Page
THE STRIKE SITUATION, CARGO COOLIES WORKING AGAIN.
WORKER
TMPRISONED INTIMIDATION.
FOR
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6rg. 1992.
1./
120 GRADES OF WORKERS,
There are those who hold that the ep portunity should be taken now, while everything is in the melting pot, to estab-
COMPANY MEETING.
HUMPHREYS ESTATE AND FINANCE CO., LTD.
KOWLOON MOTOR BUSES
ON" FIRE,"
HOW THE CONDUCTOR NOTIFIED THE FIRE BRIGADE. Maintenance of machinery in good
lah one rate of wages for the Pacific, one The annual general meeting of Ham- A notice issued by the Secretary of for European lines and one for const-wise phreys Estate and Finance Co., Ltd., was Chinese Affairs inviting workmen who vessels. The knotty question then ariseshold at the Hongkong Hotel on Satur order is never a strong point with the Mr. H. Humpreys pre- Chinese, whether it be a bicycle, a motor wish to "work to report to the Central Will everyone agree to pay the highest day morning.
car or the engine of a ship. The buses Police Station, and promising police pro-existing rate and, if not, what will be sided and there were present Rev. Fr. tection, has had a good effect. Yesterday the attitude of the seamen who have Robert, Messrs. J. Scott Harston, A. of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company seem i O. Lang, WL. Pattenden, J. M. Alves now to be auffering from lack of atten- Turning aboq 500 coolies reported them. hitherto drown the highest rates when Directors) 0. Rapp (Secretary) Messrs. tion, judging from the fact that two fires.
res in ceordance with the notice and told that they will have to come down F. W. Stapleton, M. S. Northcote, F.
due to mechanical defects, occurred dur bitt. The investigations that have M. Ellis. J. H. Seth, E. Percy Smith, ng, the week-end, one on Friday night the Central Police Station became, for a the time being, a labour exchange. It taken place so far have brought out one W. Morley, M. Fernandez, A. P. Samy, and one on Sunday morning.
The Friday night fire was brought to was nut very easy, on a Sunday morning, point very clearly; that the wages quesD. E. Clark, J. D. Humphreys (share
the notice of Kowloon Fire Brigade in -to get in touch with shipping companies,tion is far more complicated than the holders).
The CHAIRMAN anid: - The accounts this wise. A bus conductor dashed into the Fire Station shrieking Fire." For for the shipping companies, when com seamen's representatives realised. There before you, though not quite a record,
are no fewer than 190 grades of employees are the best for the past twenty years tell the came of the road although he con- Where," he was asked. Ho could nos munication had been established, to say
on a Pacific-going steamer, ranging from but you will doubtless observe that the where a squad of coolies could be most usefully employed. Transport from ship the learn-boy receiving pocket money of profits on property sales amount to ducts his bus through it.daily. It was Father more than one half of the revenue re in Gascoigne Road, which is at the discovered afterwards that the bus caught to wharf woad also have to be arranged to the No. 1 cook at $75 or $80 a
These employments all include derived from rent in the case of vessels moored at the month.
food, uniforms and accommodation while
Brigade the conductor waited for a bus to far end of Nathan Road. Instead of buoy's
having the
sense to telephone to the in port.
arrive from the opposite direction and be
i
FREIGHT RATES INVOLVED.
under the heading of interest and repairs There has been considerable saving However, every one felt that it would
and the amount owing to suadry credi be most regrettable not to make use of
tors is $70,458.91 less. I do not think the men who offered themselves and by
To put all the lines on an equal basis there is anything else in the accounts 12 o'clock work was arranged for them on the Tezzo Harn and other vessels for their clase, it is pointed out, will which calls for special mention but per The 200 man then marched from the Cen mean an increase of freights. In this dehaps you may be interested to know what we have accomplished during the year tral Palier Station to Blake Pier, led by partment, also, there is a crying need for Inspector Appleton and accompanied by standardisation. At present the shipper under review in the way of new build many police officers in plain clothes, plays off one shipping company against With their bamboo poles "at the shoulder" another and actual suspicion and distrust the coolies made quite an imposing, arras-
head to undercutting. This has reached such a piteb that a shipping company and attracted a good deal of attention. Two or three launches carried the mea receives five times as much for taking out for various ships and later in the day certain classes of goods from San Fran -other smaller detachments were sent of
cisco to Los Angeles as from Hongkong On Sunday afternoon the Henry Kerto San Francisco. If the present trouble rick tug towed the Tenyo Mars alongside leads to an endeavour to deal in whart to facilitate the removal of cargo ing shipping problems it will not be the Hongkong and Kowloon Company's scientific spirit with some of these press
entirely without good result.
into the 'godowo5.
