108.
ATHLETIC SPORTS,
AT HAPPY VALLEY.
Bb inst.
Very favourable weather prevailing. the allendance at the Hongkong Football Ground this afte no in ሱብ the occasion of the athletic sports held in connection with the Victoria, Recreation Club, was quite up to the average, nod some interesting contesta were witnessed. During the afternoon by kind per mlsinn of Captain Fegen, and Officers, the string band of H.M.S. Centurion, played selection.
Brief results were as follows:~~ LONG JUMP (Three ires). First prize pre- sented by Hon. Mr R. Showan; second prize presented.
R. F. C. Master
II. Hancock..134
J. P. Jordan
Distance: 19 feet a inches,
PL C# KICK, RUGBY FOOTBALL.
tries). Prite presented.
J. A. F. Bourchier, R.W.
1. Witchell
I
.
(Three
1
2
110 YARDS FLAT PACR. (Handicap). First priza presented by Mr. J. RM. Smith; second prize presented,
H. S. M. Harrison, R N.............
J. Witchell...eniorum admiter Time, 123/5 seconds.
1
*
HIGH JUMP (Three tries). First prize pro seated by Messrs. David Sasson & Co., Ld., second prize presented.
C. Murphy, RN. .............................. J. Witchell...........................
Height: 3 feet 11 inches.
[
2
TEAM RACE, 200 YARDS. Open to professions
or units (team of 4). Prizes presented.
Albion ......
Volunteers
Time, I min. 41 3/5 802.
I
1
HALF-MILE FLAT RACK. (scratch). First and second prizes presented by the Talkoo Club.
E. C. Ward, R. Nesrustee I H. G. C. Bailo
Time, 2 min. 7 sec.
↑
BOYS' RACE, 440 YARDS (handicap), Open to all boys over sa And under 16 who are song or brothers of members of Clubs mentioned in programme. First prize presented by Mr. M. A. A. da Souza; second prize presented.
A. Remedios A. Ellis ma Time, 1 min. 64 sec. BICYCLE RACE One Mile (handicap). First prize presonted by Mr. A. Chapman; second price presented.
2
2
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1905.
FORESTRY IN HONGKONG,“
A YEAR'S WORK.
Writing with regard to forestry licences in the mainland, Mr. Dunn says that when The New Territory was taken over by the British in 1899 there were about as many large pine growing in the district as there are small ones now. The Chinese, being afraid that their new masters would confiscate the trees, began to cut them down wholesale. From the accounts which have been collected there must have been something like eight million disposed of in this way, a course which has been ere now, no doubt, bitterly repented; for 'n matter of fact the only restriction enforced by the police was with regard to the cutting down of large wild trees and Furg Shui trees round the villages. The confidence of the hee farmers towards English rule having ba- come gradually re-established and safety from encroachments by neighbouring owners being further secured by the presence of the Police, re-afforestation soon began. The scheme of defining and registering the plantations was therefore received in general with great readi ness by the farmers who came forward when called on and paid their licence fees. The scheme was designed to ENCOURAGE THE FARMERS TO RE-AFFOREST by giving them secure tenure of the trees, to secure re-sewing of felled areas and to provide a proper demarcation of the ground in case of disputes. Accompanie 1 by the newly-appoint ed licensing clerk he visited about 80% of the plantations between August and December, ssuing about 300 licences and collecting $5,700.00 in licence fees. The fees were at the rate of to cents per acre so that the total acreage licensed is about $7,000 acres. In several cases disputes Brose in consequence of the wrong persons have ing come forward and secured licences for plantations to which they had no right; the proper owners in spite of repeated notices and warnings failing to present themselves until they found the licensee cutting down their trees. The rules published in the Govern ment Gazette by which the assistance of the Land Court is provided, will, it is hoped, ob rules have been framed with great care and apparently provide for all contingencies, but time alone can show how far the objects aimed
will be realized.
T. H. Greenwood R. N. (50 yards) J. A. S. Alves (40 yards) Times, 2 min. 47 1-5 sec. 100 YARDS FLAT RACE. (Challenge Cup), Presented by: Dr. F. H. Kew. To be won three years before becoming the property of a competitor. First prize presented by the China Sugar Refinery Club; second prizeviate many of these difficulties in future. The presented.
J. Witchell
H. nancock
R. F. C. Master Times 1 sec.
I
2
3
TUO-OF-WAR. (Open to non-commissioned officers and men of army and police). Each Regiment or Corps may enter one team only, 8 men a side. To he pulled over is feet. Best of three pulls. No spikes or rails allowed. No sitting down. No holes to be dug in the ground before pulling. Frizo presented.
||
1.
