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THE NAVY LEAGUE BALL. LAST NIGHT'S SUCCESS AT THE CITY HALL
The Navy League Ball held last night at the City Hall is the first of its kindl to be held in Hongkong, and this being so its success reflects, all the more credit on the Ball Committee of the Navy League, who were responsible-for-the-
THE HONGKONG DAILY PERSS,
ANNUAL LICENSING
-SESSIONS.
OBJECTION RAISED TO THE HONGKONG HOTEL LICENCE
CAN A LICENCE-HOLDER REFUSE TO
SERVE A SOBER CUSTOMER ?...
The annual licensing sessions were held
PROTECTING A GENERAL'S BROTHER:
CHINESE DETECTIVE'S OFFER
WANTING CUMSHA FOR HIS TROUBLE.
A few nights ago a Chinese detective, named Chan Chik Lan, met a Chinese gentleman namaų "In: Wah-taun, "who is
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER SRD, 1923.
SUPREME COURT.
[MORY ML" JUSTICE GOMPERTE (PUISNE JEDGE)};
CLAIM:AGAINST BON TON FOR
LOST AIGRETTES.
Mr. Shoffer, a merchant of 6," Queen's Road Central, sued be Bon Tôn, tailors and outfitters, of 11. Wyndham Street, for the return of a white wet bat and a
hundred and one details in connection yesterday in the Legislative Council brother of General Ip Kue, who came bunch of 200 aigrettes, entristed to the
Chamber. The Colonial Secretary (the Mr. A. «G. M. Fletcher, C.M.) preaided and the other members of the and present were: The Hon. Mr. A. Lowo, and Messrs. C. G. Alabaster,
into prominence during General Chen Chiung Ming's sojourn in Canton last year as his chief lieutenant Realising the importance of this man, the General's brother, the detective offered him protec.
cuts for cleaning about May, this year, and wrongfully detained by them.
with the event. It is estimated that about 500 people were present, which means that the proceeds which are to go in aid of dependents of those in the Navy, Mercantile Marine and. Auxiliary Forces must amount to quità a subatantini | KFC., C. D. Melbourne, A. S. D. Coua- tion, but offered it in such a way as to she 'scut to Le Bon Tun to be, cleaned,
:
hund and the Secretary to the Board (Major C. Willson).
The CHAIRMAN in opening the Sessions said that only two objections had been received by the Board, one in respect of the Hongkong Hotel and the other in respect of the Suchiro Hotel, 45, Hal phong Road, Kowloon.
The CHAIRMAN called for any other objectious to be placed before the Board, but as none were forthcoming the applies tions for the fifteen other licences were granted...
figure. Amongst: those present at last night's function-the first ball of the scan-were his Excellenes the Governor (Sir R. E. Stubba, K.C.M.G.) and party from Government House, His Excel lency the Commander-in-Chiel, of the Chinn Station (Admical Sir Arthur C. Leveson, K.C.B.) who is the patron of the Hall, was unfortunately unable to he present, being absent from the Colony, He however, seat a very kind message to the Hon. Secretary, expressing his regrets and wishing the Committee every The CarMax asked the applicants for -success in their ventare. His Excellency
the General Officer Commanding the the licences of the Hongkong Hotel (Mr. Garrison (Major-General Sir John Fow-J. H. B. Norton) and Mr. Tokutaro der, KC LG., D.SO.), unfortunately, in Miyajama of the Subire Hotel to remain also out of the Colony and therefore behind whilst their cases were considered. unable to attend, but the presence of The objection to the granting of the large numbers of Naval and Military off-licence to the Hongkong Hotel was made eers showed the sympathies of the Ser-by Mr. S. R. Smythe, who is the publisher vices with the event. The Civil section of the Squlay Observer. of the community was also well repre Mr. SMYTHE Baid his objection was sented and many prominent business and based on the fact that on, Sept. 30th at professional men and their wives like pun, he went into the hotel with two wise showed their sympathy with the other people and his request for a drink League by their presence. The dancing was refused. I was perfectly sober," throughout the evening was much enjoy he said, "I asked to be served with a ed, both the St. George's Hall and the drink and this was refused me. I asked St. Anurow's Hall being used for this why I was refused, and on what ground, purpose and as the floors of both these and I was informed by Mr. White, the rooms have been re-laid since last winteracting Manager of the Hotel, that he was the enjoyment was enhanced. The music was provided by the King's Orchestral Band. ****
The scheme of decoration used by the Conimittão was both novel and simple. The elaborate decorations cost money and. the Committed were generally commend ed for acting sensibly in keeping down expenses on decoration in view of the objects which it was sought to assist by the Ball The main cetrance lost harences in a scheme of red and white fings and a carpet of red up the stair way At the head of the first flight of stairs the illuminated motto of the League,Keep Watch," was hung, whilst underneath it was an illuminated recess showing a model of ship in full sail and a cruiser of the latest type. On either side two maxim guns were placed. A profusion of plants around the pillars, at the sides of the stairway and in the various rooms used comploted the scheme of decoration St. Andrew's Hall was very simply decorated, more attention being given to space and coolness than to anything else. In St George's room, where the Governor's dais was placed, a rather pretty effect was gained by the hoisting of Nelson's famous fing, signal "England expects that every man this day will do his duty." The bunting, de picting the signal, was raised from the four walls of the room to the centre of the eciling, whilst from this centre the motto was made clear. by an electric sign giving the words of the motto in full The walls of this room were draped with red and white flags and the Naval ensign was hung over the dinin, my A
Refreshments were served in the old Chamber of Commerce TOOM.
