HONG KONG HOTEL MOTOR 'BUS
SERVICE.
(Continued from Page 0.)
For this result was obtained in suite of the very serious and con. tinued heavy depreciation in ex change during the major portion of the year under review, with all its consequential adverse effects un
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 17,
RABBIT CATCHER'S
CHALLENGE.'
TAKEN UP BY FARM HAND,
The latest British challenge to lanipionship honours comes fron Mr. Ikane Gough, of Gloucester- shire, who holds the distinction of being Britain's champion rabbit enlcher.
Addressing the University of London Animal Welfare Society he stated that he had been catching rabbits for 37 years, and this was his challenge to the world.
"After any piece of ground has
a
1931.
HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE.
POINTS FROM THE 1930 REPORT.
STABILISATION OF THE DOLLAR NOT FAVOURED.
The report for the year 1930 of
M
the operating costs of every departan gone over with nets for three the Hong Kong General Chamber nights, I will go over it again of Commerce begins with the fol and trap 100 por cent, more rabbits,lowing remarks on the currency
Collington, Mr. H. worker, of Leicestershiro, took up question: the challenge nt once, and ៨. "match
ia to be arranged, Here are some of Mr. Gough's Since last August he and two Rone have caught 52,343 rabbits..
Caught 1,500 in ten days. Caught 534 in one night. Averages 75 rabbits every night in the year.
Transier of Funds, Due to these factors the Profit and foes Acquant for the must fin- nucial year has had to hear heavier charge for bank interest than would have been the case had more favourable exchange rates ruled Since the end of the fast ment of our various establishments, Anancial year, however, it has been apart from the necessary replace-
nents to plant and machinery, possible to take advantage of a temporary favourable trend in ex-well as the general equipment of change and transfer approximately, the hotel. While on the other hand 1 lakhs (out of 30 lakhs) of dollars it must be gratifying to learn that from Shanghai to Hong Kong in an appreciable increase in patron. reduction of our indebtedness to age over that enjoyed last year, was noticeable. Coupled with this the Bank in Hong Kong. The cur wynt year's working should there- fact, it must also be satisfactory fore benefit materially from 'n any to know that returns from the Northern port, during the first ing in interest consequential upon the transfer mentioned,
quarter of the current year, record A further reduction in our in- further improved business, over the terest larges is also foreshadow-corresponding period last year.
Bank interest, too, I feel sure we ed in view of your Hoard having. dreided to issue the balanes of the are all particularly pleased to note shares constituting the Company's 18 rochieed by 8103,415, due to the unissued capital. The issue of thie substantial decrease of the Com- new capital should ninke available, I pony's indebtedness, made possible further 30 by the receipt of funds represent. from July 1, 1931, » Jakhs in reduction of our indebt-ing the purchase price of the siness, and the Company's finan-Majestic Hotel property.
Now Issued Approved. cia position should undoubtedly then assume an extremely favour. Under the existing conditions able aspect. I think it well to certainly approve of the inerpasé tention here that, normally, the working capital by a new issue nature of the Company's business involves multitudinous small cash as proposed, and if I may also say transactions daily, and the collecs, 1 at Purprised that more such tive compounded benefits of these calls, by the Boards of other local react most favourably a WOOD AS cur floating dolt descends to the Companies, taking advantage of level of the figure it approximates to-day. Whilst on this subject should like to point out that for the six years 1925 to 1930, a period of extreme baniness depression, your Company has carried a mort. guge delt averaging steadily over $7,000,000 and has met in interent
'
Achievements:
Makes so much money from trapping that he pays income-tax and is proud of it.
Mr. Gough stated that he would willingly scrap his £75 worth of zans, which he admits are cruel. and use a humane one, but added that the humane trap had not been invented,
During the first six months of the year the steady decline in or change detarred Chinese buyers from entering into fresh commit- ments, and demand pas met, to a
BLOWING
"FOR A
0.
LIVING.
NEW JOB FOR WOMEN.
Hundreds of women in London are blowing for a living.
