t
confirmed.
NEW MEMBERS.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1890.
It
MEETING OF the legislaTIVE | sum of $1,873.95 to the current year.
is perhaps unnecessary to point out to the COUNCIL.
shareholders that these large profits are for the most part phenomenal, and attributable A meeting of the Legislative Council was
to the exceptional position of sugar last year, and held on the 5th inst. There were present - to the stock which the General Agents had His Excellency the Officer Administering the acquired of the raw material at a favourable Government (Mr. F. Fleming); the Acting
tinic and cost. The supplies of sugar all over Colonial Secretary. (Mr. W. M. Deane), Mr. She world were somewhat limited, and, besides, Brown, Surveyor-General; Mr. A. J. Leach, the aperations of speculators Furope drove Acting Attorney-General Mr. N. G. Mitchell
prices up higher than stocks justified either in Europe or other parts Innes, Acting Registrar-General: Messrs. P.
of the world. Ryrie, Ho Kal, C. P. Chater, J. J. Keswick, A. Subsequent prices have been the best proof P. MacEwen, (ur official members) and Mt. A. of the undue inflation which had been Seth, Clerk of Councils.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and reached. Under these circumstances, it is desirable that shareholders should not be carried away with the idea that the Company can always count upon results equal to those of 1889 His Excellency-Since our last meeting the I am pleased to say, however, that the outlook period of six years luring which the unofficial on the whole is encouraging, and the Company members of Council are appointed, expired with is well able at present to hold its own against all regard to two of the hon. members-Mr. Ryrie comers. The General Agents, with the approval and Mr. Wong Shing. I have great pleasure of your Committee, have, as you will observe, in announcing that Mr. Ryrie has consented to from the Report, made important.extensions to be re-appointed, and I am sure that with the the Refinery at East Point, which will enable experience he possesses, consequent upon the them to mrel increased demands at a reduced cost, length of ime he has sat in this Council, he of production, and the shareholders will be glad will continue to be of as great service in the to hear from me that the condition of all the future as in the past. Mr. Wong Shing expressed Company's property is excellent. Before moving a desire to be relieved of his duties on the ground the adoption of the Report, I am pleased to be of ill-health, and therefore he has not been able to state that the General Agents continue to re-appointed. In his place I have been fortunate receive the hearty co-operation and support of in obtaining the services of Dr. Ho Kai. He is, as the. Company's staff at the different establish- you all know, one whose abilities well qualify himments, and I shall be glad to answer any ques- to a seat at this Board, and I am surethe Council tions relating to the Report which shareholders will have no reason to object to the selection that
may desire to ask. has been made. There is also another vacaney, caused by the Captain Superintendent of Police having for the time being become Acting Colonial Secretary, and I have selected the Acting Registrar-General, Mr. Mitchell-Innes, to fill it during that period. His connection with the Chinese community of this Colony will render him a useful and efficient member.
The gentlemen referred to were then swom in, and took their seats.
VOTES.
The Acting Colonial Secretary laid on the table the following votes, recommended by the Administrator ---
$209.as a gratuity to the daughter of the late J. Carneiro, la consideration of her father's services during fifteen years as ward- master at the Small-pox Hospital. He was invalided, and granted a pension, but died a few
He then moved that the report and accounts be adopted.
Mr W. Legge seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to.
Mr. Coxon moved the re-election of Messrs. B. Layton, S C. Michaelsen, F. A. Gomes, and D. R. Sassoon, as Consulting Committee.
Mr. Wilcox seconded, and it was agreed to. Mr. Murray Bain proposed the re-election of Messrs. F. Henderson and T. Arnold as auditors. Mr. Solomon seconded, and it was agreed to, The Chairman having announced that the dividend warrants would be ready to-morrow, the proceedings ended.
THE LUZON SUGAR REFINING ·
COMPANY, LIMITED.
pany shew signs of considerable increase and as trade improves we look for larger business in timber both for local consumption in Sandakan and here, both saw mills being now well employed. Our tabacen lands are still unsold, but looking to the good prospects that there appear to be for tobacco growing in Borneo, and the favourable reports constantly received from various sources of the good qualities of the leaf produced in that country there is good reason to believe that this land will be sold at no distant date at a handsome profit.
Mr. Brodies the saw-mill paying its way 7 The Chairman-Yes, to the best of my know.
ledge; it is difficult to say. We have had a good deal of prejudice to overcome, and that we have overcome it is due greatly to the efforts of the manager, who has worked very hard. There is a chance of it doing very well-it has been working almost wilboot interruption all this year, and we have large contracts to fill, so that there is every prospect of it doing well. The stock of 50,000 feet has been all taken by a Chinaman. He then moved the adoption of the
report.
