carries to Tokio, on behalf of King Edward, the insignia of our highest order of chivalry, the Garter, for presentation to our august, ally, the Emperor of Japan. If, therefore, there be any truth in the rumour that the Mikado felt a- sense of affront when, a few years ago, this big odeur was conferred on the Shals instead of on himself, that wound to his pride should now be healed. In any case, it is certain that the islanders of the Far East will warmly ap preciate the lofty distinction the islanders of the Far West bestow on the statesman and Sovereign who carried through the recent war against Russia with such splendid auccess. But that brilliant performance does not give the reason for his inclusion in membership of the "Most Noble Order of the Garter, Japan has become, by the evolution of circumstances, joint guarantor with Great Britain of Asiatic tranquillity, and the bestowal of the Garter may be considered, therefore, to seal the com- pact. It is not directed against any particular Power on the contrary, all whose aspirations are of a non-aggressive character should wel- come the placing of Asiatic peace on a much more secure basis. As regards commerce, al alike benefit by the arrangement just settled between Japan and China with respect to Manchuria, where all nations will stand on the same footing as traders, while China gains greatly by being allowed time to re-organize her defensive forces on a more efficient ground plan.
THE PRINCE'S VISIT TO THE GOLF CLUB.
INTERESTING PHOTOGRAPH,
13th inst.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY
The Doto Mentri, Doto Mahomed and Unku Suleiman of Johore were next presented; all in the Johore uniform of the first class; they were not accompanied by any followers,
Coffee and cigarelles were then served and the whole party went outside to whore the inevitable and indefatigable photographers were wanting. Messra. G. R. Lambert and Wilson and Company, both sent representatives and four separate photographs were taken.
MACAO'S POSITION.
THE FRENCH CONSUL'S VIEWS:
13th inst. While conversing with M. Gaston Liebert, Consul ler France in Hongkong, on various matters, a representative of the dongkong Telegraph inquired whether Mr. Liebe. 1 had any views to express on the subject of the Macao incident as feflected in our Shanghai correspondent's telegram the other day.
"The report that France wants possession of Macao is all nonsense," said Mr. Liebert. "It is ridiculous. It is devoid of the slightest truth. What dots France want with Macno? Suppos ing it is argued that we want a harbour, before we could hope to have a harbour at Macao millions would have to be spent; and, besides, we have a much better, harbour at Kwang chow wao, We don't want Macao. All we ever wanted at Macao. was' a site where we could build or purchase a building to be converted into a sanitorium for our officials. At present we send our officinis to Japan to recruit their health, and it costs a lot of money for
special hospital at Yokohama and to maintain a French doctor there. Then there is the question of travelling expenses to be considered, not an inconsiderable item by any mchos.
within
One of the "trophies" of Prince Arthur of Connaught's visit to Hongkong which will be treasured by the Royal Hongkong Golf
"The idea of the French Government Club is the photograph of the members of
was to have,
easy distance of the Embassy to Japan and the chief repre- sentatives of the Golf Club taken at the Indo-China, a place to which our people club house on the occasion of the Prince's could be sent for a month or two when their reception there on Saturday fast. The photo-health required it. If we had been able to graph, which was taken by Messrs. Long buy the Bon Vista, the building would have Hing & Co., is in every respect excellent. The been enlarged and improved. Certainly, it group stands "but clear and distinct, every would have been much cheaper for us to have a member being recognisable at a glance, sanitarium there. That was the whole idea of His Royal Highness stands in the forefront M. Doumer. The sale of that piece of land leaning on his umbrella. The members of did not mean the sale of the whole Colony of the Embassy are near him, and right at Macao. Such an idea is pure nonsense." his elbow is Mr. C. E. W. Beavis in flannels. The Hon, Mr. Gershom Stewart is towering in the rear over the heads of everybody. Alto- gether it is a most interesting memento of the Royal visit, and will find, we have not the slightest doubt, an honoured place in the sanctum sanctorum of every member of the club. Messes. Long Hing & Co., may be congratulated on their skill in producing a photograph to finished and artistic,
THE DONGOLA" DRAFT THEFT.
