יי
Macao's Delimitation"
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY JULY 9 1909.
PORTUGAL'S RIGHTS OVER MACAO.
J
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
JAPAN-BRITISH EXHIBITION.
INVITATION FOR, PARTICIPATION,
General Committee of the Hongkong General "At the meeting, on the 28th ultimo, of the Obamber of Commerce, the following letters
were laid on the table
A meeting of the Legislative Council was bold' In the Council Chamber yesterday afternoon. Present-His Excellency the Governor, Sir Frederick Lugard, R.C.M.O., Hon. Mr. A. M. Berkeley (Attorney General), Hou, Mr. O. Mcf. Thomson (Colonial Secretary), Hop. Sir Henry
Colonial Secretary's Office, Messer (Colonial Treasurer), Bon. Mr. P. N.
28th June, 1929. H. Jones, (Director of Public Works), Hon. Mr. F. 1. Badelay, (Captain Superintendent Governor lo refer the enclosed copy of a letter Sir,i am directed by His Excellancy' the
General), Hon. Dr. Ha Kai, M.D., C.M.G., Hon. British Exhibition for the consideration of your Mr. Wei Yuk, C.M.O., Hon. Mr. W. J. Gresson, Committee and to inquire whether in the Hon. Mr. E. Osborne, Hon. Mr. Murray opinion of your Committee this Colony should Stewart, and Mr. Q. Clementi (Clerk of Cous-participate in the exhibition-I am, &c. cils).
(Sgd.), A. M. THOMSON,
Colonial Secretary. The Secretary, Chamber of Commerce.
(Enclosures.)
255
JAPAN GUSTOMS TARIFF,
PROPOSED REVISION,
ad at the monthly meeting of the General Com
The following correspondence was 'considers'
mittee of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce held on the aßih elt,
Sale Yokohama, 7th May 1909. Sir-We have the honour to Inform you a committes, selected from the formiga business firma resident in Japan, has been formed under terasie of the foreign traders in general and of resident strangers, in connection with the fore vision of the Customs Tariff of Japa, conse- quent upon the expiry of the present Treaties in August 1911, notice of which has already been officially given by the Japanese Authorities. This Committee has been inaugurated and formed under the auspices of the Yokohama 28th-May, 1909–– Foreign Board of Trade, and is therefore repre- Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that sentative of the largest business interests of the an arrangement has been concluded between country, and of quite an international character. His Excellency Mr. Kato, Ambassador of Japan it counts among its members British, Germado, at the Court of St.James, on behalf of the Em-American, French, Swiss, Austria, Daich peror and Government of that Empire and the Australian, Swedish, Norwegian, Russian and authorities of the "White City" for holding an
other representativas. Exhibition at Shepherd's Bush exclusively con- flued to the arts, manufactures and products of the Japanese and British Empires, commencing on May 3rd, 19to and remaining open for
by his friends, was the vehicle for the faterpres "We must say explicitly that Macao was per- tation of the greetings exchanged betwson thepetually ceded to the Portuguese to live there visitors and General Machado at "Kingiclera." with the sxemption of ground rent, but it can LETTER FROM SINGAPORE CHINESE.
'„DINNER" AT THE PORTUGUESE CONSUL'S. not be considered as a Portuguese.possession.
H.E. The General and staff were the guests
"The fact that the place cannot be given up to [From Our Own Correspondent.]
