·94
HONGKONG general CHAM-
BER OF COMMERCE,
ANNUAL MEETING.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1906.
WATER SUPPLY.
'KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
experienced Chinese pilots only.
gent
The committee have closely followed the progress of the above, mentioned attempts to legislate for the compulsory registration of partnerships but see no reason at present to depart from the, attitude adopted in the last report.
În view, ↑ necessitato considerable alterations before it is It is satisfactory to be able to note that what Two years ago when speaking on the sub. however, of the Ordinance having so recently brought before the Council again. A select come into force the commilies were unable to committee of the Straits Legislative Council has been for many years past skeleton in the ject of the Kowloon to Canton Tallway, 1 ven.
has since been appointed to consider and re- cupboard it, we trust, shortly to be laid per-tured to suggest that at all cost this railway see their way to take any further steps in this
direction until the licensed pilots bad more port on the Bill with power to sit in the divi manently at rest. I refer to the constantly must be constructed and that while that secon
siens at Singapore and Penang. 29th inst, recurrent shortage of our water supply. During lying inside our borders should be built by time a prove their capabilities.
The Merchant Service Guild, Liverpool, our own Government, francial assistance
alsout the same time, also brought up the ques The annual meeting of the Hongkong the past few years this question his received General Chamber of Commerce was held the carnest consideration of the Government should also be rendered to accelerate the build-
tion of the Hongkong pilots having sufficient and by none more seriously pressed than Hising of the extension to Canton. We now know yesterday afternoon. Mr. E. A. Hewett, chair-
ching each her, and a reply was man of the committer, presided; and there Excellency out present Governor. The sup that the former step has been taken and that knowledge to properly navigate vessels approa
work on the line has actually been begun. were present-The tron, Mr. R. Shewan, Han.plimentary addition to the Tytam reservoir is
As regards the Chinese extensin great lifthrough the Government that the extent of the now approaching completion and
examination was sufficient to ensure licensed Mr. C. W. Dickson, 'Messrs. N. A. Siebs, A.
culty has been experienced in entering an Haupt, J. R. M. Smuth, A. G. Wood, G. H. Med sufficiently far advanced to store the water
negotiations with the Viceroy of the Two pilous having the requisite knowledge. hurst, and D. R. Law, members of committee. available during the approaching wel season.
The Kowloon water scheme will also be shortly Kwang. These, however, have recently been Messrs. B. L. Baliwara, F
V. Jorge,
overcome, and it is hoped that the negotiations F. Salinger, A. Forbes, J. R. Michael, Cinful working order and by next winter it is
now in hand will result in the conclusion of Pemberton, C. Thompson, O. Ellis, .. hoped the inhabitants of the Peninsula will be.
satisfactory agreements between the Corpora Leiria, E. 0. Murphy, W. H. T. Davis, J. supplied with all they require. In addition we Wilkie, T. P. Cochrane, W. D. Graham, D. M. hope that next year work will be commenced tion, the Viceroy and the Hongkong Govern
on the larger Tytam reservoir. Nissim, H. M. Tibbey, W. M. Watson, E. Ormiston, E. A. Soolenianjee, S. Mowjec, L. Beriodoague, and A. Rumfano,
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THE CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS. The Chairman said-Genilemen, with your permission we will as usual lake the report and accounts as tead, ba before proposing the passing of these documents I will make a few remarks with regard to principal matiers which have engaged the attention of the Com. mittee during the past year.
will be
While at this is no doubt very satisfactory, these great undertakings have necessarily absorbed large sums of money, mostly provided, it is gratifying to note, ant of cortent revenue.
TYPHOON SHELTER,
The drain upon our resources has been severe and other ir portant public works have ni necessity for the time being been relegated to the background, Among others the all important work of 2 new and thoughly sufficient harbour of refuge for small craft is one of those pressing questions which has had to take second place. We understand, however, that this important undertaking my possibly appear in the next Estimates, or at the furthest in those of the following year. It is, however, satisfactory to know that the importance of this refuge is fully recognised.by the Govern
PILOT ORDINANCE. Touching the working of the Pilot Ordinance, since our last meeting further correspondence has passed between the Chamber and the Gov erament and it is satisfactory to note that under the existing conditions the Ordmance has werk- ---------------ed-smoothly:-No complaints have been made
during the year as to there not being a sufficet. cient supply of competent men to carry out such pilotage wolk as is required in Hongkong.
