RANDOM REFLECTIONS,
In Springtis said the young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love," but in Hongkong the thoughts of old and young are invariably turned towards Home. Either they are thinking of the homeward trip themselves or are interest- od in friends who are bidding good-bye to Hongkong for a time.
The annual exodus from Hongkong has brgun, and the homeward bound steamers are now crowded with passengers, mostly bent on holiday, though a fortunate few are returning to their native land for good." Saturday saw, an exceptionally large number leave for Home, and, as asual, the departures were much happier than the folks at Home associate with leave-takingu.
Whenever the "Hallelujah Chorus" is sung it is customary for the audience to stand, but very few folks, I am afraid, know the origin of this custom. When George I. heard The Messiah" be was so struck by the beauty of its grand chorus that he rose to his feet. Natural ly, where the King stood the rest of the audience did so, and thus it became the
custom.
The "preferential treatment" which was sought for the Peale Club in the little matter which came before the Sanitary Board the other day did not commend itself to the majority of the members of that body. It was curious to see men who ars fairly often found on opposite sides joining hands on this question, but even their unanimity was not sufficient to sanction the proposed departure from practico. Nothing like consistency.
CORRESPO DENCH.
THEATRE CHARGES.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS," MONDAY, MARCH 31st 1913,
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HONGKONG DAILY PUESS. "T
VOLUNTEER RESELVISTS AT
DINNER.
INTIMATIONS
SPEECH BY H.E. THE GOVERNOR. pay them a higher compliment than that. had proved that they were ready and BRANDY
SIE, - In a leading article & few days toer Reserve was held at the Drill Hall The annual dinner of the local Volun- ago on the cost of living in Hongkong prices which were raised when exchange sent. H.E. the Governor (Sir Henry you referred to the fact that tradcame's on Saturday, a largo number being pre
fell very low have, generally speaking, May) attended, and there were also undergone no reduction since oxchange
prosent-Hon. Mr. E. A Howest, difficulty in doing this until landlords Wakeman (President of the Reserves), rose again. There is, admittedly, great C.M.G., Hon. Mr. C. H. Ross, Mr. G. H. reduce rents and enable the workers to be Capt. Rodgers, D.C.L.I., Mr. Frank content with lower rates of wages. Browae, &c.
But does any consideration of this kind affect the charges for admission to the Theatre I am thinking of that increase in the price of the Dress Circle seats from $3 to $3.60. Mr. Bandmann ad vanced the price when he "presented" the Matheson Lang Company, and the in- treased charge in that case was justifier provailing but also by the exceptionally not only by the rate of the dollar then high standard of the Company's perform Hutin Britton are in the front rank of Mr. Matheson Long and Mies thoir profession, and they were supported
ances.
He
The PRESIDENT suitably replied. * Mr. Bino proposed the health of the Chief Scout, which was enthusiastically drunk,
IS
HEALTHFUL
The Rich Bouquet Starts the
SOLE AGENTS
H. RUTTONJEE & SON,
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
were at-but on the last day they wore enrol themselves in the Volunteer forca. out they wer complimented upon it by (Hear, hear.) the supervising officer, and he could not pleased with themselves that night. They They ought to bo very
The only weak spot about it was that willing to wear the uniform, to train would like to see the numbers bigger, a really efficient military body. They they were not quite strong enough. He themselves, and to make themselves into
Expressed a hope that they might reach men who were younger than themselves Before he went down to the Fiji's he were setting a jolly good example to the the figure of 200. He was still of that and who ought to know better. mind, and he would like them to enter plause) In conclusion he thanked
(Ap-
that each one of them should try to bring in responding so enthusiastically to the into the spirit of the organisation, and for the compliment they had paid him
them
along a recruit. If the majority of them toast of his health. could do that it would be a very great every success in the coming season, and He wished them
the loyal toast, which was enthusiset-Government. This was not really child's here he would do his best to increase His Excellency the Governor proposed satisfaction to himself and His Majesty's promised them that as long as he was. cally drunk
