110
BANK BURGLARY IN HONGKONG.
NEARLY A QUARTER OF A MILLION STOLEN.
zoblinst.
An exceptionally daring burglary, carried through with great dash and audacity, was committed at the premises of Sui Hing, bank er, 100 Wing Lok Street, in the early hours of Sunday morning, and money and securities aggregating $216,ore were appropriated. No clue to the perpetrators of the burglary has been found, and the proprietor of the establish; ment can offer no suggestion as to any suspect ed party.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1905.
THE HONGKONG. ROPE MANU FACTURING CO., LTD.
ANNUAL MEETING.
8th inst.
continue
MAGISTRATE'S DECISION,
APPEALED AGAINST,
Toth inst
A. DEAL IN GLASS.
13th inst. The sum of $904.05 was claimed as damages under a contract for the sale of glass, by At the Supreme Court this morning the Chief Mess. A. Ross & Co., who, this morning, Justice (Sir H. S. Berkeley) and the Puisne sued the Man Hing Loong, before the Puisne Judge (Mr. T, Sercombe Smith) heard an. Judge (Mr. T. Sercombe Smith) to recover the application for the re-hearing, before the Full
amount. The plaintiffs were represented by Mr. Court, of a charge ofcommon assault heard and
H. Bursthouse (Messrs Dennys and Bowley) determined by Mr. F.A. Hazeland, at the Magis. and Mrs. F. X. D'Almada e Castre appeared tracy in February last. It may be remembered for Sua Chuen Leung, who had been served that the accountant of a Chinese shop, No. 140,
as a partner; otherwise the defendants were Queen's Road West, was recently fined for not represented -At the outset Mr. Hursthouse being in illicit possession of opium, and it sabiexplained that the only question was whether sequently transpired that a servant boy, named the man served was a partner or not. There was no doubt about it that the person who Mok Shai, had been in the habit of fetching
entered into the contract on behalf of the de- opium for the accountant of the premises, who concluded that it was he who had given inform fendant firm was the man served with the writ. ation to the excise officers which led to his being Subsequently Sun Chuen Leung advertised fined for being in illegal possession of opium,
his retirement from the firm, but later asked for time before taking delivery of the glass It transpired during the hearing of the case of assault that the boy was brutally treated, as a
under the contract.-Evidence was heard, and result of which the accountant and five other men judgment was given for plaintiffs with costs were charged and corvicred and sentenced to imprisonment for six months with hard labour, without the option of a fine, and six hours in
the stocks.
SOLDIER'S strange DEATH.
ACCIDENTAL POISONING.
10th-inst.
DISTINGUISHED JAPANESE
'LADY · ·
PASSES THROUGH HONGKONG.......
In our columns a few days ago we stated that the first doctor's degree conferred on a woman by the University of Marburg has been secured by a Japanese lady, Miss Tata Urata, of Kumatamoto. Miss Umta who, for her degree, wrote an exceedingly erudite thesis, which received the highest encomiums from the medical faculty of the university, arrived here yesterday on board of the German mail steamer Priussen on her way home. She spent her short play in the Colony with Dr. and Mrs. K. Justi, to whom she brought greetings from their German friends. We understand that this talented young lady was born in Kagashima, and after studying for three years in, Tokio, worked as an assistant under the well-known Dr. Kitasato. After learning German she pro- ceeded to Marburg and studied ophthalmology which should prove of great assistance to her as diseases of the eye are very prevalent in Japan. We hope that this young lady doctor, who proceeds to Tokio, will meet with the success that she undoubtedly deserves.
JUVENILE FEMALE THIEVES
GOING ALONG THE PRAYA EAST.
At the Magistracy this afternoon, Mr. F. A. Hazeland, sitting as Coroner, held the inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of one Usnf, a private in the 119th Mahratias, which occurred on the 27th ult. The following
Yesterday two Chinese ladies in ricksbas juryaren were empannelled: Messrs. Walter
were closely followed by two small beggar Daniel (Foreman), K. N. Mody, and Somer-girls, soliciting. No notice being taken of their ville
The Hon. Mr. R. Bhewan presided at the twenty-first ordinary annual meeting of shares holders in the Hongkong Rope Manufacturing Co., Ltd, held this forenoon at the Company's offices, Sr. George's Building. Others present were Dr. J. W. Noble, Messrs H. P. White, A. J. Raymond (Consulting Committee), Rung Wa Chun, and R. Henderson (secretary).