They earn good money, too. They are employed" blowing" glass and shaping it into thermometers, seion- tife, surgical and chemical ap: paratus, valves for wireless, and tion locally of the sections of the other forms of glass ware.
A woman who possesses Ang judg Aot under referenor, subject to special provision in the matter of ment and can use her lung pressure river-steamers similar to that ad-skilfully to blow through a melting opted in respect of the coastal trade tube of glass and convert a "bulge" of India and Japan, and inoor into a beautiful cylinder of the carn £3 # porated in paragraph (c) of Ar-right dimensions ean ticle 3 of the draft Convention set
out in Part 11 of the First Schedule week. In one London workshop to the Act. In this connection, the alone there are 80 young women attention of Government was employed "blowing" thermometers. drawn to Section 6 of the Act: which provided that an Order in
large extent, by stocks imported during 1920 and earlier, at more favourable exchange rates. stocks became exhausted, and ox- change, during the second half of the year, remained stendy at 18. 3d. to 18. 4d, considerable business was put through. Lower prices of raw materials and keen competi tion amongst suppliers of cottonmediately prior to
Council might apply the Act to a British Possession subject to mo difications and adoptions. Ая
CHAMBERS
OF COMMERCE OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
The: Twelfth Triennial Congrem of the Federation, which was held at the Guildhall, London, in May, 1630, was of special importance in view of the fact that it mot im
"Plenty of girls apply for the work, but only a small percentage
a.rove suitable after a trial for training to become expert glass- blowers," it was stated. "A special-
ist can always find employment. I Is rather remarkable that we can never fill a vacancy through the Labour Exchanges, but if we insert an advertisement in the newspapers we always get applicants for the job...
The most reliable and expert glass-blowers are those who took to the Imperial the work on leaving school and
R.
PUBLIC AUCTION.
DAHTIOULARS & CONDITIONS
of the Bala by Public Auction to be held on MONDAY. the 20TH Day of APRIL, 1931, at 8 r.M., at the Ofices of the Public Works Department by Order of His EXCELLEBOY THE
on GOYERROR, of One Lo of CROWN LAND at Tai Kok Tani, in the Colony of Hong Kong, for a term of 75 years, with the option of renewal at s Crown Bent to be fixed by the Surveyor. of Hu MAZOTT Tus Kixa, for one, farther term of 75 ybare.
PARTICULARS OF THE LOT.
No. of Bale.
Kowloon Inland Lot | Registry No.
No. 2458.
Janetion of
Hi Lung Street and
Poplar Street
Locality.
G.
Boundary
Messuro-
menta.
Apar
unla plan
A
Contents i
Bquare foot
Bèntal:
About
7,437
R.
PUBLIC AUCTION.
།
➡| Upset Price:
20
138
.[0's.
* 18,533
goods and metals led to a reduo Conference. As an affiliated body, were, trained for years through all ARTICULARS & CONDITIONS
tion in prices which largely offact Shareholder's Suggestions, When the Chairman asked if the drop in exchange. The ad. shareholders wished to put any vantage which the fall in the value questions, Mr. Frank Austin said of silver currency was expected to I would like to add my appre- give to export trade was not in ciation to the remarks made by Ir. Joseph on the many excellent fact experienced, because of lack reauite now being shown by the of interest on the part of buying Hotel Company. There are one or markets abroad, due to depressed two things that I would like to sug-industrial conditions and the ac- gest for the consideration of the cumulation of stocks. The slump Board of Directors in connection has also adversely affected China with the affairs of the Company. Coastal shipping.
have seen this Company grow from the time when Mr. Taggart first joined it, and I have seen it grow into a very big organisation, in connection with this I would like to make the suggestion that it might be a good thing for the Hotel Company to concentrate their offerts in Hong Kong. It seems to me that to run a successful organi-
the present normal money market conditions prevailing here, which after all is really in the interests of shareholders, 'have not been more in evidence nirendy.
