HONGKONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
subject. The question of what e'eps shall be taken to stop this disgraceful campaign is still to be considered. (Appendix K1).
Yokohama Association of Metal
Importers.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1915,
of Private Buoys and Mooringe Hongkong Club de- for Ocean Going Vessola In Victoria Harbour.
"bautares |Hongkong and Shang. hai Bank F-D.....
Your Committee objected to the proposed soheme for reasons set' forth in the correspondence and The unsatisfactory condition of made a counterproposal. The Current Account $46,54 the Metal business and the neces- Government's scheme is in absy- Less Interest on Overdraft... ery protection to importers of once for the present. (Appeadir metal brought into being, at V1.) Yokohama, an Association of · Metal Importere.
fr
Eastern Surveys,
(Continued from paje 5.) that a Bill of Lading should not be signed for a certain montb, aplers the shipwere actually in the Barbour during that particular morth. (Appendix R).
The attention of your com- Homeward Freight Conference.
Interesting correspondence will A like Association was apon mittee was directed, to certain be found concerning the action of the point of being formed in criticisms of Eastern Surveys the Rickmera's Line in accepting Hongkong when the outbreak of appearing in the Report of the cargo at a lower rate than that war suspended further advance Bradford Chamber of Commerce fixed by the Homeward Freightment. (Appendix Tí)..
for 1913. Conferance. (Appendix T).
Government Fire Float.
Complaint was made to the Government as to the delay in the Fire Float Service, and it was sug- gested that were it practicable to connect the Float with the Police Station by telephone a saving of time might be effected. (Appendix W).
Rules for the Measurement of Tonnage Certificates for Vessels
Colony's Food Supply, As such report had not yet been Suggestions were made by your received by this Chamber your Committee with the idea of pre- Committee cannot at the moment venting Obinose shopkeepers ink- determine the nature of the ing advantage of the situation remarks objected to by the Yoko brought about by the war by bama Bard of Tracle. The Brad- unduly increasing prices of food ford Chamber of Commerce has staffs. The Government sub- been asked to supply this Cham- sequently instituted & Food Comber with their 1013 report, when mittee under the Presidency of the matter will be again · con- the Hon. Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe.sidered (Appendix W1). (Appendix MI).
British War Risks Indurance Scheme.
The Manager of the "Bank" Line Ltd, courteously submitted
CENSORED.
(Appendix XI). Research and Analytical Work by the Imperial Institute. A despatch from the Decretary
Using the Panama Canal. The Chamber received from the Goverdment a copy of a proclama to the Chamber copy of a telegram of Stats for the Colonies to the tion by the President of the United received from London setting out Government of Hongkong states States of America prescribing the the steps taken by the Govern- that the Imperial Institute is now rules for the measurement of vetment in connection with war risks authorised to undertake for an sels using the Panama Canal and insurance, and this information appropriate fee researches, inver expressed the opinion that any criticisms should emannte from the ship owners at Home and not from the local agents, Regulations governing tounge certificates will also be found in the Report (Appendix X).
Alleged Similarity of Trade Marks,
was given das publicity in the press by your
Committee (Appendix N1.),
11
Tal On Piracy Disbursement
10.88
Capt. Wetherell (Me-
mento) Engineer McCartney
(Cash).
Widow Evane (Cash) Widow Silva (Cash)... Watchman Dias (Cath) Watchman Conceicao
(Cash).
414
Sundry creditora
Hongkong & Shang- hai Banking "Corporation: overdrawn on
current account Ileserve acciunt:—
December, 1913 Add capital pincacle rock fand as it 3let December, 1913, now trans- ferred to general funds
tigations, analysis, etc., required Cash by private individuals and firme either in the United Kingdom or in any part of His Majesty's Over-At31st Telographic Rates. i
the London Chamber of Commerce the British, French, Russian or
aons Dominions. (Appendix Y1). Your Committee telegraphed to Vessels Detained or Captured by protesting against the oporous Japanese Authorities. conditions nader which tele-:
Liste, as published in London The Chamber'a aasialance was graphic communication was being Gazette, of captured vessels will requisitioned in a friendly trade carried on and requesting the be found in the Report (Appen- merk dispute between Mesire. London Chamber to take what dix Z1). Vieira and Company and Mears, action it could to obtain such re-Regulation Regarding Entry and Alex Rose and Company, and the laxation as would diminish the Clearing of Vessels at Hongkong, matter was amicably settled. (Ap-tremendous expense to which the pendix Z.)
business community of this Colony Irregular Arrivals of Siberian was being pat to through having
Mails.
to wire in plain language. Certain Certain improved regulations concessions have been granted but for the despatch from London of your committee is not satisfied and the Siberian mails were courteous-is endeavouring to secure a for- ly conveyed to the Chamber by ther amelioration. (Appendix O1). the Post Master General, Hong- kong.