been read,
The notice convening the meeting having When the premises were locked up on Satur The Chairman said Gentlemen, with your day evening, the money, promissory notes, permisssion we will take the report and ac counts which have been circulated for some scrip, and shares belonging to the firm were
time past as read. I have very little comment. placed in the safe-hne of the old-fashioned iron box affairs. The safe stands in the ground to make on them. The year 1904 was a very floor of the business, andnext door to the room in quiet year for us. Our total turnover was with which it was, it is stated, three servants sleep. in 50 tons of the previous year, and our gross About 3 o'clock on Sunday morning one of the profits about $5,000 more. The net result is partners awoke with the uneasy feeling that almost the same, vit, $121,137.07 with which it is proposed to place to reserve fund $to,coo, there was some stranger in the house. He im- mediately went to the next room, and was shock. and pay a dividend of 20% absorbing 5100,000,
It was against this decision that Mr. H. E. ed to find the safe standing wide open and its leaving $1,137.07 to be carried forward to contents rifled. Ile gave the alarm to the credit of this year's account. The hemp market Pollock, C. (instructed by Mr. d'Almada e whole bousehold, but the burglar had fled, takat Manila experienced the usual fluctuations Castro, Messrs. Brutton, Helt, and Goldring) ing with him everything of value he could lay during the year, but on the whole the price appeared in Court this morning on behalf of the was slightly lower than before, and this year, I six defendants, Li Ngok, Chung Uno, Li Hu, his hands upon. When the proprietor came to measure the extent of his losses he was dis- am glad to say, we have bought at slightly Leung Luk, Lu Y, and Li Hon, while the bo hoped that Attorney-General (Hon. Mr. E. H. Sharp, KC) mayed to find that the burglar bad taken 54,648 lower prices still. It is to
represented the respondent. may in ready cash, mostly notes of small denomina. this downward tendency
Mr. Follock explained that they were before tions, although there were one or two of $100 for the high cost of rope curtails the
the Court on a motion made by the appellanta each. Bills and securities to the value of demand as it conduces to economy on
for the re-hearing before the Full Court of a $211,362 has also disappeared, besides scrip the part of consumers who are naturally not
Shok Otor Ali said he belonged to the same for ten Hongkong Banking Corporation inclined to buy as much rope at 30 to 40 cents charge of common assault, which was heard
as they used to do when the price was only 15 and determined by the Police Magistrate on 19th Mahrains regimens as deceased, who shares, the office chop, and various scrip. It will be practically impossible to trace to 20 cents per lb. a high rate of exchange the 22nd February, Their Lordships would was a Mahommedan. On the night deceased the bank notes, but the securities should which so many people pray for is also anything see from the form of the notice of motion that, died witness went to see him at 9 o'clock, to be recovered unless the burglar, finding but a blessing to us for it makes our product in the first place, the appellants were asking take a lesson in the scriptures as usual, and for a re-heating generally upon the facts of the found him well and in good spirits, and he that hecannot dispose of them without involving dearer in countries with a gold currency or
Ile never board deceas case with leave to adduce fresh evidence; and, i stayed about an hour the risk of his own capture, should wantonly gold standard such as Australia, (údia, Java destroy that evidence of his crime. As for the etc. But in spite of the effect of dearer raw secondly, they were submitting to the Courted say he was sick of life, and he never heard promissory notes, they are of no use to any material and higher exchange our business is that there ought to be a re-hearing on the him threaten to take his life. body except the drawer, and it is not at all in a sound position, our markets are widening, grounds that the sentence which was passed likely that the Bank shares will be sold, cer- and our rope is becoming favourably known upon the defendants was excessive. With re- in places it had not reached before, and any gard to the general question of the sentence tainly not on the local market at any rale.