FISCAL REPORN.
HARBOUR CONGESTION. Another matter which must in time engage the attention of the Government, and indeed bas I believe already received some consider. ation, is that of the overcrowding of the har bour Hongkong in point of nierchant lon- age entered and cleared ranks as the first port of the world. This is not only due to its geographical position but to the wise policy adopted by the fovernment in doing all possi bie by low taxation and the absence of vexatious. So long as this policy is continued so long will the port of langkong be able to hold its owit as a centre of trade against all rivals to its su- premacy in this part of the Far Eastern seas.
ment, and the early commencement of con. struction on the Chinese section of the railway,
HANKOW RAILWAY.
.
In the meantime the Colony of Hongkong has by a loan of £1,100,000 to the Viceroy of the Two He enabled him to put an end to the foreign ownership of the Canton-Hankow line under which no progress was made, and it is! ilse hoped that the construction of this part of the railway connection between Hongkong and Peking may soon be proceeded with free from any control prejudicial to the Colony's or to British interests."
FISCAL REFORM, »
The resolution passed at the last annual meeting requesting the Government to be good enough to forward to the Chamber details of any proposed legislation in the nature of fiscal reform which might affect the trade of the Colony was duly conveyed to the Government and the reply elicited can be regarded as satis. factory.
JUNK BAY ANCHORAGE,
NEWCHWANG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Tlie announcement of the formation at the end of the year of a General Chamber of Com- merce at Newchwang under the chairmanship of Mr. H. A. Bush was suitably acknowledged, and an offer made to co-operate where the
mutual interests of the two ports were coa. cerned.
BRITISH POST OFFICE AT TIENTSIN., At the initiation of the London Chamber of Commerce it was represented to the Govern la consequence of the prosecution of Captainment that as other Foreign l'owers had estals Olsen, 8.5. Oscar 11. for anchoring in Junk lished post offices at the important and rapidly Bay on the night of the 5th June, a circular
growing Treaty post of Tientsin the Colony letter, signed by 16 shipmasters, was received.
would be well advised to establish a branch there in a similar manner to the existing ones by the comunittes asking that the Governmen
at the smaller ports between Hongkong and be approached with a view to the withdrawal
Chefno. The Government have expressed of the restrictions against anchoring in junk Bay. The committes were able to support the
their willingness to accede to the proposal pro- His Excellency has during his term of office arguments brought forward by the shipmasters vided the British Consal is willing to under.
and the Government very promptly settled the
take the work, but they are averse to opening bere already given many indications of his wish
a branch establishment on similar lines to that to do all in his power to promote the well-be-matter by declaring the bay a part within the provisions of section 21 of the Merchant Ship-
at Shanghai on the ground of possible financial ing of this Colony, and his success in accom.
loss to the Colony The matter has been re plishing this work will earn him the lasting ping Ordinance, 1899.
ferred to His Excellency Sir Erniest, Satow at gratitude of the people of Hongkong.
Peking and it is hoped that he will be favour ably inclined to the proposal.
À GRACEFUL TRIBUTE.
LIGHTING OF WANG MUN ENTRANCE TO THE WEST RIVER.
In conclusion, gentlemens, I must state that
A scheme for the lighting of the Wang Mun am sure we all joined in a feeling of very
Entrance to the West River by the erection of a light either au Lintin Island or the Southern sincere regret at receiving the news of the
extremity of the Swashway was refurred by the Mr. death of Mr. Fullerton Henderson.
Government to the Chamber early in the year Henderson was not only a very old and res pected resident in aliis Colony hut for many
and the reply sent advised a light on the years was an active member of this Chamber, western edge of the Swashway. having held the post of Secretary. All of us who have known bint will feel thit by his death we are the poorer, while in him most of us have lost a cheery and warm-hearted personal that the report and accounts be passed.
With regard to Biscal selorm to which I have on more than one occasion referrel, the be in abeyance owing to the question seems opinions held by the majority of the supporters in the House of Conitions of the present Government, and to the postponement of the proposed Colonial Conference till, I believe, 1937. The question, however, still requires regulations to attract shipping to this. port. Giend. With these remarks i would now move ber, and also a beaton marking the southern watching and it is to be hoped that when the Conference does meet the Crown Colonies will have the advantage of being directly represent ed by someone personally acquainted with their individual needs, and not, as understand was at one une contemplated, by the Secretary of State whose knowledge of the details of the trade of such Colony must be limited.
