BANK MEETING.
The Chartered Bank of India. Australia and China: (Continued from Paga 10). this side; they must be carefully considered. "They must be con- sidered by experts, and I hope that, whatever the result, it may be for the benefit of India as wolf as of England.
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THE HONGKONG 1ELEGRAPH EXTRA.
HONGKONG, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1913.
WATCH
recognising the importance of this. Calcutta. inquiry, will take steps to have
THIS
+
The resolution was then put their views submitted to this and carried unanimously. Royal Commission when it sits, much pleasure in moving: That- The Chairman: I now have
because it is essentially a quo8-
I
"
GROW.
CINEMATOGRAPH WAR,
Messra Pathe Frore's Bold Step
that a
anybody's businesa; our sole pur- pose is to help the five thousand- what it wants at a reasonable exhibitors to give to the public
The British minufacturera are watching the position very olosa ly. We are not going to be squeezed out by the foreigner. Never in the history of the in- dustry have we bɔɔn a busy as wo are now. Since the "Morning Post" drew atleation to the foreign
The London "Morning Post" price and without hindrance from now departure, any side. We consider that those tion of great importance to that a dividend at the rate of 15 per says the recommendations of the Royal cont. per annum for the half-which may have far-reaching five thousand exhibitors are more
tend to year ended Decomber 31 last,
consequences in tho Commission should
sinema-important to us than eighty or strengthen that currency position together with a bonus of 10. tograph industry in England, ninety middlemen."
The step taken by Paths Freres which has been so profitable per share, both free of income has been announced by Path to the bank. The queation tax, by now declared payablo o Freres, the Euglish company came as a surprise to the renters which works in connection with and exhibitors alike, and it is no Now, gentlemen, I have merely whether a gold standard with and after the 26th iast,
Lord George Hamilton: I bug to the Paris firm. After Maroh segret that measures have been to refer to the report that we out a gold oarrenoy, such as we
29 this firm has decided to stop taken by the organisations con- make to you, sud, as regards our have at present in ludis, ora gold second that proposition. recommendations, I can assure circulation, such as we have at The resolution was carried un the sale of its productions to the cerned the Film Renters' Asso- film renters who are the middle-ciation, the Kinematograph Manu you it is with very great pleasure proseat in England, is to be the animously.
The Chairman: ntleman, domen in the industry, and to facturers Association, and the that the directors have been able future state of the Indian cur to recommend the payment of a rancy system is being vory fierce not forge: you are getting this adopt a system of hiring all films Cinematograph Exhibitors' Asso- bonus. In all times we ondeavourly debated, as you know. I think free of income tax, which you do it controls, whatever the trade ciation of Great Britain and Ire to preserve a policy of caution, it is ono, sir, that will probably not get in many cases in London mark, direct to the exhibitore. land-to deal with the new situ1- always thinking of what is for be decided ultimately more by have now the great pleasure of The step, which has only been tion areated. The council of the the best in the interests of the the action of the faliso people art Cunningham, KOI.Esideration, will mean a film war-ed a resolution to the effect that proposing "That Sir Hours decided upon after serious con- Exhibitors' Association has pass- shareholders and the Bink, and themselves than by the verdict it is vory gratifying to us that we of any Roy Comm'stion that who now retire, be re-elected a fare the importance of which oan the step will be greatly to the bast be realised when it is re- prejudice of all exhibitors, and are able to make a little depart my sit. I have always thought, director."
Mr. W. F. Mitchell: "I rise with membered that a capital of some strongly urging the members to ure this yoir. As regards the sir, that the present system of a ¦ ̈ amounts that we have at apart gold standard without a gold cur pleasure to second the resolution thing like £20,000,000 is in-catious to support the film-hirers rather than hire films diroot from for various fands, I think I neorency wis more suitable to India, that Sir Hlery Stewart Canning-volved.
Seen by a representative of the manufacturera, as in their opinion only refer to one which has ben but if Intia wants gold either for ham bore-elected a director.