The present European conflict bae, of course, unavoidably die organised this service and Jour Committes look forward for the resumption of normal despatches and arrivals. (Appendix C1).
Convention for Safety of Life at. Sea.
Chamber's Ruling Re War
Risks and Payment to
German Firms.
The Uhamber was approached by owners of river and coastal eteamers who protested against the inconvenience caused to them by the very stringent regulations in force.
Certain suggestions were mado by them with a view to alleviat ing hardships which would be suffered by them under these re- weather: gulations in foggy of squally
(A
Addearplus of income
over expenditure for the year ended 31st December, 1914, including. income from pin- nacle rock fund as per statement
Assete.
General funde:
|23 Hongkong Hotel 6 per cent. Deben- tures
יד
An expression of the opinion of your Committee was sought
The Naval Authorities received and obtained on two points hay-the suggestions sympathetically ing regard to this subject. (Ap and it is anderstood that present 16 pendix Pl).
arrangements are, considering the need for proper protection of the Harbour in war time, satisfaotczy. (Appendix A2).
Order in Council Made 16th July,
having been in your hands formado to the Chinese Government Companies is not only surprising 480.00 some days, I will with your per will eventually bear fruit and re-it is also unbusinessliko in view mission take them as road. I will sult in the entire suppression of of the fact that before very long 135.00 now proceed to deal with the piracy in Chinese watere, We we trust we will have the oppor
more important matters which recognise the difficulties" under tunity of making ure of the 1,805.00 have come under the notice of which the Chinese labour, but we opposition service which will be the Committee during the period cannot acquit them of blares in supplied by the wireless now under review, taking them in the not taking more vigorous steps being set up in the East. You 35.08 order in which they appear in the to remove sach slur on will observe that very early
report. The first question is that their administration. As one in the war the Com 1.340.68 of commercial arbitration, and result of this attack on a British mittee considered it advisable to $10,229.38 50m very interesting corres-ebip, an ordinance, was as you record their protest against the Fund.
pondence will be found in the are aware trought in, mak transfer of alien enemy's ships to report dealing with this matter. ing it compulsory on owners a neutral flag after the outbreak It is satisfactory to see that on all whose vessele were engaged of hostilities. We understand $400.00 sides there is an increasing ten-in certain satione .of The that such transfers will not be denoy shown to resort to arbitra-coasting and river trades, to recognised by the Allies and that 500.00 tion as opposed to the law courte, take precautions against the any such vessels are liable to be 745.00 and in many contracts made commission of piracy, on the'r seized on the high seas as prizes 200.00 bere there is a clause to the effect abips. As some of these regula of war.
.200.00
15,268.00
22.801.25
$25,123.39
...............$11,500.00 Hongkong Club 6
per cent. Daber- tures
Hongkong and hang. hai Bank Fixed Deposit at 4 per cent, per annam....
..
that disputes between importers tions appeared to press too hardly During the year the Govern and Chinese buyers shall be sub-in certain directions a meeting of mont has again brought forward 200.00
mitted to the chamber. The pos- the committee was held at which the proposal to take over the sibility of the introduction of the representatives of the various moorings and buoye in the har- $2.245.00 yellow fever into the Far East by lines concerned were present.bour. The tobeme is set forth
vessels coming hera from the Pe- Various amendments to the crat length in this report and was. “ $2,245 00 nama Canal, has been under con dinance were suggested and after apecially referred to in the sideration and we are glad to discussion with the Government, debate on the Budget in the Subscriptions Collected $2,245 03 find the Governments of this and the ordinance was finally passed Legislative Ocuncil in November neighbouring Colonies, and of with modifications and appears last. The Committee has again $2,245,00 India, are fully alive to this dan-to be working satisfactorily. strongly opposed the scheme. Balance Sheet.
ger and are taking steps to deal An interesting question as to which, however, we are corry to At 31st December, 1914.
with the maiter.
the date of bills of lading has been learn, has been accepted by the LIABILITIES.
