HONGKONG'S MAN-POWER,
WHY THE COMMISSION WAS FORMED.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR'S VIEWS ON
COMPULSORY SERVICE.
£7
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1917.
Addressing the Legislative (and directs me to reply to the Council this afternoon, His Ex- questions patsived therein as cellency the Governor said:- follows:- Gentlemen,-You will no doubt Question 1. The answer is in desire some information on the the negativo. subject of the recent appointment Question 2. The Governor i of a Commission to consider the at present not prepared to sp cases of men who wish to offer point such a body se is referred their services with His Majesty's to for the following reasons: Forco beyond the Colony. Oa (a). His Excellency holde the the 21st December, I made strong opinion that soch organisa- reference, not by any mesnation mast have legal sanction and for the first time, to the most be based upon compulsory policy of this Government in this service. matter. As that statement appeara to have been widely misinter- preted, I desire to take this| opportunity of elacidating it. I said that the policy of this | Government has been to great facilities to every man who can be, spared from this Colony to go to the front and to
"
On the 7th February, the Secretary of State approved of the appointment of such a Com mission.
military age. Am I justified in stating that Colonial Government has released for war service as mary as possible man cocsistent The Commission appointed by with maintenance of ad- me consists of seven members, ministration and local security? one representing the men of-Bonar Law
ני
COMPANY MEETING,
CORRESPONDENCE.
[The 'opinions expressed by sorren-
pondente are not necessarily those of the Hongkong Telegraph."]
A CANTON APPOINTMENT. (To the Editor of the "Hongkong Telegraph.]"
CANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
The Question of Dissolution.
THE SHROPSHIRES.
Entertained at tex and Concert,
"Os Wednesday the Shropshire were entertained, tea being pro- vided in the Soldiers' and Sailors'
military age who addressed the His Excellency's reply was as
Sir,-In a very interesting The following minates of the Home, a concert following in the Government on the 13th January, follows: Your telegram 30th leaderette in your issue of the annual general meeting of the evening in the Royal Naval Can- while the others are men of high November. Total number of 20th instant, you comment on the above Chamber have been teen, arranged by the Royal standing in the Colony whose officers who have been allowed to fact that the Hanish Consal forwarded to as:-
Naval Yard Concert Party. A names I feel sure command the go on active service 68 includ General for Canton has been Present. Messrs. S. R Brown very large gamber sat down to respect and confidence of the ing the 10 police accept elected a Vice-President of the (Chairman), B. F. Kavatans, S. F. the excellent repsst which was community.
ed; ace 'your telegram
4ib Canton
Medical Missionary Esperans, Poboomall Bros., 8. provided by the ladies connected The terms of reference to the November. Number of European Society, and "elected by soclam Dassabhoy & Co., A. D. Vania, D. with the Wanchai Wesleyan Commission are so widely drawn employees of military age 45-ation.
Chellaram, W. Boolchand, W. Churob, a number of these, baad- that they inslade the consideration married 141, married 102. taking What an interesting ceremony Assowall & Co., O. Eager, O. W. ed by the Rev. and Mrs. Robin- of cases from persone in the age as 41. I am considering this must have been, and what an Darch, O. Mearer, H. S. Smith, son, assisting at the tea tablas, employment of the Naval and whether 10 more police and a very impens it will give to the publis O A. Peel; E Satton, H. F. Dent, Tae concert proved to be a huge Military civil establishments and few others can be spared but to subcribe to the funds of the G. L. Read, G. H. Bowker, H. C. success. Among the audience were of the Colonial Civil Service. I speaking generally you would be Society! It is a pity the names of Shrabeole, O. C. Kench, John Ommodore and Mrs. Sandeman, is, of course, not desired justified in making statement thoes present at the meeting were Robertson, J. Bind, F. N. Bell, Commander Gibson, the Rev. T. to bear cases from persons in the referred to in your telegram. not given, so that one might L. E. Lammert, Loxley & Co., Robinson, Captain and Mra, W. G. fret two categories and I have May.”
