Page
RUSSIAN MERCHANTS "PACKING."
PREPARING TO LEAVE CANTON.
CONFIDENCE BEING GRADUALLY RESTORED.
MERCHANTS GENERALLY VERY PLEASED WITH
DEVELOPMENTS.
The Hongkong Naval Authorities received no reports from Canton yesterday. As far as the West River is concerned they announce that several tows of lighters and other craft left Hongkong on Thursday morning. These are being protected from pirates by an escort provided by the British gunboats and armed launches
All our advices from Canton tend to show that confdence generally is being restored. Merchants who were doubtful about the advisability of going to Shameen on Monday and Tuesday are now crossing the bridges freely, and there is no doubt regarding their pleasure in the recent developments. No merchandise of any consequence has yet been moved--although," as reported elsewhere, 200 tons of cargo were brought from Swatow yesterday-but it is felt that, in present circumstances, the shipment of cargo will not be delayed many days. As we reported on Wednesday, the AP.C. have made arrangements to open up again in Canton and on the West River and yesterday this Company sent a convey of launches with oil for Kongmoos, Samshui and Wnchow. The wong Tung is expected to leave for Cantos to-day and the sa. Hopang and the s. Fathing went yesterday in accordance with their previously, advertised schedule The Fook On also left for Wuthow as arranged.
RUSSIAN MERCHANTS."
A Shameen correspondent writing on Wednesday says:
Everything here appears normal, except that the boats in the creek have not yet returned. There are plenty of Chinese sight- seers on Shameen. Some of the former employees have found that there are no jobs for them, but, surely this was to be expected after sixteen months. Some of the old firms have left and others' have accured now office assistanta.
All is quiet in the City. The Foo Cheong came in from Maeno and berthed at her usual place at the wharf Armed Chinese police went on board to see that passengers were not interfered with. Nothing happened. All the passengers disem- barked quietly and the police withdrew.
I hear that some Russian merchants are "packing "L ртерага- tory to departare. It is understood that they have received instructions from their headquarters to leave Canton. Their. business has not been good. The Russian oil expert is leaving shortly. The oil the Russians have been marketing is not suited to the Chinese. The dealers complain that they cannot, sell the staff and also that the tins are very poor. "It is expected that the Russian oil trade will have ceased in a couple of months.
The only thing for which we are waiting now is for the normal amount of cargo to be carried on British ships The general feeling at the moment is that this will come gradually."
1
THE SURTAXES.
The surtaxes are being imposed and no one takes much exception to them, but naturally is is to be expected that httle misunderstandings will arise at the outset. For example two days ago when some Chinese anerchants were shipping ailk and were requested to pay the B surtax they found that the usual strike committee pergit to ship" of 815 had not been taken off. Representations were made in the proper quarter and the promise was given that this former impost levied by the pickets would be removed. This again is an indication that in offcial quarters an endeavour is being made to prevent interference with trade by unauthorised bodies.
THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC.
The passenger trafo between Hongkong and Canton seems to be about the same both ways. We reported that the Sai On and the Lungshan brought down about 2,000 passengers on Wednesday. The Lungehan took about 700 passengers back yesterday and the Sai On about 1,000. The Fatshan brought down about 1,200. A rumour circulat- ed in Canton that steamboat companies. were providing free trips. How it originated is not known. Probably it grew out of the general belief. among the Cantonese that Hongkong was sorely in need of workers. In any case many poor people were attracted by the prospect of a cheap passage and, as a consequence, were disappointed when fares were de manded,
TELEGRAM FROM THE CANTON INFORMATION
..' BUREAU.
The following telegram was received from Canton yesterday:--
DAILY Pazas, Hongkong.-Secretariat of Foreign Office denies the statement in the Daily Preu of October 13th that declaration of Strike Committee was written by Mr. Wei Tuk,, who is head of Information Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Wei Yuk has been' absent from Canton since September 29th.- Information Bureau.
This denial was scarcely necessary because the Daily Press neither said, nor, suggested, that the Declaration of the Strike Committee was written by Mr. Wei Yuk. There were two declarations issued in con- nection with the demonstration on October 10th-one by the Kuomintang Central Executive and on by the Strikt Committative, bizz. 8,
Press the declaration of the Kuomintang Central Executive, a correspondent stated that "is was understood" Mr. Wei Yuk had written it. It was natural that it should be drafted by someone in the Foreign" Office and our correspondent was informed that the No. %, or rather the Head of the Information Bureau of the Ministry had had a hand in the work. It may be that Mr. Wei Yuk had nothing to do even with this official declaration. But if it was not the No. 2 we could make a shrewd guess who was the author. Wild horses, however, would not drag the name from us. In any case the Kuomintang "declaration was a much better one than that of the Strike Committee.