On the Praya, & considerable amount of cargo was shifted yesterday,-enougā ta bring into use a number of two wheeled trucks in addition to loads carried by many individual coolies! Firewood and flour was moved in considerable bulk, also vegetables, rice and kerosene.
THE LATEST PROCLAMATION.
The notice which led to all this activity was as follows:---
"
Hallifux, S.C.A., in the matter of Notice. As regards the present strike of dit ferent Guilds, most of the people of Bach Guilds really do not like to give up work. It is merely because some persons have intimidated and forced them that they have not dared to work, and consequently lose their occupations They are indeed to be pitied. This Notice is issued for the information of all workmen. If anybody is willing to work, he can go to the Central Police Station and make a report.
A con-
stable will then be sent to protect him while he is going about to work and sizo his residence. All have no need to be afraid of any danger. This special notice for the information of all...
Dated February 3rd, 1922.
EUROPEANS WORKING ON
CARGO.
During the week-end the European staffs of Messrs. Jardine Matheson & Co. and of Messrs. Butterfield and Swite loaded d unloaded considerable quan tities of cargo. In one case, we under "stand, 6,000 bags of sugar were loaded on
Friday on one of the ships in port. INTIMIDATION AND SYMPATHETIC
STRIKES.
it is, perhaps, worth noting that Saturday's issue of the Canton Times," a paper subsidised by the Canton Govern ment, contains not a single line regard ing the strike of scamen..
ATTEMPT » TO, İNTIMIDATE
WORKERS.
COOLIE IMPRISONED.
The frat case of intimidating workers since the issue of the proclamation last week was heard at the Magistracy, on Saturday, when a coolis was charged béfore Mr. Wood, with disorderly con- duct.
We completed 18 flats on Hanoi Road, Kowloon January, 1991 and 6 flats on May Road last September. We have still under construction 13 flats on May Road and a terrace houses and 12 flats in Kowloon. The former should be ready for occupation about the end of April and latter in May and July respectively. I trust shareholders will approve of the proposed transfers to reserva Sund and As regards the former some such prove special repairs and renewals account.
sion is undoubtedly advisable if our posi tion is to be maintained in the future. Ts regards the latter, the largely in creased number of our flat renders some such provision necessary inasmuch as we may have to renovate, externally, two or three blocks of flats, in the course of one year.
The colourwashing and painting externally of several large blocks of flats cannot be regarded in the nature of ordinary repairs,
then he rode down to Tsim Teat Tsui appr make a report, By the time the Fire Brigade arrived the wood-work of the bus was considerably damaged, but the hose was brought to bear and the ames were extinguished. The fire was The other fire occurred at. 10.50 a.m., found to be due to a petrol leak.
eserday. Another of the buses caught are in Coronation Road. This time, the ruble was due to a short circuit in the tension wire.Receiving a message, the Brigade turned out in force with two Plionces and were able to prevent any great damage being done by the fire.
it may be noted that none of these buses this sort of thing is to go on they will is fitted with a fire extinguisher, and if Probably need to be supplied with a whole paraphernalia of fire-fighting appliances.
WARWICK COMEDY
COMPANY.
HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PRODUC TION OF PYGMALION."
