1924-03-14 — Page 5

PRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1924.

HONGKONG

THE CHINA MAIL.

of Commerce is trying to obtain a PROBLEMS. concession from the Produce Brokers Association to meet this difficulty.

Chamber of Commerce Review.

HARBOUR

IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.

རཱུ་:

the Government buoys, particularly ruption still continues, necessita=| in typhoon weather. It was learned ting the dispatch of all cables in that it is the intention of the Gov-transit for Canton by post from emment to provide a number of Insurance Companies.

specially strengthened "A" class Hongkong, not only involving dolay but forming a On representations by the Fire will be able to lay during typhoons menacing handicap to the im

moorings at which large steamers serious Insurance Association of Hong, The Chamber suggested that, with kong, the Chamber requested the the increasing number of large portant Canton allk trade. Hongkong Government to use its Influence with the Government of Vessels using the port, fifteen such "Correspondence has taken place Macao in the direction of securing moorings as a beginning should with the British Chamber of Com merce, Canton, and with firms in

Piracy: Wireless: Mails: Typhoons: Telephones. the modification of a new Ordin- be provided as early as possible.

Many problems vitally concerning the Colony are discussed in the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce's annual report which has just been issued.

Hongkong harbour improvements, the piracy evil, unjust opium laws, typhoon warnings and rescue services, wireless in the Far East, mails, and fancy piece goods contracts are but a few of the matters which have occupied the Chamber's attention during the past year.

Furthermore the Chamber undertook & great deal of work outside its accustomed spheres of action, notably in connection with the local arrangements for the Hongkong Section of the British Empire Exhibi- tion and the administration of the fund raised in Hongkong for the relief of sufferers in the disastrous earthquake in Japan on September 1, 1923. The onerous secretarial work of the Joint Chambers of Com- merce Committee which has charge of the Exhibition arrangements, and of the Japanese Earthquake Disaster Hongkong Relief Committee, was ably and energetically carried through by the Secretariat, in addition to the labours of a year in which several difficult problems engaged the attention of the Chamber,

on the Pratas Shoal.

Hongkong Harbour Improvements.

epitomises the Committee's views, and the references to that aspect of the subject in the corre spondence on Piracy:

(“That the recrudescence of

ance-prejudicial, it was urged, to insurance interesis, and objection- able because it discriminated in taxation against non-Portuguces Companies and made a levy upon Insurance Companies gen erally, to meet the cost of the Fire Brigade. H.B. the Governor of Hongkong has addressed H. E. the Governor of Matao on the subject but no reply has yet been communicated to the Chamber Proposed Hongkong Industrial

Exhibition.

answer to an

Rescue Work During

Hongkong as to methods of over Typhoon Weather.

coming the difficulty. This Cham. The typhoon of August 18 led ber invited the assistance of the to-much-public discussion-of-the- adequacy or otherwise of live Government in endeavouring to saving facilities in the Harbour secure an alternative means of The Harbour Master, Commander communication through the agency Beckwith, R.N., suggested to the of Naval wireless, pointing out Government the provision of a Rescue Tug which could algo act that the gunboats of other nations as 1 lighthouse tender. The render their nationals invaluale Chamber was invited to consider service by placing the suggested design for the Tug facilities at their disposal.

This

and took the opportunity of recom- The Chamber informed HM. mending that the vessel be capable Commercial Secretary of Legation of making the trip to the Pratas Shoal, in readiness for the at Shanghai, in enquiry, that the decision to hold establishment of the proposed

there.

suggestion was the British Empire Exhibition in meteorological and wireless station 1924 instead of in 1923 and the un- settled condition of affairs in adopted by the Government and South China, had necessitated the a special sub-committee of experis is at present advising as to the posed British-Chinese Industrial most suitable design. Exhibition at Hongkong. Peace Typhoon Warnings. in the south is accessary to the The Committee regrets to have development of the Exhibition. to report comparatively slight Fancy Piece Goods Contracts. advance in the direction of an

.

wireless

ALLURING LINGERIE.

HAND EMBROIDERED

'NIGHTIES'

From $4.55

CHIC UNDIES' FOR PRESENT WEAR.

ALL SIZES

IN STOCK

SPECIAL DESIGNS TO ORDER.

LANE, CRAWFORD LTD.

LADIES' SECTION

The Government's reply was that the Commodore is prepared to sanction the transmission to Can-

when the ordinary ton of private messages by Naval methods of communication have wireless broken down, provided the mes sages are forwarded through the paragraph of this Report, a Re- Chamber, As stated in another

solution on the subject was moved by Hongkong at the Chambers of Commerce Conference in Shang- hai, in February, 1924.

