THE EAST BORNEO PLANTING
COMPANY, LIMITED,
An extrendinary general meeting of share bolders of the above Company was held at the offices of Messis, Gibb, Livingston & Co. al neon. on the 16th inst., for the purpose of confirming a icrolution passed on the 27th ult. There were present Mr. B. Laylon (Chairman), Messrs, 1. L. Dalrymple. A. P. Stokes, C. S. Sharp (Diteters), S. L. Darby, W. Judd, W. H. Ray and C. E. Harton (Secretary).
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1891. P
when you can only pay a wretched 6 per cent. by the greatest exertion, on your origi nal capital of lacs. I am not aware whe ther you have good reason to think that the new issue will be subscribed for, or if the Banks will advance on the new shares in view of the fact that all the security the Company can offer is already hypothecated against the debentures, In face, therefore, of the grave double as to the floating of this new issue at a heavy or any pre- mium, I am astounded that you should have so your Habilities on lightly concluded that debenture account could be so easily mal. The Chairman aid the meeting was purely a You hope to raise three ipen to meet these other formal one, called for the purpose of confirming Habilities, but it appears to me that in your a 'resolution to wind up the Company, which present embarrassed position not even five was passed on the 7th alt He proposed lies would suffice. The item 'Sundry Credi That the Company he wound up voluntarily tors' $114,99392, is a disgrace to the report. under the provisions of the Companies Ordin-Such a large sam should not appear without full ance 1865-18:0, and that C. S. Sharp and L. details. This method of manipulating accounts Hallward, both of Hongkong: be, and they are has been commented on very severely by many hereby, appointed Liquidators for the purposes of the shareholders: 'Share account, $16.479.19. This item has also heen severely criticised, I of such winding up."
do not think that it is within the province of the The motion was canied unanimously, and the Director's or of a betel company to borrow money from the Bank at 7 per cent., and with meeting closed.
it speculate in shares. In this connection the Directors deserve the greatest censure, rind they ought to be made liable to the Hotel Company for any loss they may have incurred on these shares. The management of the hotel under Mr. Tucker is, to say the least, most casual. The charges he is empowered to make are most immoderate. Complaints are rife from all sides, even from your own temanis, as to his scant courtesy and disobliging manner. I don't think there is anything more I can use. fully add, but I trust-altho' I do not expect to find a better, state of things prevailing before your next Report is issued; and I now beg to ask in detail some questions I have indicated. Now I will thank you, Mr. Chairman, to state how much was paid to the contractor on account
Mr. Dalrymple seconded.
THE SONGEI KOYAH PLANTING
COMPANY, LIMITED.
An extraordinary general meeting of the above Company was held at the officer of the General Managers (Messrs. Gibb, Liyingston & Co.) on the 16th inst., for the purpose of confirming a resolution passed on the 27th ult. There were present:Messrn. B. Layton (Chairman), H. L. Dalrymple, A. P. Stokes, W. Judd, W. H. Ray, C. S. Sharp, F. A. Games, E. A. de Carvalho, and C. F. Harton (Secretary),,
The Secretary having read the notice conven. ing the meeting,
Mr. Dalrymple proposed “That the Company he wound up voluntarily under the provisions of the outpaales Ordinances 1865-1Ɛgo, and that C. S. Sharp and L. Hallward, both of Hongkong, be, and they are hereby, appointed Liqui lators for the curposes of such winding up."
Mr. Ray secondel.
of the new North Wing?
The Chairman-You'll find it in the printed accounts.
Mr. Gaskell-But it isn't there ?
"The Chairman-It is The "amount tranE- ferred from remaining portion of marine lot. No.
The Chairman put the motion to the meeting.7" is brought forward from last report. which was carted unanimously.
THE LAMAG PLANTING COMPANY, LIMITED.
Mr. Gaskell-But how much has been paid? The Chairman-It is stated in the accounts.
Mr. Gaskell Your reply is not satisfactory. You, wont give me the information I ask for..