The local Police, says the Singapore Free Prass, of the 7th instant, have up to the present found no trace of the draft for £10 stolen from one of Prince Arthur of Connaught's suite on the P. & O. mail steamer Dongola though inquirios have been made at all the Banks and warning issued that the draft if presented is not to be honoured, whilst the presenter is to be detained pending the arrival of the Police, With this draft a number of sovereigns also disappeared.
The missing draft was a Foreign Offico de mand draft for L200 and is stated to have belonged to Lord Redesdale and is supposed to have "vanished" just before the arrival of the Dongola at Penang. The Singapore Police are making every effort to recover the draft and a wire giving details of the affair has been dospatched to Mr. Newland, C. P. O., at Penang. It is, however, stated en good au. thority that the draft is useless as it would be impossible to cash draft of its description at any back without the presenter being able to clearly authenticate his right to it.
M. Liébert said that at that time he went to Canton to inquire into the matter and found the reports and rumours to be moonshine.
It was merely a question of convenience and nothing more."
With regard to the latest rumour, M. Lie- bert observed that it probably emanated from some, mandarin unversed in the situation. The mandarin had been used as an instrument by others. He described the present Chinese Minister in Paris as a young, inexperienced official who had possibly been worked upon to give ear to a baseless story. At any rate, he utterly repudiated the report. In this connec- tion, M. Liebert remarked that in a short time France would be independent of Japan or Macan either so far as sanstoria were concem- ed, because the new-railway to the north is be- ing pushed forward rapidly and opening up a country, whose climate will admirably suit those officials desirous of regaining their vigour after a sojourn under the enervating con- ditions of the south.
FOR THE "CAO BANG.”
15th inst. Later reports on the position of the wrecked steamer Cuo Bang, which has been ashore on Pulo Canton for about six weeks pasi, as al- ready recorded in these columns, not being al together favourable from a salvage point of view, the owners, the Messageries Maritimes, have decided to despatch engineer from Marseilles to the scene of the wreck, and this gentleman, we are informed by Mons, Champeaux, the local agent of the Com pany, is now on his way out, and any action the Company may decide to take as regards an attempt to save the stranded vessel, will de-
expert salvage
A draft of the same class as the missing ono was cashed at the Hongkong Bank on Satur day by a member of Prince Arthur's suite for current expenses whilst the party was atpend entirely on the expert's report. Singapore,
RECEPTION OF MALAY CHIEFS.
The Singapore Free Press, of the 5th inst thus describes the reception of the Malay
Chiefs at Singapore during the recont Royal
visit
MR. HUTTENBACH ON
EXCHANGE..
After Government had fixed the ratio we
Singapore Free Press, Feb. 6) telegraphed to our Penang correspondent to get Mr. Hutten- bach's views on the position. Mr. Huttenbach
spoke with your reporter the impression was that 2/4 was a temporary rate only, in order to check a further rise.. It has been leant since that 2/4 is to be the final ratio. Had the Govern ment policy been to postpone fixing indefinite- ly, many, l'amongst them, would have preferred a 2f-dollar, but an immediate and final fixing as now done is preferable as tending to save further dislocation. The sooner we really get fixity the better, even at a 2/4 dollar. Fixing the rate is not fixily; the time it will take to obtain the later will depend on how things are now handled. The quickest and at the same time the most advantageous way to obtain it would be the gold currency so gene rally desired. To fully go into this to-day would take too long, but you might call atten tion to the fact that, as the position now stands, two points scem impracticable: The Currency Note Ordinance as amended on Monday last, and the rate of 2/4.