Later in the year the question raised during the year, when the Secretary of State for the Colonies 248 55 of a permanent quarantine station Committee gave it as their We understand however, that was raised, not by any means for opinion that a bill of lading the carrying out of this scheme the first time,
and it will abould not be signed for a has been postponed for the mo- be noted that writing on 4th certain month unless the vessel ment owing to want of funds so September last the Colonial was actually in port during there are other and more import- 1,373.59 Secretary announced that the that month. During the past ant matters to which the finances Kek was now available for the complaint from the representa a more useful end. We trust observation station at Lai-Chi-year your Committee received a of the Colony can be devoted to ригрове: We trust that this tives of our two local sugar re- this postponement will continue tation will continue to be so fineries against an advertising for, at all events, a considerable available, and that for a paltry compaign carried on in the British time to come, pecuniary gain to the Colony, it Columbian Press which had for Thie, gentleman covern· the. will not in the future be rented its purpose the boycott of Hong-most important part of the report 7,105.73 out for other purposes, as has kong-made sugar abipped to now before you. There are however
been done in the past,
Canada, The representations one or two other matters to which The next point of interest in made will, we tract, put an end I will briefly refer. The firat is the report is our old friend the to what cannot but be considerad that of the currency of the Colony wireless station; and is satis a very grave scandal. ·
which cannot but be considered factory to know that at last after On the outbreak of war the as most upaatisfactory. Oar sub- so miny delays the work is well committee found it necessary to sidiary coin bas ranged from in hard and we hopein the conree make 427.52 of the summer to be supplied Government respecting certain about 18 per cent, The silver representations to the discount of about 11 per cent, to with this most necessary aid to retail dealers, who were un trade dollar, the currency of the our shipping business and to the daly increasing their prices of Colony, bas at times been na low increased safety of life and pro- food stuffs. The matter was very as 11 per cent, as compared with party flat. It seems incredible promptly dealt with by the ap-the unofficial bank notes issued that with our enormous shipping, pointment of a committes under by some of our British Banks both Naval and mercantile, and the Chairmanship of the Colonial having branches in Hongkong. with our world wide Empre that Treasurer which was empowered Thas we have the surprising war should have suddenly found to fix the marimum price for all result that local traders and under 28 practically entirely without articles of food and since then certain conditions, bankers, refuse such important means of commu- matters have progressed fairly to accept our coin except at a dia- nication. Even our sister Colony satisfactorily, the more so as one or count and the former demand pay 8,000.00 (Singapore) which was to be one two salatsry lessons have been ment of their accounts in Notte,
link in the chain of high power taught the native shopkeepers by The question of the subsidiary atations erected for purposes of the infliction of a heavy fine for coin, as we all know, han for imperial defence, was without a attempting to charge in excess of a considerable time received 3,000.00 wireless station at the outbreak of the Government prices. I regret the attention of the Govern~
hostilities, and was in consequen- however to he obliged to add that mant and annually large appro 22,500.00 ce, hurriedly supplied with a low considerable difficulty is still of priations are voted to redeem the power apparatas taken from a tea experienced in dealing with surplus coin which is returned to merchant vessel..
