88
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY MARCH 14 1968.
Government of every British Colony and of the Government of Hongkong in particolarea
148 XXECUTIVE COUNCIL
VACANCY.
not
THE PERJURY. TRIAL:
INTERESTING POINTS RAISED.
“Ng Yuod Ha, the witness replied "tartly, Where did you learn your English-In Australia.
N
Were you born there? -Yes, in Sydney, How long ago have you returned-Six Are you a Christian-Yes.
fact that the Government without the slightest, shame abould countenance the separation of the wheat from the chaff, so to say, or in other words elevats the accident of binh into a creed. But in the case of soch an Institution as the Victoria British School that is exactly what is done, for no pupils are received there unless they bear the hallmark of European bat fine old fetch of caste which so frequently shelters incompetence in high places, and from the outset hampers the been born in Hongkong instead of ten thousand i that therb are, how two vacancies in the been marked by sovers: Dolabia successen. tony are of a settled character." la'ths oveat whichbewas alleged to have committed the pate morter-in-law would not have performed la struggling youth because he happens to have miles away, and is a sprig raised in the soil of
to
(12th March.) Ons of the immediate results following the departure of the Hou, Mr. E. A. Hewett on six months forlough, and one which may have escaped the notice of many readers, is administrative Councils of the Colony. The
of
Telegrame.
*** HONGKONG TELEGRAPH "-
SERVICE
DEATH OF CAPTAIN ĦATHAWAY.
AT SHANGHAI,
Mr. Morrell" (to the interpreter)—is the sworn?
The Court-Yet,
11th inst. Several interesting points ware raised by Mre G. E. Morrell at the Magistracy, this afternoon, during the hearing of one of the perjury cases. Mr. Morrell, who appeared for the accused, caused a stir by asking for the discharge of the man on the ground that the document under Jury was not taken before a sworo interpreter, but before a translator, and that the document did not show that the oath was properly ad- 'im nistered.
These points were raised when Mr. F. B. L..
Bowley, the Crown Solicitor, asked that the Court interpreter be recalled. Mr. Morrell ile objected objected to any such procedure. to the case proceeding, too, because, he said, he did not know what his client was charged with whether he was charged under tho common law, or under the statute--and therefore he could not plead,
Mr. Bowley stated that the accured had
Mr. Morrell-It is not. The charge is vague. The Court thought so too, Mr. Bowley dosied that the charge was vague.
Mr. Morrell-It is defipita in itself, but it does bot show what my client is charged with || want to know what I am to defend. ~!
The Court will not do that.
Mr. Marrell stated that the charge, against. his client did not disclose any offence. He wanted to know under what section the man
was charged."
Mr. Bowley-You will hear in the evidence. Mr. Morrell-Evidence is not a charge. 1. am entitled to know
The Court will reserve the point, and proceed with the rain.
Mr. Morrell-If my friend refuses to Epecity
the charge I cannot go on.
Mr. Bowley-These points are for the judge to decide,
The Court-1 is not. I am not going blind- folded into any matter. These points must be
settled here.
(Proceeding) Were you married according to the Chinese law?--Yas.
"So-that' the marriage is not binding?-My
Although you are a Christian?—Yes. any way.
And you did not Care?—No. Where were you married?—In Canton. Do you know the street --No, Do you know the date?-No. Such an important event and you cannot remember the dais or where the ceremony occurred? No.
How old is your child?--About three years." Can you remember the house in which you were married?--Yes, 1)- was my, motherjia, law's house.
That is to say your husband's mother?—Yes, Does your buiband speak English ?---Very :: little.
You had a later to teach him English, did you not?--Yes..
Who was hel-Mr. Kane,
What did you pay him?-$30 per month. How many months. did he teach him English? Six or seven months.
100 Kane still visit the house-Yes, ..Does he draw any salary now No,
Since when Before the Chinese New Year. I not before bis case with the - Now, now, wAL Tobacco Company?—No, balore that. »
If I remember reading the casa ho was-ktill. teaching up to that time?-No,
Can you describe the hours in which yan were married I don't think so, a
Do you know how the bride-meaning you was received in the house,?—I don't know what you meRD..
Is it not part of the Chinese ceremony to receiva the bride ?-1 don't understand,
Was it in the morning or in the evening? In the evening.