His Royal Highness and the other members of the Garter Mission arrived at Government House at 10 50 am, accompanied by the Gay-to-day writes us further as follows:-"When I ernor's A.D.C.'s, Captain Stockley and Suba- dar-Major Gurdit Singh; they were followed shortly by His Excellency Major Gen. R. Inigo Jones, C.V.O., C.B., and staff and were received by a Guard of Honour provided by the 95th Russell's infantry which was drawn up on the lawp in front of the house and was under the Command of Captaib Nicholas. The Regiment al Band played the National Anthem as the car. riage containing H. R. H. approached and also provided music during Prince Arthur's inspec. tion of the Guard. H. E. the Governor, Sir Jobo Anderson, K.C.MG., and Miss Anderson, who were attended by Capt Grover, A. D. G and H. E's Private Secretary, Mr. Oliver Marks, welcomed H. R. H, at the entrance and after the various members of the Mission Ead bean introduced to His Excellency a more was made to the drawing room. H. R. H. expressed himself as much pleased with the welcome extended to him and as delighted with the very effective street decoration through After resting, which they had just driven. HR. H., and H. E., attended by the members of the mission, H. E. the G. O. C. and their excellencies' staffs, descended to the Reception Room, which had been gracefully decorated with bamboos and palms and at the east end of which a red cloth covered dais had been raised, and there took seats to receive the sul tane and representatives of the Federated Malay Stalci
His Highness the Sultan of Selangor was the first to be introduced, he was attended by some twenty followers dressed in black trou- sere, yellow coats and green tengkolas and sarongs, and bearing the golden sheathed krisses, sword of state and befeathered Lemb. inge, and was accompanied by Mr. H. Conway Belfield, British Resident of Selangor, wan acted as interpreter between H. R. H. and the Sultan,
Under the Currency Note Ordinance the Government is pledged to sell notes against gold and at the same time is bound to give This could silver for all notes rendered. lead to the Colony having to suspend pay. ment, since anyone buying say twenty mil lions worth of notes and insisting on bis right to get silver in exchange, would make it impossible for Government to fulfil its obli- gations. Of course this is an extreme case and one not likely to happen, but in any case, AS the Ordinance now stands this obligation is inconvenient and could prove so troublesome that it seems to require further amendment, such for instanco as giving Government the option to redeem notes in either silver or gold.
HONGKONG & WHAMPUA DOCK
CO., LTD.
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT,
Following is the report of the board of direc- ton of the Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Cem. pany, Limited, to the ordinary yearly meeting of shareholders to be held at the offices of the Company, Queen's Buildings, on Monday, the 26th inst., at 12 o'clock noon:-
To the shareholders of the Hongkong and
Whampoa Dock Company, Limited. Gentlemen, The directors have now to sub- mit to you their report, with a statement of accounts for the half-year ended 31st Decem. ber, 1993.
The net profit for the six months, after paying interest due and all charges, amounts to
$171,649.83 to which has to be added the balance
brought forward from last account 501,332.27 5672,982:10
and from this have to be deducted- Directors' fees... $10,000,00 Auditors' feesus v sur
750,00
leaving available for appropria-
tion
10,750.00
..$661,232.10
The directors recommend that a dividend for the half-year of 12% or $300,000.00 be paid to the shareholders, and the balance 5361,232.10 be carried to the now account.
During the past six months 3 steel steam water-boats, one steel water-barge, a wooden lighters and a large steam launches have been
and delivered. compe dredger Canfor River was employed at Canton removing barriers for the Imperial Chinese Maritime Custome until 15th August since when the vessel has been laid up un employed, the other work referred to in the last report not having been commenced.
Electric drive is now being fitted in the Saw Mill, and a 40-ton Electric Crab for the Boiler Shop Travelling Cranes is now is course of erection.
Directors. Mr. E. S. Whealles, the Hon. Nr. W. J. Gresson and Mr. E. W. Tilden hav ing left the Colony, Mr. G. H. Medhurst, the Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson and Mr. S. Silverstone have been invited by the directors to the vacant seats at the Board. These appointments re- quire to be confirmed by the shareholders at this meeting.
In accordance with clauses 78 and 85 of the articles of the association Mr. H..P. White and Mr. E. Goetz retire by rotation, but being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
Sir C. Paul Chater, Kt. C.M.G., has been re- appointed chairman for the year 1956.
Auditors, The, accounts have been audited by Messrs. Thomas Arnold and H. U. Jeffries. The directors recommend Mess15, Arnold and Jeffries for re-election.
C. P. CHATUR,
Chairman, Hongkong, 14th February, 1905. The accounts'are as follows:-
ASSETS:
31st December, 1905. Aberdeen.
FEBRUARY 17, 1906.
1st July to 31st December, 1905. ily net earnings of the Company's
three astablishments....$284,991.95
dredger net earnings .....................zzisas bonus on insurance premia, &c.
2.348.94 1,827.79
$286,168.68
HUMPHREYS KSIATES.
INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS,
MR. J. R. MICHAEL AS QUESTIONER.