Mr. Gordon seconded, and it was agreed to. Mr. Wicking proposed the election of Mr. Sassoon as director.
Mr. Brodie seconded, and it was agreed to Mr. Murray Bain proposed that Messm. Dalrymple and Stokes be re-elected directors. Mr. Joseph seconded, and it was passed. The Chairman proposed the re-election of Messrs. Henderson and Lyall as auditors.
Mr. Wicking seconded, and that having been agreed to the business ended,
The Chairman expressing a hope that next time there would be a favorable report to present, and that all shareholders would assist in pushing the Company's business.
THE DUSTMENS'. DOINGS.
Dall meeting of the Sanitary Board on the 7th inst. Should have met a week earlier. Business got through very promptly, owing to a general desire to get to the loyalty demonstra- tion at the City Hall. Dr. Ayres turned up after a prolonged disappearance. Minutes of Monday's special meeting, respecting the out- break of pleuro-pneumonia; read. Letter from the Colonial Secretary next, intimating that a nuisance-inspector was going to be appointed to look afer Kowloon district. After some draias days later, and the amount recommended repreholders of the above Company was held at the had been attended to,
The annual general meeting of the share-around Zetland Street and Bank Buildings a report by the sented one year's pension.
Messra. Jardine, Matheson & Co., Inspector of Markets was read, shewing that the 450 as remuneration to Colonel Beaumont for office his report on the contemplated removal of the general managers. The Hon. J. J. Keswick cost of slaughtering the animals affected with or Bokhara Rock, and $ico for his expenses during presided, and Messrs. D. Gillies, (director) suspected of having pleuro-pneumonia, and his stay in Hongkong.
J. H. Cox, H. C. Maclean, G. S Coxon, W. McK compensating the owners, was $1,920. Ten had Ross, S. Joseph, C. W. Dickson, Ho Tung, etc., died, and 43 were slaughtered. Bill sent up to the Government. Forty-folio report on the were present.
drainage of the Hill district, by Mr. Chadwick, sent after pleuro-pneumonia bill. Another report next. Nothing calling for special action. Report by Mr. Chadwick, on Messrs. Butterfield and Swire's drains. Referred to Drains Committee, Mr. Chadwick agreeing to also straighten up the bye-laws on the subject. Evidently a good man,. Mr. Chadwick. At this point Mr. Mitchell-Innes retired "to attend amass-meeting." Much hilarity. Other members wanted to go. Mr. Humphreys bad a weaknessthat way, and moved the Board adjourn. The Surveyor-General thought he had done his duty to the Duke of Connaught by attending the last Reception meeting, and offered to stop.
AN EXPENSIVE EXPERIMENT.
His Excellency gave a few words of explana. tion with regard to the latter vote, inasmuch as he had taken upon himself the responsibility of asking Colonel Beaumont, not to do the work, The Governor, a short time before his departure, had an interview with Colonel Beaumont, who suggested the blasting of the Bokhara Rock, stat- ing that he had had considerable scientific know- ledge with regard to such work, and desired lo make the experiment. No doubt the removal of the rock would bave been expedient, but then the cost had to be barne in mind, so His Excellency desired Colonel Beaumont to stay till the next English mail went, and in the meantime forward a report. He did so, estimating the cost of the work at £3,000, besides certain expenses in connection with the necessary steam-launches. etc. He said that the proper machinery was ohtainable here, and with what he could procure he had no doubt as to the success of the scheme. Hut after an interview with him he (Mr. Fleming) consulted several members of the community and of the Executive Council, and it was decided that, interesting as the experiment might have been, bearing in mind the many expensive schemes the Government now had on foot, the outlay would not be justified, and he therefore recommended that a fee of £50 should be paid to Colonel Beaumont
for his report, and Soo granted towards his expenses
for his extra fortnight's stay.