CROWN RENT ROLLS.
Agricultural census. In order to forestall the demand for information upon the agricul tural industries of the New Territory, which is In 1903 the Land Court undertook the pre- sure to occur as measures are adopted to imparation of a Crown rent roll, the total amount prove and augment them, officers of the De-entered being $53,630 77. This early Crown rent roll was based on claims laid in the Land partment have been employed, as often as other duties allowed, in taking an agricultural Court. At present the Land Court is preparing census of the various districts. The informa a permanent Crown rent roll based on draft to over tion is entered on special printed forms one Crown leases, which amounts
$90,000.00. for each village. About 500 of these are now filed in the Office.
PEGGING OUT THE NEW 18RRITORIES.
REPORT ON THE LAND COURT,
The aperations of the New Territories Land Court, established to deal readily and inexpon- sively with the holdings claims, from its com- mencement to the present time, form the subject of a special report printed in the current number of the Gazelle. Mr. J. R. Wood tells us that the claims collected previously to the institution of the Court in 1899 and 1900 by Messis. Mester and Kemp were insufficient for any purpose other than a temporary Crown Rent Roll and could not be used. A large part of the New Territories had been surveyed field by field on the 16" scale and it was de cided to show on these maps the boundaries of holdings. With the exception of these maps the Land Court had nothing on which to base operations. This affected the eficiency of the work in the early stages, and in February of 1905 a 32" scale was authorised to be employed whenever the Land Court agreed with the The 33" scale was also used for a re-survey of survey officer that its adoption was necessary, New Kowloon, while the 64" scale was em ployed for a special survey of New Kowloon City,
DECIDING A CLAIM.
All the records of the Land Court are now transferred to the Land Office and one phase of the seulement is finally closed. It has been the object throughout of the Court to avoid handing over to the Government as Crown land with ut a specific recommendation areas on which are settled doni fide occupanti whose laims Government would feel itsell bound to inquire into at some later date. It is hoped that this object has been attained,
SPECIAL REPORTS.
FANCY DRESS BALL.
ROYAL ENGINEERS EN FETE.
roth inst
|
FOREIGN TRÅDE OF CHINA.
THE CURRENCY QUESTION.
The following is from the report of Mr. H. B. Morse, statistical secretary of the Imporial Maritime Customs, on the Foreign Trade of China for the Year 1904
1903, exchange rose to is. 8id. in May, A From the lowest point, 20, 44d, in March difference of 12 per cent. in two months; June in September, a jump of 13 per cent. in three it fell 3 per cent, and rese again to 28. rifd, months; in December it touched 11. 8d., a fall of 10 per cent: in three months; in Feb. ruary it had mounted to 38 1d., a rise of 16 per cent, in two months; was down again to 28. 83. in three months was again up 9 per cent.; and in April, a fall of 14 per cent, in two month after another decline, mate a jump in the tait two months of 1904 of 3 per cent. In two years China sOW series of nine fluctuations
Adoption of European methods by Chinese.
GENERAL PROGRESS.
gipsies, badgered old-Bandyshe, and tormented -Advice was sought on several occasions by It will have been seen, says Mr. Wood, that the life out of everybody on the scene. Mr. P. Hongkong merchants as to the supply of it is impossible to give any graphic idea of the Tester's pourtrayal of the gamin was an ex- chemical fertilizer, etc., to farmers in the injudicial results achieved by the Land Court-tremely fine piece of acting, Theodors Bendysha, In his report on the Botanical and Afforesla-terior. European gardening tools are also said district by district-until the final year (1904) who thinks himself a painter and invelgles ton Depariment for 1954, the Superintendent,
to be in request.
The Full Court dealt-continuously with the Chiara to poso for him as Cleopatra, is sup Mr. S. T. Dana, ya that felling and replant
Sisal hemp continues to do well. It' in on valuable property in New Kowloon. In pored to be a bit of a crank, and as played by ing on the basis of a 15-year rotation were poor stony ground and might, if sucessful intervals between Full Court sittings, Mr. Mr. M. 8. Northcote, proved provocative of commenced this year. The question of what is provide a valuable new industry for the New Gomperts dealt with disputed claims in is much fun. Mr. J. C. Anderson was the the best rotation for Pinus marsoniana in Territory farmers and at the same time utilize lands near Hongkong; and on visits of inspec "friend of the Major" who gave up or WAS The war appears to have bean of minor Hongkong is, however, still open to doubt around that is now of little value.