10th inst. The annual meeting of the Humphreys Estate and Finance Company, Limited, was held in the office of the Company at noon today-Mr. Henry Humphreys presiding There were present Mosers. A. G. Wood, C. Kwens, J. A. Jupp, J. W. C. Bonant, Captain Lo Cheung Shiu, Hop Kee, and Chang Chey Goddard, Messrs. J., R. Michael, A. Turner,
Man.
The Chairman read his speech as follows: Gentlemen:-I propose, with your permission,. to take the report and statement of accounts, as read. The past year has been conspicuous for the inactivity of the property market and for the first time for several years we have to come before you without a single sale to record. This of course has affected our profits, but not withstanding, we are able to give you a dividend of 8% which, I trust, will be considered satisfactory. Some shareholders would possibly have liked to have seen a larger dividend paid at the expense of the equalization of dividend fund, but your general managers and directors are not in favour of this being done as they do not anticipate that this company will, for some time to coms, be in a position to earn more than 8% from revenue only. They do not therefore consider it would be sound finance to draw, upon this fund for the purpose of you are centred in Kawloon and although there maintaining any higher rate of dividend. As has been a downward tendency in values at Mongkok and Hunghom, there has been an advance at Tsimtsatsui, so that on the whole our property has, I am glad to say, kept very steady. In the early part of last year, your directors took advantage of a temporary fall in values to secure Kowloon marine lot 48 at what they considered a very cheap price. The purchase was completed in July, subject ib a mortgage of $100,000.00 (which mortgage ap- pearshimongst the liabilities). We have suffered no losses from Gre during the year, conse. quently the Insurance Reserve Fund has heen increased by the sum of $4.392.05 which re presents the value of our own underwriting. With regard to the extensive building opera tions which we have been carrying out at Kowloon fronting and adjacent to the Robinson Road, it will be some months yet before the work is completed, Seventeen terrace house, were however completed in September last and are now all let. We do not contemplate en- fering upon any new building contracts during the year. I have no further remarks to make, but if any shareholder has any questions to ask, I shall be pleased to answer them.
Mr. Michael said he would like to ask a few. questions. In the first place be did not see in the report that the age of the company was mentioned.
+
The Chairman said, that the age was pur To value of Aberdeen docks, as
per last statement.$ 100,000.00 posely omitted, because it was questionable
Kowloon.
whether a mistake had not been previously
To value of Kowloon docks, as per last Less amount since
statement................
written off......
..$2,364,497-34
To amount paid on
account of new elec tric installation...... amount paid on account of shipyard, machine shed and boiler shop exten. sion
17
14.407-34
52,350,000.00
4,819.00
9,170.00
amount paid on account uf new drawing office
5.233.71
"
amount paid on
account of hydrau
lic plant, new ac-
cumulator and in-
stalling same
3:742.00
Cost of 8-ton loco-
motive crane and
rails, and installing
same......
5.734 00
20
Cost of 40-ton elec
Iric crab for boiler shop
7.950.00
1,043.00
630.00
"
cost new machines for fitting shop...... i cast of 6 trunstiles
for main entrance... cost of 3 invincible centrifugal pumps for salvage plant...
*
11
8,613,00
300,000.00
Cosmopolitan. Vatue of Cosmo- politan dock, as per.
Rst statement
Paid Amount building 3 cook. -houses for Euro- pean quarters, with rooms for Chinese servants, making and fitting cooking stoves in same „....
Value of tugs, dredgers, launches," and lighters, ......
Sundry debtors,...
Value of material.. on band,
1,711.45
made.
Mr. Michael-It should have been stated that this annual meeting is the twentieth?
The Chairman-That would refer to the age of the Richmond Terrace Estate and Building Company, but I don't think that Company's nge could be included in the life of the presant company.
Mr. Michael-But still the company's age is 20 years!
The Chairman-its age since its incorpora- tion as an registered, company in 1891.
Mr. Michael-Very well. I find that the amount invested on mortgage is $;64.421.90; and mortgage liabilities are $130,000. Why is it put that way?
gradually to improve and strengthen the Com pany, and he thought if Mr. Michael consider ed that he would admit it himself. **
Mr. Michael observed that the Company once might have been a sick child but that was 15 or 16 years ago. When did they think it would become a strong man?