The motia was unanimously "Morning Post" Mr. L Sɔleane,
it is ostantial for the benefit of brought to my notico, and that is the purpose of circulation or ovan
adoptod. the allocation of £20,000 for the for hoirding, and is prepared to
thegeneral maagar of the come the exhibitors that they should The Chairman: My next ros offi:are Pension Fund; whereas pay for it, we have no moral
was one that had been made by industry. in most years we have set apart tight whatever to interfero srith olution is: "That Mr. Willisme any, azil the change contemplated support the hiring branch of the £10,000. In two years wa failed her desire to possess it, though we Henry Naville Gosolen, who now another firm. Pathe Freres had Attitude of British Manufactures. to make any allocation; unforta- may pochipa regrot her unfort-retire, la re-elected aiaturests in cinimtographs all nately, we were unable to do sɔ. uante propensity f: parting with director,
over the world, and the company fat this year we have recommends much of her products oach Sir Hoary S. Cunningham se-had to protect itself in otlar od an allocation of £20,000, in year in exelings for a metal onded the resolution, and it was marks besile the Britisi.
M. Pathe's Opinion. cause you can wall understand which we think is more or los carried unanimously. that as the business of the Bank veless to her. Well, sir, any resolutions No. 5 and 6, which Paths, who to a cart in extent was The Casiem in: With regard to "In the opinion of M Charlos expan ls, the staff must grov, measures which may be recom- sad as the Bank grows in yeara mended for the purpose of inter-will be moved by shareholders, I the pioneer of the trade, it was the staff gets oldor, nl we con- foring in any way with the flow hope the shareholders will agree necessary to have on all mar- oharacter of the pictures exhibit- sequently have to deal with a of gal to the East would te to the increase remuneration of kets a free hand-that is, freeel this country, and indicated greater number of pansions for worse; I think, than a mistake: the auditors. As you can under-competita of sich a nature that no that the home producers could stand, gentlemon, the work of au combination of renters (middle furnish acceptable film if they the majora and officers w they would, bo a injistice to
or Manufactures could were given the opportunity, we have worked so well and faith-In lia. When the United States diting the accounts of this book meal fully for the Bank. I do not for of America tike, as they do inoresses year by year, and from imposs their will on the trade, have been kept busy. We may a moment imagine that you will almost annually, something like my own knowledge the auditors We have bone this in the now confidently assert that taste. grudge this particular allocation, twenty millions storfing, no one spend more and more time every United Kingdom for years," he for British piolare plays has been but I think it right to explain to utters a word of protest or com- your in going through the acute si. "Every time that we made orested, and now that we have found a market for our prodao. in a most thorough and business- a step forward and produced a you why we are netting apart the plaint; but when fadi for two sum of £20,000 instead of £10,000. or three yeare ventures take a like way. This is naturally to be film which we knew would be tions we shill watch that it is It is quite right we should do so somewhat similar sum the whole expected from them, and they welcomed by the public, we found not jeopardised."
Another British film manufact- when we cia afford to." With financial worl is in a state of throughly deserve, in my humble that the renters were absolutely these remarks, gentlemen, I have alarm. I suppose there is alarm opinion, the increased remunera unwilling to accept it. When wa urer admitted that the industry ourishing condition. now to move "Thit the report because wo in this country tion which is about to be proposed. bagan to produce coloured films was in s now presented, together with the are supposed be doink Mr. Ross: This resolution has which we thought the publicHe hinted that the British firms balance-sheet and profit and loss huge business on a gold been committed to my hands: would like, they refused to take would come to an arrangement by which their interests would bɔ account, be approve and adopt basis which is insufficient. We "That the auditora faos be in- them because they were ed," and I will ask Sir Alfred want more gold, but wo are too creased from £500 per annum to halfpenny per foot dearer than afeguarded. "We can now pro- Deat to second the resolution. Biggardly to pay for it. That is £050 per annum, with retroape the ordinary black and white duce what is wanted," he said. "There is a market for our films, Sir Alfred Dant, K.O.M.G.: the whole secret of our trouble. tive elfeot for the past year, the films. We invited the ex- I have much pleasure in Heooud- India wants more gold, and she amount to be divided as they may hibitors to put these coloured and we are going shend. The ing that resolution.