tion to the office at T'ai l'o, he gave such deel thrown over by-Maysle in favour of Dick, importance among the conditions affecting the experts differ on the point and H. E the Go-
Cotton.-Arrangements were made for com.ions as time would allow. How the residue and although he was occasionally rather stilted trade of China during the year. A large aroa- vernor has decided that more falling shall mencing experiments en Cotton growing at the of disputes add the mass of undisputed material in his style, his performance was, on the whole, of production and consumption was cut off, take place until the results of this year's opera
commencement of the rains. Great Interest
were dealt with, has been shown in the separate above that of the average amateur, Mr. J. and trade was hampered, to some extent by attaches to these trials and every effort will be reports appended to this paper. Generally, as Hays was the squire and a proper squire he the action taken by the Chiners authorities in tions have been calculated and the whole question put before an independent authority. made to render them a success. The first to the speed of the work of the Land Court it looked, keeping his nephew Tom (Mr. F. D. restraint of those who would have made of the The heavy work of replanting was well in crops will not be gathered until next Autumn is gratifying to note that while the Indian Davies) in leash with a firm hand. Tom, on the Chinese ports bases of supply for one or other hand before the end of this year. A com. when the result will be calculated and fully re.urvey staff returned to India in May, 1904, other hand, was interesting study as pro- of the belligerents; otherwise, and at a distance mencement was also made in afforesting the ported.
the Land Court was able to submit its final resented by Mr. Davies, while Major Chapman's from the seat of war, the direct effect was not Seth, the gipsy, albeit it was a small part, was clearly perceptible. Indirectly, of course, some bato, sandy hills behind Kowloon with 50,000
port at the close of the same year.
as good as anything seen on the stage. pine seedlings.
effect was produced. The monetary stringency, The Hongkong A.D.C., have scored another existing since 1900 and well marked at the end success. In less capable hands "One Sum of 1903, became more pronounced as the war mer's Day" would seem insipid and trashy, but went on, and must be bold accountable for there is life and action and probability in it as some, at least, of the stagnation prevalent dur presented by the A.D.C. and all connecteding 1904; it is probable that it was a potent with the performance may be congratulated on agency in restricting the export of Chinese the result of their efforts.
produce, and thereby increasing the so The performance will be repeated to-night, called "adverse balance of trade. Among and on Monday night.
Imports we find that textiles, a third of the whole, alone show no expansion, a fact due directly to the inflated cost of the raw material. These various causes have had their influence in producing the depression which characterised containly the first nina months of the year, but among all other causas the fluctuations in exchange must not be lost It was an exceedingly happy idea which in sight of, Trade can adjust itself to a low. duced the members and non-commissioned exchange or to a high exchange, or even to a officers of the Royal Engineers stationed in shifting exchange if the movement can be Hongkong to give a fancy dress ball, which foreseen; but a state of things which introduces Mr. Mcl. Messer and Mr. C. Clementi fur took place in the Engineers Theatre at Well-the element of gambling into the business of nish special reports on last year's work, the ington Barracks on Friday night. There was a every day, which makes it impossible for a former, who was appointed a member of the very large attendance at the ball, and from the merchant to estimate the amount in one Land Court on March and, 1904, undertaking variety of costumes represented, and the char currency which will give him profit in an first the hearing and decision of claims to land
acter of the roles assumed by the masquen, it other, and which may even make it doubtful and water which had not been surveyed and was evident that no little interest had been if a profit actually realised in one currency can plotted on the cadastral maps (iotalling 360), aroused in the event. The theatre, which is be safely landed in another, all this increases and then the claims to surveyed land in dis none too large on ordinary occasions, was the cost of trading by enforcing the wisdom of tricts extending over the whole of the mainland crowded to overflowing, and, indeed, dancing large margins, and by to much acts as a of the New Territory with the exception of during the earlier part of the evening was car restraint on trade. New Kowloon, Tsun Wan and Un Long. Mr. ried on in what might be termed a congested Clementi first concluded the settlement of area, but everybody was in the highest spirits, claims in survey district IV, New Kowloon, a good-humour was bubbling over, so that what matter of no small difficulty owing to the might have been considered by some an incon- existence of three discrepant surveys under venience became a source of fun and amase each of