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THE LONDON AND CHINA TELEGRAPH.
means we do not know. Why it is so we do not know. It behoves the Government to know whether any persons are engaged in introducing a false lead currency, depreciating the coin it has issued, and making endless trouble and anxiety to the masses of the poor people to take effective measures to protect the value of its currency to terrify forgers and prevent the issue of any currency that will destroy its credit and the value of its coin,
The province of Bahang was originally a Laotian region. During the wars with the Laos the Siamese conquered this region, and eventually placed over it a Siamese governor. It is now regarded as Siamese territory, and is the extreme limit of Siam proper on the north-west. Rahang on the west joins British Burmah; on the north it joins several Laotian provinces that are again subject to Chienguai. Chiengmai is a Laotian province, and is still governed by Laotian princes. His Majesty the King of Siam usually concurs in appointing the successor of any Chiengmai Laotian prince who may have deceased. Persons who may be obnoxious to the laws of Siam often escape to Chiengmai, and while there the Siamese do not usually succeed in gaining possession of their persons. Is Chiengmai a conquered province? Is it tributary to Siam, and to what extent; or is it simply under the protection of Siam, as was Cambodia? All these are questions full of interest.
It is said that Messrs. Vrooman and Culbertson made the distance from Bangkok to Rahang in twenty-two days. Last week the Rev. Mr. Culbertson returned from Rahiang to Bangkok in four days. This is very rapid travelling by the boats usually employed for such purposes.
BORNEO.
SARAWAK.
We learn from the Sarawak Gazette that the Qhop Estate and other property of Baroness Coutts, at Lundu, was sold by public auction on the 19th September, realising about $1,500. The house and plantations at Tanah Puteh were bought for $800 by Ken What, a Chinese merchant in the Bazaar, who intends to present a large piece of ground to his countrymen for a public burying-place, and keep up the house for the accommodation of pleasure seekers from Kuching.
The steamer Firefly, formerly the yacht belonging to the Honourable the Resident of Sarawak, is to run in the Rejang river, between Sibu, Kanowit, Matu, and Rejang, a run of rather more than one hundred miles.
[Nov. 18, 1872
4. The actual excess of revenue over expenditure for the year 1871 was $151,592.
5. The sub-committee think this Supply Bill may be at once explored.
(Signed)
J. W. W. BIRCH.
J. J. GREENSHIELDS.
T. SHELFORD.
The Government, with a view to the public convenience, has procured a considerable quantity of silver and copper small coin, which the Treasury obligingly issues at par. The Kling money-changers, however, are turning this to account, by drawing coin from the Treasury, for which they charge 2 per cent. on issuing it in the square and elsewhere, persistently refusing to abate a single pie, on the ground that small change is very scarce. Even Chinese shopkeepers demand 1 per cent. It would be a boon to every chief if a plan were devised whereby this annoying imposition might be avoided.
The state of affairs in Deli is thus sketched in the Batavia Handelsblad. The reports as to how matters stand in Deli are far from favourable. The troops suffer much from sickness, above all from fevers, and as we have said before from diarrhoea and swollen feet. If the Hill Battas make common cause with the enemy, the situation will become an untenable one. As to the bentings, we are informed that they call forth admiration as well by their position as by their plan and strength. Without suspecting it, one finds one's self sometimes suddenly opposite a benting barely fifty paces off. These bentings are so built that grenades scarcely do any harm; by means of a thick bamboo covering, they have been made shell-proof. It will be seen that our brave troops have a hard task before them.
A writer in the Straits Times says: In the eighth paragraph of the Governor's Minute on the sale of the land in connection with the building and repairing of the markets, laid before the Legislative Council on Sept. 26 last, his Excellency reports that at Malacca about 8,000 square feet of land near the Tron Bridge had been sold for $5,000, which sum is to be appropriated for the erection of a commodious market; I was at the spot very shortly after the sale, and was surprised to learn that a plot of land, containing, in my opinion, more than 8,000 square feet, adjoining the plot sold by Sir Harry Ord, had been given to a rich Chinese at Malacca by the Government for his sole use and benefit. The fortunate recipient of this noble gift has erected a block of substantial shops on the site, which is likely to yield a rental of $90 per mensem at least. It appears to me very desirable that the public should be informed upon what grounds such valuable public property has been given to a private individual. A commission is needed to inquire into, and report fully upon, the whole of the circumstances connected with this singular transaction, for which Sir Harry Ord is not responsible--the gift having been made, I believe, under the auspices of Capt. Shaw, the Lieut.-Governor, and Colonel Anson whilst officiating as Governor.
