1929-03-28 — Page 9

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1929.

ANCIENT CHINESE CURRENCY

Demand Drafts Nearly 2,000 Years Ago!

[

“FLYING MONEY” „OF TANG DYNASTY

THE CHINA MAIL SPECIAL TOURISTS' SUPPLEMENT.

WHERE'S THAT?

Legends About Colony's Place Names.

CATFISH CREEK IN CHINESE

city

nounced "Sa Shan Kwoon," mean- ing correspondence (or mail) re- pository.

Causeway Bay. "Toong. Lor Wan" are the characters recognis- ed by the Tramway Co. Toong is braas, Lor is Gong and Wan means bay. Authorities who have made a study of these colloquialisms can only attribute this name to the

HONG KONG

Facts About The Colony

SHIPPING AND COMMERCE-

Hong Kong is an island about

W99 sub-

TUNG SHING

Dealer

in

JADE STONES, JEWELLERY, SILK

SHAWLS & IVORY WARE

also

GOLD & SILVER SMITH. WHOLESALE & RETAIL.

37 QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL

HONG KONG.

Tourists who go about the Lecturing at the Rotary Club at [was provided for the issue of notes. along tram or bus routes will shape of the adjoining hills, resem 10 miles long and from 2 to 61⁄2 the Astor House Hotel recently, Consequently the currency system Rotarian Mr. K. P. Hu of the Pe-was greatly improved. Toward the look surprised if told that amongter for brass is believed to have 32 square miles; it is close to hling a brass gong. The charac-miles broud, with a total area of king-Mukden Railway gave a most end of the Dynasty, however, owing the stops are such places as "Catfish been introduced to clarify the allu-the mainland, being separated at interesting address on Chinese to extensive military operations, 80

sion as the character "Lor" pro- Creek and Brass Gong Bay."

one point by a narrow strait Coins and Currency. He supplemany notes were issued that notes

nounced by itself may mean several (Lyeernoon) not more than a quar- mented his remarks with several with the face value of 50 taals

Translated literally, these are the other things.

ter-mile wide, and Was

Arst valuable specimens of ancient coins, would not buy ten lbs. of rice. equivalents of Quarry Bay and

Causeway Bay has another Chin-

occupied by Great Britain in Very few notes were issued dur- Causeway Bay, respectively, in the ese name by which it is equally ceded by the Treaty of Nanking in and photographic remnants of old

January, 1841, and was formally, currency notes. Among the lattering the Ming Dynasty and the only

Chinese characters as depicted on well-known. This is "Dung Loong 1842; British Kowloon was an imprint of an old draft, samples left were printed during

Jow," which means Lantern Island.sequently acquired by the Peking bearing a chop signifying that it the flung Wn period.

the tram indicators. For the bene-A Chinese gentleman whose family Convention of 1860; and the New was payable on demand at Chengtu,

There were no notes issued dur-fit of those unable to read Chinese has lived in Hong Kong for three Territories, being a peninsula in! Nanking, and one other city anding the first part of the Manchu the following are given. carrying a warning that fraudulent Dynasty.

generations says that as far as he the southern part of the Kwang- The military operation imitation of these drafts rendered against the Tai Ping Rebellion dur- this is merely a mispronunciation fact that there were, at one time, June 9, 1898.

Kennedy Town. The Chinese for knows, this name arose from the tung province, by a lease signed the guilty party liable to capital ing 1860 necessitated the printing of the name punishment and offering a reward

"Kennedy," which two islands. Kellet Island is one. comprises an area of about 891

The whole colony Which Tourists Should of notes both in tael and in cash. of 300 "Kwan",to those giving in- The relative values of the notes

sounds Geen (guttural G) NayThey were, in the direct view of square miles, with

Observe a population formation of such forgery. Mr.

