CHINA MERCHANTS' STEAM NAVIGATION CO., LD.
LEETING OF HONGKONG SHAREHOLDERS.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY MARCH 9 1907.
SANITARY BOARD.
The usual bi-monthly meeting of the Sanitary Board was held in the Board room on the 5th® inst, the usual members being present, whed', the following busineïs was transacted
„TAR CEILING QUESTION,
At a pm. on the 4th lost at the Hung Fa Lau, Chinese hotel, a meeting of the share. holders of the China Merchants Steam-Naviga house having been received, the question of the An application for a licence for an eating un Co., Ld, was hold. The objects of the meeting were: (1) To secure the registration
removal of the coilings was again considered, of the Company as a limited liability. Company recommend that licence be not issued until The Medical Officer of Health minuted: I at the Shangpa (Ministry of Commerce) at Paking; and (2) to petition that the manage-
the ceilings are removed. The objection to mest of the Company be vested in the soilings is that they hachour rate, and this bands of officials and merchants jointly applies more forcibly in the case of eating instead of 'in the bands of officials only as
houses, as there is so much food fying about.
Mr. Lau Chil Pak minuted: The Board proposed. The meeting was convened in response to a telegraphic request which had
has no power to compel people to remove been received from the Cantoness merchants ceilings, where do plague cases have oc in Shanghai. The telegram dated the 18th.
curred. lu a business of this kind coilings are day of the rat Chinese moon is to the and prevent dust and dist falling on the food most necessary, as they make a shop attractive, effect that a meeting "was called and held at Shaughal on the 16th day of the 1st moon by doors, before the existing Public Health and on a lower floot from an upper floor: Chinese the shareholders of the China Merchants Buildings I rdinances were enacted, were so Steam Navigation Co., Ld., when it was resoly peculiarly constructed, that it would be impos- ed thetan application be made that the manage sible to keep dust and dirt from falling through ment of the Company should be surrendered by hereinafter mentioned. There were present
of shop-owners to impose such condition as at the meeting a large number of Shanghai The ceilings are the owners' property, which it suggested by the Medical Officer of Health. shareholders representing comimed the is absurd to call upon the tenant to remove. following to act as the Board of Management: at the same as telling the applicant that -Totai Sheng Kung-pao, Sam Ching Lai, belonging to his landlord, he cannot be allowed unless he destroys, and pays for, certain property Chau Kam Cham, Wong Tax Chin, and Yee Hopto trade in this Colony! I don't see any differ Sing. The copeitation of the Board did not meet with the approval of the Cantonane share-ace between the case of renewals and that of new licences. The ruling of the Government holders present who, où account of the small ness of their pamber at the meeting, could not
should he adhered to, as the ceilings have been raise any effective protest against the nomina-
in existence all these years. tion. With a view of securing the co-opera tion of their compatriots in Hongkong to protest against the nominated Board and in order to obtain the registration of the existing more popularly constituted Board of officials and merchants jointly, the meeting was called for and held at Hongkong this afternoon.
THE MORTGAGE CASES
CHIEF JUSTICE DELIVERS JUDGMENT,”
BROACHING CARGO, NE EUROPEAN QUARTERMASTER SENT TO FRISON
4th inst
A well-dressed man, carrying a bulky parcel in bis band, and seemingly in a great hurry forced his way through a crowd in Queen's wore a black suit and a bowler hat. From Road East last night, eastward bound., ke his appearance one would make a mistake suddenly came to a if they termed him an earthlubber. Ho stop outside house No. 175-an opium divan-and looking be hind him to make sure he was not seen slipped into the house. Once inside be mediately be was told a foreigner was in the called for the divan keeper, who responded im
dive.
I've something here I want sell you," began the European when he was asked his business. At the same time he opened his parcel and showed the contents-a ball of raw opium-to
60
GERMAN COMPETITION IN THE ULE THE "MIDDLEMANSANNE
'FAR BAST:
M. BARNES AND THE SINGAPORE CHINESE. The following in‹taken from the Singapore Free Press of 25th ult
Pak-Was writes to the & Extra in reference to Mr. G. Liabert's (Consul for France at Hongkong) exhaustive report on German Competition la, the Far East as follows:-
i
day a large body of representative members of, There wasabundant evidenceofthe popularity of Mr. Barnás, with the Chiness, whek on Bature the Chinese community assembled at the Chine Secretary for Chinese Affair who is going log Lean Protectorate, to pescht an address to the ti leave shortly. The address, which was beautivi! fully got up, was read by the Hon Tan: Jiak Kim, who first explained the reason for the meeting. The following was the text by the address:-
the opportunity of your going to England o
We, the Chiness of Singapore, beg toʻtakuwa
mark of our great respect to you and also as a furlonga to present you with an address as
during the time you have acted as Secretary return for the great assistance you rendered us for Chittore Affair.