71
an
I now beg to propose the adoption of the
The audience which filled the Theatre report and statement of accounts and after they have been duly reconded on Saturday evening, to witness the pro- I will answer any questions shareholders duction by the Edgar Warwick Co. of may have to asked to the best of my Bernard Shaw's famous comedy "Pyg- ability.
malion,"
was delighted with its presenta Mr. M. S. NORTHCOTE: Mr Chairman, non. Miss Gertrude Godart's pourtrayal I have much pleasure in seconding the of the character of Eliza Doolittle, the adoption of the report and accounts as cockney flower girl from the purieus of Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe, Captain Super-presented, and I think that shareholders Lisean-grove, who undergoes a course of intendent of Police, conducted the case will agree with me when I describe them cultion, and training which fits her to for the prosecution. He said the case was as entirely satifactory, showing, as they move in the highest society, was important as the circumstances tended to de, the best result for the past twenty achievement that could scarcely be excelled show that the coolie was attempting to years in the history of the Company on any stage, which is saying a very great prevent other coolies from working.
An examination of the balance sheets of deal when we remember that the role was Inspector Garrod stated that on the the
the Company for the last five years orginally taken by Mrs. Patrick Camp previous day at 12.30 p.m. be saw a crowd via a steady improvement in the tabel when the comedy was first produced come frora Centre Street into Des Voeux all is said, what the ordinary investor praise was Mr. Dudley. Howarth for his divided earning capacity, which is, when in Loaden. Equally entitled to high olies, carrying bamboo poles, bring anch, succeeding year. In 1917 the divi. Henry Higgins
West. He noticed two street looks for better and better dividends
of the very dimeul part of pushed along by three men, one of whom dend was at the rate of 8 per cent. on unitertook in conjunction with Colonel the professor who was the defendant. They ran away on the capital in 1918 and in 1919 this rose to Pickering (Mr Charles Bradley), the seeing Inspector Garrod and the crowd 6 per cent while in 1920 it rose to transformation of Eliza into a duchess. dispersed. Shortly afterwards he saw two per cent, the same rate being maintained From beginning to end he acted with a of the same three men catch hold offor 1921 with an additional 3 per cent ease. which was convincing. Mr. Edgar another man in Centre Street They again by way of bonus.
Warwick made a welcome re-appearance disappeared. A little later he saw two Admitting that these results have been in the very amusing character of the men struggling in Des Voeux Road West materially assisted by profits derived philosophie dustman, Alfred Doolittle," Witness went under the verandah and from sales of property, yet, if we elimin and played the part with the success caught both men; the defendant was create this source of revenue, a source which which generally characterises all bia of the men. but the other man got away.
He arrested the defendant. cansat annually be relied upon, we still undertakings Miss Eileen Dawn was a The man find steady improvement ance without perfect Mrs. Pearce" the housekeeper who got away could not be traced. this assistance the Company's net revenue of the Henry Higgins establishment, and Corroborative evidence was given by annually increased, the net profit ex- the other minor characters were also ex- Sergt. Smith, after which the defendant clusive of ales and without deduction collently taken. The comedy lost nothing made a statement, the purport of which mount shown for General Man of its merits by its presentation by so cap. was that he was merely listening to
agers fees which would of course without able a caste and the audience took every this source have been much less works opportunity on the fall of the curtain to dispute over some money. He did not out for 1917 and 1918 at slightly over convey by warm applause their enjoy. know why he was arrested.
4 per cent, improving in 1918 to bi per ment of one of the Company's most suc cent in 1990 to something over 6 per cessful production. cent in 1921 to just 7 per cent., progress which cannot but be pleasant to share- bolders.
B
Answering the C.S.P., the defendant said he undertook transport work and that he was a licensed truck coolie. He did not know that the coolies were going to work on a salt-fish junk which had just
او
The events of the week-end give reason to believe that the sympathetic strikes of workers other than seamen will soon be over. The Government provided further discouragement for them on Friday night by raiding the premises of the Stevedores Guild in Reclamation Street, arrived. || Yaumati. A considerable force of police, The Magistrate, in sentencing the de directed by the Captain-Superintendent fendant, to six weeks' imprisonment with (Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe) and the Deputy hard labour, said that he thought the Superintendent (Mr. T. H. King) raided defendant was actually trying to prevent the premises and closed them up, after coolies from working. removing documents. An intimidator was. sent to prison at the Magistracy, on Baturday. Shipping representatives who are trying to get back the crews of their vessels find reason to suspect that in timidation is still prevalent. Dark threats are uttered that, sooner or later, the man who goes back to work will get
THE SHORTAGE OF FIREWOOD.