We cull the following items of News from the Penang Argus: Mr. Baumgarten, the Registrar of the Supreme Court here, is about to retire on a pension, and is to be succeeded by Mr. Bradford from Penang, Mr. Harvey taking the latter's post. Colonel Anson will be back from home by February next. The Government have extended the term of service in the Straits to enable him to carry out the Judicial changes which are forthcoming. Recent failures in Singapore tot up to $700,000, the Chetties suffering to the extent of $450,000.
The Sarawak Sugar Company's creditors have held a meeting in the Court House, when a first and final dividend of 0 per cent. was declared.
The Government advertise that the coal seams of Simonjan in the Sudong river and Silantek in the Batang Lapar, about four to five feet thick, may be worked by an individual or company on a payment of ten cents per ton brought to grass. The Simunjan seams are about 34 miles from a navigable river, and the Silantek seams are close to a small stream navigable for boats only, and about twelve miles from a large navigable river. The Governor has applied for a further extension of his offer. The Government offers a free passage by the S.S. Royalist from and back to Singapore to any person desirous of examining the seams.
Government proposes to erect suitable building for a Sanatarium on one of the minor peaks of the Matang mountain, if there is any prospect of invalids availing themselves of such a locality. Dr. Houghton specifies the following advantages:-A S.E. aspect, temperature ranging from 66 deg. to 88 deg., abundance of excellent water, perfect accessibility from Kuching by water, a magnificent view over Sarawak, Lundu, Sudong, &c., and a gentle ascent from the foot of the mountain, admitting of invalids being carried up in chairs by coolies, always obtainable from the Rajah's Coffee plantation, through which the road passes.
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
SINGAPORE.
The dates by this mail extend to the 13th Oct. No later mail had been received from London.
Commercial Report.
(For dates see first page.)
IMPORTS.
YOKOHAMA. There had been a good demand for Grey Shirtings and prices showed an improvement; sales had been on a good scale, and the market at the close was firm, especially for the heavier weights. Cotton Yarn had not met with so much inquiry, and prices were scarcely so high as those last quoted. Mousselines were lower, and with the exception of Black Velvets and Lastings, which were in good demand, there had been no particular change in other Woollen fabrics. Quotations:-Grey Shirtings, 7 lbs., $2.30 to 2.35 per piece; 8 to 8 lbs., $2.62 to 2.57; 9 lbs., $2.95 to 3. Cotton Yarn, No. 18 to 24, $40.50 to 42 per picul; Nos. 28 to 32, $47.25 to 48.25; Nos. 38 to 42, $45 to 48.
HIOGO-OSAKA. Cotton Yarn: A fair amount of business had been done, and a good demand continued for Nos. 28/32. Nos. 1/24 were saleable, but owing to heavy stocks, prices were weak. Nos. 38/42 neglected. Grey Shirtings: The market showed some weakness during part of the month, and prices declined about 2c. per piece; they had since recovered, however, and closed firm. Taffachelas, Turkey Reds, and Velvets, in good demand; other Cottons more or less neglected.
The sub-committee appointed to consider the Second Supplementary Supply Bill for 1871, having examined the statements framed by the Auditor-General and published in the Blue-book of 1871, and which are separately laid before Council to-day, beg to report as follows:-
1. This Supply Bill appears necessary to cover the only expenditure which exceeds the items provided for in the estimates and supplementary estimates of 1871.
2. The sub-committee desire, however, to call the attention of the Council to the fact that the revenue for 1871 showed a net increase over that of 1870 of $26,055, and the expenditure a net decrease of $5,264.
3. The actual revenue, as compared with the estimates for the year, showed an excess of $40,111—and while the expenditure was estimated at $1,870,006, it proved to be only $1,244,111, thus showing a net saving of $121,895.
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which, with a sprinkling of Fychows, turned the bulk of the settlements. Only two or three chops of Pingsang had found buyers. The market remained quiet but firm.
