THE HARBOUR MASTER'S
REPORT
The Report of the Hon R. Murray Ramsey, Harbour Master, for 1898, is published in the Gazette. We inake the following extracts
648
THE HONGKONG TEJ
Taking the total of entries and departures, the average crow of British ships was 67, of which 20 per cent were Europeans, and for. Foreign ships 47, of which 28.6 per cent. were Europe
TADE.
came
tain licensed. Junks "the" conservancy sand, und which have only been ring the last few years,
would be event
In 1898, 29,466 junks of 1,814,281 tons en tered and 29,470 of 1812473 tons cleared; also which are 5.379 Fishing Junks were licensed
dust contractors In 1868, Customs Stations were established taken into our refúri in the vicinity of the colony by the Viceroy of were omitted, the Canton, primarily for the collection of Opium more marked, re
lekin and opium "duly," but this soon be On the other band nur returns show an extended, and a lévy of lekin and duty intrbase of European ccai-going tonnage on all imports and exports was made at these since 1889 of 3533 per cent, while the Customs stations (see Sir James Russell's report 1836), returns show an increase in the number of junks and in 1860 the Harbour Master reported "trading to and fish Hongkong and passing the think the decrease in tonnage in junks can stations, of 30.37 per cent, andre farvery reasonably be attributed to the existence of probable that the Customs returns dre far more these Stations (Customs) and to the activity of accurate with regard to junks than our own, the tireunisiances of a Freq. Port; added is the In 1874 a Commission, which had been healtybfdstinguishing and identifying nalive the cruisers attached to them pointed to enquire into "complaints made craft together with the well-known proficiency Customs in the neighbourhood of the colony and fenders the rask öfkeeping an absolutely correct the alleged detriment to frade arising from such lelut of some 50,000 or 50,000 junks annually. action, submitted their report. They found in almost impossible with a stag. of two funk the course of their investigation "that a most Inspectors in Victorin and of one at the out- vexatious system of blockading is kept up at stations whose sole duty it is, and I am forced all the entrances to the harbour by a number to the conclusion that a number of these junks of boats in the eniploy of the Hoppo of Canton, come and go without Jelving any trace on our the salt farmer, and the collector of the lekin records In 1897 as in 1877 more correct returns would in all probability account for a futher tax, and that these craft continually make use of and encroach into the waters of the colony apparent increase in the junk trade, but this correctness cannot be arrived at without addi- and actually capture junks therein.""
tional staff and expenditure,
1898,
15000
$11,850 $35.925
As a revenue raising measure, therefore it has been very successful, as a prevention of Sunday work, however, not much can be said. for it: 1 per cent. of the total ocean-guing ton nage entering availed of it in 1893 and 7 par cent. ist 1898.
The following report conegchi | railway has bērn given us 5 R
the Tsungli Yamen obtained the of the Empress Dowager on the last to give the construction of that
British syndicate, and Sir Claude: was accordingly notined to that telegram was then sent by Sir Claude to an Englishman (said to be a Lord) named Char-los (? Sir Charles Ross), and this person, MARINE SURVEYOR'S SUB-DEPARTMENT,
presenting the British Syndicate, arrived at Rehirn No. XXII shows the work performed Shanghai from England on the 19th of March by this branch of the Harbour Department, last; and went up at once to Peking where he and in forwarding this I again desire to record: sill remains. The Tsunghi Yamen then pro work of this sub-department is carried out. Chinese Co-President of the Railway, but this In my annual report for 1894 1 referred at was objected to by Sir Claude, and Dr. Yung length to the case of the Government Marine Wing was appointed instead. Dr. Yung Wing Surveyor and his Assistant, and d reproduced was at once sent for by ELE. Wang Wên-shao, an extract from a report made by me in d-letter Director-General of the Bureau of Mines and dated 14th June, 1892, ns follows:-
Railways, to go to Peking, and he (Yung Wing) is there now. Our Informant, strenuously In- sists that Germunny will have absolutely no control over any partion of this railway, and he also says that the Chartered Bank are the furnishers of the money for the railway. He further informe that he has very, recently re- ceived news from Dr. Yung Wing, saying that the Railway had already been settled satisfac
The year 1893 was marked by a large deal in rice and coal and, by the introduction of the trade in talk oil from Langkat (Somatra).:::" « ‹ SHIPPING.............