MERCHANT SHIPPING GUILD.,
You will observe that the report, contains certain correspondence in which the Merchan: Shipping Guild lignes prominently. The various questions raised by that association have all been satisfactorily dealt with and while we trust this satisfaction is also shared by the Guild, it demonstrates clearly that the Gover ment, more particularly as represented by the Harbour Master, is anxious that no unreason able restrictions shall interfere with busine: and that, where possible, regulations will be modified when it can be shown that they pres unduly on the trade-of-the-Colony,
PARTNERSHIPS REGISTRATION.
• No progress has been made during the pict year in the direction of the suggested com- pulsory registration of partnerships, but le Committee are closely following the steps now being taken in this direction both in the Strai and "Bengal. In view, however, of certa statements which have appeared in some of the Eastern papers, it would be as well to reitera e that as a body the Committee while recogn ing the evils which at times arise through te want of full information being on record as 1 the individual partners in native firms, a practically agreed that no scheme which as yet been presented can receive our support. We believe compulsory registration to,be advi able, but the disadvantage are great and we still await some practical solution of the problem
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
From time to time the question arises as to certain local events being nude the occasion of official bank holiday. The matter is of quite secondary importance, but as it has been referred to lately in the legal press it perhaps deserves, passing reference. It is only necessary to say therefore that, while certain days in the year are accepted as bank holidays, the sudden interpolation of one because, of some. Ipcal function may, and indeed at times does, inflict hardship upon a merchant, who not holiday- making himself finds his business dislocated. That the Government fully recognizes this is shown by their doing us the honour of ascer taining whether the declaring of a certain day. as a holiday be convenient.
*
Prosperity, however, linings 'with a obliga tions, and with the increasing number of vessels and the general tendency for an mcrease in the
MR. FORBES, ADDRESS. Mr. A. Forbes, in seconding the chair. man's speech, said that all would congratulate the Committee on the work accomplished during the past year. The unwillingness of
It was therefore with much satisfaction that information was afterwards received that the Impenal Maritime Customs had established a much needed light in this position on 7th Novem edge of the Bank abreast of Cone Island,
CHINA COAST METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER.
The Governotent having invited the Cham- her to suggest any als rations in the informa- tion published in the daily register issued by the Observatory, the shipping firms and
PLAGUE AT RANGOON AND METHODS OF DEALING WITH PLAGUE' BY THE SANITARY
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BOARD AT HONGKONG. Plague having unhappily, broken out at Rangoon during the spring, the Rangoon Chamber expressert a desire to learn the methods adopted in Hongkong for combating the plague The matter, was referred to the Sanitary Board and a sketch of the plague measures in force locally was forwarded to Rangoon,
CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. PRINCE ARTHUR'S VISIT-PROPOSED HOLIDAYS,
The Government having expressed a desire for the opinion of the Chamber on the question of public holidays at Chinese New Year, and on the occasion of Prince Arthur's visit to the
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seats on the committee rendered vacant by resignations on teaving the Colony of the Hon. Mr. W. J. Gressos, Manus, H. W. Robertson, H. E.Tomkins and E. S. Whealler respectively. During the absence on six months' homa leave of the chairman Mr. E. à. Howeit, the vice-chairman, Mr, A. G. Wood, officiated in the chair,
SECRETARYSHIP.
J
The Secretary, Mr. A. R. Lowe, was granted 5 montba' home leave during the summer, and Mr. J. F. Bingham, who was appointed to act in his place, efficiently performed the duties of the office.
FINANCES.
The Pinnacle Rock Fund has been increased, by the addition of interest, to $4,750.97. No demands have been made on the fund during the year nlthough permission has been given to the Commander of B. M. Surveying vessel` Waterwitch to draw on the fund as necessity arisco.
The general funds have been increased by surplus income $1,596.61 and the reserve now 10tals $16,312.08, which is chiefly invested in ongkong Club and Hongkong Hotel Co.
debentures.
The correctness of the attached accounts has been certified by Mr. J. Y. V. Vernon and the Hon. Mr. Gershom Stewart.
WATKINS, LIMITED.