Foochow-Business during the week had been on a moderate scale and there had been no alteration in prices. No transactions had taken place in Oolongs. Congou: Settlements 12,732 chests at Tls. 5 to Tls. 20. The bulk of the transactions had been in Teas costing between Tls. 15 to Tls. 18, and the greater part was intended for the Continent. Settlements for England had been small. Arrivals, 18,750 chests. Souchong: 1,075 chests taken at Tls. 15% to Tls. 27. Arrivals, 700 chests. Oolongs: Owing to the continued firmness of holders no transactions had taken place. Arrivals, 4,950 half-chests. Scented Teas Settlements, 1,470 boxes at Tls. 17 to Tls. 20.4. Arrivals, 2,000 boxes. Flowery Pekoes: Settled 86 chests at Tls. 27. Arrivals, 150 chests.
TIENTSIN. There had been a slight improvement at this port, not only were the waters on the plains no higher, but the dealers had made some small profit on their late purchases of Drills, Jeans, and common T-Cloths. Black Lastings and Velvets had been in some request, but Grey and White Shirtings were dull of sale, and rates unremunerative.
HANKOW. Settling day had passed satisfactorily, but the subsequent improved demand previously looked for had not been realised. Holders were disposed to accept lower rates for all Cotton Goods. Of Woollens: Camlets was the only fabric wanted, but this article was scarce and H.D.B., of good assortment, had been placed at Tls. 16.40 per piece, to extent of 300 pieces. Lead: L.B. was quoted Tls. 1.60 to 4.65 per picul, but business had been very slack.
SHANGHAI. The enquiry for Plain Cottons had continued, but the result, so far, had been unimportant, and had fallen far short of the business usually passing at this season of the year. Buyers had been deterred from operating in Shirtings and T-Cloths at all events as freely as they wished, by the quantities of goods forced upon them, and the consequent declining tendency of prices.
Grey Shirtings: 7-lb. Grey Shirtings in fair demand and scarce, 8lbs. in good enquiry but easier; 7 lbs. Tls. 1.65 to 1.67; 8 lbs. Tls. 1.77 to 1.79 for Mildews; and Tls. 1.78 to 1.88 for sound common to best ordinary; Dewhurst's Eagle chop, Tls. 1.88. White Shirtings: 66-reed, Tls. 2.00; 60-reed, Tls. 1.80; lowest counts, Tls. 1.50. T-Cloths: Fair sales, but anxiety to realise had caused a further fall in value. Common 6 lb. Tls. 1.13 to 1.15; Dewhurst's T. quality Tls. 1.32; Mexican qualities, Tls. 1.45 to 1.52. A sale of 8lbs. Dewhurst's M.T., Tls. 1.72. Drills and Jeans: Both commanded a ready market at quotations; 13 lbs. to 15 lbs. Dutch and English Drills, Tls. 3.2 to 3.15; Jeans, Tls. 2.5 to 2.12 for English, Tls. 2.27 for 8 lbs. Dutch. Fancy Cottons: Chintzes, assorted, Tls. 1.41 to 1.60; Gentian Shirtings, Tls. 2.60; best Turkey Reds, Woollens: Tls. 2.60 per piece; other articles altogether neglected. Market dull; Camlets, Tls. 16 to 15. Other goods had received no notice. Metals: Scarcely anything doing.
HONG KONG. The demand for Raw Cotton had strengthened with the approach of cool weather, and fair sales were being made at slightly better prices. Yarns were very little inquired for, and Nos. 16/24 and 28/32 could only be placed at lower rates. Drills only were in demand, and these were wanted at better values. In Woollens, Blankets had declined. All kinds of tin were slow of sale. Tin Plates were $1 per box lower. Quicksilver was steady. Rice had been in some demand for shipment to Swatow, but at the close the market was quiet at former quotations.
Foochow. Sales had been effected of 1,000 pieces 8 lbs. Grey Shirtings at $2.77; 2,500 pieces 7 lbs. T-Cloths at $2.05 to 2.85; and 400 pieces 8 lbs. T-Cloths at $3.75.
SAIGON. Although stocks were rather moderate, sales, with the exception of 6 lbs. T-Cloth could only be effected at reduced rates. Quotations: 8 lbs. Grey Shirtings, $2.62 per piece; 7 lbs., $2.20; 6 lbs. T-Cloth, $1.70; 5 lbs., $1.42; 4 lbs., $1.25; 4 lbs., $1.10.