which judgments in respect of a ment. The friends of the non-commissioned number of claims had already been given officers turned up in full force, amongst those by my predecessors in the Land Court. At present being Captain and Mrs. Watkins, and the end of March, 1904, he left for Lan Lieut. Clark, R.E. The arrangements were districts, containing in all 37,132 lots, the pre-ident; Q. M. 6. Hunt, R.E., secretary; and tao Island, where there Are 72 survey under the charge of Q. M. S. Saunders, R.E, total area of the holdinge being 14,499.37 a committee Including Company Sergeant acres, and besides dealing with this he also de Major Hobson R.., and Sergeant Woodruff. termined claims relating to the surrounding Army Pay Corps. When the dancing was in islands. From there he went to Aplichau, and full swing, the scene was not only exceedingly proceeded to determine all claims to the is animated, but it was decidedly picturesque. lands of Lamma and Po Toi, which comprise The sight of an alleged Yank dressed up in eleven survey districts, containing in all 5.833 hayseed style pirouetting with one of the lots, the total area of the holdings being 188.60 Romany tribe, or a Canadian scout "making acres. In Jane he continued his journey in his up" to a Dutch frau would have charmed the house boat to Ts'un Wan, where he went on heart of a Hogarth. There was an alleged with the land settlement on the mainland from British workman on the scene, and he carefully New Kowloon westward to the Samchun sustained the character by refusing to work at River, and besides dealing with numerous is any price. Some of the Court dresses were lands decided claims in 67 survey districts exceptionally good. Among the ladies, those on the mainland, containing in all 29,470 lots, who represented the plays of all nations, the the total area of the holdings being 2,7 1.80 Scotch lassie, the Pierrotes and various al- Long, where he dealt with another 36 survey and so forth, were complimented on the results From Ts'un Wan be went to Yun legorical features such as Night, Winter, Folly districts on the mainland, containing in al of their taste. There was a large array of 57,582 lots, the total area of the holdings being Indian dresses, the gallant Engineers being no 14,119.39 acres. More recently he has been doubt in a position to get the real thing from occupied in preparing rent rolls, etc., and it is the Indian Troops across the way. As for of interest to note that since his last judgments Chinese representations, that character seemed were delivered, on the 7th September, 1904, to be remarkably popular, for there was a host lodged against any judgments delivered by and all the rest of it. The Chinese coolie, him.
however, was remarkable by his absence. In the course of the evening a flash-light photo graph was taken of the party and it is to be hoped that the brilliance of the scene will be adequately brought out the negative. The Engineers' band provided the music for the dancers and it was considerably after midnight before the gathering broke up Refreshments were supplied at a buffet, and allogether the proceedings proved exceedingly enjoyable. Among the characters represented at the Stars and Stripes: Miss Gidley, Greek malden; Mrs. Thomson. flags of all nations; MM. Ox- berry, Night; Mrs. Thomas, Winter; Mrs
Edwards as Miss Moffatt in Pantomime Mrs. Goldenberg, Folly; Miss Sheffield, an Ameri can girl; Mrs. McLeod, Scotch Lassie | Miss Gass, Flags of all nations) Mrs, Germain, Little Red Riding Hood: Mrs. Webb a narse with Baby; Mrs. McElvey, Flags of all nation Mrs. Jacobs, Snake Charmer; Mrs. Frampton Queen of Black Diamonds Mr. Mitchell, nurse; Mrs. Kynoch (Kowloon) Night; Mrs. A summary of the motif of "One Summer's Smith, Eighteenth Century Lady; Mrs. Wilde, Day" has already appeared in these columns, Mrs. Blogg, and Mrs. Simons, Irish girls; but a brief glance at the story may not be in Mrs. Bill French Peasant; Q. M. S. Hunt appropiate. The first act shows a gang of Chinese Sailor, P. Kohn, Alf, Cavelleira Rusti- gipsies bent on blackmailing Major Dick Red cana; Inspector Lawrence, Nabab; Mr. Tuckers, yard, who har adapted the orphan son of his Rajah ; Mr. Hylander, Chief; Mr. Ross, P.W.D, friend who died in India. Chiara the gipsy, is the Highlander; Sergt Hewett, A.S.C. Jockey; mother of the boy, and thinks she sees a source Corporal Mann R.E, Q.M.S. Minion, R.E., of plunder in the fact that the Major worships Torpedo Gunner Wilkes H.M.S. Albion all as the little chap he has adopted. The Major's "beefeaters, Q.M.S. Saunders, Pierro:; Mr. friend. Phil Marsden, gets his conge from Evans, Toreador, Mr. Donovan as Chirgwin or Maysic and the first acts ends dramatically, the White eyed Kaffir, Mr. Howarth, Prince of where Chiara discloses her identity to the Burnley, Mr. Howell, Supreme Court, Chicere Major at a picnic party. In the second and Mandarin, Mr. Hill, Barrister, Company Ser third acts, the gipsies are thwarted at every geant Major Hobson, a British Workman Mr. point; young Tom, who has lost his head and Huxley, H.M.S. Centurion, Black and White; his heart under the charms of the fair Chiara Staff Sergeant Moses, R.E, a soldier off duly is restored to sanity; and finally Major Dick Sergeant Major Jacobs; Albauian; Ex. Ser is rewarded with the band of Maysie.
