1928-04-23 — Page 12

H.K. CHAMBER.

THE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1927.

INTERESTING REVIEW.

THE CHINA MAIL,

that the question of trade statis Chamber, with the help of the tics might be discussed agala at Chinese Chamber, to circulate the the next general meeting of the suggestion to manufacturers of

Chinese Ink.

Chamber.

Cables.

Membership.

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1928.

BRITISH SHIPS.

THE CALL FOR BRITISH CREWS.

A REVIEW.

Time was, before the war, when

PHOTO - SUPPLIES

Kodaks and Cameras. Films, Plates and Papers, etc. Developing, Printing and Kalarging.

ZIESS and BUSCH

the

FIELD GLASSES Price Moderate,

withdrawals from membership of creasing foreign element in

During the year there were seven there was much talk of the in-

Colonies, etc., that had acceded to

the the Chamber, and the following ac- crews of British ships, It used to

cessions:~~~

C.M.G., Messrs. Bitter & Co., China The Hon. Dr. R. H. Kotewall, Underwriters, Ltd., A. Goeke & Co., Roza. Bros., Steger & Co., Suf Heong Yuen, Wai On Tseung, Ltd., Xaviet Bros., Ltd.

A Dispatch."

ciation of, and gratitude for, the The Secreary of State for the services rendered so ungrudgingly Colonies in a dispatch dated 'Dec- by him to the University which ember 10, 1926, forwarded by the would feel the loss of his advica Life Insurance Ordinance..

Colonial Secretary, respecting the and 'assistance very keenly indeed. The Colonial Secretary wrote on The Eastern Extension, Austra- Commercial Treaty with. Foland, Mr. Neilage S. Brown WAS July 15, 1927, stating that a pro-lasia and China Telegraph Co, stated that consideration had re-nominated by the Committee to fill posal had been made to amend Ltd., and The Great Northern Telecently been given to the question the vacancy and kindly accepted Section 83 of the Life Insurance graph Co., Ltd., of Denmark, wrote of the most appropriate body to the position. The following excerpts have Companies Ordinance, No. 11 of on April 21, 1927, notifying the fasue certificates of origin in rea- cen reproduced from the com-1907, so as to exempt Life Insur-Chamber of the extension to Out-pect of goods which, though con- rehensive Annual Report for ance Companies operating in Hong ports of the system under which signed from the United Kingdom 027 issued by the Hong Kong Kong which bad made a deposit in firms in Hong Kong pay for cable to Poland, originated in General Chumber of Commerce. Great Britain only from the neces-messages once a month under a de- The bulky volume, besides being sity for a local deposit: makingposit system. Circulars

the the Treaty.

The Polish Govern- an excellent record of the multi-them lable in all other respects to subject were supplied to British ment had now agreed to a proposal arious subjects which from time the provisions of the Ordinance. Chambers of Commerce at Amoy, made by the Board of Trade that o time have engaged the atten- The views of the Chamber were Canton, Foochow and Swatow. the London Chamber of Commerce ion of the Chamber, serves as an invited; also any suggestions re- Sir Edward and Lady Stubbe. should be recognised as the com- idmirable trade barometer of the garding the supervision and control On the occasion of the departure patent body to issue such certifi- Colony. It is well worth perusal of Life Insurance Companies in from the Colony of Sir Edward cates, and had authorised the 'n extenso, as it is a mine of in-Hong Kong.

Slubbs a number of subscribers Polish Consul-General in London formative facts collated and com- The section of the Life Insurance contributed to a parting gift to to visa certificates of origin de niled most accurately and in a Companies Ordinance, referred to Lay Stubbs and to the cost of an livered by the London Chamber of mammer highly creditable to all in the above communication, is as illuminated address to Sir Edward Commerce in respect of such goods. who devoted their attention and follow

Stubbs, on his relinquishing the ime to it.

