1879-05-31 — Page 5

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No. 4960-MAY 31, 1879.]

THE CHINA MAIL.

The case was remanded till Tuesday next.

Commander Guimarães of the Portuguese ( of Mours, near Milan. After a walk in the | going on, entered the shed, and found a tablo gun-vessel Tejo; Messra A da Silveira, park and lunch, the royal party will return spread with all the implemente necessary Bastos, J. H. dos Remedios, and several to Baveno and Rome respectively. Their for gambling. The defendants were arret- others. The Church was crowded, His |-- talian Majesties intended to visit Baveno, ed on suspicion. Lordship the Bishop officiated, and the sere but there is no palice or vills there capable mony was as usini very imposing,➡Catholic | of accommodating the united parties and Register.

attendants. Queen Victoria, while ex- pressing the pleasure she would derive from a visit from the King and Q seen, intimated her desire to save them from inconvenience hy going to meet them at Monza Quen Victoria's visit to Italy will terminate on the ard. She will arrive at Paris on the 24th, Cherbourg on the 36th, and in Eng- and on the 26th. The statement that the Pope wrote to the Queen, welooming her to Italy, is declared unfounded.

AN-American Company, under the manage ment of Mr A.-Wilson Snow, giving one of those Combination Entertainments whinh have of late years become so popular, has arrived here, and intends giving a series of entertainments, probably in the City Hall, before continuing its tour round the world." These artistes left San Francisco some four months ago, and had a most successful season at Honolulu, the King of the Sandwich lalands, the Koyal family, and the whole

RETURN of Visitors to the City Ball Library and Museum for the week ending May 25th:-

Chinese

21at, 73. 22nd 2ird, 74

--2 24.b, 25th, 89

420

-64-

349 276 277 -224- 863 207

European. suite being present nearly every evening. Monday, May 19th, 63 This Company makes up for its limited Tuesday,

20th, 55 Wednesday, numbers by the versatility of its members; heredes, and, bringing with them the latest Ameri- | Friday, can novelties in the way of "musical selec- Saturday,

Sunday, tions, operatic sketches, and humorous attractions, they are likely to have an artistically successful short season; we hope it will prove to them pecuniarily so as well.

Totals, Grand total, 3,136.

Sunday 3718

RIFLE MATCH. I was a matter of notoriety before the

A shooting match come off at Kowloon then Asting Chief Justice, Mr Justice

yesterday afternoon between the Polics and Snowden, went home that the course of true the Staff. Owing to the Staff having so official harmony between him and the Go-fow to pick from, they only mustered four vernor had been running anything but cracks to meet an equal number of the smoothly. So much so was this the case Police. Sergeant Toomey made the highest that a statement of their unpleasant rela possible score at 200 yards, scoring 7 bulle tions was sent Home, and Mr Justice Snow-eyes in succession. The ranges were 200, den was ruled wrong on both the points 400 and 600 yards; any position. The Mi. which were stated by the official account litary were again beaten josing by dỡ points; laid before the Secretary of State to have the following is the score - led to the sorious misunderstanding or estrangement then existing between the Head of the Executive and the acting Head of the Judiciary. One of the points on which they had differences was the escape from Justice of Mr Huffam, the other was the pardoning of a man, (convicted of the

Grant

FOLICE.

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Sgt. Toomey » Quincey Iuspr. Cameron 23

MILITARY STAFF

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67

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Total 247

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9999

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21

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Shek-O murder), on the ground that he⠀⠀ gt-Major Anuan 25 20 had not been defended by a solicitor as well St Hed

Boyd

THE COMMISSION ON SUPREME COURT MATTERS.

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REPORT IF THE COMMISSIONERS.

The Commissioners have, in the course of their duties, endeavoured to confine them selves within the limit of the powers given under the Commission issued to them by your Excellency, sad in doing so have had in view to lay before you a full statement of the state of affairs at present existing in the overal departments of the Supreme Court, particularly as to the duties and responsi bilition of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Deputy Registrar, the Sheriff, the Bailiffs and the Officers and Servants in these several departments, also of the Official Assignee, the Official Administrator, the Official Liquidator and of the Official Tres- tee, and such other persons holding appoint meats whose duty it is to collect, receive, or dispose of moneys, securities for money, or property, in virtue of their respective offices, Circumstanceh having intervened to pre vent an earlier meeting, the Commissioners met, for the cominencement of their duties, on the 6th of January, 1879.

The Government having employed Mr amine into certain accounts kept in the proficient Accountant to ex- Supreme Court, the Commissionera consider ed it desirable to examine him in the first sioners the books on which he had been instance. He produced before the Commis- engaged, and other books of account relative to matters appertaining to the Court. From inspection of the books, the Commissioners the oral examination of Mr Arnold, and an are of opinion that the books kept in the Registrar's Office before Mr Arnold's ap- pointment were wanting in neatness and sufficiency of detail; they also exhibited other defects which, by a proper system, could be easily reotified.

Arnold as

The Commissioners then proceeded to examine Mr Sangster, the Clerk of the Court, who was appointed in April, 1874. He had noted in that capacity previously from_time to time, and also acted on one or two occas sions as Deputy Registrar. This officer is also at the present time Sheriff of this Colony. He has under his direct olarga all matters in connection with the Summary Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and has the care and control of the books and records of that division. -It appears that he per- forms his duties without the supervision of any superior offoer. He produced his booke before the Commissioners, which appeared to have been neatly and accurately kept, but they did not give that full amount of information which might be considered necessary, inasmuch as many important details were wanting, which could not, on the face of the books, be readily ascertained,

There did not appear to be any supervi sion over or check upon the disposition of the moneys in Mr Sungater's custody. During the time Mr Sangster bas had the manage- ment of the Summary division of the court, he has himself audited and checked the accounts of money received and paid in that department, and these accounts have never been checked or audited by any other person.

The Honourable Francis Snowden, Foisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Hongkong,. gave mash valuable information and some suggestions, agreeing in many instances with the views of the Commissioners, especially with regard to auditing of the accounts.

why the Court should undertake bankrupt

Mr Snowden remarked that he did not see

eies if the oreditors were so indifferent that they would not come forward and facilitate marked that these estates brought a consi the realisation of the estate. It was re-

derable revenue to the Colony, and that their administration was the proper work of estates is most clearly to the advantage of an Official Assignee. The undertaking of these the revenue of the Colony-

Mr Snowden informed the Commissioners that Mr Austin, when he was Administrator of the Government, declined to listen to the preposal of Sir John Smale and himself re- garding the Sheriff, and Mr Austin had stated that he required the appointment and salary of the Sheriff as a make-weight to officers suffering a diminution of salary upon transfer to other offices.

Towards the officers this was certainly considerate, but the system by no means guaranteed their efficiency as Sheriff. That the appointment of Sheriff should be pro- misonously given to any person requiring "make-weight" without regard to his ca pabilities or knowledge of so important an office seems certainly disadvantageous to the publio.

The evidence given by Mr Arnold was of 200 yds. 400 yẫu. 500 yds Total importance, as it afforded foundation for the minute examination by the Commis 25 24

18 67

sioners of the Officers of the Court. Mr 20 22 18

Arnold having examined and corrected the 20

books, thought it advisable to close the Booounts to the 31st December in the old books, and to open fresh books dated from the lat January, 1879, under a more perfect 61 system, which renders these books & great 57 improvement on those previously kept.

Frou Mr Arnold's examination it was 80 elicited that the cash accounts in 81 estates

ia bankruptcy under Mr. Huffam's churge The Commissioners are of opinion that the hed been balanced, and that, in many in- Sheriff should have an office in the Supreme The 27th Regiment and the Police had stances, balances to the credit of the differ Court and fixed hours of attendance during

unt estates had disappeared; that in several which he may be found there. The incon a return match this afternoon,

vstuter there had been overcharges of comvenience and damage arising to litigants in mission, in one estate under the charge of consequence of the Sheriff's absence are too Mr Huffam's predecessor an overcharge of evident to require comment. upwards of 81,000 having been made, and that in a certain estate Mr Huffam had charged commission on money he had not "received.

as a barrister. Mr Justice Snowden re- # Mackintosh 18 17 monstrated against the order to apologize,

and sent home an account of the circum- stances; he left for England not long ago, as our readers are aware, and will just about have reached England by this time; so that he has not had time to lay his otse personally before the Secretary of State. We now learn that a despatch has been received by the mail just to hand, in which the Secretary of State gives his decision that Mr Justice Snowden must apologize to the Governor for his action in the matter, and that Her Majesty's becretary of State was

surprised to learn that he had not already done so. This decision is certainly surprising to us, and will be equally surprising to those who have so long known and admired the amiability and invariable gentlemanly and courteous bearing of our absent. Puiene Judge.

M. DR GRAEF, who has been on a visit to Batario, had to leave Singapore for Europe the morning after be arrived by the M. M. .steamer Emirne, and was therefore unable to give an entertainment he had promised in the Town Hall illustrating the uses of the phonograph, whereat the Singapore people were greatly disappointed. Hong- kong has seen nothing of the kind yet, and it would have been an interesting and amusing scientific exhibition. If bottled-up sounds are to be reproduced by simply turning a crank handle, social usages, and Court and newspaper work will undergo a complete revolution.

11

Total 202

Police Intelligence. (Before C. V. Creagh, Esq.) Saturday May Si

ASSAULTING AN USHER.

Robert Man, police constable No. 28, was charged on a summons with assaulting Li Agun, Chinese usher at the Police

Court.

There are numerous Instances of over charges of commission and other serious errors, but to these particular attention is not drawn, as they are treated of in detail forth in the annexed accounts,

The duties of the Sheriff would be con- eiderably increased if all distresses for rent were made by him, and the Commissioners consider that in the interests of the public it is advisable that distraints should be levied by the Sheriff alone. The abuses arising out of the present system are severe. The Commissionera, therefore, most strongly

in the evidence of Mr Arnold and are set recommend that means be taken to frame

the laws in accordance with these views.

The fees arising from this particular item

Mr Arnold stated that in the ordinary

Domplatcant stated that he was looking for polus cunstable White, and was going bankruptcies he found the papers in a very would be considerable, and should go far to up-ataire, when defendant ose behind

Cam.confused state, so much so that it was al-words payment to the Sheriff of any addi nim, and aboved him with his staff plainant enquired the cause and defendant most impossible to make anything of them, tional salary that might be required." then-spat in his face. Complain-nt threa and, as a rule, there were no accounts filed tened to report him, and he then repeated with the papers of each bankrupter estate.

The Commissioners would also point out Com-that it appears, from the evidence of Mr Arnold, to have been the practice for the Registrar for the time being to appropriate to his own use the interest paid by the Banks on money under the elargo of the Registrar in current account.

the offence.

Defendant denied the charge. plainaut, he said, was going very slowly up the stairs, and he shoved him out of the way. He did not spit at him.

Fue. $2.50; in default three days' im- prisonment.

CONCUBINAGE IN CHINA,

Wong Yan Him, Blaster of the Po Shang Hong, Boutam traud, appeared on a sum

ous fe assaulting one Ka Chai Ho, has DoLcubine. The case is interesting as bearing upon the question of the tr.fe in women which has occupied the attention of the Qouses and the puois to a considerable

extent this week.

This interest does not appear in any way

Mr W. H. Mossop, who is Clerk to the Chief Justice and the Appraiser of the Su- preme Court, was examined, more especially with regard to matters connected with his duties as Appraiser. The information which he supplied to the Commission was precies, although not extending over a very long period, and his books and papers, which he produced, were satisfactorily kept.

The Commissioners having communicated to have passed through the books of the with His Honour the Chief Justice, Sir John Supreme Court, The present Registrar has | Smale, be expressed himself willing to give followed the rule in this respect adopted by his views upon the matter before the Com- his predecessors in office.

missioners. He pointed out to the Commis- Not only have there been great irregularisioners many requirements with regard to ties with regard to moneys, much unnecessary the checking and auditing of accounts, and delay has also taken place in the settlement gave mash valuable information, which has of estates. In some instances estates that assisted them materially in coming to their should have been wound up some ten years present conclusions. Through the courtesy of the Chief Justice, the Commissioners Ma Chai Ho, the complainant, stated; I ago remain at the present time unsettled.

"It is very clear that there hus been no were enabled to peruse a number of long am concubiue to the defendant. I bave aved with him for the years de check whatever upon any Officer, but a most and valuable letters, written by himself to ought me from a brothel. His wife camelax practice has existed for years past in the the Colonial Government, upon many im- A NEW contract has just been signed between from Hung Shan on the 27th instant; che Supreme Court with regard to the accounts portant subjects connected with the Supreme the Pacific Mail and Panama Railroad Com- nad besu living with as before, but went and the general conduct of business. When Court, more especially with regard to the went away. Un the 29th instant the de. the Honourable . B. Plunket undertook auditing and checking of accounts. The panies, which is said to be highly favourable fendant told me to go to his house in the the duties of the Registrarship, the state of letters referred to are to be found in the to the Pacifio Mail Company. The Pacific country, and i refused to go immediately, that office was anything but satisfactory, and Appendix, pp. 74 to 78, and the Commis Mail stockholders declare that the business as I wanted to wash my bead, and do other unless assistance be supplied to him, parti- sioners consider that they should be perused

business. He then beat me with his fist, ularly with regard to accounts, the Com-in conjunction with this report, of their company has for a long time past and also with his head.

missioners are unable to say for how long The Commissioners, thinking it desirable been paying the dividends of the Panama Defendant stated: My wife arrived on the same undesirable state may not continue. that a Bolicitor of experience and who had Railroad Company, and they propose now to the 27th instant, and the day previous to Mr. Plunket informed the Commissioners praotised here for a considerable period

her arrival, i told the defendant she would that he did not think it was the proper work should be examined, requested the atten share the profits. The following from New have to go, and look after my country of & Registrar to keep any books himself, he dance of Mr W. W. Toller, Belicitor, of -York, April 17, gives the full particulars house. On 28th instant she went away as the head of the office had sufficient in the the firm of Sharp, Toller & Johnson, and with her clothes and some money I had direction of affairs to occupy him. In this submitted for his consideration various The amended contract between the Papifio given her to take home. I thought the opinion the Commissioners are disposed to suggestions: (1), as to the advisability of Mail Steamship Company and the Papama bad run away, and went to look for her, agree with him, and they think it extremely the payment of all fees by stamps; (2), as Railroad Company has fically been signed and found her in a house in baying of supervision, should have a knowledge of Accountanti (8), as to the reorganisation of desirable that & Registrar, for the purpose to the" employment of a competent Court by the officers for each company. The I then took her home, but she refused to book-keeping, although they are of opinion the Officers of the Court; (4), with regard to reduction on the freight contract obtained enter my house, and made a great noise by the Pacife Mail Company is $10,000 per the street, I did not best her.

that the books should be under the imme the working of Estates in Bankruptcy j (5), month, payment being fixed at $60,000 in- Me Creagh ordered defendant to enter diate charge of a professional Accountant, with regard to Administration; and, (6), stead of $70,000, as formerly. It is further into his personal recognisando in $100 to in the shape of Accountant's work, are very made by the Commissioners on these heads, The Registrar's duties, without any addition with regard to Probates. The suggestions. reported that the indebtedness of the Pacifio keep the pease for twelve months. Mail Company to the Panama Bailroad

numerous end responsible, and entail, if with regard to the great loss of revenus Company has very recently been reduced

thoroughly carried out, a great amount of sustained by the Government, through the $125,000, and it now 'smounts in total to

The duties of the want of care and the insufficiency of the Chan Wala, a servant as the Temper Hegistrar and the Accountant being per labour and attention brought to bear upen

energy and labour. $3,085,000. Payments to be made on this anos Hall, was charges with disobedience socount amount to $20,000 monthly as a ra of order in allowing strangers in the formed by separate individuals will afford these matters by the Oficer under whose dustion of the principal, together with cervant's quarters at the hell The de much needed check.

especial charge they should be, were fully monthly interest. The receipts of the Pacifendant, who is head boy at the Hall, and

It appears to the Commissioners that the concurred in by Mr Toller, tie Mal Company amount to about $200,000 has been employed there for the last eighteen accounts which should be filed by every

Commissioners the Honourable Charles per month, and the expense to about $76,000, months, had stringent orders not to allow executor obtaining probate from the Supreme May and the Honourable George Phillippo Payments are to be made to the Panama any strangers on the premises. He knew Court, and by administrators obtaining let were unfortunately, through ill-health; un- Company as follows-San Francisco freights, that the reas of this order being given wasters of administration, have received very able to be present at the closing of this $60,000; South American freight, $16,000; that some of the Ball property had gone a been that searching examination into the part of the investigation they were present slight notice, and there has seldom, if ever, Commission, although during the greater interest, $9,000. Payments on principal of missing, notwithstanding this, he secretly value of the estate of deceased, persons which and expressed themselves in accordance with indebtedness to the Panama Hailroad Com admited two men into the house this is desirables Without some such check, it the report now submitted to your Excellency, pany $25,000; leaving about $16,000 morning monthly surplus, and monthly réaustion The manager of the Hall said he did not suficient amount of duty has been paid upon ly to regret that direnmatantes deprived The subscribing Commissioners have great is impossible to ascertain whether or not a

them of the assistante of these valuable a good servant, and it was his first offense the value of the particular estate, he would however feel obliged if is it appears, wader the control of the Hegis brought to a close.

The eriste of "Lyall Still & Co, was not, publis offloare before their labours were of the begotismons about treaty, zevision, Worabip would impresa pou the defendant trar of the Supreme Court, and even in he, With regard to the subject matter of this which are shortly to take place in Japan, the necessity of obeying orders. the departure of dir Hairy Parkes for home His Worship having cautioned the defanusessed any power to supervise bir Huffum enquiry, the Commissioner beg to recommend has been postponed, 2. Wogeno hab dant, and given him a sound talking to, it is doubtful whether, under the lax tion of His Excellency the Governor 1—

the Official Assignee of the estate referred the following suggestions for the considera been telegraphed to return from London to" discharged him.

system then existing in the Court, the same without delay, the departure of HE.

unsatisfactory outturn of the estate would Yoshida for the United Sisten bas beau pút off, and the German Alinster is expected

of $36,000 of príncipal of indebtedness.

THE Jayan Herald says that in consequence

to alive, invested with full powers of

begotiation.

DISOBEYING ORDERS,

wish to punish the defendant, as he was

BRAZÈN-FACED, GAMBLERË.

a

Ld A-1 and four others were charged by not have occurred, for it is evident that Air Inspector Brauston, suspicions chauffam was left entirely to himself to do acters, dangerous to the peace and good with all moneys which came to his hands as be pleased, such a system as the audit of order of the Colony, The only new English telegram of any It appears that a maithed had been coats in the Supreme Court not having moment to hand sin america is one da ed erected at the rear of the Government then been known.

Bome April 18th, to this effect :-Queen Mchool on Orown land, at Show-ki-wan, Victoria and the thing and Queen issig, and publie gambling was carried on there, will meet on they did forlate, was oude The Inspector get information of what was

The Commissioners did not call the Acting Duguty Registres before them, because he had been to recently appoisted,

lat. It is apparent to the Commistioner, that the thorough reorganisation of the Officers of the Supreme Court is necessary, that the Rules and Orders authorised by Ordinance 18 of 1878 should be framed, that a scale of costa. and fese should be drawn up, that each Offiner should be bound to find security in a suficient sum and that the valos of such security should be sunusily secertained, that the duty et avory |

ofiger should be clearly defined to him, ↑ and that until this is done there can be no hope of a satisfactory solution of the present difficulties and inconvenience arising from the want in the Supreme Court of a perfect system. 2nd, The Commissioners recommend a

slight addition to the present staff, and ¦ they are of opinion that their recom- mendation, if thoroughly carried out,i will add very considerably to the revenue to be collected from the various branches of the Court. It is considered: that the Registrar's duties, at present are greater, if thoroughly performed, than it is competent for any one person. to perform, as in addition to duties attendant upon proceedings in the various Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court, he hos all the important accounts of the Court to make up and numerous Ad=! ministrations and Bankrupt Estates to attend to without any assistance what-

ever.

3rd. The Commissioners recommend that a competent Accountant with a know- ledge of mercantile affairs should ba appointed, who should take upon himself the keeping of all the accounts of the Supreme Court, and thus relieve the Registrar and allow him time for the general supervision of the Officers of the ¦ Supreme Court, including its Summary Jurisdiction.

4th. The Acconotant should likewise, un- der the supervision of the Registrar, bave the management of all Probate and Administration accounts; it should be his duty to ascertain that sufficient duty is paid, and that the value of each particular estate is correctly stated. It is evident that the rules as to the accounts necessary to be rendered in these matters by the Administrator or Executor bave, up to the present time, been very loosely enforced, and the Commissiouers are inclined to think that considerable less to the revenue has been sustained in consequence. It máy be pointed out that there being no such check as is instigated, with regard to such estates, in Somerset House in London, it is requisite that such dutíos should be allotted to this Officer, whose duty it should be to ascertain the truth- fullness and accuracy of all such returns

or accounts.

5th. The Commissioners consider that the management of all estate coming into the hands of the Official Trustes and Official Adivinistrator and all accounts apper- taining thereta should under the super- vision of those Officers, be conducted by' the Accountant. It was apparent to the Commissioners, that there was a great want of care in the management and con- trol of these matters, in many instances involving loss to the parties interested. It is evident that the Accountant's duties would be very considerable, and would necessitate his entire attention and at- tendance at his office, from eleven A.M. to three..each day. The Commissioners strongly urge that in no instance should he be desired to perform any duties which would necessitate his absence during that period, so that he might have ample time before eleven and after three o'clock to make inquiries and investigations on matters upper- taining to his duties which might call for his attention elsewhere. The duties of the Accountant requiring quietude, the Commissioners recommend that a separate office should, if possible, be ̈provided for him in the Court House or

its precincts.

That

force under the rules of the English Court of Bankruptoy, but at the present time a fixed salary in lieu of fear is paid to the Official Assignee and theso fees are now paid to the Treasury of this Colony.

8th. The Colamissioners consider it advis- able that two competent Officers abould be appointed, to be termed Deputy Bo gistrars of the Supreme Court, whose dutica more particularly should be af→→ tending in the Courts, and performing the duties heretoforo performed by the Registrar and the Deputy Registrar, which would give the Registrar, being relieved of these duties, time and op- portacities to attend to other matters, which, up to the present time, appear to have been very much neglected. The duties of theas Olioora ahould be defined and directed by the Registrar, They would keep the records of suits and all other books, not being account books, and assist generally in the copy- ing-and other official duties.

9th. The Cominissioners having, asser-

tained that the Appraiser of Infestate. Estates has no Bxed silary, but receives remuneration by commission, are of opinion that he should have a stated. salary and no commission, as they are strongly of opinion that no Officer of the Supreme Court should be re- munerated in any other way than by the former mode. Neither should he be permitted to accept any remunera- tion or fees whatever, certainly not for work done during office hours, The Commissioners ase au objection to the offices of Appraiser and Sheriff being held by subordinate Offlours of the Supreme Court, provided they are paid by salary,

10th, The Commissioners are of opinion that there should be three or more Messengers or Ushers of the Supreme Court, whose duty it, should be to serve all processes and take possession of bankrupt estates, and perform all other ordinary and necessary duties which may be directed by the Registrar. 11th, The Commissioners consider the present system of levying distraints for rent adopted in this Colony is greally to be deprecated, as it works consider- able injustice and hardship upon thase. classes who are least able to resent it, and they fully coincide with the valun- able suggestion given them by Mr Justice Snowden, that all such dis- traints should be made by an Officer of the Supreme Court. They would ̈ suggest that attention be called to this with the object of obtaining the... necessary legislation for carrying this stigestion into effect. The coats and expenses of such distraint should be paid by a commission apon the amount lavied, whioli would be a considerable Convenience to the public, and would involve no loss or additional expense to the revenue, as the messengers whose engagement has been suggested might ho utilised on such vacasion. 12/. The Commissioners consider it ad- visable that all payments of fees to the Court should, in fatare, be made by stamps, and Mr Lister, Collector of Stamp Revenue, having attended the Commission, the recommendation was submitted to him, and he viewed it with approbation and considered there would be no difficulty in regard to the Stamp Ollice. For the purpose of the payment of fees, the use of adhesive stamps should be permitted, and in the ease of any process being required after the closing hour of the Stamp Office, such prozess should issue upon deposit of money to the extent of the fee with the officer issuing the process, whose duty should be to procure the necessary stamp at the earliest opportunity. 13th. The Commissioners consider it most essential that an audit by the Auditor General, and not by any subordinate Officer, should be made monthly of all account booke kept in the Supreme Court, and that the Auditor for this purpose should have the aid and assist- ance of the Registrar in carrying his duties into effect. They think it right to observe that His Honour the Chief. Justios hus, in the correspondence which hue been heretubefore referred to, ex- pressed a very strong opinion which supports the view taken by the Com- missionera un this head.

T. JACKSON. W. WOTTON.“

China

FOÒOUW,

(Herald.)

6th. It is tarther recommended that a competent Chinese Shroff should be appointed, and that all matters of account, including the receipt and pay- ment of money, should be conducted solely by the Accuuntant's department. That no moneys should either be re- ceived into the Supreme Court or paid out without a voucher or receipt for every such payment. That for every . suck payment out of Court, the sign- tures of the Accountant and Chinese shroff for any sum less than $100 should be necessary to any such voucher, and that for every payment exceeding $100 the signatures of the Registrar and Accountant should be necessary before any such payment. That each voucher should have a counterfoil-und ba numbered consecutively, vouchers for the payment of money out of Court should be printed in red, and vouchers for the payment of wooney into Court in the ordinary black ink. That Hongkong, 19th May, 1879. ench voucher should be filed in the i Supreme Court, which would form a ready check when con pared with the books. That payment of sums to the amount of $100 into the bupreme Court should be made to the Shroff, who

We learn, on excellent authority, that should be accountable for the saine, and that sums over that amount should be the river-barrier officials have been carry paid into one of the local banks to the ing matters with a high. band against the oredit of the Supreme Court, The Sharp leak fishermen, while en route to Commissioners consider that interest on Foochow with their hard-earned hauls. amounts standing in the bank books Formerly it was, we understand, the to the credit of the Supreme Court on practice of the fishermen to provide these current account should be appropriated repacions understrappers with sufficient to the general revenue of the Colony, stook to meet their personal requirements ; and that provision should be made for but now they are said to be putting on the the payment of such interest from time screw with a vengeance, and the con- to time into the Treasury.

sequence is that many of the fishermen are seeking fresh fields und pastares nOW? <-- 7th. The Commissioners are likewise of opinion, that with regard to Bank.

A very solemn festival is just now, wa ruptcies, a most imperfeos system has, understand, engaging the attention of our up to the present, been adopted in Bhuddhist friends at Kashan. The object realising and winding up the estates, of all this devotional ardour is, we hear, to They bare ascertained that the fowobtain the divins blessing on the coming rules framed under the provisions of grain crops. And a very good object too. the Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1864, "are We may fairly songratulate Mesura. imperfect. The Commissioners would | Jardine Matheson & Co on the posseksion point out that by the Bankruptcy Act, of the fluest storm-launch in the port. 1881, in forge in England at the time This new launch was, we understand, bulis of the passing in Hongkong of the by Messrs. Inglis & Co. of Hongkongs Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1864) Offluial she was towed from Hongkong by thế đi Assignees under this Act were required 19. Kwong Tung, and, after the removal of to give security in £8,000 each." The her temporary bulwarks do, will, we hear, Commissioners beg to refer to the rules be ready for her destined river work at in and orders relating to the said Act, early date. which may be found in page 1261, Vol. Il Griffith and Holmes on Bankruptor of the S. S. Kisung yanght fire shortly We bear that some cargo in the fore-hold End submit that, in the absence of any after leaving Amoy on the last trip. The rules under Ordinance 5 of 1864, the supposition is that the fire originated in rules under the English Act before the overheating of a quantity of old rugs m referred to should be decided the exist taken ou board at Amoy, Captain Hanter *ing rules under the Ordinance, as 80. lost no time in setting his steam-pumps to 7of that Ordinance provides that if any work and, we understand, succeeded in 'ex- onse should arise whion should not have

been provided for by any orders made inguishing the fumes before any great by the Chief Justice of Hongkong, he amount of mischief was accomplished. might, in his discretion, apply to wash There now seems to be every probability pase any of the general orders then in of a late, or rather comparatively late open force in England. Up to the presenting of the Tea Market. Shippers have, for time most of these rules have, in fact, once, combined (in a partial sort of way, been noted upon, and until a period it must be confessed) to repress their shortly before the appointment of the sagacions individuality, and to experimante Honourable C. B. Plunker as Begistrar alise in unity. Amongst the hastaen” the of the Supreme Court, the Official system of tradal combination has hitherto Assignse was allowed under these rules worked extremely well, but it remains to be to take as his remuneration the foss seen how far ik will fall in with the prei payable according to the schedule inconceived ideas of the " sutar barbarian,'t