The serious handicap to trade constituted by the present state of affairs cannot be allowed to remain unremedied, and the Chamber will continue to press for the re-open- ing of the line between here and ditions prevail, however, there is Canton. Until more settled con-

itile hope of satisfactory tele- graphic arrangements. This points, once more, to the moral of the

D1489 urgent necessity for a powerful commercial wireless station in Hongkong.

One of the most important of these was the development of Hong-postponement to 1925-6 of the pro- kong Harbour, following the reference by the Government to the Chamber of the Report by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice on "Hongkong Harbour Improvements." The Chamber has also given much anxioun consideration to the very serious problem of dealing effectively with the increase of piracy in these waters, and pressing representations When the last Annual Report improved service of storm warn have been made to the Government urging the need for increased Naval of the Chamber was completed anings, for which the Chamber again Patrols, which have proved in the past the most effective means of agreement had been reached with pressed, after the Swatow typhoon deterring piratica: operations. Further discussions also took place as the Chinese Fiece Goods Guild of August, 1922, and continu- to the improvement of the Hongkong storm warning service, especially through the Chinese Chamber of edo urge during 1923. At the in relation to the establishment of a wireless and meteorological station of the terms of the Standard Forni conference at which the whole Commerce, after reconsideration suggestion of the Government, a of Fancy Piece Goods Contract, question was, surveyed took place This Chamber, in accordance with with the Director of the Observa- an undertaking given, had sub- tory, Mr. T. F. Claxton, and an mitted to the Manchester and agreed programme of needed Bradford Chambers of Commerce improvements relating to the request by the Guild, that in storm signal service was drawn cases of dispute one of the arbitra up. Stress was laid, in the first piracies in Far Eastern waters tors shall be appointed by the place, on the need for a wireless Chinese Native Customs Duty again emphasizes the urgent Chinese Chamber of Commerce and observing station on the A useful service was performed "necessity for continuous means No reply has been received to Pratas Shoal, which is in the track | by the Aslatic Petroleum of wireless communication with these submissions, The Chamber of typhoons approaching the Company (South China) Ltd., in H.M. smaller vessels. The also agreed to include in the Colony and at a distance which working out in detail the disparity Conference views with satisfac- Standard Form a version in Chin- would enable timely warning to tion the improvements being ese of the terms of the contract be given by a station there. It made to increase the efficiency and asked the Chinese Chamber of was also suggested that a 4K.W. of the wireless on river gun- Commerce-on January 3, 1923- wireless transmitting set be boats, and asks H.M. Govern to obtain from the Piece Goods installed at the Observatory: that ment to install wireless on Guild a Chinese translation. This exchange of storm warnings with every such ship, also to provide was not received until the last Zikawel Observatory be arranged; the necessary increased staff of month of the year. Immediately that certain additional observations, wireless operators so that com- upon its receipt, members of the be obtained and that an evening munication can be effected at all Chamber interested in piece goods weather report and forecast be times and where expedient for were supplied with copies of the prepared, a lithographic plant to general purposes, when the Standard Form of Contract, as be installed at the Observatory for ordinary, commercial means of agreed upon, printed both in that purpose. telegraphic communication are English and Chinese. not available, as is frequently the case in South China."

The Government, invited the Chamber to express its views on the Report on Hongkong Harbour Improvements made by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, C.M.G., and published in May, 1923. A summary of the protracted discussions shows that *the future requirements of the Port

and the possibilities of develop ment at West Point, Kennedy Town and North Point, as well as in Hunghom Bay, to which Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice chiefly ad- dressed himself, were very fully discussed, also ferry schemes and typhoon protection measures. This last consideration led to a postpone- ment of further discussion of the whole question, the Government promising to submit to its Harbour Engineer the problem of the pricti cability of converting any wharves constructed into the form of a wet dock, affording protection to steanters during typhoon weather It is hoped that further progress will be made with this very im portant subject in 1924.

Piracy Evil.

The warships of other countries

help their nationals in every way possible, in the transmission of commercial messages when or dinary means of communication are suspended, and the Com

considers that British

"The Committee has given con-mittee

stant and earnest, attention to the problem of piracy, to which notice has been insistently called by the frequent predatory attacks made upon merchantshipping and native craft, both large and small. Hav- ing in mind the experience of sonte years ago, when increased Naval Patrols led to a virtual cessa- tion of piracy, the Gornmittee has repeatedly addressed the Govern

Warrant

vessels should also be prepared to give general assistance in this way in similar circumstances, not necessarily limiting the help to British nationals.

Imperial Costoms Conference.

Hongkong University. -Hongkong University continues to make steady progress in the

+

Pratas Shoal Scheme.