play, and he could assure them that they the numbers, to make them more ewcient, The PRESIDENT said that the strength were wanted. The Colony wanted them, and to give them as good a time on the of the Company was 138, the number of the Empire wanted them, and it must be field days as he could. (Loud applause.) officients 110, and non-efficients 10, 18 & satisfaction to them to know that they being absent on leave. During the last were really wanted and to feel that they of the President. He said that Mr. Wake- Mr. W. L. CARTER proposed the health six months the Reserve had undergono were really able to supply that want in uniform, and he was thankful to say the a rather rapid change. They now had a au efficient manner. (Applause.) There Reserver when Sir Henry left them. Sir man had taken over the command of the
members were pleased with it,
was no greater satisfaction to an English Henry was a dificult man to follow, but The man than to know that he was really he thought they would agree with him Gastric Juices Working and the there were taroc nombers who scored a defend his country. (Applause) When His Excellency had declined the title Warm effects starts peristalsis and musketry had been well carried out, and trained and fit to take up a rifle to that Mr. Wakeham total of over 80, the best shot in the Com- Sir Ian Hamilton was in the Colony he of their father, but he thought he aid digestion.
bad done it. by a Company which did them no dispany being Mr. Thornhill with 95, follow had heard of the Reserves. Even at that was more credit, for such performances as they ed by Mr. McLennan and Mr. Hearl. carly date they were becoming quite had not only originated the idea but SAYER'S BRANDIES.
than their father,
TRY GEO. gave the public cheerfally paid the in- The attendance at drills had been very notorious, and Sir Ian asked him to had put it through, and that meant a good need charge. But we see it maintained good indeed, and most of the members allow him to see them. He was very by Mr. Bandmann in the case of every had taken more interest in them and had try to refuse the request, and told should wear a small green badge to dis- deal. He suggested that the Reserves or indiferent. I think you will be aware, Company he brings to Hongkong-good attended much more regularly. The Sir Ian that the boys were not quite tinguish them on field days. He wished Sir, that I am voicing a general senti inspecting officer had told them that they up to the mark yet," and really he was Mr. Wakeman a very pleasant holiday, ment in writing this protest against it.
did not want so many squad drills but a a little nervous as to how they would and he could tell those prosent that he Matheson Lang prices are only justified few good combined drilla, The Reserves in the case of performances up to the had also had several most successful field move on the parade ground. Another had promised that on his return he would Matheson Lang standard,
days, and he had to thank His Excellency sterling good soldier wanted to see them again command the Reserve. (Applause.) on behalf of the members for his hospital-
That was General Anderson. There was ity on those days. (Hear, hear.) Next not a better soldier in the Empire. year they wanted to make further im (Applause.) He happened to be an provement, and he hoped they would have Irishman-(laughter)-bub he was not a properly organised Company, a Com- one of the blarney Irishmen (Renewed
The Hon Mr. Ross, in reply, said that pany of four proper sections. (Applause.) laughter.) He hoped that they would be a guest, and on behalf of the other The PRESIDENT then proposed the health able to attend the inspection of the guests, he wished to thank them very of H.E. Bir Henry May. He said they Volunteers. He knew it was asking auch for the extremely pleasant breuing. all appreciated the services which had good deal of them, because they had their they had had. He was also glad to have been given to the Reserves by Sir Henry own inspection only the other day for the very sporting way they had that opportunity of thanking the Reserves May, and if it had not been for his kind Somehow or other he had not got it services ho did not know where the entered in his diary, and had only heard supported the Scouts' Company in some Reserves would have been to day (Ap that evening that it had been held. He of their field maneuvres. It was a great plause.) He had her known to them for was going to ask them to do one thing be able to take part in any more of those tegret to him that possibly he might not a long while, and was the father of the more, and that was to do hún the great field days, and he hoped that whoever Reserves, and he hoped would remain so compliment of turning up on the King's should succeed him would have the plea- for many years. The toast was drunk Birthday, when he would liave the with musical honours and cheers. honour of taking the salute from the Mr. Wakeman very much for the combonour not only on him, but they would H.E. THE GOVERNOR, in reply, thanked Garrison. They would be conferring an. plimentary terms in which he had probe doing their duty, towards the Sovereign posed the toast of his health, and whose birthday they would celebrato thanked those present for the very (Applause.) He would like them to roll enthusiastic way they had received the up strongly on that occasion at any rate, There was only one thing There was one word more he would like the President, Mr. Wakeman, had began their field days and drills he would wrong, ainut it, and that was that to say, and that was that when they defined hiza As the father of the like them to do their best to turn up in