the present management in favour of officials without ceilings. 7 is a hardship on this class held that mortgage was a fraudulent one. It was he would not bave mindad doing a little busi-tained by British forces-military and naval, scientious way in which you have 'discharged ·
22,000 shares.
meeting nominated
There were about forty shareholders present. H. E. Cheong Fat-tex (promoter of the Cauton Whampoa Railway) was unanimously elected to the chair, and he was supported on the dias by H. E. Wo Ting-fang and Mr. Chu Ya Ches, manging director of the China Mer chants Steam Navigation Co., Ld., in Hong. kong. Among others there were present:- Fong Sin Ting, Lau Chio Ting (compradore Messrs. E. D. Sassoon & Co., Ld.), Yung Hin Poug (compradors, Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China), Lo Kun Tang (Hang kong ageol, C. M. S.. Co., Ld), Ip Lui Shan (agent at Macao of the C. M. N. Co., Ld.); Ip Sun Kum, Cheong Hing Tin; representing between 5,000 and 6,000 shares, Mr. Leong Hip Wan acted as secretary to the meeting.
The notice of the meeting was read and the telegrams received from Shanghai were also
read,
Mr. Chu Yu Chee then addressed the meet- ing, and was followed by some shareholders,
Their Excellencies" Cheong and Wu spoke successively.
..
The following resolutions were then pro posed, seconded and unanimously carried :-
1. That it is desirable that the Company be registered as a limited liability Com pany under the Companies Law of Chica at the Board of Commerce at Peking;
2. That it is the opinion of this meeting that the registration be conducted by the existing officials of this Company instead of by, a se parate Board of shareholders as proposed; and that telegrams be addressed to the Ministry of Posts and Communications and to the Viceroy of Chih-li embodying the resolutions adopted by the meeting.
3. That the draft telegrams giving effect to the foregoing resolutions are approved of by the meeting.
The meeting concluded its business at 4.15. p.m. with votes of thanks to those present, to H.E. Cheong Pat-tsz for presiding and to H.E. Wu Ting-fang for his presence,
Mr. Humphreys minated: If the Board bat no power, as Mr. Lau Chú Pak contends, there is no need for discussion, but if it has, 1. am
not in favour of forcing the tenant. to remove these ceilings.
Mr. Fung Wa Chữa minuted: Fam not in favour of these ceilings being removed,
DEATH OF MR. J. MITCHELL.
4th inst..
There is not a single instance is 'which we have found you backward in coming forward to our assistance, whenever we required it, 'and' you are open to us in all hours for advice add whatever information you are in a position" to supply.
"
ing the years in the Federated Malay Service.
Long before your arrival here your fame as a capable administrator bad reached our ears, and the hope we entertained for the success in your official career has been amply realized, and we have always found in you anfficer
Judgment was delivered by Sir Francis Pig- goti, Chief Justice, in the Supreme Court, to-day, on the law in the case in which a woman named declaration that a mortgage on certain property
this subject in your issue of January 25. The Cheung She, aliar Li Cheung Shi, sought for
I have read with much interest the article on in Wing Lok Street was sull and void,. It had
topic is one which has long bean familiar to Li Fuk) who had inherited certain property been alleged that in November, 1901, a certain
those interested in the China trade, and it was frequently referred to in your annual summaries from his father, Li Ting Fun, died in Canton, leaving in this Colony, including a leasehold
in past years. Germans were represented at property knows and registered as section of
Canton in the old factory days, and as business men they have long played a prominent part and having by his will appointed the plaintiff Marine Leto. 16y (the property in question);
in the development of certain portions of the executrix on April 27th, 19:6, probate was
trado
at Hongkong, the Coast ports, and chiefly granted to the plaintiff. On March 28th, some
mindedness of Englishmen that, in strange at Shanghai. It says much for the large person, to the plaintiff unknown, impersonating Li Fuk executed an indenture of mortgage on
have been content that German merchants contrast to the position at Klas-chow, they The paint therefore, claimed a declaration of being cast, whether it was through fear taxation at a place like Hongkong, the very the property for $10,000, and on March 29th the
should be absolutely unhampersed by special plaintiff a caught with illicit opium on the preexistence of which was owing to British fore Chief Justice, ata previous sitting of the Court, in that the raid mortgage was tiull and void. The mises or surprise at the extraordinary bus sight and British dourness, whose trade bas