ANNUAL MEETING,
29th inst. The seventh ordinary annual meeting of shareholders in the above Company, was held at noon to-day, at their office, Watkins build- ing, 31, Queen's Road Central
There were present: Messrs. G. A. Watkins, chairman; C. E. Warren, Chow Dart Tong, Clow Hen Wah, C. A. dá Roza, and Chan A. Fook.
The notice calling the meeting having been read by the general manager,
The Chairman said:-Gentlemen-As usual we will, if you have no objection, take the report and accounts issued as read. We have Business a very lean year to chronicle. throughout 1955 was bad and with nothing special in our favour. I am sorry the result of the company's trading during the past year has been so unsatisfactory that we are, com- pelled to pass the payment of any dividend. The failing off is entirely in sympathy with the general depressing which has been felt during the period under, review. Every possible
size of these vessels the, waters of the harbour the Singapore authorities to accept, the terms agencies' were requested by circular to be goon | Colony, the committee advised that two days economy has been effected in the working of are even now naduly restricted and some of the of the Paris Convention was without doubt | enough" to give the committee the benefit of might be given on the former occasion but with the business; and the general managers will
larger merchant steamers have to take up their anchorage in the outskirts of the harbour, The needs of my own fleet, and the more enn stant appearance our friends, members of foreign navies, still further tend incterse the difficulty of provating suitable anchorage for all, and the ime is now rapidly approaching when the whale question of the distribution of the shipping in the harbour will require careful consideration. The solution of the question will probably be found in the laying down of system of head and stern moorings, but as the expense this mentred would be very great- the matter is one requiring careful.consider atun before a definite line of action be a opted, When we last met reference was made to the temble war then.10 progress in the northern territory of the Empire to which we are so closely allied by interest and trade. That war has now happily terminated in an hourable peace and the result will, we trust, be that the peace the Far East is thereby ensured for all This hope is further encouraged by the particularly friendly relations which exist be tween ourselves and our friends in these wa'ers, evidence of which we are happily witnessing at the moment.
line.
CONTRABAND OF WAR.
In connection with the war, to which re ference has just been made, two very import ant questions have arisen argently calling for the earnest considerating of all civil sed Guvern- ments. allude 10 the question of the definition of contraband of war, and that of the placing of mines for warlike purposes where and in such positions they may either at the time, or after pence has been declared, prave a terrible menace to peaceful vessels. Both these questions are most complex and a satisfactory salution of them difficult, but it is earnestly to be hoped that steps may be taken to minimise the great loss to trade and possibly to life and property by the top reckless disreg ad during war time of the admitted rights of neutrals..
a
was
10
be
their views on the subject. From the informa tion thus acquired various suggestions, having far their object the improvement of the register from a shipniaster's standpoint, were forwarded to the Government for their consideration.
The committee were glad to note that the Government are anxious to act on he sugges tions made and improvements are expected in the following directions. vix-
cceleration of delivery.
2 Better printing as soon as the new mach- Finery ordered arrives.
Earssasta_for_24_hours_along various
routes.
4 Explanation of typhoon signals hoisted. 5. Inclusion of atmospheric pressure on the millimeter scale,
matter for much regret to Hongkong
it interests, and shipping hoped that the inther negotiations now successiu). It seems pending would be Father hard treatment to make Hongkong keep to the to days period when days had been defined by the experts as sufficient. The an nouncement by the Chairman that a new typhoon anchorage for small craft was to be taken in hand shortly was very welcome news as a larger and more convenient shelter would very greatly facilitate the work in the harbour. Recent-events-lind-shown that the Government can borrow money cheaply for railway, outside the Caluny, and lie cannot bolji thinking that the Chamber should urge on the Government the advisability of taking similar means for
A report on the average distribution of fags necessary public works extraordinary, such as this refuge. He felt sure that members of this along the China Coast is also promised shortly, Chamber would endorse all the Chairman had as well as the inclusion of diagrams in the said regarding the building of the railway to Observatory's annual report showing the track Cabton. hat the past year had witnessed of typhoons recurring during the year. the commencement of the work showed that QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS AT SHANGHAL
Under the terms of the Venice Convention the line bad at last go beyond the talking stage, at any rate on the poition within Hongkong was released from quarantine on or British Territory. It was of vital interest to about September Hib, but the Government be- this Colony that the line should be built
ing unable to obtain the removal of the restric with all speed, and pave the way for tions against arrivals from Hongkong at Shang. the network of railways throughout Southern bai suggested that the Chamber might address China, which would eventually be required to the Shanghai Chamber on the subjec, This carry gonds and passengers to and from the was done, and on the 19th October (nearly natural, most conveniently situated port on its weeks after most other ports had removed orders, viz., Bangkong. The general antiplague restrictions) information was received foreign tendency in China at the present that the Shanghai authorities had withdrawn noment, and the obstructive tactics of the the quarantine regulations. As there were only 1 cases of plague in Hongkong during high officials, were greatly to be deplored
in the tree interests of trade, which only September the precautions taken at Shanghai flourished when mutual confidence existed during the year seem to have been unnecessarily and treaty rights were respected. The restringent. cent flagrant case of the illegal seizure of coal in Canton by the Viceroy of the Two Kwang was fresh their minds, a
and it was 10 be regretted that the Government had to in tervene before the coal was released by the Viceroy to its rightful owners. They could only by future Viceroys and their subordinates in office.