know who those were who elected D. Forbes, C. Gaudiot, C. Poisat, Litt, and Captaine Shearer and since excepted these two estab
a Ban with acclamation. In O. Fumagalli, J. Eymer, H. M. Roberts, KS.LI. The theatre Fishments, I have not excepted
imagination one can see the gen Webb, and the Secretary. was packed, the Shropshires pre- {the Civil Service, becauas I desired
tle Ban, with a look of beatitude, The Chairman read the two dominating, and there were siso that men whose applicatione to
isting ecratching himself in notices calling the meeting. a number of ladies present, esrvo had been refused should
the seat of honour with faith, The Chairman read a letter Tho uniform of the sailor not be deprived of an opportunity
hope,
and charity exading aigued by thirteen German firms could also ha discerned here of having their cases beard by
from every pore of his porcine stating that they had decided not and there. No audience could the Commission. But here I mast
countenance. And in the future to attend the meeting and asking have been more appreciative; point out tast civil servants are
meetings of the Canton Medical the Chamber to put on record there was reason for this, inas- Question 3. It follows from not in the same position as men
Missionary Society I suppose this their disapproval of the Com-much as all the furos were the answer to question 1 that the outside the Civil Service. Civil The thirtieth annual general meek disciple of peace and good mittees' opinion that it has out- splendidly rendered, and loudly answer must be in the negative. servants are Bervants of the meeting of the Hongkong and
"His Excellence recognises Crown, and the Gavezaor-re- Kowloon Wharf and Godown will will be sitting cheek by jowl lived its period of usefulness and applanded, encores being fre Great assistance was that the present condition is sponsible as he is for carrying on Company, Limited, was held at with the British Consul. What a should be dissolved. A letter quent.
eight for the goda! And now it from Mr. G. E. Huygen was slan rendered to singers by the accom- abastisfactory sad is sending this the administration of the Colony the offices of Meears. Jardine, will occasion, no surprise if His read stating that he did not panists. Mrs. Alderman asoom- correspondence to the Secretary and of maintaining peace and good Matheson and Company, to-day Satanis Majesty and his lieutenant intend to attend the meeting and panted the larger part of the of State with recommendation order and the protection of life noon. The Hon. Mr. O. E Anton the Kaiser are also asked to lead that he disapproved of the reaala-programme, the others sesisting for the imposition of compulsory and property therein is bound presided, and there were also pre their names to support the Society, tion under Item 2 of the notice at the piano being Mrs: Saiter service, with the necessary power to decide the number of off here re-Bent Sit Paul Chater, C.M.G., the
calling the meeting.
and Loe. Cpl. Johneon. of exemption, of each a nature as quired to carry on the work that is Bon. Mr. E. Shellim, Mr. B.
Accounts. Mr. Sutton
Pro will enable the Government to absolutely necessary in the public Dodwell, Mr. E. V. D. Parr,
posed and Mr. Head seconded isage certificates such as you interest. In this connection I Mr. O. S. Gabbay, Mr. A.
that the accounts as presented be refer to.
would draw your attention to the 0. Lang, H. A. David, Mr.
passed. copy of telegrams from and A. S. D. Cousland (Directors), Mr. of the report and secounts has Dissolution of Chamber. Hr. to the Secretary of State, W. S. Brown (Secretary), Heesre. been proposed and seconded, I. S.Smith then asked permission which have been forniebed to R. Packham P. R. Wolf, Henry will endeavour to the best of my to address the meeting and said: you; and of the statement of the Humphreys, A A. Fyle, D. K.ahility to answer questions from "Mr. Chairman, before you put number of officere so far released Moss, G. C. Moxon, N. Croucher, the shareholdera,
"(b). His Excellency could not properly initiate the necessary f-gislation without the sanction of the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
(1
organise the remainder as men bers of the local armed forces or in other capacities in work con- pected with the war, and I added that in carrying this policy into effect it had been my unpleassat duty to refuse the applications of scores of men to leave the Colony to go to the front. The phrase spared" from the Oolony "meant, of course, spared "At the interview which the by their employers or by the Governor had on the 25th instant Colonial Government. In no with a deputation representing single instance since the oatbrest the sigustories of your letter, Bie of war have I refused permission Excellency explained the replies to leave the Colony to a man who set out above; and I am now to could be eo epared. These inform you that he will com- remarks were mide in defence manicate to the Secretary of State of the members of the local your desire that if the solution armed forces against whom recommended by the Governor is unjustifiable aspersions as to their † not approved some other will be patriotism had been made. As found without delay. time went on it. is no msiter of { » surprise that many men in the Colony were dissatisfied with the circumstances in which they found themselves, sud us the 13th
which is as follow-
"I am, etc.
(54) CLAUD SEVERN,
Colonial Secretary."
I reported fally on the subject to the Secretary of State in dea- patches dated the 22nd and 20.h
The Hongkong and Kowloon Whart & Godowa Company Limited.
[VERBATIM)..
at
The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting, and the auditore' report,
of
Yours etc.,
BLETHERING-HOLLWEG.