I
The Chairman said-Gentlemen, the accounts and report for the past year have been before you for some time and I feel confident they must have afforded satisfaction when compared with many of our discouraging experiences in the past history of the Company. The year's working has been the best we have ever had and has placed us in a position to pay at least seven per cent. upon the capital, but unfortunately, as you are aware, we cannot do so, having the arrears of the previous year to meet. As you will observe from the Report the General Agents have recommended the payment of a dividend of 3 per cent, and that $19,000 be written off the General Agents' special advance of $50,000, From remarks which have been made to me gather that this proposal might be misunderstood as shareholders may not have realized that the Conditions of the special advance in reference to bearing interest have been fulfilled, the General Agents therefore are quite willing either to carry the amount of $19,000, forward to next account or write it off property as the share- holders may prefer. There is little which I need mention, but the Refinery is in full working and the orospects may be considered encouraging for the current year. I would be falling in a manifest duty, gentlemen, if I closed these remarks without expressing the obligations which this Company lies under to the Manila agents, Messrs. Smith Bell & Co., whose most able management, foresight and energy bave contributed so much to the present improved position of the Refinery. To the employés too I feel that our thanks are due for their arduous
ANOTHER" FEW REMAINING BRICKS" BILL, His Excellency added ¡—As I just now stated, one of my objections to the experiment was that at present we have a considerable number of big works going on in the Colony, upon which a | services. considerable expenditure will be necessary, Mr. Cox-I don't quite understand your Amongst others is one of which you have already explanation about the $19,000 $50,000 were heard the building of a new ball-room advanced by the agents--is this a repayment of at Government House. When the Estirates
part of it t were considered last year the sum of $25,000
The Chairman-It is supposed to be written was voted for that purpose. Since then the
off the special advance. It will reduce the Surveyor-General has gone into the question, advance. and in his opinion the cost will considerably exceed that sum, in fact, it will reach $10,000, The Governor. before his departure, expressed a desire that the Council should be acquainted with this fact he is anxious, not so much on his own account as on that of the community, that the work should be begun without delay. for there is no doubt that the accommodailon at Government House for balls and large entertainments is very inadequate, But innsmuch as this $25,000 was inserted in last year's Estimates, he did not want the work to be commenced before the Council were informed of the state of affairs. The Council is not asked to vote the increased expenditure now-it is not likely that it will be expended this year, but it will probably be necessary that the extra amount, should be placed in next year's Estimates. I mention this now, entirely agreeing with His
I
Mr. Cox-Then you cannot put it down to Profit and Loss,
The Chairman-To prevent being misunder- stood it was put down to that account, The original intention was to write it the special advance, but as I feared it might be misunder stood we decided to write it off the property, or carry it forward to the current account. Those were the two alternatives.
Mr. Cox There can be no objection to that, I suppose, but it would have been as well to leave it out; it has been misunderat od-it has seemed to the shareholders that it was wrongly stated, because the repaymert on account of money advanced never goes to debit of Profit and Loss account. I propose that the amount be wrliten off the property account, and not carried forward to the credit of Profit and Loss account,
Excellency's idea that Government works should Mr. Coxon seconded, and it was agreed to. not be commenced or proceeded with that
The Chairman then proposed that the report require large expenditure then has been voted..and statement of accounts, as amended, be
The votes were then referred to the Finance
pansed. Committee.
Mr. Ho Tung seconded, and they were passed, Mr. Joseph moved that Messrs. Davies and A bill for the naturalisation of Lam Leung Gillies be re-elected to the Consulting Com-
A WHITEWASHED BRITON.
Sing passed its first reading.
AN AMENDMENT.
.
The Acting Attorney-General moved the the first reading of a Bill to amend the Public Health Ordinance, 1889. The amendment consisted in the excision of a section.-It passed its first reading.
THE NEW MAGISTRATES' ORDINANCE.
The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled the Magistrates' Ordinance, 1890, and explained its object at considerable length. The present Ordfonaces for their Worships' guidance were antiquated and inadequate, and the Billi before them remedied all the mistakes that had been discovered,
The Bill passed.
CHINA SUGar refininG CO.,
LIMITED.
mittee,
Mr. Lau Tong seconded, and it was 'carried. Mr. Coxon moved the re-election of Mr. T. Arnold as auditor.
Mr. Cox seconded, and it was agreed to. The proceedings then terminated, the Chair, man announcing that the dividend warrants would be ready to-morrow.
General Gordon willing to
adjourn. Mr. Ede "agin" it, Mr. Humphrey's pet item on the agenda left over to next meeting and he disappeared. Business continued.
CHINA, AND MANILA STEAMSHIP
COMPANY, LTD.