REGISTRATION OF SMALL CRAFT UNDER
some reluciance, as the last of the two days foll in a mail day. The day of Prince Arthur of Connaught's arrival in the Colony however being also a mail day and the ceremony of welcoming him occupying so small a portion of the day, it was unanimously agreed that a public holiday would be a serious inconvenience, in basiness men and on general grounds un- necessary. Also that as the Banks invariably closed a noon on races days and the residents generally took the matter in their own hands the official notification of a public holiday an the first day of the races was nor required...
PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY CRIMINAL SESSIONS. A suggestion having been made to the Gov. erament that it would be a convenience to the business community in hold the session once in two months instead of monthly on the ground that jurors would be called on less frequently, the opinion of the Chamber was sought but the committee were unable to recommend the pro posal nut the ground that prisoners would suffer an injustice in being kept on remand longer than was absolutely necessary. With over 1,000 persons on the Jury List it seemed un necessary for any one person to be called more than once in two years and the time occupied in attendance at the sessions would also be shorter under the present system.
PARTS SANITARY CONVENTION.
continue to give this matter their careful atten- encouraging, but we hope business will im- tion. Prospects for the present year are not prove later on. From the statements of ac- counts, you will see that substantial amounts this has been done on the recommendation of have been written off the Company's assets
Messrs. Lowe and Bingham who have made a thorough and searching examination of the Company's books and assets, with which Mr. W. Hutton Potts concurs. We trust these appro priations meet with your approval, would point out to you we have paid off during the year iges about $20,0co to our bankers and $7,680.00 of building mortgage, our sterling liabilities are nearly $10,000 less than the previous year, You will have 'seen from the local press, we have lost through death' the services of our senior assistant, Mr. Alexander Scott Mason. Your general managers avail themselves of this opportunity in expressing their deep sym- pathy with his parents in Perth, Scotland, in thistheirsnd beienvement. Before proposing the adoption of the accounts I shall be pleased to give any further information shareholders may ask for.
No question being asked,
The Chairman proposed the adoption of the report and accounts.
Mr. Chow Hon Wah seconded-Carried. The Chairman-That is all the busines, gen.. tlemen. Thank you for your attendance."
The meeting then terminated.
CLAIM FOR TIMBER.
29th inst.
In Summary Jurisdiction this morning, be fore his Honour Mr. A. G: Wise, Puisne judge, the On Shung Lung Chan, timber merchants, of No. 57, Station Street, Yaumati, sued Sid To, altas Sio Chuk Sam, lately carrying on business as a building contractor, at present
of the sum of $77,74 being the amount dua by defendant to plaintiff for goods (timber) sold and delivered and stiff remaining unpaid for.
While I do not wish in unduly detain you, hope that the lesson would not be lost sight of Her and cargo boat on upper reaches of the the general adoption of this Convention would living at No. 95, Hollywood Road, for secovery
my remarks would tard y be complete were not reference made at this our annual meeting to the present condition of China with whese wel- file we are so closely bound up. To be consist ent, after'so many years of gratuitous advice. PARIS SANITARY CONVENTION,
allered to our neighbours, we must all be glad to You will have seen from the repart now be
see that ni last the nation appears to be awaken- fore you that considerable correspondence has passed between the Government and the
ing and while throwing off the inertia of centuries to realize that she is a nation and Chamber in connection with the proposed subscription by this Colony to the Interna- must take her place as such in the world. The tional Sanitary Convention of Paris 1903. The
present movement in China, while undoubardly fraught with great difficulties and possibly main point which sa lar as are situated. affects us is that under this convention the danger to individuals, should after all receive period of incubation of bubonic plague has, improved system of Government in which the our sympathy so far as it is directed towards an by the best experts of the nationalities people at large will be permitted to have a
after careful consideration and discussion
Carried
THE DEBASED CURRENCY, ' Mr. Ellis referred in the serious effect on Incal business owing to the debased currency, and expressed the hope that the Government would take vigorous steps to ensure the fulfili ment of the Treaty on the part of the Chinese Government by which they agreed to put their coinage on a sound fouting.