Canton, Feb.21, 1917.
+1
Among those contributing to the programme were Mrs. Good- man; Mrs. Ewens, Messrs. Cawney › and Brock, Sergt. Parrock, Carpl.. Amstrong, Les-Oorpl. Freeman and Private Jones. All these were prevailed upon to give encores by persistent applause that would not to the meeting the proposal with be denied. A surprise was in store for service with His Majesty's T. W. Robertson, J. H. Kew, I now beg to propose the adop-regard to the dissolation of the for the ladies taking part in the Armies or for other war work. O, H. W. Kew, T. G. Well, tion of the report and accounts. Canton Chamber of Commerce, I concert, Mesdames "Alderman, There are other cases still ander P. Tester, L. S. Greenhill, A, E, Mr. Heary Humphreys: -I have would ask to be allowed to say a Saiter, Ewens and Goodman each consideration due to fresh circum- Crapnell, and C. 8. Ismail much pleasure in seconding the few words with regard to the being presented with a charming stances, such as return of officers (shareholders).
Adoption of the report and reason of this prosposal being bouquet of pink roses. off leave and renunciation of leave
accounts, which I think are very brought forward. Oxing to At the conclusion of the con- due to the embargo placed on
excellent. I think that the Direc-conditions which it is hardly cert, Captain W. G. Litt, 4ta women and children travelling,
tora and staff are to be congratu- necessary for ms to go into, K.S.L.I., in returning thanke on And you may rest assured that The Chairman aid:-Gentle-lated.
the Canton Chamber of Com- behalf of bis Regiment, said he from time to time careful ravision men, The report and accounts The Chairman:As there are merce baa existed for the past 2 wished to thank all those who is made.
having been in your hands for no queations, I beg to propose the years or so-merely in pame, and had helped in giving such a fine The number of applications some time, with your permission, adoption of the report and on account of its Membership it entertainment. Be way afraid be January a letter was presented to
received by the Commission is propose to take them as read. accounts, which have been second is impossible for the Committee could not remember all the the Government signed by January end the esential parts
considerable, and many have The past year's working at the fed by Mr. Humphreys. The re-as far as can be seen to carry on names mentioned by the Rev. Mr. number of men of military age, of those despatches were com- already been dealt with.
wharves discloses a large increase solution is now before the meeting. any work which may be for the Robinson, to whom he had ap municated to the Unofficial Mem- It must be assumed that all in our earnings from all sources Teose in favour kindly signify in good of Members in general. The pealed, and who had given him a "la view of the equivocal bers of the Executive and Legis.those who have voluntarily sub and is attributable partly to the the usual way. Against? Carried. majority of the Committee there-host of names of helpers,
name. steamers The next business, gentlemen, is fore were of the opinion that it in which the
of the position in which the majority of lative Councils, and to certaie mitted themselves to the judgment greater number men in this Colway between the heads of firms with whom I had of the Commissioners deairs, if with large cargoea now the confirmation of the appoint was time the Chamber was dissol- Rev. and Mrs. Robinson were ages of 20 and 35 are placed, it has discussed the subject on the 20th permitted, to leave the Colony atilising our wharves, partly ment of Mesure. E. V. D. Parr and ved, but in making this decision omitted. Be wished to thank the been suggested that a deputation | January."--
for active service in the war, to the large volume of cargo now A. O. Long se Directors.
—and I believe I am voicing the Commodore for so kindly lending should be formed representative
Boogkong, On tue 2nd Febraary, the. Un- but it is obvious that in some passing through
Mr. Wall: I have much feelings of all the members of them the theatre, and fligs and of men who are eligible for milit- official Members of the Executive cases serious questions may arise which, under normal circum-pleasure in proposing that the the Committee I would clearly busting for decorating, the bry duty or for war work in some and Legislative Coapeile sabas to how provision is to be made stances would proceed by other appointment of Mr. E. V. D. Parr state that there is absolutely no artists for the splendid concert form to call upon H.E. the Guver-mited the following document for those dependent on them dar routes, and partly to an un- and Mr. A. O. Lang be confirmed. animas in the proposil vis a vis they had given, Mr. Brock and nor in order to express their desire Tas Unofficial Members of ing their absence. In the case usual demand for godown ac. Mr. C. H. W. Kew:-I have the neatral members of the the Naval Yard Concert Party for for authoritative settlement of a the Executive and Legislative of officers holding permanent commodation during the summer. much pleasure in seconding the Chamber. The claims of the the organisation of the concert,
have been -question which is a very vital Councils strongly advise that the posts in the Government service, The resulte
so confirmation of the appointment neatral members of the Chamber the Rev. Mr. Robinson and one to each man individually and Government appoint a Board, no such question arises. Under satisfactory that your direc- of these Directore.