The Chairman-If you'd sent in before and asked about it I should have been prepared to
into details-now I'm not. Ar. Gaskell-This is not the first time I've acid questions without getting a satisfactory reply. I have asked the Secretary previously about this and other matters, and have failed to get satisfactory Information. Now, as regards Surdry. Creditors," $114.993.93: Will you
An extranidinary general meeting of the above Company was held at the offices of the General Managers (Mewers, Gibh, Livingston & Co.) on the 16th inst., for the purpose of cas firming the special salution pissed at a meeting of the Company held on the 27th ult. These were present: Messrs. 8. Layton (Chair-kindly til me how that heavy sun is made up 7 ane), H. L. Dalrymple. A. P. Stokes, WV. H. Rev. W. Jul. C. S. Sharp, F. A. Gomes an! C. F. Burton (S*cretary).
The Secretary having read the notice con- vering the meeting.
Mr. Dalrymple proposed "That the Company he wound up volantorily under the Companies Ordinances +86-1892, and that C, S. Sharp and
L. Hallward, both of Hongkong, be, and they
are hereby, aupointed Liquidators for the purposes
of such whyding up."
Mr. Steken sreondled.
The Chairman-I've already explained that in ay speech, but may add that the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank is a creditor to the extent of $107.531 lot overdrafts.
Mr. Gaskell-Overdrafts against what? The Chairman-The money has been used in the current business of the Company, but-
DIRECTORS
The Chairman then said the re-election of himself as a Director was before the meeting.
Mr. J. H. Cox arose to propose his re-election, but Mr. Phillippo, seconded by Mr. Gaskell, was ahead of him, so he resumed his seat at once.
The re-election was carried.
Mr. Ha Turg was alto re-elected, upon the motion of Mr. J. H. Cox seconded by Mr. J. S. PeTY.
With the re-appointment of Messrs.'J. H. Cox and H. T. S. Green as auditors-upon the mo tion of Mr. W. H. Wallace seconded by Mr. Phillippo-the proceedings closed.
The following is the repbit:-
י,
for Kubn & Co. and Architect's commis- sion for superintend- ing same....
Sundry repairs" to now Office and old Bar, &c.....
Expenses and Pas- sage mancy from London of Hotel clerk, Mr. Charles Mundy
Less a claim received
In accordance with Section 53 of the Articles To Balance, of Association, the Directors have now to submit to you their Hall-yearly Report for the six months endlag 31st December, 1890.
: ྣ
BUSINESS.
The past half-year has been 'doll for Hotel our nett earnings are almost business, but identical with those of the corresponding half- year of 1859, the Directors hope that the result may be considered satisfactory.
PROPERTY.
The Premises occupied have been kept in a good state of repair during the past six months and the erection of the New North Wing is progressing satisfactorily.
SUBDIVISION OF SHARKS AND INCREASE
OF CAPITAL ||
At Extraordinary Meetings held on the sgth' January and 5th February inst, special regola. tions were passed and confirmed to subdivide the Company's. $rod shares into shares of $50 each, and to increase the Capital of the Company by $300,000 by the issue of 6,000 new shares of $50 each at 20 per cent. premium, to be offered to the present Shareholders, one half of said new capital and premium being payable on 31st Instant; and the Directors do not think it will be accessary to call up the balance, at least not for some very considerable time,
DEBENTURES.
On 9th Instant zoo of the Company's Diben- tures, representing the sum of $100,000, were draws, and are repayable on 19th proxima.
PROFIT AND LOSS..
The accounts for the past half-year, after de- ducting Interest, Fire Insurance, and Taxes, and making provision for bad and doubtful debis, show profit of $7,920.20, to whlub has to be added the sum of $3477.10 brought forward from last account, making grailable $11.397 30, which the Director, with the sane tion of the Shareholders, propose to deal with as follows To pay a Dividend of $3 per share
of $TCO.................. To carry forward to new account......
DIRECTORS.
$9,000.00 1397.30 $11.397.30
543.00
171.20
323-77
$ 3,970.97
50,00
By Nett Earnings of Hotel
Bonus and Dividends from local Offices ANY)
Hongkong, 9th March, 1891.
R. LYALL Secretary. We have compared the above Statement with the Books and Vouchers of the Company, and have found the same to be in accordance therewith,
JAMES H. COX Auditors. H. T. S. GREEN,
ཎྞཱ''
obtained from the Government by the Hon. Phineas Ryrie on behalf of the Chamber. Between 1875 and 1869, both years inclusive, the amount of light dues collected was ............................................. Against expenditure for original coat of Lighthouses and upkeep during that period
Leaving a balance of Revenue over.