Dowa stairs arrangements were made for those who did not desire to dance, a card room being provided on the right with eight card tables. Close to the card
acting on the Management's instruc tions.". Mr. Smythe went on to say, that immediately afterwards Mr. White appeared in the corridor of the hotel with a copy of the paper of which he (Mr. Smythe) was the publisher and toro it. This, to his mind, was done out of sheer spite on the part of the Hongkong Hotel Company owing to some criticism which had appeared in the paper. Mr. Smythe conchided his remarks by emphasising the point that ho was perfectly sober at the time.
The CHAIRMAN said he thought Mr. Smythe's objections were insuficient. He suggested that Mr. Smythe should first take his case before a Magistrate and have it tested whether the Hotel had the power to refuse in a drink.
Mr. SMITHE referred the Board to the tended, the Hotel had no option but to Innkeepers Art under which, be con serve him with a drink, provided he was sober, and he was.
reinedy is to go to Court and have your The CHAIRMAN I think your first case tested before opposing the licence. think you must have some backing before your objection can be entertained. Mr. SAYTHE said that he had sought legal advice on the matter and he was told that the proper place to raise his objections was before the Licensing Bench.
The CHAIRMAX: Have you put the mat ter before the Hotel1-No, sir, I don't think it is necessary.
find himself being charged at the Magis. tracy yesterday afternoon before Mr. Melbourne on three counts: First with demanding money with menaces second ly, with intimidating, and thirdly, with violating his duty as a police offer
were not Mr. Shofer's feathers. · Defen-
titt also claimed damages and costs.” Mr. Mr. M. Watson who appeared for plaintiff stated that in the curly part of the year Mira Shaffer had a hat which
There was a bunch of aigrette feathers on the hat which had been slightly soiled. sad defendants suggested that they also should be sleazed, Plaintiff⠀⠀ agreed. Shortly afterwards Mrs. Shoffer felt itt and the matter was forgotten for the time The evidence showed that on the night being. A month or so later, the defens of October 23rd he accosted the General's dants were asked to return the feathers. brother outside the Lai Wah Company, Plaintiff was told that they were at the in Des Vaux Road Central, and asked cleaner Mr. Shoffer wanted the fen- him if he really was the General's brothers sent back, and a bunch of nigrettes ther. On receiving a reply in the affiring was sent to Mr. Shoffer's house, but they tive the detective told him he must come along to the Police Station. On the way dants admitted that the aigrettes they the detective confided with his captive offered were not the same and prontised that his political rivals wanted him (the to go to the cleaners and get lir. Shoffer's trouble. Of course, he would not do that more inte detective) to get him (Mr Ip) into nigrettes, but plaintiff bad beard nothing for any consideration if Mr. Ip gave, lum some money. The General's brother took the detective to a friend's house where the question of the amount to he paid Or was discussed at length. The detec tive's price was $300, but eventually ho accepted a much smaller amount-875: To pay this the General's brother was compelled to borrow from a fellow lodger. When the amount had been paid it was alleged that the detective promised to give Mr. Ip all the protection he needed.
Mn M. K. Lo prosecuted, and Mr. T. G. Bennett defended.
Mr. Bennett submitted that it had not been proved that menaces had been used. He asked his Worship not to view the case in any different light to many other cases in which money had been accepted for protection and in view of the common practice of "squeeze in China,
The Magistrate found the first two charges not proved and fined the defen. dant the maximum amount on the third police officer. The fire imposed was charge that of violation of duty as a
3200 with the alternative of three months imprisonment.
ALLEGATIONS OF IMMORALITY.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST A JAPANESE HOTEL”.