The Chairman pointed out, in reply, that the Imperial Government had taken steps with
A conference in Paris was he'd at the end of 103 of Delegates fram at the principal civil- ed Powers with the object of consolidating the rules of the four Sanitary Couvent ons and to bring the new quarantine regulations up to date in conformity with experience gained in recent years. Largely owing to the evidence adduced and the conclusion arrived at by the Indian Plague ommision it was agreed to THE BRITISH FLAG.
consider the incubation period of plague 5 days instead of to days underthe, Venice Convention. The care of the owner of a motor launch of
As the incubation and the quarantine period 16 tons net register who, being a British sub-
coincide it was apparent to the co mitice the ject and desiring to run the boat as a passen- West River, found himself unable to register materially benefit Hongkong although other the boat in Hongkong under the British flag regulations in connection with the medical ex- without carrying a master and engineer hold-amiation of passengers and the disinfection of ships principally to destroy rats, were likely ing Board of Trade certificates, was represent-
to add to the expense of shipowners. et in the Government as ore of hardship as permission to fly the flag of other European nations on small craft trading in Chinese Waters is comparatively easily obtained.
The matter was prompily taken up by the Government and
Ordinance passed enabling smail craft, to obtain, British registry without complying with all the requirements pingOrdinance, No. 10 of 1899.
an
he refusal however of the Straits Settle- menis authorities to subscribe to the Conven- tion gave the committee no option but to re- com end the Government to follow suit until the more Southern Crown Colony was able to
change its attitude on the question, as unless there were corresponding advantages to be and the shipping community with additional expense and more stringent working conditions in times of plague.
Mr. F. X. d'Almada e Castro appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. R. Gardiner, of Mr. O. D. Thomson's office represented the defendant.
Mr. d'Almada e Castro said that this was a claim for planks and beams sold by plain. 10 defendant, and called the plaintiff
who stated that the total amount of the timber
purchased from him by defendant was Tis. 410,
regard to copper coins which they hoped imposed under section 4 of the Merchant Ship gained it seemed, unfair to saddle this Colony returned certain timber, and after giving credit
would have good effect; while with regard to the subsidiary silver coins they still hoped the Chinese Government would adopt the sugges tion made to it by our Government, and by several commissions. Referring to the some what "panicky" feeling at home with regard to outrages on foreigners in China he said that while China was a country where, the un- expected very often happens, and they knew there was a good deal of unrest there, the anxiety felt at home and in America was unfounded.
The report and accounts were adopted and Passed.
The Chairman, moved. Mr. 1. R. Michael, seconded, and it was agreed that Messes 1. B. Petit and Co. and the Netherlands · Tråding Co., be elected members of the Chamber of Commerce.