of Mr. and Mrs. Leiria at dinner at the Consu another nation is a proof that Macao contiques Canton, and July, lar residence on Saturday last. Capt. Almeida 19 ba Chinese territory,
As the place cannot be ceded by Portugal of the Pasco da Gama and the Commander of On the ret instant, the Canton Self-Govern- ment Society was is receipt of 'a latter from
the Fatria, as well as Mr. Moraes, the Portu. to another power, our cession consists only in
Homing and our rights remain unimpaired. Chinese residing in the Straits Settlements, Consul at Canton, wers also invited to
"This modo of procedure does not confict dinner. The party later attended a public en In which the Salf-Government Society has been
tertainment by an amateur troupe of the Porty. with the Protocola Portugal's mouth shall be of Police, Hoa, Mr. A, Wi Brewin (Registrar from the Commissioner General of the Japad the above title. Its object is to watch the in asked to take drastic steps with a view to pro guase warships in port for the benefit of the closed and other nations cupidity shall be →bibiting the people from visiting the pleasure
As sufferors by the recent earthquake In Portugal. Curbed." resorts and gambling saloons In the Portuguese
On the extent of the territory in our occupa Colony of Macan, and to urge the authorities to
tion, the former Viceroy of the two Kwange enforce regulations forbidding the sale of Macao lottery fickets in Chinese territories, The A Portuguese writes as follows in the N. Cas usurpation any territorial extensions bayand draws a line at the city wall, and characterizes "Tottery issue of the Santa Casa de Misericordia, D. News, under date Shanghai, 29th:ult. :---
that limit. Further, he maintains that there more generally known as the Macao lottery,
are no limits to be determined as to territorial bas been discontinued, and the monopoly
waters, as "Macau is Chinese territory." abolished, at-any-rato, temporarily.-Ed
.7. It's urged that more members should be sent to the interior to deliver lectures and maka, speeches to persuade the local gen try to warn their youths against visiting noted establishments in the Portuguese, settlement. It is suggested in the letter that a body of detectives should be formed, for the purpose of keeping a strict watch for anyous found visiting the proscribed places. Suck persons should be ostracised by his family and his clan, and should further not be al lowed the privileges enjoyed by his com patriots. The Self-Government Bociety also enceived Siga, which accompanied the above letter towards the funds for the maintenance of the Society.
COMMISSIONERS' MEETING PLACE.
"EARLY COMMENCEMENT OF DELIBERATIONS,
st
Before the meeting of the Commissioners, which is now expected to take place in a few days, General Machado and Seahor Cinnatl having already Arrived, I may be allowed to address you another letter.
He does not appear to believe much" in the efficacy of our co-op:ration for the pra tection of the imperial revaque in South China A literary and news review is published every-the only reason which induced China to re- ton days in the capital city of the district of cognize the perpetual occupation of facao and Hong-San under the name of Heong-San-San- in dipamiencies as any other Portugucas posses fou. Particular attention is paid in ibis review afort to the question of the delimitation of the Macao
boundaries. In its issue of May to appears the memorint which Chang Chik-tung, who was thea Viceroy of Canton, presented to the Throne after the signature of the Protocol of Lisbon of March 16, 1887.
ABSENT. Hon. Mr. E. A Howelt.
MINUTES.
The minutes-of-the-last-meeting-were-read- and confirmed
FINANCE.
The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the report of the Finance Committee (No. 9),
FINANCIAL MINUTES.
Financial Micute No. 30. It was agreed that The Colonial Secretary laid on the table it be referred to the Finance Committee.
* RAILWAYS.
"about alx months,
He adds that the Taungli Yamdo was not ac- quainted with all the circumstances concerning Macao, and this is the reason why he makes known his views in order to obviate difficulties.
He lasins on the forthcoming Treaty belog The Attorney General moved the second. pegotiated between the Taungli Vamén and the reading of the Bill entitled an Ordinance to re- This will be the first occasion upon which Je Portuguese Minister la conformity with the iugulate the construction and management of pan has brought before the people of the United dications asiointed out by him.
railways. He said:-Hop, members are aware Kingdom, sad the Western World generally the Nevertheless, the Treaty was negotiated, that a railway from which great things are vast resources of that Empire, and the Govern signed and ratified, integrally, on the lians as
hoped for the benefit of the Colony will be copment of His Imperial Majerly have made or set forth in the Protocol.
structed between Kowloon and the border of rangements, financial and administrative, for But the spirit which dictated the distinguish the Colony to connect with the railway thence making their display thoroughly large and re- Viceroy's memorial to the Throne is still to Caston. The object of this Ordinance is to hovering over the whole question, now in is to provide for its administration and manage authorise the construction of that railway and last phase.
However, I hope that better counsels willment. That, shortly, indicates the scope of the
Bill, prevalt in the end and no era of good-will between the iwa petions.concerned will be The Colonial Secretary seconded, re-established in South China for their mutualAgroad
The Blil went into Committea. benefit.