IN! KOWLOON.
for the Suchiro Hotel, 45, Haiphong The application for an adjunct licence Bead, was next dealt with Mr. Camp bell Prosser appeared for the applicant.
The CHAIRMAN said an objection was raised to the renewal of this liecoce last year but the Board decided to renew the licence provisionally for a further six months. At the end of that time the licence was not apposed by the Police and a licence for a further six months was granted. The Board now had op- position to the granting of the licence from the Police. Complaints had been received that the occupants were creat druins. The occupants were a middle- ing a nuisance by shouting and beating aged man, his wife, and half-a-dozen young women.The Chairman went on of Police opposed the application as he to state that the Captain-Superintendent was satisfied that the house was not being run in a proper manner,
MY CAMPBELL PROSSER Baid that it was rather curious that the Police had made no investigations in the matter, and be yond the Captain-Superintendent's letter no notice of complaint had been received. It seemed to him that the allegations were more or less hearsay. Counsel went on to state that there had never been any specific case against them. The only complaint that had been received was a vague letter from the Police in which it was stated that the house was not con- ATM ducted in an orderly manner. It did not Mr. SMYTH: Might I oak, air, if any state that the house was conducted in a gentlemen on the Licensing Bench are disorderly manner. He was prepared to interested in the Hongkong Hotel Com
meet any allegations that were made, but pany?
until evidence was brought he had no case to answer.
The CHAIRMAN: I don't think we can entertain your complaint now. We must ask Mr. Smythe to seek his remedy else
where:
The CHAIRMAN: If there are gentlemen on the Bench who have an interest in the Hotel they are not entitled to rote.
Mr. WOODHOUSE, Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the. Folice had objected to the application owing to the accumula tion of complaints from the neighbours.
Mr. SMYTHE pointed out that the Eng- lish Act stated very clearly that no per- son who was interested in any hotel There appeared to be an unnecessary could sit on the Licensing Bench.
-The CHALIMAN replied to the effect
number of women in the hotel and their presence
room there was a refreshment bar for that the English Act' was not" opera-shine seemed to attract men from the
tive in the Colony and that the local The CHAIRMAN: That Burely, is rather Ordinance was frained to suit the pecu a point in their favour. liar needs of Hongkong. We live our ft. Woop over said the Folice had own legislation, auded the Chairman, nothing really more than suspicions" to Have you any thing further to say, offer that these women were prostitutes. Mr. Smythe "
DUTE said that he had nothing to prove that
was dirt tu The CHAIRMAN: Thore is really nothing
Valse, further to state. "I have just stated
gentlemen. This was known as the Nelson Arms" and the electric sign just outside the bar room door contained these words and Nelson's famous motto depicted in morae code, CLARA
The following were the dances1, Fox Trot," Open Your Arms"; 2, Fox Trot,
Yankee Doodle Blues
Volker Dolls 4, Fox Tro Bmile my case," he said, and what has bap-gel-roo
BLE. WOODYGUse said it was
to any other - The Court was then cleared whilst the
Mr. Watson produced the bunch the defendants had offered. He said they were practically valueless, while 31r. Shoffers aigrettes were worth about 330 (gold), a
Me. B. Hind (for the defenec) raised a preliminary objection that Mr. Shoffer was not the right person to sue. Mra Shoffer should sue, he submitted.
His Honour: Can't a husband suc! Mr. Hind: For his wife's parapherna. lin, certainly not..
Mr. Watson argued that the feathers belonged to Mr. Shoffer and Mrs. Shoffer wore them.
His Honour dismissed the point as trivial.
Mr Shoffer, in his evidence, said he obtained the nigrettes in the French Congo in 1910 his own shooting. They were mounted in Philadelphia by one of the best firms of their, kind in existence. Mr. Shoffer valued them between 8200 (gold) and $300 (gold). He confirmed garding what happened after they were the statement made by his solicitor re- entrusted to defendant.
Mr. Hind, after hearing air, Shoffer's evidence, said he was convinced that his client had no defence. The feathers pro- daced as those of the defendants', he had been able to ascertain, werp of quite a good quality, though Chinese mounted.
After consulting with his client, Mr. Hind announced that defendants were prepared to consent to judgment and failure to retum plaintiff's aigrettek. He suggested a sum of 875 damages for their explained that Le Bon Ton had sent the feathers to a dry cleaner's, where the substitution took place. Defendanta, therefore, could not produce the feathers. and they would have to pay damages.
His Honour ordered defendants to pay $100 (Mex) and costs.
XMAS AND NEW YEAR LETTER MAILS.
A USEFUL LIST.