40,000 UNEMPLOYED. MANY WISHING TO RETURN TO HONGKONG.
THE NEWS AT HOME.
THE HONGKONG" DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15m. 1926
MUNICIPAL METHODS
IN SWATOW.
ATTEMPT TO SEIZE PROPERTY.
FOMENTING A BOYCOTT."
BRITISH CONSUL REFUSES TO RECOGNISE THE MAYOR.
FROM OUR OWN ÇORRESPONDENT-]
status,
|
DINNER AND DANCE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
FAREWELL FUNCTION FOR EAST SURREY REGT. OFFICERS.
'OVER 'THREE HUNDRED GUESTS PRESENT.
rd.
HE the Governor and Lady Clementi gava a dinner and dance ab Government House last night, the function being in the nature of a farewell entertainment for the officers of the lab Battalion, the East Surrey Regt, who are shortly lear ing Hongkong with the Battalion for India
civil
Swarow, October 6th.
The dinner was timed for 7.45 and about "Although Canton invariably claims seventy guests attended, these including jurisdiction over Swatoy and surround-Major-General C. C. Luard, C.B. (0.0.0. ing districts it is very doubtful whether China Command), Rear-Admiral A. J. B. the present municipal authorities of Stirling, Brevet-Col. F. S. Montague Swatow recognise the overlordship of Bates, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., command- the provincial capital. It is still more ing oficer of the 1st Battalion, the East" doubtful whether the Mayor "of Swatow Surrey Kegt., together with all oficers Fan Chi Wu, is taking a line of his own or of the Battalion, senior officers of all a leaf out of the book of Canton in bis other military units in the local command, interpretation of the functions of a
representatives of the Navy and Mayoral Office,
authorities. There is in Swatow a Road Widening The dance followed at 9.30, and w Bureau with a very high sounding title attended by about 350 guests, including meaning civil development or city in prominent focal residents, members of the provement. This Bureau, having official Covernment and other officials.
issues peremptory orders to Chinese landlords and tenants to pull down buildings in order to make way for new roads and the widening of exist, ing ones. A most inadequate time limit is invariably given and no compensation whatever is, or has beeb, given to the unfortunate property owners. If owners The dinner was held in the supper themselves, are unable to carry out the room, below the ballroom, and later the orders of the Bureau or if they delay supper was held there. A room adjoin- therein, a demolition gang is sent alogging the supper room was turned into a and the property destroyed over the card room for the occasion. The supper" heads of the occupants. Now, however room, in conjunction with the remaining unjust this procedure may be there is rooms used, was tastefully decorated with novertheless an arguable case for the flags and foliage. Bureau when dealing with Chinese, whe are used to and doobiless understand the methods of their own officials; but with British firms it is an entirely different matter.
Granted that the city has to be "im- proved and that Chinese conservatism stands in the way it is not unreasonable to expect of the authorities the view that conservatism and stupidity have to go, by force if necessary. That is what bappened with Ches An Street: Some buildings were demolished by the owners, others by the Bureau. The work of demolition approached the water front and, at the end of the street, standing in the way of completion were, on one side, Jardine's office, on the other Butterfield & Swire godowns,
The Mayor in the capacity of chief of the Bureau came forward with the uanal "orders" for removal. These were ignored and the position taken up by the Consul was that nothing could, or would, be done until the strike and boycott ceased: a very reasonable contention indeed. Two big shipping concerns cannot be expected to shew a passionate desire to pull down their buildings for the improvement of a city whose officials have exerted for 15 months every effort to ruin them. One may, through a mis taken belief in the efficacy of patience and conciliation" tura the other cheek but it is noteworthy that there are instructions about delivering up the first cheek for a second blow.
There the matter stands for the pro- sent.
Attempt at Intimidation. Failing to reach a settlement with the British firms mentioned, the Mayor tura ed his attention to Mr. Teo Yee Bwee, British-boru subject, who is the proprie tor of the British shipping firms of Hock Chiang and Hock Lin: owners of tho Houg" line of steamers trading be-! tween Hongkong, coast ports and the Straits Settlements. Thoir offices are in Chee An Street, a little higher up from the Bund than Jardines and Butterfield & Swire and they also were in the track of the demolishers."
Mr. Yes Swee was unwilling to subunit to the Bureau's fisual methods with Chinese and a raid was organised on his private house some months ago. This was fully reported in your columns at the time and mention was made of the extraordinary action of the local Police in arresting Mr. Yee Swee, the victim of an outrage, for creating a disturbance in his own house.