Is the father Reserves
Was not quite that strong numbers, because that gave their He wished he
he was, with such a splendid leaders and offers a chance of doing gestion that the Hongkong Univer body of fine childroi. (Laughter and something with them. They could not do night furnish the place for future gather applause.) Sir Matthew Nathan origin much when there were only half ings evoked much applause. There were sted the iden, and then Sir Frederick amount of view. If they could only pull no further speeches, and the remainder Lugard came along and with his usual fogether in that way and look upon it in of the evening was devoted to incsic; Mr. thoroughness tried to make it more of a much the same way as a member of a
Captain Rongius expressed his gratitude. Denman Fuller performing wonders with military organisation. He was thankful football, or cricket, or rowing team had been received. He gave a brief out for the cordial manner in which the toast somewhat defective piano. The singing to think he had been able to do a little that his absence was going to spoil the line of work to tu performed by the Re- and Goldring was much appreciated. hit the thanks were due to the members asked them to try and get some more mon the lines of a regular Company. They of Messrs. Phelips, Skrimshire Crofton, a very little--in furthering that purpose, rest, they would get on much better. He serves during the coming year, and said The following were chosch as a committee
the idea was that they should be organised who had taken hold of the ides and especially men who had been trained in would have a Company commander, two that there is a different attitude on the a to draw up the rules and regulations of carried it into effect. It was really a His Majesty's forces, whether in the half-Company commanders, four section
proposed Oxford and Cambridge: part of servants to their employers. This Society, and to make arrangements for
tremendous pleasure to look upon that Aray, ayy, or the Volunteers. They and eight squad commanders, and the is not calculated to add to the joys of next year's dinner! Sir Charles Eliot, athering, and to know that they had all know the tremendous suceces the sections. That sounded rather a mouth- Company would be organised in four domesticity, and as the rents of housesK.CM.G., G.B. (dirman), Sir Wm.
now. 110 men fit to take their places in National Reservo mesement had bad i ful, but as a matter of fact it was not so have shown a tendency to increase very Bucknill, K.C., Mr. H. P. Winslow, Mr. really a great source of satisfaction. It Surrey, where somebody had conceived necessary for them to do Company drill, Rees Davies, K.C., Hon. Mr. J. A, the deferice of the Calony. That was England. It began in one county, elaborate as it appeared. It would be.
People who are rushing Home on holiday or are seeking a short holiday in Japan are apt to forget that Hongkong is really walthy place after all. Take the
mortality statistics for last month. They are given an 12.4 for the whole population of Hongkong, which must be regarded as extremely satisfactory. Of course, the death rate for the whole Colony for the
year does not work out at such a low figure, but if the general death rate for the non-Chinese community, including Army and Navy, be reckoned it will be soon that the figures for our island com- pare very favourably with the Home totals. In 1811 the general death rate of non-Chinese was 13.38 per 1,000, while in 1910 it was 10.04. The death rate in the British Isles in 1911 was 14.3 per 1,000 pud in 1910 it was 14.0. These figures rend to indicate that Hongkong is even a more healthy place for British subjects then their Homeland-But the fact must not be over looked that the sick and the old do not remain here to die, if it possible for them to return Ione-ED,
There seems to be a general belief among householders in the Colony that the Chinese sorvant has not been so amenable as he was before the Revolution. Whether it be that the establishment of the Republic has created a different re gard for foreigners or that the war itself was responsible for disturbing influences which have not yet been sett ed is perhaps difficult to say, but there can be no doubt
I am led to write this letter on hearing what appears to be the general verdict malgre the newspaper reports, Mr. Editor that the opening performance of the New Bandmann Opera Company was frankly disappointing, in which case the enhanced charge is surely indefensible. Yours, truly 18 sure indefensible
⠀⠀⠀ THEATRE GOER Inst paragraph; it is only fair to state that With reference to the statement in the the performance on Saturday was highly appreciated by a crowded house, and that the Theatre spected to be disappointed loft
well satisfied.