The Ghairman remarked, in reply to further questions, that the executors of an ostate were very careful how they sold or changed property, but a
company which had to pay dividends, when they saw a chance of selling property to advantage they had to do so to please the shareholders; and that was one reason why Mr. Granville Sharp's estate increased in value, so much.
Mr. Michael asked why the rateable value of land has gone up so much.
The Chairman- think a. good deal is de to the erection of new buildings.
Mr. Michael That is what I wanted to know, and I am very glad to hear it.
The Chairman-You are very good. The Chairman then moved the adoption of the report and accounts.
Mr. Bonnar seconded. Agreed unanimously. Mr. Michael proposed the re-election of the retiring directors, Messrs. Ewens, Wood, Slade, van Buren, and Ho Tung.
49.
of possible opposition which has been much talked of. Before proposing the adoption of the report and accounts I will be pleased to answer any questions you may wish to put.
No questione being asked, the chairman. proposed the adaption of the report and ac- counts as submitted to the shareholders.
Mr. Wilkinson seconded, carried sem con. The Chairman proposed, and Mr. Looker seconded, the re-election of Mr. Thos. Arnold as auditor for the ensuing year, which was carried unanimously,
The Chairman: That concludes the busi ness before the meeting, gentlemen; dividend wätrants will be ready to-morrow morning.
DEPARTURE OF MR. V. H. DRACON.
AN OLD HONGKONG RESIDENT.
toch inst. A very old resident of Hangkong, Mr. V. H. Dencon, senior partner in Deacon, Looker and Deacon, solicitors, who will be much missed in many quarters for his genial qualities, sever ed his connection with the Colony to-day when he left with the P. and O. steamer Arcadia. in 1880, Mr. Dencon came to Hongkong to join the firm of Brereton and Wollon, and when the senior partner retired, Mr. Dencon On the motion of Mr. Jupp, seconded by
was made a partner. Afterwards, Mr. Walton gave up business und Mr. V. H. Deacon Captain Goddard, Messrs, W. H. Gaskell and
praclised alone until Mr. Jolan Hastings was W. Hutton Falls were re-elected auditors.
The Chairman-Dividend warrants will be was admitted as his confière. On the dissolu- ready on Monday. I thank you for your attention of that partnership in 1993, ir, Looker
Captain Unswith seconded, and the motion was adopted.
dance.
and Mr. F. . Deacon, a nephew, were ad- Mr. Michael hoped they would not think he
mitted as members of the present firm. Mr. Victor H. Deacon was a conveyancer and sel had been ton inquisitive, but his occupation made him inquisitive because he had told
dom or never practised is Court. He was people that the Company had a great future accredited a capable lawyer and was appointed a member of the Commission which sanie years before it and he had been termed a false
ago inquired into the matters affecting the Re- prophet.
gistry Department of the Supreme Court, Mr. Deacon has been in the East for 26 years, and was at his desk until the time came to bid his carries with him. to his old home in England colleagues and cleiks farewell; Mr. Deacon the best wishes of a large number of friends in Hongkong.
Mr. Jupp-Nothing false about it. The meeting then endest.
HONGKONG, CANTON & MACAO STEAMBOAT GO., LD.'
HALF-YEARLY MEETING.
15th insi.
The seventy-ninth ordinary half-yearly meet- ing of shareholders in the above company was held at the company's office, Hotel Mansions, at I o'clock in the forennun to-day for the purpose of receiving a report of the directors, together with a statement of accounts, declaring 4 dividend, confirming the appointment of directors, and electing auditors.