ness of the European was not made knows, been built up mainly by British blond and spent in Singapore you have completely wor For the last three years which you have pronouncing his finding on the facts of the case but the Chinaman became fidgety. Possibly treasure, and whose security has been mala- our great esteem by the impartial and con not made by Li Fuk and he could find nothingness with the European, but when he re- fraud. Judgment was therefore passed in are searched every morning, he became chaty, plained that our German friends" to connect Ma Fu Sum, the defendant, with membered that opium divans in the Colony who have, with a certain sense of justice, com
There have, however, not been wanting those the onerous duties of Your must responsible
and important post.. favour of the plaintiff To-day, his Lordship "I want Szo for this ball," continued the
have not al dealt with the law affecting the case and fabed European. "It's worth, roughly speaking, $33"ven to allow particular as they might have in favour of the plaintiff, after dealing at length
been to allow their competition to follow legiti. The divau keeper la some way or another of authorities on the subject. with the points raised and citing a variety told the visitor to wait a few minutes while he superior to the illegitimate introduction of mate lines, that they have not always risen considered the matter. Turning to two of his
imitation "chops of thirtings, nor to the wish Mr. M. W. Slade, who was instructed by Mr. Jokis he said something to them and they left D. V. Steavenson, of Messrs. Deacon, Looker the shop. In a very few minutes they returned, seeking employment.
to work behind the backs of consignees of ships and Deacon, appeared for the plaintiff. The accompanied by P. C. 100 Ross and a number
Ijue to your great fact and consummate ability. you have carried out with unrivalled success défendant was represented by the Hon. Mr.
It may be said that these are small matters, of excise officers. When the European saw the H. E. Pollock, K.C., instructed by Mr. C. F. uniformed gentleman he threw away the opium given rise to a contain feeling or soreness in
but they, and others of a similar character, have your difficult duties as the mouth-piece be-
tween the Government and the Chinese com Dixon, of Mr. John Hastings' office,
and darted for the door. He was brought back mercantile circles in two such essentially British unity. It is indeed not too much to say that" and questioned. He refused to tell from where places as Singapore and Hongkong, I do not which the business affairs between the Govern we are indebted to you for the smooth way, in he secured the opium; he admitted he did not
more than mention the famous, attempt to go have a permit for the opium. He was placed behind our back, as regards our legitimate ment sad Chinese community have been exo, under arrest and taken to No. 2 Police Station. sphere of interest in the Yangtere Valley, but sued within the last few years. There he gave his name as David Mills, a such things leave a feeling of heart-burning to efficient Government Officer who has brought We must not forget that in you we have an quartermasteron board the steamer Breconshire, which no allusion is made by the writer of the After making a formal charge against Mills, article on which I am commenting. There is with him an invaluable experience gained dur Sergeant Fit, Constable Rest, Mr. Hoggarth Far East have often mabilested a want of Inspector Gourlay sent for Mr. Geo. Boggarth, of course a certain amount of truth in the state- the chief excise officer, and a party comprising, ment that our mercantile representatives in the and a number of native excisemen, the accused initiative in pushing old lines of business or being among the party too, a trip was made for the Breconshire, where they expected to find springing from the old and sidiculous idea that in exploiting new ones. That is a tendency more of the drug. The ship was searched from
in the very nature of things we were' bound; ta stem to stera, at first without any results. The be at the head of the world's commerce, and believed the opium was the property of the "on-English," and therefore uppractical. As that any attempt to work on new lines must be for them. Nothing there. A visit to the praise cannot be given to German thorough- Lascars and that accused was disposing of it regards general business methods, too much officers' cabins followed. Nothing doing. Afness, and to their desire to meet their Chinese ter some time in the quartermaster's room a constituents with every legitimate business box was found partly concealed is a comer facility. Whether such a facility as long credit It was locked and he key could be found is a legitimate one may be open to question, taken either from the safety point of view, or from that of legitimate, competition. To increase the term of credit among natives for your own advantage is to weaken the posi The quartermaster did not like the idea tion of buyer generally, and to tempt men of no of having his properly removed from the ship