So you do understand?—Yes. Did
you notice anything particular, in the room?It was a big room.
Was it the rheung lau-laughter) —What? (Laughter)
the pronunciation was done a trifle better, The interpreter was then requisitioned and
Oh, I whereupon the witness exclaimed: „ see 1 you mean the jozs. (Laughter.)
Mr. Morrell-Was there any joss-No. No ancestral shrine ?—No,"
Do you recollect who were present?-Lota of his (meaning her husband's) friends;
Do you know some?-Lots of cousins, aunties and friends
Who was the go-between 7—1 was a stranger to the place.
But you were one of the contracting parties?
Mr. Bowley-I will show that there is a prima facie case against the defendant-
Mr. Morrell-Yes, or some other punishable offence. He then proceeded at some length to argue on the male document, saying that it did-Yes. ant show that it was properly sworn to, and that accused did not understand what was being said to him at the time he signed that document. "A man can be able to translate in French or in German," he concluded,
boi
OF THE P. M. S. s. "MONGOLIA" it does not show that he is able to interpret." This was exactly the point. The man who translated the document was the Court inter preter, sot the translator,
After further argument the points were reserved, and the case continued.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
LAI CHI CHIN'S AFFAIRS DISCUSSED.
』。,。
Who arranged the marriage 7 - My father. Did you see the go-between 7-No: Do you know if there was one ?--I do know if any were brought there.
Were your married. in Australia before you came bara?.
The witness looked surprised and replied in the negative
You were married to nobody else?-Certain- ly not.
Do you know at what hour the boats from Canton arriva bere daily ?-Do you mean in the afternoon 7
Yes. About 3 to 4 o'clock,
The hearing was further adjourned.
community' 'WHORTS ofthe land-owning"| cantile houses in Hongkong, and with all those whoto interests are connected with the class_Of course, it cannot bulk so largely in the eyes of officialdom, because Government prosperity of the port. As a prominent mem ber of the Chamber of Commerce he is neces servants, in the upper grades at any rate, ars sarily alive to the administrative reforms that supposed to hold land other than that are required to enhance the commercial re-required for their own personal purposes, that is to say for the brection of their own private dwel- putation of the Colony, and bas given his consideration in the many questions which are lings and the provision of a strip of garden. But referred from time to time by His Excellency then the high Government officials are only the Governor to the Chamber for their opinion transitory guests in the Colony, whereas the and advice. His chairmanship of the long Chinese land holders and property owners are kong branch of the China Associatia has abiding residents whose interests in the Co- the result of his keen appreciation of the of this Bill becoming law, and some Chinese the Golony, likely to remain mafiland, and their pose ng healected to tour by the vernacular hay
The influence ing to leam English in his youth, towards its salvation and the Government while the other, to which we would more which he unquestionably exercised, when in unwittingly transgresses any one of its sec whole period of his life. If perity for the representative of the Chamber of Commerce, sible effect on local consider it. fitting to provide a school excis particularly, refer, is the seat on the Ex consultation with Sir Matthew Nathan, secured tions, would it be sufficiest for him to state sively for British-born children, why do they ecutive Council, which is by far, the more the forestalling of the Whampoa railway that he had no knowledge of the law's require ignore the claims of Indian-born children, and important of this two vacancies to be filled. scheme, by the initiation of the Kowloon ments? Of course not, and yet the fault for Cantos lied to Sam Chun, although at a some- which he would be penalized would not be those hailing from other dependencies and and belongs under the amended constitution of
what enhanced cost to the Colony, owing to the wholly his, but should be shared by those munities in the Colony who are British subjects Legislative Council, That concession, which hasty acceptance of the general slane before whose day it was to see that he had had Colonien, to say nothing of the blher com the Colony to so unofficial member of the
an "oproniunity of learning for himself what, with as much title to special solicitude as says that two seats on the Executive Council they had been supported by sufficient data.
were the precise terms of the latest Ordin- This Victoris am to be conferred on unofficial members, wasOn the opium question Mr. Stewart has ex the purely British-born?