For depreciation, too, liberal
*
Japanese Competition, Japanese competition still in. creases in intensity and scope, and has
practically driven cheaper lines of British cotton piece goods from the market. Considerable participation by Chinese mills is now apparent, and increasing con-
this Chambor was invited to nomin-stages." Bernard, of Messrs. Matheson & ate a delegate, and Mr. D. G. M. Co., Ltd., London, (a post Chair. man) kindly consented to represent Hong Kong at the Congress. full report of the proceedings at the Conference is available for the inspection of members.
A
PIECE GOODS: THE "CHINA CONTRACIT."
of the Bale by Public Austion
to be held on MONDAY, the 20rn DAT of APRIL, 1931, at 3
at the floor of the Public Works
ht Order
Hre
Department by
PARTICULARS OF THE LOT.
Boundary La:
Moamuro
menta,
The matter was considered by ELOEILEKOT, THE GOVERNOR, of One the Pirce Goods Sub-Committee of Lot of CROWN LAND st Tai Kok this Chamber, which was of opin- Tal, in the Colony of Hong Kong, ion that so far ne Hong Kong was for term of 75 years, with the concerned no alteration was called option of renewal at a Orown Bant for in the terms of the existing to be Arad by the Surveyor of HIS
of 75 years. contract, but recommended that the MI THE KING, for one further terra Manchester and Bradford Cham- bors be requested to draw the at tention of Members to the fact that The British Chamber of Com-the ten days allowance in, ques- merce, Shanghai, forwarded for the Lion constituted a period of grace consideration of this Chamber in which should only be availed of in September, 1930, copies of corres exceptional circumstances. pondence exchanged with the Man- chester and Bradford Chambore on the subject of the Shanghai Cham- her's suggestion. (a) to delete the clause in the "China Contract"
grace over and above the stipulat providing for a period of 10 days'
amend Clause 7 to read "Bills of Lading date only shall be con- clusive evidence of shipment."
thereon during that period some aliowance has been made, though Pution like this, with hotel in reckoned with. The British Econo ed time of shipment, and (b) to!
which I have referred, normal
83,000,000. During the years lo vas necessary and considered we factors have arisen Lendingedient to withdraw the sum of two Feriously increase or trading dif- hundred thousand dollars from the fruities, and render the times very
Depreciation Reserve in order "lenn ones. In the case of the year under review the unprecedent-to provide for the standard set in ed depression of the local currency at years m respect of the Com has largely contributed to the company's various classes of nssets. paratively poor realis shown, for although the situation has forced es to increase tariffs from time to time, nevertheless, it has not been deemed politic bo R patruns the full increase in prices in the ratio warranted by our, in preased production costs.
Improved Position.
{n
to
In spite of the adverse times en- countered, however, your Board
Exchange.
e very
Shanghai and Peking, is big and difficult task. I suggest that when the opportunity arises the Company should get out of their commitments in Shanghai and Peking and that they should concentrate entirely on Hong Kong, I think that the opportunities here are many and give them very wide scope. It may be that this has already been done, but 1 think it would be a good plan to arrange to hire from Gloucester Building a number of their upper floor rooms for bedrooms to rerve the Hong Kong Hotel.
Chairman's Reply.
The Peak Hotel reconstruction | sebemo was under consideration. Mr. Taggart said, but he did not think alterations would be begun until the Company was on the credit side with the Bank. This would probably be at the end of next year. He did not think the Company would beneût much from the Gloucester Building suggestion.
petition from that quarter must be mio Mission to the Far East, ap pointed to enquire into the possibi- in this part of the world, arrived lities of developing British trade in China and Japan during the period under review, and investi gated Hong Kong trading condi tiens during February, 1931, The report of the Mission is awaited with great interest.
Against Stabilisation.
Shipping Survey Regulations. The Government on February 2, 1931, forwarded for the considera- tion of the Chamber, copy of a report by Government**Marine Surveyore on the suggestions con- tained in the Chamber's letter of March, 13, 1930, for modifying in respect of lol shipping the re- quirements contained in Board of Trade Regulations for the Con- struction and Survey of Passanger Steamships and for the Survey of Life Saving Appliances. Govern- ment also notified that no final de.. cision regarding the adaptation of the above-mentioned regulations to local conditions could be arrived at ponding the Conference to be held at Simia in May, 1931, (at which representatives from Hong Kong would be present) for the purpose of considering the application in the Far East of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929.
