INTIMATIONS
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9rv, 1914.
prosperity which find no mention in the polition. It is necessary in the first place for the Ministry to remonstrato with the
cultivators of the cand Swntow 13,
perhaps, the chief centre of the China sugar industry, and the following com
A. S. WATSON ment, taken from the last Decennial
& CO., LTD.,
ESTABLISHED 72 YEARS.
WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS.
HIGH-CLASS WINES.
WATSON'S
D. PORT
Report of the Customs on the trade of this port, would seem to be applicable to the sugar cultivation everywhere in | China, viz., " The local cane is reported to be rapidly deteriorating, and only reaches a height of eight feet, against ten to twelve feet in Honolulu and Formosa, where more care is taken of the stock to reproduce from. The remedy is self- eviden, and, in the hands of a committee of public-spirited local experts should present to unsurmountable difficulties: This important matter of the proper cultivation of the cane, have said, is one which is entirely ignored in the petition
the PRESIDENT, or is there any inention of the need for modern methods of manufac ture. The method commonly employed in China for expressing the juice from the cane is very primitive. The crushing apporatue consists of two upright stone rollers in a wooden frame turned by a
VERY SUPERIOR OLD PORT WITH buffalo. Modern machinery would give
STYLE AND CHARACTER.
Per Dozen $29.80.
WATSON'S
D. SHERRY
SUPERIOR PALE DRY,
much better results, of course, but the. cost of it would be beyond the means of the small farmers: One Commissioner of Customs has made the comment that even if the Chinese sugar producers had good machidery their knowledge of mechanies would hardly be eufficient to enable them to use it to the best advantage. So long as that remains the case the prospect of China supplying the needs of the world is an idle dream. Modern machinery must be introduced
Per Dozen $24.300er or Irter, if progress is to be made,
and there is no reason why modern mills should not be run in China as well as in Japan. The Chinese make good
These Wines are specially mechanica But Chinn must follow
recommended, being of Superior engage
Vintage, Cld, and thoroughly matured and in fine condition.
Japan's example and not hesitate to
foreign supervisors of the machinery until the knowledg of mechanics is sufficicatly widespread in
China to enable her safely to dispense with foreign assistance. •If.. mistake not the aim of the Ministry of Agriculture, ⠀is to promote the
A.S. WATSON & CO.. establishment
LIMITED,
ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.
[19
Hanazona. Ozuch: 104, DES VOUX ROAD C. LONDON OFFICE: 181, Flat Stanz, EC.
The
Daily Press.
HONGKONG, DECEMBER 9TH, 1914.
of modern mills by granting them protection from competi- tion in certain defined areas Among the recommendations approved by the PRESIDENT is one which gives the Ministry" of Agriculture the power to assign n district for a mill and to exclude
district, competition in that
while requiring all cane produced in the district to be sold only to the mill established there under official sanction. We think the Ministry over sanguine when it says that the sugar industry will quickly develop under such a policy, but the effort will be watched with lat-rest.
The weekly return of communicable disease shows that two Chinese caces of diphtheria and seven of enteric fever (three British, one Russian, one Portu guese, and remainder Chiroze) ⠀⠀ were reported during the past week. Four of the latter cases were imported.
the sale of articles knitted by the blind girls of the Blindenheim; the other is a Sale of Work at the Union Church, which starts at 3 p.m., to be followed at 9 p.m. by a Concert for which an attractive programme has been arranged.
The cornering." of sugar by the British Government has been made the occasion for directing attention to the dwindling sugar industry of China. As most of our readers know, sugar-cane is grown in several of the southern and western provinces of China, notably in Fukien, and Kwangtung, Kwangsi, Szechuon Yunnan, According to one authority.