The annual meeting of the shareholders of this Company was held at noon to-day (8th inst), at the office of Messrs, Russell and Co., General Managers. Mr. W.. H. Forbes presided, and Messrs. D. Gillies, J H. Cox, G. H. Potts, C. A Tomer, Jorge, and R. Shewan (secretary) were present,
The Chairman said-Gentlemen, I do not think we need the Report and Accounts read, as they have been in your hands for some time past, but I would now express the hope that under the adverse circumstances referred to in the Report you may consider the result of the year's work, via dividend of 16 per cent and $10,000 to Reserve, as a satisfactory.one. The steamere have not been further written down this year, as they have been well kept up, and the heavy rise in the price of iron and other bullding material at home may be taken as a fair offset against the depreciation from year and wear. The business of the Company continues good, and I hope we shall meet with no farther accidents such as that to the Diamante, which caused us a much greater loss through the time consumed over repairs than for the actual cost of the repairs themselves. With regard to the Consulting Committee, no further appointments have been made, but should any shareholders present wish it the General Managers will be pleased if they will dominate one of their number to the vacant seat, Pefore moving the adoption of the report accounts I shall be glad to answer any questions from shareholders There being none he moved their adoption.
Mr. JH. Coxseconded, and they were adopted, Mr. Cx moved the re-election of Mr. Gillies to the Consulting Committee.
Mr. Torge seconded, and it was agreed to, Mr. Tomes proposed the re-election of Messrs Cox and Arnold as audiots, and Mr. Shewan seconded, and it was carried,A
That concluded the business of the meeting, the Chairman adding that the dividend warrants would be ready for delivery on Monday next.
A NOVEL PRESENTATION.
$
Over the doors of the two establishments of Dakin Bros, of China, Limited, Queen's Road, may be seen two heavy gilt signs, with Chiness characters on them surrounded by a lot of mysterious chops. One of them proclaims that "Foreign medicines are infallible," and the other institutes a comparison between that store
THE CHINA-BORNEO COMPANY, and the laboratory of a historical Chinese doctor
LIMITED.
China. Their Excellencies specially instructed us to make a grand display when Endedag to you the accompanying two Tablets-the one presented by HE, the General Fung Chi Choy bears the Inscription uding "Foreign mede- cines are infallable" and the translation on that given by H.E. the Admiral compares your deeds to the miraculous cures effected by the famous court physician of the Sung Dynasty, Hon Hong, I cannot say, more than what is alredy embodied in the accompanying address tendered on behalf of their Excellencies, which I will ask my friend Mr. James Francis to read for me.
Mr. Francis then read the address, which ran as follows:-
14
H. 1. C. M. Gunboats Antan and Chento, Hongkong Harbour, 3rd March, 1890. To Messrs. Dakin Bros. of China, Limited,
Hongkong
|
Gentlemen, Under instructions front His Excellency General Fung Chi Chai, the Heir Guardian, Commissioner of Coast Defence of Ham Chatt and Lim Chan, between Tong King and Kwang Tung boundaries, and late Admiral of Kwang Shi, and His Excellency Fong Eu, Admiral of the Canton Fleet, we beg to present you with this address. We heartily thank you for the foreign drugs you so kindly sent us. We are happy to find that they can be used with safety by even the most ignorant person without the assistance of a doctor, and can testify to the invaluable aid we have received by use of these simple but efficacious medicines amongst those under our care. We appreciate your benevolent endeavours to consult the requirements of the Chinese community and your efforts to place your valuable medicines within the reach of the poorest of our countrymen, His Excellency General Fung Chi Chi has great faith in foreign drugs. During the late Franc Chinese War H.E. specially engaged the services of a native expert, Mr. Wang Ngok Ting, now in your employ, for attendance on his troops at Tonquin, Thousands were then saved by the means of foreign drugs carefully administered by Mr. Wong, and during the late Expedition to Hainan, under the command of HE. General Fung Chi Choy, miraculous cures were effected amongst the natives through the same channel. We fully recognize the superiority of European medicines over native druga, especially for cam- paigns, and we heartily wish that your efforts for the public welfare wil meet with every success and reach all parts of the Chinese Empire. As a token of our gratitude we beg your acceptance of the accompanying two Tablets, which we trust you will hang up in your establishment so that all may see how much your humane enter
With our greetings prise is appreciated by the Authorities.
་
We remain, Gentlemen,
Yours very truly,
have no hesitation in saying that there will be no further stoppage from this source for many years. The repale to one half of the kiln should be completed about the end of this month, when burning can be proceeded with, whilst the other half is undergoing the same thorough renewal,
Cement bricks are now being burned in two temporary kilos, capable of burning 30 tons per werk. In one of these the burning was com pleted and the clinker being hauled out whilst I was there. The kiln has been constructed by Mr. Kelly, the burner engaged at the Works, entirely of cement bricks, so that the bricks out side are being well dried whilst those inside are burned. A third circular kiln is being rapidly constricted under the personal supervision of the European staff, which will burn 40 tops a week An inspection of the manufacture and burping of the segmental bricks used in the reconstruc tion of the Hoffmann kiln was also made. These appear to be of a very good quality, and a sufficient number have been already burned to complete the first half of the kiln.