As previously remarked the proprietor of check to the local consumption caused by being excessive, Mr. Pollock said he would show their Lordships that the evidence given Sui Hing says he has not the faintest suspicion higher prices will, we trust, be only tem- who the burglar could be; be has no enemies poraty and disappear as the shipping trade helore the Police Magistrate certainly weighed Owing unevenly upon the defendanis relatively one unlikely, in his recovers from its present depression. that he is aware of, and it
in stackness of business and accumulation to the other, and he submitted that, as a general opinion, that a person would bargle a house
of stock the factory was shut down is the principle, the case was unlike one, for instance, merely to get back a promissory nole. It is the
where six men start out, some of them being cleverness and the cool manner of proceeding months of July, August and September, so we about the matter that will arouse attention, still have every facility for filling a much armed to commit a robbery, as each of the six From all that can be seen, the burglar entered larger demand than any we have yet had. The would be responsible for any of the acts com- accounts are very simple, and I do not thinkmitted by any of the others. But it was rather by a skylight on the roof of the house. He found his way to the basement, past half a require any explanation, but I shall be glad to
answer any questions about them before dozen sleepers, aud yet he must have trod so lightly that he never even stirred the repose of move that the report and accounts be adopted. the slumberers. Then he fitteda keyinto the lock of the safe, carefully selected what he wanted, and wandered away the same way as he had come. He had fingered the papers 50 gently that they do not seem to have rustled even, otherwise the three servants sleeping in the adjoining apartment, separated by a thin parti. tion from the safe, would almost certainly have heard the noise. The fact that he had a key upon him, with which to manipulate the lock would seem to hint at inside complicity, but
Sui Hing scouts that notion.
It is stated that the bank does not usually keep such a large stock of money in the house, but on Saturday evening, after the sales of the day, several tradesmen brought their takings to the bank, with the result that the value of the money and securities totalled nearly a quar- ter of a million of dollars. Of that sum, it is possible that the burglar may manage to secure for himself $5,000 or more, but the rest is valueless to him. The story reads like an amazing puzzle; the crime might have been committed by a somnambulist, for all the traces left behind. And the curious part of it is that nobody can even hint at a possible clue. The police were informed of the occurrence on Sunday forenoon, but up to the present lime, not a vestige of the missing money has been seen or heard of. is a mystery which will give the police authorities something to think about for some time to come.
JAPANESE PRINCE ARRIVES
IN HONGKONG.
There being no questions, the Chairman moved, and Mr. Fung Wa Chun seconded, that the report and accounts as presented be adopted and passed.
Carried,
CONSULTING COMMITTEE.
On the proposition of Mr. Fung Wa Chun, seconded by the Chairman, Messrs. A. J. Ray mand, D. E. Brown, H. P. White and Dr. J. W. Noble were re-elected to the Consulting Com.
'mittee.
AUDITORS.
Mr. Raymond proposed, Dr. Noble seconded), and it was agreed that Messrs. T. Arnold and W. H. l'otts be re-elected auditors.
The Chairman.-That is all the business, gentlemen. The dividend warrants are now ready.
MACÃO EXCURSIONS.
THE PLEASURE RESORT OF HONGKONG.
12th inst.
Of all the "resorts in the vicinity of Hong- kong favoured by the daily drudge, the plea- sure-seeker, and the excursionist, there is none that can be compared with Macao. The Portuguese possession, which is within three hours' run of Hongkong, with its free and easy ways, its delightful climate, and charming scenery, has long had an attraction for the people of Hongkong. The average man who decides to take a trip there finds the time well- spent ; in fact he might fancy himself at another Ostend. If he is a shy and diffident youth, a trip to Macao will permit him to blossom out as a fully-fledged man of the world, and a couple of trips will establish him in the eyes of all as a roud of the first water.
a case of a situation suddenly occurring in the presence of several people, and if the Court could see that there was a different degree of blame attaching to the people in the present case there ought to be a differentiation in the degree of the penalty. He submitted, primari- ly, it would have been the duty of the Magis- trate, assuming he was of opinion that the ex- treine penalty he could impose in his jurisdic- tion was insufficient as regards some of the defendants, to have sent them for their trial at the Sessions. With regard to the evidence given in the case their Lordships would see that practically the evidence against the defendants rested, he might say, solely upon the evidence of the boy himself, the com- plainant.
The Chief Justice intimated that no fresh evidence could be adduced at the present stage, and
Mr. Pollock alluded to the New Territories. Land appeal case where it had been allowed.
The Chief Justice remarked that, had he been sitting he would have been inclined to refuse the application as a matter of principle, and'in the present instance he could not receive any other evidence,
After further argument the application was disallowed with costs for the respondent.
RENT COLLECTORS NOT AGENTS.
12th inst.
Mahommed Alim, who was in the same company as the deceased, stated that on the night before deceased died he did not hear him complain of feeling ill, of having had any bad news, or of being tired of life. He was still in bed when witness got up early the next morning. He did not know if deceased got up in the middle of the night. He re membered deceased going to hospital, but did not know before he was taken there that be was ill. He was a married man and his wife was in India.
