1933-06-29 — Page 5

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1933.

THE CHINA MATL

REVIEW OF COLONY'S COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

Chamber Of Commerce Meeting

noor

The Menace Of Exchange Instability

DISCUSSION ON TEXTILE

NEGOTIATIONS

operated closely with Commander, will further increase.

G. F. Hole, R.N., Harbour Master, This will naturally develop an to the business commuănity.

house, whose death is a great loss and Messrs. W. O. Lambert and G. expanding demand for machinery We also have to record with Swan. Government Marine Sur and material, bringing with it in-great regret the death which oc ¡veyors.

To the Government Officers and behover us here in Hong Kong to be Yue Teng, one of the soundest of creased interchange of trade, and it curred a few days ago of Mr. Chau our Committee the thanks of the alert towards future possibilities in Hong Kong Chinese merchants Chamber are due for the care and both import and export trade which and of the highest integrity, whose attention which they have readily will benefit both China and other advice and experience have been given to all matters discussed. countries..

A Free Port.

of great value to the Chamber. Our deep sympathy is extended to his family.

Debit-Balance

in the last

These included recommendations Hong Kong's Advantages.y formulated by the Government With stable trade conditions re- Marine Surveyors who drafted a stored, we are in an unequalled well thought out set of rules position in Hong Kong as a finan- governing the use of Life-saving cial and distributing base where

With regard to the Accounts, Appliances.

In addition to these, there are security, and, in addition, it is up

business can be transacted with you will not that excess of expen- diture over income amounts to many questions in connection with to us to see that we make the most $3.300.44 An important Item in the construction and maintenance of our natural advantages as a sea,

the Chamber's income in the past of ships which are also being dealt and also air port..

bas been fees from rice surveys with in conference by the above. In this connection you will note under the Chamber's standards, set That the existing variation and fluctuations in local ex- Committee. It is to be noted, how the work which the Hong Kong to meet the requirements of the change constitute a serious menace to the legitimate business ever, that thear rules however Government propose to carry out at consuming markets. The rice interests of the Colony was the contention advanced by the act- good they may be in themselves Kal Tak Aerodrome, including the trade to Central and South Ameri- ing-chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce [come as an increased expense when presiding over the meeting of that body yesterday after. Shipping Companies at a time mercial aviation, with an adminis-conditions, and tariff restrictions, to construction of a hangar for com- ca has, under prevailing economic when trade is at a low ebb, and trative block and passenger booking seriously decreased. Trade revi-| "In a comprehensive view of the year's commercial activi put vessels of signatory countries office, In readiness for impending val and an increase in membership. ties in Hong Kong, Mr. Shaw commented on the progressive to additional cost in competition developments in long-distance aerial as indicated above, should help to advancement throughout China towards modern methods; wel with vessels of countries which services.

put us on the right side again comed the announcement that a British Commercial Secretary have not signified their intention

The Government's Wireless Ser-without having recourse to our re Is to be appointed to Hong Kong; approved the development to adhere to the rules.

In September last the Board of and are of considerable benefit to

vices are also very efficiently planned for Kai Tak and commented on the Textile Contract.

run serve funds. Trade decided to undertake

Cable Service The attendance was as follows:,are of a confidential nature,

the the community, especially in pro are framing of these rules, and inviding means of communication with subscribed to Reuters Commercial For some years the Chamber has The Acting Chairman of the omitted. In addition, trade Chamber (Mr. T. H. R. Shaw) sup-quiries from many parts of the be given to local conditions, and lines; in ship to shore and meteoro daily report to members interest- en-order that due consideration might places unconnected by cable or land Telegram Service and has issued a ported by the following members world arrive by every mail, and at their request, Mr. Swan, Naval logical work, and in providing the ed. I desire to call attention to of the General Committee:-The often require a good deal of in-Architect and Government Ship broadcasting service which is much this service because Hon. Mr. C. Gordon Mackie; Hon.vestigation.