Expenditure of
$341,676.17
$161,738.57
...$179.937.66
|
was nominated as his successor and electe int general - magiing of members held on 18th September to represent the Chamber in the Legislative Council.
M MEMDERS. During the past year Mr. W. G. Brodia resigned, and the names of The Trost and Loan Company of China. Japan & the Straite, Limited, Mesars, Chater & Vernon, W. H. Young, E. & S. Coxon, Cowasjee Pallanice & Co., Ming Kes Hong, Wy Sing Hong, Yuca Fat Hong, Cehen &.Georg, Joseph & Leve, H. Z. Just, G. H. Potts, E. &. Ray, T. I. Ross, and G. D. Scolt have been added to the list of members.
FINANCE
The Accounts have been audited by Mr. J. Thorburn and Mr. E. W. Rutter,
| “The balance at the credit of the Chamber WAS Ex13.48, exclusive of $5,150 on fixed deposit, and $2,357.25 at credit of the "Pinnacle Rock Fond" also on fixed deposit, both amounts being in the hands of the Hongkong and Shanghai... Banking Corporation, and bearing interest at 5 per cent per annum.
THE HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF
Secretary's Salary, Od.
to Deo: 8g, and Jan. 10
Aug: 900mänien me 1:375.00
The question of a Board was fint maaled in the Legislative Council on rath February, 1895, and favourably commented on hy his $3,940.97 Excellency the Governor, whose opinions, 7.919.20 apparently, have since materially altered, as in renly to a question put by the Hon. T. H. $ 22,000.54 Whitehead (the Chamber's representative) in the
Legislative Council on the sth instant" his, 21,653.04 Excellency stated-
"I will answer that question myself. In reply 347.50
to the first part I may say that no steps have heen taken. I have also to say that the $22,000.54 Government have no proposals and that they have no intention at present of taking any steps in the matter. I can only take up the subject | COMMERCE IN ACCOUNT CURRENT WITH THE when it is clearly shown to me which has not Tavel Treme o4 SECRETARY. been shown yet-that some work of the Governs | Dev nesave Jan to Dec, 1890, ment is ill done which a Lighthouse, Bowrd;] To Rent, ra montha ......$ 600,00 could do better. I have only bad wegavons made to me, but when I am convinced it will be my duty to take the matter op fully. I mm not yet convinced, and I cannot see that there would be any immediate advantage by doing thắnga to, the way you suggest."!
Tag DIRICT CABLE COMMUNICATION WITH CAP
ROCK that desar The attention of the Government wis called to he desirability of connecting the Gap Rock light- house with Hongkong either by telegraph; or i practicable. by telephone. Such a connection would possess the double advantage up communication between the authorities and1 their employds at such times' as the weather-| rendered ordinary Intercourses dangeronngeor impossible, and of affording early information of the approach of vessels from the South, The expenditure would be considerable, but the Committee think the ends aimed at would fastify a large cutlay, the funds for which might be ensily raised if such a course was found desirable: From information received from Mr. Juda, Manager of the Eastern Extention, Australian and China Telegraph Company, it appears that the most suitable de cription of cable wruld cast 1,550, while one of lighter constructión
HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
The following is the Committee's report for the year ended the 31st December, 1890, which will be presented at the annual meeting of members, convened for Friday the zoth March:- CONVENTION; BETWEEN THE CHINESE GOVERN-
MENT AND THE TELEGRAPH COMPANIES.
The position of affairs as 'regards the much discussed action on the part of the Telegraph Companies has not materially changed since last year inasmuch as up to the present time the Convention remains unratified. Your Commit tee considered that probably the most effective manner of opposing the convention would be a direct appeal to Her Majesty. A petition was accordingly drawn up, and an invitation to other Chambers in China and Japan to co-operate met with a ready response. The petition prayed that Her Majesty, would be graciously pleased to withhold her sanction to the ratification of the Convention, and among other contentions pro- minence was given to the fact that any approach to granting a monopoly or exclusive privileges was calculated to endanger the tights conveyed by the "most favoured Nation" clause in the existing treaties between Her Majesty and the Emperor of China. The Chambers of Amoy, Mr. D. McCulloch and Mr. Ho Tung retire by Feochow, Hankow, Hiogo, Shanghai, Tientsin and Yokohama supported the petition which was rotation, but are eligible for re-election.