Shamat Khan, a private in the rigth regi meat, stated that he slept in the same room as deceased. On the night of the 27th witness went to bed at ro o'clock. Deceased was then sitting on his bed. He did not complain at all. of being ill. At six o'clock next morning, de ceased was still sleeping in his bed. At seven o'clock when he returned to the room he saw that the deceased was sick. He was then in the dowly ready to go to hospital, and was senseless, Witness saw him carried away to hospital,
Ahmed Ali Khan said deceased complained to him about half-past five that he was feeling
He was there in bis bed. Witness then went to fetch a dooly to take him to hospital. That was about six o'clock; when he returned with the dooly, deceased was sitting up but was not senseless, though he did not reply when spoken to, Witness felt his head and found he bad fever. He was senseless when he was removed
to hospital. Deceased did not go out that day
at all.
Another Indian deposed that he was the Company cook, and on the 27th uk. witness cooked the evening meal for deceased, who, that night, only ate bread which witness made. He used the usual flour, and nothing else.
Captain W. Luke, of the Indian Medical Service, stated that he was medical officer in charge of the 119th Infantry. He saw the deceased first between seven and half-past seven on the morning of the 28th ult. The man was then senseless, and had slight fever, and was unconscious of any painful pressure. He did not respond whee called upon. lis At the Supreme Court this morning before pupils were widely dilated, and insensible to light. His skia was warin, and his organs ap- the Puisne Judge (Mr. T. Scrcombe Smith),parently healthy, the heart beating forcibly, and Yeong Sui Ngam, ol 26 Connaught Road, sued there were no signs of any disease- such as en- Hop Nam Loong, of 33 Newmarket Street, for targed glands, etc. In witness's opiniondeceased 585, being one month's rent of the first floor of died from poisoning from a vegetable alkaloid, 26 Connaught Road, West in lieu of notice and such as datura. Suicide is rare among Mahom rith inst. As mentioned in our columas last evening
Sio for damages done to the walls and loss of medans, and is uncommon in India generally. the door key. Mr. E. A. Bonner (of Messrs. The religion of Mahommedans is against sui- Prince and Princess Arisuagawa who are en
Denpys and Bowity) appeared for the plaintiff, cide. Datura is used as a powder to alleviate route to Germany, where they will represent the Mikado at the wedding of the German
and Mr. C. E. H. Beavis (of Messrs. Wilkinson pain, and is also smoked in cases of asthma, and Grist) represented defendants. After the and is a specific among the natives for cofic. Crown Prince, were expected in Hongkong last
The Macao season begins actually next
case had been argued his Honour, in deliver. There have been a good many cases of colic evening on board of the Prins Heinrich. "The
among the Indian regiments in Hongkong, steamer arrived here about six o'clock and was month, although the popularity of week-ending judgment, said it was not proved, and it was
excursions would almost lead one to believe for the defendant to prove in the strictest pos- due to the cold winds. Deceased's quarters immediately boarded by Mr. M. Noma, the
that it had already commenced. Ily and by sible manner that notice of his intention to searched by witness's assistant, but nothing Consul for Japan, who was accompanied by
the exodus of Hongkong families to Macao
quit the premiser was validly given to the was found. There is no difficulty in obtaining Mrs. Noma and the leading Japanese mer-
will be in full swing, and fortunate it is that plaintiff. As a general rule the rent collector bis datura in Hongkong. chants of the Colony. It was then learned they have a resort at hand so genial and inex
was not an agent on behalf of his landlord to that His Highness the Prince, who is a cousa pensive. For those who cannot afford a trip receive a notice to deliver up possession of of the Emperor of Japan, bad contracted a
premises at any time. It might be a custom severe cold which had prevented his leaving to Japan or Europe, Macao could not be ex-
too well known and among the Chinese for the rent collector to the ship at Shanghai, and which has since celled, and that fact kept him closely confined to his cabin. Con-recognised in Hongkong to need emphasizing receive such notices, but that could not be ac- The business man can send his wife and cepted by the Court. It seemed to him if a sequently he was unable to meet the members children to enjoy the balmy air of the Portu notice had been delivered to the collector
of the Japanese community of Hongkong, who,
however, were received by Princess Arisua.guese colony, and himself ran across for the in the present case it was not valid and had been adduced to suggest that the man was
gawa, who subsequently entertained them at dinner with Mr. Saito Tolaro, Director of the Court Treasury, M. to Yakichi (son of Mar quis Ito) Marshal of Court, Mr. Haruo Kinsaku, Chamberlain to the Crown Prince of Japan, Captain Bawa Kinsaku, of the Japanese Navy, Major Uishida Kikujuro, Artillery, Mr. Mimura Ishinöşke and Mrs. Hashnobi, Lady in Waiting, by whom Their Highnesses are accompanied. Had it not been for the in- disposition of the Prince the party would have stayed at the Hongkong Hotel where arrange -ments had been made for their stay pending the departure of the German mail steamer to morrow. His Highness, being unable to land, this morning sent a military officer ashore and accompanied by the secretary to the Japanese Consul he paid an official visit to Government House. At noon the party, including Princess Arisuagawa, were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Noma.
