HONGKONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
liquor trade
THE
was introduced, timt the Com mitico took the muftor up strong SOTII ANNUAL MEETING.ly, and we are glad to be able to
roport that the Officer Admini Yesterday afternoon the 50th toring the Govorament ultimately annaal meeting of the Hongkong needed to the request put General Chamber of Coinmorco
forward.
was held at the City Hall. Jon Mr. E. A. Flewolt (dirman) pre- sided, and there were also presoat, -Hon, Mr. H., Koewick; J. W. C. Bonnar, H; A. Stels, W. Logan, G. H. Madhurst, F. Il Armstrong, Friesland, H. W. Robertsan, N. J. Stabb (committee), ( Balloch, Murray Stewart, J. Wilkie. A Charlton, J.J. Leirin, J. W. Bulles, A. Forbes, W. A. Dowler, (I Whito, W. G. Humphreys, W. C. Jack, I. Liob, D. K. Setua, F. P. Talati, W. Andol, G. M. Young, Wong Lang Him, C, S. Cubby, G. Hogg, J. Owen Hugbok, AJ Barretto, H. Smidt, W. 44.Darby,
T. F. Hlough, W. Dickson, and
A. M. Willinnus (secretary).
Chairman's Speech.
3
During the your copies of the proposal new tariff with Japan oro received from the (overn mont, and the attention of the members of the Chumle, and the directed to the anniter. There is public gonorally, was specially unquestionably much to which exception might be taken on many points in this tariff, and we trust the representations on tho subject which we now understand are being made to the Japanese Govornment ming result in con siderable modification being male to meet the requirements of
British trade with Japan."
the proposal,
Arbitration.
HONGKONG
Tasted Blood.
TELEGRAPH
--
of war.
"
TUESDAY
MARCH
21
torr
matter they have your fullest and heartiest support for the steps takon in protesting against the prosont proposed International agreement. (Applause.)
view to
Miscellaneous.
Tho
rise to it. With these remarks, gentlemen, and I think wo should:
past year, and I have auch plea Buro in seconding the adoption of presented. the report and accounts a
The motion was agreed to unanimously.
In the meantime, I will confine borne to my part of Great Britain
The Chamber's Jubilee." mysolf to stating that so far as in noutral vessels.
this opportunity of thanking him the Committee is concerned no (b) That the absence of any
gonco a few minutes longer while trouble and oare lo has taken in I inust crave your induljon behalf of the members for the opportunity has been missed for provision in the Declaration for
Trofer to one matter more. This, producing it and congratulating endeavouring to have a stop put preventing the conversion of to this entirely unjustifiable ac merchant vessels into commerce
gentlemen; as you are all aware, | him on the result. of his work. is the fiftieth annual, mooting of Applause). It represents an tion on the part of the Kwong- destroyers on the high seas con-
Since our last moeting an un- our institution and I think that on enormous tung Authorities. Numerous tole- stitutos a valid reason for praying usually large number of changes such an occasion some reference and research, but
amount of labour grams and despatches have boon His Majesty's Government to have taken place in our Commit should be made to the fact. In or have.lus roward in a sense he must addressed to H. M's Secretary decline to ratify the Declaration too, several old residents in Chinador to bring to your notice some of satisfaction at work woll of State for Foreign Affairs, the or to proceed with the Naval Prize having left the Far East British Minister at Peking_and Bill.
for of the earlier struggles of the lone and in the grateful good," as the saying is. While Chambor, I have attempted very appreciation of all those who aro the London Chamber of Com
(c) That the admission of the not admitting their departure has briefly in a small brochure to out interested in, the history of the aware, the matter has been very prizes would be in the highest of view, wo at least can join in General Chamber of Commerce philet shows that this Chambor merco, while, as you all are already principle of destruction of neutral been for the good from our point line the history of the Hongkong Colony. (Applause.) The pam strongly taken up by the Hong-degree prejudicial to the interests thanking them for valuable for the first fifty years of its ex from its earliest existence has kong Government, who from the of this country.