Goferament House was specially decor. sted for the occasion. The dining room and verandah was arranged as a buffet, and the two drawing rooms and corridor a sitting-out places. The billiard room was set aside for the use of gentlemen non-dancers.
The ballroom itsell presented a very five appearance, with its suitable decora tions, a feature being the paper baskets of flowers, gaily coloured with Chinese Characters, which were suspended around the electric lights. The light shining trough these different coloured basket shades, a fine piece of Chinese art work, created a delightfully picturesque effect. The floor of the ball room had been pre- viously treated with a special prepara- tion and was in excellent condition for dancing. The ballroom had also been completely redecorated.
The Lyric Orchestra was in attendance, and provided dance music.
THE WEDDING OF "MISS D. M. HOLYOAK.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR BIG RECEP TION TO-MORROW.
PIPES OF DISTICTION
FOR
Discriminating Smokers
ORLIK
11
ST. JAMES
PETERSON'S KEPET BRIARS
UNDERBOAR BRIARS
B.B.B. BRIARS
MEERSCHAUM
BRIARS
Each $23.50
5.00
6.25
5,50
5.00
10.75
MOTOR PIPES
CHURCHWARDENS-
COMPANION CASES-
29.50
21,50
DUNHILL'S SHELL BRIARS
PETERSON'S
BRUYERE
LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD.
EXCHANGE BUILDING.
WITHOUT PURE BLOOD HEALTH IS IMPOSSIBLE.
BLOOD
VETARZO MEDICINE
Arrangements are well in hand for the Never before was there anything like it, nor are its marvellous propertise likely ever to reception to be held at Government House be equalled in diseases arising from impure blood. It searches out and expels from the to-morrow, following the ceremony at St. ital currentierery lurking trace of poisonous matter, earing blood and kin diseases, John's Cathedral of Miss Dorothy Muriel
tiam, goitro or Darbyshire Neck, etc. It impares the general health and quickly; Holyoak, daughter of the late Hon. Mr. talous nad glandular wallinge, bad legs, abases, uitars, szems, gout, rheuma H. Holyoak and Mrs. Holyoak, to removes long-standing bronchitis, asthma and baking, straining, spaamodio congs,
too offen the precursor of consumption. Capt. C. D: Armstrong, of the 1st Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment. The Cathedral ceremony will take place at three o'clock.
H.E. the Governor (Sir Cecil、ementi, K.C.M.G.), will give the bride away, and
LIFE WITHOUT HEALTH IS LIVING 7 LATIE.
NERVE FOOD. For Nervous Breakdown & Chronie Weakness. VETARZO BEGULATORS. Bate and Baliabia
VETARZO BRAIN AND
Lieut. G. J. Yeo, of the East Surreys, will English Price 38. (either remedy). The VETABZO REMEDIES 00. Gospel Oak,
best man."
be
N.W.5, Tonder, Eng. Unprincipled Dealers may try to sell you something else for Arrangements are being made to enter.strs profit do not accept it Insist on haring VETARZO. The genulis has words tain a large number of guests at Govern- VETARZO:BEMEDIES" ou Government Stamp Sold by LEADING CHEMOT ment House, after which the bride and bridegroom leave for their honeymoon. Capt. Armstrong and his wife will leave for India with the East Surrer Regiment on Wednesday, October 27th.
WANTON DESTRUCTION. GOVERNMENT PLANTATIONS
DAMAGED.
WOODCUTTERS FINED.
Mr. E. Green, Superintendent of the Botanical and Forestry Department, pro- secuted in several illicit wood cutting cases beard by Mr. E. E. Lindsell at the Central Magistracy yesterday,
The first case was against a Chinese woman who was arrested by an Indian constable. Mr. Green said that the plantation in question, which was be tween Shaukiwan and Repulse Bay; had been ear-marked for a scheme next year, but a lot of cutting was going on there. Defendant was fined $25.
ar
This attempt at intimidation failed, so the Mayor changed his tactics and offer ed Mr. Yee Swee $30 per square chang In the case of three woman who were for the area which would be givan up caught with wood in their possession, for road widening. About the same time Mr. Green thought they were members the Mayor sold a piece of land nearby of a gang who loaded 1 tons of wood for $40 per chang. No more need be cut from the plantations into a motor said on that point. Mr. Yee Swee re-lorry on Saturday. The story that they ferred the, whole matter to the British picked up the wood on the roadside did Consul and he in turn took it up with not impress the Magistrate and they were the Mayor. The latter was somewhat each fined $5.-..