Two Sales of Work are announced to China could probably produce under
take place in the Colony to-day. One is proper methods of cultivation and withheld at the Rhenish Mission House for scientific treatment as much sugar as is required for national consumption; but as things are the country imports fen times the amount that comprises the internal trade. In order to change this state of affairs the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce in a petition to the PRESIDENT has suggested certain reforms for the sugar industry which the PRESIDENT has directed to be put in force. According to the petition, "a moet important opportunity offers for the Chinese to improve the manufacture, of sugar so as to supply the needs of the world, and as the outcome of "consider able discussion "" the Ministry offers two suggestions for the improvement of the industry," namely, (1) to fix districts; and (2) to instituto investigation." This, doubtless, will be a good beginning, but the day when China will be able to supply the needs of the world" is very far off. When the Chinese producera are able to supply the needs of their own country their accomplishment will be great, as the few facts above mentioned sufficiently indicate. But if China is able to produce as much sugar as the country requiros, why is it that the import of foreign sagar has increased tremendously" The petition of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce supplies one answer. It saysThe sugar berchants of this
country have always put some mixture in both brown and white sugar so as to make
The Rev. E. J. Loader arrived in the Colony on Monday, by the 8.8. Malta, to join the staff of the U.M.S, in South China. His first location will be Canton for language study. A reception was held at 'Haldon," the residence of Archdeacon ad Mrs. Barnett, on Monday, when opportunity was taken to introduce Mr. Loader to the other members of the staff in Hongkong.
There has been quite a large influx to Siam of German and Austrian ladies from Hongkong and Singapore of late, remarks a Bangkok contemporary, and as a result the local hotels are all full. The Deli, which is lying in the river, is used as a kind of floating boarding-house, the inmates being, it is understood, mostly the wives and families of Norddeutscher Lloyd captains and officers,
On the gala afternoon to be held at the University on January 20th, in aid of the Prince of Wales' National Relief Fund, there will be an exhibition of scientific apparatus, a concert, side shon, etten sind
the ladies who are connected with the University have kindly promised to pro- vide tes. An opportunity will thus be afforded for all local residents to visit the
Admission will be by ticket at a nominal price of 50 cents, all the proceeds being sent direct to the Prince of Wales' Fund, His Excellency the Governor and Lady May have kindly consented to be present, and the University Students Union, of which His Excellency is President, has offered to defray the expenses of decora tions, etc
more money, without giving any University, and see the work being done, sideration to the injury they were doing to their trade. Consequently the people of this country prefer to use foreign sugar though it is more expensive" So long as these practices continue, the Ministry rightly says the industry cannot flourish. There are
other conditions of
THE
WAR.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENOT
THE OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM
AND FRANCE.
To-day's Paris communiqué anys:-
LONDON, December 7th.
5 D.
In the region of the Yser wo continue to attack the faw trenches the enemy have retained on the left bank of the Canal.
There is nothing to report from the regions of Armentieres, Arras, the Oise, the Aisne, and Argonne, unless it be generally speaking the superiority of our offensive,
Our heavy artillery gained a very marked advantage over the enemy's artillery in Champagne:
There is nothing now to report from the castern theatre, where the position is maintained.
LONDON, December 8th.
1.10 am.
The Paris evening communique says;-- In Belgium the Germans bombarded Oost Dankerke, to the east
of Nieuport, between Bethone and Lens.
We have completed the capture of the village of Vermelles, and a position at Rutoire, to the east of which we are lining the railway
line.
Our troops made appreciable advance in the region of Rouvroye and Parvillers-le-Quesnoy en Sauterne,
There is nothing to report further.
NOTABLE PROGRESS IN FLANDERS.
1
LONDON, December 6th.. Press Correspondents in Flanders state that the French south of Dixmude have made notable progross. Roulers is now open to them. The Allies have made many strategic changes strengthening their positions and the British have shortened their lines. A German advance is ow regardod as impossible.
KING GEORGE AND THE ARMY.
LONDON, December 3th. Before leaving France, the King issued an Order, saying:- "I am glad to have been able to see my Army in the field, and I wish to have gained some slight experience of the life you are leading.
I could have spoken to you all, to express my admiration of the splendid manner in which all have fought, and are still fighting, a powerful and relentless enemy, By your discipline, pluck, and endurance, inspired by your indomitable Regimental spirit, you have upheld the tradition of the British Army, and added fresh lustre to its history.