week-end.
His Worship shortly reviewed the evidence in his charge to the jury, and pointed out that what they bad to consider was whether the poison was administered by another to murder deceased; whether he took it himself to com- mit suicide; or whether he took an over-dose ac- cidentally as regards the first point no evidence
murdered. On the second point it was in evidence that the man was of a happy disposi tion, and on good terms with all his comrades. On the point of his accidentally taking an over- dose it was in evidence that the datura was commonly taken by the ladians for colic, and colic was very prevalent among them, especial- sive and having reduced this by fifty per cent,ly as the reganent had only been here two he gave judgment for plaintiff for §8) and costs. months.
would not affect the plaintiff So he came There are many beauty spots around Macao. in the conclusion that no valid notice of any where the visitor may idly pass the time, kind had been given by the defendant to the watching the life on the beach or gazing at the plaintiff, and thus relieved him (His tonour) scenery of the hills. During the summer even. from considering the question as to whether ings, the beach, which is commonly known as the defe dant was still in possession at a given the Area Preta, is crowded with ladies and date. He thought the damages were exces children bathing in the calm waters which surround the Colony. All the elite of Macau is there, and visitors from Hongkong miss one of the sights of the settlement if they fail to see Macao as a sea-side resort. Special matsheds
public and private-ate erected for the use of the bathers. The rent of $2 for the season of three months is temptingly law, Montanha Russa, overlooking the beach, is another favoured spot, while the little eminence at the crescent of the bay in Casiha is a charming situation where many congregate in the sum mer afternoons.
Supplementing the excellent service now maintained by the Heungshan, Wingchal, and Yingking, it will be seen by our advertisement column that a new arrangement is to come into forceon the 16th inst, by which it will be possible
BANKRUPTCY MATTERS.
13th inst
The jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of death by misadventure by ac- cidental poisoning.
་་ ;
A NEW ISLAND IN LOOCHOO ARCHIPELAGO.
REMARKABLE VOLCANIC DISTURBANCES.
We learn from the Japan Mail that a new
appeals one of the girls jumped up and snatched a gold-hair pin from the head of one of the ladies and then both attempted a bolt. They did not, however, get far before they were arrested, This morning they were placed before Mr. F. A. Hazeland at the Magistracy. He read them a homily, with the evil of their ways for a theme, but it did not appear to make any impression on the bardened little wretches That came afterwards in a double sense, when His Worship said that if they had been boys they would have been birched and sent to gaol, to take them home and give them a good but as they were girls he ordered their guardian whipping. The guardian said, "I give it to them now," and took the young thieves into a cell and there gave them the "impression "they needed, and a good one it must have been if their shrieks were any criterion. Each was treated exactly the same, as it could not be discovered which of the girls snatched the pin, for each declared it was the other, and stuck
to the statement,
JAPAN'S MERCANTILE FLEET,
PROBABLE EFFECT OF THE WAR ON MARITIME TRADE,
!