The Vida Nors of Macao publishes a trans- fation in Portuguese of this important Chinese official document, from which extract the following paisages, as they appear of grat Interest at this juncture as reflecting the train of the Cantoness mind at the time the Protocol was negotiated and as affording an explanationed of their present attitude towards Portugal. Chaog Chih-tung begins by quoting the memorial, of the contents of which he was apprised, pre sented to the Throne by the Trungli Yamen meeting of the Portuguese and Chinese special giving the seasons for the negotiations which
led to the signature of the Protocol
The Tsunghi Yamen writes: "The opium proceeds from India and is stipped to China and deposited in longkong and Macao, and from these two places it is seas to other ports for sale. For its fiscalization, in order to prevent smuggling, the co-operation of England and Portugal is required.
It would appear that our reference su the first
Commissioners, who met in Hongkong last week for the first time, as having been one that had been initiated under the happiest suspices
auguring wall for the entente cordiale of the two high officials, who had been delegated their respective Governments to settle this long pending question, was unconsciously invested with a son of prophetic ring that bas thus early proved the truth of the assertion. Long bad it been speculated in the minds of those wholeterest themselves in the forthcoming deliberations of the Commission where would be the meeting place of the Conference. As "Glenealy" Build -Ings,just then vacated by the German Consulate, were leased for residential quarters for the Chi- ness Commissioner, the report was promptly bruited about that the Conference would hold its sittings within those buildings, That little cre dence conid have been stiched to the report was the conclusion arrived at by the thinking public, who could not suppose that the matter could be definitely arranged without reference to, and agreement with, the Portuguese Com- missioner in the first instance.
Another suggestion was that the Council Obambers of the Colonial Goverement might be utilized. Yet a third was the feasing of
Toom within the Cly ifafi-building-To-those- who are acquainted with the interminable Daiso obtaining in the vicinity, it was evident that neither St. Andrew's nor St. George's ball offered the attractions for the purpose of the Conference.
From sources which can claim unimpeach.... able faith, we have to-day derived information to the effect that an agreement has been reach- ed between General Sir Joachim Machado and HE Ko Yu-him whereby the Commission will hold its sillings, in private, in the annexe of Duart," the private residence of Senhor J. J. Lairia, the well-known Cuasul' for Portugal „la Hongkong. If the report ja true-and we have no reason to doubt its veracity—
→
With the permission of H. M. the Emperor, Total Chao Tao-lim in the company of Sir Robert Hart was sent in February, 1886, to Hoogkong to enter into arrangements with the British authorities..
It was then found that, although the co- operation of Hongkong was important, that of acao was becessary, for the effective suppres- sion of smuggling
In view of this fact, it was decided to issue secret orders, to Sir Robert Hart to send to Portugal the Commissioner of Customs, Duncan Campbell, who was in London ai agent for the faspectorate General, to treat of this question,"
A 1st Sir Robert Hatt reports officially the receipt of a telegram from the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs fixing these four. points:
CHAMBERS' OF COMMERCE.
SEVENTH CONGRESS,
We have been favoured with the following correspindeace for publication
Mr. Osborne suggested that there should be a clause in the Bilf compelling the railway authorities to take precautions against setting fire to crops.
It was agreed to hear the clarise at the next meeting of Council...*
The Council resumed, leaving the Bill in Committee.
STONECUTTERS' 16LAND...
Oxford Court, Cannon Street,
London, E.C., 30th April, 1909. lo moving the second reading of the Bitt Dear Sir,-1 bag to remind you that the entitled an Ordinance to amend The Stone- Seventh Congress of Chambers of Commerce cutters' Island Ordinance, 1889, the Attorney. of the Empire opens at Sydney, N.S.W, on General said: The purpose of the Bill is to 14th September next and is to be followed by a prescribe a limited distance from the shore of short tour of two or three weeks'duration, during Stonecutters Island within which vesela may which most of the principal centres of the Com-ordinarily anchor or make fast monwealth will be visited. As you are aware, The Colonial Secretary seconded. the Governor-General of Australia, the Right
Agreed. Hon. the Earl of Dudley, G. C. M. G, G. "C bas accepted the Honorary Presidency of the Congress, and the Federal Government will officially receive the delegates,
The Bill wentiato committee.
Mr. Murray Stewart hoped there was no ob lection to bathing parties going bearer than too yards when there were military people there to observe_that they either-landed or trenched on their privileges. He understood that at a dis- lance, over 100 yards from the shore there was a strong tida which 'inconvenienced those who were not strong swimmers, For those who could not get away early in the afternoon parties Stonecutters was the handiest resort for bathing
presentative.
commercial, closely affecting the future hap
There are many grave reasons, political and
piness and prosperity of this nation why the participation of the Colonies and Dependen- cies of this Empire should be upon a scale of equat-magnitude-and-comprehensiveness.
