1904-04-27 — Page 9

HONGKONG GENEBAL

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

ANNUAL REPORT.

-The following is the report of the General Committed of the Hongkong Goneral Chamber of Commerce, for the year ending 31st Decem bor, 1903, for presentation to the members at the annual meeting, to be held at 330 p.m. to-day :-

During the past year, which was somewhat encroached upon by 1902 Report, fower subjects have engaged the attention of the Chamber, but much satisfactory work has nevertheless been accomplished in certain directions.

SUGAR CONVENTION.

A copy of this Convention, which came into fores on the 1st September, 1902, was published in the last Report. Since then much progress has been made by the Pornment Commission in putting through the necessary legislativo machinery in order to comply with the terms of the Convention.

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THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27TH, 1904.

information on several pointa, of which he made notes, and promising to give his early attention to all on his arrival in Peking. He concluded by expressing his gratification at having been afforded the opportunity of meeting the Com- mittes and thus being able to interchange views with them, and added an assurance of his readiness at all times to consider questions which might be brought to his notice by the Chamber.

The Committee have reason to believe that this interview will strengthen the Chamber's future relations with H.B.M.'s Foreign Office Representative in China and lead to even more ready and sympathetic acquiescenso with the views from time to time laid before His Excellency,

ADDITIONAL TAX ON FOREIGN OPIUM

----AT CANTON.

A proclamation issned by the Viceroy's authority with regard to the re-imposition of an additional tax on foreign Opium in the Two Kwang Provinces appeared in Canton in June last, and as prompt measures were necessary in order to prevent the collection of this illegal tax, a telegram was despatched to Mr. Walter Townley, H. B. M.'s Charge d'Affaires, Poking, protesting against the proposed re-introduction which

tax

modified forta of the was successfully opposed after negotiation extending over seven months in 1962. Full details followed by letter mail support also solicited from H. E. the Governor and Mr. Consul-General Scott. Energetic steps were taken by Mr. Walter Townley and Mr. James Scott at Peking and Canton respectively, with the result that in Angust last the Committee had the satisfaction of learning that the exaction had once more heen stappeil.

As the Imperial Government undertook, on behalf the Colonies not pausessing reaponsible Governments (of which Hongkong is one) to take the necessary piensures to prevent bounty-in fed sugar which has passed in transit through the territory of a contmoeting State from enjoy ing the benefits of the Convention in the mar ket to which it is being sent, local legislation became neccssury, and a Sub-Committee, om- posed of the Chairman. Vice-Chairaun, and Hon. C. W. Dickson, was therefore appointed to watch the affects of the findings of the For manent Commission on the import and export sagar ends of Hongkong. At the Govern anent's request rarions Ruggestions have been rade during the year with the object of leading the proposed legislation in the direction best suited to the peculiar conditions of the trade in this Colony. The Colonial Scorotary for the time being had been appointed as the Fiscal Authority" in Hongkong.

OFFICIAL CODE VOCABULARY,

Since 1890 the Telograph Companies have boon striving to impose on the Mercantile Community of the Workl in Official Code Vocabulary, and with equal regularity this Chamber along with many others, chief of whom was the London Chamber, has strongly protested against such JAPANESE MARKETS AND HONGKONG SUGAR, nu arbitrary measure, which would have had the The Coned for Japan in Hongkong having | effect of forcing a higher rate of expenditure written to the Daily Preau protesting against | upon those who use cables by restricting the the imputation levelled by that paper against number of werds and signs at their disposal and Jupau for the discriminating treatment accorded also throw upon owners of private onces great in Japan to Hongkong sugars as compared with inconvenience and expense through the necess Japanese manufactured angars, a latter was sont ary amendment of their codes, which in many to the Consul calling attention to cortain in- accuracies in his letter, and the opportunity was taken to point out that, although the discrituisa-

Report of the Commission appointed by H.E. the (b.) That in view of Dr. Jordan's long sor. Governor in 1901 to inquire into the working rice as Honlth Oficer of the Port, His Excell. of the Public Works Department, the Com-ency recommended that he should be allowed to mittee came to the conclusion that the cost to rotain his private practice on shore, but only ou the Colony through the employing of the Crown the distinct understanding that when himself Agents was not incommensurate with the sor. engaged in private practice he will always place vices rendered. The advisability of all Govern at the disposal of this Government another Of ment supplies being purchased locally was dealt cer as his substitute to discharge the duties of with, and the view expressed that public works Health Officer of the Port, and who will not of a special nature or of argency might be tako private practica on board ships. entrusted to private firms. The Coylon Cham- ber's reply contained an expression of thanks for the information sent from Hongkong.

PROHIBITION OF CODLIE IMMIGRATION

AT SINGAPORE.