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE DINNER.
and Cambridge men was held on Satur
A very successful gathering of Oxford day night at the Hongkong Hotel, which was only marred by the absence of several members of the two Universities. The Chief Justies was in the chair and Sir Charles Eliot was the vice-chairman, and, after an excellent dinner, the legal st toast of The King the Chairman, who afterwards, in a most was proposed by interesting and felicitous speech, gave The Universities. The vice-chairman delighted the assembled guests with a witty and amusing response, and his sug
C. D. Melbourne (Chunb. sec.), Mr. P. W. Goldring (Ox. sco.).
THE HOLT LINE.
amounted to 27, 197. Of this £75,225
Reserves as he had done. (Applause.)
of fighting against and with the sure.
Mr. Browns then submitted the toast
ZEISS
12
131
PRISM
BINOCULARS
AT HOME PRICES:
of the staff, and said no words of his could express his own personal feelings as regarded the thanks that they owed to the staff for their tuition. They were glad to welcome Captain Rodgers. He had pointed out their deficiencies, for 16 Power
raised them also, which had given them which they thanked him, and he had great oncouragement. (Applause) Hc 12 referred to the excellent services rendered by Sergeant-Major Highy, who, had been most patient it to, he said, all thanked him for the tact, forbearance and sympachy he had shown towards them. (Applause.)
and he advised them to try and work to thenry of war, he said a great deal more gether as a Company. Dealing with the was demanded of a soldier in these days; and the standard had gone up during the been brought in. past few years and different methods had
(new model)
£10.10.0- £10.10.0
£9.5.0
£6.10.0
(large field)..
£7.10.0
£0.0.0
6
(small model)
£5.18.0
£6.8.0
To be obtained from
Chs. J.
Gaupp
& Co.,
ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.
CHATER-Roan.
rapidly it may be that these factors will bring about a change in the living condi
was reported at first that there might the idea of getting men who had seen be a difficulty about uniforms, but thanks service and gathering them together, and tions of Hongkong. In Canada and in Australia, where servants a not easily
to Mr. President's careful shepherding that had gon till the National procured, people aro solving the problen
the men were brought along in good Reserve now numbered 200,000 men. by living in hotels and boarding-housea,
order, (Laughter.) He thought great (Applause.) It was a magnificent oppor À DIVIDEND OF 106 PER CENT. Many already do that in Eongkong at
credit was due to him and to those tunity for those men who had already present, but it cannot be said that that Navigation Company (Holt Line, Liver. There were amongst them many ardent and organise this into a good cohesive pleasure to do anything he could for Sergeant Major Rigby said that during The report of the China Mutual Steam
who seconded him in this endeavour.been framed to keep up their training, the time he had been the instructor is an ideal state of affairs. If conditions pool) for last year shows that, including members. It was invidious to name anybody. He would like to get every trained them.