Day and Seng for town. were so fixed, that 200 cash would

Song the "Tin Hau," (Heavenly Em- (1921) of 662,200 (1925, est. Hu also exhibited a form of cur- be equivalent to one tael in notes. really denotes a town or city, wall-prees) Temple at Causeway Bay, 874,420). The non-Chinese resi renes made of metal of the size The Government banks at Amoy,

Ito which an annual pilgrimage is dents, excluding- пата! and and shape of an old-fashioned key, Fonchow, and Tientsin were first to but minus teeth. This, he said, eirculate these notes. Although was used as a draft as early as the notes were supposed to be legal

THE FAMOUS “TOKUGAWA" SCREEN, the days of Christ. This impletander, even the Government tax ment was engraved with a number*

Sign For Profit

bureaux were unwilling to accept them. Then the Government had

taxed amount could be paid in to fix a percentage at which the

of characters, some of them ira gold, in order to prevent Imitation. The draft was bought in one city and payment was returned on pre-notes. Even for this the public did, sentation in another city. The

not want to accept notes. Officiale manufacture of this currency was, tried to doctor the issue and mer-.. very complicated and ordinary per-chants manipulated the exchange of sons could not do it.

notes is get prof. The value of notes dropped. Foreign merchants Mr. Hu said that in the ancient on the other hand bought the notes days China was essentially an agri-ut a great discount to pay the per- cultural country, consequently the centage of import taxes allowed principal assets of the people were by regulation. The Government farming implements. In the pro-bureaux had to accept. It was said cess of bartering, implements such that, principally through these as shovels, spades, ec., formed the manipulations, one clerk in the principal medium of cachange. Ministry of Finance, while having Tsan Pi," or abovel currency, was an official salary of 30 or 40 taels, therefore the earliest type of cur-owned property reacy known, the coin being in the millions! shape of a shovel. This was fol-

lowed by "Dau Pi," or knife cur-

worth 50 to 60

.:

·Squeeze Stopped

I was not until the Government

rency, the coin being in the shape had bought back the notes at a fix- of a knife, another of the mosted price that this system of squeeze commonly used implements for from these manipulations stopped. harvesting grain and for general Since the introduction of modern use. One end of the coin was a banking, more emphasis was laid round ended handle with a hole in on the reserve, the printing, and the centre to facilitate tying to gether and the other end a knife the panic of 1916 the large Govern- issance. With the exception of blade. This explains why the Chinese character "L" standing led at a discount.

mert Bank notes were celdom quot- for profit is composed of two char-

Rotarian Young thanked Mr. Hu acters knife and a grain, and also in behalf of the Club for his ad- has the meaning of sharpness. As dress. time went on the coin took the form of the round end with the handle omitting the blade. This evolved into the round coin with a square hole, which form has been in use to the present day. This has been called "Chuan Pi," or spring currency, signifying the re- semblance between the currency and the spring water which is sup- posed to flow continuously without interruption.

As business grew and travelling became more frequent the deraand for the medium of exchange in- ereased. Carrying of coins became clumsy and inconvenient, and some substitute had to be sought.

Paper Notes

It was said in one of the Con-. furian Classics that as early as the first part of the Chow Dynasty, about 1.000 B.C, a kind of currency note consisting of a piece of cloth two inches wide by two feet long, chopped with a Government Seal, was used. Probably this was the earliest form of currency note ever used in China.

But the actual use of the paper note started from "Fei Chuan," or "flying money" of the Tang Dynasty and "chizotze" of the Sung Dynasty, no sample of which can, however, at present be found.

During the Sung Dynasty notes were extensively printed with no adequate reserve for the issuance. Paper notes were found every- where, for buying daily nécessities, paying taxes, and defraying public expenses, in fact, for all forts of purposes until the value of notes dropped to about one per cent. The ill effect of the notes, however, did not become serious as the de- nomination was limited to the "Kwan" or one thousand eash only. During the Chin Dynasty, about the beginning of the thirteenth cen- tury notes with denominations such as one hundred, four hundred, one thousand "Kwan," or one million cash, were issued. Ten years later the value of the notes dropped to such an extent that, notes with ag gregated face value of 120 million "Kwan," or 120 billion cash, were. worth only one tael of sycss! The modern mark and rouble, there- fore, had nothing on China!!

Ming Dynasty During the Yuan Dynasty, about 1280, a certain amount of reserve

SWATOW DRAWN WORK CO.

14, Pedder St..

(next to Jardint, Matheson & Co)

The right store where Drawn-

thread Work & Embroideries

are sold at lowest fixed price.

FOR ALL THE LATEST

BOOKS

and.

MAGAZINES

call and see the large selection at

THE EXCELSIOR CO. 16, D'Aguilar Street. (next to Flower Street) Hong Kong and PENINSULA HOTEL Kowloon

ed-in.