It is absolutely necessary that the people of Japan: should be bound by the tie of mutually profitable commerce and enlightened self-in- terest with the various British Colonies, and that our allies should realize the extent to which thoir wants, in the shape of either as cessaries or luxuries, can be supplied from the Colonies of the British Empire, the more especially as Japan is by far nearer to many of them than to any other country inhabited by parsons of European, origin.
For this reason, and for many others, I ven- ture to express a hope that Hongkong will participate in the Japan-British Exhibition upon a scale worthy of the occasion and its wealth and dignity.
I trust shortly to be in a position to forward you the prospectus and regulations for the British Section, which will be drawn up with a full realisation of the dignity and grandeur of na Exhibition, which will be for many reasons the most important ever held in this country 1-am, &c
(sd.)
Commissioner-General.
It was decided to reply that the Committes forthcoming to justify aa appeal being made did not consider sufficient support would be to the public and that, unless the Government were prepared to find such funds as might be. required, the matter should be permitted to drop. The following reply was sent to the Govern-
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,
ist July, 1909.
The letters already received from several of the most imports Chambers in New Zealand "Pattugal to send to China a minister to
have now been supplemented by an invitation negotiate a treaty of commerce,
from Sir Joseph Ward, Prime Minister of the Dominion, and a semi-official visit to New Zen- "Perpetual occupation and government of land will probably follow the Australian Tour.
Macao by Portugal. "The territory of Macao cannot be. ceded the delegates from this side should be both You will understand that it is important that to another nation.
numerous and influential, Up to the present Colonel Darling explained that it was not in. "Macao will co-operate in the same mas- time only a small proportion of the total nom tended to apply to bathing parties but merely to
mer as it is done in Hongkong
ber of Chambers have definitely notified me on-give the military authorities power to deal with-ment Permission to sign the Protocol containing | the subject of delegates, and I would therefore the salspar people. these points was given to Mr. Duncan Camp urge, upon all who have not done so the de bell, and arrangements were made through the sirability of calling, if necessary, special meet- British Minister at Peking for Portugal to send ings and communicating with me upon this a Minister Plenipotentiary to China to negotiate head without farther delay, and, if necessary the treaty and orders were conveyed-to-the-by-cable Owing to the distance involved, the
The explanation satisfied Mr. Murray Stewart. The Bill passed through Committee and was read a third time and passed..
_A_L_COMPANIES-LOCAL-REGISTERS, ----- The Attorney-General moved the second amend the Companies (Local Registers) Or dinance, 19-7.
The Colonial Secretary seconded. The motion was carried and the Bill went though Committee,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo (No. 4259/1999) enclos: ing a copy of a letter from the Commissioner General of the Japan-British Exhibition which inquiring whather or not, in the opinion of my committes, this Colony should participate in the Exhibilloo.
Mr. Leiria will enjoy the distinction of having Portuguese Authorities at Macao to give effect final Programme of Resolutions and List of reading of the Bill entitled an Ordinance to it is proposed to hold in London in 1910, and
proceeds:
to the stipulated co-operation, the honour of throwing open his hospitable The Tsungli Yaméo doors to two officials of the high rank of
"Maçao has been in nccupation of Portugal
·General Machado and'Commissioner Kò.. The since the time of Emperor. Kia Tring, of the distloction is certainly ao caviable one, in Ming dynasty, and, should we insist on refusing asmuch asibe Commission's deliberations will
to recognize this occupatina as perpetual, our be of historical and memorable import. Those refusal would be a dead letter. The abatacles who,are in a position to speak, when questioned to the collection of the customs duties and likin by a member of our staff, have no official con-
tax would also be the greater without any firmation or denial for publication as to the chances of recovering Macao. accuracy of our report; but we feel sufficient "With the realization of the treaty the right confidence in giving it publicity since within--to the collection of these imposts would be re- the next few days, at latest, the Conference is covered and fiscal matters would be put in expected to commence ás labours”
order.
