now come to Hongkong and presented his report, a copy of which you receive, Mr. Becher is now managing the Penjom Pahang and this Com pany's properties jointly-an arrangement by bich they will have the continued benefit of his services with an advantageous division of his remuneration." I am strongly of opinion and Mr. Recher's remarks have only strengthened that opinion-that he isn't the man for our money in the Straits Settlements (Appinuse) I consider that be grossly mis- managed our affairs in London; I consider that he has still more grossly mismanaged and misrepresented the state of affairs at the mines, and I think the time has arrived when he and this Commany must part (Applause),
Mr. Legge 1 have no objection to the para graph being omitted (laughter and applause).
Mr. Jones seconded the amendment, waich was then put. A considerable number voted for it, hut, some confusion arising as to what was before the meeting
Mr. Gore-Booth proposed that a poll be taken. Mr. Gomes seconded, and after about a quarter of an hour's delay
The Chairman announced that 170 votes had been given for, and 220 against it.
Mr. Fraser-Smith asked how many directors' votes were included in the latter number?
The Chairman-I don't know that you can ask it.
Mr. Fraser-Smith-Oh! Yes, it's an open poll, The Chairman informed him that 57 votes had been given by directors.
Mr. Fraser-Smith-Ah that would just make the difference..
The Chairman then submitted the motion, which was unanimously agreed to, most of those present leaving as soon as it was put.
Mr. Gores murmured that after the explana- tion so freely given by the Chairman the meeting could only express their confidence in the directorate. There might have been outbursta of feeling, but the general belief was that there might be brighter prospects in store.
Mr. Gore-Booth, in a "maiden" speech, endorsed the remarks; he was quite certain that Mr. Fraser-Smith and Mr. Legge had no inten. tion of speaking with any malice, and possibly the Board had put an erroneous interpretation 'on what was said. He hoped the directors would reconsider their idea of resignation, for it was well-known how hard they had worked in the past (Hear bear).
Mr. Wilcox questioned very much if the Board could resign in a body. But even if they could he thought the meeting would refuse to accept their resignation. (Hear.hear).
¦
The Chairman-You are aware that for my own part I am going away. 1 have stack to my post at very considerable and very serious incon venience. I have not received any remuneration for months past, in spite of the arrangement that was made. I need scarcely say, I cannot but say, the same for the other directors-they have been most unselfish ; I do not think such severe criticism as has been passed upon us was deserved. I do not know how much or how little of it was meant, but when we find such strong expressions made use of I felt a little disappointed, and the only thing to do is to resign. Of course if that would be illegal, we do not wish to do it. In the meantime I may remind you that my seat has to be filled, and it is therefore necessary to elect some one in my stead.
I think after a little consideration you will be able to make up your mind as to
who it shall be.
Mr. R. B. Allen proposed that Mr. J. Orange, C.E., be elected to fill the vacancy on the Board. Mr. Chairman-He is an engineer, and would no doubt prove a very useful man.
Mr. Wilcox seconded, and the motion was 'carried.
Mr. S. A. Joseph proposed that the retiring directors, Messrs. W. Wotton and D. Glilies, he re-elected,
Mr. Judah seconded, and it was carried unanimously,
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1890.
counted at yesterday's meeting in reference to my amendment on the proposal for the adoption of the Directors Report and statement of accounts after said amendment bad, on a show of hands, been carried by an overwhelming majority, was illegal and not in conformity with the Company's Articles' of Association, and is therefore null and void, leaving my amendment duly carried.
When the poll was demanded by Mr. Gore- Booth I asked the Chairman if it were not provided for by the Articles of Association, and Mr. Brodie, after consultation, replied that it was so provided and that the poll was in order. I nevertheless bad serious doubts on the matter and find that they were only too well founded.
I beg to call the attention of the Directors to sub-sections 14, 15 and 16 of section 13 of the Company's Articles (page 17) and especially to sub-section 15, which clearly lays it down that "a poll must be demanded immediately after the declaration of the result of a show of hands, in sriting by at least two shareholders present and entitled to vote at such meeting' No such demand was made in writing-lo fact an illegal proposition was made before any lawful declaration of the rete, that had just been taken, had been announced to the meeting-and as this is the essence of the rule the proceedings that took place on Mr. Gore-Booth's motion were illegal and cannot be upheld.