A demand for rice in Japan created a market The total turnage entering and clearing which was largely availed of and the returns amounted to 17,265,780 tons, being an increase for the first half of the year, show that 460,000 compared with 187 of 1,327,606 tens, and over
tons were reported by ships entering, which was three-quarters of a million tons more than in
over 100,000 tons more than during the whole any previous year. There were 39,815 arrivals af 8.648,274 tons, and 39,814 departures of of 1897, and of which the bulk was en route for 8,617,500 tons if British occas-going- ton-Japan. The import continued in a lessened degree during the second half and at the end nage 2,597,342 tons entered, and 2,580,187 tons cleared Of River Steamers (British) 1,765,495 of the year 747,000 tons had been reported, against the action of the Chinese Maritime with which Chinese, lie, without heśtiation, my appreciation of the manner in which the posed to appoint Chang Yen-mao to be the tons entered, and 1,762,674 tons cleared, make being more than double what it was in 1897.
Coal in the first half year showed an increase ing grand total of British tonnage of 8,705,648
of 120,000 tons and by the end of the year tons entering and clearing Foreign ocean-
$17,967 tona had been reported as arriving, be going tonnage 2273,871 tons entered, buding an increase over 1897 of about 36 per cent. 2,257,239 tons cleared Of Fureign River.
Bulk off, which made a large stride in the Stemmers 1994 tons entered, and 7,231 tons
first half year, fell off in the second half, but cleared, making a grand total of Foreign ton- the year shows an increase of 19.580 tons, nage of 4,547,085 tons entering and clearing
Of junks in Foreign trade 1,814,218 tona Case oil was practically the same as in 1897. entered, and 1,812,470 tons cleared Of Junks Sugar and flour show a considerable increase, and the Import Return closes with a net in in Local trade 194,291 tous entered and 193,002 crease over 1897 of 645,428 tons of cargo tons cleared..'.
reported.
"In exports, a net increase of $52,072 tons of 29.0 per cent European-constructed shipping reported an
increase of 137,979 tons of cargo. 204
The transit return gives an increase of 167,860 tons.
There can be no necessity for me to again refer to the fact that we are entirely dependent for the above figures on gratuitous information compiled together without any special staff or machinery.
British Ocean-going tonnage
therefore represented. British River tonnage therefore
represented
Foreign Ocean-going, tonnage:
therefore represented ..........: 26.3 Foreign River tonnage therefore
represented ..............pe Junk tonnage (Foreign trade).
represented a
Junk tonnage (Local trade) re-
presented
210
17
5,313 Steamers, 216 sailing vessels, and 32,460 junks in Foreign trade, entered during the year giving, a plaily average of go vessels as against 93 in 1897. For European-con- structed vessels the average daily entry. would be 15.17 as against 13.63 in 1897, and of the steamers arriving 68.12 per cent, were. British.
A comparison between the years 1897-1898 is shown in a table. For vessels under the British flag this table shows a large numerical increase, but a comparatively small tonnage increase (673 vessels of 436,882 tons). This is accounted for by an increase in small steamers running to Macao and Canton and the West River Forts, amounting to 759 vessels "in and out" measur ing 143.398 registered tons, and at the same time a decrease in lorclas on the sathe route of 257 vessels of 12,896 tons; the balance, viz, 50z vessels of 130,502 tons, represents the increase in the River trade and this, being deducted from the figures given above, leaves a total ex- clusively in favor of ocean-going traffic under the British flag of 171 vessels "in and out," aggregating 300,380 tons, or as average of about doo tons per vessel,
For vessels under Foreign flags there is a substantial increase over, 1897 (441 vesseis mea. suring 681,352 registered tons); of this, two West River steamers represent y vessels and 5,925, tons, and the lorchas take another 1,121 tons. Taking those two itens into account, a balance is found in favour of ocean-going traffic under Foreign flags, of 339 vessels representing 674,206 registered tons. Of this balance the vessels under the Japanese flag contributed the largest share by 177 vessels mensuring 406,179 tons, about one half of which or 52 vessels of 196,968 tons, goes to the credit of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (European line) and 25.426 tons to the three new Pacific Liners; the balance of increase under this tag was made up by out- side steamers attracted by the enhanced freights on doal and rice in the first half of the year.