"The provisions of this Ordin-office of Governor of Hong Kong in direct to Poland from the Colony In the case of goods consigned During the latter part-of 1927; ance shall not apply to any life 1926. If there was a balance left of origin, or without entering the the China situation, which had be-

insurance company which has

『 over t was the desiro of Sir United Kingdom, it was presumed como acute as the result of the made a deposit in Great Britain Edward that it should be given to that the Polish authorities would Hankow and Nanking Incidents, de- under the provision of the Life the work of the Little Slaters of the accept certificates by a local Cham- finitely took a turn for the better. Assurance Companies Acts, 1870

Poor. As shown in the Balance ber of Commerce or other local au- In the South, Canton, in December, to 1872, and the Governor definitely dissociated itself from Council may at any time, in his Sheet for 1926 in the last Annual thority visaed by a Pollak Consul discretion and for such period Report, the “Farewell Address sur-If there was one in the territory; Communism, and in March, 1928,

and on such conditions as he may plus" amounted to $277.18. This and enquiry was being made as to the long-standing friendship. be- and Can-

think fit, exempt from any or all sum was forwarded to the Rever the form of document which would tween Hong Kong ton

renewed by

the provisions of this Ordinance end Mother Superior or January was

- an

22, 1927. visits between interchange of

any life insurance company."

Shameen Mails. Marshal

Chal-sum; LI

The Chamber replied on August inan of the Provincial Government 5, 1927, that it saw no reason why Early in the year representa- Council in Canton, and H.E. Sir Life Insurance Companies operat- tions were made through the Bri- Cecil Clementi, K.C.M.G., Governoring in Hong Kong should not have tish Chamber of Commerce in Can- of Hong Kong. A visit to Canton the same exemption with regard ton with a view to securing im by the British Minister (Sir Miles to deposits that other insurance provements in the postal service Lampson, K.C.M.G.), nt this time companies enjoyed when a deposit between Hong Kong and Canton. also had excellent results.

had been already made in Great)

end

Chair-

In

Treaties of Commerce

the

be said freely that British fore- castles were filled with "Dutch- men" and "Dagos," and that, in the Eastern trades, Lascars invariably predominated. It is evident that]

over-

A Trial Order is Solkited.

A. SEK & CO.

Tel. No. C. 3459,. 264, Des Vœux Road C

Hong Kong.

NOTICE TO SHIPOWNERS, MASTERS & AGENTS.

The Yuen Wo Seamen's Institute always has ́men available to ship....as watch- men, seamen, &c.

Our men are employed by the leading passenger lines. We guarantee" salis– faction.

Please phone or call: K.661 No. 2, Saigon Street, Yaumati or

C.2560-No. 36, Tung Man Street.

The election of these Members there has been a great change since by the firmation at the Annual Meeting.

Committee requires con- those times, for the return of en-

gagements of seamen in Great Bri Finances of the Chamber, tain and Northern Ireland during! Receipts from Members' Sub- in 1926, and Chamber's fees from three or four years, leaves no man- scriptions are lower by $1.225 than 1927, like those of the previous surveys are less by $720.55 as com- ner of doubt that British subjecte pared with last year. Sales of the are far in the ascendant on British Annual $245.75, have reduced the cost of Report, amounting to

ships. Indeed, they are publication to $579,53.

whelmingly so, for the percentages On the year's working, a balance of "British other than Asiatics and of $11,181.12 has been carried to Africans" are 98.9 per cent for the General Reserve Account. For the first quarter of the year, 95 per first time for some years, the Chin- cent. for the second quarter, 94.7 be accepted in cases where there ese Language School showed a sur- for the third quarter, and 94.8 per was at present no Polish repre- plus of income over expenditure cent. for the fourth,

On the other hand, "foreigners sentative in the Colony, etc., who amounting to $870.28, due to an in- possessed authority to issue certi-creased attendance of students dur- other than Asiatics and Africans" ficates of origin or visa certificates ing 1927.

amounted respectively to only 2.8 The General Reserve Account per issued by local bodies.

cent, 2.4 per cent., 2.5 per Chinese In a further dispatch, dated now stands at $60,963.04 as com-cent, and 22 per cent. August 30, 1927, the Secretary ofpared with $48,901.64 at the end of ranged from 0.4 per cent. to 0.2 State wrote that the Polish Gov. 1926. In order to spread the cost per cent, Arabs from 1.6 per cent, ernment now desired to be furn of the Secretary's leave pay over to 1.1 per cent, and "other Asia- The improvement in trade noted Britain, but was of opinion that The Government wrote on March Ished with the names of Chambers the Intervening period of service, tics" from 1.2 per cent to 1.5 per at the of 1926, gathered such companies should not be ex-23, 1927, enquiring whether

a sum of $1,300 has been put to a cent. of Commerce or other bodles au-

Compared with the corres reserve, at which annual rate the ponding quarters for 1926 and momentum during 1927. In the empted from the general provisions Chamber of Commerce was of thorised to issue, certificates of absence of trade statistice which of the Ordinance. With reference opinion that notice of accession origin in Colonies, Protectorates necessary amount will be available 1925, these figures show no change

when required. it is hoped the Government will to the second paragraph of the should be given on behalf of the and Mandated Territories that had

of importance. If anything, the soon resume it is impossible to Government's letter, inviting sux Colony to the Treaty of Com-acceded