In response to this-letter, the Government arranged for the and forecast and approached the issue of an evening weather report

H.M. Minister, with a preliminary Government, through enquiry whether they would be willing to allow the Hongkong

to erect

A wire- the Pratas

01

neces-

was con

between the Tariff rates of the Chinese Native Customs and the Chinese Maritime Customs; made more acute by the revision of the latter tariff which came into effect in January, 1923. Canton British Chamber of Commerce later raised the same question. The correspon- dence indicates that political con- ditions are a hindrance to useful action, but the following resolu tion, moved by this Chamber, and seconded by Canton Chamber, was adopted at the Shanghai Con ference in February, 1924-

be

"That China be called upon to put into immediate effect Article III of the Commercial Treaty of 1902 whereby the duties and likin combined levied on junk. borne. cargo between Hong- kong and Treaty Ports in

shall not Kwangtung less than the duties levied by the Maritime Customs on similar goods carried by steamer. For- ther that, failing compliance by China with the above recom- mendations, the Maritime Cus- toms Duties concerned be re duced to the level of duties on junk-borne cargo."

Draft Piracy Regulations.

In September the Government

right direction and has been in- debted for material additions to its Chinese endowment funds to several local heaefactors, incluing the Hon. Sir Paul Chater. C.M G., also to the Rockefeller Foundation, which has Government made a further handsome grant to less station the medical side of the institution. Shoal. The Chinese Govern There is no doubt that the Financement replied that the Committee of the University, on sity of setting up the station which the Chamber has a repre- was established and the work sentative under authority of the would be done by the Hydro The Chamber referred to the University Ordinance, makes for graphic Bureau. It Association of Exporters and the maintenance of sound finance sidered probable, in view of Dealers of Hongkong a request by Although the University is in need present political conditions, that the Government for advice upon of further funds, its present re-it might be a very long time be a despatch from the Secretary sources have been made use of ty fore the Chinese Hydrographic ment urging that the importance of State for the Colonies, involving most efficient purpose, while main-Bureau carried our the work. Sir subunitted for the consideration of of British interests in the Far East the position of Hongkong intaining the balance on the right Francis Aglen, K.B.E., Inspector the Chunder draft Regulations un-

the commissioning of relation to the Imperial Customs side. : larger numbers of mosquito craft. Conference, 1921. From a careful

General of the Chinese Maritime der the Piracy Prevention Ordi- To Sir William Brunyate, Customs, very kindly interested nunce, 1014, framed as a result of The experience of the Chinese Maritime Customs, whose cutters report by the Association it was C.G.M.G., the retiring Vice-Chan-himself in this subject and invited the deliberations of the Sui An" have performed useful service made clear that the recommenda- cellor, the Committee takes this a full statement of the history of Piracy Commission. Strong objec

tions of the Conference particu-opportunity of recording its tribute the question. This was very ion was taken amongst members of on occasion in capturing pirates, arly affect those portions of the on account of the painstaking work willingly provided, and a sym the Mercantile Marine to the first indicates the

effectiveness of British Empire which levy pro he has devoted to the finances of pathetic and helpful reply is now threo olauses of the draft Regula even the smallest craft in combat tective deties. Nevertheless, it the University and the general to hand from Sir Francis Aglen. tions, particularly to the last park ing the present evils. The fre- was pointed out that Hongkong, advance he has furthered during The Chamber was compelled to of Clause 1 which laid down: quency with which, in recent

as a Free Colony; has an interest his tenure of office. Co-operating call attention, during the typhoon 1. It is the duty of the master months, piratical gangs have taken

in securing the right to share with the Finance Committee Sir season, to defects in the working vessels to Bius Bay, in Chinese with the other country, in any William has been able

and other certificated officers.to create of the storm signal service aŭda territory, and there unloaded the preferential treatment that may Superannuation Fund for the staff reply is still awaited to a letter

Test to the uttermost any parati- loot, without any punitive action be given within the Empire, and of the University, which will re dated September 24 in which

cal attack. This obligation is im- being taken by either the Chinese the Association suggested that main as a standing record of his various points were submitted to

perative and no discretion may be or British authorities, has led the the attention

exercised as to whether to resist of the Colonial | valuable services to the institution, the Government, at the request of Committee to take the view that Government be drawn to this

piraten or not. The Chamber maintains its' In the Acting Colonial Secretary. the situation calls for immediate aspect of the question,

A Conference with the Captain The need terest in and support of the Uni-Telegraphic Communication with Superintedent of Police, the Har action on the part of the foreign was emphasized, also, for the versity, which has its best wishes Powers. The following resolu-regular issue of volumes setting and material support so far as

Canton, MA

bour Master and the Crown Solici tion, moved by Hongkong, was forth the Customs and trade laws funds permit