A British wiroless report, from, the Rugby station, says:—
According to Canton telegrama the (FAUX QUE CHINESE CORREAFONDENT.] strike and blockade are definitely at 6 put out by this stubborn resistance until The third case was against a Chinese
end, and the pickets have all beea with
he conceived the following monstrous who had stripped off a quantity of bark According to the latest statistics from drawn. Unrestricted communication is iden. He wrote to the Central Strike from the trees for use as medicine. A fine the Striko Committee there are still more now taking place between Canton and Committee, and to individual Unions of 825 was imposed. than 40,000 unemployed to be supported Hongkong, and the Chinese are again stating that Hock Chiang and Hook Lin by the free boarding houses of the Com. coming in large numbers to the foreign were deliberately obstructing city deve cause he was reprimanded for not forcing mittee. Many of these unemployed, how Concessions on Shameen Island, where lopment and to that end had enlisted the ever, are trying to get back to Hong. the native staffs of British firms are re help of the Imperialistic British" He Mr. Teo Yee Swee to comply with the kong, and nearly 2,000 have loft with a turning to work.
requested the Unions and the Strike Com Bureau's wishes: Who issued the repri- bonus or compensation of $100 each, "It is impossible as yet to estimate mittee to boycott Mr. Yee Swee and the and do not know. Those having drawn this 8100 will have the degree to which trade is being resum two firms and to bring whatever prea their names struck out from the strikers ed, and propaganda is still proceeding sure they could to bear on him. This registry kept by the Strike Committee. against it. Nevertheless, silk dealers was done and two days ago every em- Mr. George Hsu Chien, a Kuomintang and other Chinese merchanta are hopeful ployee of the two firms was forced out. leader who returned from Moscow re- that normal business will be re-establish- If the Government here is actually cently, may leave Canton again, this time ed in a few days and, do not anticipate subordinate to Canton, surely the Nation for North China to consult agents of any difficulties."
alist Government will take immediate Feng Ya Halang, the "Christian Gen- Another message from the same source
steps to demonstrate to its officials that eral, and his Kucminchan Army.
such methods 255 these will not be tolerated.
Many of the tow boats plying-between Canton and inland ports in Kwangtung have had to suspend their freight bun ness owing to the increase of likin to which the merchants and shippers have refused to submit. Canton shipping in terests have to pay likin or transit tax for transporting freight, but since the Northern Expedition, every form of tax has been increased.
g]
On the Canton River since the call- ing" off of the "anti-British. boycatt, communications have improved between Hongkong and Canton, and a gradual improvement seems apparent in the ex- port trade and the situation genérally,'!
TWO PIRATE LAUNCHES. CAPTURED BY HMS. ROBIN." The second series of Kuomintang war bonds recently issued af Canton,
A communiqué issued by the local $10,000,000, in all, is finding a marker Naval Authorities yesterday states i
"H.M.S. Robin captured two pirate ia Canton exchange shops, despite all the anti-Red" reports which tend to launches on Wednesday, near Heichow, discouragé further sales. Sometimes and is taking them to Canton, where they these bonds find buyers at six or seven will be handed over to the local Chinese
Government Authorities." per cent of the face value.
The rumour is current to-day, how. ever, that the mayor has resigned he
(Continued on neat column.) MILITARY OPERATIONS NEAR
SWATOW. ANTI-REDS REACH JIAO PHENG.
[FROM OUR SWATOW CORRESPONDENT.]
BWATOW, October 1fth. It is reported that the Northern forces have reached Jiao Phong, a town about 30 miles from Swatow, between Chaochow. fa and the.. Coast
The Consul and the Mayor, er Swee from Mr. Kirke shows the The following letter received by Mr. opinion the British Consul in Swatow has of the Mayor's actions. The British Consul endeavoured by every means ia his power to bring about a satisfactory settlement of the matter, Finally," ha wrote to Mr. Teo Yee Swee: "Dear Sir, I have received your various.com. munication concerning the boycott against you. I have already written to the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs in -forming him in full of the negotiations that have taken place in respect of the "proposed surrender of a portion of your Chee Ab Street property, and stating that is view of the Mayor's unproper action in instigating boycott I have declined to have further relations with that official until the whole anti-British: agitation at Swatov has been definitely suppressed. I have further stated that I reserve the right to withdraw the offer re compensation which I have made, and to consider the negotiations which have taken place, ns cancelled,
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PODOS MAVELLOUS FOX TALK.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
RECORDS,
VOCAL SCORE,
LIBRETTO,
ANDERSON'S
1926
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1926
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I