place about 40 to 50 per cent. This is a good example of the inaccuracy of the returns supplied to me and is obviously of emigrants carried in foreign vessola, This It may be well to note the increasing proportion dno to the fact that the cotton imported his 1908 appears to be duo to the increasing number go was largely reported as “gonenil," while in 1909 ing to Hawali, who can only traval in United the reports have been more accarats. The States ships, as well as to the resumption of actual increase is due to the great improvement omigration to the Dutch Indies, which is carried in the trade, the figures for 1909 being greatly in Dutch vessels. One hundeed, and forty-cour in excess of any of those for the previous four thousand eight hundred and twenty-one retura- youES,
ing emigrantaaze reported to have been brought FLOUR-The total reported imports of flour to Hongkong from the several places to which during the year amounted to 55,565 tons as they had emigrated, other from this Colour or against 91,313 tons in 1906, a decrease of 35.8 from const parts, as against 157,809 in 1908. Of por cont. The decrease is due to the fact, noted these 109,635 arrived in British ships, and Inst year, that direct shipments to coast porta 35,188 in foreign ships. are row made. Another disposing cause for the decrease is the fact that the Shanghai flour mills, which obtain their raw material locally, are now successfully competing with American flour at the coast porte-Forchow, Amoy, Swatow, fic and are even sending through cargoes to Canton. RICE-In spite of a hopeful outlook last year. Rice has failed to come back to its vious figure. It has again declined from 721—
MARINE MAGISTRATE'S COURT. 254 tous to 511,078 tons, or 25 per cent. This
Three hundred and three cases were heard in is due to a partial failure of the crops in Cochin the Marine Magistrate's Court (325 in 1908), China, and to the fect that many cargoss of rion Brosch of the Harbour Regulations, disobeying from Saigon have been sent direct to coast ports, the lawinl orders of the Harbour Master, without touching, much less transhipping, at neglecting to exhibit lights, failing to observe Hong total reported imports during the year for other purposes than for navigation and the rules of the road, using the steam-whistle 7 21,697 17.083 The 24 24 97,789
94,288 amounted to 4,195,968 tone as against 4,169,856 carrying excess of passengers were the principal
in 1908, an increase of 06 per cent. Exports offences. 1824 229 232 291,116 230,935 also show an increase, from 2,102,857 tone to
The actual number of individual ocean vessels of European construction entering during 1909 was 704, being 336 British and 368 foreign The corresponding figures for 1908 were, respec- tively, 745. 365, and 380. These 704 ships ggregated 1,632,845 tons. They entered 4,198 times, and gave a collective tomage of 7,796,375 tous. Thus compared with 1908, 41 less ships entered 207 more times, and gavo a collective ATTORNEY-GENERAL-I have no objee-tonnage increased by 343,678 tona. tion to their being exempted.
Hon, Mr. HEWETT-Do they dispensef Hon. Dr. Ho KAI-Yes, to their own
After debate a form of words was approved, and the Bill passed through commitles.
On Connoil resuming,
Flag Steamers. No. of Times Total Tanange entered. 1908, 1909. 1969. 1909 1908.
JB01,
British-
Stosters... 358 931. 1,923 2,034 8,730,927 8,854 571
reading of the Bill
The ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the third
Salling
motion we agreed to.
The COLONIAL SECRETAET seconded, and the
HIS EXCELLEN OF-Council stands adjourned sing die.
Austrian
Belgian
Chinese
Corian
Danish
Dutch... French
80
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
2. Will the Government cause part of the foreshore at the Eastern and Western ex- tremities of the town to be reserved and made suitable as public bathing places? The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORxs replied:- It is not possible to give an undertaking to reserve areas in the places indionted, but should buy application be received at the present time to utilize any portion of the beach for bathing it will be considered. HARDSHIPS UNDER THE OPIUM ORDINANCE.
The Hon. Mr. MURRAX SIEWART asked the following questions standing in his name:- outside the rectangle of Royal
(1) Is it the case that on the 9th May the Square, and its inclusion in the rectangle
wife of the lately deceased Assistant distort its symmetry." That refers to a
Magistrate of the Sun On District, on considerable portion of the ares which Sir
her way through to Tientain with his Henry Blake wished to keep clear of but
body, was copinitted to prison in this Bir dedicate ns & garden. The whole of Blake's wish will not be fulfilled, but a & cuneider-
Colony for even weeks, for having in her possession a small quantity of opium able portion of it will Having cleared the
dross, some anti-opium pills and a little ground of the two references to which I alluded,
now come to the resolution of the hon. mem- raw opium, value, all told, about $30P
(1.) In the come that His Excellency the ber. The Standard Oil Company, whether frightened
Oficer Administering the Government, Grade Clerk. by the broadside of the hon. member
fact
crested in this
or by the pan of a certain-indy wontributor to recognising the son of the Opium
the columns of the Press, have not pursued their Inquiries with regard to this particular plot of land. Therefore, there is no question of an im mediate sale, and that being so I think hon, men- bers will quite appreciate my position and quite understand me when I say that it is impossible for me to accept this resolution, because by accepting it I shall bind the Government for an indefinite period, which is obviously not competent for ma to do. At the same time I can assure members of Council that if a sale should be: Connoll will not be kept in ignorance of the principal conditions upon which it is
is proposed to put
land up for auction. (Applause.) In conclusion, I desire to defend the Executive Gennail from charge that it is lacking in artistic taste. The hon, member has referred to the design of the Law Courts. I advise bim strongly to wait until that building is completed, and when it is finished I venture to
negotiated tha
instapco by the
Ordinanco, quashed the sentence? (ii) Will the Government consider the ad visability of no amending the Opium Or. dinance as to provide magisterial dis cretionary powers or other means whereby bond fido travollars through the Colony having in their possession a littla opium for private use may escape penalties in- tended for felonious amuggling? The COLONIAL SECRETARY made the follow
reply -
ing
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held afterwards the Colonial Secretary presiding. The following votes were pakend :---
AAN JUDICIAL AND LEGAL
The Officer Administering the Government recommanded the Connail to vote a sum of Six hundred Dollars ($600) in aid of the vote, Judicial and Legal Departments, 4-Supreme Court, Personal Emoluments, Additional 3rd
* EDUCATIONAL.