For almost the entire period ter took place with regards to the unanimously carried at the Annual and regulations in operation in the

On December 18, 1923, was made under review, interrupted cable draft Regulations, as the result of Conference of British Chambers of various parts of the British Em- the third annual contribution of communication between Canton which the objectionable features of Commerce to China and Hose pire. For Jack of information $12,000 which British members of and Hongkong has engaged the the first few clauses were deleted kong, held in Shanghai in Hongkong may be losing the ad- the Chamber have undertaken to very serious attention of the and various amendments in the Re February, 1924:--

vantage of rebates open to the contribute for five years towards Committee, and everything possi-gulations, generally were agreed That in the opinion of this Colony in its trading relations the expenses of the Department of ble has been done to mitigate the upon Conference the

evil, with, ir must be confessed, mumerous with other parts of the Empire. Commerce at the University,

(Continued on page. 9.). piracies that have taken place The

little practical result. The Inter-

Combined Certificate of

a

.... Wiceless in the For Eart

Ab abfe exposition of the lines

In Far Eastern Waters, and the Value and Origin" adopted by inability of any Government in the Conference is not applicable China to deal with the situation, to Hongkong circumstances, but along which wireless development calls for Immediate action on of course has to be used for might be promoted in the Colony,

exports to countries in which it received from the Radio Com

is in force.

the part of the foreign Powers,

"The Conference urges H.M. Government to make arrange-. ments with the proper Chinese Authorities whereby, Immedials Arbitration Awards Chamber asked the Government to

which wireless communication

w that

munication Co. (Orient) Ltd. is worthy of careful study. The

A further stage has been cussion of the principles upon

consider the letter, inviting a dis ly a piracy is reported, putnitive insasures may be taken against reached in the negotiations with the pirates by H.M. Navy in the the London Chamber of Com should be developed in the Colony,

merce and the General Produce The Committee took the locality where they have landed. Brokers Association of London a public uillity service of its kind

"Further, the Conference strongly advocates an increased with a view to obtaining the might reasonably be given a mono-

Inclusion of particulars of defect in number of Naval vessels avail- Arbitration Awards made under Poly, subject to limitation of profits able for patrol work, especially the auspices of the latter body, was assumed that the Government and an, approved local Board; it in the Canton Delta and neigh The Produce Brokers' Association would only grant a charter to a bouring waters, where it is clearly indicated by the fre-has agreed to notify arbitrators predominantly British and finan- quent piracies successfully carri that, if they were requested by cially strong Company, and sug either, party to an arbitration to

gestions were made as to the

Harbour Moorings,

ed out that the existing patrol do so, there was no objection to method of securing a measure of are inadequate to prevent them."

their writing, without prejudice public control. Wireless on Gunboats, an informal covering letter when This question has been consider forwarding their award, giving the ed in connection with represents resons for these findings. Na The Government submitted to tions as to the necessity for turally, in reply to this, the case the Chamber reelsed Regulations increased Naval Patrols, and the of shippers who have no represen- under the Merchant Shipping motion of Hongkong at the tatives in London was put for Orinance of which the most inter Conference just referred to ward; and the London Chamber esting clause concerned the use of

Comedy !

Pathos 1

Drama!

BABY PEGGY

in

Her First Big Picture

THE DARLING

OF NEW YORK

THE CORONET

000

HOTEL BUILDINGS,

NEW ENGLISH RECORDS.

NORMAN ALLIN, Bass SHEPHERD, SEE THY HORSE'S FOAMING MANE THE LUTE PLAYER

EDGAR COYLE, Baritone,

33471 SEVENTEEN COME SUNDAY "{THE, FRUG AND THE MOUSE.......

MURIEL BKUNSKILL, Contralto 3546(A LEGEND

3345

WITH COURTLY GRACE

Negro Spirituals by EDNA THOMAS I GOT SHOES WAY DOWN UPON THE SWANEE RIVER

WILL FYFFE, Comedian (I'M 4 T.DAY 861 BELLING TO GLASGOW

NEW PROCESS -NO SCRACTH ANDERSON'S.

Ove thing that your BABY needs that a good Drug Store ought to have you will find in our store.

QUALITY GUARANTEED-TRY US.

THE

CHINA

DISPENSARY.

82, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL.

GREEN ISLAND CEMENT CO., LTD.

BEST PORTLAND CEMENT

SHEWAN TOMES & Co.,

General Managers.

HONGKONG.

DYE KEN

JOHN

THE ORIGINAL

HAIG?

WITH

Diavillers Markinchi

JOHN HAIG & CO. LTD'

Sole Agents QANDE. PRICE & CO. LATER

Tel C. No. 195. A. No. 8 Queen's Rd, Cil'Houghtan