share. It is a matter for deep regiet that a concerned, been reduced "from to days to
lew hot-headed and ignorant individuals shou d sdays. It is freely admitted that sporadic cases of plague can break out not only
find it in their power to stir up communities after 5 days but even after to days, as has
not only to acts of rebellion against their own rulers but that this agitation should further been frequently proved, but granted that
result in murderous attacks upon foreigners all the safeguards provided by the new couyen-resident in the country, where their presence is tion be adoptell the risk of such outbreak is small and fully warrants the proposed reduction sanctioned by treaty.. One of the most brilliant patriots if last century' when addressing a in the regulation with regard to the official meeting of his nationals in Ireland stated that limit to the period of incubation. Any of us
"the greatest political reform was not worth who have had even a small acquaintance of the the shedding of a single drop of blood." All necessities of our local and interport 'trade-will readily understand the enormous advantage genuine reforms i honesty and soura cously which such a, change, if universally adopted, and it is to be hoped that the sound commen out can be gained by peaceful means would bring about in our trade, hampered as it is by these constantly enforced quarantine sente fur which the Chinese ne se eminently noted will in the end prevail ånd while encour. regulations which so seriously affect us at cer
Mr. G. B. Thompson proposed, and Mr. Evan tain times of the year through out the Far East. aging the much needed reform in the system of
Ormiston seconded, the re-election of the com- government at the same time place a due check Before recommending the Government to subs
upon the extreme anti-oreign and revolution-mittee, with the substitution of Mr. H. E cribe to the Convention.it was, however, con-
Tomkins for Mr. Salinger, who was leaving the sidered advisable to ascertain whether the ary tendencies at times too apparent. It is to
be regretted that this moderation is so often Colony. This was agreed to. lacking in the higher officials of the Empire, The proceedings then terminated. and we have to deplore the policy of obstruc tion and hostility not to say of open defiance of the leaders of the people. This is very notice Treaty obligations so constantly displayed by Able with regard to certain of the highest follows:- officials in the adjoining provinces, against whom a formidable indictment might be rought of illegal exactions and frequent viola tion of treaties. Unless these matters receive the prompt and energetic attention of His
THE REPORT.
sented to the members this afternoon, is as The report of the Committer for 1995, pre-
During 190s fewer questions have engaged recent years, but nevertheless some good work has been accomplished.
the attention of the committee than in more
PILOTS ORDINANCE, 1904.
As intimated in the last report representa early part of the year advocating a liberal
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TIME BALL AT KOWLOON POINT. In response to an inquiry from the Govern ment, the shipping firms and agencies were consulted as in the advisability of removing the time ball at Kowloon Point to a more suit- able position. Finally it was suggested to the Government that the ball be moved to Signal Hill, or to the top of the Observatory building, or to raise the present structure. suggested that a fing should be dropped from the fagstaff of the Harbour Office simol- inneously with the dropping of the time ball, for the benefit of the shipping at the western extremity of the barbour. MERCHANT SERVICE GUILD AND HONGKONG
FORT AUTHORITIES..
It was also'
Through the Government the committee were placed in possession of correspondence between the Merchant Service Guild, Liver pool, and the Colonial Office regarding the attitude taken by the Harbour Master, Hon. Capt Barnes Lawrence, who, it was considered by the Guild, was unnecessarily harassing and interfering with British shipping and British Captains in the waters of the Colony.
A further attempt has been made to secure the support of the Singapore, Chamber of Com. merce to secure their support to the Paris Con- vention and its adoption by the Straits Govern men, bat at date no notification of any decision has been received.
SUGAR CONVENTION ORDINANCE. Changes have been made in the Ordinance and regulations dealing with the import and export of sugar, which have been published in previous annual reports, principally to enable sugar in transit through the Colony to be stored nevanshipp d. The godowns of the Hong kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Com pany, imited, have been declared authorised godowns for the storage of sugar under the Act, and the prohibition of imputs of sugar from Brazil has been withdrawn.
The importation of sugar for use in the Colany from Russia. Denmark and the Argen- tine Republic is prohibited.
METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS and MEASURES.
i
Defendant had paid $80, and Syon, and he had
there was a balance of $77.74. They had ap plied to defendant for payment of this money, but he had not paid it, though he had rendered
him several accounts.
Mr. Gardiner said for the defence he disput. ed three items on the 8th of October and also five items on the rothi
Plaintiff, in cross-examination, said the wrong account he had rendered had not hɛen eutered in his book.
As to the items disputed the defendant said he would chop the book where the goods had been delivered in full, some being delivered one day some another. When the delivery 'was com pleted defendant kept putting him off from day to day, and so he never got the acknowledg ments. He delivered the goods on the master's promise to chop the book afterwards. He did not always do that; it depended who the The acknowledgment for Tls, customer was. *380 did not include the items in dispute.
