the British barque Ardville, containing Chinese Emigrants from San Francisco, was wrecked in the Chinese Seas, and the crew and passengers brought to Hong Kong in two Chinese Junks.
That the Master, Williamson, gave to the principal Chinese a promissory note for $2000 for the services performed; but, having no money, he applied to the Governor to pay the sum, offering to give a bill on the registered Owner, W. Charles Kitto, 58 Gresham House, Bishopsgate Street, London.
Copy of the Promissory Note:
"I promise to pay to the Bearer Achew the sum of two thousand dollars for taking myself and crew to Hong Kong.
(signed) W. K. Williamson.
Saving all the goods that can be saved."
(signed) W. R. W.
168 $2000 (signed) Emma Williamson
-crew and passengers only
No goods brought up. No goods saved.
As no money being forthcoming, Williamson applied to the Hong Kong Government to discharge this promissory note. And the Governor paid Achew $1000, which was considered a reasonable remuneration. A man's receipt was taken, and a copy of the Junk's particulars was annexed.
That half of the amount advanced by the Hong Kong Government, viz. £104.3.4, was repaid by the Board of Trade out of a Parliamentary vote for distressed seamen. But their Lordships considered that the other half, assumed to have been paid in respect of the 9 passengers, could not be...