I further direct attention to sub-section, 16 referring to proxies, which was not complied with in counting the poll. Iclaim therefore the amend ment was carried and the report was adopted with the omission of the paragraph referring to Mr. Becher who, I contend, is no longer in the scr vice of the company,
Please circulate this, letter without delav amongst the directors and also kindly faralab me with a copy of the Share Register used at yesterday's meeting
Lam, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) R. FRASER-SMITH,
The following is the report:-
The Directors have now the pleasure to lay before you the accounts for the half year ending 31st March, 1890, from which it will be seen
working account, was. that expenditure on $25,815 Fo at Punjom, and $8,348.45 at Sunghie · Dua.
These figures represent the cost of exploratory and mining work done during that period, chiefly on the Bo square miles remaining to us at Punjom, a comprehensive review of which is given in our Manager's report handed to you herewith.
It will be understood that a double motive was in view in carrying out this most important work, inevitably involving considerable expense
firstly, to extend over the greater area of our Concessions the knowledge of their mineral resources, which had hitherto been almost entirely confined to the mines included in the zc-mile block lately disposed of and secondly, to retain our claims over the entire areas by placing ourselves in a proper position to demand from the Pabang Government the longest possible extension of the prospecting period of our lease, which was about to lapse, and on the premature expiry of which we should have had to relinquish all unselected ground.
In both directions the object has been success fully accomplished, and whilst we now have a good knowledge of various parts of both Con- Cessions, which were lately blanks on our maps, the Directors, have the great satisfaction of having obtained for you the assurance that your exclusive titles thereto, will remain undisputed for another period of 5 years on the payment of a moderate yearly tax,
Although such prospecting work is naturally unremunerative in itself, reasonable expenditure in this direction must always be regarded as money well spent in the improvement of such properties as these; and though we have to far been unfortunate in the intrinsic value of results obtained, there is reason to hope that we may strike sicher ground any day on the many discoveries in course of further examination.
During the five years in view, it may reasonably be expected that Pahang will receive the further attention which the exploitation of its mineral wealth deserves, and, on the revival of the interest which has flagged during a period of general depression, should such be stimulated by the assurance of success at Penjom itself or in the neighbouring mines, it will be seen that these great fields for mining enterprise possess an intrinsic value which may not at present be recognised.
Block, after which he visited Sunghie Dus and inspected all the workings at that Concession. He bas now come to Hongkong and presented bis report, a copy of which you receive. Mr. Becher is now managing the "Penjom Pahang" and this Company's properties jointly-an arrangement by which they will have the con tinued benefit of his services with an advanta- geous division of bis remuneration.
It is proposed by your Directors not to initiate any fresh mining operations of an extensive scale bat to continue the work of prospecting in the strict sense of this term. as suggested by Mr. Becher in his report. With this view our staff at the mines has been reduced to a minimum, some having transferred their services to the Penjom Pahang Gold Company, and from estimates which have been prepared we can see our way to carry out the proposed programme at an expenditure of about $3,000 at Penjom and $1,500 at Sunghie Dua per month, which we shall be able to meet for nine months without calling upon you for further capital even in default of repayment of disbursements by the new Company.
Mr. Gillies-Gentlemen, we have met you bere this afternoon to discuss the report of the Punjom Company. I have no doubt every one present has taken very great interest in it, at all events. If not each holder of shares, everyone who held sufficient to have an interest in it and to wish for its prosperity. I think a good deal of adverse criticism has been passed on the directors for their management or rather their mismanagement of the Company, as it has been expressed by some shareholders present assure you that the directors have taken a very great interest in the Company and I do not know of a single Company in, Hongkong where the directors have satso often or so long as they have done in the interests of the Punjom Company. (Applause). We are not expert miners, or mining experts, but I can assure you we have all tried to learn as much as we could in connec. with mines in order that we might farther your interests, and those interests, I assure you, have. met with our most careful consideration. There is not a single Company in Hongkong where the Board have sat so often or so long as this one (applause). We have never hesitated to come to the many meetings that have been called. We may have erred, and if we did err we had at least a proper object in view, and that was your interests. (Hear, hear). We should be very glad indeed when shareholders come to a meeting and hear the report read if they not only criticised 'us, but directed se as much as they could. We are always open to receive opinions, and I assure you if you can put us right in con- Rection with the work of the Punjom Company, in order that we may arrive at success, we shall be nuly too glad to follow it. I do not despair of Punjom yet and I hope the time may come when it will be considered, as it has already been expre sed, a good working and profitable mine. I need hardly say how very near we were to success a short time ago. If this property had been placed on the London rasket at an earlier period I have every reason to believe the Company would have floated successfully. The shares would have been taken up and we should have had our 100,000 in our pockets, and instead of despairing and crying out so much you would have said, "Well, Punjom was a very good thing after all." I do not think I need say much more, but I can assure you the Directors have hidden nothing from you. If a share- holder wishes to know anything the Secretary is always ready to show him correspondence and everything he can so that no shareholder can be placed in any worse position than the directors. Meanwhile it is satisfactory to know that funds We desire to do everything we can for the Com-have been sent to the mines for current require- pany and we know that if our actions do not ments on the falls Block, where the work is now meet with your approval the only alternative is being carried on at the expense of the new Com to resign, as has been already intimated by our pany, and there is every reason to hope that such Chairman. (Applause).
will now be continued with renewed energy. Necessary additions to the pumps, to deal with the recent increase of water, have been ordered by Mr. Becher, and before long the lower levels The motion was carried, and the proceedings will be again accessible from which it is expected that the richer veins of are lately discovered will terminated.
1oon produce material for some returns of gold. Our operations at Sunghie Dua beyond those of exploration not having shown profitable results fo the shape of out-put of tin-ore from the deposits so far opened op, the current outlay bas been reduced in that direction, and it is proposed for the future to confine the work here, ar at Penjom, to prospecting only, at the estimated cost of not more than $1,000 per month,
Mr. Jorey proposed that Messrs. F. Henderson and R. Lyall be elected auditors.
Mr. S lomon seconded.
CORRESPONDENCE.
(We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by Correspondi ja this column).
MR. BECHER AND THE PUNJOM COMPANY,
Tot Epiros or The Hongxons Telegrar."
Kindly insert the following letter, which I forwarded to Mr. Gourdin this morning -
Hongkong, 28th October, 1890.
A. O'D, GOURDIN, Esq.
Secretary,
The Punjom & Sunghie Dua Samantang Co., Ltd. DEAR SIR-I have to point out for the infor- mation of the Board of Directors that the poll
In the statement of accounts the expenses of our own operations and of the establishment at Penjam (Jalis) Mines have been so divided as to show an outlay for account of the latter of $17,801.27. To this has to be added, though not yet entered in accounts, a sum of about $18,000-the valus of machinery and plant to be taken over, and in reimbursement of these amounts it was agreed by the London Company that we should receive £6,000. We regret to say that this claim has not yet been paid by reason of financial depression in the Pahang market, on which our offshoot is dependent for resources in London, but we are promised an early settlement and your Directors will continue to use every effort to obtain it.
The preponderating interests of this Company will shortly be represented or the Board in Lon. don by the arrival there in December of Mr. W.G. Brodie, (Chairman) to assist Mr. Ewart, their other representative, and that Board will be further strengthened by the simultaneous return to England of Mr. J. Ashton Bell, a most abie Director, who has been spending some months in Pahang,
Mr. W. G. Brodie having resigned bis seat at the Board In consequence of his "departure from the Colony, it becomes necessary to elect some one in his stead.
Under Articles 5 of the Articles of Associa tion, Mr. Wm. Wotton and Mr. David Gilliés retire from the Board, but offer themselves for re-election.
The annexed accounts have been audited by Messrs. F. Henderson and R. Lyall, who are eligible for re-election.
WM. G. BRODIE, Chairman.
21
Hongkong, 21st October, 1890. 1ST OCTOBER, 1889, TO 31ST MARCH, 1990. Assis To. Cost of Estate ..........
$150,000.00 Machinery and Plant, Construc
tion, Buildings at Punjom and Samantan.***********
$4,965.59
Steam-launch Maude..
Flerria
Sin Yumu
1,000,00 7,500.00 9,690.00
Lighters.....
Saw Mill Plant...
1,793.07 17%.75
Water Wheel .........
2,195.93
and Samantan ............................
Stores ārstiem)
11
Furniture at Office
"
P
Hongkong and Shanghai Bank,
Fixed Deposit..
Cash at Pekan Agency Malay Pabang Concession Com-
pany......
Instruments and Tools at Punjom
at Mines & Sunghie Dus
Sundry Debtors
Suspense ningeyja
Accounts Receivable .................. Gold on hand produced by
Tribute Miners.............
Cash at Minca........
Petty Cash........... "James Morrison & Co., London...
Opium at Mines......
Plank cutting.
丸
Pebjom Pahang Gold Company,
(Limited).........**
Bullion Stock Account...
Live Stock....
Balance
Liabilities.
By Capital....
Syme & Co...
J
Malay Peninsula Prospecting Co. "Hongkong & Shanghai Bank,
Account No. 2............... "Accounts Payable..........
WORKING ACCOUNT.
Dr.
coming season, Mr. Wallace was elected Secre- tary on the motion of Mr. Ram seconded by Mr. Blair. Capt. Macdonogh, R.E., consented to act as Secretary during the temporary absence of Mr. Wallace from the colony. Capt. Macdonogh and Lieut. Grant were elected members of the Committee in place of Mr. Wallace and Mr. Hayller, the latter having left the colony, Dr. Atkinson, Mr. Ram and Mr. Blair were re-elected to serve on the Committee.
The Chairman made a few remarks on the results of the last season, and requested members to be a little more punctual in coming down to play, great inconvenience having resulted last season from want of punctuality by members of the teams.
It was decided that the opening match," at Eleven of the Club z. All Comers, should be played on Monday, the 3rd November,
The Chairman stated that the Jockey Club had kindly permitted the members of the Club to use the Grand Stand for dressing in.
On the motion of Dr. Atkinson a cordial vote of thanks was given to the Secretary,
The minutes of the last meeting were read and passed.
Several new members having been elected, the meeting adjourned.
SUPREME COURT.
the extinction of fire were worse than useless, for that could be present, together with the officers before they could be got into working order the of the two Douglas Co's steamers in port, assem flames bad gained such a complete hold of the pled alongside of the, veset and sang." Auld houses in the vicinity of the first outbreak, that Lang Syne "like one man, and gave three bearty the many willing hands who turned up with cheers for their late brother officer, who by his considerable promptitude could render no effecaniform good conduct and ability had won the come in contact, Previous to leaving the tive assistance at all. The fire burnt briskly respect and good-will of all with whom he had uoll midnight, when, having reached some low- lying houses, which were promptly torn down, Custom-house, a smilar scene was enacted. The li burned itself out.
whole of the in-doar staff left their desks to shake Upwards of two hundred Chinese tenements hands with Mr. Burke and wish him "God- were totally destroyed, also the Customs exami-speed "in the future, Times. nation sheds, which contained a large quantity of goods including balles of silk. An authentic are informed, that $200,000 will probably cover report of the damage is not yet to hand but, we the total losses of all concerned.
Later..
**
Shortly after the fire started the beat was so intense at the Custores", wharf.that the river steamers Hankow and Kianckman were obliged to cast off from their moorings and shilt a con- siderable distance up stream. The Kiangkwan was slightly scorched aft, about the upper deck houses. When the Hankow left Canton this forenoon (27th inst.), fire-engines were the smouldering piles still playing upon of cotton which had been destroyed in a godown near the examination sheds. Work was proceeding as usual at the Custeras wharf this morning, where a temporary shed and wharf had been erected yesterday, Incendiarism is not suspected, it is said, for it is now known
· (Before Sir James Russell, Chief Justice) that the fire originated in a tallow chandler's shop next door to the Custom's shed. The proprietor bas admitted that while one of his employés was boiling down some tallow he over-heated it and in a moment, the whole house was in flames,"
The offices of the Commissioner of Customs and the In-door Staff were saved by the vigorous and untiring efforts of foreigners who kept continuous stream of water pouring over the building.
IN CRIMINAL SESSIONS.
October 27th,
The October Sessions, formally opened on the 18th instant, were resumed today. Mr. E. J. Ackroyed, Acting Attorney General, prosecuted.
2,681.97 8,556.93 580 88 2,049.60
ANOTHER FAULTY ORDINANCE. Wong Atak, found guilty by the jury last 90,000.00
1,186 00 Monday of entering a house in Gilman's Bazaar with intent to commit a felony, was brought 130 06 before the Court for sentence.
His lordship, in delivering judgment, sald that 3,544-34. 2,169.10 it had transpired in evidence that the prisoner 2,909.17 had stolen nothing; the house in question was abandoned and almost empty, the tenants 346.50 baring left owing to a fire having broken out 1,143.86 next door. The case, taking it in all its bearings, 106.77 seemed peculiar. It was strange that a police officer should, as alleged, conceal himself in 400.04
the cock-left of an abandoned house and there 600,50 250.17 wait until a thief came in. Under the Ordinance the prisoner could not be considered to have stolen in the sense the word "stealing" was used in the 17,801.27
21.88 local law, so that, under the circumstances, a 16.95 conviction would be unjustifiable. There was a flaw in the Ordinance, and it consequently did not 267,241.61
meet this case, which was an extraordinary one. $627,734.60 The man had been already six weeks in gaol, and that would certainly he sufficient punishment, in itself, to meet the cake. He would therefore $599,730.00 discharge bim.
*.752.39
The prisoner, who promptly opened fire, with 353.40 choice epithets, on the police, the Bench, the Press, and every one within earshot, 'was then 35.748.81 allowed to go home.
150.00
$627,734.60
To Balance from last Account.....$238,783.65
Mining Exploration......88,055:57
13
12
6,918.04
Prospecting......................... 5.206.59. Salaries and Wages, Europeans, and Native Overseers......... Roads and Bridges .............. 719.27 ,,Assaying Expeates...... "Stamp Mill Working ...
*
"Pyrites Shipment.........
Depreciation 白啦 Old
Stores written off
CRICKET
AMOY.
October 25th, 1890, The first ball of the season-to be given by the bachelors of Amoy-will take place at the Club on the 31st Instant,"
Rehearsals for the first performance of the A. D. C. have begun, and we may soon look for the announcement of its production.
A row took place on Wednesday morning on the bund among the coolies, bich was soon dispelled by the "bunder the coolics taking to their heels in all directions.
|
The annual meeting of the Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club was held on Tuesday evening last," at the Club. The accounts for the past year were passed, and Messrs Broadbent, Firth, and Wright were elected as Committee, Mr. Wright also to be Honorary Secretary, for the ensuing season. A coolie's life in Amoy, it would seem, is valued at the expensive figure of $80. This is the amount, we hear, that was paid as compen- 'sation to the relatives of the coolie who died last week, from the effects of a kicking alleged to have been received on board the steamship Fokien, as noted in our last issue.
Notwithstanding the decapitations the other day, pirates are still lurking about in the vicinity of Amoy, we are told. It is to he hoped that the Consular body in Amoy will take some steps to bring the matter to the notice of the Chinese authorities; otherwise, if not nipped in the bud, unratis-piracy in the neighbourhood will assume a
serious aspect:
THE GARRISON v. HONGKONG C. C. This interesting match, commenced on Friday last, terminated on Saturday in the usual factory draw. We append the scores
FILIT INRINGS,
THE GARRISON.
Lizat. E, M. air, Re
Leach, b E. W. Maitland Liest. G. G. Boyle, R.A, ct.
Malilond, b Leach.
Capt. Dunn, R.A., F. Maitland, E, W. Maitland............. Capt. Davidson, gin Regt. t
Leach hom Hent E. G. Young. R.E. b
Smith..........
Lieut il, S, Woodesck, RA, b
Leatheretiall
Licut H. D. Kirk, prst Reg
Coxen, b Leach
Let F. C. Dundas, gest Regi,,)
Darby, Smith
› SECOND INKINGE.
Coxon, b Darby...... 'qu
50. CE. W. Maitland, b
Darby 6 Corm, b Leach
- Smith, Darby
+ b Sm........
A serious accident took place on Wednesday last on board the steamship. Tailee. It appears that in bolsting ashes from the stoke-hole, one of the buckets fell, and struck one of the firemen - Chinaman-Inflicting a serious wound across if the eye. The flag for medical ald was hoisted, and in less than five minutes Dr. McDougall was on board, and the sufferer was ordered to hospital.
17
b Smith... 15
3. Newton, Darby... 15 Smith..
Bomb, Nott, R.A., Drury, b
Leach
Qr. Mr. Sergt. Ball, R.A. Not
out
B
Coson, b Darby.
1
1 Notout.. Corp. fct, RE, and b LeachSmith..
Extr
Extrun
Total.......
Tomi.....
HONGKONG CRICKET CLUB.
FORT INNINGI.
L'Darby, b Dunn
T. Sercombo-Smith, c Young, b Rice....
471.95 216.87
Dam and Water Supply Transport, Machinery & Stores..................................
173.31
63-35
31
34
Hotel and Hospital Ex-
penses
Punjom Office Expenses · 1,495.57 Police.*.**
Saw Mill Working ...... 179.16
381.40
126 07
, *
Allowances
297.26
General Expenses......... 1,176.91
Advances Written off... Postal Service ....................
245.08
37.50
10.00
932.04 ..........
25,815.80
6. S. Coxon, b Rice.
Auditors' Fees ........
150.00
E. W. Maliland, b Dlair...
Disbursements at Sunghie Dua...
8,348.45
Balance Expenses over
receipts Steam-Launch
Sin Yum........................... 1,006.85 Expenses launch Manda 102.32
2,109,17
It
Surveying Exposes ... 2,274.39. Travelling Expenses.............. 1.$94.00 Head Office Rent and
JJ
Expenses........ 3,112.03.
12
Stationery
200.89.,
Legal Expenses..........
1,001.00
Commission ..............
804-52
Exchange ....
797.00
60.30
31
Insurance ***
Cr.. Br Profit on Stores Seld ...... ,,Profit on Oplum Sold...... Proceeds Sale Tin `ona Gold Licence....................... InterestİYY
11
1
Transfer Fees' ................................. Godown Reatamme
Balance ...
ழன்
8,844.13
$274.05 1.20
A J. Leach, not out
F. Mallind, cand b Dana
ne
1.5. Erckie, e Woodcock, b Rica .....................
W. Newton, b Bair
C. O. Platt, b Blair
Dr. Atkinson, e Rica, b Dunk moment
R. F. Drury, b Duma
Extras...
Total a
34
184
H. M. S. FIREBRAND."
Considerable anxiety is felt amongst the naval authorities as to the safety of the British gun-boat Firebrand, now twenty-two days out from Hong kong en route for Shanghai. H. M. S. Redpols left this morning (24th inst.), and the Railler followed this afternoon, to search the coast northwards. A prominent naval officer assured us that there was no fear entertained as to the Firebrand's safety, but as strong north-east 729.70 breezes had been prevalent up the coast it was 1,164.70 surmised that she had run short of coal, and had 980.70 to put in somewhere. Some men-of-war, he 92.00 said, had been known to take a month in getting 2,513.49 to Shanghai. Still, as the Raffler only arrived 67.00 yesterday from the north it looks as if the case 270.00 was considered pretty urgent. She is a 455 ton 267,241.51 composite gunboat, commanded by Lieut. Com
mander Denison, and carries seven officers and $274,051.20 a small crew. In view of her disappearance it is ominous to read that the Asahi Shimbun publishes news from Korea stating that & couple of Chinese ironclads foundered during a great storm off the coast in the early part of the current month. From the 5th to the 9th very bad weather was experienced at Fusar, and the combined Chinese Northern and Southern cruising aquadrons, comprising twelve vessels, put in for shelter. Two of these received orders to leave for Chomulpo, they were overtaken by a great storm and foundered with all hands about sixty miles from their destination. On the news teaching Fusan nine of the ships were at once sent out in the hope of succouring any survivors there might be..
EÏ&- O, E. Hongkong, 11st October, 1890.
A. O'D. GOURDIN, Secretary. We have compared the above Statement with the Books, Vouchers, and Securities of the Com- pany, and certify the same to be correct.
F. HENDERSON, Auditors. R. LYALL,
HONGKONG FOOTBALL CLUB. The annual general meeting of the Hongkong Football Club was held on the 24th instant, fa the Gymusilum of the Victoria Recreation Club, Amongst those present were:-Major Barker, K.E, Dr. Atkinson, Mesam. A. Ough, F. Maitland, E. M. Blair, A. Grant, F. C. Dundas, EA, Ram, F. L. Jackson, S. S. Clarke, G. G. Boyle, S. Boyle, and Capt. Macdonogh, R.E., (Hon. Secretary).
The chair was taken by Dr. Atkinson, in the absence of the president the Hon. 4. P. McEwen, who has left the colony,
The Chairman stated that owing to unavoid- able circumstances, which would be understood by the meating, it Bad been found impossible to issue the annual statement of Accounts.
The naval authorities were advised yesterday (26th last.) by wire that the gunboat Firebrand, which the Redpole and Rafiler went out in search of on Friday last, had arrived at Shanghal. She experienced very bad weather after. leaving Hongkong and, anning short of coala, put into Wenchow, remaining there a few days until the weather moderated. The Radpoli and Rattler have been telegraphed to, and are expected here to-morroir,
GREAT FIRE AT CANTON.
Shortly before the steamer Fatskas left The meeting then proceeded to elect a new president and committee. On the motion of Craton last Saturday, the 25th instant, a Mr. Blair, seconded by Mr. Ram, Major Barker, destructive fire broke out in one of those reeking Mr. H. M. Becher returned from London to XE, was unanimously elected Fresident. It hovels which forms a kind of extension of the Singapore in the middle of July, and has since. was proposed by Mr. F. Maitland and Customs examination sheds at the City of been to the mines, of which he has made a full seconded, by Mr. Clarke that Mr. Skitt be Rams. A strong breeze was blowing at the time; Inspection. He remained several weeks at alected Treasurer, which was carried nem, which fanned the fisuses and drove them against Penjom, making the necessary arrangements in com, The Secretary having tendered his the Customs sheds, which were speedily enveloped alteration of the staff and programme of opera resignation, as he was uncertain if he would in the fiery element and utterly destroyed. As tions contingent on the transfer of the falls remain in the colony during the whole of the is usual in Chiness ports, the means at hand for
BAR FORMOSA:
"(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.}
KELUNG, October 【gth, 1990. It is how some time since I sent you a few lines from qur island; since then everything has gone on as usual here, slow but pretty sure. Many times have we seen things beginning in quite a different way from that in which they were finished, as the good clear sense of the authorities will at last find out what is the right thing to do; it is now and then a little expensive, and it costs money, but we may be thankful that we have a motive power in the person of our Governor, who will have the work done instead of letting everything go on in the old humdrum way, as they do in most parts of China.
The new manager in chief for the coal mines, Mr. Tsai Ying Wei, has taken charge since the beginning of this month. Hebas already ordered work to be began on the new mine at Wang- wang, situated about 4 miles S. W. of the old mines and about 3 miles south of Kelang river. The coal comes up nearly to the surface there, and is of very superior quality altogether. A Hine of rails will be laid to connect with the main trunk line just by the bridge, which lends over the river. It la contemplated to buy steamers for colliers and to acquire a heavy, dredger to deepen the inner harbour, as it is at present, steanders are frightened to come here, as they often have to lie several days without being abla to work in the N. E. monsoon, or when it la blowing hard from the northward..
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The rails are now isid right through to Kelang on the railway; some miles of ballasting bas yet to be done, and the heavy rains last month caused some damage, especially tu oce place, where a water-course under the embank. ment had not room enough, and brought down the whole foundation of an iron bridge, which led over it. This is a difficult country to build a railway over and, when the engineers are away, difficulties will sometimes arise which the Chinese are not able to contend with,
The Fricheu is down at the Pescadores to repair 'the cable which was broken between Anping and the islands. This reminds me of the fact that when they fired one of the 43-ton guas, just erected on the Pescadores, for the first time, the whole foundation sank down. It was built without European supervision. Mr. Hecht is working hard here to get his guns on Palm Island in position; but great sickness prevails amongst his soldiers out there, and it will take some time yet before he is finished. Whea finished it will be seen that his guns will stand being fired, without shaking the foundations to pieces. We have had very bad weather during this month, with rain and strong winds, and if has been more than usually cold.
TAIPEII-YU, October rat The railway is progressing, but rather slowly. For seven miles southward the trains are now running, and the survey has been completed for over forty miles further. Work is well-advanced at the end of the seven miles stretch above. referred to, where there commences three miles of continuous ascent, the grade being one in 40, and sharp curves, with some fair-sized banks and cuttings, Then come forty miles of more easy ground for the greater part, through which the road has been made, but neither ballast of The steamship Sin Nanzing arrived on rails have yet been laid. Beyond this section Sunday last, having on board 14 grifins for our some heavy ground is again encountered, forthcoming races. Through the kindness and stretching to the big bridge of Tal-chla. So courtesy of the Commissioner of Customs, per-you see that with some forty-three miles of rail, mission was given for them to be landed soon. rand building in progress, the foreign engineers after arrival, which was carried out under and their staff have their hands pretty full.- the careful superintend ace of Mr. Frith. Taking Shanghat Mercury. them all round they are well selected, and our local sports" are to congratulated for, what we have seen of them, they give great promise of some excellent sport during the coming race-meeting.
As a striking contrast to the curat Kulangen, the dog belonging to Superintendent Wood is an instance. "Ball" or as he is named by some; the "Bunder "e well-known terror to all evil-doers on the Amoy bund. It is said to be (and we believe it) worth forty Chinese constables. The dog has been trained to its work, and its owner makes no secret of it. The Municipal Committee at their next meeting might stretch a point and make some allowance for the dog.
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“HOIHOW,
→ (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
October 8th, 1890. Since, my last, peace has been restored, and business has been resumed. The people have gained their paint. A proclamation has abolishd the obnoxious taxes, but has warned the people against futura riots.
The Whin In farmed out by the Canton authorities to contractors, and some Hollow merchants are said to be interested in it. Their object being to "squeeze" as much as possible out of the people, little by little the taxes have been increased, and new articles added to the list. Although exceedingly poor, the community submitted quietly to a new tax on kerosine oll and, Bombay yarn; but, at last got frightened, not knowing where the levies would stop if not checked, and so they revolted against a further attempt to impose a tax on foreign cotton, matches, add pleen' goods.ESS
A gambling "bell" which is said to be largely patronized by the boys and coolies employed at the houses on Kulangsu, and also by the gigmen of the various hongs, Customs, and Consulate services-s in full swing at Lin-tow, not many doors from the Yamen. Gambling, to a great extent must be carried on, considering that the party "running" the den bas to pay $7 a night During the fracas at the Magistrate's Yamén to Chinese officials as hish money. The thres men were killed outright, three were residents will do well to keep an eye on their mortally wounded, and ten others were more or goods and chattels, for it is a well-known fact less folured. The majority of the injured were that gambling, amongst the lower orders carried off by their relatives, and it is difficult to
Deng pascertain their fate, especially, leads to theft.
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1. The "wonk" has been on the war path again. It is said that the Taotal drew a revolver and After an absence of ten days or so, the dog so Fred the first shot Into the mob himself. He well-known for his depredations among the then rapidly mounted a horse and, with his feathered tribe at Lab-kee-tabj, made its appearareunde, hastened back to Klungchow, and ance in that neighbourhood on Sunday, to the fortified himself within the city wait, He is great consternation of the Chinese there. Several most unpopular. But the sub-magistrate,, who, Chinamen, armed with rusty match-locks. It fald on his facas implored the Total, not appeared on the scene, seemingly bent on putting to fire on the people, and who, when be found the yelp out of mesa 1 but a Christian Chinese his chtreaties ere useless, actually went to the dame, dressed up to kill, with her Sunday going extremity of cutting off his queue as evidence of gingham and a bundle consisting of bible, hymne fils distress, is most popular. Upon his return book and what-net complete returning from to the city, fire-crackers were let off all along. chapel, remonstrated with them and said it way' the route by the people, not lawful to kill the animal on the Sabbath day. Dr. Kirk of the Imperial Maritime Customs, Whilst the argument was going on between the modered valuable assistance to the wounded, Christian and the pagans, the dog made off in His services, were gratefully accepted by them. the direction of the flag-staff, with a strapping! Some of the Palets extracted were found looking little Cochin China ben which happened to have been used in their rough state, so that the to be foraging about at the time. Some of omuffering caused by them must have been more local shikarries might do a kindness to their than usually acuto, m Chinese neighbours and put an end to thir" The families of the killed, were promised gja Kulangeu pestade Pesch as compensation, by the officials; those of Mr. Edmund Burke, a distant relative of the wounded $10 a month, until their recovery, the once well-known famous erator, resignad Now that the trouble is over, I hear that they from the Customs Service in Amoy on Thursday have difculty, la obtaining anything. The last and proceeded by the steamer Namkidlig to ou Slogapore, in search of fresh fields and pastures Briti Dew. The reasons assigned by Mr. Burke for als resignation from the Customs Service, will be awarded commented on in a leading article in our next Were dis Issue, as pressure on our space this week provents us from going fully into the subject. That there must be something radically wrong among the out-door staff of the Customs in Amoy is well- known fact. A man with such a good character as Mr. Burke would not throw "up his 'position and employment for nothing. In a letter to us, prior to his departure, he states "Rather thap remain in the Customs Service in Amoy and of the present régime, I would prefer seeking my liveli hood by selling matches to the streets of London." This, in itself, "acems to us a strong Indictment against those in charge of the out-door people in the Customs at Amoy. Such a scene WAN prosented on Thursday, when Mr. Burke left by the Namklang, has never before beeny Teen in Amoy. As the Namklang steamed out from the harbour, the whole of the tidewaite's
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Same
day, crowd, assembled outside the onsulate and presented a petition on the wounded, which they desired to be the Viceroy noodless to say they
Jakin officers and contractors
here was a strong - and blites now. "Fed in great fear with their families by which Jef. for Hongkong on the night- cak When the mob attacked the
and demanded the Deputy, the other Tate the upper storey of the
o appease the maltitude, ther with the names of certain or itten on them, saying “act | ople against whom you
hep arrived to-day from
the Tastal will depart
KOBERT «FRASER-UM