the stall holders in the markets, England and sold at the melting: This disgraceful state of and others who constantly refuse value. This in time will, we trust, uppreparedness compares strong to recognise the price lists as bring cur small coin buck to par, ly with that of our enemics gazetted. The Government has coupled, as it is, with the pro 179.37 who, ag
we all know, had done what is possible to meet the bibition of foreign subsidiary coin throughout the world stations case and it remains now with the in the Colony. The question of 717.50 of very great power which were house-holders of the Colony to the silver dollar is however a more used seriously to our detriment give all possible support in carry. dificult one to deal with. The at the commencement of the war. ing out this policy by insisting causes for this depreciation in a 1,089.00
As your respresentative speaking on their servaota pro- great measure are to be found in the Legislative Council on the caring provisions at figures not outside the Colony. The matter 6th November last, I expressed above the fixed maximum or bae, as you know, been repeatedly myself as strongly as I was per- where necessary to come forward considered by the Government, 109.00
mitted to, on this point and I feel readily without regard to their who from time to time have con- confident that the members of personal convenience to assist insulted the business community on 20.00 the chamber endorse my views, prosecuting any dealer who at the subject, batho final policy has (Applause) You will recollect tempts to defy the regulations... been decided upon nor bas an 9.75 that at our last Meeting I referred The next important matter to amelioration bean found for a to a piratical attack which had which I will refer is that of state of affairs of which we have taken place the day before, on a telegraph rates. A perusal of the so much cause to complain and British vessel on her way to correspondence on this subject which so materially affecia our Kongmoon.This attack resulted in will prove both interesting and prosperity. Personally I am of very serious loss of life, including illuminating. You will notice that opinion that the true care is to be that of the chief officer, Mr. Evans, in spite of the strongest repre found in the substitution of $120.00 and the gutting of the vessel santations made not only by this Hongkong tresebry notes for by fire. After fall investigation chamber but by the London those now current in the Colony: it was found that certain of Chamber of Commerce and others I do not believe the objections to the crew had acted with great against the manner in which the this scheme are unsurmountable 230.14 heroism, and as a mark of the telegraph companies have taken bat at the moment this view has chamber's appreciation of what advantage of the situation to pot found favour with the 27.00 had been done by them to pro-exploit the basiness community Powers that be. There is another 1800 tect the lives and property en-of the Eastern section of the point which of course has a very 36.00 trusted to thoir charge, a subscrip British Empire, our representa- direct bearing on the condition of tion was specially raised, the tions have had little effect, We our Hongkong currency and that 81.00 proceeds being divided between have two causes for complaint, is the unsatisfactory condition of the surviving officers and watch one against the Government for that of our great trading neigh- 6.00 men and the relatives of those the paucity of codes which we bour and your committee there-
who unfortunately lost their lives. are permitted to use and the other fore miss no opportunity of join 448.89 A gold watch and chain with against the rapacity of the tele ing with our brother Chambers saitable inscription was presented graphcompanies. The concessions of Commerce in urging upon on behalf of the members of the granted are a more top and Peking the imperative need 170.00 chamber to Captain Wetherell, merchants still have to for thorough reform in
I may remind you that this is the face
heavy increase in this most important matter. $25.123.39 second time in the history of our the cost of telegraphing It would not be possible to close E, A. M. WILLIAMS, chamber, that such a presentation at a time when business is bad, my romarke without some refer-
Storetary,
has been made to a British com- and expensza increasing on all ence, which I will make as briof We have ompared the above mander, for a similar act of cour, Biden, de ce may be to the great crisis statement with the books, vounge shown in the discharge of his
To my mind it seems inexplic through which we inay say able that H.M. Government practically the
the whole of the world 1,120,00 sams to be in accordance there- As a result of this last case of should permit a company, on in Dow passing. Through the
piracy 0.00 within
special representations which the business community is arrogance and mad folly of NEVE, O SANDFORD.
were made to the Colonial so absolutely dependent, to so certain section of the Germsz HAVN EFORMISTONA
Government, and to the Foreign take advantage of the situation people, moat of the leading 15:39
Hongkong, February 12, 1915 Office through the London and reap a harvest to
to which they nations of the world and Bome Loc VeThe Chairman said --- The
report and accounts of the Cham Chamber of Commerce, and we are in no way entitled. The post- smaller ones are now engaged in 890.00 ber of Commerce for Iset year
trant that the representations then tion taken up by the Telegraph (Continued from Fago 10.)
This matter was represented to The Metal trade section of the Chamber by the Government London Chamber of Commerce
Bank Holidays. and a Sub-committee was appoint-baving made representations for} The Chamber was approached ed which Sub-committes made a the legislation by Order in Cous- by the Exchange Birk and suc provisional report oud in ita cil of certain denominations of cessfully supported them in ap- covering letter expressed the view" B. G." gauges, the order was plications to the Government to that if the Government desired a duly made and the new denomin have the following dates declared mere expression of opinion the ations of standards will be found public holidays; Tuesday 27th report farnished would sufficeret cut in a table in the Report. January, and Wednesday 1st but should it be the desire of the Due publicity was given to the July, 1914 and Saturday 2nd Government that the convention new standards in the local prese, January, 1915. (Appendix D. G1 be dealt with article by srticle, (Appendix Q1).
and B2). then a Committes including ex perts in abip.construction and navigation would be necessary. (Appendix El).
C
Transfer of Germna Ships to American Flag.