Surveyor, proceeded to London to appreciated by the public. Mr. J. J. Patersou; Hon. Mr. Paul) Work has increased also, by confer with them.

two years there has been a falling Lauder: Messrs. J. K. Bousfield, reason of the tendency of Govern-

The development of new local in-off in the number of subscribera, dustries in Kowloon and the New with the result that the cost per Stanley H. Dodwell, F. Stafford¡ments to regulate the movement of In an important harbour such as Territories, suppiled with electric head is increasing. The Smith, T. E. Pearce, Capt. G. F. commerce and to require certif-Hong Kong, the Chamber bas of power, good water and road access, would be equite

service MucLean, and Mr. M. F. Key as cates of origin. The Chamber of necessity Frequently before it is also in evidence.

inexpensive if Secretary..

Commerce has had to act lately as questions concerning regulation Commercial Secretary Welcomed.ticulars may be obtained from the more members would take it. Par The following individual mem-unofficial interpreter to merchants and Improvement, either referred bers and firms were represented: of the rather complicated British for opinion by the Government, or Louis

Recently we had a visit from Mr. Secretary. The Hon. Dr. R. H. Kotewall, Preference Regulations.

initiated by the Chamber.

Beale, ELM. Commercial C.M.G.; Mr. M. P. Talati; Messrs.

Hard-Working Staff. I take this opportunity of men- importance,

The Counsellor, who has demonstrated for example, Arnhold, &

In Mr. Key and Mr. Price we of practically at Shanghal what a keen have a hard working staff always (Mr. Ftioning that the requisite forms keeping Hong Kong £13 Lobel); The Asiatic Petroleum Co., can be obtained from the Chamber a

free and experienced, man in his position ready to further the interests of port as possible has been can accomplish. (South China) Ltd., Mr. J. K. so that there is no need for indivi-jexample, of keeping Hong Kong as Bousfield); Bodiker & Co., (Mr. O. dual firms to go to the expense and free a port as possible has been will welcome the recent announce duties for the benefit of the com- British members of the Chamber Committee to take on additional members and at the instance of the May); Bradley & Co., Ltd. (Mr. K. trouble of printing their own sup-atressed on many occasions by the ment that a Commercial Secretarymercial community. One instance] F. Stafford Smith); Butterfield & the year and, in addition to routine siderable discussion with the Gov-done by the Commercial Counsellors which has meant a great deal of I am glad to say that, after con- Work of first importance has been of this is the recent Empire Fair Swire (Mr. T. H. R. Shaw); The work in this connection, the staff ernment, a reduction has been noti- to the Legation at Peking in inter- extra and late work for Mr. Key, Canadian Pacific Steamships, Ltd. has been busily occupied in at- fed in the Light Dues.

which he has undertaken entirely (Mr. L.. E. N. Ryan); Carlowitz & tending to the various interests of

preting to the business interests, of Quarantine Anchorage. Co., (Mr. R. Schmidt); The Chun members of the Chamber,

Another point with

the United Kingdom the require voluntarily. which the ments of commercial and industrial On Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Hon.

The Chamber in this respect is Chamber has dealt is the position development in China, in making well served in its permanent staff, Mr. T. N. Chau); Davie, Boag & A particular instance of this has and adequacy of Quarantine An-known at Home the needs of these and the Committee have decided Co., Ltd. (Mr. A. R. Brown); Dud-heen the lengthy negotiations bechoragea. A number of big ocean markets, and in development and that they should become eligible well & Co., Ltd. (Mr. Stanley H. tween textile importers in Hong steamers now using the port have assisting the completion of compre- for a contributory Provident Fund, Dodwell); Fang Tang (Mr. Wong Kong and the Chinese Piece Goods found it advisable to use an an-hensive commercial transactions. Tak-kwong); The General Electric Guild. These, I regret to say, havejchorage in Kowloon Bay and this is

basd on a qualifying period of ten Co., of China, Ltd. (Mr. A. B. not reached the effective conclu- now being defined as à regular dividual merchant, working mainly SECONDER'S SPEECH. Raworth); Gibb, Livingston & Co., sion for which the Chamber work-Quarantine Anchorage for deep within the limits of his own busi- Ltd. (Hon. Mr. C. Gordon Mackie, ed for many months.

draught vessels entering The upshot of the negotiations is Lyeemoon, the existing Quarantine substantial degree. ・・・ Messrs. N. M. Currie and P. E

from nesa, cannot undertake to any

Mr. K. S. Morrison said: Barker); Gilman & Co., Ltd. (Mr. jthat the Contract of 1922 has been Anchorage at Stonecutters being

Before proceeding to second the L. Goldman); T. M. Gregory & Co., revised to afford greater protection maintained for the many local craft own interest, that any information counts, I should like to associate He can, however, see to it, in his adoption of the Report and Ac- (Mr. H. M. Gregory); The Hol- to the dealers In the matter of frequenting the western part of the he can usefuly contribute land-China Trading Co., (Mr. F. shipment and other vital clauses. harbour.

to the myself with the Chairman's ex- Lafleur); The Hong Kong & China It has been re-named "The

Commercial Counsellor's budget of pression of regret at the deaths of Gas Co., Ltd. (Mr. H. E. Stone); Standard Textiles Contract of

facts is duly made available, and Mr. George Grimble, Mr. J. H. The Hong Kong Tramways, Ltd. 1932.", Officially, however, it has (Mr. W. F. Simmons); Messrs. not been made effective because Economic Conference, it may be when we have a representative here.bers of this Chamber and of the With the opening of the World advantage to do so, all the more all of whom were respected mem- hope he will see that it is to his Backhouse and Mr. Chau Yue Teng, John D. Hutchison & Company some of the dealers state that they pertinent to emphasise the great (Bir. T. E. Pearce); The Imperial need a different method of doing difficulties under which merchants

Membership

community.. Chemical Industries (China) Ltd.business, namely, buying for "ar- now transact business under existation of the Chamber of Com-Annual Report one cannot but be

Turning to the domestic organi~ Looking (Mr. J. S. S. Cooper); Jardine, Fival" instead of for "shipmenting unstable conditions of exchange-merce, it is gratifying to record impressed by the enormous amount | Matheson & Co., Ltd. (Hon. Mr. J. which, latter, is the generally ac- J. Paterson): The Kailan Mining (cepted practice. Meanwhile bust- that it is not practicable for Honged since the last annual meeting, gation carried out in the course of The Chamber still hold the view that our membership has increas- and variety of work and investi Administration (Mr. W. Wright); (ness is being done on either the Kong-which is first and foremost and 'since the annual report was a year. W. B. Loxley & Co., (Mr. T. 1922 or the 1932 Contract.

Co., Ltd,

S. Morrison); The British-Ameri-ply. There has been a number of Chamber and by others, can Tobacco Co., (China) Ltd. (Mr. Arbitrations and Surveys during

Textiles Contract,

auccessive tariff

Menace of Local Dollar Fluctuations.

port of distribution to standardise

Is to be appointed at Hong Kong.

It is a function which the in-years.

over the

Chamber's

Touching briefly upon Mitchell); Mackinnon, Mackenzie This situation does not prevent the local dollar, but they do most completed.

some of the main activities, the & Co., (Hon. Mr. C. Gordon Mackie discussion with Manchester and heartily endorse the opinion that in

This increased support is most assistance rendered in regard to and Mr. T. G. S. Alexander); John Bradford of a revised contract a port such as this, dealing with welcome, and I hope it will be ex the British Preference regulations Manners & Co., Ltd. (Mr. W. between importers and suppliers, many parts of the world, it is essen- tended still more widely for we has been invaluable to merchants- Hanson); The Marconi Interna-land you are being asked to-day to tial for sound trading to have a need a somewhat larger annual in- Mention is made of the serious tional Marine Communication Co., signify the formal approval of the greater degree of uniformity and come.

concern with, which the new re- Ltd. (J. E. Auvaché); A. B. Maul Chamber of Commerce of a draft stability in international exchanges The Chamber of Commerce has vised Chinese Maritime Customs der & Co., Ltd. (Mesars. Wong O contract which, if you approve it, if business is to be conducted with to be prepared to deal with any import duties are viewed, and it is kut and M. A. Williams): Reiss, will be forwarded to the Manches-a-fair degree of security, and costs matter affecting the business in- to be sincerely hoped representa Massey & Co., Ltd. (Messrs. Denys ter and Bradford Chambers for reasonably calculated between the terests of the Colony, and should tions seeking some relief may be Reiss and W. H. Adler); The adoption, as representing the terms time of ordering and going Into be supported by all substantial successful. Otherwise the cotton Robert Dollar Co., (Mr. T. B. Wil-on which importers as a whole are consumption.

business institutions and firms textile trade will be very adversely sor): Robertson, Wilson & Co., now buying.

