1923-07-26 — Page 9

I

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1928.

Case

SUD

this sum

THE CHINA MAIL.

Moller Charges..

a

owners Protection

the steamer.

The Government in reply quoted from Charter, Party T. 99 the Government's undertaking to accept all war risks,

In these cir-

Striking Figura).

carry out the deliberate intention Moller's three ships; except that it been your practice to incur this Solicitors, for the Wollowra Steam-- addressed on March 13, 1918, to all SHIPPING PROFITS.

are ship Company, in which Mr. Bur owners, they were informed that

The Hongkong Control Scheme and decision of His Majesty's is informed, though it cannot vouch expense in the past, you the Government would accept all resulted financially in a net profit Government that shipowners in for the fact, that the s.s. "Wollowra" a thorised, for the present, to con- kill was interested, wrote to the (Continued from page 5.J

war risks, and the question for de- of $2,231,204. The total expenditure, Hongkong and elsewhere in the was sold for a much larger sum than tinue this expenditure on Govern- Commodor :-

"B.8. "Wollowna. Tho above cision was whether the Hongkong exclusive of war risk insurance, Colonies must not be placed in any the original purchase price; but it ment account."

As in his letter to the N. C. D. ship ima been requisitioned by the more favourable position is unable to find any evidence in Remuneration Question.

Government should insure

or amounted to $6,387, a somewhat way in The question of the remuneration whether it should carry the risk striking figure when it is remem- than shipowners in this country. support of the allegation that the News Mr. Burkill quoted this Adminity" and they proceeded to to be paid to owners was one of itself. The risk was slight and in-bered that it represents the entire It had been suggested that the winding up of Messrs. Moller and circular letter, he had presumably ask for certain information.

Mossrs. Burkill's steamer "Pat On the 18th May, 1918, Messrs. riot" was requisitioned under the considerable difficulty. The Ship-surance rates were high, but there cost of controlling seventeen ships, action of the Hongkong Govern- Co. (Shanghai) Limited is in any read it.

way due to the Hongkong Control possibility ping Controller's instructions were was

Moller and Company, representing following latter addressed separately that vessels with detailed examination of allment imposed a special tax on

the "Wollowra's" owners, wrote to each owner that the remuneration was not to be might be lost through the sudden their trading accounts, for the best shipowners. Sir G. Grindle was Scheme.

admit this, but he "Confusion of Thought." appreciably higher or lower than appearance of a raider, or the part of a year. Many a brokerage prepared

"ress. "Manapouri,” “Castle- The s., "Patriot" was owned by

H.M. Dockyard. that of competing vessels, the placing of explosives in cargo or fee for negotiating a single charterpolated out that this was a disabili

With reference to the letter of vessels most directly concerned other enemy action. On the ad amounted to a vastly greater sum, ty shared in war-time by Hong Messrs. A. R. Burkill and 'Sons, field," "Wollowra." The parties

concerned are anxious to know if the Colonial Secretary dated 13th being those of the Indo-China and vice of the Vital Requirements and, if the immense amount of kong with home shipowners, and and at the time when she came

He

under the Hongkong Control in case any of these vessels are Murch, 1918, I am directed by the China Navigation fleets. The Hong Committee the ships were insured work done had been charged for that it could not be avoided. kong Government urged the Ship for three months in the first in- according to the spacious ideas as observed that it was only for Scheme she was on time charter for lost through submarine or war-like Commodore to inform you that your cause whilst under Government vessel is requisitioned and will bo a period of five years ending in Pick of the increase in prices and Committee obtained from Messrs. business then provalent, the profits affecting Hongkong, that it had 1921, at a rate of $12,000 a month.req be fully ered by the brought under the Hongkong Liner ping Controller in London that in stance. The Shipping Control to remuneration in the shipping technical reasons, not specially

requisition or Control, whether to this Messrs.