Mr. K. Uchida, Director of the Shipping Bureau in the Department of Communications, recently contributed an interesting article to the Jiji Shimpe with regard to the develop ment of Japan's maritime trade. In the course of this article he says that before the Japan China War of 1894-5 the growth of the ship. ping trade of Japan had been very slow despite the encouragement given by the Government, At the end of 1893 the aggregate tonnage of the Japanese mercantile marine was only 200,000, steamers accounting for 167,000 tons and sailing-vessels for 33,000 tons. At the outbreak of the war in 1894 a large number of steamers were requisitioned as transports, re sulting in the complete disorganisation of the coasting trade. In consequence the Govern. ment and private individuals purchased or chartered many foreign vessels to meet the requirements brought about by the war, The result was that the total tonnage of steamers at the end of 1895 had increased to 331,000 from 167,000 in the previous year. This sudden acquisition of a large number of merchant ships by Japan caused a panic among shipowners on therestoration of peace. The difficulty was more keenly felt among the smaller shipowners, who found it impossible to carry on the coasting trade owing to the fail in freight rates as the resut of competition. This state of affairs, however, gave a great impetus in directing at tention towards the carrying trade abroad, and regular services were opened to Korea and North and South China, where she Japanese 100n almost supplanted their British, German, and Norwegian competitors in the coasting The Japan-China War, says the writer of the article, thus taught an invaluable lesson is the Japanese with regard to the necessity of mercantile fleet in time of emergency, and also the disadvantage of dropping regular. steamship operations even in time of war. Shortly afterwards Bills were introduced into the Diet providing for the grant of a subsidy for the encouragement of navigation and ship Diet, and they became operative in October building. The proposals were voted by the 1896. A regular line of steamers to Bombay, Australia, and Vladivostock was subsequently
contract with the Government. At the same opened by the Nippon Yusen Kaisba under time the company inaugurated the European and American service, while, the Toyo Kisen Kaisha put three steamers onthe regular linebe- tween San Francisco and Hongkong. Regard ing the China trade, which has a very important bearing on Japan's commerce, a regular service between Shanghai and Hankow was open is
trade.
THE NEW AMOY DOCK CO., LD.January 1898, and that between Hankow and
PROPOSED INCREASE OF CAPITAL,
The following correspondence relating to the above company has been circulated--
Sir or Madam, The capital of the company is so loadequate that installations of new plant and machinery necessary to carry on a growing business have had to be paid for by an over draft on the bank which cannot be permanent The company is therefore in the position, that even with excellent carnings it will be unable to pay dividends for want of cash.
A proposal to increase the capital in accord ance with the special resolution now circulated will therefore be submitted to shareholders, and it is hoped you can be represented at the extraordinary meeting either in person, or by proxy.
For the 5 years 1899 10 1903 the average net earnings of the company are $75,000 per annum equal to 37% on the capital increased as pro pored to $67,500. On this basis a share at a market value of fag"would yield 10 per cent Your obedient servant, -
(Sd) Robert H. BRUCE,
General Manager,
Amoy, 8th April, 1995.
chang in January 1899. Another, line was opened between Soochow and Kiangchow by by the Dalto (Great Eastern Steamship Co.), which is subsidised by the Government. In South China there is a Japanese line between Amoy and Hongkong via Swatow in order to maintain connection with various points of Formosa.
Since the operation of the Shipbuilding En- couragement Law in 1896, it is asserted, the development of the shipbuilding industry in Japan has been remarkable. Large vessels of 6,000 to 7,000 tons are now built at the Japan, ese yards. At the end of 1903 Japan possessed steamers aggregating 657,000 tons and sailing vessels aggregating 320,000 tons. When the present war, broke out Japan's steamship mer- cantile fleet was four times larger than it was at the outbreak of the. Japan-China War in 1894. Despite this enormous increase, the present war, which is being conducted on a får greater scale than its predecessor, has entailed a great strain on the shipping resources of the country, and some of the regular lines have had to be discontinued temporarily. In order to relieve the pressure caused by the war the Government has given special permission 10 that chartered foreign vessels may engage in the coasting trade. During last year a number of steamers, aggregating 71,000 tons, were taken An extraordinary general meeting of the off the Japanese list, the greater portion of these Company will be held at the office of the being used for blocking the harbour of Fort general manager in Amoy on Monday, the 5th Arthur, while an addition of 204,000 tons was of May, to consider, and if thought fit, to pass made, including 27,000 tons built in. Japan the subjoined special resolution:-"That the and 177,000 fons purchased from abroad, mak capital of the company be increased from ing a net increase of 133,010 lons. The num $to,500 (divided into 6,000 shares of $6.75 each) ber and tonnage of steamers at the end of 1904 to $67,500 (divided into so,oco shares of $6.75 as compared with the preceding year was as each) by the creation of 4,000 new shares of follows:- $6.75 each to be offered, and if accepted to be allotted to the persons constituting the share holders according to the company's register on the 15th day of June. 1905, at a premism of Sto Below for each and every single share of such 4,000 new shares in the ratio of two new shares for every three old shares in the company held by the respective shareholders thereof the amount payable on each of such new shares respective. ly (including be said premium of $ro per share) to be paid in full on 30th June, 1905, and that failing such allotment as aforesaid, the said new shares be disposed of at the dis cretion of the general manager and consulting committee, and that the transfer books be closed for five days from 16th June, 1905,"
Your obedient servant, (5d.) ROBERT H. BRUCE,
General Manager.