1
Next in order come vessels under the German. fing; after deducting the lorcha trade which has dropped out altogether, and those old friends who have left us, we still have an in- crease over 1897 of 39 vessels of +44,889 tons The new steamers of the Hamburg-American Line are the chief contributors to this increase, the first of these steamers arrived here in March and at the end of the year they are credited with 34 vessels "in and out representing 116,670 tons. Nine new ships under this fing also called here during the year representing in the aggregate "in and out" 25 vessels and 28,044 tons in, these last were comprised 3 coal hulks in route for Klaochow and 3 cruisers for the Chinese Government.
The Norwegian flag shows an increase of 125 vessels of 88,809 tous, iunde up chiefly by 17 .new steamers and the return to these waters of soine of the older vessels which were away in 1897.
The American flag contributes to the increase 30,778 tons, chiefly owing, to the chartered transports, which called here after the fall of Manila, and to the adoption by the Northern Pacific Co. of Amercan notionality,
Danish colours give an increase of 15,641 tons, due to the ships of the East Asiatic Co which called here first in May and continued during the year.
The Chinese flag showed an increase of 12, 159 tons.
Swedish fing deserted us during the
year, taking about 24,000 tons, and other nationalities call for no special remarks.
Using the classification adopted in previous years we find that the total import trade of 1898 was represented by 35,005 vessels aggre- gating 8,453,983 tons, carrying 5,958,465 tons of cargo, of which 3,938,143 ton's were dis charged in Hongkong.
carried
"The duties of these surveyors, I am con vinced, are very onerous, the inspection of boilers and engines, especially during the hot weather, being most trying.
The conditions also under which these suveys are held at Hongkong are peculiar, owing to the short time t that yessels as a rule
remain in port. In order to save.time, AR ore torily to all condemed.-Y. C; Daily Neais.
tions for survey are constantly received the vessel's arrival, and it frequently happens that the completion of the survey is the final nct before she again leaves. They cannot even afford to wait for their passenger certificates, clearances being frequently granted them by me on receipt of a report front the Surveyor that the requirements of the law have been complied with.
1
The proceedings of these blockaders, which were gravest in chameter were the stopping of In 1893, this Department began to try to junks proceeding on distant voyages with car gauge the amount of cargo tons represented by goes, of lawful merchandise laden in the Colony the registered tonnage of the Shipping frequent. ant compelling them to go to Canton and paying the Pon. There is no special staff or duty on their cargo-a practice which was machinery for this and its correctness or other direct from the Shipping, or through its Agents. bound to the Colony from parts in of tied on extensively; and further, the seizure wise depends on reports and returns made In 1893 the amount of cargo discharged from Formosa and elsewhere and the taking of these to. Canton to be mulcted in heavy sums, or European occean-going shipping was given as 2717,910 tons. In that year Junks exported possibly to be condemned and sold.
The Commission advised that Her Majesty's 845,177 tons. In 1897 the European cargo was
it is, therefore, most important that the Government should endeavour to prevail on 1596,458 and Junks exported 684,320. Assum the Government of China to remove altogether ing for the moment that the cargo exported by work of surveying vessels should be carried on the Customs Stations and Cruisers from the junks was entirely made up of that discharged as expeditiously as possible, and the importance neighbourhood of the island, and to arrange from the ocean-going European ships, these of this surveys renders it imperative that the that duties be collected only at those ports or junks distributed 31 per cent in 1893, and 26.3 examination should be thorough; in order to places at which there exists an export or percent in 1897 which was a bad year for junka insure these conditions it is necessary that But the Customs returns furnish a still better there should be an adequate and efficient staff import trade, and that should the Chinese Government refuse to remove the Stations and fact from which to draw our inference, namely it will be seen from the report of Mr. Dixon crlusers altogether, it might be urged upon the value of the trade in junks between Hong-attached herete that the survey of a vessel for then to remove these to a greater distance than kong and China. In 1888 this was H, Ts.
Passences Certificate occupies himself and his they are at present, say, not nearer in any case 33495,516, in 1893 it was 39,938,740, and in 1897 Assistant eight hours, spread over a number of It was 39,991,611. giving an increase of 19 per visits, about four. The time consumed, how- than ten miles from the entrances to the har
cent, in the 10 years to put against an increase of ever, on this work is often considerably in excess bour."
Whatever may, have been, the cause, it 25 percent. In the registered tonnage of European of this eight hours, as the ship may be any
where between the Hunghom Docks and Aber: deen other surveys though got occupying so much time, in each case, are made under some. what similar circumstances.