ance. In the present
case the Chinese remote dis obtained through the efforts of that quondant pressed himself definitely, his recent travels British School stands in a
have decided to secure the services of trict of the city, and is solely devoted to the champion of colonial interdstu, Mr. T. H. White across China to India and thence to London Commercial Union in translating the' | already pleaded. The charge was clear enough. needs of a few pupils, averaging in number head, whose retirement from the business life having placed him in possession of the actuat
of Hongkong is felt to this moment. Since the facts of the situation gathered at first hand Bill from English into Chinese, But suppose spything between 3 and 41 per month, at a
time that the addition of two unofficial mem from personal investigation. His vigorous re- for a moment that the translator makes a slip cost to the rest of the Colony which is not
bers to the Executive Council was sanctioned, presentation and clear exposition of the legal for we are not all infallible-and the Chinese merely excessive but absolutely preposter us
and commercial aspects of the Sarwas piracy property-owner falls into the snare, what satis If it is believed necessary that the Government has been generally recognised that at least
caso and its effect on local shipping and trade. faction would he obtain when the Government should act as guardians of the tenderly nur-one of the seals should-be held by the
secured that backing from the head office in officials pounced down upon him. for some con- tured offspring of the elite of Eastern Wan senior member representing the taxpayers,
travention of the 'Ordinance, as finally passed? Lo chal-a doctrice with which we totally and and the first to be elected to the vacancy was London which induced the Foreign Office
The translation could not be accepted in
Mr. Bowley proceeded to argue that the utterly disagree-then what about the others, Mr. (now Sir) Paul Chater, whose colleague obtain a satisfactory settlement of the claim the native children using the word in the at the private deliberations of the Governor for indemnity submitted by the Hongkong. Court because it will bear no official recog charge explained everything.
Canton and Macao Steamboat Company, al nition. With the best will in the world the
Mr. Morrell-1 have a copy of the charge, abstract sense? Have they no special right to in-Council was, until the "alaction of Mr.
though the Foreign Office failed to recognise the translator might do his work and yel flounder which was taken from the charge sheet. be considered by the educational authorities? Hewett, the senior partner in Hongkong of
the firm of Mess Jardine, Matheson & Co., urgency of the demand for consequeótial dam. amid the intricacies of legnt terminology, the
Mr. Bowley-I did not frame that charge on Must they be compelled to tramp miles every day if they desire to obtain a modern elemen who by virtue of the high commercial position ages in some quarters Mr. Murray's nomina consequence being that a hopelessly confused
he occupied had a seat at the board. of the
Mr. Morrell-What I want to know is whe tinn may be rewarded with a certain amount presentation of the terms of the Bill might the charge sheet, it has pleased the Lord to call them? while Legislative Council, When Mr. W. J. Gresson apprehension in so far as his attitude on Chinese result. But that would not save the unther my client is charged under the commor tary education, suitable to the station to which
fortunate transgressor. It seems high time the law or under the statute. The charge does succeeded Mr. C. W. Dickson in the manage questions is concomed, but we believe an erro the children of the bon ton are provided with a school at their very door and out of the public ment of the firm's interests in Hongkong durneaus interpretation has been placed as regards Chinese should have an opportunity of learning not come under the common law, and if it comes under the statute then. it does not purio. There may be a representative of the rate in the administration of Sir Matthew Nathan, his standpoint in this connection. While in cer for themselves through an official translation
Lain respects he may hold anti-Chinese views, exactly what regulations they are supposed apply to this Colony Therefore there," in payers at the Legislative Council board, but we, and thereafter left for home, he was for some
accalt reason, superseded by Mr. Hewelt. As we are of opinion that he is not antagonistic to to observe, especially when we remember
no offence, and the defendant should be dis- fail to recollect any attempt on his part to havo this anomalous state of affaire adjusted. If the to the individual merits and qualifications of the Chinese gud Chinese, but to those Chinese that there is plenty of precedent why such charged.