In the meantime, as reported in the Hong kong Telegraph on Friday last, H.E. Ko is. ARLY in Canton to sender his congratulations to Viceroy Chang Jea-chun on his recent pro motion, Vatil His Excellency's return the first sitting is pending.. The Commissioner.in expected back in a day or two.. The French language will be the medium of the exchange
of views and discussion, and the deliberations
-will,-as-above-stated,-be conducted-in-private
·VICEROY CHANG'S CONCERN,'
(From Our Own Correspondent]:
Canton, 3rd July.
It is the intention of H.E. Viceroy Chang Jen Chun not to leave Canton until, the negotlations : between the Chinese and the Portuguesa Delimitation Commissioners on the Macao delimitation question have been completed. His Excellency accordingly, yester day wired to Peking for authority to remain here and at the same time asked the Imperial Goverment to instruct the Daw Canton Viceroy, H.E. Yano Shu Hsun, to proceed.south at an early datele order to have an opportunity of conferring with and assisting H.E. Ko Yu Him la his difficult mission.
GENERAL MACHADO.
Some of the older member of the Portuguese community in Hongkong and a few oftheir more Intimate friends called in a body on General Machado, at "Kingsclere," on Friday, last. His Excellency, who had been previously ap rised of the visit, received his compatriots officially and was attended by the Assistant Commissioner, Sepbor D. Cinatti. The visitors, who did not possess any official status, called In their personal capacity, General Machado welcomed them most cordially and spent fully balf-an-hour in conversation with his nationals who had called to do honour to their distinguish ed compatriot. The topics of conversation dealt with principally bad reference to such all Important subjects as education, the successful colonisation of Hongkong, the immigration and development of the Portuguese colony on the faland, Portuguero influence la Africa with special reference to the recent Delagoa Bay Convention, and the fature prospects of the Portuguese Africao possessions whose der: ticles the General exercised such an important Influence to wielding, His Excellency was particularly struck by the site of the Portuguese community in Hongkong with some of whose oldest members be felt gratified at being per wwwally acquainted that evening. After cordial. ly thanking his visitors, the small party begged
save to retire..
Delegates must, of course, be circulated rela tively earlier than has been the case beretos fore-not-later, indeed, than the middle of June,
It has been found impracticable to arrange a main party to proceed to Australis, but those delegates who do not wish to travel alone should acquaint me with the itinerary they are desirous of following, and I will endeavour to place them in communication with others who propose following similar routes, I should also be glad to receive particulars where delegates will be accompanied by ladies.
You will notice that spaces have been left in the second draft programme enclosed here with, for the names of the movers of resolutions, and I would ask you, should your Chamber have forwarded any resolutions, to let me bear at noce in order that the name may, as far as possible, be included. I sito enclose a pre- liminary list of Delegater.
"The duties, which would otherwise be lost the custom house which is to be established. to us through smuggling, could be collected in
shelter in Macao shall be liable to capture.
"The fugitive criminals who formerly found "Above all, as Portugal is daily becoming the United States, Russia and Germany, who poorer, rich and powerful cations like France,
to depositing troops there, may think of acquire Congress has not yet reached mo, but it regard Macao with covetous eyes, with a view ing that territory by paying a large sum; for now appears that they will terminats a week this reason there must be included in the treaty
earlier than was originally anticipated, ie., the explicit condition that that territory cannot about 10th October dext, be ceded to any other Power."
he offered to delegates immediately following The definite programme of entertainments to
Tickets of identification will shortly be issued to delegates, and I should be glad, therefore, to be kept informed of any change of address.
(Sgd.), KENRIC B. MURRAY,
Secretary,
Chang Chib-tung was evidently not satisfied with the Tsungli Vaindo as will be seen from the remarks made by him. The following ifam, &c. from his pen:
Oon can see that the occupation of Macao by the Portuguese dates from a long time, and the Taungli Yaméo recognizing that so ex covered the place, and having reason to appre tended a period has elapsed without having re hend that other nations covet, that territory, made op its mind to come to terms with Porta. gal. to appearance it was for the collec tion of imports and repression of crimin. als that the assistance of Portugal was sought, secretly, it was to devise means to prevent the absorption and usurpation of that territory. The consequence in we succeeded in directly in restraining Macao with benefit to the ampire
a dir
"When I saw this published in Hongkong papers I had my misgivings; but from patch addressed to me by the Tsungil Yamén, which cama to hand soon after, I fogod that the plan was realized.