means to embark on a business for which they and so made matters easy during the rest
have small capacity, and very often less capital. of the operations. "You'll find four more balls
Apropos to general competition we may, in that box," he said. The koy was produced. however, ask our German friends whether they and sure enough he was right. This "and" think it is quite fair to name some of their made the officers thirst for more and the foc'sle regular steamers after. some of those of our next saw them. In this part ofthe ship several long-established lines? All those connected chesis of opium-ship's cargo-the property of with the East know how a native will, if good Messrs. Shewan, Tomes and Company, were luck follows a venture by a certain steamer, found. The opium was shipped at Sin-ship regularly by the same boat, when a chance gapore, consigned to a local firm in Hong, offers, and it is surely hitting below the belt to kong. When the officers had completed offer him the opportunity of shipping by the Mills to show where the cargo was broached. ventures have been concerned with the P. and their search the captain called upon Hansa line Arcadia, when his previous lucky On Saturday night, he said, he was in the O. liner of that name. It is not possible that foc'ste looking after things when he heard a the legitimate "Bergs" and "Fels" of Ger noise. He went to investigate and saw several many have been exhausted, in spite of the opium that was found in his room, together with Marine, but if this is so, there is, at least, men escaping through the skylights. The abnormal growth of the German Mercantile the other ball seized on shore, was lying acar one of the chests. Ha pailed up the box again and could, if need be, strike out some fresh line one high in authority in the Fatherland who sewed the cloth that encased the chest. Then
in the gaming of the new vessels of that he took away the opium. He showed the Mercantile fleet whose interests lie so close to company the spot from where the opium was bis heart. semoved, and he returned to the station. He was arraigned before Mr. F. A. Hazeland, this morning, the Police Court, to answer a charge of stealing five balls of opium, valued at $141, and being in possession of opium with out a certificate. The charges were proved and accused was sent to gaol for six weeks with hard labour.
KOWLOON SLAUGHTER-HOUSE. Correspondence was submitted relative, to
We regret to announce the death, which the position of a new slaughter-house at Kowtook place this morning, at twenty minutes depot and slaughter-house from Hunghom te of Mr. Joseph Mitchell, second keeper of the loog. It was proposed to remove the present past eight o'clock, at Green Island Lighthouse, Matamkok, but to this the butchers and cattle lighthouse, the death being very sudden,
Mr. Mitchell was born on the 18th June dealers of the Peninsula objected on account of the distance, saying that the distance was 1859, and was therefore in his forty-eight year. Deceased, who was once a member of 100 great, as the meat was stamped and passed
the Trinity House lighthouse-keepers, was at 6 am. at Hunghom, bạt it would take them. three times as long to reach the market in appointed to Hongkong on the zoth April Lascars' quartera were gone through as it was longkong, so that the meat would arrive too
1997, and arrived in the Colony on the 9th late for sale. Moreover, there was no proper June of the same year. wharf for the shipping of the meat. They said the best place for the slaughter house would be near the Pumping Station at Yaumati for pigs, and for cattic at Mong-kok-wai, as it would be near the Tai-po Road, by which the cattle arrive from the country,
The Hon. the Director of Public Works said the objection to having the slaughter-houses in Jbe localities indicated was that in time they would be surrounded by papalous district, and owing to the flatness of the land, and dis- tance from the harbour, there would be some the Mataukok site was about the best site, and difficulty with the drainage. He thought that
at all states of the tides, and a crane could be 'said that there would soon be a wharf, available supplied if it was found necessary.
The Medical Officer of Health said he agreed with the Hon, the Director of Public Works that the most important question, and the one that should decide the locality of a slaughter-houre, is that of drainage. If it is not possible to, drain a slaughter-house at Mong-kok-tsui without causing nuisance, then he thought that Malaukok was the next best locality.
He leaves a widow to mourn his loss, but, we understand, no family.
The funeral will pass the monument at 5 pm; to-morrow.
RICKSHA NUISANCE AT WANGHAI,
THE POLICE MILLS GRIND SLOWLY.