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of Eight pounds and eleven penee sterling (£8. Os. Ild.) in aid of the vote, Education, A. Department of Director of Education, Other Charges, Victoria British School, Books,
TAIPO LAND OFFICE EXTENSION. The Officer Administering tho Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred and twenty Dollars and five Cents ($320.05) in aid of the vote, Public Works, Extraordinary, Extension of Tai Po Land Offles.
WATER BUFF IN PORN
1. On the 9th May a woman named Tang La Ss was convicted (a) of unlawful posses- sion of Tis. 8.9 of opium droes (under Ord. 23 of 1909, section 35), and (b) of unlicensed The Officer Administering the Government importation of Tis. 7.0 of a compound of recommended the Council to vote a sam of Two opium (under Ord; 23 of 1909, sect. 61), thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in aid She was sentenced to fines anmounting to of tho vota. Public Works, Recurrent, Water $355.00, or in default to seven weaks" im works, Maintenance of Shankittan.
1
10
3
2,003
*70* 31 40
pre-
REGISTRY, ETC., OF SHIPPING. under the provisions of the Imperial Marchant During the year, 16 ships ware registered Shipping Act; and 3 certifloats of registry Were cancelled. 123 documents, &c., were dealt with in connection with the Act, the fees on whleb amount to 8593 ($699 in 1908),
EXAMINATION OF FILOIS.
2.239.731 fons, or 6.5 per cent; and transit cargo One examination for pilot's certificate waN – Ingresand from 3,373,993 tons to 3,991.347 tona, held during the year. Ona liosae wer inqued or 19 per cent, but for the reason given these and 14 renewed. 1gures are not reliable.
17 97 165 201,414 207,100 32 169 146 280,222 28-459 German 120 108 745 735 1,188,100 1,170 332 Italian
44 12 11 31,400 29.679 93 99 434 493 1,049,540 1,283,090
The number and tonnage of ships of Euro- Japanese Norwegian. 39 48 181 218 192,978 297,841 peau construction carrying cargo for import Portuguese... 487 94 £9,487
38.927 and in transit compared with the previous year 84,826 19,584 was as follows:-
59,728
1908.-
1909. 245.280 211,827
Russian Swedish
35 18,790
United States-
Steamers 13 1738 43 Sailing1 1
Total
B0
Steamers
:
No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. 3,980 7,429,992 4,191 7,778,693 .... 745-1704-3,201 4,188 7,458,4937,796,978 Bivor steamers 3,770 2,510,896 3,575 2-218,977
11 22,506 7 Sailing vessels
17,683 The 336 British vessels carried 3,598 British officers and 14 foreign officers, the latter
Total... 7,761 9,963,394 7,774 10,025,353 consisting of 11 I.S.A., 2 Norvegians and 1 Dutch. Thus the proportion of foreign offloars. serving in British vesaals was 049 per cent.
The corresponding figures relating to ships of European construction exporting carge, and comprising 3 nationalities. A decrease of 001 shipping bunker coal, follow per cent. with a decrease in number of officera and ships. The 368 foreign vessels carried 2,576 officers, of whom 125 were British as follows:-
In Chinese vessels In Dutch vessels In French vessels In Japanese vessels. In United States ressols
EXPORTS.
1908,
1909.
No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. Steamers 4,001 7,430,982 4,186 7,755,519 River steamers 3,773 2,509,651 3,574 2,918,459 Bailing vessels 9 (19,726, 10. 21,940
7,783 9,960,259 7,770 10,015,918
Total
Bunker
1909 72
1908
69
54
125
141
Thus 48 per cent, of the officers serving in Steamers foreign vessels were of British nationality, a River steamers 3,773 56,316 3574 decrease of 0'5 per cent. with a doozesua in number of shire and officers.
a 7,774 656,966 7,760 613,987
Banker Stre. Coal, Ebre. Cost 4,001 600,650 4,186 562.450 56,537
Total
SUNDAY CARGO WOLKING, During the year 262 permits were issued under the provisions of this Ordinance na com- pared with 282 in 1903. Of these 99 were not used, as it was found unnecessary to work cargo on the Sunday and the fees in such case were. refunded. The revenue collected under this head amounted to $29,200, sa against $23,600
in 1908:
NEW, TERRITORIES Eleventh year of British administration. The outstations attached to & Harbour De. partment, six in number, have scarfinked to
perform the work niloted to them, and daring the year loances, port clearances, permits, &o, have been issued by them. The revenue collected by this department from the New Territories during 1909 was $25,10250, as compared with $22,009.05 in 1908, :
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE, BOARD OF TRADE
Thirty aine letters were received during the year from firms and individuals, principally in Great Britain, asking for information upon various points in connection with their business, requesting me to place them in communication with local firms, or to obtain local agents for the sale of their goods, or submitting samples or price sta. My replies have been as fall as the ins formation and time at my disposal permitted, and my negotiations here, I understand, boen productive, in many cases, of desired effects.
(Continued on page 5.)