One has only to realise the vicis here:

be very Ltd. (Mr. G. W. Sewell); The Concern About Increased Duties situdes through which the Picce

affected. New Officers Royal Insurance Co., Ltd. (Mr. E. Developments in China bring Goods and other trades are passing You are being asked to-day to tion with the harbour we are pleas Shipping questions in connec L Judd); The Shiu On Steamship with them an expanding demand to bring home the vital importance confirm the election by the Com-ed to learn have been engaging the Co. Ltd. (Hon. Mr. T. N. Chau); for goods from other countries, of this matter, The Union Insurance Society of and it is to be noted that there

mittee of twelve members, whom. Il serious attention of the Committee. The existing variation and fluc- take this opportunity of welcom One cannot, but endorse the fm- Canton, Ltd. (Hon. Mr. Paul has just been another grading up tuations in exchange and the maring to our ranks. Some are old portance of keeping Hong Kong Lauder); The Union Trading Cowards of import duties. These xins between buying and selling members who have rejoined. Ltd. (Mr. S. Jex); The Unton acces with concern, both by im dise for those concerned in purely the Chamber of Commerce in suc- cope with the future developments Increases are rates may make a speculator's para-. One, Mr. Eric Grimble, joins seeing that the facilities available as free a port as possible and ot Waterboat Co., Ltd. (Mr. F. Syme Thomson); Wallem Co. (Mr. R. porters and consumers, particular monetary and exchange dealings but cession to his father, whose fami- of Far Eastern trade, Located as Johannessen), & Harry Wicking & in view of the restricted fran- to the legitimate business interests llar Agure is much missed in the we are we must see to it that we cial conditions prevailing. In tex-of the Colony, they are a serious bitsiness and social life of Hong keep abreast of the times on sea and Co., Ltd. (Mr. H. Owen Hughes) tiles it would appear that the menace which is creating a very Kong Another valued member of land and also in seriál require CHAIRMAN'S SPEECH and Bradford lines will feel the

greater part of the Manchester precarious situation.

The majority of mercantile and ing the year was Mr. J. H. Back-|

the Chamber who passed away durments. effect of the increased duties. Industrial concerns in this Colony-- Trade Year Reviewed. Smuggling is also encouraged by in common with these and other in- on them, and efforts to check this evil stitutions elsewhere have had to The Acting Chairman (Mr. Tare counteracted by the profita retrench and “ reduce overhead ex- R. Shaw) said. That in the ab- which the smugglers gain In evad- penses and they are not out of the sence of the Chairman of the ing the high duties.OR Chamber: Mr. Plummer, it devolved Following upon the Simla Con Modern Methods In China,

twood yet f upon him to present the Annual ference which our representativen Report and Accountain conjunction with those of the thus to which trade in subject, and However, in spite of the difficul- Our Annual Meeting is held Hong Kong Government attended the problems with which China is somewhat later this year, chiefly in 1931, the regulations applying faced, one cannot help being im on account of the amount of work to vessels, trading In Far Eastern pressed by the progressive undertaken by the Secretary of waters are now in form for final vancement throughout China to- the Chamber in connection with approval by the Board of Trade, wards modern methods, modern the Empire Fair, to which the From 1984 the regulations apply-factories and the use of modera Committee agreed at the requesting to the International Conven- manufactures.

Hong Kong Government, tion for the Safety of Life at Ben It is obvious that the fall Mft Shaw explained.

and also the Simla Rules will has helped China to develop a nu Annual

with probably be effective.ber of Industries herself, and principai In order to work out the many heart

them

the details

ning

FROM

SUNDAY

(Continued on Page 11,)

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