Sergeant Waistow, a Country Squire Sergeant geant Major Smith, late R.G.A. Clown Staff Major Whitehead Chief; Company Sergeant Major Logan representing the H.K.V.C. Staff Sergeant Thompson, Clown Staff Sergeant and Mrs. Olive, Chinese Mandarin and Lady.
China New Year Shrub.-This shrub which
The procedure adopted in fixing a claim was described by Mr. Gompertz in 1951, when he wrote that, "The initial step is to select and mark out the boundaries of a district and a notification from H. E. in the Gasetle then fixes a date after which no claims in re spect of that district will be received by the Court, Notices are published directing claimants to attend the Court where the proper furms are filled in for them by the clerical staff. A demarcation party is sent out and persons are invited to auend and give particulars of ownership pointing out their land, the outlines of which are then put in on the cadastral map with an appropriate lot number" The undis puted claims are separated from those which are contested, and Mr. Gompertz pointed out that the latter can be easily picked out, for where the same lot number is found on more which that number relates is obviously contest though there appears to have been a plentiful claim to a lot, the ownership of that lot is not at the proper time to protect our hills and, aled, while conversely where there is only one supply of the shrub in the market, the greater in dispute. This method has in working part of it must have come from Canton for very justified its adoption, remarks Mr. Wood. little cutting took place in Hongkong and the New Territory.
CASSIA.
ДОГОВ.
is one of the most beautiful of all our rich shrub flora has yearly been becoming more and more scarce on the hills in consequence, he says, of the amount that has been cut by the Chinese at each New Year to sell for decorations. If the cutting had been judicious. little harm would have been done, but in consequence of the ruthless destruction of whole shrubs the species was, at any rate in this Island, on its way to extinction, an eventuality which would 110 YARDS HURDLE RACE. (10 flight suit the Chinese as little as the clber nature than one claim the ownership of the land to no appeal to the Supreme Court has been of mandarins, literati, Chinese bluejackets, I the producer to the Foreign market, are subject.
loving residents. An effort was therefore made
In the final, the 88th Co. R.G.A. beat H.M.S. Centurion in the final.
Previous winners at Hongkong or elsewhere to be penalised 1 yards. First prize pre: sealed by Mr. Geo. Murray Bain; second prize presented,
2
8. Bancock (penalined zi yardı)... 1 C. Murphy, R. N. (scratch). B. L. Rogers, R. N. (scratch)...... 3 Times 19-1/5 secs. HALF-MILE FLAT RACE. Open to soldiers, sailors and police. First, second and third prizes presented. (post entries),
Somb. Heard (83rd Co. R.G.A.) ... I Gunner Wood (R.G A.)....... Gunner Wilks (R.G.A.).. Times 7 min. 20 secs.
2
3
220 YARDS FLAT RACE (handicap). First Frize presented by ti. E. Sir Matthew Nathan, ...G.; second prize presented by Mr. W. Armstrong.
R. W. Pearson (7 yards)............ HSM. Harro, B., (8 yards)
Time 24 sec.
ONE MILE FLAT RACE (handkap). First
prize presented by H. E. Major General Sir Villiers Hatton, C.B. ; second prize presented.
E C. Ward, B.N., (scratch)
霉
3
3. A. F. Bouchier, R.N., (80 yards) a E. Humphries (45 yards) Time, 4 min, 44 Bec. BICYCLE RACE-Three Miles (Handicap). First prize presented by Hon. Sir C. P. Chater, C.1.0.; Second prize presented by
Messrs, G. Falconer & Co. Result:-
3
T. H. Greenword, RN, (200 yards) 1 1. A. S. Alves (250 yards)............ 1 J. Forbes (scratch) Time, 8 min. 49 1/5 sec. 440 YARDS FLAT RACE.-(Challenge Cup)
Presented by Mr. H. N. Mody to be won two years in succession before becoming the property of a competitor. First and second prizes presented. Result:-
7
J. Watson1499929-be 1. Witchell Time, 56-1/5 sec. GIRLS' RACE, 100 YARDS.-(Handicap). Past saries. Open to girls between the ages of 5 and 12. First and second prizes presented
I
by Mr. G. P. Lammert. Result -
Jessie Rodger..... Peggy Gordon.... OBITACLE RACE-First prize presoated by Mr. E. W. Mitchell; second prize prosented. Result :-
*
J. J. Watson........................ 4. Hallett, R............ BOYE RACE. 100 YARDA-(Handicap). Post entries. For boys under 10 years of age. First and second prizes presented:--
Almada Castro.......