COOLIKS RAID, PLANTATIONS FOR WOOD.
a
The great shortage of firewood, as direct result of the strike, was indicated at the Magistracy, on Saturday, when
"a dagger between his ribs and, unforto elevon Chinese were charged before Mr.
nately, this kind of talk goes a long way in China:
191
Je
CLEMENCE DANE'S WONDERFEL PLAY. Theatre-goers will surely seed to be reminded that the Warwick Comedy Com- Dividends do not grow of themselves, pany are presenting Clemence Dane's they have to be earned and are so markable play "A Bill of Divorcement carned only by the constant care for our to-night at the Theatre Royal
It was interests of our Managing Directors and performed here on the occasion of the tiring labour of the staff they employ big attraction that Mr. Warwick has been' Directors assisted by the willing and un- company' last visit, and proved such a Sales of property are not brought about well advised in allotting the play another without much care and thought, and for right. He has received a number of re Buccessful carrying through of this class quests for a repetition and there is cer of business we are entirely indebted to tain to be a large house to witness what
able
management of our Managing is one of the outstanding auccesser of Directors, who should receive adequate recent years.
the
remuneration therefor at our hands. In this connection I desire to draw your attention to two items on the, debit side of proft and loss account viz.
20
The plans are at Moutrie's
..
The wedding took place in Peking on the afternoon of January 24th, of Mr D. R. Mackenzie. local manager of Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., and Mist Muriel Lantry, the ceremony taking place"
anded, for in presence of a large, and fashionable)
Allowance to General Managers to J. R. Wood, with having unlawf-lly cut cover office rent, salaries of Secretary and down trees at the Mount Davis plantation Clerks" which in put down at 88,000. STILL NO WORD FROM CANTON: The Captain Superintendent of Police, at which it was fixed when the capital The British Legution Chapel in the and caused damage to the extent of 8700. This lownco in, I understand, the figure Mr. E. 1.0. Wolle, prosecuted in per- of the Company was increased so far Bill no word comes from Canton" and son. He stated that these coolies had back as 1903 the question is being asked Can the plenty of opportunities of work, but they the Articles of Hongkong Government or H.B.M, Consul had turped to cutting down trees with the
tions
have at Canton establish communication with object, not so much of relieving their thom days. The some responsible person or persons in the own fuel wants, as making a profit out staff has probably more than doubled, A. Forbes acted as matron of honour, strikers camp and find out what they of the situation." If the defendants want rente and the cost of living, have in the bride being given way by Mr.-A. H. mean to do, Failing that, a great numed work, there was plenty for them to decreased considerably, necessitating a cor Forces. Mr. R. J. Paterson acted as ber of Northern Chinese will obtain a in the City.
· Footing locally and Cantonese seamen will find their occupation gone,
STANDARDISING RATES OF ·
WAGES.
The Magistrate: They might be en- deavouring to get fuelf
"
Mr. Wolfe: They will be able to buy firewood if they work.
greatly
Condi- gathering. The bride's attendants were
since Miss Phyllis and Master Alistair James, work of the SOD as flower girl and page, and Mrs
The honeymoon is "being.
pent. in Tientsin
responding increase in salaries to stall, sest man. A reception was afterwards etc. I therefore venture to submit that held at Ewo. the allowance as now provided is insufi. mum of $10,000. cient and should be increased to a mini The other item to which I wish to draw The Magistrate. But not if there is
attention your
is the remuneration to The CHAIRMAN remarked that Mr. a shortage.