A course should be followed. In innumer.. distinguished and exclusive scions of Wan the two candidates for the important seat at the individualists, such as ex-Viceroy Shum, who
would seek to advance the interesis of China at able instances, the Government intimate their chai's"great" bad to pay the entire cast of their Executive Council it is not now secessary to schooling at this rigidly-guarded institution, speak, but in view of the fact that Mr. Hewett's the experise of Hongkong. Mr. Stewart has wishes to the Chinese by placards and hand nothing could be said. The general public departure has again created a vacancy on the abundantly shown his appreciation of the im- bills printed in Chinese ideographs. Why not might look on with silent disapproval at the higher Council, the question of succession in portance of the Chinese interests in the Colony in the case of a Bill which deals with their action of the Governmetit in giving its in invested with renewed interest, and, therefore, and if the occasion ever arose we feel confident domestic affairs and their monetary interests. primatur to the idea that no good thing can we-consider it opportune to submit the claims that he would be found throwing the fall weight We would suggest that the Government should of his influence in favour of promoting the revert to the old system of printing Hills of come out of Nazareth, that the native-born is of his successor in commercial life-as we as dirt beside the British-born infant, who has urged the claims of Mr. Gresion at the time welfare and prosperity of our Chinese fellow importance to the Chinese community in bath when his candidature was under the consider citizens. The personal interests of Mr. Stewart English and Chinese, and then there could be come to Hongkong because his father had seen
ation of the former Governor of the Colony are linked with those of the Colony and there. no excuse for those who alleged that they an opportunity of compiling a competency in
ia the position vacated by Mr. Hewett on the fore with those of every individual whether were in ignorance of the provisions of the this far-away outpost of the Empire, but the
His nomina. Ordinance they had contravened. general public would have but little right to Executive Council. I cannot be contended resident or domiciled here. animadvert on the question of the cost involved, that she right to one of the unofficial members tion by the Chamber of Commerce, comes at an opportune moment, for when the Public When, however, we find that this highly select seats on the latter board is vested in the no- establishment costs the Government the summ
minee of the Chamber of Commerce to the Health Amendment Bill is brought up for dis- Legislative Council, so that in presenting the cussion he will be one of the few who can of $5,000 per annum or Site.per child in
approach the question with an unblassed mind, -average nitendance, all of which comes directly claims of Hon Mr Henry Keswick to the out of the public funds, can it be denied that vacant seat. we are simply submitting the and all the revilings and adverse criticisms to which the Government have been subjected the ratepayers have a clear and distinct right to suggestion that the temporarily, broken line of
will be impartially considered, and the unfor protest? It may be said that the scholars have succession should be restored to the head of
tunate introduction of personalities which has pay lees, but what is St.167.50 out of the the firm of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co, in total expenditure of 16,165, more especially Hongkong a firm which has maintained marked previous references to this subject ab when that money is directed to the cultivation the highest traditions of commercial life in this solutely eliminated. Mr. Stewart possesses of class distinctions in one of the most cosmo Colony, since the day our ascendancy in trade undoubled financial capacity, and we feel cer." politan Colonies under the British Crown? began after the decline of the East India Com-tain that were his tenure of office as a member Days operations to Macao. Although Mr. The principle that what is good for one child of British parentage is not good enough for that Keswick has not been very long in Hongkong of another hailing from the homeland is vicious and in bis consideration of public questions enough in itself, when supported by the Gov-affecting the Colony discussed at the Legis srament, but why should the native-born rate- lative Council he has not evidenced the payer be penalised for his neglect to have his remarkable energy and zeal of hs predecessor the late Mr. Johnson, nevertheless on several offspring born on the sacred shores of the British Isles? That is the point we desire to occasions he has shown an application and emphasise with all the force at our command, industry which fairly entitle him to the atten tion of His Excellency the Governor, whose Then, again, see how a considerate educational Authority panders to the delicate constitution province it is to appoint the new membat of