is willing and ready to pay for agree." You have made us all films on their soreens, sal, by exhibitors welcomed the foreigner The Chairman: If any sharoit, and I venture to submit that happy by the gift of a bonus, and and by, the public insistel on with open arms. Now that he holder wishes to make any re- she has the best right in the it would be very niggardly indeed having them. Therefore the reat has got them in his clutobes they marke I will ask him to do so world to possess it Moreover, of the shareholders to object to re- era atood between us and the are turning round on him. Per-
as you very justly renirked, munerate our auditors.
public. Then they opposed sonally, I am glad that Patha India's demand for gold is an Mr. Henley seconded the re-education by Boientific films, has made this evidence of that prosperity which solution, which was unanimously which were in great demand. renters have assumed the role. of dictators to the trade. The "Les Miserables,"
renter you have just spoken about. We, agreed to."
tu almost They also stood in the way of the showman
now.
Mr. H. M. Roga: Mr. Chair man; I am sure we are all deep ly grateful to the directors, of the bank for presenting us with such as shareholders in the Chartered Mr. Ross: The next resolution
lo return you
A
action."
mɔve.. The
an excellent report. In connect Bank of India, Australia, and I have to propose is supple-long film which the public now on a par with the renter, pure ion with that report and the China, are not in a position, and mentory to the one which you prefers. For example, they ob. and simple. He gets films prac dividend and bonus which have are never likely, to complain bave just carried; it is: "That feated to the work, Les Miser tically free for his own theatros, been declared, may, I take the about the prosperity of India. Mr. Magnus Mowat and Mr. ables, which was produced in then hires them to other people. liberty of making a suggestion Then you have referred to the William Adolphus Browne be re- Vincennes by the Sooiste des Geas Seventeen years ago films were regarding the manner in which 'crops of India. Her prosperity is elceted auditors for the ensuing de Lettres, with the permission sold at one shilling a foot. In the annual dividend is usually dependent on the crops, and the year."
of the representatives of Victor those days, if a negative cost declared? For some years past crops, unfortunately, nie dopend- Mr. Henley seconded the re- Hugo's hoirs. This is the longest £25, the manufacturer gave the serious consideration. we have been in the habit of ent on the vagaries of her climate. eslation, and it was adopted film ever producd-20,000ft. The matter
later bal seasons unanimously.
renters would not look at it. We Now spectacular production: oost gotting a dividend at the rate of Sooner or 13 per cent for the first hall will return. With the return of
Mr. Mowat: On behalf of my considered that one judgment thousands of pounds and the films
and myself, have awaited those seasons we shall certainly colleague year, and we
we was bellor than theirs, and we are sold at fourpence a foot. with the greatest trepidation see a diminution of this alarming beg
oar hired it to the trade in general. Prices are cut down. The rentera in these troublous Limes rush of gold to the East, and we sincere thanks for the resolution The film cost £4,000 to produce. will refuse a production because in the East as to whether we were may possibly also see such a re- you have just passeil. We have Why should we not recoup our the cost is greater, and British going to have another 13 por verasl of the currency tide as we been enabled this year to put selves for our outlay when we manufacturers have had to do cent, or whether we should got saw some few years ago. But, forth the accounts pretty early, felt that the public would like business independent of them, 15 per cent., which would make whichever way wo-look at the and I hope that such a curse the film? We had to sell the There are millions of money in- the dividend up to 14 per cent. question, I think you will agree will hold good in years to come. film as an exclusive, and so far volved in an industry with practi- for the year. Now that the post- that alarm is to be deprecated, For this we are greatly indebted no film has been so successful.cally no organisation, Business tion of the bank is ao assured, of this bank may submit to the to the acountant stalk of the You will, therefore, see that we men are wanted at the head of perhaps the direstore will take and, whatever views the directors bank, wls very clearly put before were right in our contention the concerns, not showmen, If into their consideration the pos- of Royal Commission, I sincerely us all the material we required from the first. We presented the the British manufacturers suffer sibility of letting us have a divid- trust they will serve as a counter-in the work of our audit.