services rendered to the Chamboristonec. I would like to think that taken an active and prominent first has thoroughly supported the These recommendations wore and in expressing the hapo that some, at all events, of you have part in all matters affecting the protests of the British merchants formally adopteri by the Council they have many years of happy found time to glance over this welfare of the Colony, many of concerned. I have had repeatedly of the London Chamber of Com- leisure at Home before them after lule pamphlet, occasions, and as I have previously In order to make the position of would refer specially to Mr. D. R. pression I was fairly well acquaint Colony but also international and to refer to the question on sovoral morco on 14th November last. their years of toil abroad. Although I was under the im- intorest, affecting not only thin them matters of high historic
reuninded you the whole history 1.M. Government plain in the Taw, who has served as Vice-ol with the history of Hongkong; trade rolations in the Far East of our Chamber is a record of mattor, correspondence bearing Clairman of the Chamber, to I confess the study of the mass of generally,
One Long Fight
on the subject was presented Mr. J. R. M. Smitli, Mr. W. J. docunients which it has been The annual report for the past To show how in some directions against similar intorference with to both Houses of Parlin-Gresson and to Mr. H. E. Tom-ecossary recently to peruse has year is proof that our prosent the demands of the Japmeso lawful trade by the Chinese ProThis correspondence as here
ment (Miscellaneous No. 4,1910). kinu.
brought home to me more forcibly Committee are worthy of their may seriously injure, if not vincial Authorities, an inter
The membership than I had up to that time pro- predecessors. The subjects that, published was, carrion on bout the Chamber, I am glad to perly. nitogether destroy, certain bran- ference which commencing with tween the Foreign Office and say, has been slightly increased, amountofhard work, honest work, havo boon multifarious, and of roalised the enormous have been brought before them ches of business now in existence, opium las not infrequently boon this following bodies: The Glas while the finances show a dis- which has been devoted by so varied inportanco, but they have The Chairman in moving the I will here for to the question of extended to athor branches of our gow Chamber of Comineres, the tinctly improved condition. This many of our predecessors to the all been given careful and in- adoption of the report and ace proprietary medicinos entoring trade. In past yours similar at Leith Shipowners Society the is largely, if not entirely, due to problem which confronted them. tolligont consideration and dealt counts said:Gentlemen,The into Japanese territory which is tempts have boon nipped in the roport and accounts for the Cham- fully explained in a later part of bad through the prompt action of Edinburgh Chamber of Com- the careful supervision and wise bor for the your 1910 havo bạon the report.
The result is to be soon to-day. with according to their merits and in your hands for samd days, sni
merco, the British Branch of the economy exercised by our Secret-To-duy the position of the Cham- importance. On behalf of the the British Officials, either in Naval Leaguo, and the Belfastary, Mr. Williams. The contem-bor as an authority ou such ques-members I thank the Chairman, with your permission, therefore the proposed trado maks Ordin-
Theit very important measure, Canton or Peking.
Chamber of Commerce, who to- wo will take them as raid. Before ance, las again recoivel further Consul-General at Canton did not representing the varians Commit- sot aside for the present. There able, while the
Unfortunately in this enso the getltor may be taken as well as thus, I am glad to say, been is, I fearlessly state, unimpeachwork they have done during the plated increase in the subscription tions as fall within our province Committee and Secretary for the formally putting the resultition consideration during the year, view the matter in the same light tees more directly interested in is yet one other mattor to which now before the meeting, I will while owing to the construction as his predecessors, stating that the
ako a fow revirks as to tho placed by the Harbour Master he saw nothing illegal in the
Growth and Prosperity I will refor, but which has not of the Colony of Hongkong mma. important matters which
overseas trade have been dealt with the ling the importation of naphtha long as no difference was inde strongly supported the London that for some time past the of our fore-runners a devotion and
upon certain regulations control- Vicaroy's proposals, and that so of our Empire. All these bodies
appeared in our report,
You are all doubtless aware of devoted and honourable labour aro, chiefly duo to the years Chamber daring the past you, for motor use, an appeal to the between native and foreign opium Chamber in urging that thoratify-13ard of Trade anal various labour by which not only we but seconded by Mr. W. A. Dowley Taking them seriatin, the first loverment was necessary with ho would make no representations ing of the Declaration would cause business houses in all parts of the whole of our Empire benefit the Committee were re-elected.
On the motion of Mr. A. Forbes, subject, in itself parhaps of not the result that this latter question on the subject to the Viceroy un- great injury to our trade and most the world have from time to now so great moment was the has been satisfactorily settled. loss ordered to do so by his seriously affect our supplies of time applied to the Government, most sincerely trust, the sugges-Borneo Company, the Bank Line, position taken up by the Harbour You will noted that with a view superior officers. The Provincial, food stuffs and raw materials for
It has been suggested, and I The election of the China- Muster in putting his own con- to reducing the possibility of dis Authorities having now
or to the Chamber, for inform-tion will meet with your cordial Messrs. Bune and Roit and Mossrs. strnelion upon certain regulations putes between importers and
our Home manufactories in timeation on certain matters with approval and support, that this Connell Brothers and Co. as.mem, controlling the carriage of Asiatic purchases of picco goods, a pro-
ovont be celebrated by a dinner,bers of the Chamber was confirm passengers invessols passing posal has been put forward that will not lightly give up the fight, A careful perusal of the Declar- developing trade. thru this port.
and if this meets with acceptance ed. ition should, 1 consider, convince through Hongkong with our liope all those who possibly can stundard form of contract and the monopoly still con- this individual case the pro- should be adopted. A sub-com- tuos, the illegal taxes aro still any impartial person that this surrounding neighbours.