of this extremely exclusive section of the the Executive Council. One of the subjects in community. The school' was closed during which Mr. Keswick showed exceptional in the whole month of February last year for terest was that dealing with the Companies structural alterations. August and September Orligance, whte an amending Bill was brought were two full months of holiday, and there before the Legislative Council. On that occa- were besides all the other holidays which de- sion he specially represented the interests not light the heart of hudding youth. The merely of the Hongkong companies registered school was open only 177.times during the under the Ordinance, but also of the leading year, less than six months in fact, yet firms of Shanghai, for whose beatfit the Bill was chiefly introduced, and his arguments benevolent Government views with apparent complacency the fact that $5,000 is annually in favour of the emendations, framed by a filched from the pocket of the ratepayers for the representative committee of Shanghai mer benefit of some two score pupils of high degree chants, were recognised as valid and sub The thing is a travesty of fair play and equity.stantial by the Attorney-General who incor- Is it not the boast of the Government that all porated them generally in the new Ordinance. the subjects of the British Crowe are treated Again, Mr. Keswick adopted a pronounced alike? If so the arrangement which excludes attitude on the vexed Stocks Bill and latterly, all but British-born scholars from Victoria possibly through his close connection with ad- British school is anomalous and indefensible, the British and Chinese Corporation, It is a direct slight on those who form the dressed trenchant criticisms on the construc majority of the Colony's population. As it is, ting of the British-section of the Kowloon. the fees payable are a hard burden op the Canton railway, when the vote for the cur ardent ratepayer who seeks to equip his rent year expenditure was before the Council. children with an education which will fit them As the result of his remarks, a full statement of to a higher place than he himself occupies the position of affaire was given by His Then why should that burden be unnecessarily Excellency the Governor, while the Resident increased by a matter of $5,000-the sum is Engineer presented an exhaustive report on actually $4997.50-simply because a few the subject. On all these questions, Mr. individuals are regarded, apparently, as of Keswick expressed himself in no uncer personal more importance to the welfare of the tain manner, and asserted his Colony than the rest of their fellows? If the independence of thought and opinion, and children of the remainder of the people in this we say although we confess we failed
after being a very short time with us and the under the common law and quoted authorities Wanchai can walk 'to Queen's College, or to see eye to eye with him on every occasion, wherever they fancy they can obtain a suitable Weie, the Governor to admit the wisdom of
Sith died from an ulcer in her stomach. We at some length is support of his contention. Mr. elementary education, then the British-born nppolating to the Executive Council a gentle
had one very bad case of small-pox, but thanks Morrell argued that the Crown S ficitor was can do the same and save the taxpayers the man possessing the qualifications of Mr. Kes-in order that the Chinese land owners to the good care and nursing of this child in the wrong, but the Magistrate (Mr. Gomperiz) over sum of $5,000 per annum. But this question wick for the office, we feel certain that the and property-holders might consider its pra-hospital she recovered. We owe our thanks to reled him, and ordered the case to proceed.
The first witness was then called, and:a, of the allocation of large amounts from the business interests of the Colony would be con visions before discussion. It must strike the the Doctors and Sisters in the Civil Hospital public treasury towards the establishment of a served and advanced, and an adviser of ex- average reader that there is surely something for all the kindness and care which they have young and rather good looking woman, dressed in Chinese silk clothes, tripped lightly into the select academy is on a par with ball a hundred perience and, ability would be added to the radically wrong in the state of affairs when the shown towards our children when they have
witness stand. She admitted she was a Chris. great massofthe community likely to be affected been in hospital, and also to the German other measures adopted by the Government: bumber of those who at present form the
by the alterations in the Public Health, and Doctors Justi and Hoch for their willingnesstian and was handed the Bible to take the oath. It is a cast of the "under-dog" over again. highest board of counsellors to His Excellency.
Building Ordinance are, through no fault of their in coming and attending to the children in Speaking in English, she said she was Lai Chi And what about the Kowloon British School? Sir Frederick Lugard.