5th inst. Writing, editorially some time in January last the Hongkong Telegraph made mention of a public nuisance, not to say a public dan ger, which was allowed to continue unchecked in the Wanchai district. We refer to the habit ricksha coplies bave of taking up their stand at unauthorized places along the Praya East where the road is narrow and the chances of passing a tramcar on one side and the disengaged rickshas on the other side are exceeding small, If, as we have said before, the Praya East were might be permissible to wink at the infraction as wide as Kingsway or Brooklyn Bridge it of the law by the over-anxious coolies awaiting fares, but it happens that the roadway is com- Hon. Mr. E. A. Hewett minuled; In cop paratively.narrow and is rendered still narrower sidering the question of drainage, due regard by the fact that cars lake up a considerable must be paid to the possible reclamations portion of the road. Another fact which makes which will more than likely be made in the travelling by ricksha along that road particular near future, on both the Eastern and Westernly dangerous is the custom these coolies put sites of the Kowloon Peninsula, and the site of into practice of rushing across the road when the new small-boat Typhoon Refuge.
they see a probable fare, losing sight of the fact that a tramcar is only a short distance away and other rickshas carrying fares approaching from another direction. From several cases which were heard at the Police Court this morning we are glad to see that the Wanchai police have entered on a crusade against these offenders. Six ricksha coolies were summoned, and fined, for taking up unauthorized stands, while disengaged, at the corner of Ship street and the Praya East. That is only the stepping stone towards abolishing the nuisance, and we trust that before_long the ricksha obstruc tion outside the Naval Canteen, where the. chances are greater for an accident occurring than anywhere else, will be a thing of the past. These unauthorized stands should
LATRINE NOT WANTED,
Wo understand that the capital of the Com-
A tenant of a house in Wing Lok Street sub- pany is represented by 40,000 shares of Tis, 10G,
mitted a complaint that, while he had been or oach. Some dissatisfaction is felt at the shortsendered by the Inspector to remove his latrine of the notice giver shareholders in Hongkong in the yard of his house on the same street, the and abroad,
it is considered that a fort senant of No. 195 Wing Lok Street bad built a night's notice is much too short for a change letting is his yard without permission of the to be effected of such vital importance to the Board, and complainant asked that the matter shareholders representing the Chinese mer. might be investigated. cantile community, whereas the promoters of the change bad had three months within which to canvas for votes in support of their views.
AN IMPUDENT COOLIE
WELL SERVED.
FOOLING THE FIRE BRIGADE.
The inspector said he visited the bouse and found a latrice, which the tenant said had been built two months. He advised the latter to apply for a permit,
The Medical Officer of Health said that the house in question bad only half kitchens and half a yard, and, as the yard was only 65 square feet in aroa, he could not recommend that it be obstructed by a latrine. There was a public latrine only one minute's walk from the build
.jog,
Hop. Mr. E. A. Hewett-minuted: How is it that a latrine can be built for two months with- out the District Inspector being aware of the fact?
LIME-WASHING.
During the fortnight ending 12th February, 537 houses were limewashed and cleansed in the Colony, under the supervision of the Sanitary officials.
OUR WATER SUPPLY. The Government Analyst submitted his monthly return on the water supply for the month of February, on samples of water draws. from several wells add fountains in the City of Victoria, and in Kowloon, all of which he pronounced to be of excellent quality.
GAMBLING RAIDS,
MANY JAMES BROKEN UP.
4th inst.
in Arsenal Street where the risk of an accident be shifted to the vicinity of the landing stage happening might be obviated.
CARD-SHARPERS IN THE
HARBOUR.
WARNING TO SHIPMASTERS.
4th inst.
As everyone knows gambling in any shape or form is dear to the heart of a certain class of Chinese in this Colony, and gamble they will, despite the constant arrests that are made and the heavy fines imposed upon offenders In some shape or other they will risk their and chance, with the idea that they will thus too often their masters-money, on a game of
easily make a pocketful of money-with- out any trouble. Experience never teaches them that in all the years of their trying by this means, they are no richer to-day than they were when they first began on their hazardous career, Gamble they will, and gamble they do, of times to their undoing, and a sojours in gaol. But now, not content with meeting together in some out of the way, and, as they bope, unsuspected house, and there indulging in their games of chance, they afield, and if not stopped in time, may become are apparently turning their attention further real menace to the shipping in the part, for
to fit the lock,
"We will take it to the Station," said one of the police officers, "there may be something we want inside."
SHIPÓWNERS AND CARGO.
THE QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITY.