The following gentlemen were present - Mesers, E. Goetz (chairman); N. A. Siebs, F. Salinger, A. Haupt, E. Fuhrmann, C, Lenz mann, Hon. Mr. R. Shewan, W. A. Cruickshank, directors; and T. Arnold (secretary), Messrs, W. E. Clarke, J. Arnold. J. R. Michael, G. T. Velich, Tester, L. Berindongue, C. de Champeaux and E, A. Stanton,
The Secretary having read the notice con. vening the meeting,
The Chairman said-Gentlemen,-With your permission the report and accounts will, as usual, be taken as read. The present posi tion of the Company "is so clearly set forth therein that it is unnecesary for me to detain you with many remarks. Competition, as you are aware, is as keep as ever on all the lines accupied by the Company's steamers; but, even with this drawback, the result of several half-year's working under similar adverse con- ditions warrants us in the belief that we shall be able to maintain the present dividend of one dollar. You will observe that the amount it is proposed to carry forward is larger than that brought over from the previous half-year; but, on the other hand, repairs to be effected during the current six months will be some- what heavier than usual owing to new wooden
The Chairman-No, I think not. Because this company has not been registered 20 years.decks being required for the Ifonam nad Fat Mr. Michael-What do you think the age of shan in addition to the customary overhauling repairs. Turning to the balance sheet I don't the company is ?
think that there is any item which calls for special comment; I will merely remark thai, an usual, our investments in slacks stand at a figure well within their market value and that for every lean on mortgage there is a satisfactory, mar- gin. As you no doubt have already learned, our Secretary has been advised to leave the Fast on account of failing health. 1 need hardly tell you that the Board very much regrets to lose his services after having been in the Company for over twenty-two years, and in order to mark our, appreciation of Mr. Arnold's long and faithful services, the Board
The Chairman-The auditors think it better to have it put that way.
Mr. Michael-You know about book-keeping? The Chairman-The auditors decided the
maller.
Mr. Michael-You agreed to it? But I don't think it is proper book-keeping.
The Chairman-It is not a question of book keeping, but following the auditors' advice.
Mr. Michael proceeded to quote the Hon. Mr. Gershom Stewart's figures at the meeting of Land Investment and Agency Company re- Intive to the increase in the rateable value of the Colony, The increase amounted to an ad- vance of 200 per cent since 1891. No doubt there had been an advance in building to the extent of 20, 50 or 100 per cent; he wanted to 2,306,934.71 know how the Company stood with regard to the 11,385,cos invested in property? Certainly, it must have appreciated 100 per cent.
After some discussion,
301,712.45
Mr. Michael asked if when the whole pro- perty was productive they would get a dividend on $1,385,000?
The Chairman-Yes.
Ur. Michael-Why did you say then that you don't expect to be able to give us more than 8 per cent? When the land is developed we must expect more than that for a dividend?
The Chairman-What is your question? Mr. Michael repeated the general drift of his question.
A SOUTH AFRICAN DESERTER.
11th inst. A young and weather-heaten individual carry. some military bearing, ing himself with walked into Murray Barracks on Saturday and, after inquiring for the person he wanted to see, related a tale of woe. His name was William Hodgson. He was a formerly a lance- sergeant in the Third Middlesex Regiment. Ho deserted the regiment South Africa, in Octa- ber, 1954, and had been travelling all this time. Ho had been in the bush in Australia for several months, and then went to Manila. He eventually arrived in Hongkong with some money but that was soon spent and he found himself on his beam ends. Such was the tale of this man, and as he was destitute he gave himself up to the Military Authorities. Ho was turned over to the Police and this morning. nt the instance of Inspector Warnock, William Hodgson was charged with vagrancy. The case was remanded for inquiries to be made.
15th inst.
At the Magistracy this morning, before Mr. F. A. Hazeland, William Hodgson, ex-soldier appeared before the Court on a charge of deserting from the Third Middlesex Regiment. in South Africa on the roth October, 1904.
Sgt. Mjr. Mitchell, West Kents, prosecuted. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. The circumstances of this case were reported by as the other day.
His Worship-mate an order under the Army Act that you be delivered in custody to the Military Authorities until such time as you
may be sent home,
A MYSTERIOUS FIRE,
13th inst. A fire broke out yesterday in a house in Kowloon under what are somewhat mysterious The house in question, No. 88 McDonnell Road, Kowloob, is occupied by circumstances. Mrs. Osaki, Japanese woman, who keeps a small restaurant, and it appears that yesterday morning she went out leaving the boy in charge. From the boy's statement to the police, it would seem that between to and fi o'clock
has decided to grant him a year's pay as reyesterday morning be locked up the house and
went off to the Races, leaving the place ap riring allowance and have no doubt that this will meet with your approval. We have apparently safe and secure, Subsequently, at abost 2 o'clock p.m., neighbours seeing flames pointed l'aptain Clarke who has served the Company for twenty-eight year as his successor. and smoke issuing from the house gave the Before proposing the adoption of the report alarm, and the firemen, under Inspector and accounts as presented I shall be pleased Langley, at once repaired to the scene, and to answer any questions bearing thereon which after a short time had the outbreak subdued. The damage done was estimated at $1,200, the whareholders may wish to ask,
The Chairman moved the adoption of the burnt property consisting for the most part of
Mr. J. R. Michael personal effects of the occupants. report and accounts. seconded-Carried.