The reclaimed land has a substantial sea wall erected the full length of its frontage; on this land is piled hundreds of tons of clay used in the manufacture of cement exposed to the open air before being thoroughly dried on the drying flats.
On another portion of our land is stored about 8,000 tons of stone ready to be passed into the stone breaker which is exected at one end of the Works. This machine does its works in a mos thorough manner, as likewise do all the other new erected, and which are capable of giving us a steady supply of not less than twenty-five tons of cement in a working day of ten hours Seatt It may be well here to say a few words, about the Bun Stance With many others I concluded from the Report that these were not giving satis fiction. During my visit, the three erected were at work completing the grinding of 33 tons of cement, which operation took only ten hours each pair of stones turning out a little over a ton per hour. These Bun Stones were ordered during the experiments in England with the Morris mills, which have now been found to give more satisfactory results, three of these latter are now erected and will be at work this month,
In the testing room were several of the bri quettes which had been tested at various dates and all tended to show that the cement imanu- factured on Green Island is of an exceptionally, good quality, as shewn where it has been freely used in the building and on the floore of the Cop premises. I returned, shortly after' p.m,, well satisfied with the manner in which the working throughout is conducted and confident that there is, as the Report says, a bright and prosperods future before us.
For and on behalf of His Excellency Generation inn visit to Macao, for a few most enjoyable
Fung Chi Choy, Heir Guardian, ele
(Signed) LIU KOK CHEONG,
Capt gunboat Aulan.
Green Island and its Cement Works should in the course of two months be the great nitrac hours can be spent in observing the various processen of manufacture. Any shareholder who is therefore anxious an to results should obtain For and on behalf of His Excellency Admirala pass at the Head Office and see for himself
Fong lu.
how efficiently the work is carried on.
A SHAREHOLDER.... Hongkong, 6th March, 1890.
(Signed) WONG LIUI SU..
Capt. gunboat Chinto
Mr. Watts, in reply, said --Capt. Liu Kok Cheong-Da behalf of my firm I beg to offer. you, and through your good offices to their Excellencies the General and Admiral, our sincere thanks for the honors just bestow.d upon us. I am delighted to find that we have salouded in winning the good opinions of those eminent personages, you represent and we will strive to do all we can to win the favor of both rulers and the people at large. We accept with gratefulness the two tables which their Excellencies have been pleased to honor us with I shall see that they are hung up in the most conspicuous spots, in our establishment. We will highly cherish these gifts, seeing that they are the first official recognition we have received since our promotion in China.
The party then adjourned to the refreshment room, where the healths of their Excellencies was proposed by Mr. Watts, Mr. J. D. Kiley proposing that of Messrs. Dakin Bros.
CORRESPONDENCE.
We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by
Correspondeate in this columoj.
THE CANTON STEAMERS. TO THE Euro or m"Hongkong TilegraRH."
Sr,-As I have seen a paragraph. or two in your paper about the Hongkong. Canton, and Macao Steamboat Co's management, I write to inform you how I was treated recently on board
RECOLLECTIONS OF LIFE IN THE FAR EAST IN THE FIFTIES,
I.
In 185, when I first came to Shanghai, Japan was almost a terra incognita, and popularly stood in the same category as the savage portion of Formosa. Captains of whalers and of vessels from San Francisco gave it a wide berth, and it was considered to be as much su one's life was worth to be wrecked on its inhospitabin shores. indeed, it wasto secure immunity and protection for vessels in distress on its coasts that the United States organised and despatched squadron under Commodore Perry to proceed to Japan. The firet came to this port in 1853 to make its final preparations for the undertaking, and great was the interest manifested in it.
At the same time the capture of Hankow by the Taiping rebels, and their movement, down the valley of the Yangtze-kiang, had begun to excite great uneasiness here, and attracted fleets of English and French men-of-war under their respective admirals and the Governor of Horg. kong and the French and American Ministers with their suites were also visiting Shanghai. All the men-of-war were anchored in the river off the settlement, and, as there, was no regulation lo force agains the firing of cannon in port, we were treated very equently to pretty caval spectacles in the way of saluting, manning yards, &c while large dianers and balls were constantly being given tahore and afloat, so that, though trade had been greatly interfered with, and the safely ofShanghai itself was seriously, threatened, residents managed to have a very guy time.