In the Tokyo Appeal Court on the zoth Siber Wolff & Co., No. 90, Yamashita-cho, ultimo was heard an appeal filed by Mestre Yokohama, against judgment given by the Yokohama District Court in the civil case of iber Wolff versus Butterfeld & Swire, where the plaintiffs claimed Y1,500 as damages for short delivery of cargo imported by the vessels of the Ocean Steamship Co., Ltd., and of the China Mutual Steam Navigation Co., of which the defendants are the local representatives. The Yokobama District Court dismissed the claim on the ground that inasmuch as the alleged shortage resulted from a theft committed after the carge was landed, in the Customs compound, the defendants were under no obligation to make good the loss, as under British law they are exempt from the liability of lading. by virtue of the provision inserted in the bill
REVIVAL OF THE CHINESE BOYCOTT.
·
capable of accomplishing what is entrusted to you, however difficult it may be. Cadet in the year 1888 up to the time when From your first arrival in the Straits as a
you were transferred to Perak as Protector of Chinese in 1895 you shawed promise of be coming a useful officer to Government. of organisation that the Mines Department
it was due to your energy and capabilities" came into being in the year 1896 in the Native States, Underyou as Warden, the Mines Branch of the Government Service in the Native Blates expanded and did a good deal towards im proving the mining industry in this part of the
world.
<
Owing to your.administrative abilities which are.deservedly recognised by the Government, you were specially chosen to re-organise the Mines Department in Selangor in the year 1897 and in the following year you took charge in the State of Pahang the triple appointments of Senior Magistrate, Protector of Chinese and Warden of Mines. This alone speaks eloquently of your capability for, work. Ultimately you were promoted to act as British Resident of Pahang.
We have no doubt that you have a splendid that you would shine in whatever walk of illa future before you and it cannot be controverted your lot might have been cast,
That you may be spared to assist in the administration of our colonial affairs for many substantial recognisance from Government in “ years to come and that you may receive soma
meritorious services you have rendered to the immediate future for the valuable and Government during the last eighteen years.. will be our fervent hope and desire.
We cannot conclude without wishing that you will enjoy a well-sarred holiday while you are at home on leave and we also lock to, your return with deep yearnings and heartfelt wel-
come.
AMERICAN SCEPTICISM.
In reply Mr. Barnes said that he feared they According to late dispatches there is a
had given him credit for a great deal which was not his due. He could claim very small credit marked recurrence of the Asiatic boycott on
for the harmonious relations between the Gov American commerce. The American consul
ernment and the Chinese here, as he was only at Canton cables to the State Department
a middleman. No one had the interests of the -at Washington that there has been a renewal
of the anti-American boycott there. He addrese community or the interests of the Colony, more at heart, and no one was more willing to that_the_government officials at Canton are
do good for the Chinese, than the Government. much opposed to the boycott, and that they On the other hand no body could be more law have the city placarded with warnings against abiding than the Chinese community. All be viceroy of the two Kwang provinces is also tak State Department informs us that the could claim was to have pointed out to Gov. encouraging it under severe penalties." The
erament that their objects could sometimes ing strong measures against the boycott, and other. Occasionally he had been able to re- be obtained better in one way than inan hopes to stamp it out, as the Chinese govern- ment is most friendly to, the United States,
present, to the Government some instances where We have no doubt, observes she Argonaut, his cheek when he banded this out to the that the viceroy of Kwang had his tongue in
it an absolutism. Men there are almost as American consul. The government of China
officers of our army. If the Chinese gavern: much afraid of speaking out openly as are the
boycoll it would at once die an unnatural ment did not encourage the anti-American
death. It will be observed that the anti-Ameri. Japan so wills. But whenever Japan has some can boycott in China dies away whenever urger little demand to press against our go and again the auti-American boycott in China vernment she blows on the smoldering embere blazes up rapidly.
FOOCHOW BACHELORS' BALL.