middlemen with gold on a dish, by the decision of the Pathe firm. end at the rate of 14 per cent. for poise to the alarmist s'atements Mr. Henley: If that concludes and they would not give us the they will be obliged to take the fires half of the year and then which will surely come from the business, I think we should silver that we had earned by our a second 14 per cent, at the end other quarters. (Applause.) not part without passing a hearty labour." of the year, and if there is a bonus to follow we shall be all The Chairman: An regarde and the staff for the splendid On the hiring question, which
Lance Sergeant Wills charged the more delighted.. You have the remarks of Mr. Ross as to results we have obtained in the Mr. Solenne regarded as of great said, sir, that you did not pro- the dividead, that will be careful- past year. I trust that their moment to the future of the oines Chinese woman before Mr. pose to touch at length upon ly considered in six months time, future services will result in matograph industry, he contended Hazeland, at the Police Court, this morning, with being in that it was bound to exert a the inquiry that is to be held I trant we shall be able to equally good returns. by Royal Commission into the pay 13 per cent. (Laughter.){ Mr. Turner seconded the vote powerful influence on the minds possession of 2 lbs. of candles state of the Indian currency A regards the Royal Commission, and it was unanimously accorded, of the people. "When we select and 4 lbs of tea, reasonably system and the financial ar- we shall certainly see, and I have The Chairman: Gentlemen, I works which we believe can do suspected to have been stolen or rangements of the Secretary of no doubt the Government will am sure both the directors and good, and when men of weight unlawfully obtained, et Kowloon, State. Well, I am sure that we see, that the views of this bank the staff much appreciate the kind and culture share our views, we on the 11th inst. A fine of $25 all, as shareholders of the bank, are reprocentod before the mem- words you have used in proposing are astonished when we are told or in defnalt one month was recognise the vital importance of bera of
Commission. this vote of thanks. It is always that there is no market for them, imposed.
Police Officials Going Home." the maintenance of the Indian Certainly it would be very a pleasure to meet you, the shore- Why? Because the renter
A large number of police of- earrency system to us and to unfortunate if our views wore holders, becauso, however great believes that too long
will injure his fici de gathered at Blake Pier at India, and I am sure also that not so represented. I can only our shortcomings, yon receive programme our directors must still have a sny, as regarde myself, that I na in a most kindly manner. I intereste, M. Charles Pathe has eleven o'clock this morning - to very lively recollection of their think the remarks of Mr. Ross am sure that on this occasion you taken the slop of getting into wish Clod-speed to ex-Chief In own anxieties during the crisis aro eminently sensible and very have received us with a little direct touch with the exhibitors, spector Baker who is going Home of 1907-8, when that gold stand- much to the point, I did not greater pleasure than usual. How in this country. It has been in for good, and to Inspectors Mand ord was temporarily jeopardised, expect anything else but common ever, there is no saying what may in other markets, and the resalte PO'Sullivan, who are going home For this reason, air, I may ven- sense from a man of his experience happen on the next occasion. have been eminently satisfactory, on leave. Mr.P.P.J. Wodatoase, ture to express the hope to-day as a member of the commercial The proceedings then terminat. His action has not been dictated Deputy Superintendent of Police,
with the ides of interfaring with was amongst those présent; that the directors of the bank, community of that great city of ed.
that
vote of thanks to our directora
The Hiring Question.
Larceny.