E. Lammert...m mun
7
CONSOLATION FACE. (120 yards). Open to
all competitors except those in open events,
Prizes presented by Mr. W. A. Crake. Result :
A. S. Kempthorne ...................................... Į R. L. Garrett
Time, 131 sec.
2
·KINGS PARK, KOWLOON. Reporting upon this Park, Mr. Dunn says that work upon the valley at the south-wast corner of this area was entered upon at the beginning of the year (1954) with the object of combining accommodation for games with a Sertain amount of landscape effect sowing how. Ever to the great demand for flat ground for ames this scheme had to be abandoned and every foot levelled to accommodate them, When the funds provided in the estimates of this Department were expended as extended Acheme of draining Ad levelling was begun by Sko Public Works Department.
EXTENT OF THE WORK.
"ONE SUMMER'S DAY."
between extreme points ranging from 3 to 16 per cent for each in the currencies in which When we come to the collection of Exports Imports and Exports ars handled wholesale, and the distribution of Imports, we have still another series of exchanges between the whole sale currency, silver, and the currency of the people, copper. From the diagram it will be seen that copper alin has appre 35 years, silver having in that time lost ciated in terms of silver in the couria of
vero per cent. of its copper exchange valuo. In the course of every year there is also much copper, but by no means always synchronous fluctuation in the exchange between silver and or commensurate with the changing relations of gold and silver. We have here & double, lever state of disturbed equilibrium. Every the place of production to the ultimate con parcel of Foreign producis in its course from sumer, and every lot of Chinese produce from to a bewildering series of exchange conversions in which each person who handles the goods is forced to allow a margin to cover all possible fluctuations, which, as we have seen, may amount to 16 per cent, whhin a period insuf ficient to carry the goods from their starting point to their ultimate destination. No trade can stand such a strain under conditions in which even the wise foresight which settles exchange in advance may involve the operator in a heavy loss; and it is high time that all interested in the prosperity of the trade of porting merchants, guilds, jobbers, and retailere used such influence asthey possess to further any method of reform which will ensure stability of exchange,
bark by the Chinese, and transplasted into the 971, while the total number of maps surveyed cidents, with just that touch of the romantic ball were-Mrs. Hunt, plerrotte; Mrs. Minion, China-governments, banks, importing and ex+'
Twelve forlorn Cassia trees possibly the last of the large numbers planted out on the hills in former years, were rescued from a valley near Aberdeen, where they had been almos: killed by the repeated stripping off of their valuable
Government Nursery at Sookunpo
A large amount of time of the forestry staff has again been occupied in clearing trees on Crown land for the construction of water-works and roads.
THE LOCAL PINE. During the forestry licence rounds a system of cultivating the local pine (Pinus massoniana) vas met with at Lung Ko Tan, which is, sa far the same advantages are aimed at as by the as can be ascertained, unique, to this method
well known European system of pollarding, But the pollarding of coniferous trees seems to be unknown in Europe. The exact method employed with the pines here is as follows: Al 10 years old when the tree is about 12 feet high the top half is cut off. After 5 off. Shoots soon appear from the cut parts years more the lower branches are cut
and these are cut every years together with the upper remaining internode--this tree pro. duces anoual whorles of branches-until, after 20 to 26 years, the whole is used up. This method is not used in any other part of the The Hikko families who practise it believe that they came from Wei New Territory. Chou in North-East Kwangtung about 150
years ago.
STREET TREES.
in connection with the new tramway, 17 banyans were transplated bear Causeway Bay and in Arsenal Street.
Forty-five Albizzin and za Celtis were plant ed in the West part of Des Voeux Road. In fius weather in summer this road is one of the most mercilessly hot and glaring spots in the town. It will be greatly benefied by the freshness and shade of these treat.
AGRICULTURE.
From Mr. Newland's report on the survey work of the New Territory one can easily see the largeness of the task before the Land Court. The total number of demar cation districts is 477, the number of maps pre- pared on the 16" scale is 85, on the 37" scale is 556. On the 16" scale 24,21454 acres have been surveyed, and 16,523.31 on the 32" scale, making a total of 40,737.95 acres surveyed, In addition to these figures there are six maps. white 328,639 holdings have been demarcated.
of Old Kowloon (not "demarcated) scale, and one of Lan Tao count lines on 32" scale, not demarcated owing tous cultivation. The total number of maps is therefore 563. To Mr. Newland's figures most still be added surveys which were numbered and so deal over 10,000 houses omitted from the 16" scale with; and also the surveys of large claims in New Kowloon specially made and totalling an area of 2,936 acres.