widely circulated and, as shewn in annexed copies of correspondence, generally approved of. The petition was forwarded through the local Government and duly acknowledged, eliciting the following remarks from the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies as detalled in the Colonial Secretary's letters of 29th October, and.aznd November: "That the question of the Convention between China and the Telegraph Companies is now in abeyance, and the representations of your Chamber on the subject will be considered by Her Majesty's Govern- ment, and: "That the question of the Conven tion made la 1887 between the Chinese Gavern- ment and the Telegraph Companies is now la abeyance, and that the representations of the Petitioners will be considered by Her Majesty's Government,"
AUDIT..
Mr. H. Cox-- Probably a portion of the ainunt was brought forward from the last ball-J. H. Cox, and H.. T. S. Green, year's account?
The Chairman-Yes. Really you must give notice of such questions of detail. If you apply
The Chairman put the motion to the meeting, to the Office or to the Secretary you will be able
and it was carried,
The menting thien terminaled.
HONGKONG HOTEL COMPANY, LIMITED.
Theordinary half-year meeting of shareholders in the above named Company was lield at the Company's Hotel, this afternoon (17th inst.)forthe purpose of receiving a Statement of the Accounts of the Company to 31st December, 1890, with the Report of the Directors, and "to discuss matters that might competently be brought before the meeting" There were present: Mests. McCulloch (Chairman); E. Jones Hughes, Ho Tang, J. F. C. da Roza (Directors); 1. Ryrie, W. H. Gaskell, H., G. James, W. H. Wallace, A. G. Stokes, N. J. Robinson, 11. T. S. Green, C. A. Ozalo, J.H. Cox, J. G. Philippa, J. S. Perry, R. Lyall (Secretary) and others.
#
to ascertain such matters of detall
Mr. Gaskell-Can I get the details I want from the Secretary to-morrow? I want full details of the $114,933-92.
The Chairman-il give directions for you to have any I think should be given in the interests of the shareholders.
Mr. Gaskell To what account is the amount of commissien paid out on account of New Wing debiter?
The Chairman-It is customary to debit the expenses of the unoccupied portion at 6 per cent. When that comes into occupation the whole building will be charged.
Mr. Gaskell-What are the "Sundry Debtors" amounting to 23,000 odd dollars.
The Chairman-Sundry Debtors" is now reduced by $9,951.90, and the other is in course of collection.
Mr. Gaskell Do you think the other $11,000 will be collected before the next repor!
The Chairman-Yes, if pressure is put on
Mr. Gaskell I would like you to say whether shareholders are secured by a first mortgage on the property 2.
The Chairman-As you yourself drew up the bond you should know very well.
Mr. Gaskell-Considering I did not draw it up, but merely worked out interest tables for you,
really don't know anything about it,
The Chairman said the company was a large holder of the bonds drawn, and he had no doubt those who had drawn bonds would take them up; if not, others would do so.
The Chairman in opening the proceedings sald:se of them. But they object to being pressed: -Gentlearen, with your permission we will lake the repart and accounts as read. The report, I think, speaks for itself. The Hotel's business for the past six months thewa A falling off both from incal receipts and the number of people passing touch here, who were fewer as com pared with the last six months of 1889. The current halyer has opened fairly well. At present the Hotel is quite full, and there is every prospect of ample business for some timeto come, With regard to the accounts: the "Hotel Property Account" tepresents the land and buildings now occupied Remaining Portion of Marine Lot No. 7" represents the land and building in course of erection on Melcher's old site; "Praya Reclamation" is, of course, the lot now being reclaimed: "Sundry Debtors are accounts owing to the Company, and the same nccount is now reduced to $9,051.9o. On the other side are Debentures 4 lies-1 Inc has been drawn and Is payable on the 19th April, lacs is payable on the roth April 1 Pos, and the balance is payable on the 19th April 1895, "Sundry Creditors" are the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank $107,581 interest on Debentures from 19th October to 31st December 1891, $4.800; Directors' and Auditors' fees$1.150; and the other items are salaries and other current expenses. The "Net Earnings" of the Hotel, less all charges and expenses
In connection with the same-with the exception of what you see stated in the printed accounts-plus the rents of the Hotel's shops. Before proposing the adoption of the report and accounts
tsIshall be happy to answer any questions in connection with them that shareholders may desire to ask..