trading with and visiting the country, and in the last week of that year I was able to gratify a long cherished desire of doing so myself, and left for Nagasaki and Yokohama in the small steamer Aso, Captain Gaby. There was quite a number of passengers, chiefly young nien, going over on business or for pleasure, and we had a very jolly passage indeed, The Araf at her best could do only four or five kaots, and I remember when the captain called out in a stentorian voice," Full speed ahead," some one exclaiming, "Don't, Gaby, don't, you will throw us all off our legs. Our voyage was We spent therefore naturally a slow one. the first of January in Nagasaki, and were delighted with the place and the people, as all vishers must necessarily be. Then we resumed our trip; and golog by the outside route in due course teached Yokohama. A quondam Shang hai friend put me up in his bungalow, which was one of the only two foreign-built houses there, and, in default of beds. I hid to make myself as comfortable as 1.6 could at night by sleeping on the floor.
Kanawaga was the site that had been desig- nated in the tiezties for foreign occupation, but, as it was situated on the Tokaido-the highway to
capital, the Japanese authorities feared that collisions might occur, there between foreigners nud the trains of the Dalmias who habitually aversed that road on their way to and from Yedo. To rectify this mistake on their part, the Japanese set to work to gather at Yokohama such attractions as should induce foreigners to forego their treaty rights, and accept, without question, the place prepared for them. Streets lined with attractive stan filled with the varied produc- tions of japarcie art were laid out, a substantial.. stone pier and an extensive custora house were constructed, and lastly "long" lines of wooden buildings of one storey, painted black-which gave ammost sombre appearance to the place- were run up to serve as dwellings and godowns. for such comers,, as might choose to avail themselves of the accommodation thus ready for their use "But the several foreign repre sentatives et their faces sternly against this attempt to depart from the stipulations of the treaties, alleging that it was a device on the part of the Japanese to isolate their countrymen in Yokohama, as bad been done with the Dutch at Nagasaki, As foreigners continued to arrive however, and found no room for them at Kanagawa, they naturally drifted to Yokohama, where provision had been made for them. So, while the ministers protested, their countrymen continued to occupy Yokohama, and, instead of backing up their representatives, espoused: the side of the Japanese alleging that Yokohama was a much more suitable position for trade than Kanagawa, of the latter was too far removed from the anchorage, and owing to the shallow ness of the water on that side of the bay could only be approached by boats of the lightest draught. The opposition of the ministers there fore soon ceased, and the japanese were allowed: to have their own way, which time his shown to have been the best.
After remaining with my host for a few days, two or three friends clubbed together with me to set up an establishment of our own, and, all the ready-made dwelling houses having been taken, we hired from the Government part of one of the lang blackgodowns above mentioned, and with the assistance of one of the official laterpreters named Tool who afterwards went with the first Japanese embassy to America and Europe, where he became well-known as "Tonimy --- and by the aid of mats, and screens, and various other devices which the Japanese use so cleverly in making much out of nothing, we contrived in, a few days a very comfortable dwelling. ben, from the captain of a vessel in port, We procured a stove, some mattresses, blan kets, &c, and our establishment was com plete. 'A Chinaman' came up to us in the street and offered his services as cook, and as he looked like a decent fellow, we engaged him on the spot, and a treasure he proved to us, for he showed himself as skilful in getting up a good dinner as had the Japanese in improvising a dwelling, with make-shift utensils and materials. Indeed, we fared very well, as there was an abundant supply of oysters, fish, eggs, chickens, game, &c., and plenty of sweet oranges, while with buck-wheat four we had excellent cakes, which are dear to the American palate; and á propor of them I may mention thai,the Japanese of both sexes often visited us, without ceremony, while we were eating, and one morning, when we were at break- fast, a very pretty girl, the daughter of one of the officials, came in, and, having tasted our cakes, was so much pleased with them that, ai was the dative custom, she asked for one or two for her. mother, and wrapping them in thin paper carried them off in triumph. The delight of the old lady may be imagined by those familiar with the article, and who know that while there is nothing nicer than a buckwheat cake, hot, there is hardly.. Mr. Townsend Harris, afterwards U.S. Mine anything matter than a buckwheat cake, cold. ter to Japan, was then spending a few months The first foreigners who visited Japan made a a small Gladstone