of the Volunteers it had always been a become such that it is irepossible for £17,770 brought forward, the profit one in particular, but if there was one man and every eligible non-trained turning up at parade, observing that Europeans to live the family life, cach is applied for depreciation, £100,000 is
He urged the necessity of all in their own house, then it is time that placed to resorts, and final dividens of anything more than another it was their As for as be could figure it out, little could be done with such a small body man in the Reserve to whem they owed ma in the Colony to join them, sometimes he only got six and at other the authorities bestirred themselves in 3 per cent making 6 per cent. for the old friend Mr. Thornhill. (Applause.) the men
Limes a dozen, and, as they knew, very the matter so as to make the Colony more year, are recommended on the ordinary Ho had proved & most successful leader. Reserve had done much better than for coupling his name with the toast
who were eligible for the of men. attractive to the beat types of people honus of 100 per cent on the ordinary There were others who had also done well. the younger mon
He tendered his hearty thanks and ordinary B shares, together with a from the Homeland.
in the Colony in would be going Home on lezve very The PRESIDENT announced that he shares the latter absorbing £3,680), The improvements during the past season training for military purposes. (Hear, shortly, and it would be necessary for while £28,027 is carried forward.
The following table gives a comparison day they were more or less like a flock of young men who had not joined the Leonard Bird was elected to the position THE EYE
had been enormous. On their first field hear.) There was a tremendous amount them to appoint someone to fill his place.
OF with the 1911 result-
On the proposition of Mr. CARTER, Mr. of sheep, rambling, or rather tumbling, Volunteers, and he wished they would about-and not knowing really what they follow the example of those present, and West, and Munroe, a duet by Mr. R. B. Songs by Messrs. It. E. White, P. J.
Cawsey and Mr. R. E. White, and some excellent flina provided plenty of diver sion to the members, and all voted the function a most successful one.
To-morrow is the First of April, and I daresay a few folks will remember that it is All Fool's Day. Fortunately people re not given to perpetrating the silly jokes and boaxes that were features of this date and though we may regret the disappearance of some old customs there is no occasion to mourn much over the
es of the first of April tricks.
The Courts of Justice in Hongkong have not apparently recovered from the
1012 1013 £319,7 £165,840 17,576 16.720 337,497 202,
75,225 J12 100,000 80,000 Ordinary dividend... 100ple 30p.e Carried forward: M 38,027 17,776
Profit Brought forward.... Available Depreciation
To reserve
From the profit of 1010 £78,105 was put tu depreciation and, £30,000 to reserve and a dividend of 18 per cent. was paid, For 1900 the distribution was 6 per cent. and for each of four years before that per cent. The capital consists of
ordinary B shares, bearing 6 por cent interest, to the amount of £251,030.
congestion into which they were thrown £167,360 in preference and ordinary by the holding of the newly established shares with about £90,000 paid up, and Appeal Court, whose lengthy-sittings ran through nearly the whole of January. The conditions are not improved by the lengthy hearings which have taken place at the Criminal Sessions, and litigants have reason for a growl at the manner in which cases have to be postponed."
RODERICH RANDOM.
emorial and Affiliated Hospitals begs to acknowledge with thanks the following donations to the funds of the hospitals:-
Sze Yap S.S. Co. A. 5: Watson & Co., Ltd.
The Hon. Treasurer of the Alice
$10
50
439]
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IMPORTERS:
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TIENTSIN AND PEKING.
TE. the Governor distributed the prizes won by the Reservists in accordance with the following_list._____
Rife Handicaps (200-yard)-1, T. Hamil ton; 2, 1. G. Bird; 3, Dr. Evan Jones: 00. vards-1, J. A. Lyon; 2, J. Hutchings 3, L. Bird. 600 yards-1, J.-D. Danby 2, F. Denn 3, A. Watson, 200, 500, and: 600 yards Aggregate.-I, J. A. Lyon; 2; A. Watson 8 Dr. Evan Jones. Champion- ship. T. Hamilton. Rapid Firing Com petition-1, Mr. Thornhill's team-(C. Bond, Grimshaw, J. A. Lyon, and R. Stewart). 3. Dr. Evan Jones' team-(C. H. Blakos A. Charlton, G. H. May, and N. L. Railton). Monthly Shoots A Class, 1, F. Doan 196; 2. T. Hamilton, 13. B Class, A Calvert, 102
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The Competition 9th March, Mr. Thornhill's Section No 5.
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