EXPORTS.
TEA.
YOKOHAMA. The amount of business done had about been on a par with that previously noted; settlements, chiefly of the medium grades, amounted to about 8,000 piculs, and had been made at gradually advancing prices, the market closing at fully $2 to 3 over last quotations for all except the finer grades, which remained as last stated. The quality had been fair; there was still a marked absence of common leaf, anything below medium being of very inferior quality. Supplies had been meagre, and stocks were reduced. The export had been as follows: Per P.M.S.S. Co.'s steamer China, to New York, 189,010 lbs.; to Chicago, 42,065 lbs.; to Boston, 6,100 lbs.; to San Francisco, 100,934 lbs.; per Emulation, for New York, 500,795 lbs.; per Etta Loring, for New York, 206,761 lbs.; per Leander, for New York, 707,702 lbs.; per Emma Augusta, for San Francisco, about 200,000 lbs.; and per Ceylon, for New York, 445,000 lbs. Including these two latter cargoes and that of the outgoing steamer, the export would be nearly two million pounds in excess of that of last season at the same date. Quotations:-Common, $5 to 28 per picul; good common, $20 to 31; medium $33 to 36; good medium, $37 to 40; fine, $41 to 43; finest, $44 to 47; choice, $50 and upwards.
HIOGO-OSAKA A fairly active business had been transacted. Prices at the commencement of the month to within a few days of the close were easier, but owing to large purchases having been made, a hardening tendency was apparent at the close for all grades. Low grades were still scarce and dear. Settlements for the month from 15th Aug- were returned at 5,500 piculs, making a total of 26,000 piculs for the season, against 16,000 piculs for the corresponding period last year. Stocks were estimated at 5,000 piculs. The Caller On was loading for New York, and the Engelbert would take about 75 tons to San Francisco. The Jessie Isabel was about to sail for New York, with 293,064 lbs. Quotations Common, $16 to 20 per picul; good common, $21 to 25; medium, $26 to 30; good medium, $31 to 35; fine, $36 to 40; finest, $42 to 46; choice, $48 to 53; choicest, $54 and upwards.
HANKOW. More business and a general advance of Tls. 1 per picul was reported. Settlements and reshipments for the week about 11,000 chests, Stock 3,300 packages, against about 1,400 last year.
Export to date 51,000,000 lbs., against 53,000,000 lbs. last year at same time. Exchange, 6 m.s. Credit paper had advanced to 8.5 per tael, and the rates on Shanghai had risen to 3 per cent. for sight drafts and 3¾ per cent. for 10 days' paper.
SHANGHAI. Black: The business in Congous had been unimportant, but former rates had been fairly supported by the extreme firmness of holders. Settlements for the week, 5,489 chests, at Tls. 14.50 to 30 per picul; stock, 29,120 chests, Green: No feature worthy of any special comment had presented itself; a little more had been done since exchange weakened. Attention had chiefly been turned to Moyanes.
AMOY. Only about 1,000 half-chests of Ooloongs had been settled, and buyers were not operating owing to the uncertainty about the course of the exchange market. Tea-men were anxious to sell, but would not make a sufficient concession to counterbalance the advance in exchange. The steamship Teviot had sailed for New York with about 3,000 half-chests Amoy Ooloongs; the steamship Surprise was expected, and the Anglo-Saxon was the only vessel on the berth for that destination. Arrivals of Ooloongs to date, 174,916 half-chests: settlements 158,813, and stock 16,103 half-chests.
CANTON. There had been but little inquiry for any descriptions, and the market had continued very quiet.
SILK.