bag only. On entering the with me, and was very anxious to accompany good speculation by purchasing gold, which was saloon I called for the steward, when one of the Commodore Perry to that country, but, as the then on a much lower buis of value compared boys put his head out of the pantry to see who latter was under orders to allow no one to do so with silver, then elsewhere and when I went was calling, but took no further notice. After who was not attached to his fleet, he was unable there silver itzebous had a much greater pur vainly endeavouring to get hold of any one off to go, much to his disappointment. Mr. Harris chaking power than their equivalent weight. In the servants, we went to the Chief Officer's had thoroughly, posted, himself, about Japan, Mexican dollars, and indeed few of the tradesmen room and knocked. On the Chief Oficer making and our conversation frequently turned upon tap would take the latter at all except at a heavy his appearance, I politely informed him that I subject, so that I took a deep interest in the discount for the ostensible purpose, therefore, wished to take passage by the steamer to Canton, expedition that was about leaving. Its result of enabling foreigners to secure itsaboos enough and asked for a cabin where I could put are now a matter of history. The treaty that for their, dally, needs without heavy loss, the my luggage. He told one of the servants Commodore Perry succeeded in negotiating custom house, at a certain hour each day, held who now appeared to give me a cabin, achieved the object the U.S. Government had in an exchange to dole out the required number but the answer he got was "Captain, Parsee view in despatching the mission, and proved to against Mexican dollars,. At first the allotinent have go shore, have takee key, no can open cabin be the thin end of the wedge which ultimately was made in proportion to applications, which before shio go half past five." The Chief opened up that country to foreign inter were supposed to represent the household needs Officer then told me I could leave my bag any course, though no immediate results of of the several applicants, but such was the where on one of the settees in the saloon, and consequence accrued from it and for some anxiety tosecute the, coveted coins that many disappeared. As the bag contained 0 few time no steps of importance were made to people began, much to the astonishment of the valuables I did not care: to do that, so in com take advantage of it in any way. At length, imple-minded Japanese, to ask for milions pany with my friend, I left the Powans and however, Mr. Harris, whose attention bad con each so that the tesources of the Empire would went on board the Pasig, The officers of that tinued to be directed to that country, acceeded!! Hardly have sufficed to meet the demands of vessel told me they had no special accommoda- in 1856 in getting himself appointed U.S. Consul single day When this subtle artifice was dis tion for foreigners, but that if I liked they would to Simoda, to which place, he went and for, a covered, a new regulation was made, whereby make me as comfortable as possible in their long time, with the exception of his own inter the Japanese themselves determined the amount mes room. The Chief Engineer took charge groter and the few Dutch who were shut up into be allotted to; each individual according to of my bag, and in a few minutes I was on my the island of Desima at Nagasaki, was the only way to Canton, arriving there at midnight (uix foreigner in Japan. There he remained, for two hours before the Powan) after a comfortable years or so, in a state of complete isolation, and cut off from all: Intercourse with the rest of the trip. wwww w
world, except on rare occasiona➡hen some
the steamship Powan
On the 4th inst. I arrived in Hongkong, and found I had to go to Craton. At 4.30 p.m., accompanied by a friend, I went on board the awan, which vessel was advertised to leave at 5.30 p.m. for Canton, My, luggage consisted of
Although I have. been travelling now and
a
again up and down the Canton river for period over 17 years, I had never experienced anyting of this sort before.
The are by the Potuan is $1, and by the Pasig $1,
< Yours faithfully,
Hongkong, 6th March, 1890.
AJ, H
some, rule-of-thumby estimate of their own, and this was the state of matters when I arrived at Fokohama. All sorts of devices were then re sorted to, to circumvent the officials and obtain more than the regulation supply of lizeboos, and,
passing vest chanced to tauch where he was among others, the officers and men of vessels in named Hon. They are the honorific gifts of
Meanwhile he spent his time in familiarising port would draw Individually the sumber ta himself with the ways of the Japanese, and, which each was entitled, and then the purser H.E. Admiral Fung Chi Chol, Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Commissioner of Coast Defence
being aman, of good common sense, with would comein with a list of the ship's company pleasing manner, and well informed not only and draw again for the entire crew. Every day The first ordinary meeting of the shareholders etc., and H.E. Fong Yu, Admiral of the Centon.