"The idea ofrestraining Macao is a good one, beat there are many dangers, which must not be lost sight of, and I have in consequence bean spending the last few days thinking anxiously on the pres, and cows, of the whole question. therefore, put before my Sovereign what I think This is an important matter, and must, about it."
dangers which, he says, lie, mostly, In the Here, Chang Chih-tung points out seven recognition of Macao as a Portuguese possCS- sien, on account of its territorial, importance, and he proceeds to suggest five expedients to counteract such dangers,
"Although the Protocol, remarks the dis tinguished Viceroy, has already been signed by Duncan Campbell, the treaty has to be dis- cussed and agreed to between the Portuguese Minister, who has come to China, and the Taung Yamên.
The Secretary,
Chamber of Commerce. Enclosures:
Second draft Programme of Resolutions, List of Delegates nominated to date.
*
The following acknowledgment was seni;—
Hongkong Chamber of Commerco, 9th June, 1909. Dear Sir,-1 have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of gath April, 1909, on the subject of the forthcoming Congress of Chambers of Commerce of the Empire to be held in Sydney this year, and to state that the matters reforrad to therein will receive the early attention of my committee.--1 am; &c,,
(Sgd.), E. A, M, WILLIAMS,
Secretary. Kenric B. Murray, Esq.
Secretary, London Chamber of Commerce,
London.
"
HARBOUR FATALITY,
BOAT CAPSIZES CHINAMAN DROWNS, A sad harbour fatally occurred some time last Wednesday, in which a Chinese boatman lost his life by drowning,
ferry, between Hongkong, Tai O and Tung It appears that a boat employed as a daily Chang was proceeding on lis, usual tun when current washed against it, which caused it to the craft was unfortunate enough to have the strike against a steam-launch which was dis charging cargo in the bay. being sculled at the time and the force of the The boat was Impact of the bout against the ship's side caused it to capsize.
Regarding the perpetual occupation of Macao
.WO mast say that, In conse- There were a couple of passengers on board In the course of the forenoon to day General tuguesel in the collection of imposts, the cipitated in the water. The passengers were quence of the co-operation of the Por besides the boatman and all were violently pre- Machado, attended by Sumber Claat!! and Capt. ground rent is waived, but there is no rescued, but the boatman, who was standing on Norton called on one of the members of the catsion of the territory in their pecupation, the cross-board at the time he was thrown into Pery at his offes to return the vialt-an act of which is not to belong to Portugal, courtesy which was very highly appreciated on
the water, was drowned; despite all possible ut Besides, it is stated in the Protocol that temps to save his life, and mapanga behalf of the gentleman called upon as well Portugal cannot surrender Macao to another, "an of" bla" "friends. It should be added nation themfors Macao in granted by China' been recovered, but it is expected to be found The body of the deceased boatman has not yet that, on Friday, Mr. J. Li, de Salavisą Alvos, i to the Portuguesa, an a place of residence, but wap fa haldin high osipom and much respect | the territory continues to be Chinnie,
should be Stoo instead of $10.
It was proposed that the fee for authorisation
On a vote being taken only Messrs. Gresson and Murray Stewart voted in favour of the smaller amount and accordingly the fan was fixed at $100 on the motion of Mr. Osborne,
INTERPRETATION ORDINANCE.
On the motion of the Attorney-General, seconded by the Colonial Secretary, the Bill entitled an Ordinance to smead the interpreta- tion Amandment Ordinance; 1908, wat read a second time.
It was then considered in Committee, read a' third time and passed.
ing of the Bill entitled an Ordinance to amend STAMP ORDINANCE. The Attorney-General moved the third read. The Stamp Ordinance, 1951, as amended by The Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 1902,
The Colonial Secretary seconded. The Bill was read a third time and passed.
PATENTS.
My committee gave this matter, their consi- deration at-a-moothly meeting held on the a8th ultimo, and I am now directed to state that they do not consider that sufficient sapport would be forthcoming to justify an appeal being made to the public, and that unless the Government are prepared to find such funds us may be re- quired the matter should be permitted to drop. I am to ask you to be good enough to thank His Excellency the Governor for referring this. matter to them,—I have, etc.,
(Sgd.), E. A. M. WILLIAMS,
Secretary,
Hoo, Mr. A. M. THOMSON,
Colonial Secretary,
THE ALLÁNa bankruPICY. DISCHARGE SUSPENDED YOR THREE YEARS.
business in his own name in D'Aguilar Street, S. E. Allana, formerly carrying on a drapery who was adjudged bankrupt some time ago, applied to be discharged yesterday forenoon, but was refcaed by the Chief Justice. His dia charge, however, was suspended for a period of three years,
Ordinance to amend the Patents Ordinance; ings, of the firm of Hastings and Hastings,
The Committee stage the Bilt entitled an
The application was made by Mr. John Hast- 1901, was not proceeded with,
ADJOURNMENT.