The Chairman said that since ests made by the Committey were mittes, compused of represent being increased, in spite of "greement if ratified will far more matter was more or less left to these will be present. If this is the commencement of the meet
verninent, and we tro,'assured inporting houses, was appointed, given to the British Minister any Continental Power and will; Exports who in his turn frequent at any early date, say, within two Messrs. J. M. Alves and Co. and favourably accaptal by the Gio ativos of some of the leading the assurance of the Waiwapa seriously affect Great Britain than Superintendent of Imports and agreed to, imponents will at ing, thuroo new firms, the Chineso
once bo ninde to hold the dinner Engineering and Mining Co similar difliculty will not arise in, who, howover, reported against haen sont to tho Vicoroy to disapon us in the ovent of our being accossary information. Thorosult or three weeks, the date chosen 50 Messrs. Olaf Wijk and Co. lied, that definite instructions have therefore place a serious handicaply applied to this Chamber for the the faturo. The reason why like spocint reference to the matter is
far as possible to meet the con-been put forward as members. was not altogether satisfactory,venience of the majority of the These wore unanimously elected: continue the tax. The result of unfortunately engaged in war- this, that while admitting Go..
the negotiations now being car fare with one of our neighbours. and it has now been decided by members. This is an occasion, vermont fegulations aro in tho The question of arbitration has ried on is awaited with interest, here are other points, particular- the tiovernment to issuo n greater majority of esos onforced recently boon before the Com- for, as I havo already stated, they the list of articles which it is business directory for Hongkong
The Jubilee Dinner. with maloration and common mitte, and though not mentioned principle at stake is more than proposed should be considered
The Chairman: That.concludes: so that a merchant in some other. sense we have, howard, frusi timo in the report it is perhaps worth that of the fate of a single article contraband of war, parts of the world who may
gentlemen, I beg to propose the the regular business of the mool- 1 time, hid this unfortunately of stating here that one of tho que: of commeren, however valuable to which reference might be made desire to enter into trade relations passing of the report and accounts.ing, gentlemen. I will now. xofer lato yours especially in the Departs which it is desirable tho that particular commodity inay bo. but this is hardly afittingmoment with local firms here, by referring
(Applauso.)
to the proposal to have a com inent am referring to, found incoming Committoo should deal
. The Seconder's espeech.
momorntion dinner to celebrate Declaration of London." for going fully into details, to this directory, can readily ns- rules insisted upon without tho with is tho drawing up of a form
Mr. Balloch-Gentlemen,
the 60th anniversary of the Cham- After a very careful consideration certain those who are engaged in above-mentioned saving, clauses, of undertaking so that when As you pre aware, a most im- I could, if necessary, quote casos forence is made to the Chamber portant agreement has recently of the documents referred to, the the particular branch of business have been asked to second the her. We live 143 members.on adoption of the report and acour list, and we have bad some to prove my contention, but at both parties to the arbitration bee come to between Great Committee decided to tolegraph in which he is interested. tho nient it only appears should enter into an agreement to Britain and other leading Powers to the London Chamber of Coin- The Government has placed counts, and I do so with great thing like 80 replies and nearly 80 acceptances. I think on the. merco strongly endorsing and the compiling of the first edition pleasure. I do not propose to with regard to the voxed necessary to refer to the fact that accept the award whon given. an "uaroasonably strict adherencó There are many other matters tion of the laws concerning Naval Supporting the finding of the of this directory in the hands of refor in detail to the matters dealt strength of that it is sufficient to show that the majority of mom bors are in to the exact lellor of the lase may which have been considored by Warfare. This agreement, known Special Committeo, and added our Secretary, Mr. Williams, and with in the report or in the able
favour of tho seriously affect the prosperity of the Committee during the
that we had asked His Excellency as I believe the compilation of and comprehensive speech of our our Colony and his in the past under review, but as these are 1909." has been signed by the the Governor to telegraph an ox- such a directory-must-assist in Clairman to which we have just
ctually rosulted-ja rerminently duly set forth in the report representative of His Majesty's
but I think I may say that no .pression of our opinion to the attracting business to our Colony, listened with so much interest, dinner. The arrangements will diverting cortain sections of trado and appendix detailed reference Government, and will, wo under. stand, shortly be submitted for
All of us, residents in. Hong
can fail to recognise that they are from our harbour, ·
-Ono question, however, of to them does not appear necessarisenssion in Parliament, befo: had personal experience of what the book as comprehensive and Claber and of hard and public. point, of course, is to consider the
kong, having of recent years
both proof of the vitality of this coming committee, and the first Most of us, though we have all
vory great importance and whigh has being ratified. This now inter-
spirited work done by our Chair-number of people for whom we passo by Adoy, would hardly constantly occupied our most national agreement is of for Naval Warfaro means to neutral thereforo as useful as possible.