Sin To, the defendant, said he had bought goods from plaintiff at various times. He had been through the account produced, and com- pared it with his book. He did not get as much goods as the plaintiff charged him for. On the 27th day of the 5th moon he had no The Decimal Association expressed much entry of any goods purchased from the plaintiff, On investigation it was clearly proved that
nor on the 8th day of the 6th mean, the grounds of the complaints made were all gratification at the donation of 10 made last apparently based on incurrect information hav-year towards the Parliamentary Expenses Fund
Cross-examined by Mr. d'Almada e Castro ing been furnished the Guild. The committee and advised the passage of the Bill, through he said the accounts were all for wood. Ho never received any bills for the goods. He were able to assure the Government of this, the House of Lords. The recent change in
never told His Honour in Chambers that he and on behalf of the shipping community to the Home Government will however necessi tate further delay in the progress of the mea
ea had received a number of bills and must look add their appreciation of the manner in which
sure which is printed in full in the appendix through them. Ho admitted that he owed a the present Harbour Master has shown himself rendy to modily regulations when it has been for information of members. It will be 're..
small balance to the plaintiff. He paid the demonstrated that this might reasonably be membered that in t004 the committee forward-pinintiff in bank neiss and he was entitled to some credit for exchange. He owed about Sa ernment a resolution in favour of the adoption altogether. the Colony,
of the system throughout the British Empire.
His Honour: Very well. You can take judgment for 52 and costs.
Straits Government would also subscribe to it, as unless they were prepared to do this may of the advantages which we would'derive under the new Convention would be lost to us. On being approached, however, the Singapore Government was unwilling to accept the con ditions of the Paris Convention and in this was supported by the local Chamber of Commerce. Further negotiations are now being conducted between the two Colonies. in view of the fact that throughout the greater part of the year quarantine is continue apost Majesty's Ministers the Chinese officials, en Hongkong, the result, if we continue to work couraged by our supineness, will proceed to stillions were made to the Government in the done without detriment to the general good of ed to Colonial Office through the local Gov. under the old regulation as laid down by the Venice Convention, will as heretofore militate seriously against our prosperity and also act adversely on the matual trade of the two Colonies. We believe that regulations which are found acceptable to the home government should also prove so to the more distant Crown Colonies of Great Britain, and we are not without hope that we may convince our sister Colony that by adopting the new Convention they will not be adding to the risk of the Introduction of bubonic plague into their midst
Before passing to other matters which are of deep interest to us, would refer to one or two local questions not deal with in the report now before you,
further acts of aggression and will endeavour to still more hinder our lawful trading under- takings with their country.
2.
extension of the number of licences and fur
REGISTRATION OF PARTNERSHIPS. ther latitude in the matter of the examination. A Dil drafted by the Bengal Chamber of The views of the committee were shared by Commerce in 1904 and a summary of attempts His Excellency the Governor and instructions since 1867 that have been made towards bring were given to render the examinations mora ing about partnership registration in India simple and to license any British subject capa will be found in the appendix. It is proposed ble of passing (unless for some special reason to apply the registration in the first place to found unsuitable).
Certain of the large towns but as late as Octo- Later the Hongkong and Kawloon Wharf ber, 1995, no 'definite steps had been taken by & Gedawn Co., Ltd., brought to the notice of the Government of India to pass the Bill. the committee two cases of accident to ships More progress has been made with the berthing at their wharves whilst in charge of a measure at Singapore and the Bill has passed European Pilot and suggesting that the steam the second reading. It appears likely however
MEMBERSH
Little change in the membership is to be recorded, Messrs, Phirozsha B. Petit & Co. have been elected (for 1906) and this requires LEAVE of absence on private affairs to the confirmation at the annual meeting. The Im neighbouring countries has been granted to perial Itanic of China ceased to be member and Lieutenant E. H. Lovell, Royal Garrison, Ar the death of Mr. Paul Brewitt has to be re-tillery, from 29th March to 30th June, 19:6, and to the undermentioned officers of the corded. The total membership for 1956 con- rists of 121 firms and 25 single individuals.
119th Baluchis Lieut, W. K. Cook, (Attach- ed) from 3rd April 101st July'; Lieut. C. M. T. Westorn, from 3rd April to set July and Lieut. S. Ussher, from 11th April to 20th July.
CHINA'S CURRENCY. Touching the long-looked-for reform of the currency China we have reason to hope that the Central Government has at last made a move in the right direction and that the action new being taken with regard to local contracts made by the officials for copper discs required for coinage will have a salutary effect; while the proposed placing of the various mints un. der one organization, if definitely 'accepted by the Central Government, cannot but make for a greater uniformity of the silver coinage. [ship companies should be advised to employ that the strong opposition to the Bill will | Law, F. Salinger and G. H. Madhurst accepted
GENERAL COMMITTEE,
The Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson, Mesure. D. R.