in regard to commercial matters but in history the whole oreign community collected at the of the above Company was held at noon today Flest, and were presented with mach ceremony
palitics, International law and kindred subjects custom hotse at the appointed time, and the (6th Inst.), at the Hongkong Hotel Mr. B. Layton on the 3rd inst, The beaters of the tablets were
as well, he soon acquired great influence with clamour was like that of Babel, each calling out presided, and Messrs. W. G. Brodie, H. B. Ten Captain Liu Kok Chaong, of the gunboat Anian,
the Japanes The war which Great Britain for his portion, and trying to make it as large as nant, A. G. Stokes, 'H. LA Dalrymple, A, G. and Capt, Wong Liu Suy of the Chento, and they Gordon, H. Wicking, S. Joseph, S. Solomon, Gwere accompanied by quite an Imposing Tay THE GREEN ISLAND CEMENT WORKS. and Francs were then waging against China possible, catching holds of the Interpreters and TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HO OKONG TELEGRAFis," give Mr. Harris an excellent opportunity to turn officials, and pulling them about, until, getting Murray Bain, W. E Dougherty, and L. Hall, of guarde, ets, After a preliminary parade though ward (secretary) were present,
the Chinese quarter Mestre. Dakin Bros. Sm-Having heard many rumours certainly this influence to the best account and he was tot quite bewildered, the latter, were fan to allow The Chairman said Gentlemen, Before pro- establishment was reached and they were very adverse to the Green Island Cement Co.'slow to avail himself of it. He'succeeded in con-whatever was asked for The annual meeting of the shareholders of the posing the adoption of the Report and Accounts received with embarrassed courtesy by Mr. Works and likewise to its management, by kind vincing the Japan Government that, having finlil Another cucer experience at the custom house above Company was held this morning (6th inst.), which have been in your hands for some days. Waits, the manager, who was supported la permission of Mr. Ewent, our General Marager, ed their war with China, the allied forces would was that of passing purchases for suipment, and at the offices of the agests, Messrs. Jardine, I shall be glad to answer any questions you may the ordeal by several friends, Capt. Liu, in visited the Works for the purpose of seeing all prob bly turn their attention to Japan and that the trouble was often more than the talage were was better for them to take lime by the lord: worth; all parcels had to be stamped, and to get Matheson and Co. The Hou, J. J. Keswick desire to ask. I do not think there is anything presenting the first tablet, said --I have a the machinery at present erected at work and presided, and Messrs. B. Layton, S.C. Michael to refer to specially now an the report is a full duty to perform, and I consider it a very please satisfying myself as to whether in my mind it lock and make a treaty with the United States some one to do this often involved Walting for the sen, F. A. Gomes (directors), J. S. Coxon, J. F. one, I regret that the accounts should have been ing and flattering duty to be entrusted with the was to be, a remunerative dividend paying which should open the country to trade, and be best part of the day, There was no special depart C. da Roza, R. Gubbay, B. C. Wilcox, G
so much behind-hand but that has been dos official sentiments of their Excellencies General concern or otherwis Arriving at the Warks proposed to make similar treaties with other ment or office for anything, and the only way to Murray Bain, W. Legge, J. M. Forbes, and
to accidents and delays of an unusual character Fung Chi Chol, Commissioner of Coast Delence about 9.30 am, last Sunday morning, I first of powers, thus voluntarily conceding what they proceed wat to wait in a passage, and sciso the J. Barton (secretary) were present.
and which are not likely to occur again, and etc, and Admiral Fong Yu, of the Canton Fleet, alt made a survey of all the divers properties, otherwise might ultimately have to leld to "Arst interpreter that passed. After explaining The Chairman said-I am very glad to meet hope that we shall be able to issue the accounts on the efficacy on your valuable productions, including the Hoffmann Kiln, which, owing to force Harris surprised the world, and rendered what was required he would any "Yes, directly
and slipping though one's hands would be seen
Buch anexcellent report andstatement of accounts
This is being reconstracted in a most careful and by bla unaided efforts, treaty which cabin As have for some time been in your hands. I
scientific manner, the work of the Chinese Japan to throw off her shell have pleasure in congratulating you on the
bricklayers being under the constant supervision and open her beautiful islands to brilliant results attained, which have enabled
of two practical and experienced men, men who of the world the Company to pay its shareholders ag per
have been employed at the manufacture of In 1859 foreigners generally cent. for the year and to carry forward the
cement nearly all their lives when finished 1 advantage of the opportunity, thys
use hareholders at this annual meeting with for 1889-90 early in August, The Company assure you gentlemen, we approach you with ith very fagity construction, recently collapsed, himself famous by obtaining single ha
has not been so successful in the period covered sincere motives and trust you will appreciate by the sccounts as we could have wished but the boner their Excellencies desire to confer prospects seem fair for better business, the Come upon your firm, more especially when you take pany having now got into working order, and good into consideration the sopposed indifference and results are looked for from the Bandakan Saw opposition by our Authorities to the promotion Mi The sources of revenue of the Com., and extension of Western Arts and Sciences in
After going through, this experienc half a dozen times, sone; would cle and, hooing fast!