The Late King.
man and Committee. That such can find room. We wish to ask a have considered there was much earnest attention throughout the in common between these two past for months has been the ro
I have now said all that occurs in the case is, I think, of the certain number of the leading. widely-snudoro ports, but a
to me with regard to our report highest importance and benefit to Excellency the Governor has officials in the Colony, and his nowe attempt, this time so far, letter from the Port Trust of that unhappily,' successful,, by the happily broak out between any of question is, of curse, of the and accounts. There are, how this Colony. Trade is noir re- |
one of the most signified his willingness to inke. tion of Harbour dues on ship- monopoly for the salo of raw Kation has again raised the ques Viceroy of Canton to ostablish the Groat Powers, resulting in greatest minent to the British ever, two other matters to which cognised as
hostilities at sea. That some such lalos, and under the circum reference must be nuado. Since dominating factors in domestic the chair. Of course the dinner must be held to suit the. conveni- ping, by asking whether a reduc
agreement is required is, I think and how H. M. Government notable personages of our age has
stances it seems difficult to undor- our last meeting, one of the most and international politics. opium tion in these might not induce moro vessols to call. Nevriless to in Kwangtung and for lovging appear thin the forms of the
What is of benefit to trade is in onco of Iris Excellency, but I hope universally admitted, but it would could come to the ngremont passed to his rest.
the main of benefit to the people; it will be held within the next state, the reply has been entirely special tax which at present stands sent one will react in the ovont they have. So long ago as our
Asmombers of a British Colony, whatever, therefore, affects the fortnight or three weeks at the. sympathetic. Alaust from the at $150 per chost, and it is in of war-most seriously and parti wars wh Napoleon I
be our nationality what it may, I trade of a country whether in the.
I am very much obliged for think it is only fitting that at this nature of tariffa, trade routes or Chamber our prodetossors liave portations are gradually reduced, tish trade. The Committee of therefore be worth while here after this and vent special refer-and expansion must be matter of thank you on behalf of myself tended shall be increased astheim enlarly against all sea-borne Bri- this question arose, and it may the first meeting of our Chamber security for its free development you attendance, gentlemen, and I arged upon the Hongkong As you are aware, of late years the Chamber of Commerco har stating Government the desirability of successivo Viceroys have con- ing had an opportunity of con- Britain, being at war with loss which hans fallon upon us.
that in 1795 Great ence should be made to the groat the gravost consideration to the and the committee for the honour you have done us in electing us. frooing shipping from all charges stantly made similar and equally sidoring certain papers dealing France, declared foodstuffs carried
Government of that country, whatsoever, and whenever (as has illegal offoris to interfere with the with the subject; felt constrained on the high seas in. noutral By the death of our late beloved What is likely to be of bonefit again. I also take this oppor
tunity of thanking Mr. Balloch, reverse to trade can happened from time to time) an opium trade under the plon of
sovereign King Edward the or the anxious Governor or greedy ostricting smoking, but in reality
shipping destinert for a Fronch British nation has sustained an-bost be judged, I think, from the and you for the support you have Troaster casting a rapacious eyo over the harbour lias docided, in This specious excing in this lot of oilier British Chain/fore liable to capture. On pro- I for sure been also-if not to the ongaged in it, and the best means book which I have got together, part to be contraband and there irreparable loss and this less has experience and opinions of those given him, in the very kind res marks with reference to this little order to balanes its bouke or to instance aho at first advanced, bers of Commerce, in protesting United States of Amaries, one fullest extent-shared by the that they have of condensing their and which I thought would beoef procure funds for public works,, but has now been abandoned, and against the Declaration in its
America, Don-
interest. (Applause) to increase taxation, the ery has the Viceroy frankly admits that present form. The question has mark and Sweden, this was modi- whole of the civilized world. For experience and giving public ex- fed to cargoes destined for French came to the throne, and during his through their Chamber of Com- vory many years, long before ho pression to their united opinion is always been the same: put up the homey now raised is to replace already been fully discussed both
This was all the business. Naval or Military Stations. light dues. The policy is in the loss caused by the stoppage of in the Homa papers and by our
all too brief reign, wo know that morce. licensed gambling.