Mr. L. Berindoague proposed and it was seconded by Capt. W.E. Clarke that the appoint- ments of Messrs. W. A. C. Cruickshank and
confirmed.-Carried. C. R. Lenzmann to the Board of Directors be
On the motion of Mr. G de Champeaux, seconded by Mr. P. Tester, Messrs. A. O'D Gourdin and W. B. Polls were re-elected auditors.
Mr. J. R. Michael then suggested that the Board should present Mr. Arnold with some souvenir for his long and faithful services.
The Chairman said that the Board will con- sider the matter.
The meeting then terminated.
STREET HOLD-UP
13th inst. Inspector Warnock placed three men before Mr. C. A. D. Melbourne, at the Police Court, this morning, on a charge of holding up a man in Bridges Street last night and rabbing him. From the evidenca of the complainant a farmer- appears that passing along Bridges Street last night be was held up by six men. They robbed him of his purse and also relieved him of his waist- cuat. They wanted to take his cont, but the farmer told the robbers that if they came with him to a certain shop he would pay them some money in lieu of parting with the jacket, One
The Chairman replied that 8 per cent was a. 496.555.89 very good dividend as. Mr. Michael knew be 375,465-30 ing a landlord himself.
Mr. Michael-Never mind about that. He HONGKONG ice company, LD. of the gang was deputed to go with the farmer 1,950,411.52 wanted to know what the $9,893 for commis-
$ 5,611,079.87
LÍABILITIES, December 31, 1905. By shareholders for 50,000 shares
of $50 each, fully paid up ..... $2,500,000,00 Byadmiral- £
ty loan... 20,000, 0,0 Less repay.
ments ... 16,625..3.7
brought forward from
J
last account .......... 501,332-27 By Profit....... 171549.83
The rate of 2/4 is an unnecessarily compli cated ona since it, cannot work smoothly, Dollars must be paid for in gold, but the
£ 3.377.16,5 @ 1/10 sovereign is not divisible by 2/4 nor is there a fraction of the dollar to suit. If ons.sover.
By Marine insurance account... Next came His Highness the Yang di Per eign be tendered to get dollars a simple Tuan of the Negri Sembilan marshalled in by calculation will show that this is impossible Mr. D. G. Campbell, the British Resident of because there is no existent fraction of a By Sundry creditors
cent to square the transaction. It is believed By Balunce of profit the "Nina Stales." His Highness was also waited on by a body-guard of Malays clothed that the slight alteration of making the rate such that notes can be bought against in black, with the stiff black head dresses favoured by the Malays of Sri Mananti, and gold at the rate of eight dollars, fifty to the with dark red silk saronge, and carrying some sovereign, would do all that is required for pur- of the state regalin and their swords and spears poses of fixity. It would also do away with the dificulty referred to above and make no ap. of office.
His Highness the Sultan and Yang di Perpreciable difference in the mercantile i.c. bank Toan, after being introduced to H. R. H. were rate. Besides being more convenient, if not conducted to seats on the dais, while their indispensable, it would also prove an advant followers lived either side of the Hall.
age by keeping open the royal road to a gold The Sultan of Perak, who was prevented currency, since at the right time, which need through indisposition from coming to Singa- not now he far distant, when the sovereign is pore, sent Rafa Musa, the Raja Muda of Perak mide legal tender, it would be more easily and Raja Chulan, with a letter regretting his done. inability to attend, and His Royal Highness through Raja Chulan, desired to thank the Baltan for his kind message of regret and for having sent his own mounted body-guard to attend H. R. H, during his stay in Singapore,
THR Straits Times says:-The Indian Go vernment has withdrawn the boycott against the Statesman on the paper's apologizing for publishing confidential papers,
December 31, 1905.