Mr. W. H. Gaskell said :-Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, for some time past I have tried in vain to obtain certain information regarding the working expenses of the Hotel. Failing in this I trusted that the report when published would have supplied the desired details, but I find that the document before us, like fis predecessors, is as ingeniously contrived, that it is impossible to trace, particulatize, or identify any items of expenditure. There is then no recourse left to me but to endeavour at this meeting to elicit from the Directors the information I require. Before putting my questions seríation, I will preface them by stating that in my opinion the Hotel Company is practically insolvent. The Directors have the essurance to ask that three lacs of new capital be offered to the shareholders at a premium of 10 when the market quotation of abares is ,,per
$:20 sellers,
and no buyers. The alleged object for watering the stack in this manner is to enable the Company to pay off a portion of the itxisting four lacs of debentures. The whole of this new capital cannot be applied to payment of these debentares, as the finances of the Company are so heavily encumbered by payments to be made on account of the new wing, reclamation &c. Now, Mr. Chairman, it seems to me remark able that you and your co-directors, bave not made an effort to obtain temporary assistance from say, the Land Investment Co., who would probably have been able to render you some old had you approached them at the proper time and in a proper manner, You, however, have preferred to attempt to double the capital of your Company at an exorbitant premium,
Mr. Gaskell I understand they are not satisfied with the security-they have doubts. The Chairman-That is not so. Mr. Gaskell Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Phillippa then put some questions relative to the "Share Account," and got a promise from the Chairman that he should be Informed on' the subject. He also desired to know what amount of commission had been paid to the architect. He heard the "com." amounted to $3,200. He was told I paid it doesn't matter. When it is paid it will be written off and debited in the usual way." After a further question the Chairman sold it would be debited to Properly Account. The interrogator, con- tinuing, asked where all the damages in connec tion with the suit with Mr. Chater were to be found in the accounts. He could only find Mesure. The Johnston, Stokes and Masters' account, Chairman said he would find it all in the last account.
Mr. Cox-In the last account the amount debited was about $5,000, if I remember cor- rectly.
Mr. Phillippo, after thanking the Chairman for the information vouchsafed, resumed his seat.
The Chairman then formally moved the adoption of the Report and Accounts.
Mr. P. Ryrie, in seconding, said he thought, in spite of some of Mr. Gaskell's remarks which were decidedly strong, they should give the Board credit for working with fair success while circumstances had been against them. There had been legal expenses, various difficulties in the way, and the ruoning business was not what it might have been. He thought they had not to look very far afield to know, the causes of the losses. There had been bad times in this colony, and they were not much better now. He thought the present outlook was favourable and he had no doubt the Board was doing its beet to make the concern profitable, With the exception of certain extraneous matters the results, so far, had been fairly satisfactory, All that was wanted, was a current of prosperous times to make the concern pay larger dividends than hitherto. The new building would increase the value of the property by making it possible Ko beard to accommodate more visitors. recently that an arder for 100 bedrooms for travellers on the new Canadian Pacific Co.'s steamer had been received, but that owing to lack of rooms it could not be compiled with in full, so some of the people would go else where. He thought the accounts were fairly satisfactory, and had much pleasure in seconding the proposition for their adoption.
The motion was then, put to the vote and carried.
Chairman,
The accounts have been audited by Messrs.
D. MCCULLOCH,
Hongkong, 11th March, 1991..
BALANCE SHEET, 31ST DECEMBER, 1890. Assets.
Hotel Property on Marine Lot No. 5. and on the Remaining portion of Marias Lot No. 3 as per last Report
$305,000.00
Amonnt transferred from
the Remaining portion of Marine Lot No. 7 annexed to this Pro- perly, on the North Wing...................................$155,384.4,
450,384.52 170 00
Since added.......