It seems strange that thin his lato Majesty did all in his Bound, and as I have omphatically
local Press, and therefore most of
The expressed opinions of
OUR DIARY. Not only is a serious blow you are probably fairly well ac- been abandoned by the Great most cordial feelings between therefore, carry great weight, and strtod on more than one occasion
humane policy should now havo power to promote the best and Chambers of Commerce must, is in the long run calculated to been struck at a valuabio branch quainted with the outlines of the
Thursday, 23rd March, re-act against the prosperity of of our trade, but there is a wider question. I may, however, state this question, gentlemon, as I feel
Powers. I have dealt fully with Great Britain and allother nations, no government that refused to give
Soldiers and Sailors' Help So, the Colony, I am glad thorofore and more important principle in that the London Chamber of
so many representatives of whom them its most serious considera ciety Concert, R. E. Theatre, of the opportunity tms offered us volve 1, viz., whether a local ChinCommerco on receiving the text we should speak in no uncertain: have elected to make thigir homes tion would be entitled to the
voice on so important a matter, in the British Isles or other nec confidence of those whose interests.5 p.m. by our adjacent brother depen- ese official is to bo pormitted for of the Declaration appointed dancy of the Crown to reiterate the purpose of raising additional special committee under the. Wo all, or nearly all, have had tions of our Empire. We felt that were placed in its hands. It is then revenue to ignore any or all troat. Chairmanship of Lord Despersonal experience of what took our loss was theirs also, and no of the highest importance that the more striking expression of uni- representatives of a Chamber of ies which have been made with borough to fully consider the place during the.. The next matter of importance Foreign Powers and impeso such matter. The conclusions and ro-
vor sympathy with us could Commorco should be men capable certain old established firms being trade as muy suit him, cert will as the report is thong restrictionsanil imposts on foreign commendations of this committee of Japan, first with China and have been shown than that which of guaging the true requirements rufused, and without any ex-
later with Russia, while some of was witnessed here on the 20th of trade and of discriminating planation being offered, the
That the Declaration of London us can remember the difficulties May last, when the whole Colony between right already granted to many of all treaty obligations. An enor- sont form or be made effective by trade during the war between our Sovereign and in paying their and what is of merely individual
should not be ratified in its pre-which arose in regard to neutral united in mourning the loss-of athora, chiefly native wine mous mass of correspondence the passing of tho Naval Prize France and Clinu. We can con- last tribute of repects to his me and passing interest. I have no merchants, to having their hoaring on the question is now in Bill now before Parliament. own Londed ware houses. This the hands of the Committee, but
sequently speak of our direct ex mory. It is links like this that hesitation in asying, gentlemon, appeared to be so detrimental to it has been considered advisable claration is to alter the law of even more fully than people that though we may be of differsontod.
(n) That the effect of the De-perience and can realize perhaps bind us together and remind us that we in Hongkong are so repre- tho trade and so opposed to the not to publish this until the whole nations as hitherto maintained in further from the actual scene of ent nationality, and kindly rivals our Uhairman has issued in
During the past wook promisos made by his Excellency matter, which is now under dis-,a manner entirely unprecedented wor what these hindrances to
par- whon this most popular mo- sussion between the twe Govern- and to expose to capture or delis trade mean, The Committee trust sure dealing with the
mouts, has been finally settled. berate destruction feed supplies therefore, gentlemen, that in this
first time of the oxistones of our
those statements.
:
year
a
in order to increase their revenues,
In Defiance
ques.
us "The Declaration of London,
enching effect, and if accepted trade, must, I feel sare, be united will make great changes in neut of this Declaration. The food in protesting against the terms al trade should another war un-
142
add their voice
were as follows:-
pro-
+
Recent Wars
assistance as may be in your power, if appealed to, to make
:
what is vital.
I
proposal and if that is co we propose to go on with the
Intest.
Saturday, 25th March. Groen Igland Coment Company Ltd., Meeting, 11.30 nm.
Devonian Dinner, Hongkong Hotel.
Hongkong Volunteers Corpe, Annual Inspection. (z. Engineers' Dinner. Volunteer Sorgeants' dinner.
Tuesday, 28th March... China Borneo. Company, Ltd," V.R.C. Athletic Sports, entries
in trade, we are indeed friends phlet form a history of this Cham-annual meeting, 12.15 p.m and brothers, fellow residents for during the fifty years of its under the came flag., existance, and I would like to take" close.
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