Requisition Scheme." the rise in exchange the remunera Goddard and Douglas a valuation would have been most materially been decided not to apply the I-With regard

perial Indemnity Act to the

On the 19th April, 1918, Bolici- tion should be payable at exchange of each ship at its then value, the I reduced. The opportunity may be Colonies, and that as a matter of Burkili's agents wrote to the Ship- Government for the full value of

for the fourteen taken to record the very great obli-

Association half 1/9 and half rate of day. This total

tors, definitely stating that they re- being £979,000, and gation which the Colony is under fact such a course had been very was refused, it being again pointed ships

presented the owners of the a. "S.S. "Patriot." Owing to the insurance to Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Young, seriously considered. The Hong. under date the 11th April, 1918:

Manapouri, out that the payments to owners upon

Castlefield," Wollowm," and "Patriot," under the local scheme must not premia amounting to $48,716.41 and MrCary for their devoted work kong Ordinance was a piece of

ernment Control on or about the

wrote:- be more favourable than payments were paid. At the expiration of the on its behalf. Mr. Sutherland and Imperial policy which no Secretary above vessel coming under Gov-

War Claims to owners under the Imperial three months the Government had Mr, Young received no remuner of State was likely to reverse, and

On July 18, 1918, the Ship Schema.

Hongkong Shipping Contrais proposed control rates the steamer scheme. Further representations a sufficient sum in hand to formation of any kind, and Mr. Cary, it was inconceivable that it should 5th April, 1918, according to the

will be earning $15,010 per month, owners Protection Association, of unaware ander what, legislativo Our clients are at present were made in the following terms: the nucleus of a sinking fund, and who was responsible for the control be disallowed.”

which in this particular case is an which Messrs, A. R. Burkill & Sone authority the above Scheme is being "it must be remembered that it was decided, again on the advice and checking of all ship's accounts, the vessels brought under local re- of the Vital Requirements Com was paid at a rate which from a On June 7, 1923 at a meeting improvement in the earging cap- were members, put the following carried out and, would be grateful quisition are mostly old and inmittee, that the Government should business point of view was merely of the shareholders of Messrs. acity of the steamer"; and on this questions--

for some enlightenment on the sub- more or less bad condition, having thereafter carry the risk. At a nominal. Each member of the Moller & Co. (Shanghai), Ltd., held very same date, the 11th April, 1. "In the event of a vessel being ject." been discarded, at periods more or meeting of the Legislative Council Control Committee had to find time at Shanghai, Mr. E. Moller referred Messrs. Burkill's solicitors wrote to damaged or lost through any act of

The Government replied ss remote, from the regular lines; on the 17th October, 1918, the for the shipping work in addition to the Hongkong Government's the Colonial Secretary stating war on the part of an enemy raider,

"As to the question of legat "We enclose herewith working what compensation or redress would authority. the ships have been re- "unjustifiable scheme, which in its with the result that the cost of re- Colonial Secretary speaking of the to his own work, which was in itself pair and upkeep is proportionately Shipping Fund, said: "The abnormal owing to depletion of pitilessness and relentlessness is accounts of the 6.s. "Telemachus," heavier than in the

insurance staffs, and, having regard to all the quite of money is kept for

Pheumpenh," "Haimun," "Brisan owner be liable to receive from quisitioned on behalf of, and under unparalleled-a scheme

instructions from, His Majesty's vessels, such as those of the Indo- against war risk ".

circumstances, it is perhaps note- which has had the effect of driving bane," "Wollowra," "Manapouri" the Government?”

2. Does war risk insurance as Government, who have instructed China and China Navigation No claim arose at any time in worthy that the critics have found into liquidation a modest Shanghai "Castlefield," and "Patriot." From Companies, on the regular lines. respect of war risk.

such scanty material on which to Shipping Company which has had perusal of such working accounts covered by the Government include this Government to superintend was aware, when I sent

base their denunciations. Mention its Red Anchor flag flying over it will be seen that, when the re-loss or damage to a vessel occasion their management. Making Big Profits. my telegram of the 9th March, that

may also be made of the good work these Chinese waters for over half muneration proposed to be paid by ed by an enemy raider and would cumstances this Government must Another problem which con- performed by Commander Beck-

Mr. Moller did not the Government is placed against owners receive the full insurance?" refer you to His Majesty's Govern expenses connected with repairing fronted the Government was the with, R. N., Harbour Master, who, as make it clear to what company he the working expenses, the result

a century."

On July 23, the Government meut on the point of the legal tu run the vessels; and, in order to question of the policy to be adopt Government Coaling Officer, was referred; it was not Messrs. Moiler is a very substantial monthly loss. replied

authority for the requisitioning.... meet to do so, laccepted the advice ed with regard to the running of responsible for the very satisfac-& Co. (Shanghai), Ltd, as that Unless the Government are pre- Referring to your letter of July This Government has definite in. the ships at a profit. Some figures tory arrangements in connection company was incorporated in 1918, pared to very substantially increase 18. I am directed to invite your structions that the remuneration to the terms stated in the telegram were being made at the time may handled. of the Control Committee to grant regarding certain profits which with the large quantity of coal Lloyd's Register of Shipping for the remuneration bankruptcy or attention to Sections 11 and 12 of vessels under the focal scheme is to which I addressed to you on the be of interest in this connection.

the year immediately before the liquidation will be the inevitable my circular letter of the 13th approximate to that paid to the Under date December 28, 1920, a outbreak of war does not include outcome."

March, which read is follows:-- 17th April. My further recom The balance sheets of a public com

larger and more important class of circular despatch was issued from Messrs. Moller in the list of ship- The Government has not receiv 11. The Government will accept veesels on the China Coast which mendation in that telegram, that payment should be made half at pay controlling one of the the Colonial Office to the Colonies owners, and it appears from sub-ed the 5.5. Patriot's" audited all war risks (ride Clause 13 of Char-are under the Imperial Liner Re-

show the 1/9 and half at the rate of the day.quisitioned steamers

regarding the recently passed Im- sequent editions of the Register figures, but, whatever results these ter Party T. 99) but, where it has quisition Scheme following figures 1— was based upon a careful review of

perial Indemnity Act. It was that the ships which were named show, Mr. C. R. Burkill has at least been your practice to incur this ex-

The Test Case. figures and accounts put forward $50 each. Value of steamer written Majesty in Council might apply its were acquired at various dates ceived considerably more remunered, for-the present, to continue the which has been referred to. Mr. Capital $40,000 in 800 shares of provided in the Act that His by Mr. Moller to his shareholders, the consolation that his firm repense in the past, you are authoris At the meeting in Shanghai, by the local owners. I am satisfied down to $20,000. Profit for the provisions to any of the Crown after war began. that in the case of the ships now

ation in respect of this ship when in question the grant of this ad-years ending in February 1916. Colonies, but the Secretary of State

In particular connection with the under Government Control than it expenditure on Government ac- Meller said been 1917. and 1918 ditional remuneration is fully justi-

respectively pointed out that in the course of its Hongkong Control Scheme Mr. had been receiving under the count, whether in the form of pre- fted".

$163,762, $245,041, $534,339; Divi- A similar representation was made to Colonel Thomson, bu dend per share of $50 in respect of passage through the House of Com- Moller mentioned three vessels charter arranged by his firm, minn ór call in respect of policies was instituied against The 4overn-

mong the Bill was so developed only, the 5.5. "Manapouri, Messrs. A. R. Burkill and Sons en hull and chinery, including ment in the Hongkong Courts. the Shipping Controller could not these years, $183; $375.50, $598 that in its final form it was closely "Castlefield" and "Wollowra" have not presented any claim for the continuance of any excess value Immediately apon legal action being sue his way to accede to the re- Auditor $16,396; $24524; $53.453 transactions in the United King audited figures covering the run or Wollowra."

and remuneration to Directors and bound up with conditions and and he stated that the losses incurred by the s.s. "Patriot" insurance hitherto maintained by taken the Colonint Secretary ap you, on the understanding that you proached the owners through the quest. Colonel Thomson had writ-

This may have been an extreme dom. It appeared to him that it ning of the steamers under control The Douglas Stearnship Com-will hold the Government absolved Bhipowners Protection Association ten on the 25th March, 1918:-" you with observe that London lays case, but there were other instances was inexpedient to issue any in most cases showed a severe pany's accounts show that that from liability in respect of the with a view and a request to slay great stress upon the fact that pay-

loss," The Government has recei- Company was able to pay a divi- amount for which insurance Was such legal proceedings for such nut be greater than those paid at it should take advantage of the ex- consider the alternative of local in respect of six of the seventeen respect of the year ending the but when any policy, on a vessel communicate with the Home Gov-

traordinary earning powers which legislation. An Indenmity Bill steamers.controlled.

30th June, 1918, and a dividend of lupees it should not be benowed. A revision of Blife Book rates for the war had given to the steamers

was accordingly introduced in the

Mr. Moller's remarks were gene- 12% and a bonus of 6% in respect 12. If the war risk insurance rumment with a view to settling the matter amicably, pointing out that tramps enabled the Hongkong structions seemed to be clear. TheIt was opposed by the owners, who Burkill, who said that he could provision for depreciation, reserve, obedience to Admiralty instructions. pensive litigation when it was pos The Shipping Controller's in Council on the 1st September, 1921. raily supported by Mr. C. R. of the following year, with due above authorised is vitiated by your it was inadvisable to continue on ments to owners with effect from ships which were not required for were represented by counsel, and confirm them from personal ex- and underwriting in addition. other than those of local navigation, aible to settle the matter otherwise. the commencement of the local Special Government work were to it was then decided not to proceed perience.

On the other hand there mayor by your obedience to instructions Unfortunately your Chairman sp schere, but about the same period be run by the owners in their further with the matter until the The Government has not accept be quoted the case of one vessel of the control Committee, the Mr. B. T. Williamson (The Chair: customary manner: "vessels will return from leave of Mr. Fletchered the audited figures, referred to which was so crank that crews were Government will indemnify you man of the Shipowners' Protection. notice was given that the arrange- he left to owners to run as if for who had conducted all negotiations by Mr. Moller, and it is its ex- reluctant to go to sea in her, and it

ents as to owners' commission themselves but actually for Indian with the owners on behalf of the perience that expert opinion of the was unlikely that her insumince against the consequences.

Clause 19 of Admiralty Charter This was an unfortunate mistake on

Association) agreed to this request Mr. Fletcher came back to the claim varics very considerably were required to obviate claims on Party T. 90, which is referred to their part as it gave the Hongkong

value of the aubject matter of a would be renewed. New decks duction in the rate paid to owner be based on the Liner Requisition | Colony at the end of the year 1921, according as the claim is made by account of seawater spoiling the above, reads us follows:-

Government time to prepare and pending receipt of further instruc- Scheme, the instructions regarding and, after further conversations or against the Government. The cargo, and on every trip ballast tions, the full commission was paid which were :-"It is not the desire with the owners, a proposal that following figures may be quoted in had to be purchased, as the ship taken by the Admiralty are those put into effect an effective counter up to the end of the requisition either with the nature of the busi kong Government should be re-accounts in respect of two vessels while the ballast had to be taken

connection. The audited when light was liable to capsize, risks which would be excluded from owners' claim. This took the shape

of the Indemnity Ordinance, 1929.15.

Mr. Burkill said :---

offer the owners a sufficient induce-

t

**In December, 1919, a test case.

of very large gains. The Govern Orders in Council under the Act, ments to owners out East should ment had to decide to what extent and the Colonies were invited to ved statements of alleged. losses dend of 12% and a bonus of 10% in Leffected under insurance policies poriod as would give him time to

home."

Government to increase its pay-

were being modified. It was urged that there should not be any re- under the Hongkong scheme, and,

period. Some correspondence on

or Colonial Governments. The Hongkong Control Scheme was to

Government.

19. The risks of war. which are

move to frustrate and forestall the

of the Government to interfere half the money held by the Hong this

an ordinary English policy of the subject ended in May, 1920, ness of the Established Line or the turned to them was put before the gave $10,488 and $36,320 as actual out to make room for cargo. In marine insurance by the following with a letter from the Ministry of method of conducting it which Unofficial Members of the Legisla-fosses sustained, exclusive of in- this case a considerable sum due or similar, but not more extensive

"After agreeing to postpone the Shipping: I am to say that the would have been followed had the tive Council. The owners were terest, over the period April 16, to the Government was remitted clanee Shipping Controller regrets the controlled vessels not been requisi warned that in any event it was 1918, to January 31, 1919. These "ex gratia." In two other inst- Warranted free of capture, set case instituted against the Govern ment because the Shipping Con decision arrived at by the Govern- tioned, except in so far as the improbable that the lumperial Gov-vessels were owned by two one ances special circumstances led to zure, and detention and the conse. troller was going on leave and be- ment of Hongkong and feels bound National interest may require. Each crnment would be able to accept ship Companies whose balance remission of certain, payments quences thereof, or of any attempt cause we were given to understand to place on record las view that Established Line shall continue the proposal: but the Unofficial sheets in respect of theyear Feb., due.

to manage its busi- Members rejected it, on the ground, 1918, to January 31, 1919, show;

thereat, piracy excepted; and also

it would help materially an amicable the reasons adduced for that deci- ness and to run the controlled that, all British ships having been in the one case profit for the year throughout maintained the position or warlike operations, whether be ponement was merely used to en- The Hongkong Government has from all consequences of hostilities settlement we found that the post- sion do not seem to him to be vessels with as much zeal and shall treated alike, it would be unfair to $384,045, remuneration to Directors that the majority of its controlled fore or after declaration of war.

have the same discretion in such discriminate in favour of the ships and Auditor $38,424, and dividend vessels were old and out-of-date, Such risks are taken by the Ad and passed which put us out of able an Indemnity Act to be framed This letter is quoted, and the management as if its own interest which had been controlled in of $378 per $50 share; and in the with excessive coal consumption miralty on the ascertained value of matter of owners' remuneration has alone were involved."

Court." been dealt with in some detail,

Hongkong. This matter was re- other case profit for the year and heavy repair bills, and that the steamer, if she be totally lost. Mr. Moller subsequently, in view,, because there has been a wide-nient had no option but to charge Colonial Office

It was decided that the Govern-ferred to at a discussion at the $214.265, remuneration to Directors therefore the owners, being re

Novcut and Auditor $21,446, and dividend munerated at the same rate as com- at the time of such loss, or, if she of comments in the Hongkong. spread impression that the Hong the then market rates. It was true ber, 9, 1922, at which Mr. Burrows, a of $190.50 per $50 share, the capital petitors operating more modern 1 be injured on the ascertained value Press, wrote to the North Ching..

altogether adequate."

owners.

old

and

they

not were

therefore

од

a

of such injury.

Should a dispute arise, as to the value of the steamer the same shall be settled as laid down in clause 31. This reply relates of course only

Daily News:- in the matter and had not been prices, but market rates were being and Mr. C. R. Barkill, representing ing written down to $20,000 in each respect at a decided disadvantage;

"Mr. Fletcher has seen fit to re liberal in its treatment of the charged in respect of vessels un- the s.s. Patriot" and having an case.

although the owners of Hongkong

mark to the Press that many of my der Imperial control, and the Com-interest in the s.s. Wollowra 'With regard to Mr. Moller's controlled vessels did not pay in-

atatements are untrue, to wit. There were some who did not modore had advised that full were present. The following note ships, his audited accounts, which came tax or excess profits duty.

That my statement. "That the see eye to eye with the Hongkong freight rates should be maintained was taken:-

have not been accepted by the The Hongkong Government cannot to shipa under Government requisi- Colonial Secretary at Hongkong Government on this question of re-in respect of Liner Requisition "Reference was made to negotia-Government, show, loss sustained however, agree that the owners tion under the scheme laid down in obtained a stay of legal proceedings, muneration

A complaint was vessels; and, if the Hongkong tions with Mr. Fletcher and to an by owner exclusive of interest, lost money, and it suggests that, in the above circular letter." and later the Government protected made to the Shipping Controller in Government had offered its ships offer of division of profits on a $42.359 in respect of the the minds of some owners at least, As the owners knew exactly theil itself by Ordinance," is untrue, London regarding the alleged pre- below prevailing prices, instruc 50/50 basis said to have been made "Manapouri." and $19,134 in there has been a confusion of rights and the Government's liabili. Surely Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher can- ferential treatment accorded to the tions would no doubt have been by the Government of Hongkong respect of the Castlefied Mr. thought between losses supposedly ties in respect of war risk; namely not forget the interview, that bor Hongkong controlled ships, in their received from the Shipping Con but turned down by the Unofficials. Moller has not made any claim for incurred and profits anticipated that their ships were fully covered Mr. Williamson and myself attend- category of tramps, as compared troller that competitors, for exam Sir G. Grindle said that any offer on loss in respect of the "Wollowra "from war conditions which were not in a value which would be settled ed up at his office in the Colonial with ships classified as liners. The pie the Indo-China and China the lines referred to above, even if The total of the two claims is received. Hongkong Government, being Navigation vessels, must. not be it had been decided upon by the 561,493, against which there is a

In a letter addressed to the by agreement, or, failing agree Secretariat Building. The meeting. asked to report, expressed the undercut.

In any event freight Colonial Government, would un- debt-due by Mr. Moller to the North China Daily News, under datement, by arbitration, and on appeal at which the inadvisability of both opinioa that the arguments, which remitted to a shipper would not doubtedly have failed to secure the Hongkong Government in the sum June 21, 1923. Mr. Burkill wrote by the Courts, it did not occur to parties carrying on with the legal had been advanced in support of have gone into the consumer's Secretary of State's sanction." of $44,612, exclusive of interest. "The most amusing feature of the Government to notify them in proceedings, already instituted by the complaint, were untenable. pocket. There was the further

Indemnity Bill Unavoidable: Almost the whole of this debt is this is that while the Hongkong dividually as to the precise manner us, was brought up; where it was The Hongkong vessels were point that the owners were getting

were apparently in which the risk was being carried, pointed out to us, the futility of and .of inferior class 5% upon the earnings of their The Hongkong Government had due, not in in respect of Mr. Government

Ations and where it was suggested, con ships and they naturally did not now no alternative but to pass the Moller's ships, but in respect of carrying such war risk, they kept Detailed information was open to incurring huge mutual legal obliga sidered seaworthy enough for want those earnings to be reduced. Indemnity Bill, which accordingly sum paid in error by the Govern- the secret so well that shipowners any one who might enquire. full requisition. For this reason the It may be mentioned that in the became law by a unanimous vote of meat to Messrs. Moller (Hongkong) were not informed that war risk similar practice obtained in respect that in view of the early departure cost of upkeep was proportionally case of a ship such as the "Patriot," the Legislative Council on August Ltd. on account of cargo carried in was covered, and I defy any of vessele under-Imperial requist for Home of Mr., A, G. M. Flet

Government servant in Hongkong tion. {

obor, we should leave all proceed- heavier and special concessions carrying coal for Government ac 18, 1922 The Hongkong Govern- the se, Patriot." >

As regards the "Castlefield to produce any document showing The Government received no ings in abeyance until his retum, should be granted. The ages of count in respect of which no freight ment's responsibility in the matter the vessels varied from 27 to 43 was payable, the Government was clearly defined at the interview Messrs. Moller and Co., with the that the owners of the s.s. Wol- claims for a refund in respect of war and that in the interim an adjust years, and, as they were not in allowed the owners to draw com- at the Colonial Office referred to approval of the Shipping Control dowra" were notified that the boat risk expenditure incurred by own ment might possibly take place."

There is no object for me to nuke good condition, constant repairs mission on the sum which would in the last paragraph; the note of Committee let the ship on a most was covered for a specified sum ers, nor did any owner state that he

any untrue statements, as no pos advantageous charter for twelve under a Government war risk were necessary, at enormously cu- have been paid for freight in the which reads as follows:-

84. Mr. Burkill wrote also→→→→ sible good would ever result there" hanced cost compared with pre-open market.

"Sir G. Grindle said that before calendar months from December, polley or any other war risk was insuring againat war risk.

"Further, as the Honorable Mr. from, nor do I desire to associate war rates. The Ministry of Ship-

the discussion went further it 1918. The charterer failed to take policy."

Mr. Burkill had previously said ping bad pointed out that the The Government strictly adhered would in his opinion be useful if he the vessel up, the Attorney Gener revision of tramp rates in the to the policy that, in deciding upon were to state that it had been al of Hongkong joined with the that "we received no Government A. G. M. Fletcher is still trailing myself with any such means to ment, and, the Naval Commodore, state that the romit of this inter United Kingdom was necessary the various uses for which ships necessary for war reasons for the Castlefield Steamship Company as policy for war risk, and suring the red herring re Imperial Govern attain aty onda. And, I will again largely on account of the cost of in- were required, any consideration Government of Hongkong to take plaintiffs in an action against the this risk was no small cost even

mind him that this also was a proceedings being held up, and such surance. In the case of the Hong of profit making must be kept en- the action which was taken as to charterer, judgment was obtained though our boats were not in the ete being responsible may I review was the means of the legs! kong tramps marine risks could as tirely in the back-ground.

requisitioning of ships. The in- very large sum, and it is under-dangerzone."

The as. Wollowra was requies Government secret, and if he will fasts are in written existence in f a rule be insured against for "total Late in the year 1918 instructions Secretary of State's attitude as to stood that the matter was finally

At that interview there was no loss only" at rates between 10 and were received from the Ad- this action was that either it was settled on payment of between tloned on the November, 30, 1912, look up a certain notice of Requist Hongkong today. IS per centum, it being impossible miralty that a number of vessels, legal or if it were not for the $300,000 and $400,000. The Hong-under Admiralty Charter Party Ttion and Control dated 18th March, to lusure "with average", whereas which had been on Imperial re- sake of argument he was prepared kong Government made claim in 99, in which it was stated that the 1918, and headed Colonial Secre whisper. intention, or warning the insurance rate for the two cargo qulsition, were to be transferred to to admit that it was hopelessly respect of the sum which would Government assumed, liability for ary's Office, Hongkong he will see placed before, Mr. Williamson Dr that it was ugned by the Honour myself that an Ordinatice and the liners under the Scheme was 3 per the Hongkong Control Scheme, but illegal-it; must be made legal. have been due to it up to the end of war risk.

In a circular lotto addressed able, Claud Bavern and stated that Eventaal Indemnity Act of 1922, centem "for total loss only and 6 after some telegraphic correspon The Indemnity. Ordinance was not January, when its control terminat

3, 1918, to the Governor of Hongkong, ele would be met into operation during. per centum with average and dence these instructions were can a Hevice of the Hongkong Governed, but it did rely upon Mr. Mollar'a under date the Mary

or agents of all the to

Mr. Flobera absence at Home those lines might be taken us re- celled and lo a telegram dated ment to meet their own special debt being paid out of that money. Townen presentative of all the liners on the January 23, 1919, the Hongkong dilaultles, but was passed on the Even if Mr. Moller had discharged steamers, including the Under this donament how does be but such really was the case, and it make out that the actual requisition came into operation and full force China Coast.

Government was authorised to use instructions of His Majesty's this debt, he would still have had a Wollowra," it was stated

hortly after his retorn to the The question of insurance its discretion as to continuance of Government, as similar Ordinances most substantial sum in hand. "The Government will accept was carried out by the Com

The Government is unaware of all war risks (vide clause 19 of modore?” “ against war risk was one of some control, which It accordingly dis were passed in Colonies similarly

(Continúka ba SUI 28.7 · difficulty. In a circular letter continued as from January 31, 1919. situated, and was intended to the subsequent history of Mr. Charter Party T, 99) but, as it has On the 10th December, 1917

;