Chin's wife, and lived at 37, Caine Road-the How does the proportion of the money spent
own but through the remissness of the Govern. times of sickness. ment, unable to learn how they are likely to be. We were able to tako in sixteen new children house of her mother, a Mra, Quins. Her bus by the Government towards the education of
affected by the changes proposed in the law of so that our number is now sixty-eight in the band lived there alio, likewise her four sisters, the officially elect to the fees paid compare with Victoria British School We under
the land. Here is a Bill which vitally touches house, some of there have been thrown away three brothers, a sister-in-law, and her three the Chinese community in general and the by their parents and they have been found in year-old boy." stand that pupils, actually come from Kowloon to Causeway Bay every day to
better class Chinase in particular, and which the streets; others have been brought by their attend the Victoria British School. That It was with a feeling of the utmost satisfac naturally arouses their curiosity, and yet unless parents who have parted from their children; to considerable with heavy hearts, yet thankful that they could should dispose of the suggestion that children tion that we found ourselves in the position of they are willing to go cannot be trusted by themselves to travel being able to announce to the readers of the expense and trouble they are prevented leave them with us and ao escape tho. sad. fate Hongkong Telegraph, in last evening's issue, from understanding its terns because the to which heathendom condemns such children, through the crowded city, but it certainly does
Many of the parents who do not live too far not speak well for Kowloon, unless, mayhap, that the choice of the Chamber of Commerce Government do not think it necessary to
On the 26th February your husband was ar- It away, come and see how their children are get- it occurs that the school on the peninsula is of the member who should represent the maniffed them the requisite translation, overcrowded. The Governor in his speech fold-interests of that important body at the is not as if they were asking any special priviting on and are very astonished when they find rested?Yes,
Where were you then?-In Hongkong. to-day dwelt 'on the advantages offered by the Legislative Council, during the absence lege if they suggested that a Chinese transla that they can read and write.
At 37, Caine Road? Yes. Hongkong Technical Institute, which is.no- af Mr. E. A. Hewett on furlough, had tion might be published in the Government
Did you leave the house that day?--Yes other name for the evening classes at Queen's fallen on Mr. Murray Stewart. To-day we Griette, for at the present time a number the College. While we entirely believe in the have to supplement that information with the items which appear in the official publication is
after 5 o'clock in the afternoon, I went down to valne of that institution, we can only submit news that the proposer of the motion, nomfeat. accompanied by a Chinese translation. More
What was the name of your husband's firm? that if youths of 14 of thereabouts are coning Mr. Murray Stewart to the responsible office over, it was formerly recognised that measures sidared it to attend the night school in search of guardian of the Colony's commercial affairs affecting our Chinese fellow subjects ought to
busy and 'ware able The defendant said that that morning Lai of knowledge then children of a less tender at the Council, will be the Hon. My Heary be printed in Chinese, and that course was I children were always kept like to remark; Chi Chip and family left 37, Caine Road and port, shows not only a decrease, but practically: age-even if they are British-born-might well Keswick, while the fender will in all pro- followed, Several Billi bearing upon Chinese to earn a little. We
translated into the native here that what we get for the work is not clear went to Canton, Is that true?-No, be considered fic to attend the day classes at bability be the heat of the firm of Messrs, questions were that seat of learning. We do not ask what all Butterfield & Swuro, Mr. D. R. Law... In other language. But the practice has evidently profit; we bave to take off each article a certain this money, ameuating to $6,165, was spent words, the selection of Mr. Stewart as the re- fallen into desuetudo, and as the Chinese are amount for the wool which in ordered from on, believing thoroughly that good and solid presentative of the Chamber has the practical far from claiming any special favours from the Germany and comes out in our Christmas case, reasons would be forthcoming in answer to and declared support of the heads of the two Govereniant, or anybody else for that matter. We were very glad, and surprised by the the question, But it is this $5,000 coming princely bosses" in Hongkong, which in they have quietly submited to the present large gift from the Children's Ministering directly out of the ratepayers' pockets that itself is sufficient evidence that the nomins anomalous arrangement. It may be said that League and we should like to thank them all sticks in the gizzard and makes us wonder tion has the approval of the main Hongkong being an English
English, it to thank the members of the Chinese Dorcas is Incompatible with the ordinary principles Society who have so kindly provided us with for its money. That the Government should voluntarily pay over £11 per annum for
of the community who have failed to acquire a ways such a help to us, for to clothe seventy workable knowledge of the fanguage of the children is not an easy task. Besides the British School is, as we said before, preposter
ruling clais. But the very fact that the Govern clothes we received from the ladies of the above ous, particularly when we remember that it is
ment has admitted the right of the Chinese to Society $35, The gilt from Ng 62-nal's pupils done, at the expense of the very people whose
have certain items in the Garette translated was also very welcome, also the Sray which right of equal consideration and participation
into the language of Confucius affords grounde, was given to us by Frag Gok and friends, We In the educational and other advantages offered
for contending that if the mule can be have also to thank Mr. Wellmann for the by the Government of the Colony is calmly
relaxed to that extent then it can be cakes and Mrs: Chan for vegetables bent to the Ignored. It cartalaly does not speak well for into close touch with the commercial necessi» relaxed altogether whenever matters affecting children, Also the firm of Messrs Skott & that magnanimity and fairness, which should tier of the Colboy and into personal conference | Chianse interage are: in question. Now, this Co. for five sacks of flour, which was a grest | be the distinguishing characteristics, of the, whh la kenda"of the "banka," the argt máli mending Bill is of peculiar importance to the joy to us, “
MR. MURRAY STEWART'S NOMINATION,
(13th March.)