The appellants contended that, while they afmited the legality of applying British law in the case, the respondents must be held res possible for the loss of the cargo, even if it resulted from irresistible causes, so long as they failed to take the necessary measures to Foochow has been cheered with many en- prevent the ss. The respondents argued that joyable dances this season, each a brilliant the bill of lading explicitly provided that the success in its a way, but one of the happiest cargo should be delivered from on board, and was that given by the Bachelors last night at it was also provided that the steamship com the Club, says the Forchow Echo of 23rd ult, pauy should not be held responsible for theThe building was decorated throughout, and li loss resulting from theft.
room for improvement, Jut they all knew that the Chinese thought there was no one was more ready to listen to improve ments than His Excellency the present Gover nor. His task as middleman between two friends had been a very pleasant one. He had brought the Singapore Chinese more luck. He been here three years and wished he could have
Was sorry nay that during the last two or three years business might have been better, but he believed it had already turned the corner. and was improving. He hope trade would im- thanked them very much for the address. prove in Singapore. He was very grateful and
CHINESH ABDUOTION CASE:
The vicinity of Lyndhurst Terrace always appears to be the happy hunting-ground of a certain class of coolies when they are inclined to become obstreperbus, and create a disturb- auce generally, to the annoyance of the neigh bours, and the distraction of the guardians of the peace, until that neighbourhood is becom. ing quite a byword for as the haunt of the din orderly members of the community. Thus it was not surprising to learn at the Police Court that Lyndhurst Terrace bad once again been the scene of great excitement, this time leading to the turning-out, of the Fire Brigade on an other of those fool's errands of which they are too often the victims, owing to the excessive but misplaced zeal of some irresponsible passer-by, or even occasionally of a lukong. In this case it appears the police on the beat beard police whistles being vigorously and forcibly blows, and everything indicated that the police were urgently required, as some dire calamity was befalling, or some
There was no "Sabbath Place "for the police terrible crime being coacted. Rushing to
of this Colony yesterday, and there was some what less for certain law-breakers on that day, the spot the palice officer found a Chinaman
"From information received surprise visits yelling. "Fire" "Ere," for all he was worth, the were paid by the police to various points on latter rushing away on the approach, of the officer. The police proceeded to investigate many householders must have experienced both sides of the harbour, with the result that if there was any fire, but all be dis same inconvenience and up-set in their
to submit the question of the British law to an The Appeal Court considered it necessary covered was another Chinaman blowing the domestic, especially dinner, arrangements, last it would appear that they are now endeavour expert, and the services of Professor Matsu- whistle as if his life depended upon it. He evening, In all five batches of lovers of games ing to could not give any reason for his insans of chance, numbering in all some $4 men passengers of the vessels here, as is showningly secured for the purpose.
victimize the crews and native nami, of the Imperial University, were accord actions, and he was takes in chargo. Mean-
were taken, in grante delicio, and locked up by a case which came before, and was while an enterprising lukasp bad rushed up to until such time as their Honours should take summarily dealt with by Mr. F. A. Haze on the British law on the point. "The gist of The professor gave at a great length his view Central Police Station and given the alarm of their seats on the Magisterial Bench this morn- land, at the Magistracy, this morning. All bis evidence was, that the British Courts made Bre. The order was given for the brigade to ing. And a heterogenous mass of humanity being quiet la the harbour yesterday, the ships it a sule to invalidate the exemption clauses in- turn out, and in two minutes the fire-fighters they appeared when they were ordered to "fall doing no work, and the crews, therefore, pre-serted in a bill of lading on the ground that were on their way to quell the reported out- in to answer to the charges of keeping com sumably at leisure, four of these gamblers who free admission of the exemption of steamship break, but only to discover that they had been' mon gaming houses, and gambling and allow had broken away from the old greave, and who companies from liabilities was detrimental to made fools ofthere was no fire, and they could ing gambling therein. There were house- fancied that the crew of the s.a. Empress of the public interest. Even if it were explicitly raluna again to their warm beds, from which boys, house-cooties, cooks, cooks' mates, shop Jaganwould fallan easy prey to their card-sharp mentioned in the bill of lading that shipowners they had been so ruthlessly routed. ́. The man who bad blown his whistle, and who gave the jokis, coolies and what not, and a sorry-looking operations, proceeded on board that vessel | ware not responsible for the damage done to or or a scene of old English buildings with their despite her pratcats, she was put on a steamer