A temporary overdraft was ob-percentage of foreigners other than to the Treaty. The give definite figures, but the in-gestions regarding the supervision merce and Navigation with Greece, Colonial Government accordingly tained from the bank in order to Asiatics and Africans tends to de- CHEUNGCHAU NOTES

apply funds on Axed deposit for cline, and so does that of Chinese creased business recorded by Go- and control of Life Insurance Com- down Companies, and the fact that panies in Hong Kong, the Chamber/which was signed on July 16, 1926, | enquired whether this Chamber the purpose of tuking up $25,000 of and Arabs, but the differences areį in London. Attention Was in-would be prepared to accept ap Hong Kong Government six per very small. Of course, it has to a position to ex- the tonnage of vessels engaged in scarcely felt in foreign trade entering and clearing press an opinion on such a technical vited to the provisions of Article pointment as the competent body to cent. loan for Public Works. The be remembered that the returns 28 (3), In view of the fact that it issue certificates of origin for this Cash and Investments of the Cham-refer to engagements of seamen at the part during 1927 increased by and Intricate question.

was considered undesirable that Colony. The Committee replied ber, subject to the temporary over- British ports and include crews' em- 8 million tons. indicate that a Freight Tariff Alterations.

notice of accession should be given in the affirmative.

draft above referred to, amounted ployed in the coasting and near definite recovery of trade has taken The Chamber, on March 8, 1927, on' behalf of this 'Colony to the Customs Duties: Changes. at the end of the year to $57,796.73. trade, but even so, it is apparent" place.

wrote to the China and Japan Protocol on Arbitration Clauses An explanation of the method of

Wireless Development. Homeward Freight Conference, therein referred to. (Under Arti-¦ calculating Import Duties in A great deal of business of a Hong Kong, suggesting that altera-cle 28 (3) the two contracting | Indo-China by means of co-ef- Colonial Government for the fol- confulential nature has come before tions in rates of freight be notified parties agreed in their relations cients was received from H.M.lowing notes on the development of the Committee in the last twelve by advertisements in order to en-with each other to give effect to Consul-General at Saigon, through Wireless Telegraphy locally during montha. In regard to the export sure that shippers receive early the provisions of the Protocol on the Hong Kong Government, and 1927:--- trade in cassia olla perplexing and equal opportunity of becoming Arbitration Clauses drawn up in has been placed on file. On July situation has recently arisen in aware of these changes. The Geneva in 1928). The Colonial consequence of the reported dis- Chairman of the Conference replied, Secretary pointed out that acces- envery by the consuming markets on March 14, that this suggestion slon to the Treaty would of course of a percentage of alcohol in ship had been adopted, but that the bring these Arbitration proposals ments of casein oil. These allega present system of distributing to into force only vis-a-vis Greece: tions are being thoroughly investi-

exporters 18 early 经过 possible but it would necessitate legis- gnter by the Export Sub Addenda setting forth alterations lation making verbal agreements committee, with the assistance of in basis rates of freight would be to arbitrate binding in the case of the Government Analyst (Mr.

contracts with persons subject to E. R. Dovey, F.L.C.) and Mr. A. C.

Greek jurisdiction. Franklin, FL.C.

Confidential Business.

contisued.

Carriage of Goods by Sea. The Attorney General informed

•

The Chamber is indebted to the

4

that the percentage of foreigners

and Lascars in the more distant and Tropical trades is still small.

EXTRA FERRIES FOR THE FESTIVAL

SUMMER RESIDENCE.

Cheung Chau Island,

Saturday.. The annual (Chinese) theatri- It is well remembered that the cals organised by the local "kai- war had a great influence in clear fong," held in the towering mat ing British ships' of foreign crews shed in front of the fishermen's I. Cape D'Aguilar W/T Station the risks wern too great, and it now temple, opened on Friday and will 25, 1927, an additional import duty | (V.P.S.)—(0) Three short wave appears that British-born subjects run on till April 25 The per- formances attract the usual of 2 per cent, ad valorem was im transmitters were built in the have fully retained the hold on our posed on all goods introduced into Electrical Workshops and were in- Mercantile Marine which they then crowds and special ferries run Indo-Ching from whatever source stalled during the year, and have secured. British men for British each day to and from Hong Kong-

The hours are as follow: they originated.

proved most satisfactory.

ships" is the satisfactory conclu- (b) A new 6 Kw. Motor-Alter alon to which these figures point. From Hong Kong 6 am. and 10 nator set was Installed in Alike from the point of view of the am. (the latter a convenient shipowner and the crew, this is hour for those who wish to spend (e) The revenue from Cape what is to be desired."Journal of the day on the Island), 1 p.m.,

D'Agullar W/T Station has | Commerce.”