Geners! Mr. Wolfe: There is fuel to be bought. more difficult matter to deal with sipes work in recent years had very much
Managers. It is being urged in shipping circles
This is perhaps Northcote had omitted to mention that the that the present is an appropriate time; Some nine or ten junks arrived on Friday any material increase herain might pos increased and was still increasing. Hie when the question of wages is being with firewood. There might have been sibly affect the dividend earning poten suggestion would be put before the Board raised so acutely, to go thoroughly into temporary shortage. They could get 15 tialities of the Company. However, we at the next meeting and what the Direc- the problem of standardising the rates of cattics of fuel for 81. They could hardly must not lose sight of the fact that it is tors decided would be submitted to share pay for the various grades of seamen afford this price, but amaving could be to their sale management and brain we holders at an extraordinary meeting sub. The representatives of shipping com affected by combining the cooking of owe the success of the Company and i requently convened panies, in their discussions of possible several households. There is something hope you will agree with me in thinking The report and accounts were adopted. Increases, curlier in the present dispute, to be said for the women, but not for that their remuneration as at present The CBAIEKAR proposed that Mr. J. were surprised themselves, to find how able-bodied coolice. These men were cut-provided 5 per cent on the net profits is Scott Harston, Mr. W. L Pattenden, many different rates were paid for the ting wood to sell with a view to making nowadays somewhat inadequte and should Rev. Fr. Robert Hon. Mr. A. O. Lang -sama Barvices. It would not be too much a big profit. They might keep back a be increased at any rate at such times and Mr. J. M. Alves be re-elected Direc
to say that emory Line crossing the little for their own hearths Many of ns the net profits exceed say 10 per cent. tors for the ensuing year. Potifie pays a different rate. Coast-wise these mer sleep in the streets and have of the capital,
Mr. D. R. CLARK seconded and the ship, naturally, pay rates, differing from no need to cook as they get their meals If you are in accord with me in thers motion was carried.
matters I think we may leave it to the these paid on the Pacific, but each coast at food hawkers' stalls.
Mr. MozLEY proposed that Messrs. H. wis line also pays a rate that differs
Board of Directira to formulate an Percy Smith and O. Bernard Brown be from that paid by vessels of similar class
amended scale-in both instances and to re-elected auditore at a remuneration of Ships on the European route also have
draw up the necomasry alterations to the $250 each, ** their own rates and these differ from the
Articles of Association required to deal therewith. other two classes of steamers.
(Continued at foot of nest column,)
The defendants were fined 50 cents each with the option of two days imprison ment. They were also cautioned.
A number of other Chinese coolies were fined for similar offences..
Mr. F. W. STAPLEMN seconded and the motion was carried.
This concluded the business..
Ready-to-Serve Foods
PAYSANDU OX TONGUES
LIBBY'S OX TONGUES
GALANTINES GILLARD'S
++
No. 2 Tins
$4.30
13
$1
7.
No. 2
CORNED BEEF, LIBBY'S
No. 1 Ta
$ 3.75
$4.50
.90.
い
No. 2
$185
Q. NE
No. 1 "
.60
No. 2
$1.00
Der tin
$1.30
POULTON & NOEL'S
11
#
mean $3.00
1.80
.75
75
.75
73 3120
-76
81.10
$ 1.55
$155
BRISKET BEEF
SCOTCH HAGGIS
WHITE PUDDING
BLACK JÜGGED HARE
PIGS FRET GAME PATES
BOILED MUTTON
BOAST
HAM, VEAL or BEEF LOAF
SLICED REEF
glass
SARDMES per tin $1.40. $1.00, 55 .50 .40
ALL OF DEPENDABLE QUALITY
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
Established 1850
SEERWOOD'S
Telephone 1741
RYSTOLITE
THE IDÉAL ENGLISH WHITE ENAMEL
76
76.
Sold in quarts, i and 1 gallon tina
THE ENAMEL THAT WONT TURN YELLOW.
Tel 1741.
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
THE UPRIGHT
HONGKONG
PIANO
WITH A GRAND PIANO TONE
BROADWOOD
NEW MODELS
JUST RECEIVED
AT
ANDERSONS
5 BEACONSFIELD ARCADE (Opposite City: Ball)
11
~ Powell
·TELEPHONE“ 3148.
SALE! SALE!!
NOW ON
There is still a good selection of BLACK and BROWN, BOOT and SHOES in sizes:-
91
AT THE BARGAIN PRICE or 812.75. Gentlemen wearing these sizes should not miss seeing them. There are also a few in other] sizes-
INSPECTION INVITED.