ing crowd they appeared when they began to with the intention of victimizing the crew by loss of cargo through the negligence of pilots, name of Fok Wan, describing himself as a realize what their "Bunday outing" was go-inducing them to join in a game of chance, in engineers or others of the crew, the shipowners painter residing at No. 11 Lyndhurst Terrace, ing to cost them. Of these to were ar was removed to the Central Station, and, when rested by Sargeant Les, at No. 77, Wanchai themselves to win. But all was not so quiet proved. Again, in a case of theft the shipowner which it was impossible for any but the sharpers were held responsible if negligence were the Court opened, he was placed before Mr. G. Road, at a p.m. Twelve were secured by De around as the sharpers imagined, for P. C. A. D. Melbourne, charged with behaving in a
was not exonerated from the liability'.if the tective Sergeant Mortimer O'Sullivan, about Davis was on the alert, and being struck circumstances attending the theft were not disorderly manner in the public street. The the same time, at No. 44, Aberdeen Street by the suspicions appearance of the men, specified. Opinion was divided amongst | his part-wall to make the ever regretted 'ther remand. From week to week the came accused did not deny the charge, but coolly Inspector Ritchie accounted for 14, whom he kept an eye on them and awaited develop jurists as to the application of the law to the said he was not the only one who was blowing had found to No. 6, Mau Uing Lane, eight ments Finding the men on board without ship's documents, but the majority of jurists bie whistle, His Worship said that had no- thing to do with the matter, and asked the man
were taken by Sergeant Augus at Ping Shan, permission P. C. Davis took charge of the mis agreed in the opinion that the law of the what he was blowing for, but this the culprit by taking four off the pa. Dougiat, at 11 p.m. place them before a magistrate to answer for
while Constable Bertie made up the balance creants, and locked them up until he could country where the documents were executed refused to divulge A fan of 510, with the The usual fines with the alteratives; were: im their misdeeds. This moming they were ar Professor. Matsunami said that he would pass
govara. alternative of seven days' imprisonment, was posed, and soms were paid, but some were not, raigued before Mr. F. A. Hazeland, and were forward his evidence in writing on the action Imposed, accompanied by a severe reprimand and that is why several householders are focdisso, with the alterative of one month's pending in the Capit and warning against a repetition of the offence wondering why their servants should have left imprisonment Being unable to pay their
The fine was paid.
The proceedings are being watched, with their employ without notice |
fines they were simt:to gaol as an alternative, | considerable interest Imʻshipping circles
HONGKONG WOMAN DYING.
Last month the Bench Court was occupied in bearing the case of a Chinese woman nujned Tam Ab.Fong, charged with bringing woman jp10 the Colony for immoral purposes, under, false, pretences, reports the Singaport k with pretty lanterns, and warmed with stoves
26th ulto She brought two young i near each cosy corner, the latter act of thought women to Singapore from Hongkong, and these, cisted by the guests. Rarely has the Club been. her. One woman in particular told a remark. fulness on such a raw night, being much appre two women were the principal witnesses against decorated more tastefully, Palms, flags, fems able story. She stated that she met accused in and flowers hid the walls, delightful arches Hongkong and they got friendly. The witness covered, with greenery graced the stairway was a young married woman and the accused where a tent had been erected with cosy little ment. and the larger entrance to the upper balcony, took her about to various places of entertai
Accused then invited the witness guests, cosy corners where all the dances could night's sail from Hongkong. The woman corners. Choice of scenery was given the to visit her at her home which was but be seen, or seats over the Bay of Naples with consented, and was pur on board a junke motors going strong, and dear little white days' stay she wanted to return to her haiband Vesuvius in fall working order, with all her and taken to a large town. After two sailed craft sining on the stillest of still waters, and child, but was told she could not. Then, narrow little streets, or even comers hidden in Bags where one could peep through to see what tried to indoco her to lead an immoral life,
and brought to Singapore where the accused.
floor was excellent, and the music good, Every the case was postponed a week, but at the nezt the other panners were eating for supper! The
After the above evidence had been recorded. and wore her best frock and his best smile. The hearing, Mr. Bailey of the 'rolectorale, wha Bachelors were most attentive and euch did prosecuted, said that the accused had become?-
a success, seriously, ill and he therefore asked for a for more ladies were not present, but those who has been postponed and yesterday Me FallCH and that it undoubtedly was.' It wat ' pot in an appearance declared they had rarely appeared before Messrs. Michall, and Bills and had a more enjoyable time at Chelors, 10 the accused was so low draw the card Messrs, Lachlan, Abel and Mantsinkevich on bearty congratulations to the Bachelors, to was so if that she was believed to the faste displayed in the decorations, to Mr. the defendant, who had been sitting,
be dying. The Court consented to, this and
in Court Fergusson and the other Bachelors, too numer was told she was free. She looked temibl" 31 ous to mention, for the arrangements in general, and on trying to walk out of Court collapsed." May they soon girs another one):
Twa palicamen had to carry her out of Court g