To interest......... 12-1) +95 +----+ 20
"
Crown tentanzoskinen Fire insurance.................................... Office expenses, salaries, stx- tionery and rent of head offica *****arrie Telegramsud Legal expenses '................ Marine insurance account...... Towage...
Profit..
sion meant?
The Chairman-I think you know about that better than anyone else.
Mr. Michael--I don't know,
The Chairman-You paid it. Mr. Michael-Profit on commission ? The Chairman-We had to put it in like that. Mr. Michael said perhaps they might not like bim inquiring but he thought it was for the benefit of all. He quoted Mr. Gershom Stewart's remarks that Mr. Granville Sharp's 36,848.95 estate at his death was valued at a million dol
lars. A few years later it had increased to two 49,500.00 or three millions. 2,361,748,82
ANNUAL MEETING.
5th inst.
The twenty-fifth ordinary" annual meeting of shareholders in the Hoogkong Ice Co., Id., was held at the office of the general managers. Messra. Jardine, Matheson and Co., at 12.30 p.m. to-day, to receive the annual statement of accounts and report of the general mana- gers, Those present were: Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson, (chairman), Messrs. W. Pariane, W. A. Cruickshank, H. W. Lonker, C. D. Wilkinson, C. H. Ross, II. P. White, Le Cheung Shin, Ho Fook, C. W. May, and A. B. Smith, and W. G. Rats (secretary), The secretary having read the notice con- vening the meeting,
and get the money. On arriving at the shop the farmer gave the alarm and the robber was arrested. Two other men were captured the same night. On conviction this morning they got off lightly with a sentence of fificen days' hard-labour each and six hours' stocks.
AN UNCHARTED ROCK. -
The Bangkok Times of gist ult. says:-The N. 17. L. 5. Phranang came up to Bangkok this morning. So far as was reported to Messrs. Windsor & Co., the agents, this forenoon, it appears that the Phranang, hound from Bang kok to Hongkong with a full cargo, left Anghin, where she had taken the last of her cargo ou board, for her destination, on Thursday it was understood. Just beyond Koh-si-Ching near Koh Kram, she struck slightly on some obstacle.
was made. It was then found that some of her The engines were stopped and an examination
Mr. Turner-We don't deaf in brothels. Mr. Michael- don't know what the pro- perty was. I would simply like to know about it.
The Chairman explaised that they had a The Chairman said:-I propose if you are 672,982.10 good deal of land that was not paying very agreeable to take the report and accounts as
well yet and he thought the reason was that read. Our sales of ice, both to steamers and. 55,621.079.87 Huegbom had been very much over-develop for private consumption, were larger than dur
ed. Mr. Mickael had said the results shoulding 1904. and revenue derived from cold platea forward were damaged, and that she was 561,562.75 bave been very much belter considering the storage also shows a satisfactory increase. To making water in the forehold. The captain meet the demand on this branch of our busi- immediately returned to Anghin, under steam 3,119.03 time the Company had been in existence.
nesa an additional store was insulated during and not, as at first reported, towed by the 3.251.83 They held quite do opposite opinion. This
Company was a very sick child in Its early the year and the completion of another, Devawongse, At Anghin the damage was days. It started with six fever-stricken houses making five in all, is about to be under- temporarily patched up. It is not at present 35,625.90 in Richmond Terrace; subsequently a fow taken. The seven new ice boxes referred to known what cargo is damaged. The vessel 3,402.92 more became fever-stricken. Afterwards a lot at last meeting are now in course of erection, goes into dock as soon as possible. The rock 165.00 of land was taken in Kowloon and shares and the establishment is in a position to supply on which the Phranang struck, it is stated, is 8,000.00 given in exchange. Some years later that land a considerably larger quantity of ice than uncharted, and is supposed to be a point of 391.40 was not a source of strength but of weakness there has been a demand for. The appropria- coral that has just risen high enough to be tions suggested in the report will, hope, dangerous. Up to noon to-day the Harbour -171,549 83 because they had to pay ground rent and re
ceived nothing at all in return. It would be commend themselves to you; they are dictated Department had not received full particulars $285,168.68 found the tendency of the Company had been by a desire to strengthen the Company in view of the accident,