Representations were made by the Chairman of the Chamber to. the Hongkong Government con- Rents
Furniture and fittings: At 31st December,
1913 Less depreciation at 20 per cent. per
..
snaam. 'DED 105 ADS
Additions daring the
year
Income and Expenditure:
Account. ... For the year ended 31st Dec. 1914. Handling of Mails at Hongkong. veying the opinion of your Com-
offices and telephone. ...$ 1,689.21 The method of handling maits
3,000.00 S:ock: stationery from coastal slesmere at Hope should be made by Great Britain Clerk'e salary.
mittee that a strong protest Secretary's salary"
1,200.00 Sundry debtore- kong was criticised by the China and her allies against the ac- Servanta wages
248 00 Phroffe imprest Coast Officers Guild. Your Com-quisition of German Ships by Audit fee
50.00 office boy's stamp.
imprest...
mittee asked for specific instances
American subjects with the ob
of careless bandling and not re- ceiving these allowed the matter Ject of assisting German Mer-
chant Fleets during the present Market report-cost war. The proposed transfer of
of publication
to drop. (Appennix A1).
Provention of Piracy,
In connection with the "Toi four German ships at Manila to Annual report-cost
of publication the American Flag was instanced
and stationery Postago and petties.. Legal expenses
***
$ 6,188.11 Market report sub-
scriptions...
On" Piracy the Hongkong Cover and the Resistance of the Lon Feen to surveyors ment legislated with the object of preventing recurrence by a bill don Chamber was requested by Books & newspapers. entitled "An Ordinance to amend wire. The latter Chamber ap Printing, advertising,. the law relating to Precaution proached the Foreign Office who against Piracy. The draft Billated that as a general principal His Majesty's Government were and draft Regulations were very entitled to refuse to recognise Telograms... carefully considered by your Com-
Dapreciation on furni mitee assisted by representatives transfera from an enemy to a
ture-20 per cent: of the provisional owners of coast. neatral flg. (Appendix SI.
Customs Regulations of the
on $896 87 ing and river craft and suggested
Panama Canal.
Pad debta written off alterations were submitted to the
By the courtesy of the American Extraordinary expen- Government who made certain Vice-Consul-in-charge and the
diture concessions. The new regulations Hongkong Government the Cham- are now in fores. (Appendix 11) ber received copies of the Custome Complaint Against Advertise" Regalations of the Panama Canal Balance-Surplus of Papere Reflecting on Refined which will be found in the Report.
Sugars Produced in Hongkong. (Appendix T1),
ments Appearing in Canadian
The local refineries, took
Lustifiable exception to
the
+
Private Buoys and Moorings. Correspondence will be found scandalous method of competi- dealing with a protest by Messrs.
Income over Ex- penditure Trans- ferred to "Balance" Shee:
715.84 Hongkong and Shang-
640,00
845.00
222.47
hai Banking Cor
poration interest on Hongkong
debentures
-quarter
482,42 12:4
for
10 31.
317.95 Acorded interest on
15,00 fixed dopoeits 195.70
179.37
Fire insurance 1880.
coolie : hire Marino Exporter's association
9,801.88 Metal importera na
60ciation
427,52
$10,229 38 $6,500.00
Ton by means of a libellous Bradley and Co., Ltd. against the Members' Supscriptions campaign conducted by the proposal of the Goverment to re- 132 Firms at $50 British Columbia Sugar Refining move, without compensation, the
$0,860,00
Payments in advance: office rant for Janu ary, 1915
893.87
1,808.50 200.00
110.14
384.31 chera and securities and find the duty.
Co. of Vancouver. Krotests were private mooring buoy so long 18 Individuals at $20 260.00 ment to the Vancouver Chamber occupied by the Company at of Commerce and with the assist Weat Point. As a matter of] ance of the Far Eastern Section principle the Chamber supported Market report sales... of the London Chamber of Com Measre. Bradley and Co's objec- Annual report sales. Survey fees collected. merce to the Home Government. tions. Whilst the subject was Bid Bebts recovered consideration the (mkl, report) *** The Hongkong Government was still under approached and His Excellonoy Beorotary of State for the Clontes
Interest account:- She Governor addressed a despatch granted his annotion to a scheme o the Secretary of State on the for the acquisition by Government Hongkong hotel de
bentares EME":
PAuditors: