10
THE
BLUE FUNNE
REGULAR AND FAST
FREIGHT AND
PASSENGER · SERVICES |
LONDON SERVICE
ANTENOR
PHILOUTETES
11th May For Marsoillon, Hull, London,
Batterdam & Glasgow 17th May For London, Rotterdam &
Hamburg
LIVERPOOL SERVICE
TRUORR
ATDEUS
15th May For Liverpool & Tire 3ril June For Liverpool A Havió
NEW YORK SERVICE ADRASTUS
11th May. For Boston, New York & Baltimore via Philippines, Port Nwettenham
& Singapore
PACIFIC SERVICE (via Kobe & Yokohamaa)
4th June For Vlotarin, Yan'vor & Healtje IXION
For Victoria, You'ver & Seattle 24th June TANTALUS
INWARD SERVICE MENTOR Dao 8th May Dua 19th May
BHEXENOR
For Shanghai, Kobn & Yokee.
From New York
spocially reduced farms ara quoted for cargo meamers
limited passenger accommodation,
with
For freight, passage rates and information apply to the under-
mentioned.
All bookinge ara mbjret to the provisions of the Company's
Bill of Lading.
BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE.
Agente
NYK
Reduced Through Tickets to Europe via U.S.A. Varying from £79 to £120 on Sale.
San Francisco via Shanghai, Japan Ports & Honolulu.
Shinyo Maru
Chichibu Maru
Sunday, 15th May. Wednesday, 1st June.
Seattlo, Vancouver via Shanghai & Japan Ports.
Hikawa Maru
Hiye Mary
London, Marseilles, Antwerp &
Singapore, Penang, Colombo
Suwa Maru ...
Fushimi Maru
-Tucoday, 24th May. Tuesday, 7th June. Rotterdam via & Suez.
.Saturday, 14th May. -Saturday, 28th May.
Sydney & Melbourno via Manila & Ports.
Kitano Maru
Atsuta Maru
Saturday, 28th May. Saturday, 25th June.
Bombay via Singapore, Penang & Colombo.
Iyo Maru
*Tottori Maru
Wednesday, 11th May. .Sunday, 29th May.
South America (West Coast) via Japan, Honolulu,
Los Angeles, Mexico & Panama.
Helyo Maru
Now York, Boston via Panama.
Saturday, 21st May.
Liverpool via Saigon, Port Said. Marseilles, Genoa &
Valencia.
*Toyooka Maru
Thursday, 12th May.
Calcutta via Singapore, Penang & Rangoon.
Genoa Maru
*Malacca Maru
Kobe & Yokohama.
Terukuni Maru
*Durban Maru
Tango Maru
*Cargo only.
Monday, 9th May. ..Sunday, 15th May.
For further information apply to
Tel. 30291.
Thursday, 12th May. Saturday, 14th May. ..Monday, 16th May.
NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA. (private exchanges to all Depta.
THE HONGKONG · TELEGRAPH. FRIDAY, MAY .6.
LOCAL TRADE OUTLOOK
CHAMBER'S CHAIRMAN ON THE FUTURE
COLONY FORTUNATE
pect of imports, this represents a fall of Hitle over 20 per cent, as compared with 1924, and in the caso of experts of approximately 30 per cent. This can in the nature of things, bo only a rough calcula- tlon, but if it is anything like cor- roct we have some cause for satis- faction.
As Hongkong residents return from furloughs apent in many different parts of the globo, and na he found The annual meeting of the Hong- cach pours forth the depressing kong Chamber of Commerce yes- story of conditions tordag was notable for a review them in the particular country of trade conditions by the Chair-visited, one cannot help entertain- man, the Hon. Mr. W. H. Bell, who ing feelings of thankfulness that dealt, inter alla, with the silver Hongkong's peculiar position in stabilisation and the world economy seems to protect it question,
from the worst effects of "the future outlook.
economic blizzard". As an tropot at the doorway of South China, and as a place of security adjacent to a great country in which, unhappily, insecurity is all too prevalent, Hongkong is bound to be, even in the worst times, the centre of a certain minimum of world trade. To those of us whose interests are here, that in a cause for thankfulness.
The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting, the Chairman sald;
nc Gentlemen, the report and counts of the Chamber.have been in your hands for some days, and I rise to move their adoption,
Before touching upon some of the important questions which have been considered by your Committee during the past year, I am sure you would wish me to express, on your babalf, the regret which we feel at the losacs the Hongkong business community has sustained by death since our last annual meeting.
Sir Newton Stabb had not resid- ed in the Colony for some years, but he was well-known to most of us, and through the London Office of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank continued in close touch with the Colony, whose interests he always had at heart. He was for years a valued member of your General Committee. His death is a great loss to the Bank and his many friends.
to
We have niso to deplore the untimely deaths of Mr. W. A. Hammibal, Mr. S.A. Arthur and Mr. M. Manuk. the last-named a victim of of the present epidemic meningitis. Mr. Hannibal helped us greatly in matters connected with export trade; Mr. Arthur also serv
dus well. on the Export Com- mittee, and Mr. Mannik's special knowledge of trade between Aus- tralia and Haugkang was willingly placed at our disposal.
World Trade Depression.
en-
I must digress for a moment to am rather that tell you that some of my colleagues consider optimistic as regards the position of the port of Hongkong. I would emphasize that I am comparing the position of Hongkong with that of the rest of the world, and merely because I say that we have not been so badly off I do not mean to imply that business has been good-far from it. It has been very difficult indeed, but it does not appear to have been quite so bad as in other places.
As regards the future, Hongkong is equally dependent with the rost of the world on a prompt adjust- ment of War Debts, to which I have alluded earlier in my speech, and must feel the results, whether for good or ill, of the Economic Con- ference to be held at Lausanne be- fore very long. In the meantime caution combined with the strictest economy should be exercised by all. including the Government.
Trade Statistics,
Last July your Committee cir- requesting memixers cularised their
making co-operation in A year ago world-wide trade de- prompt and accurate decinrations of most imports and exports to the Statin- pression was the topic of
perches from the chair at nanual ical Department of the Hongkong meetings of Chambers of Com Government in order that records step merce and Banks, and, as you know, of lecat trade might be made
con reasonably accurate. This the downward movement has tinued without interruption, was taken in consequence of a re- port by the Superintendent of Im- culminating in a state of financial
the Depart- depression and chaos which is ports aud Exports that, since the almost unprecedented. The piling re-establishment of up in one or two creditor countries ment, a monthly average of 4,000 returns, or of vast hoards of gold, by refusal reminders and queries was to accept payment in gouds, has sitated by incorrect gravely disorganised international failure to make any returns at all. trade. One of the results has been The year 1931 is the first since that Great Britain has been forced 1924 in respect of which eomplete off the Gold Standard, and this has fures are available, and, from now onwards, records will be cor- been followed by many other conn. tries going of the Gold Standard respondingly more valuable. voluntarily. Conditious are still too obscure for me to feel justi fed in risking any prophecy us régards the future.
It is obvious, however, that the burden of debts arising out of the European War has become in- tolerable and must be adjusted speedily if revolution and conse- quent ruin is to be avoided. It has still to be seen how long it will be before stern necesalty compels the nations to face their difficulties in a spirit of co-operation.
tho to nject its
neces-
I am glad to,learn that the num- the ber of queries dealt with by Statistical Department has been considerably reduced, of late, and trust that this indication of a gen- era desire to co-operate will be maintained.
Shipping Requirements.
Work of considerable importance to Shipping in the Far East has connexion been accomplished in with the Simla Conference. The of problem was the modification Board of Trade Rules to suit local the requirements. As stated in The Silver Question.
Chairman's speech last year, the We in Hongkong are too far re-
Chamber of Commerce has had the of moved from the great centres
in government to be able to wield invaluable assistance of a Technical
which examined much, if any, influence towards the Committee settlement of these urgent interna-eat detail two voluminous books tional problems, though your Com- of rules, and proposed a number of amendments. Early in 1931 the mittee supported the British Cham-
Committee sat in almost daily con- ber of Commerce in Shanghai in
ference for five hours a day with requesting the China Association
to the two representatives of the Govern (Mr. ment to make representations
Marine Surveyor British Government in favour of
Lambert and Mr. Swan), of whose international action on. the whole question of silver, particularly helpful collaboration acknowledg-
ment is certainly due.
As a result of this preliminary country's ability affecting China trade and
work, and of further conferences obligations.
Hong- You will see from the annual held in Singapore, the Official and
Unofficial members of the report that we have also given con- sideration to the recommendations kong delegation to the Simla Con- a united of the Hongkong Currency Comference went there
Stralta mission. Supporters of stabiliza- body. Further, they had a close tion of the Hongkong currency In understanding with the relation to gold had the ground Settlements and F. M. S. delegates, as well as with the representatives eut from under their feet when
of the Netherlands East Indies. Great Brilain left the standard to
The advantage of this was that the which they desired to attach our
Far Eastern point of view currency. You will no doubt havo
more effectively presented. read the Committee's views on this
did not get all we subject, and I will not take up your though we time by going into these somewhat wanted, we helped to see that the technical matters in any detail. Rules set a fair and reasonable Our main conclusion, with which I standard for the deck passenger or feel sure the whole mercantile pilgrim trades with which the Con- 3 pm community will be in agreement, Lerence was specially concerned. was to support the Commission's You will permit me to repeat the view that Hongkong la economically thanks already expressed in part of China and must remain on Report to the Chamber of Com- Tues., 24th May at 7 a.m. a silver standard so long as China merce delegates, Mr. F. W. James does: that while stabilization would and Mr. A. MacIndoe, and I am Tues., 10th May at 10 am.facilitate the conduct of certain sure they will wish me to acknow- classes of business within the ledge the skill with which the Fri, 18th May at noon.
Colony, it would gravely prejudice Honourable the Harbour Master led the large import and export trade the Hongkong delegation.
or 7 a.m. of South China, conducted
INDO CHINA STEAM NAVIGATION CO., LTD.
Destination.
Steamers.
To Telngtau via Swatow Yatshing
& Shanghai
Hangsang Norviken Chakanng
To Singapore, Penang & Kutsang
Calcutta
To Kobe via Amoy &
Osaka
To Moll via Amay,
Yoko,, Osaka & Koba
Yuensang
Kumbang
Sulsang
Kinsang Yusang
To Sandakan
Sailings.
Sun., 8th May at 10 am. Wed., 11th May at 10 am. Sun, 16th May at 10 a.m. Wed., 18th May at 10 a.m. Mon., 9th May at noon Sat., 21st May at Tues., 17th May at
a.m.
To Tientsin via Swatow, Cheongshing Tues., 17th May at 7 a.m.
Chipshing Foochow & Chefoo
To Shanghal vla Swatow Sandviken
Fri, 20th May at
Tues., 17th May at 10 a.m.
For freight or passago apply to:-
JARDINE, MATHESON & CO., LTD. Telephone 30311.
General Managers,
SUMMER TRIPS TO JAPAN.-Excellent Arst clans accommodation
Ananced through Hongkong, which
Is the sheet-anchor of the Colony's
branches of business.
Cause for Satisfaction.
ал
Revised Rules.
wix
Al-
our
Following the Simla Conferenco, prosperity, and would therefore the Government Maring Surveyors affect
Injuriously many other have prepared, or aro" proparing, rovised rules for local shipping. The work done in this connexion before the Conference has not by In 1931, n year of world-wide any means heen wasted. There is Is provided for Round Trips to trade depression, Hongkong Im reason to bellove that in Hongkong Japan,, on Company's Calcutts Line ports were valued at 787 million we shall be able very largely to Steamers, at the specially reduced dollars and exports at 542 million achieve "legislation by agreement," fare of $250. Those roturn tiekata dollars. The Statistical Depart-thanks to the spade work already
ment gives an estimate that, in rea-` put in." am available for three months."
1932.
Your Committee has asked the Government to reconsider its policy In regard to the imposition of duties on perfumery and esseneca. It is reported to us by merchants that higher prices, consequent en the duties, have seriously curtailed the demand for imported tollet materials articles. Sales of raw
to the local perfumery industry are. much diminishod. Somo local factories have removed from Hong- kong to Canton to avoid the Chi- nese import duties, but it is likely that their decision has been also Influenced by the imposition of taxation hero.
remove
representations, Following our the Government has revised the method of calculating the dutics, to but has not yet seen its way
them altogether. Tho Chamber has pressed strongly for this on the ground that any Inter- ference with the freedom of the Port of Hongkong is to be deprecat- ed.
Piece Goods Dispute.
exercising the Questions now minds of merchants interested in piece goods and sundries were dis- cussed here so recently as not to require further detalled reference on this occasion. A conference has since taken place with representa- tives of the Chinese Piece Goods Guild, and their criticisms of the present standard contract have been handed in. Acting under a resolution passed by the General Meeting of Importers on 14th. April, a special committee has been appointed by the Chamber of Com- merco to consider the question of revising the Chamber's Standard
Form and, if possible, bringing it more closely into line with the Manchester and Bradford "China Contract."
At the same time the Guild's views will receive careful consi- deration, and it is hoped that it may be found possible to make the Chamber's contract a standard for All textiles.
Messrs. W. Brackenridge, L. J. Davies and K. S. Morrison-all gentlemen possessing the necessary knowledge and experience-luve form the kindly consented to Special Committee. We wish them every success in their difficult task of reconciling divergent viewa.
The Language School.
num-
A
The number of students on the roll of the Language School during 1931 was 31, which is fairly satis- factory, although a smaller ber than in the previous year. new text-book, written by the Rev. II. R. Wells, was adopted about a year ago, and is found to facilitate the more rapid acquirement of
This is important, be- language. cause transfers to other ports make it difficult for students to "stay the In a long one, course" if it is fact, our chief difficulty is the with- various drawal of students, for reasons, before they have obtained The a certificate of proficiency. Rev. H. R. Wells, Director of the School, will return in the Autumn, and I am sure that under his charge a high standard of instruc- tion will continue to be maintained. It has been suggested that a Mandarin Section should be formed in connexion with the School, and
in that instruction
Mandarin for should form the basis
Can- tonose or other dialects. The great majority of the students attending the School are required by their Hongkong, firms for work in Kwangtung or Kwongs, in which districts Cantonese is the only dialect which is universally used by the Chinese business community. The Committee takes the view that the period of tuition would be too long if students had first to qualify in Mandarin before taking up the study of Cantonese. I am afraid we should lose the support which has been built up with great diffi- culty. Further, it is almost possible to obtain qualified teachers in Mandarin and students would have no opportunity for daily prac tice in the use of the dialect. In response to a circular to members,. only one firm favoured the forma- tion of a Mandarin class, and further steps were taken in the matter.
The Accounts,
im-
no
The Chamber continues to sub- Beribe to Reuters service of com- of marcial telegrams on behalf nearly thirty members, amongst whom the cost is distributed. The
ARISTOCRATS OF THE PACIFIC EMPRESSES
Offer the Utmost in SPEED-SIZE-SPACE-LUXURY
AND
SERVICE
"EMPRESS OF JAPAN"
THE LARGEST-FASTEST LUXURY LINER ON THE PACIFIC
SAILS
NOON, FRIDAY, 6th MAY FOR
VICTORIA & VANCOUVER
VIA
SHANGHAI, KOBE, YOKOHAMA AND
HONOLULU
NEW REDUCED FARES
TO EUROPE
SPECIAL SUMMER EXCURSIONS TO JAPAN-HONOLULU—-VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER
CANADIAN PACIFIC
President Liner
SAILINGS
Weekly Sailings Transpacific
To San Francisco, Los Angeles & New York
via Panama
To Seattle, and Victoria
Fortnightly sailings on Tuesdays.
Fortnightly sailings on Saturdays.
May 10
Pres. Jefferson
May 14
May 24
Pres. Madison
May 28
June 7
Pres. Cleveland
June 11
Pres. McKinley Pres. Grant Pres. Lincoln
ROUND TRIP FARES TO EUROPE & AMERICA. Special through rates to Europe via United States. Direct Cholco of rail, linos aercss connections with all Atlantic lines. United States and Canada, liberal stop-over privileges for sight-seeing. Full particulars upon application.
Fortnightly via Suez to Europe & America
Fortnightly sailings on Sundays via Manila, Straits, Colombo, Bombny, Suez Canal, Alexandria, Naples, Genon, Marseilles, New York and Boston.
Pres. Monres .... Sun., May 16 Pres. V. Buren Sun., May 29
TO
Next Sailing
Pres. Monroc Pres. Grant
Pren, Garfield Pres. Polk
MANILA
Jun., June 12 Sun., June 20
Pres. Jefferson May 7.
May 15 May 17
Pres. Madison Pres. V. Buren
May 21 May 20
CONNECTING WITH 5.S. MAYON TO CEBU, ILOILO,
ZAMBOANGA.
DOLLAR STEAMSHIP
LINES
AND · AMERICAN MAIL LINE
CANTON BRANCH-No. 1 Bhakee Street.
charge per subscriber is reasonable SERVICE OF FAST MOTOR VESSELS
and a reduction could be made if additional subscribers wero On- rolled. The Secretary will be glad to supply particulars to members who are interested.
As regards the accounts of the Chamber for the past year, it will be noted that Income from the two of revenue- principal sources membership subscriptions and rice (Continued on Page 114)
PROPHYLAXIS.OF
CANCER
THE CYTOPHYLACTIC METHOD OF PROF, F. DELIKT
DELBIASE
Hangan saiz o/MAURISIU20 2 tu fere af Fame." A POWERFUL MIDLOGICAL- STIMULANT
MEWARES meeking a MATTER
URINARY TROUBLES OF THE PROSTATIO ORIGIN KABORATIME DE PHARMACOLOGIE GENERALE a, mos thujasno, Paris-Frangu
(with Limited, but exceptionally good, passenger accommodation). Homewards to:
Ports Sald, Genoa, Algiere, Oran, Rotterdam (Amsterdam), Hamburg, Oslo, Gothenburg and other Scandinavian Porta, via Manila and Straits Settlements.
M.V. "NAGARA” M.V. "NANKING" M.V. "TAMARA” Outwards to:
Sailing about
7th May.
29th May.
27th June.
SHANGHAI, & JAPAN PORTS.
Sailing about
28th May. 21st June..
Hongkong to Genoa Hongkong to 1st North
Continental Porta
"A" Clase
257
"B" Class
452
£62
LIST
M.V. "TAMARA" M.V. "PEIPING" Passenger Rates:
THE SWEDISH EAST ASIATIC CO., LTD
-Agenta: -
GILMAN & CO., LTD.
Hongkong.
G. E. HUYGEN;
Canton.
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