All other items appearing in the balance sheet before us are very
The sharp dall in the value of clearly set forth and so call for no
the Hong Kong dollar in recent further explanation. I venture
months has naturally. Ied to dis express the hope, however, that the
cuasion of the possibilities of stabi improvement in the position of our
With the funds that they would gold standard. When asked investment. in. Peking, as a result
lising the currency of the Colony of being relieved of all doht, and realise by selling their Shanghai by the Government for its views. aided by a greater volume of busi; and Peking properties, the Com-
YOUT Committee expirrend the here now experienced at the Hotelpany would have the opportunity opinion that, Hong Kong being there, will cause an early termina-of adding to their local, under commercially part of China, A tion of the long period of non-takings and construeting' a new ave fortunately been able to preproductiveness of this investment. Peak Hotel. I venture to say that would be inadviesble while China change from n silver ourrency sent to you regularly, during the
there is a great opportunity wait-
remains on a silver standard. The period in question, Profit and Loss Accounts showing balances on the It is interesting to learn, in con- ing for the Company with a real Committee joined with the Com right side, and, you will recollect jnéction with the Bus service Road Peak Hotel,
mittee of the British Chamber of that in respect of several of those operated by the Company, that the
Commerce, Shanghai, in requesting past years your Board did not re services on all routes have experi Mr. Taggart replied that if Mr. the China Association to make re commend the diselaration
frncod considerable increased popuAustin could see the figures avail presentations to the British Gov. dividend out of the profits dislarity during the year, and the able since the turn of the tide in ernment in favour of internat.onai notion on the whole question of the matricte total number of passengers carried the North, he might not be so an- played. due to
affecting liquid resources then available, and approximates nearly seven mixious to dispose of the properties ser, particularly as to the fact that projects involving Hans; though the increase of re there. The Company was natural China trade and the country' abil- heavy capital expenditure were
venue from the augmented patronly always prepared to consider anity to meet its obligations. then uncompleted. Today the age was offset in a measure by offer for sale, but he could disperse situation is altered and much more creased costs of operation due to a prevalent rumour hy saying that favourable, and, having regard to declining exchange, with the re-the Company was not going to beat the improved position via a rià our ult that the net profits of the 'Bus a hasty retreat from Shanghai. mortgage indebtedness previously Department are practically about mentined, and the farther can the same ns the previous year.“ siderable improvement resultant
While on the subject of exchange, from the very good business expers which in this part of the world, is enced at our establishments during a factor overshadowing all else in the first quarter of this year, your importance in the enlculations of Directora feel that they are in no
the business man in all his trangne sense acting imprudently in pretions, capecially in these difficult viding out of Depreciation Reserve times, I feel sure that I am merely Reserve built up from appro voicing, the wishes and views of priations from past profits--part of all business men, that a currency The report and statement of a the depreciation written off the ef more stability and intrinsic counta Was then unanimously Company's fixed assets during the value and also less addicted to such adopted. year, thus enabling the dividend to violent Auctuations by the mere be maintained.
There being an further matters nerations or whims of irrespon
speculators outside th Mr. G. H. Potts proposed and to which can usefully refer, T now formally propose that the 're-Colony's operative, influence, should Mr. M. H. Lo seconded that the we made available for the needs appointment of Sir Robert Ho purt of the Directors and the ac and requirements of all in the Tung as director fe confirmed, and counts for the financial year ended December 31, 1830, ns presented be interests of trade and commercy of that Mr. E. M. Raymond be re- this important. Colony. But the appointed a director. This was adopted, and that the following ap many difficulties in the way are not carried. Mr. Gould proposed propriations recommended by your to be overlooked and the life-long and Mr. J. P. Ernga' seconded that Directors, us incorporated in the balance sheet be carried into effeci. Gratitude and thanke of all whMessrs. Percy Smith, Beth and have the Colony's welfare and in Fleming he re-elected auditors at -Pay a dividend of 50 cents porterest at beart, would be fully earn fee of $4,000. This was also car- share on 796,357 shares, 8809,178.50:ed by the Commission of experts. ried.. Ꮣ . carry forward to Now Account
Mr. Taggart thanked the share- now studying this perplexing pra $114,938.57; and I shall be obliged biem, if they could only find or holders for their presence and said sia shareholder will kindly socond i such proposal, whereupon questions evolve some reasonphly satisfactory that dividend warrants would be btained on application at the Beretary's office. us to the Report and Accounts may be raised.
In conclusion, I hope and trus!
These present were:-Mesars. J. Beconder's Speech,
that the long period of stagnanti. Taggart (chairman). J. Scott and unsatisfactory business just IIarston, A. Cameron, E. M. Ray Mr. J. E. Joseph, in seconding, referred to by our Chairman in nond (directors), P., H. Suckling said- Chairman and Gentle nearing its end, and with our in: (peneral manager) and F. C. Barry men-1 feel confident that you proved financial resources and (Boaretary). Shareholders present will support me when I say that position, a new era of more pros
were Messrs. Frank, Austin, J. T. we have all just listened with no purity is also now about to dawn Bagram, A. Brierly, M. Caris, little satisfaction and interest to upon us
Chan Tung Shang, E, W. van Epi, the gratifying results of the past.
With three for observations and W. J. M. Figueiredo, R., Gordon, year's working so satisfactorily and clearly reviewed and explained comments, Mr Chairman I bave Braga, Oould, A. from the chair. Although the total rout pleasure in ecconding. the Tusoph, J. E. Joseph, Lee Chow profits for this year show a decrease adoption of the report and accounts Ying, Lo Man Hun, P. J. Now of some sixty thousand dollars ations as recommended by our Direc-G. H. Potts, A. W. Smith, O. P. as presented, and the appropria-nan. U. M. Omar. T. R. Parsons, compared with the preceding one, the result on the whole, as our tors, as incorporated in the balance Ribeiro, J. H. Ruttonjes, O. E. "Chairman has pointed out must laleet be carried into effect.
rible
|tolution soon..
not be regarded as-unsatisfactory.(Continued on next Column.)--
Other Business,
White, F Silva, Tai Yau Cheung, M. A Xavier, A. Zimmern.
MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT: EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS.
A proposal to bring into force in respect of ships registered in this i Colony certain sections of the Mor chant Shipping (Internationa} Labour Conventions) Act, 1925, re- guleting the employment on board ship of permas under the age of eighteen years, was submitted to the Chamber for its views by the Co- Jonial Government on July 14, 1030. The matter was considered by the Shipping Sub-Committoo, and it was pointed out that the proposed regulations would not affect ships registered elsewhere and engaging a crew in Hong Kong. A ship ro gistered in London, for instance, would be subject to Board of Trade rules ne regards the engagement of crew. The Chamber replied on September 17, stating that no ob jection was raised to the introduc--
(Continued on neat Column.)
No. of Bald.
| Kowloon Inland Lo Registry No."]
No.
Adjoining
9405.
Ki Lung Street.
Locality.
The Bradford Chamber replied in December 1, 1930, agreeing that the ten days allowance clause should be utilised in exceptional enses only and asking to be kept which indue advantage had been informed regarding any cases in a
taken of it.
The Manchester Chamber replied that the views expressed would be brought to the notice of its China and Far East Executive Committee.
PUNTU SE
JUST Published.
1931
DIRECTORY AND
OF
As per
eule plan.
CHRONICLE
CHINA, JAPAN, MALAYA, STRAITS settlements, BORNÉO, SIAM, THE
PHILIPPINES, COREA. INDO-CHINA, NETHERLANDS INDIA, &c.
INVALUABLE FOR FIRMS
TRADING IN THE FAR EAST.
NEW FEATURE:
Classified List of Trades
and
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19,593 .
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Coatente
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1031
1862.
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186
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