have not been overlooked and it friends who provided the tee, The Chairman-It has been has been suggested by some that Messrs. Komor and Komor for not withcat importance to the with an anofficial majority of instructions from the Secretary tors are able to recommend an Colony as a whole.
members, and with the following of Stato, their posta are kept increase in the usual dividend proposed by Mr. Weall and an International Chamber of the
very artistic stage "The Undersigned willestesmit fanctions and powers: -
open for them until their return from 7 per cent, to 8 per cent, and seconded by Mr. Kew that Commerce could be formed furnishing, Maasra. Noronha
appointment . of an act of courtesy if you will
Mr. in Canton, to the place this lette: before His voluntarily before it of men bat and such service will count in per share from the increased pro- E. V. D. Parr and Mr. A. O. Lang vantage of Neutral, Allied, worked so hard in arrauging the
(1). To bear cases brought from Military or Naval Service, a payment of a bonus of $2.00 the
ad-for printing, and those who had Excellency the Governor together ween the ages of 18 and 35 who fall for Colonial pension and for fits. With regard to the main be confirmed. Those in favoar French and British firms theatre and the decorations with their respectial request that have been medically certified sa increments (if any) of colonial tenance of an 8 per cent. dividend, kindly signify in the usual way. and individuals. Business ques- (Messrs. Buck, Powney and El- he will appoint a time at which, fit for active service in the war and salary, while they receive such while it is unwise to prophesy, Against ? Carried. Next comes the tions have in the past cropped monds of the Royal Navy); in and a place where, they may be who desire to leave the Colony monthly allowance from the development of our business re-election of the retiring up, and they are likely to occur fact, all who had helped in giving allowed to call upon him.
for toak purpose, but whose Colonial foode se, with their and the growing demands upon Directors, the Hcn. Mr. E Shellim again, where the co-operation of them such a jolly entertainment. "Among the questions propos. employers think they cannot be Military or Naval pay, makes up our berthing and godown accom- and Mr. A. David..
all is needed, and whereas our He concluded by calling for three ed are the following:-
epared, or who for any other their Colonial full salary. modation, justify us in looking Mr. Greenhill:-I beg to pro- French Friends bave their own cheers for those responsible for "1. Are men at present resident reason hava difficulty in going;
In the case of others their em-forward with confidence to the pose that the Hon. Mr. E. Shellim Chamber, the British theirs, the entertainment, and these were in the Colony, and who are either "(2). To advise in the said cases ployers are acting with egasi foture.
and Mr. A. David be re-elected which are of course exclusive to lustily given. God Save the King eligible for military dasy or for upon the course which the Board liberality, sai I should like to
Considerable improvements and as Directors.
the nationality of the individuals was sung before the audience some form of war work, expressly considers ought to be taken;
express on behalf of the com-additions to our premises have
Mr. J. B. Kew. I have mach and firms eoncerned, it would dispersed. forbidden by the Colonial Gar- *(3). To grant certificates in the manity our deep sense of the been recently completed. The pleasure in seconding
seem that attention should be ernment from volunteering for said casea to those men whom the genuine patriotiem displayed by new steather wharf has proved a The Chairman:-It has been directed in the very near future service outside this Colony? board considers indispensable in some of the leading firm in the success, and, besides relieving the proposed by Mr. Greenhill and to the formation of s.Chamber,
2. If the answer to the forego the interests of the Colony for Colony in this matter. congestion of work at our other seconded by Mr. Kew, the re- styled say "The International Sutton seconded by Mr. Peel and ing is in the negative, will the the civil work on which they are In all case--the Colonial Gov-wharves, permits of our berthing election of the retiring directors, Chamber of Commerce", Canton, carried, the Chairman voting Colonial Government consider the engaged, or who are detained by ernment has, since the beginning the larger and deeper draught the Hon. Mr. E. Shellim and Mr. which would consist of any firms against it. advisability of appointing a ra
of the war, made itself responsible steamers operating in these A. David. Those in favour of the or individual, except those at war Liquidation. Mr. Sutton pro- sponsible body to consider
for providing pars gea for all those waters. The two single-storey resolution kindly signify in the with the Allied Powers, on eay posed and Mr. Smith seconded individual applications, and to
I confess that I would have fr who require them, and with the godowne, mentioned in the report, The next resolution is "That Mr. doubt if this suggestion is of liquidator with salary up to 3let. asual way. Against? Carried. the lat February, 1917. No that Mr. Matheson be appointed ascertain from the Managers of all ferred to bare awaited the con- sanction of Honourable Members I am pleased to Bay, are the business houses in the Colony sideration by the Secretary of I propose to continue this practice. being fally atilised, while the F. Maitland and Mr. E. Percy interest, some of the gentlemen March, 1917.-Carried. whether or not it is possible to State for the Colonies, from whom There still remains, however, filling in of the old Police Smith be re-elected auditors for present could follow up the ides, Archives. Mr. Eager proposed continue to maintain the Colony's I had asked for a telegraphic the question of making provision Basin, besides joining up our the ensuing year at a remunera and if necessary get together at and Mr. Darch seconded that they trade with farther reduced Ear-reply, of the proposals made by in cases were nothing is available property on either side of this tion of 3500 each."