Furniture Account, as per
last Report pre $40,159-43 Transferred from the New
Furniture for New Wing 20,081 57 60,241.10
$3.00
1,485,17
$321:598:17
Since added...$1.538.17 Lass 2 claim received ...
of Remaining portion
Marine Lot No.7, asper last Report Didact amounttransferred
to Hotel Property 11. Above ... 155,284.43
$166,306.77 Singe added.... 18,271.9t
Czab............... celos Share Account, as per last
Reporti
*5.479.19 1,000.00
Since added........ Security Account, Hongkong and Shanghal Bank, as per last Report, Sundry Debtors
Stock of Wines and Provisions. Licences attaching to 1891.......... Steam Launch, as per last Report... Contingency Account, as per last
Report
Prays Reclamation, at per
fast Report...$ 5,570.00 Since added............ 334.20
Furniture for the Remaining portion of Marine Lot No. 7.................
Liabilities.
460,454.42
$1,726.27
184.578.68 1.508.75
3,000,00
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES IN THE CHEFOO CON- VENTION (OPENING OF CHUNGKING). The advantages that might naturally be expected to follow the opening of another port to foreign trade promise to be greatly minimized by the restrictive conditions with which the trade of Chungking is hampered, the employment of steamers not being permitted. The Committee when corresponding with London on the subject strongly deprecated relinquishing the right of free navigation of the Upper Yangtze, and regretted that Her Majesty's Minister at Peking was, apparently, not instructed to oppose the vacillating and temporising policy of the Chinese Government, whose persistent obstructiveness at every stage of the proceedings secured them a diplomatic victory which will certainly not smooth the way for further negotiations at fature date. Your Committee also regret that the invaluable rights which were conferred by the Chinese Government under the Chefoo Convention, that the port of Chungking should be open to foreign commerce on a steamer being able to enter that part, should have been so lightly abandoned by the British Government. ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION (P TRADE MARKS, AND TO FRAUDULENT MARKS ON MERCHANDISE
16,479.19
The Committee, in replying to a request by bis Excellency the Governor to express their 32.500,00 views on the above Ordinacce, stated as regards 20,378.49 the first that they were incllaed to think increased 19,074 90 legislative powers in that direction hardly
548.34 necessary. It appeared to them that to
Carry out the objects contemplated in the Ordinance. with perfect efficiency would require the main 3,944 75 tenance of a staff and involve an extenditure incompatible with the trade requirements of the Colony. An elaborate system of registration in the United Kingdom gives protection to the 5.904.20 owners of trade marks who can further protect themselves hereby registration under the existing 16,517.33 Ordinance, and there are at present no local productions that appear likely to seek special $826,615.23 protection. As regards the second Ordinance they considered it also aimed at an lncreased scope of legislative power which in the present portion of the trade seemed hardly required, EMIGRATION OF CHINESE COOLIES FROM AWATOW TO BRITISH NORTH BORNEO, Her Britannic Majesty's Officiating Consul drew the attention of the Chamber to an apparent misapprehension that bad arisen regarding the emigration of Chines: coolles from the above port to British North Borneo by British steamers He pointed out that at bis request official notices 11,397.30 had been posted by the Tantal informing the natives "that they were at perfect liberty to $826,615,22 emigrate to that country in steamers employed by any British Merchants la Bwatow." Not withstanding this perminion ng emigration can, us yui, iako place irons Swatow.
LIGHTHOUSE BOARD.
Paid-up Capital on 3,000 Shares...$300,000.00 Hongkong Hotel Co. Limited, Boo (6 per cent) Debentures of $500
esch --------uman 400,000.00
Sundry Creditors ............ 114.993-93 Unpaid Dividend................... 314.00 Profit brought forward
from last account.....$, 3477.10 Frost for the half-year
To
*
anding jist Dec, 1890 - 7,910,20
“Extraordinary Expenses :---
For Legalexpenses paid
|
י!
keeping
could be obtained for £9,650. DANGERS TO NAVIGATION CLOSE TO GAP ROCK i A notification appeared in the Government Castile of 6th September last, cailing attention, to the existence of several dangers close to the Gap Rock, and warning shipmasters not to approach on either side closer than 1 cables. length. The Committee addressed Commodore Church on the subject and were informed that he did not consider the rocks referred to ni
dangerous to navigation.
SURVEY OF THE COAST OF CHINA.. The survey was renewed on the return of H.M.S. Rambler in September, when she resumed operations for a short time in the Chutan Archipelago. She has since left the station, but will, it is reported, be replaced by H.M.S. Egeria on her rotum from the South,
PINNACLE ROCK FUND.