"
The new Official Receiver (Mr. A. G. M. The Council adjourned till Thursday, the debtor kapt no books of the firm, except a day. Fletcher) explained in the first place that the 15th Inst.
FINANCE COMMITTEE,
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held immediately after the meeting of Council the Colonial Secretary presiding. It was agreed to recommend that the following vote be adopted by the Council:-
CHARITABLE SERVICES,
A sum of five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Charitable Services, other charitable al- lowances.
This was all the business.
THE PARN QUESTION.
CERTAIN POINT TO BE RE-ARGUED.
The attention of the Chief Justice (Six Francis Piggott) was engaged for a while in the Supreme Court, resterday morning; in further confideration of the application for leave.to appeal from his own decision in the case brought by Messrs. S. J. David and Co. ngalost their late compradore (Mr. Chan Ut Chiu) to recover the sum of $648,816.67 and interest at the rate of $8 per centom per annum from the date the writ was issued and until payment or fadgment..
book. He kept no books in order to conceal the aspect of the firm.i
The Chief Justice-Yes: he had no proper books-kept.
Mr. Fletcher went on to say that the debtor bad practically no capital at all when he started 'business. Allke bad was $1,000 worth of jewel- lery, and some other money which he bad borrowed.
said that the firm was sold to one Marican 7.
The Chief Justice-Was not something Mr. Fletcher--Yes; I reported on that. The Chief Justice-You don't oppose the discharge ?
Mr. Fletcher-No; subject to any observation any creditor might wish to make.
The Chief Justice-I don't think there are
aoy,
Mr. Fleteber-I don't think 10.
Mr. Haslings, speaking for the debtor, ad- mitted that there was a failure to keep books. He suggested that that was dus to carelessness and not a desire to conceal his affairs. That was not in evidence. The failure to keep books of the firm might not be entirely due to carelessness, but probably an inability to do 10. As regards the sale of the business that transaction turned out favourable to the ere. ditors, for a good price was obtained.
The Chief Justice-How much? Mr. Hastings-$10,000,
Mr. Fletcher pointed out that it cost the
$2,099.fox.conta to get the $10,000
in connection with dealings in cotton yara, for This large claim was alleged to have arisen which, the plaintiffs alleged, the compradore claim to recover the sam of $55,000, alleged to was.ilable. The defendant entered a counter.estalo have been deposited with them, This was denied.
|
The present tariff is, in the case of many articles of import, of a highly protective aature, and there is every indication that national sentiment favoure an increase in the import duties, tanding especially towards shutting out many foreign articles and substituting for them articles of nativa make. in the circumstances it appears to be of vital importance that foreigners interested in the import trade of Japan, including doubtless several members of your Chamber, should use: all the means at their disposal to represent la those of the countries to which they belong. |the proper quarters their own intersets, and
With this object in view wa would vestare to suggest.
That your Chamber should put before" the Foreign Office of your country, or "other proper authority, your ideas and nag- gsitions regarding any change in the tariff between your country and Japan. " (a) That you should sand as a short state- ment showing the principal articles in respect of which you consider an increase in the present scale of duty would be in- jurious to the trade in general, together with any reasons and arguments which you may be able to advance.in support of your position, 'and any other particulari which you may consider to be useful. We would respectfully request that the com munications should, if convealent to you, bo written in the English language or hava an English translation attached, as this language is most widely understood and used by all foreigners. here in their intercourse with each other and the japanuse.
There is every reason to believe that the Japanese will push their views by all diploma tic and peacefol means. It is therefore our desire that the support given to foreign trade. interests here, shall be.as prompt and effective. as primible, and we request you to assist us by equipping your Home Government with the most accurate information enabling them to support to the fullest extent their country's trade with Japan, and by any oiker means in your power to co-operate with us to the same end.We are, &c,
For the International Tariff Revision
Committee,
(Sgd.), T. C. DAVIS,
Chairman.