I was particularly mpressed by your soldiorly, healthy, and cherful appearance,
I cannot bare your trials, your dangers, and your sucecases, but I can assure you of the proud confidence and gratitude of myself and your fellow countryme. We follow in our daily thoughts your certain road to
ad to victory.
His Majesty conferred on Field-Marshal Sir John French the Order of Merit, and on Generals Joffre and Foch the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
THE ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE.
EMPEROR OF JAPAN HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE ITS GROWING CORDIALITY:"
LONDON, December 7th:
A telegram from Tokyo says that the opening of the Diet was 'n
most brilliant function. The Emperor, in the course of an Address,
said he was happy to announce the growing cordiality of the Allianc with Great Britain and that the Ententes with France and Russin had been cemented by the prezent critical stage in stronger bonds of amity. Peace in the Orient was gradually being restored, but the great war
had not yet ended. "We rely on the loyalty and bravery of our subjects. in our wish to attain the final object as quickly as possible."
THE WAR AND BRITISH TRADE.
LONDON, December 7th,
The monthly Board of Trade, returns show that in the month of
November the decreases in imports amounted to £12,480,000, and in exports £20,154,569.
Increases in imports were in food, drink, and to were in tobacon, £5,500,000; the decreases were in raw cotton £9,000,000 and wool, £774,000. The only increase in exports was in grain and four, £13,687, while the decreases were in manufactures and cotton £1,002,000, and wool
21,523,158
ADVANCE IN PRICE OF WHEAT.
LONDON, Lesember 7th.
The price of wheat has advanced one shilling a quarter owing to the prohibition of export from India.
PARIS BOURSE REOPENED.
The Paris Bourse has re-opened.
LONDON, December 8th.
[THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY:]
THE RUSSIAN OPERATIONS.
GERMANY'S COLOSSAL LOSSES IN POLAND.
LONDON; December 8th..
The Bourse Gazette (Petrograd) estimates that the losses of the Germans in the battles around Lodz amounted to 100,000, out of twelve "Army Corps engaged.
RUSSIANS BOMBARDING THE SUBURBS OF CRACOW.
LONDON, December 8th.
It is stated at The Hague that the Russians, under the Bulgarian General Dimitrieff, began the bombardment of the suburbs of Cracow on Sunday.
Petrograd. communiqué states that Austro-German forces havo appeared northward of Cracow, German reinforcements being brought up to stiffen the Austrians.
RUSSIA'S SUCCESS IN ARMENIA."
LONDON, December 8th.
A Petrograd telegram says that the Russian occupation of Sarai and Bascanala in Armenia opens the direct road to Yan and gives the. Russians a flourishing part of Armenia.
WHY LODZ WAS EVACUATED.
LONDON, December 8th.
A Petrograd communiqué affirms that during the fighting in the second half of November Lodz acquired great military importance, but when the German offensive at Lodz and Lowicz failed the former enormous city," which had drawn upon it the enemy's bombardment, lost its importance and presented the greatest difficulties from a military point of view, giving our front an abnormal contour which was embarrassing our communications. Consequently, the city was evacuated and an opportunity was taken of the lull in the fighting to reform our line.
BRITISH STEAMER SUNK IN CHILIAN WATERS.
CREW LANDED AT VALPARAISO.
LONDON, December 7th. 8.10 p.m.
telegram from Valparaiso states -the German armed merchantman Prinz Eitel Friedrich bas landed the crow of the British steamer Chareas, sunk off Corral.
(The Prinz Eitel Friedrich is an NDL liner and is very well known in the East. She was at Tsingtao when the war broke out.]
THE BRITISH WAR LOAN.
LONDON, December 7th. The money market is stronger in consequence of the War Loan payments, of which minimum payments of £50,000,000 are expected to be made to-day.
PINCH OF POVERTY IN HAMBURG:
URGENT APPEAL FOR REROIO SILENT SUFFERER.