of the Legislative Council to be extended be. yond the six months, which is the period of Mr. Hewell's absence, the Government would cot find itself involved in a similar blunder to that which was, made over the question of ex change compensation, which resulted in the framing of the Estimates for, gold expenditure co a 2 basis. As a consequence of that blunder, the Colony's budget between the figures originally set down and those of the rate, of exrhauge ruling to-day shows a wide dis parity, on the wrong side, unfortunately, for the ratepayers. His views siso on the matter of subsidiary coinage should reveal and em- phasise the inconsistencies and want of lore. sight on the part of those who clamour for the adoption of the majority report submitted as the result of the deliberations of the recent Commission. Mr. Murray Stewart, in short, has a thorough and practical grasp of all the principal questions affecting the vital interests of the Colony and his plain common-sense, round judgment and business faculty should prove him to be a valuable acquisition to the Legislative Council,
HOW CHINESE PROPERTY. OWNERS ARB HANDICAPPED.
As we reported yesterday, an informal meet ing of Chinese land-owners in Hoogkong was held for the purpose of considering the draft Bill to amend the Public Health, and Building Ordinance, which was introduced at the last. meeting of the Legislative Council. A consi- derable number of those whose interests are at stake attended the meeting, but when it came to the, consideration of the Bill it was discovered that several of the land-owners pre- sent had been unable to read the terms of the measure because of their inability to under- stand English. It was accordingly decided to request the Chinese Commercial Union. to .havs the Bill translated into Chinese
Shanghai, 10th March, 1908," 12.55 p.m. Captain R. H. Hathaway, of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co.'s SB. Mongolia, died suddenly at the office of the Company to-day.
HOME FOR THE BLIND.
ANNUAL REPORT.
HOW HE TOOK UNTO RÍMSELY A WIFE.
12th inst.
A very interesting story of how, Lai Chi Chio, the well-known merchant, about whom so much has been writice of late, took wat himself a wife, was related at the Magistracy this afternoon, during the perjury trial which was adjourned from yesterday.
WUCHOW NOTES.
IMPORTATION OF ARMS.
Wuchow, 11th March, 1908. The Governor of Kwangss Province has imported, through Massis, Carlowitz & Co. of Ctop, three thousand Mauser rifles of the 1884 pattern, and a million and a half of ammu tion.
The above arrived here on the 7th instant, in a towed lighter and were accom panied by a representative of the above The officis took delivery of these firm army. the Police pontoon, under Cui toms supervision, each case bolog carefully fallied out. An occasional case of rifles and cartridges was opened and tested on the spot by various Chinese officials, much to the
ladignation of some of the cargo bost med, whose barges were moored in the near vicloity. and who were not quite safe, judging by the careless way some of the officials bandled the Mr. fire arms. The prefect of the city fired a shot
Readers will recollect that at yesterday's hearing Mr. Morrell, who appeared for the From the annual report for 1907 of the defendant-Chan Chun-raised several polots Hildesheim Missionary Society for blind girls in connection with the case and 'asked for his in China, we make the following excerpts client's release on the ground that the docu- The Committee at home complained that the ment on which defendant was alleged to have gifts had come in more sparingly, so that they committed the peijury was not taken by the had not the money in hand to par the neces. Court translator, but by an interpreter. Also sary expenses for the Blind Home, but friends that the charge against the defendant did not come under the common law, or under the here had all the more faithfully cared for. us and the two last months of the year brought us statute, as the latter did not apply to the in $700, for which and for all the gifts sent to Colony.