YOKOHAMA. The market had continued to be fairly active, and a good business had been done, settlements amounting to about 1,800 bales, Hanks sorts as usual forming the bulk. Prices for both Hanks and Oshus (with the exception of Hamatskis which showed a still further decline) had advanced about $20 per picul. Quotations:-Hanks, Mybash and Sinchu, extra 32s. 6d., best 30s. 3¼d. to 31s. 0d., medium 28s. to 29s. 6d., inferior 24s. 6d. to 27s. 3d.; Oshu, extra 32s. 6d., best 31s. 6d. to 31s. 3d., medium 28s. 9d. to 29s. 10d., inferior 27s. 3d. to 28s.; Hamatski, medium 26s. 6d. to 27s. 6d.; Coshu, best 28s. 0d., medium 24s. 3d. to 26s. 7. Silk Worms' Eggs: Total arrivals to date about 750,000 cards, and settlements estimated at 450,900 cards; prices for green annuals quoted as follows- Best $8 to 9.75 per candil, good $2.50 to 3, medium $2 to 2.50, inferior $1.75 to 2; white annuals were worth $3 to 3.90 per card.
SHANGHAI. At the close of last mail a considerable business was done, and buying had continued, partly stimulated by a lower exchange, and about 1,700 bales had found buyers at prices varying very little from those given in our last report. Good Silk had been steady and in fair demand, while common descriptions were neglected and declining. Tsatlee Market nearly cleared of Chop Silk, as also of good medium sorts, and in some instances contracts had been made for delivery of these latter for next mail. Hangchow: Sellers of medium at Tls. 400 to 465, but no buyers. Hainings: In consequence of the absence of demand for Raw Hainings last season, the bulk of the crop had this year been re-reeled. Export of Raw Haining little over 200 bales Stock of 1,100 bales last year, and holders of good Silks very firm. 250 bales included 100 bales of Fatmow's chop, which were held for Tls. 520 for No. 9 Taysaam: No settlements of Kaling reported. No. 3 to 3 Chincum bought at Tls. 400, Shaouhing at Tls. 380, and ordinary Laeyang at Tls. 345. Re-reeled: Fair Haining Tls. 500 to 570, medium offering at Tls. 510 to 550, Tsatlee still in over-supply, and prices weak.
CANTON. Little or no change had taken place, and inactivity had prevailed. Prices were slightly easier, but no actual reduction had been made. The fifth crop, which continued to arrive, was of very poor quality--flabby but dry. The sixth crop, it was reported, will be no larger than the fifth, cold winds, which had come earlier than usual, having damaged the mulberry trees. The high rate of exchange and discouraging news from home still kept buyers out of the market, and in consequence the settlements were very small--under 50 bales; the present mail would, however, take forward some 300 bales of previous settlements. Stock, 2,000 bales Tsatlee, and with the sixth Crop and remainder of the fifth at least 3,500 bales more would be offered on the market this season. Several contracts for Rereels had been entered into, but for cargo ready for shipment there was no demand; some dealers were keeping back their stocks on the strength of the inferiority of the crops to arrive.
The Messageries Maritimes Co's steamer Pello, with the present inward French mail, arrived at Marseilles on the 12th inst. at eight A.M. She brings 68 passengers, 1,014 bales of silk, 1,912 packages tea, 309 packages copper, 1,868 bales tobacco, and 340 packages sundries for London. The cargo will be forwarded to London by the Company's steamer Copernic, and may be expected here about the 26th inst.
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS.
BIRTHS.
ALLEN-On the 10th Nov, at Singapore, Straits Settlements, the wife of Willworth Allen, Esq., of a daughter.
BADGE-On the 20th Sept., at Hiogo, the wife of G. Badge, Esq., of a son.
BOWRING-On the 10th Nov., at Torquay, the wife of Lewin B. Bowring, Esq., C.S.I., of a son.
GERNON-On the 20th Sept., at Singapore, the wife of P. Gernon, of a son.
GILLILAN-On the 4th Nov., at 4, Lyndhurst-road, Hampstead, Mrs. S. Gillilan, of a daughter.
GRABHAM-On the 19th Sept., at her residence, Bangkok, Siam, Mrs. Graham, wife of Geo. G. Grabham, of a son.
NOETZLI-On the 25th Sept., at Foochow, the wife of O. Noetzli, Imperial Maritime Customs, of a son.
SWINHOE-On the 28th Sept., at the British Consulate, Ningpo, China, the wife of Robert Swinhoe, Esq., of a son.
DEATHS.
MACCAUGHEY-On the 6th Nov., at Akeley Wood, Backs, Hugh Wade Maccaughey, late of Wimbledon and Marine-parade, Brighton, in his 75th year.
SOUCHAY-On the 11th Nov., at Withington House, Manchester, Charles Isaac Souchay, aged 78.