The short time the surveying vessel remained. on the Station during the past year, hardly admitted of any further distribu ions - from the Fund, and no calls were upon it.
LOCAL WEATHER SIGNALS,!
The present system of typhoon warmings displayed at Kowloon having proved ineficient, the Committes put themselves in communication
with Commodore Church in the hope that he might have it in his power to supplement the present system by a display of day- and night | signals from H.M.S. Vietor Emanuel. Indicating the approach of bad weather. Commodore Church in reply stated that he had no objections to repeating the weather day signals which might be made from the Observatory, but he could not undertake to show any night signals from his vessel, as he is specially charged with making certain signals at night which, together with typhoon warnings, would lead to confusion. His Excellency the Governor has already expressed to the Chamber his dissatisfaction with the working of the Observatory as regards.storm warning, which the Committee think ought to be the Director of the Observatory's first care.
meagre
REDUCTION IN POSTAL RATES, TO, EUROFEN The Committee were asked for an expression of opinion regarding a proposed reduction in posinges to Europe (which has since come Into operation) and stated that they approved of the change, on principle, as a benefit to trade and doing away with the anomaly of heavier rates of postage being charged by English' malls than by those of other countries. With the m Information in their possession they were not le a position to express any decided opinion'n's to: the probable effects of the proposed change on therevenue of the Colony's Postal departments f was sugges'ed as a means of, in a great measure, obviating the loss or profit en exchange Walter the value of the local stamps for houseward postages from local currency to sterling. The necessity of reduction in the present allowances to other countries through which letters from Hongkong pass was also referred to i
Fixed Deposit re-deposited Reater's Political Tele- gramBaykovéarstugma
Printing and Circulating
Clerk's' Salary ............TET
Servants' Wages ·....... Auditors Fees................ Frinting Circulars, &c... 98.60
575.00 104 00 40.00
-$3.674.50 5,250.00
3,600.00
120.00
3,770.00
109.18
36.40
37.97
and
171.07
355.6ä 100.00
$13,100.22. 213-48
$13.313-70
....$226.11
*
Subscriptions to News-
· papers pils............................ „Advertising iniimma
Telegrama, kistjarerisiedoju Postage and Receipt Slamps, Stationery
· Petties
* Lawyer's Fee ...........
Balance to New Account.
CY.
Jan, to Dec, 1890. By Balance from last Account..
Subscriptions of Members Sales of Circulars Inclad- ing Postages ****.
"1
19
From 1st Oct. to 31st Dec., 18898285.24
From 1st Jan. to 30th Sept., 1890, .....................$955.04.
1,240.28
marimar 408204 7.557-38
Subscriptions to Political Telegrams
Fixed Deposit repaid by Hongkong and Shanghai Bank...
12 months' interest on sama at 5
Interest on Current Account........
Dependencies at debit:-
Secretary's Salary...........
5,250.00
17 67
$13.313-70
500.00
By Balance brought down.................................$ 213,43 Dependencies at credit:-
For Circulars for quarter ending 31st
· ·December; 1890...iminimu$ 345.25 By Fixed Deposit with Hongkong and Shanghal Banking Corporation at 5. per cent....
"Pinnacle Rock" Fund:-
By Fixed Deposit with Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation at.5 per cent. .....................
ra months interest on same at 5 per
DELOE, 20 Hongkong, 31st December, 1890,
Examined and found correct. JOHN J. THURBURY, EW. RUTTER,
$5,250.00
•$2,245.00
$2,357-35
F. HENDERSON,
Secretary,
Auditors.
THE AUDIENCE AT PEKING.