There are four local Marine Surveyors carrying on business in Hongkong; in addition to these, some of the Steamship Companies employ special surveyors for their vess Is. The Government Marine Surveys, practically do a very large proportion of amalgamated work of all, these, having at the same time in so arrange that it possible there should be no delay or inconvenience to any one. No casy matter in place where, as may be expected, each or agent considers his own interest as paramount."
In the same report (1894) 1 compared the work done at Hongkong by two men with the work done at Liverpool by, eleven men and at Cardiff by six men, and I showed that at Liverpool there were about 40 vessels of 92,000 tans per surveyor and at Cardiff 27 vessels of 53.000 tons, while at Hongkong with all its disadvantages of climate, &c, we had 56 vessels
over 100,000 tons to each surveyor.
Similarly, the export trade of 1898 was represented by 34,989 vessels, aggregating 8,425,504 tons, carrying 3,006,474 tons of cargo, and shipping 493,551 tons of bunker coal. „
Comparing the above with 1897 we get the gratifying result that in 1898 the import trade of the colony was increased from all parts of the world, and that this increase amounted in the aggregate to 659,833 tons of cargo disappears that after 1873 the junk trade, as repre-ocean-going charged. Further we find that, during the sented by the Harbour Master's returns, began same period and by the same means, others to improve, and in his report for 1877 the Har were benefitted also, for the cargo in transit bour Master said "It was the general opinion, was advanced by 167,860 tons.
and I shared in that view, that the blockade would have a tendedcy to check the trade and consequent prosperity of the Colony, but in the face of the figures which these retumis exhibit, I am unable any longer to see that the effect of the blockade has been so detrimental as it was thought it would be." The figures refferred to showed in 1878 an increase over 1177 of 1,186 junks entering, and the Harbour Master, attributed some of this kept increase to more correct records being in consequence of an additional outstation at Yaumati. However, there were still complainta of the seizure of native craft carrying so-called
cantraband."
In exports generally, there was an increase of 1,205 ships and 229,151 tons of cargo.
During the year 11,058 vessels of European construction, aggregating 13,252,733 registered tons, carried B,143,656 tons of cargo made up as follows:
Import cirgo Export Trinsit
*
Bunker coal shipped
3,388,489
4,241,194 2,020,322 493,951
8,143,650
The total number of tons carried was there- for 61 per cent, of the total registered tonnage, or & exclusive of River steamers, and was apportioned as follows:- Imports,-
British Ships, ....... 1.939,956 .Foreign 1,
48,533
3,388,439
Exports
British Ships,
1,196,521
Foreign do.,
1,044,673
2,341,194
Transit,
British Ships, Foreign do..
1,189,460
830,862
2,030,323
Bunker Coal,-
British Ships, "Foreign do
280,473 213,178
Total,.
493,651
8,143,656
The imports are given in the following tablo-
Articles.
1807, 1898. Increase. Decrease. *11,00 41,02 Beans
Bones... Coal ..........
500 500
601,34+
217.967 216,973
Colton yarn asÚ COLLON Flour
30,501
36,611 4,930
103,544 17,510
Henry
43.360
55,160
Kerosine (bulk)
472781
Gla 19,580
Do, (case)
6,310
$9,15
Lead Oplum
- 3.436
2,700
7,700
Liquid fuel.
2,100
2,150
2,531
2.548 . 107
Pitch: Rattan Rice'. Sandalwood Buphur..
5,700
1,700
1,pro
361,130
6.441 747.393 380 53
1,459
2,031
e
2,40
335
15,771
5.629
0,354
· 40,359
1,941,700 1,131,1
sugar.
Tea
Timber
Geral
Total,
Transit
7,412 35.64s
1,401 1,303
---
→ 38,263 60,351
3,742,055 2.350,469 232,370
............-1,852,463 5,030,338 1571|
Grand total... 4395;503 $/408,811 699,239
Net. 8,283
THE JUNK TRADE.
A review of the junk trade of the Colony may
be without interest at the present time.
From 1877 10 1878 the junk trade, according to the Harbour Master's reports, fluctuated.be tween 1,000,000, and 1,800,000 tons entered yearly. The highest figures ever attained pre- viously being 28,340 junks of 1,871,810 tons entered in 1872.
In 1887 as a result of the Commission which Snt in pursuance of the Chefoo Agreement (1876), and the additonal Article to the Agree nient (1883) the collection of dutics on goods imported and exported in junks, devolved upon the Foreign Collectorate of the Chinese Mari time Customs, and the Customs Stations round Hongkong were placed under the direction and supervision of a European Commissioner (Mr. F. A. Morgan).
shipping
during the same period.
Ocean-
tonnage.
Value of junk trade Hongkong
and China.
Imports Imm
woods.
HE TIS
produce.
Hongkong, Total. Exports to
Native
produce.?
1898..... 6,973,483 15,635,853. 3,476,200 14,328,473, 33441,526 3 1890....... 6392575 17,960,229 3.453432 14,840,669° 36,254,330 | 1892. 6,968,236 13,468,368 3,113,192 17,290,632 33,872,192, 1891... 6,031,407 13.297,933 3,37€619 17,046,926 33,691,478 | 1889... 6916,908 12,894,763. 3,711,707 14,194,598. 30,801,063
1895..... 8,211,496 21,585,395-3455,730 22,678,090 47,719,415- 1895. 7,320,753 17,663,217 3,338,377 18,937,116 39,938,720 8,971,432 21,124,268 3,482,122 22,565,590′ 47,171,980 ) 1894..: 7,193,855 15,326,749 3438,540 19,665,908 38,431,197
1897... 8,739,878 13,027,228 3,939,890. 23,024,493–39,091,611
|
Cius Kuwh.
Jujo
1896...
Still another test that Ean be applied in this. In 1893 (the first year that we collected the cargo returns) European tonnage discharged 717,910 tons of cargo and the value of the foreign goods exported from Hongkong to China by junk, according to the Customs re-
of
owner or
DROWNING FATALITY AT TONGKU
It is with profound regret, says the Mercury, that wh announce the death by drowning at Tongku of Mr. Lawrie Suith, of the furnishing. firm of Lawrie, Smith & Co., Shanghai, Twa Tientsin telegrams were received here from yesterday announcing the sad occurrence, but further details are awaited. It is said that Mr. Smith was boarding a Shanghai-bound steamer when the accident occurred. The body was recovered and arrangements have been made to bring it to Shanghai, for interment.
THE TAOTAI'S PROCLAMATION
ON EXTENSION.
To-day (May 9th) the Tantai's covering despatcli and proclamations, on the Extension of the General Foreign Settlement reached the | Consuls, says the China Gazzție. The despatch, which is dated the 29th day of the 3rd moon (May 8th), reads. "I have received authority" from the Viceroy to assent to the boundaries defined for the new extension (of the, General Foreign Settlement) and I am issuing a proclamation and instructing the Shanghai Magistrate to work in consulation, with MHAJA. C. Ferguson, the Deputy Yu Shuiswan, and the Municipal Council, to draw up plans, lay out boundary stones, etc, and beg to enclose copy of the proclamation for your information." THE PROCLAMATION, which follows, commences with a historical preamble, recounting the first steps taken for the setsing apart of a reservation or settlement for foreign occupation in the year 1847, by the local officials, working in concert with Captain Balfour, and the subsequent successive nego- ciations on the subject with Mr. Ruther ford (afterward Sir Rutherford) Alcock We have not yet had time to translate this portion of the proclamation, which, is addressed to the Chinese people, and is apparently designed to show the present Total is making no new departure in assenting to the demands for extension of the General Foreign Settlement, the footsteps of his predecessors. Coming but is following strictly on preceedent and in down to the present day, it proceedsCon sidering that the commercial requirments of Shanghal have increased, the concession grant- ed for the Foreign Settlement is not sufficiently for me to extend it for the general benefit, and
Shui-wan to discuss the matter with the Treaty with Rev. J. G. Ferguson and the Deputy, Yu the Viceroy has directed me, in conjunction
Consuls. The existing Foreign Settlement and the Regulations under which it is governed are known to you all, and I have now instruct Ferguson, Deputy Yu Shuiwan and the ed the Shanghai Magistrate, together with Mr.
Municipal Council, to arrange the boundaries
Once more I must dwell on this subject; the. amount of work performed by our surveyors continues to increase and that, it becames necessary for me to draw attention to it is, I performed, for we all know that public duties think, ample testimony that is is satisfactorily ill performed soon declare themselves.
During the eleven months January Novem ber, 1898, the tonnage surveyed at Liverpool was 967,762 tons, in Hongkong during the year fons per surveyor at Livepool, and 162,305 tons per surveyor at Hongkong. work performed by the Marine Surveyors has The Revenue derived by the Colony from the increased from 8 16,053.87 to 812,634,05 in 1898, the "overtime "fees alone in 1898 amounting to $$70.
this change was r'adè just causes of complaint turn, was Hk. Tis. 17,663,217 or in the ratio of 324,610 tons were surveyed, this gives 100454 | 'commodious, - and it now becomes necessary i
It cannot, I think, be denied that, even since have at times arisen, and I am persuaded that causes of complaint will continue to arise if the Customs officers are vigilant and zealous, the difference from the old state of things being that vigilance and zeal will be the disturbing Causes, instead of rapacity and dishonesty. The only real panacea is the removal of the primary cause, viz., the Customs Stations themselves.
risen to 1 ton to 8 Hk. Tls., but it dropped in tan to 64 Hk. Tis, in 1896, the ratio had 1897 to 1 tan to 3 Hk Tls, owing in the opinion of the Commissioneer of Customs, in transit privileges favouring at that time shipments in European bottoms instead of in junks.
Whether or not there should be a fixed ratio between total European tonnage and the total Junk tonnage frequenting the port, is, I think,
again presenting a respectful petition asking The Goverment Marine Surveyors are for a consideration of their petition and an
A careful consideration of all points of the very doubtful, because, in the first place, junks augmentation of their pay, and this I sincerely of the extension, draw up a plan and put up.
question which occur to me draws to the con-
clusion that, linconvenient though it is, and
are not the sole distributors, except to non-
treaty Poris, with which it is probable traders wir meet with the success which, I think
it deserves.
the stones, and i therefore issue this proclama
for the information of you all, no that you may know that all the land lying within the new Ex- tension, with the exception of Imperial temples and Chinese: Government property, shall be hence-forth under the control of the Municipal Council, and will be governed according to the obay."
declares in be contraband, or to smuggle from ocean-going ships amounted to 74 per vernment organ in Formosa strongly advocates existing Land Regulations which you must all-
CAMPHOR IN FORMOSA. It is expected that the camphor monopoly will go into operation in July next.. The Go- that one large firm should be appointed receiv ing, distributing agent for the Government, working on commission. If this course is
Kaisha will be the firm chosen. The not very happy experience of the Government regarding the tobacco monopoly does not seem to have being taken in the matter of camphor.
waters and that vesels and goods to and from cargo discharged was only 59 per cent, while adopted, it is expected that the Mitsui Bussan, Chaotia-tsu (or Point)
'PASSENGER TRAFFIC”. Arrivals. Departures,
BOUNDARIES, "The boundarios of the extension will be East: From the Yangtae-ppo Bridge to the
On the West: From the Loongfei Brid to the Bubbling Well Village, whence a line will be drawn to the South (or Shanghai) side
does not expand rapidly, and, in the next place, contrary to the usual manner of nations, we have up to tee present no right to ebject to the European tonnage is not solely employed these stations; I do not think we have any in the carriage of goods to be distributed from legimate grievance against the Chinese Goongkong as a centre, for a not inconsiderable the exfocs is in transit to more portion vernment because it endeavours to prevent distant ports, junks trading to Chinese ports with what it
In 1893 the cargo discharged in Hongkong dutiable goods, no matter where the cargoes have been obtained, always provided that this cent of the registered tonnage arriving, and does not lead to a violation of our territorial the transit cargo was 36 per cent, in 1897 the Hongkong are not subjected to any other the transit cargo had gone up to 42 per cont charges beyond what has been fixed by treaty."
At the same time 1 consider that we allow
against us, when we allow a Chinese Customs our hospitality to err, even to indiscretion, and we put a weapon in their. hands to be used British ships... 130,176 139.574 { including bad any influence in preventing a similar course of the Soochow Creek establishment in our midet, for there can be little doubt that by this means our prestige suffers in the eyes of the natives, and what perhaps is of more practical importance, an intimate knowledge can be obtained in the Colony of trading transactions, which, perfectly. lawful and harmless so far as our Free Fost is concerned, may in China be, subject to thoss Rules appended to the Tariff which restrict the import of certain descriptions of goods except under special conditions.
Emigrants
including
Foreign ships. 65,820, 62,665 Emigrants. River steamers $79,017 566,627 Launches 2,390,989 2,388,982 128,320 Junks..... 124,909
3,390,902 3,285.174 Difference-Excess of arrivals 5.728.
HOTEL-KEEPERS, NOTE.
H.D.M.'S CIVIL: SUMMARY COURT, SHANGHAI
CURTIS V. SAMSON,
On the South: From Pah-hsien-jao to the Bubbling Well Villager
On the North: From the Fifth Sique (boundary) of the Hongkew Settlement along the boundary of Shanghai (as distinguis) from the Punosha district);
The actual number of ships of European construction-exclusive of river steamers which entered the port in 1898 was 556, being 239 Brish and 317 Foreign; these entered in the aggregate 3,564 times, giving a total tonn. aga of 4,871,2/3 tons; in 1897 the ships num. Sared 592 and the entries 3437; 1896 the chips were 579 and entries 3,283; the total tonnage in 1896 was 4.487767 and in 1897 It was 4,309, 163 The feature in 1895 is that fewer ships nade more frequent returns and gave a large increase in tonages carried: 2,401 officers and 44 foreigners as follows
The 239 British ships carried: 2,407 British Coast Ordinance,*-which came into force on Customs Stations on all sides and in its midst, it tion of the rate of Light Ducs from 2 cents to his liability to the extent of 835; which he paid originator and leader of what a London Cone
Brilish,
Germans,
Americans,
Danes, Swedes.
Austrian,
Portuguese Norwegian
Total
2,401
"The proportion of "Foreigners was, erefore 1,8 per cent, comprising nationalities, aide crease of oz percent with fewer ships The 317 Foreign ships carried 20 whom 235 were British, as follows:
Japanese
Chinese,
Frough;
Dutch
Amuricán,
officers,
not the parly days of the Colony's history Piracy in its neighbourhood was more or leas common; In his Annual Report for 1863 the Harbour Master says "There can be little doubt but that every armed junk becomes a pirate when an opportunity offers," and in 1868, after the introduction of the "Harbour and Const" Ordinance, lie says "Formerly there was good reason to suppose that piratical vessels were fit- ted out in this barbour, Free Trade amongst junks had become Free Licence and these piratical pests of our waters had unmolested in gress and egress all hours of the night and day." Ordinance No. 6 of 1866 "The Harbour and 1st January, 1867, made provision for the regulation and control of junks; most of its provisions have been re-enacted from time to time since, and the regulations now in force are for all practical purposes the same as in 1867 and are briefly as followsJunks are divided into two classes (1) Unlicensed Junks and (2) Licensed Junks. These classes are again divided into (1) Trading Junks and (2) Fishing Junks
HUNLICENSED JUNKS..
Unlicensed Jankaare required (1) Tounchor in certain places called "Anchorages for Junka" and from which they may not remove without permission (3) To report their arrival (3) To give notice of intended departure (4) Not to leave at night,
LICENSED JUNKS.
cont
But whatever may be said of the present practice of closely investing our port with
REVENUE
The total revenue collected by the Harbour Department during the year was 8183,628.01, a decrease of $30.05.11 on the previous year which is more than accounted for by the reduc
$ 51,645.15
I cent,.
must be allowed that with the exception of the latter, all these Stations are in Chinese territory,ght Due
His Honour was engaged this morning (May 9th) investigating a suit which had been brought by Mr. Curtis, of the Grill Rooms and Hotel of that gentleman's-name, against Mr. P. L. Samson, for as was alleged, non-payment of a sum of $37.5o. The defendant admitted
into Court
The evidence of the plaintiff was to the effect that it was customary for him to give a month's credit. He presented his bill to the defendant who refused to acknowledge it, and he was not aware that the money had been paid until he The heard it from the Court authorities.
and their closeness may be excused on the Licences and Internal Revenue $31,516.00 ground of the geographical position of the base Fees of Court and Office.......$100,455.85 of operations of those whose business theirs is
Total.........$183,628.0r watch. The small island of Hongkong with
to
STEAM LAUNCHES.
THE LEADER, OF THE "PIGTAIL PARTY:""
A LONDON JOURNAL ON MR. YERBURGH, Mr. Yerburgh (pronounced Yarbour): the servative M. P nicknamedine Pigtail Party bas, says the Daily Mail, proved himse of the most remarkable turns-up of the prose Parliament. Some of us took him a glor dandy; and we have found in him serious politician with strong views on the greatest foreign policy On 31st December, there were 147 Steam, The defendant, in the box, stated that two
day, to far as this country in Launches employed in the Harbour of these days before the month of April had expired, of the Far East MP-Verbin
For
I payment. 18 were licensed for the conveyance of passen- the plaintiff presented his bill
his swift land decisive pell gers, 73 wars privately owned, I were the was tiffin time, and he at once looked at the suddenly aroused concern in the property of the Colonial Government, and bill, bar thought no-more about it untill the Government, and his love In charge next day, when, appearing at the table in the China Party in the House of
forks, spoons as great a surprise as when belonged to the Imperial Government in
usual way, be found knives," f of the Military Authorities.
plates, indeed everything removed from the Mr. Bobby Spencer, here seat at which he had sat. He had sat He Parliamentary collar on record, admitted his liability to the extent. 835 and the House and announced In had paid the money, but he refused to pay for that he was not an agricultur the two days
One Master's Certificate was suspended for a weeks, two for one month, one for months and three for 3 months,
EMIGRATION
crued which he had never hitten a Vorburgh's tall A crusts Honour said he agreed with the defend- ever liablied in clothes o
ita 50,000 or 60,000 junks annually coming and going, over five-sixths of which trade to and from Sun On and West River and Canton Districts, and all of which radiate to all points of the compass within an hour or two of leaving this Free Fort, offers some reason for the Chinese Government pressing home its revenue protectors as close as they can. That reason disappears, however, with the extension of British territory, and the protectors line should fall back simultaneously with this extension, and, China, should protect her revenue in the
left Hongkong for various samo country Any junk, on complying with certain yous athe way Be day there clearance instead of places during the year for firess, 19978 were granted a licensed by the Harbour Master, reversing the practice of civilization and pro carried by British ships, and 13,13 by Foreign either for trading or sting, for which a fee is tecting it at the Foreign Ports to which she ships 103 441 were reported as having been paid, the maximum being $20 a year. She then exports and from which she Imports.
brought to Hongkong from places to which obtains the following advantages (1) No How far the existence of these Customs they had emigrated, and of these 82,694 were restriction as to place of anchoring.
Pranted a the past is problematical, and the only salutionships, varsels was. serefore) per cent distributed special permit, good, for one month, absolving to be arrive at is by inference, since all direct GUNDAY CARGO-WORKING, under: rent heads, an increase on 1897 her from reporting each arrival and intended proof is wanting. There can be no question During the year 238 permits were issued, cent, with an increase of 44 foreign departure. (3) Il a 6shing junk, she is granted as to China's undoubted right to collect herunder the provisions of the Ordinance; ofthose 13.8 par cent) Chinese vessels carry a peniz, on payment of a fee of as cents, allow Customs revenue somewhere, in her, own 65 were not availed of its being found un- per cent, as against about 3 per cent ining her to leave during certain hours of the territory or waters, and it is impossible to say necessary for the ship to work cargo on the night and early morning JANTE PARA that our junk trade would have been larger if Sunday, and the fee paid for the permit was re- 20,787 Trading Junks of 1,367,702 she had collected her Customs duties at the fanded in each case, and at permits were issu- 19-3-per rere other, toni ed, and 20,443 of 1,353,700 tons ports of origin and destination of the goods, red free of charge, to mail, steamers. The rear coming
was $25,925 Hirdshi Addition 1444 Fishing Junks were instead of at intermediate stations close on our venue collected under this heading was 87
and cont licensed during the year and the greater number border
this was $14,075 more than 1997 of these ame in or lett daily during the winter in 1884 our junk tonnage was 49 per cent. The Revenue Collected each year since the Br
of the European tonnage in 1897 it was only 1 Ordnance came into forceing followi
Hawaiian
itishers, in foreign payment of a fee of a cents she) On Stations has laterfered with our junk trade in i ́braught in British ships; and 22,747 by. Foreign the money in Court to be paid over to the rather than useful,
The Far
"make ant that the monoy In Court was a sufficient man, or have heard him a satisfaction for the claim, and that therefore you may Rnd it hard not to there would be judgment, for the defendant | | made it his chief object in ] plaintiff und; that Mr. Curtis should pay the cams with suddenness to take, the cost of the summons.--China Garette
the English people, and Mr. tide at the flood which leadi a few weeks Mr. Yerbin JAPANESE LABOURERS FOR
many cleverer und more CANADA
striven for in vaint damaged what
to the ümber
"of 1, termed his "chand
Government by
the 3rd inst. for Portland
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