BANGKOK PADDY.
1923.
1904.
No. Tonnage No. Tonnage
50 tons 303 9.764 349 11,204
D 1,000 #1
100
*1
13
199 14,936 217 15,386
11.
300
3)
11
500 " 84 33.175 8
228 37.926 244 40,821
77 50.598
88
33.945 58,663
21
2,000
M
85 135,334
97 141,616
n
3,000
66 165,334
"
4,000
18 61,978
5,000 "
6,000
11
It
נן
5 22,478 3 16,438 Above 6,000 19 118,200
15
77 190,373 33 112,518 II' 48,623
26,755
18 112,138
1,088 657,269 1,224 791,057
Of course no one can tell how long the war may last, Mr. Uchida concludes, but it is cerinin that the longer the war continues the keener will be the demand for vessels. The mouths in which chartered foreign steamers were most used in the coasting trade were April, May and Jone, the tonnage of these vessels aggregating 160,000 at the time. Even in December the chartered ships totalled. There are indications that 10000 tons,
The prices that it is possible for the mills to pay in Bangkok have not yet brought out any very large quantity of paddy. People in Siam seem to find it easy to keep their produce back, Japan's mercantile fleet is being still steadily the fact being that money is too cheap. In a increased, and perhaps it would not be wide commercial senst it is a drug on the market. of the mark to estimate the increase during Were it not for this fact of money without an the progress of the campaign, at so per cent. outlet we should not witness a 15 per cent. Now it is a very important question to con premium being paid for a hundred tical non sider how this greatly increased number. of dividend yielding stock The very banks ships will find remunerative employment after while giving a per cent, on deposit ac- the restoration of peace. Some people are count are losing money by the transaction, inclined to be pessimistic on this point, no Money is undoubtedly too cheap, or this doubt from the expericace of the Japan-Chine not exist. There War. But the augmentation in the Japancie state of things could ticals, and at the present time when a big Uchida, likely to result in the further develop are many evidences of the abundance of merchant marine j, in the opinion of Mr. export might be expected and a rising ex-ment of Japan's maritime trade abroad. Ther change, the tendency is for exchange to fail. is a great held for shipping enterprise in North ticals has gone down to $571. Locally money the Philippines and Java, while the trans In exchange with Singapore the value of 100 and South China, Hongkong, French China, is easily forthcoming for any safe or even Pacific trade with South America is very pro- ances have been seen of prices being paid that the Japanese should not succeed in these lines must make the return comparatively small. In if their enterprise is embarked upon after care. more than one quarter it is being urged that ful investigation and backed by a sufficient the Government ought to do what it can to amount of capital and energy. All that is to raise the value of the tical by calling in all the be avoided is the dunecessary competition that supplies of ibe.coin at its disposal. The step will inevitably ensue on the concentration of would certainly be justified, for it would be cal attention on the coastwire trade. citated to have an excellent effect. Only by some such means can the value of the tical be
THE Japanese Administration, on 11th ult Times.
would be allowed to enter Newchwang until same had been officially declared "open to
Several small Chinese cases came before the Chief Justice, sitting in bankruptcy jurisdiction at the Supreme Court, this morning, to one of which, Wei Leung Shek, Mr. C. E. H. Beavis appeared for the debtor, who pelitioned for a receiving order. Mr. Beavis pointed out that, according to debtor's declaration his assets island has made its appearance in the Loochoo consisted of furniture, valued at $300, jewellery Archipelago. It is said to be 2,000 feet long to about the same value, and about $1,000 in by 1,800 and to be surrounded by a cash, in addition to a claim against the firm of by defect, wide, as the north coast is a fake Holliday, Wise & Co. for the amount of mo: The island emerged from the sea on the 4th of ney deposited with them as security during the December, but the fact was not announced to time the debtor was connected with that firm the local officials until the 8th of March. Its doubtful-investment, and a number of ins mising. There is no reason, he balds, why as compradore. His unsecured debts were position is 3 inelical miles south of Iwujima. 53.000.-The usual order was made, Mr. GiFrom the 14th November at frequent intervals H. Wakeman being appointed trusted.