And
order to clear up these points the us throughout the year we are beartily grateful
We are very thankful to say that this year Court, adjourned until to-day, when the health of the children has been much Bowley (the Crown Solicitor) amended the intothe water, which created a miniature water- better than last year. Still five children died, charge, from which we gathered that pout and quite drenched the official in ques two elder ones of consumption, one of these defendant committed perjury when he swore tion, in addition to which the gun kicked was in a dying condition last year.
that Lai Chi Chin and his family, had left1ke a mule. The prefect hastily dropped bis An eight-year-old child died sudden'y of beri their residence for Canton, when, as a mat. rifle, and atended to his personal discomforts, The arms, after being used, were just put into the cases, which were beri, two others were ill with the same diseaseter of fact, they bad not" Mr. Bowlay then
and passed as being in immediately good order and fit portation, being the second osa since the Chinese New Year, is intended for distribution amongst the troops stationed between Nanning and Lincbow, where the rebellion, i' is alleged; is assuming serious proportion. A few Huci anese soldiers have arrived in Wachow lo escort this shipment of arms to its destination. KIDNAPPING.
but recovered. A littledeaf and dumb thild died proceeded to show that the charge did come back, uailed st.. The above im
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Mr. Bowicy-Had your husband any children by bis first marriage?
The local officials are much-concerned over the question of kidnapping. Numerous com plaints have been received from Naening of the mysterious disappearance of a number of children from that port and the local officials have been asked to keep a strict-watch for the capture of kidnappers, and the return to Nan- ning of kidnapped children. The local water police are keenly on the alert, and every craft is now being carefully inspected prior to leav
The witness, who spoke in a slow and quiet tone. said: Yes, a boy.
Where doer he live-In Lung-shan, nearing the port. Shun-tak,
The teaching has been the same as in former years; religion, arithmetic, reading, writing, memorizing, geography and knitting, also sing ing and playing the harmoniam. We were the firm, very thankful for so many orders for warm jackets, capes and children's things so that the-Wah Kee.
t,.
whether the Colony will get anything lika | body of the mercantila community of language of the'administrators and the once more for their kindness. Again we baya Did you know that your husband had an
as adequate or reasonable or any return Hongkong, and may be accepted as
pupil who pulsin six months or less at the Victoriate that no dissentient voice. will be of government to make provision for those so many clothes, for the children. This is al
when the members assemble to record thele views in respect of Mr. Stewart's' quali fications for the vacant seal at the Legislature, there are many and varied reasons why Mr. Stewart should prove an acceptable nominee, and should be considered a strong and able exponent of the opinions of bis constituents By reason of his avocation ho is daily brought
Why did you go to the Wah Kee firm that afternons --Decause I was told that a warrant wat out for my husband,
When last were you in Canton-Last Sep tember.
How long were you away?-A few days. appeal case at the Supreme Court for the zad March? Yes.
The Court is that hearsay? Mr. Bawlay-She was in Court. (To the witness)Did you attend Court?--Yos
Did you go there in order to give evidence?
I called? "No." Yea Were you
Hore Mr. Morrell took up the cross-examina 'and conducted it in a very quiet and smooth way, so much so that at times the Magistrats had to pave the question, repeated,
What is your Chinese name?",' was his first
STAGNATION OF TRADE. Wachow, from a trade point of view, is simply stagnant jqut now. Both the imports and exports show a marked decrease, and the steamers on the West River have for the past two months been getting but- poor freight. Paftor Ten pative firms of Importance closed up the Chinese new year settlements and this his- largely affected some of the smaller importers.. Livestock, che of the staple exports from this cessation of business. With the exception of a couple of the big piece ponds hongs, who hav balit up 3 or 4 foreign style godowns, the busi ness site up at the Fun Ho which was destroyed- by fire last September, remains a heap of mins," and there are no signs of clearing the debris os rebuilding. The present stagnation is attribut. od ton tight mosey market, and the present. rate of exchange and also to the curtailment in credit of a number of local business houses,
a
THE Kokumin points out that American trade in Manchuria has shown's remarkable advanos. since the Russo-Japanese War, especially the trade in American oil, which is drying Rosslan oil out of the market. Thus it rooms that Japan fought Rossin for the import of Ameri• can, oil Other Americas products are simi Sarly, advancing Exports from America to st "Manchuria in 108 are expected to amount to 29 $3,000,000 Gold, including materials for the South Marchuria Kailway-
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