This wonderful work of art is the work of the famous artist, "Nishimura." Mr. Nishimura was one of Japan's finest exponents of silk hand embroidered work. This screen, all hand worked, was the triumph of his remarkable life as an artist. It represents a view of the Nilke temples and is considered piece of art which ever has been made by him and one of the best examples of silk hand embroidered be the finest screens outside of Japan. There is only one of its kind and it could not be duplicated. It took the artist fourteen years to complete. A marvel of patience and fine workmanship, it could be classed as one of the marvels of the world. In fact, it has been said; "what the pyramida are to Egypt, this screen is to Japan- ese art." The screen is made in four panels and stands 6 feet 3 inches high by 10 feet wide when fully opened. The frame work being of tas nest Japanese lacquer with heavily gilt carved corner pieces and is mounted on ballbearing castors. The screen can be seen free of charge at MESSES, KOMOR & KOMOR'S ART GALLERY. No lover of art should miss this anique opportunity of viewing this masterpiece of Japan's most famous embroidery artist.

A Free Port

the

TEN TIPS

HELPTUL ADVICE

fort, Cruise Members are requested to adhere to the hour shown for the movement of their party and to move only with that party.

Disembarkation

Members will best study their own comfort and convenience by avoid- ing crowding in the corridors or at the gangway, Fifteen minutes be- fore the assembly hour for each a. gong will he sounded ship. Members

Port Regulations--Arrival Landing at most ports is pro-party. hibited until after the ship has throughout the been passed by the Health, Im- should remain on deck or other con- inigration and Police authorities.venient place pending such noti Due notice will be given regarding|fication, attendance of Cruise members and delay and discomfort to all will be avolded by prompt attention to these important matters.

Motor Cars

In filling motor cars for shore ex- carsions, the Cruise Management work, wherever possible, on the rule Party Registration

of placing four persons in each Cruise Members are respectfully seven-seated car and three persons requested to note the following, in each five-seated car, in addition. which will apply generally when to the driver. Cruise Members con- making up parties for shore exstituting themselves into small cursions:

party groups for motor ear trips should proceed ashore promptly to gether to give themselves every op- portunity of securing the desired space, keeping in view car loading as already stated.

¿

It is respectfully notified that conveyances cannot be held for those arriving late, as the common comfort and convenience of all must be studied by the Management.

It is realized that Cruise Mem- bers will wish, when travelling ashore, to move with friends. For this reason it is not desirable that allotments to Party A. B, or C, etc., should be made at the Cruise Office without giving members an oppor tunity to voice their preference for one party or another. Prior co reaching each port, shore pro- grammes will be distributed, to en-

The co-operation. of Members of able members to study shore and

the Cruise is earnestly solicited by party arrangements.

the Management, looking to the con- Members should then decide with whom they venience, comfort and pleasure of would like to go sightseeing and re-

all coreerned. gister for the party of their

Hotel Accommodation choice. As the various parties are When hotel accommodation restricted in number, party allot-ashore is included in tickets, due ments will be made in the order in regard will be given, as far as prac- which applications are received. ticable, to Members' requests for Timely notice will be given mem- one hotel or another, consistent bers of the date. place and hour at with priority of application and the which each port party registration amount of accommodation avail- will be opened. When registration able, but no guarantee can be enter is made party allotment cards willed into. be issued.

Non-Attendance at Party Registrations Shore excursion features are identical for all parties. To many, therefore, it will be a matter of in- difference with which party

Attention is drawn to the fact that rooms with bath are not includ- ed in Cruise fare." The Cruise Officer should be given early ad- vice of any special hotel require- ments when every effort will be

antee can be entered into thereon. made to secure same, but no guar-

Optional Shore Excursions Members holding Exchange Or-

requested to turn them in at the Shore Excursions are respectfully for Optional

Cruise Office promptly when call- ed for, in order that final arrange- ments may be made in respect of each party.