an early date, to consider the be lodged in the British Cousa opean etaffe and a greater employ.me, but after an interview with except the esparation allowances site, gives us the necessary land Mr. Packham:-I beg to pro formation of such a Chamber, but late, which was later changed to
the Unofficial Members of both granted by the
Imperial for erecting a modern three pose the re-election of Mr. Mait of course it cannot be expected the Hongkong and Shanghai 3. If the answer to No. I is in Councils, sad on their argent re- Government. If any such case storey godown when the oppor. land and Mr. H. Peroy Smith as that French or British firme Bank if no protest in lodged the affirmative will the Colonial presentation, I telegraphed to the arises I propose to make recom-tunity
obtaining auditors for the ensuing year at would be interested, if there was within three months, and that occare of Government give to each ap- Secretary of State as follows:- mendations to you for dealing material at reasonable figures. remuneration of $500 each. any deviation from the special access be allowed to members of plicant individually an under- "Unofficial Members of Execu. with it,
Mr. Robertson-I bave much condition of membership, to the Chamber. If an International Thie, building cannot, however, taking that his services
which I have alluded.”.
Chamber be formed they are to tive and Legislative Councils are Government Servants Released, be delayed much longer, sad in pleasure in seconding that. Lequired in this Colony and that very anxious that I should appoint
The Chairman :-It has been The Obairman atsted that the be handed over to them, if not to At this afternoon's meeting the order to maintain our business, he is defiaitely forbidden to a Commission, under Ordinance following telegram from
heit may the
to proposed by Mr. Packham and idea of dissolation was totally the 'British Chamber of Com- necessary
advise on cases of men (not to the Officer Administering the of the godowa
F. Maitland and very much opposed to it, as aleo scoess to same be allowed to per- even while that Mr. As a result I received a depat over 41 years old) certified fit Government, Hongkong, dated materials are at their present ex- Mr. H. Percy Smith be re were sil the Americans. eoon of French, British, Neutral outside November 30, was laid on the ceptionally bigh cost. With this elected saditors for the enening Mr. Peel held as hispition and Allied, Countries, membera wish to table :-
and in view, we deem it adriable year at a remuneration of $500 that there was nothing in the of the Obamaber-Carried. on the following day I caused & offer their services but whose
Those in favour kindly rales to prevent the Chamber Chairman. Mr. Smith propose "Flease telegraph total number to carry forward to next year's each. reply to be sent to their letter, employers are of opinion that they of officers of your government who account a larger amount than signify. Against? Carried. That being dissolved and after a die-ed and Mr. Darch seconded that is all the business, gentlemen, cussion in which Mr. Sutton and a pecial vote of thanka be se cannot be spared. I should be have been allowed to join Army asnal. glad to hear by cable that you and Navy for active service and I do not think there is any-
Dividend warrants may be Mr. Dent took part, the 2nd clause corded to the Obairman for his have no objection to my appoint number of European employees thing else that requires special obtained on application on and in the notice was pat to the meet- services daring a very trying ing such a Commission". in the service of Government of mention, and after the adoption after Friday, the 23rd of February, ing on the proposition of Mr. period,-
ment of-native servants?
are
the Military Authorities for local defence."
ba
a
Volunteer for active service No. 13. of 1886 to hear and Secretary of State for the Colonies proceed with the etection seconded by Mr. Robertson dieregarding Bule 24, and he was merce on the understanding that
elsewhere?"
ation from the signatories to the for active Bervice letter on the 25th January, and the Colony
which is as follows:-
"I am directed to inform you
that the Governor has considered
your letter of the 13th instant
مداد
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