EARLY PROGRESS.
the 32"
The initial staff of the Land Court was two small to grapple speedily with the mass of detailed investigation before it, and in Novem- ber of 1991 a second registrar was appointed, while the Chinese staff was, from time to time substantially increased. At Tai Po Mr. Wood has had as many as so clerks at one time and an outdoor staff of 140.
DEMARCATION.
PERFORMANCE BY THE A.DC.
8th inst, "One Summer's Day" is an idyll crowded with episodes, humorous and dramatic. It is not what one would describe as a strong play; it might rather be called a pretty series of in- which affords pleasure even to the most mal er-of-fact old stager. The large audience which attended the theatre last night found To the large body of representatives from the everything to their liking, and showed their satisfaction in the most unmistakable fashion. Navy and Army who occupied the back benches, "One Summer's Day" appealed, evidently, with special interest, for they laughed at and applauded every "point" in the play, and, emotional parts. possibly, but this is only a surmise, wept at the
FIRE IN A STUDIO,
8th inst.
tion of trade, it is still trae that China as a whole was in a prosperous condition during the year. In the North the crops were abun deni. The unprecedented rain which visited Manchuria, impeding the movements of the belligerents and causing them much hardship brought to the cultivator a joy which was mitigated only by the difficulty he experienced in finding a cash market for his abundant crops. Chibli and Shantung were both favoured with good harvests, estimated atnine-tenthsa possible
Notwithstanding the evidence of the stagna
best"; and nothing but the general stringency of the money market, more marked at Tientsin than elsewhere, interfered with a generally good year for trade. It is atsled, however, that Shansi bankers, who four years ago abandoned their plundered vaults and withdrew their avail able assets, will resume operations at Tientsin during the coming spring. In Shantung the railway to Chi-nan, 412 kilometres from Toing. tau, was opened to traffic From Ste-choan have been appreciably shortened. The re The time spent on demarcation could not
alone are bad crops reported, sad the ensuing destitution can only partitily be relieved be gular obstacles are described in Mr. Gom
cause of difficulty of transport. The wealthy pertz's report for 1901, in which he says:-
Yangtzo basin was free from the disturbances The main obstacles to the quick progress of
It will be seen that Major Dick is the chief
chow some pilfering of boats being reported; only in Kiangsi, some rioting and from Hang. demarcat on are as follows ;—”
(n.) The Chinese staff of the Land Court bas character of the play. Everything centres
and the harvests of the whole of the vast area to work hand in hand with indian surveyors round his personality which dominates every
were excellent, as good as in 1903-tonnage, and neither party understands the language of body. A lazy, lounging, debonair officer hs
even, suficient to move the Rice from Wubs, the other. (2.) The holdings are in many cases Ppears at first sight, but the good hear below
was wanting. The stringency in the Haskow very small, in some villages they average more it all, is soon evident. The role of Major Dick
money market became more pronounced.tos than 1oo to the acre. (.) Holdings near the Rudyard was taken by Mr. C. H. Grace, who
ward the end of year. From Hankow the boundaries of the New Territory often belong gave one of the most finished performances we
railway to the north is open to traffic for to persons resident outside British jurisdiction the gallery when the openings appeared, nor have seen. There was no attempt to play to
433 kilometres as far as Hag-chou, and the road bed is ready to the Yellow River, Cattle food-In cooperation with the Co. and the owners occasionally neglect to come forward and furnish particulars of their
was there any undup dramatic tensity. Mr. lonial Veterinary Surgeon, some experiments rights. even after being specially summoned,
For some unknown reason there appears in Fuhklen, too, a very good Rice crop was. Grace was as natural in the p t as if he played to be quite an epidemic of fires just now, and a harvested; but from the vicinity of Amay any of the common evergreen trees of the during seed time and harvest, information has were made with a view to ascertain whether (d) On Chinese bolidays and festivals, and it every day in real life, and he delineation remarkable fact in connection with them s come reports of devastating floods. From this district could provide sustenance for cattle been less readily forthcoming than at other
was undoubtedly the star effort of the perform that, in the majority of cases, neither the pre-province is heard the first audible nots of dise during the winter season. Six kinds of leaves times. (.) in the case of poor pieces of hill cessful, and, amid a plethora of lovers, carried outbreaks occurred again last night in the their northern market. Kwangtung suffered mises in which they break out, nor the con tress-not local-due to the war, coming from As Maysle, Mrs. Grace was exceedingly suc tents are insured. One of these mysterious the dealers in Tea and Timber,.shut out from were tried-Ficus refusa, Quercus salicina, cultivation, that have paid no taxes to the Chiff the honours and dismissed their appeals ground floor of No. 12y Wellington street, from deprivation of the Beancake needed to Quercus fia, Bambusa sp., libiscus sp.nese Government, the squatters are reluctant Sterculia The first were pro. baby tee hard and dry, and the bamboo loves to lay claims that may be made the basis of with the urbanity of a judge of the Supreme which is at present unsccupied and empty manure its fields, and the piracy in the Canton proved injurious; the Sterculia leaves were,
taxation later on. (7) The divergent interests Court. An extremely difficult part, that of The fire, which started among some straw delta was rampant; the province as a whole of local clans and peasant cultivators have Chiara, the renegade gipsy and unnatural mo and rubbish left the previous day by the tenant was prosperous and the harvest abundant, however, readily eaten and might in conjuction given rise to fears on both sides as to the ther, was entrusted to Mrs. H. M. Webb. The who then left the house after occupying a floor The raileny from Canton to Samshui has been with rice-straw prove a serviceable food.
Castle Peak EstateA large consignment of work commenced in June, 1900, and finished hearted gaiety to morose fanatical anger, was ing to the first floor. This is occupied by Lam metres). In Kwangsi the disorders have been Intentions of Government. The demarcation rapid change of feelings, from careless light for ten days only, spread up the staircase lead-opened to traffic, a length of 20 miles (31 kilo: pineapple suckers, which were kindly sent by in June, 1953.
portrayed by Mr. Webb with real bistrionic Ying Chee, as a photographic studio, the upper reduced, if not entirely repressed, and here, request from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Singa
Ability. Occasionally, the situation seemed storeys being used as store-rooms and re- too, the harvest was good. Yannan reports. pore, were divided between the Castle Paak
JUDICIAL WORK.
rather forced, but that was a blemish which sidential quarters by the fakes of the shop the harvesting of an exceptionally good crop Estate and the Government Nursery at The first judicial sitting of the Court was may be attributed to a first-night's performance The flames consumed the staircase, and of Rice, and an abundance of com cir a: Sookunpo. This is a better variety then held on 20th February, 1901. By be advice Mr. Webb looked the part to perfection; she spread into the studio which was practic-culating, introduced for railway construc any that we had previously and when the of the Law Committee of the Legislative tayed with the love-lom boy, chaffed her gipsy ally gutted, damage to the extent of $1,000 tion. Finally, far away Yatung reports that stock has multiplied sufficiently it can be dia- Council the start was made in New Kowloon, empanions, threatened the Major, and be being done, which is not covered by the trade with Tibet was entirely disorganised tributed to the Chinese farmer.
the Full Court-Mr. Pollock and Mr. Gom haved with all the abanden of a child of the insurance. The firemen from No. 5 Sta by the operations of the British Expeditionary Exhibition of Colonial-grown fruits in Lon- pertz-sitting in the Eastern portion of New forest. The ginay Bear, fertile with evil advice tlon repaised to the spot and soon sabdued force, that a two years supply of both Imports don. The facilities offered by the Royal Hor Kowloon all the summer of that year. The under the cloak of friendship, was well person the flames, the services of the men from the and Exports is waiting to be moved, but that ticultural Society to Colonial fruit-growers and plan pursued was to first deal exclusively with sted by Miss Hazeland, while Trend was a Central Station not being required, it is the necessary trat port will not be available fuit-tinners for exhibiting at their exhibition conflicting claims The superficial result for pleasant, good-tempered and characteristically not known how the fire was caused, but as the from Yunnan and Szechusa come reports af is London in December, were duly advertised the first three years 1001-3 was thus small in English girl, as played by Miss Blair, Miss door of the ground flour was open it is surmis increased trade with Tibet. On the whole, the by the Government in Hoogkong, and advan extent compared to the Immense mass of Wakefield made a delightful Mrs. Bandysks ed that either a coolie or a beachcomber stroll conditions of trade wars excellent and such as age was taken of them by one or more Chinese undisputed material awaiting consideration. One of the richest parts was that of Thead in for a quiet smoke and rest, and careless to overcome, except in the actual field of opera merchants. Among the tinned fruits sent were But, when Mr. Gomperts resigned, the absence Urchin, an irrepressibla London stab, to whom ty dropped a lighted match among the straw tions, the inevitably depressing effects of the lichis, wampees, longans, carambolas, plums, of difficult disputes facilitated the quick settle sathing in heaven or earth or the water andar and debris, and then seeing what he had done, war and the maintenance and even increase peaches and pears,
ment arrived at by the three new members, the earth was lacred. Ho poked fan at the bolted without stopping to give the alarm. of the values of the Import and Expori, trade
ence.