[FROM THE “DAILY NEWS" CORRESPONDENT.]
paper, in a scream of wrath against tho reported intention of England to make a complete blockade of the North Sea, should remark" Already, as we know, our North Sea trade has become some what cramped. Cramped seems scarcely the word for a condition of affairs which they themselves describe as absolutely painful.
The Fremdenblatte outburst on the suggestion to mine the whole of the North Sen contains the following: It is doubt- ful if such a blockade would damage Ger many to any significant degree, as wo well know our North Bea trading has be-- the Baltic and through the Kaiser Wil come somewhat cramped. The traffic in helm Canal would not touched by such &
ROTTERDAM, October 29th. Whatever excursions the German Pro fessors may make into economic theories prove that all is well with Germany and that she can afford to smile at the work of the English blockade, there is no denying that very extensive poverty and unemployment already exist in Hamburg. if not in other big German cities, A full-page appeal for funds appears in the proceeding, but the neutral countries Hamburger Fremdenblatt under the would be struck on a gigantio scale. heading, Friends of Humanity, Help T Holland in particular would have to sus Curiously enough the appeal is sur pend completely her shipping, and her rounded by a very heavy band of black, trade with the United States would be cut like a mourning card. In asking for off urgent subscriptions for the unemployed clauses of the Declaration of London, and
The writer: prooted to
in the city, it
says — at any
before right.
to quote various
HEROIC COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
We have daily about 10,000 applications suggests that England only intends to for relief. These include artists, civil engi- keep those clause which are favourable neers, architects, business people, and in to her and throw the others to the winds. dependent Indies, who have been hit by the England, it concludes, simply sets herself war, and from these we can only pick cut upon a pinnacle, and says might comer the most deserving, and help a comparatively few each day. For these poor souls a fund. is being raised. It is for the relief of botter- class people. Such people do not come under the notice of the committee for the care of
LONDON, November 26th, the general poor, but they are even more General Lord Cavan has written to the badly hit than the poor people themselves | Colonel of the Coldstream Guards, who These difficult times break all law of is now resting, that the latter held the class. - - Wo wish to help many more because fine intact for a month to November 20th we believe that those cases which come to our under hardships which it is impossible to notice are not a tenth of those which exist I describe. It is not too much to say that and suffer in heroic silence. The noed with the whole safety of the line depended upon which we come in contact is sometimes aba their staunchness. Their trenches could Intely painful, and generally in enses where
the public least suspects it. This relief not be drained and have been full of water committee can at the moment only deal with to above the knees for 23 days. They lifted less than a fifth of those who apply person un unexploded hand grenades and hurled aily, and they say that in most cases which them back at the Germans Reuter have come under their notice the families ceneist of at least four and frequently może
children. They have absolutely not food
GERMAN SUBMARINE AND
DRITISH STEAMER,
a week coming in with which to provide i The asspation is trying to deal with thos
LONDON, November 30th. seriously threatened lives lives threatened
The crew of the small steamer Irimo, with starvation not with mondy but with which has arrived at Southampton, relate food and bodily necessities of all kinds, and that in broad daylight when close to the thus save them from destruction Every coast a submarine popped up. An officer one is appealed to to do all in his power to boarded the steamer and gave the crew help those cases and ebow pity."
KAISER'S HEADQUARTERS STAFF.
No one can conceivably rejoice at this ten minutes to take to the boats. The noverty, but this appeal makes a striking rimo did not sink, but was sighted on contrast to the theorics constantly pub Saturday night afre, lished by the learned men of the country. Famburg, as the great port of Germany, has naturally been one of the first places to suffer by the suspension of German The Kaiser's Headquarters Staff com- shipping, but the igures referred to in prizes some fifteen hundred persons, the appeal suggest that the poverty is far including General Ploessen, General worse than was known outsider
Gontard, General Helms, General Mar- chand, Colonel Hutius, Lieut-Colonel Hautke, Major Caprivi, Major Hirschfeld and Major Count von Moltke.
OVERSEA TRADE DEAD.
It is interesting to note that the very day this appeal is published the same