Whitty Street. This is treated made on the 10th day of the third military, numbered about 15,200 they move. Should Cruise Members in the same way, ie., Wutt Day and moon. Worshippers also visit the (1925, cat. 16,500).

not register for any party, it will Guy for street,

temple in large numbers on China

be assumed by the Cruise Office Western

New Year's Eve. A temple invari- Market Four char-

that the matter of party allotment ders issued ashore The capital of the colony is ably has two large lanterns adorn-Victoria, which lies along the allotment will be made and party acters are pronounced somewhat ing its main entrance and our in-northern shore of

has been left in their hands and like "Seung Wan Guy

See," formant tells us that the founders facing the mainland; and between card sent to member's room.

island, meaning upper District (or of the temple purposely chose the the mainland and the city is the

Shore Excursions Ward) Street Market. The particular site on account of its harbour which is one of the Buest

To avoid congestion and confu- Chinese call the centre of the position in relation to these two in the world, with a water area of slow and to ensure their own com- town Chung Wan (middle ward) lanterns. Those who have studied exception of liquor and tobacco the of holding the largest vessels for bers desirous of availing them-

islands which would form natural some 10 square miles. With the i

As the Optional Excursions are and Wanchai, HE Wan (lower

limited in respect to numbers, Mem- the interesting topie of "Fung port is froe, and is fortified. It the purposes of repair. ward),

Shu will be able to enlarge on possesses excellent locks, capable a considerable ship repairing and already purchased orders for them There is selves of auch, and who have not Post Office. This is pro- the subject.

(Continued at foot of next Column.) construction industry. Shipping ashore, should enquire at the Cruise

entered (1923) 26,701,120 tons. A Office as to vacancies available. railway, of which 23 miles belong to the Government, runs from Kow-

Meals on Board

TOURISTS' MAP OF HONG KONG.

LECE

IC REGARDENS,

UNION CHURCH

ITALIAN COMMENT

AKVAL

BAKADE

GROUND

CRICKET GROBND

Belt

CHATER

YARO

VICTORIA

RECREATION

CLUB.

NOUSE

GROLİNDƏ.

STPAULS COLLECE

BANKS

N

LAKE

LAC

STATION

U

OFICE

R

loon to Canton; the length north Two sittings will be arranged for* of the Sham Chun River (which meals on board ship, to be served is the boundary of the British tor at fixed hours. Necessary altera- ritory) is controlled by the Chinese tions in meal hours to conform with Government. A light railway runs shore excursion arrangements will through the fertile valleys of the

be notified on ship's Bulletin north-east portion of the New Ter

Boards. Where a continuous or ritories from Fanling to Sha; Members should take any seat running meal is notified, Cruise" tau-kok, a distance of 7 miles. Good roads connect the principal

available and not wait until their districts with the railway.

own becomes vacant.

Climate

Regular meal hours on board will be as follows:

Breakfast Luncheon Dinner

First

... Second Sitting Sitting 8.00 am 9.00 am. 2.30 pm 1.30 p.m. 6.15 pm.

7.80 p.m. Pert Departures

Cruise Members are respectfully

The island is broken in shape and mountainous, the highest point being Victoria Peak, which is about 1,820 feet high. The Peak District is a favourite place of re-" sidence, and is reserved for Euro- peans. The new Territories con- tain peaks from 1,800 to 9,000 feet. The hot season lasts from requested to advise their Room May to October. During the win- Stewards of their re-embarkation on ter months, from November to the ship preparatory to its sailing, March, the climate is cooler, drier, Salling date and departure hour and more invigorating. The aver from each port will be conspicu age daily maximum temperature ously posted. The ship will sail ranges from 87 degrees in July to promptly at the hour advertised to 63 degrees in February, and the meet tidal or other urgent reasons average daily minimum tempera- of operation and the Company can ture from 78 degrees in July to 55 not accept any responsibility for degrees in February. The average members failing to re-join the ship. annual rainfall is 84 ip., of which

Cruise Office". no less than 75 per cent, falls be

The Cruise Office will be open tween May and september, wheur daily from 9.00 am to 5. pm. ex- the S. W. monsoon prevails.

cept while the ship is in port, when be Staff is engaged with, shore-ex-

Vast Trade

a

SWATOW DRAWN WORK CO

14, Pedder St.

Hong Kong is the centre of cursion duties. vast trade in many kinds of pro- duce, chiefly camphor, coal, cot- tons, flour, gunnies, hides, fron and steel goods, leather, matches, oils, rice, silks, sugar, tea and tin.

Much cheouragement is given by the Government to education in the Colony. In 1924 there were 1,079 schools subject to Govern- ment supervision, attended by 08,980 pupils. The University (opened in 1912) includes faculties of medicine, engineering, and arts. Hong Kong is a Crown colony, and its government 14, administer- ed by a Governor, aided by an Executive Council of 9 members.

(next to Jardine, Matheson & Co.)

The largest store for every description of wonderful Chin- ese, Hand Works & Novelties,