The President,
The Chamber of Commerce,
Hongkong,"
The following acknowledgment was sent —
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,
9th June, 1909,
Sis, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 7th May, 19:9, address-- ed to the chairman, in which you inform this Chamber of the formation of a committes selected from the foreign. bastuuss_firms.resid dent in Japan under the title of " "The interns- tional Tariff Revision Committee,"
Your letter is now receiving the attention of my committes-1 am, &cj
(Egd.), E. A. M. WILLIAMS,
Secretary. T. C. Davis, Esq.,.
Chairman, The International Tariff Revision
Committee, Yokohama Foreign Board of Trade,
Yokohama,
It was decided to circulate the foregoing let- ter among the members of the Chamber with the idea that those whose interests were likely to be affected by the new Tariff might take the steps for their protection therein mentioned.
advisable but the Chamber would take the the conservation of individual interests wa
It was considered that individual action for..
matter up and represent the views of members If it wera'so desired.
A BANKRUPT. GROCKR.
FAILURE TO KEEP PROPER BOOKS LEAD TO
DIFFICULTIES, - ..
Yesterday morning, in the Bankruptcy Jurisdiction Court, application was made to The Chief Justice (Sir Francis Piggott) for the discharge of D. R. Captain, who was recently declared bankrupt. The debtor was formerly of Messrs. Jeejeebboy and Company, grocerí, in Hollywood Road Ocial
Fr. Fletcher (the 'Official Receiver) stated that this was another case in which the business was 'conducted as that of S, E. Allana and Company (particulars of which are reported in this issue). There were no books kept, and the method of doing business was very loose-vary irregular. The estate paid 516.75 per cent, to the creditors. There was only one book kept by those in charge, of the" firm, and that was a customer's ledger for the purpose of discovoting who owed the firm money.
Mr. John Hastings (for the debtor) said that the bankrupt was largely due to misfortune, One assistant in debtor's employ emberled 53,000 and absconded. Then debtor engaged a man to sell silk for him. Over that transac tion be lost about. $1,500, This misfortdos could not be put down against him.
of thirty per bent, was made to the creditors."
At the beginning of the bankruptcy an offer This was refused, and they could hardly com plain now, that they received twenty-six par cent,
bought the business for mors that it was worth? - The Chief Justice-Was it not sald that he'
Mr. Fletcher-You. He paid-S10,000 for it. When the stock was examined it was found to
Marican resulted in a fair dividend being i bo work only $8,000t there was no fault
Mr. Hastings remarked that the sale to Mr.
pald to the creditors-26 per cent, on the debis.
The Chief Justice-Are there any sugges. tion as to the future earnings?"
Mr. Fletcher-No,
Mr. Hastings added keep proper.books alleged against the debtor, only that he did not
-Debtor's discharge was suspended for one
Mr. Duncan McNalli, ■ Shanghai barrister, with whom was Mr. C. J. Alabaster, instructed by Mossis. A. G. Jackson and H. J. Gedge (of Messes, Johnson, Stokes and Master) appeared ley, x.C., assisted by Mr. M. W. Slade, instruction of fraud-it was only failure to keep pro- IN seents that the Frince Regant kas unqualif. on behalf of the appellants. Sir Henry Berke Mr. Hastings said that there was no allega,
and Harston) represented the respondent ed by Mr. J. Scott Harston (of Messrs. Ewans per books,
ed confidence In Vicaray Obang Jen-chun," The debtor's discharge was then suspended islamuch as he is reported to have remarked doubt as to one point and that was in con- Mr. Hastings remarked that debtor wanted ing local rebels in check, besides being convers
The Chief Justice stated that he was, ip | for three years, as Best wind that Viceroy Obang shows great ability in koepeli
which he required to be re-argued.
action with a certain clause in the agreement,
n the course of a day or two, perhaps donte. A data will be fired for counsel to settle the by in the vicinity of the sad occurence,
*
to retara to India for good, O CEMENTOSA Cut with foreign affairs, and' ha (his Highnam) der the supervision of the Court, and that if he sequit himself creditably, st, kis new post (n The Chief Justice said that Ailana was un- had no doubt that Vicathy Chadg would returned to Honghong'ae, muat report himself. Lijegkispg,