sounds were heard from the sea; sounds as of heavy explosions, and on the 28th heavy smoke was observed. The inhabitants of Iwojima imagined that a steamer was passing, but as nued to emanate from one place, they sus the volume of smoke grew denser and con- pected the truth. This went on until the 4th of December, and on the appearance as of a which thenceforth grew lighter, so the 6th, the
PUBLIC. EXAMINATIONS, ...
in the matter of the Wa Yuen Company, lately trading as ship chandlers at 114 Les Veux Road, Central, Mr. Dixon 'stated that at the first general meeting of creditors held at the Official Receiver's Office yesterday afternoon, it was resolved to adjudge the debtor bankrupt.—. The public examination of two members of the
We might offera suggestion that Bella Vista, with its memorable tombstones, dating from the seventeenth century, bearing their Dutch HARBIN ARSENAL DESTROYED. and English inscriptions, might well be laid out in the same artistic manner as the Gavern- An expanded cablegram printed is Manila meat have done on the hill apposite. exchanges, and dated from San Francisco on There is now a little kiosk, where refresh 4th inst., states that a bomb explosion in a ments are sold, and it is in y gobe Wer, Russian arsenal at Harbin was the cause of a pa ronised during the coming season. Mr. terrible disaster to the Russian arms. Seventy-William Farmer, the popular manager of the five men; mostly soldiers, but some of them Macao Hotel, will be found as courteous as civilian employees of the ordnance department, ever in catering for the requirements of Hong- were killed and a great many others were kong visitors. wounded. The official explanation is that two workmen were filling the shell when through carelessness on their part it was exploded. The concussion set off other shells and Br instadt, the entire contents of jectiles, went up in a solid column of fame day morning and return the same night, by the order was subsequently made. Following this island stood plainly revealed. In January the and smoke, and a thundering detonation salonam. Thefares for the Sunday trip have the Court proceeded with the public examira-people launched a boat; and on the joth of Ar a recent meeting of Chekiang people in navigation. This order was stupidly misan. shook all Hurbia. Houses were wrecked for been reduced 50 per cent on the weekday tice of Li Lai, of No. 126, Connaught Road, many yards about the arsenal, people were tariff by the Hungsham. The enterprise of the Central, treder, and made a similar orders. thrown violently to the ground, and cavalry. Hongkong, Canton and Macao Steamboat farge men patroling the streets of the town were Company is likely to be rewarded by unhorsed. Every one in the arsenal perished; The loss to the Russian army in a severe one, as the munitions destroyed were intended to be used by Linevitch's army, and it will be weeks before a new supply can be brought prer the trans-Siberian railroad.
in
the arsenal;. numbering millions of pro- for an excursionist to leave Hongkong on Sunfirm were then proceeded with and a receiving small island was observed amil the smoke. appreciated and exchange steadied-Bangkok | issued an order to the effact that no steamers
influx of passengers for Macao, and the Por- THE Makut Raja Kumar, Suarið,“ Ball, Ran tuguese possession should also benefit by the Ruk, and Afsuratis of the Siamese Navy have new arrangement. From all these signs then, been manoeuvring and returned to Bangkok in
it may safely be asserted that Macao as a health the Gulf of Siam under the direction of Rear and pleasure resort will prove more popular Admiral H. R. H. Prince Krom Mun Chum. than ever this region.
porn,
that month they landed on the north shore of the new island. They ascended the highest point, 480 feet above the sea, and there raised post declaring the island to be the property of Japan, and saying that it bad been first observed by the inhabitants of Iwoima on the 18th of December, The face of the island is covered with volcanic tufa and the water of the lake is boiling.
Shanghai to discuss the constraction of a derstood by many native concerns, with the Chikiang-Kwangtung railway, which Pe result that rumours travelled south to the effect. Che (7) the representative of the American that no vessels, excepting those under the Development C applied to undertake the Japanese flag, would be allowed to enter this majority oppose granting the right to him, port-absurd, of course, but yet, it would seem as he had been refused the right to continue some shipping hongs at Shanghai and Hong the Canton-Bankow line. The Governor in kang really believed the "bunder" as "gospel" Cheklang has telegraphed reporting their views for a time, says the Newchwang correspondinĮ to the Government.—Bastern Timetų
of the N. GVB.Newt,