On the 5th March, says the Chinese Tima, all the Foreign Ministers, with their segratbrick, Interpreters and affarids, left the different Lega- tions, all in green, chairs, for the Tru Kuang Ko, Comment, was provoked by this Indiscriminate mode of progression, for nobody knew which was SUNDAY LABOUR IN THE HARBOUR 9:30
Om haar and 4021-371 Molster, and which the subordinate the | green chill," " 4 mark of the highest distinction, HONGKONG, DANKOJEK being used even by young and quite laconsider The question has been carried considerably able persons not officially attached to the Legs- heyond the limits of discussion arrived at én tions. Whes the procession reached the Nork first brought to the notice of the Chamber, by the gate ledding into the garden near the Marble Rev. Mr. Goldsmith two years ago. A depi iklan Bridge, the Ministers and others left their chairs from the British Mercantile Marius' Onecik and proceeded on foot to a kind of small pavilion Association advocating, the total" stopp124" where a collation was served, and where the Sunday work in the harbour, waited upon, the party walled an hour surrounded by mend that Committee, They in their reply stated,» and wood of roughs, chair coolies (not those of fully sympathising" with those ho the legations, who had been left outside), work- endeavouring to abolish. Sunday" Jabour 3 men, cardeners, porters and coolies, who peered were unable, to agree with their contention in in at the windows and even allowed themselves the question under existing circumstances to make digital examination of the uniforms and decoration of the midiiters. After the lipse of one for settlement: by: Jestoditve kenn The intercuts involved are fa the opinion an hour the party were conducted into three Committee, too varied and extended to
tents erreted of the foot of the steps of the T the general application of any "law
King Ka where, divided into three grounds Ministers is attache font Then, the Emperor Sunday, labour 21
and": interpreters, --they Sremained "half-an-hour MERCHANT SHIPPING AMENDMENT ACT
arrived, and he von Brand was the first to enter the press where he remained exactly fire mister wh, Ceremonies included,.......... He, ang followed by the other Ministers in, turn, the audience occupying barely five minutes for each, Then the sulfur of the Ministers entered in three ranks Three, calypes were given, an entrance and three on retiring backwards, insThe audiance itself was conducted as follows's Man Brandt delivered a very short speech 10 Ength, which M. Popoff translated into Chi- Dose Friacs, Ching repeated it knealing, in
(KON2). BILL
The above Bill having reference to the ship- ment of deck-loads of timber, the treatment of live cattle as cargo, and bulkheads for Iron vessels was referred to the Committee. Ar deck-igada of timber, and shipment of live catue, in no way affect the trade of the Colon on these hotate the Committee had no remarks to offer, butas regarde bulkheads in iron vessels they thought the requirements of the Act would be sufficiently cared for by the local Surveyors in the ordinary course of their dutes, ou teparting on the condition of vessels trading with this port SHAREBROKERS ASSOCIATION OF HONGKONG
The tentative efforts at organisation referred to in last year's Report have culminated in the establishment of the sbors Association. The Committee have had the opportunity of congre selves into a comperate, body, and also of tulating the members on having formed theme expressing an opinion regarding the proposed. scale of brokerages which they consider equitable and fultable to the existing share. business in Hongkong 1 he had NEITHER STAGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT,je For the 6 Months to 31st December, 1590.
208,14 Tax.......................................un$ Directors' and Auditors' fee 1,150,00 The Committee have continued to impress Salaries
610.00 upon the Government the desirability of the "Fire Insurance.... 398.64 appointment of such a Board, argolog that say
Interest
7177349 proposal calculated to promote the interests of shipping bussiness in Hongkong was deserving of every cocnideration, The Committee assum ed that among other duties devolving upon the Board would be the supervision of lighthouses buses the regulation and collection of dues, and their appropriation to the specific purposes for which they are lavled. It was suggested that the Board should comprise of two mambers appoint. ed by the Government, one of whom should always be Chairman, and two others appointed; by this Chamber. The importance of the figures. The Hon. A P. Mach won having Insigned on involved is-thewn, in, she following Returne | kis leaving the Colony, the How Tide Whiskond
to Johnson, Stokes and Master, in the
Folt Chater and others
to
Hotel Co Remuneration Tulloch & Co
Lon don, for services ren- dered to the Company Opening Arches, &c. dis Gala's 'old® Stere
chat the foot of the Throne The Em- Pero sad a few prepared words. In reply, which were translated in the reverse order, and thå sinisters retired, The Emperor was at a dis tangs of regen or eight yards from the Europeans, raised on a dairy with a table, in front of him. Behind him stood the Pao-Wang and the and com either side soldiers with side ans Korang at the foot of the dala Prince Ch'log | The ball was not a large one the zeropeané fers placed near the centre, between two pillars. The rabble crowded up the steps of the Ts Kasus Kor and no order was kepta Kuma 123