December, 1927.

'shown a satisfactory 'increase

of 82 per cent. during 1927.

II. The Government School for

3 p.m. and the usual 5.30 p.m.; from Cheung Chau 7.40 am, 2 On [p.m., 3.15 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Sunday evening the usual 7 pm. trip is made.

Sailors' Home Trustees. Two vacancies having occurred amongst the Trustees of the Sailors' Home, through the depar ture from the Colony of Messrs. The Chamber replied that for A. O. Lang and G. M. Young, the Measures to bring the Hong the Chamber on July 29, 1927, that reasons expressed on February 14, Committee (under Section 3 (2) of Kong ocean going passenger certi- ficate in line with the equivalent it is proposed to enact an Ordin-1925, it was considered undesirable Ordinance No. 6 of 1925) appoint- certificate of the Board of Trade ance which shall contain the pro- that notice of accession to this ed in their stead Messrs. M. T. training, Asiatic Operators was re-reception from time to time. It is

Some friends are taking the have occupied much attention and visions of the Carriage of Goods Treaty be given, it being assumed Johnson and J. H. Little who had opened on January 4, 1927: Thirty- hoped to effect an improvement in

opportunity to pay a visit to look the considerations involved are re-by Sea Act, 1924. The Home Act that accession with reservations kindly expressed their willingness one students attended: 15 passed, 5 1928.

V. The Meteorological W/T over the cottages with a view to (The reasona to serve. Later, Mr. C. G. g. failed and 2 obtained posts as corded at length in the ensuing contains a clause permitting ship was impracticable. pages of this Report.

ments to be made to neighbouring referred to in the foregoing sen- Mackie took the place of Mr. M. T. telegraphists before completion of Station at the Royal Observatory renting in the summer.

The rains have been welcome the course. The remainder left the call-sign G. O. W.). Here 1% Kw. The thanks of the Chamber are home ports without a bill of lad-tence are fully stated in the Cham-Johnson.

school before the end of the course, telegraphy and telephony was open- for the gardens but the dreaded again due to the Colonial Governing, a mate's receipt only being re-ber's Annual Report for 1925, p.p. University Finance Committee ment of Hong Kong for its rendi- quired. In applying this

clause 78-79).

On leaving the Colony Mr. G. M. or did not sit for the examination.ed for traffic on April 1, 1927, Ita caterpillars are beginning to ap III. Interport Traffic-Owing to range is 500 miles for telegraphy pear and it is hoped that there nesв to consider representations to Hong Kong it is proposed to

will not be a plague like last year. On March 21, 1927, the Chamber Young resigned his seat as Mem- made on various subjects, and to make it apply to all sailing ships agreed with a proposal by the Gay-ber of the Council of the Univer- unsettled conditions in South China and 100 miles for telephony.

the amount of traffic handled varied VI. The non-commercial wireless -Our own correspondent. appoint Government officials to (ie., Junks, etc.,) and to regular erniment to give notice of accession sity of Hong Kong, and of the considerably.

The service to service, (Police Stations, Police confer with Committees of the steamship services between the on bahalf of Hong Kong to Finance Committee of the Univer- Swatow was resumed on April 5. Launches, Rescue Tug and Light- Chamber when occasion arises. Colony and Macao, Canton and the the Anglo-Jugoslav Commercialsity by statutory authority as

A service to Amoy was opened on houses) were maintained in a satis During the year there have been West River. The opinion of the Treaty.

member appointed by the Chamber. September 24.

factory manner. helpful discussions with officials of Chamber of Commerce WOD re- On November 18 the Chamber The Registrar of the University IV. Rugby Press; --- Approxim- VII. Radio licences. for am- the Public Works Department and quested on these proposals, and expressed its agreement with ad wrote on March 30, 1927, stating ately 206,030 words were received atours. Number of receiving MERCHANTS' OPPOSITION TO Harbour Department on vehicular further, whether any other coastal cession to the Treaty of Commerce that he was desired to communi and distributed to various Govern Hoences fasued, 58; Number of ferries; with the Harbour Master trade should be included in the and Navigation between the United cate to Mr. Young, through the ment Offices and to the local Press transmitting and receiving licences on the proposed Harbour Board, modifications.