The Postmaster-General (bir, R. E Lindsell) sends us the following list which kong to Europe, America and Australia gives particulars of the mails from Flong- which are due to reach their destinations about the time of Xmas and the New Year. While these particulars will doubt less be generally welcomed we are asked to advise the public to remember the great congestion in all Post Offices, especially the General Post Office, Ipa don, at Xmas time, and to POST EARLY.
Senders of unregistered, letter packets containing small gilts are recommended to post them in person, instead of send- ing them by coolie or messenger,
Nov.
Per ss.
Chili... *16* *Malwa
· EUROPE:
Route
Suez Maraj
17 Emp, of Canada Vancouver
Due in
Mars,
London'
Dec. Det.
191) Koma Mary Suez & Mars 22
24" *Nyanza *******
26
30
Mailcloses
Parthon
Kulyar
22 635
24
90
*The steamer will also carry parcemail which should reach,
Ilondon about a week after the lotter mail.
and Forget" 3, Fox Trot Yes, Wetpened to. îne ruay Bench considered the objections raised. Y
CANADA AND V.S.A.
Per als
1G
Shinyo Maru
17
Emp, of Concile.
21
Fredt. W'siast in.
29
Emp of Ranvirt
Preut. McKinley **
The CHAIRMAN - You were perfectly After few minutes deliberation the within your rights to raise your objection, applicants were asked to return to Court. Mr. Smythes but you are asking the The CAAs said that the Board bad Board to nesuge the functions of a Magis devided to great the Hongkong Hotel trate in this cano and think it is quite licence. With regard to the Japanese. outside the functions of this Board to hotel, the Board had again decided to take on those function take the your grant a trovisional licence for a term of Dec. proper remedy is to take matter six months. before a Magistrate and have the matter Addressing Mr. Campbell Prosser, the CHAMMAS: I hope that your client
tested there.
have no Bananas 0, Fox Trot, "Fate member of the public. 7. One Stop, ** Oh! Harold "'; 8, Fox Trot, Kiss Mama, Kiss Fasa, Valse, "Thru the Night" 16. Fox Trot, Love Tales 11. Fox Trot Ka-lu-n"; 12, Fox Trot, Tell her at Twilight"| 13, One Step Happy "; 14 Fox Trot,
Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean 15, Tox Trot, Sweetheart of Mine 16, Fox Trot, Dearest, Valse, Love Jy Hawaii "; 18, Fox Trot, Rosulic!?!?
The members of the Ball Committee wore blue silk rosettes with silver anchors in the centre. They were: The Hon. Mir HE Pollock, K.C., Chairman, Mr. L M. Whyte, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer Dance Committee Measra. A HL K Cobb, J. H. Donnithorne and L M Whyte Decoration Committee Messrs. IM. Crawford, George Duncao and G. M. Bannerman Card-room Commit tee: Mr. D. L. Halph: Bar and Light Befroslimanis Mr. R. Wilton Cloak Boom and Ladies' Dressing Room Com nitton Mr. WG. Shiner and Dr.
Mr. SMYTHE said he was unly acting will realise that there have been these Recording to the Board's advertisement, complaints. It is hoped he will do his which appeared in the Press, stating heat to observe the amenities of the that any objections to the applications neighbourhood, d must be placed before the Board
CAMPEELL PROSER replied that it' was rather surprising that the complaints had been made and he could not under stand why the Police had not investi gated the allegations
The CHAISMAN: You are perfectly right in bringing this before the Bourd, but under the circumstances, we think you had better try the point you has made
to whether or not any innkeeper can Mr. WOODHOUSE: I don't know on what refuse to supply you with liquor, in a ground Mr. Campbell Prosser makes that Court of Las
statement that we have not investigated the case.
The Board later considered the matter
Fra,, (Continued at foot of seal column)
The Cuatrax said the matter was now closed, and the Bench rose,
Jail closes.
G
Lincoln Jackson
Duo ini
ictoria
0281244519 11
(Of these steamers, all but the Shinyo Maru will take pareal mails, but tha Fnipress boats those for Canada, and President boats calling" að: San Francisco those for the U.S.A. only).
PRANAUSTRALIA DE
Route
Dec.
Dec.
Brisbane
(Latter and Paroels)
ON WITH THE DANCE.
Before deciding on your New Gown for the Ball call and see our delightful selection.
A new consignment of Evening Dresses-has just arrived from 1on- don and Faris, together with some very smart Hair Ornaments and other dainty accessories,
AFTER THE BALL
for the car ride home. a Jaeger Wrap or Scarf is the very thing prevent chill.
to
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