[Kingdom and Hungary.

Chamber, an expression of appre- Atmospheries have interfered with; insned, 8.

It

and with the Government Analyst The reply was that the method on questions connected with certi- proposed for adapting Article VI fication of export commodities.. of Rules in relation to Coastal

Early in ita term of office the Trade to local requirements' was) Committee was deprived, on their acceptable to the Chamber. departure for home, of the valuable was not thought necessary nor de- services of Mr. A. O. Lang and sirable to extend the modiñcation Mr. G. M. Young. In the last few beyond regular services between days another great loss has been the Colony, Maeno, Canton and the sustained in the departure of Mr. West River, or to include any other D. G. M. Bernard, who, held office coastal trade. as Chairman of the Chamber. In 1923, 1926 and 1927 and whose sound judgment and wise counsel, have been of inestimable value, to the Chamber.

Trade Statistics. "

Travel Organisation,

It

The Chamber expressed its sym-] pathy with the objects of the Lon- don Chamber of Commerce in | establishing a Travel Organisation Section, principally in order to Two Members of the Chamber promote and encourage travel both wrote during the year enquiring to and from Great Britain. whether the Chamber was taking was intimated in a letter, from the any steps to persuade the Govern- London Chamber that assistance ment to revive the Statistical Branch of the Imports and Exports and information would be gladly Department. The writers were in-rendered to travellers from the Far formed that while it was consider-East who may be visiting Great ed that the re-establishment of the Britain. Information is requested {ns to difficulties or inconveniences Statistical Department would cer- tainly be advantageous, the Com-experienced by Members of this mittee did not feel that the pre-Chamber when travelling to or. sent financial condition of the from Great Britain which might be Colony would warrant a recom-removed by co-operative action. mendation to the Government that United Kingdom Duties on Silk.

Members of the Chamber called the expense of the Department should be undertaken. The Com- attention to a decision by the Cu- mittee noted that the writers tomsauthorities in the United themselves placed considerable Kingdom that silk ribbon with value upon local statistics; unfor- which cardboard boxes of China tunately it appeared that the Gov-Ink are trimmed is dutiable; this ernment had it on record that on in spite of representations that the average loss than 100 copies of the boxes were of no commercial each Issue of the Trade Returns value, being simply conf were sold, indicating that" the in- Recipients in'"England sugg terest shown by firms generally that future consiguments be was not very great, and in the in plain cardboard boxes or Government's opinion not sufficient outside decoration Is used, it con to justify the expenditure of about sist of cotton material with no aus $80,000 per annum in malutaining plefon of álik or the Department. It was anggested Arrangement

1

WHERE TO FIND SHIPS IN HONG KONG HARBOUR-CHART OF THE PRINCIPAL MOORING BUOYS.

STONE

QUARANTE

ANCHOKAGI

ANGRAOUS GOODS

ANCHORMA

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CENTRAL

WONG HIP

tut and wojna

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Bu da on on dis bis bu 89

ибиб

HONG KONG HARBOUR

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Buay

TIENTSIN TAXES.

AUTHORITIES.

LEVY ON CAPITAL

Tientsin, April 10. Negotiations for the payment of a lump sum of $80,000 monthly by the Chinese merchants in Ifeu of the collection of the special luxury tax as in Peking have broken down. The question is still not settled.

The Tientsin authorities are making careful investigations prior to the actual levy of the tax, At the same time, collection of the special licence tax at Tientsin has not been started by the Chihli provincial authorities owing to strong opposition by the local merchants.

The officially fixed rates are 211⁄2 per cent. on the capital of larger business establishments such as, banks, Jewellery shops - and industrial companies and 11⁄2 per cent. on ordinary business housea.

*** Foreign Banks, Toe.”.

} Initial capital, circulating capi

tal and reserve are all included in the term “capital", in - taxation. Accordingly, the mercantile classes consider the rafes too high.

Further, the proposed special 5 per cent. tax on the notes of: banks, including foreign banks which circulate notes in Narth China, will probably be dropped by the Pan Fu Cabinet since the bankers have manifested strong opposition against it.

The banks even threaten to de- clare a general atrike unless the authorities withdraw the pro tion, in view of the existing seri- ous: financial conditions. A News Services