The Committee of the Singapore Chamber wrote in June last explaining the reasons which had prompted it to support the Government in connection with the prohibition of the immigra. tion of coolies from Hongkong on account of the provalence of Plague in this port and inquir- ing whether soms means of examining Chinese passengers could not be devised of so stringent a nature as would reduce to a minimum the chances of Plague cases occurring on the voyage or on arrival at Singapore. After full considera- tion, a reply was sont expressing the opinion that no examination would be adequate to provent Plague oconrring on the voyage, and pointing out that the profit on the trade would not permit of any further expenses being incurred by the steamship owners hure. A suggestion was made that if Chinese labour is necessary to supply the labour market of the Straits Settlements, it might be of advantage to found

a segregation camp on one of the namorous adjacent, islands from which the transfer of the coolies into Singapore could be regalated in useminnus with the requirements of that Colony and at the expense of the employers of labour there who profit by employ ing Chinese coclies.

There is reason to believe that the Singapore Government recognises that the only way out of the difficulty would be the adoption of some such system, as the Chambor of Commerce theto recommended the extension of the existing quarantine station and segregation camp on. It. John's Island.

EXPLOSIVES ON BOARD BTEAMERS IN. THE HARBOUR.

(e) His Excellency further recommended that if Dr. Jonian was not willing to accept these conditions, another Health Offear of the Port should be appointed in his place on the same terms as those offered to the Second Health Officer of the Fort.

FLECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO

→ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

H. E. Sir Henry Blake informed the Chamber. that he had granted a your's leave of absenes to the Jon. R. Shewan us from the 5th August last and therefore requested the nomination of a temporary Member of Council in his paco. A special General Meeting of the Mombers was hold on the 12th idem, at which Mr. H. E. Pollock, K. C., was elected by 63 votes to 54 for Mr. E. A. Hewett, His Excellency after. wards signified his approval of the nomination,

IMBECILE PRESONS INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE 1904.

This bill, which became law on 23rd February, 1904, was introduced in the Legislative Council last August under the name of "Imbecile Immi

The committee at that time oxpressed the opinion that the abova recommendations, itration Ordinance." carried into affost, world, they hoped, put an end to the delays in the inspection of vessels that had occurred in the pist, and therefore agreed to His Excellency's suggestions.

Its conditions were so onerous that the Chamber strongly opposed each stage in Council through the Acting Reprs- sentative of the Chamber, Mr. H. E Pollack, K.C., and the Government were inducod to This hope unfortunately was not fulfilled, and somewhat restrict the proposed liabilitios under the Chamber found it necessary to agaia draw which Owners, Charterers, Agents, Consignes the attention of His Excellency the Offeer and Masters of vessels were to be subjected to Administering the Governmout to the inconvoni. fer landing parsons in the Colony who after- ence and loss suffered by the large shipping wards became lanatio, ete, and a chers on the interests of this colony through the new arrange-rates within 6 months of such landing. The went not having produced the anticipated result, as in consequence of the Health Officer of the port and his deputy being engaged with their private practice in various parts of the city, it not infrequently happens that when their official services are required they are inaccessible. Dr. Keyt is thus often the only officer available to attend the ships coming into the harbour, with the result that delays uro of frequent occurrence.

His Excelloney has, however, not seen his way to follow the committea's suggestion to employ a Government Official without privata practice but with a qualified assistant, and the committee regret having to record this decision as they feel their suggestion is the only remedy for the delays now experienced.

JUNKS FLYING FOREIGN FLAGS TO EVADE PAYMENT OF CHING-FEI" TAX LEVIED AY THE VICEROY OF THE TWO-KWANG,

period of 6 months was finally reduced to three mouths, the aggregate expense limited to $5,000, oxemption permitted if it could be provel that such person iccame lauatie, etc., after embarka tion at the port or place from which he shipped and the right grisen to demand from the Authorities à cortificate of refusal of permissiou to land.

With these concessions the Committee had to be content, but they regard with some concern the recarront desire of the Government

to saddle the shipping interest with expenses which threaten to deprive Heagkang of its advantage as a cheap transhipping port. Your Comunittes have had in mind throughout their deliberations on this Ordinance that the raten- tion of freedom from direct taxation and the repression of useless restrictions is the policy

should be treated if its prosent volun is to be which the shipping passing through the harbor

maintained or increased.

The shipping Firms and Agencias supported the notion of the Committee by addressing a petition to Ifis Excellency the Officer

strong orgatents were brought forward for the withdrawal of the Bill. but unfortunately His

0

HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIPS IN THE CHINA SQUADRON.

Alaority, de patoh-boat 1,700 tons, 10 guns, Albion, battleship, 12.050 tours, 15 guns, Capt. 3,000 h.p., Canide. . Do zork, Hongkong

Fremantle - gkong Agarine, loop. Pál tous 6 gans, 1,106 4.p.. amr. Rward Nagout, en routa Yangtza Amphitrito, let class cruisor 11,00 tona, 18,00

up. Capt. Charles Windham, C.V.O., Hongkong

Bramble, gasboat, 710 taus, 6 gaus, 1.300 h.p.,

Lisats Comdr C. O. M. Makins, Yangtaza Britomart, ganbost, 710 tous, 6 guns, 1,800 h.p..

Liont-Comdr. Thos. D. Pratt, Yaugtsza Centurion, battleship, 10,50 tons, Capt. Fegen,

Hongkong

Cressy, oruiser, 12,000 tons, 14 guns, 21,000 Eclipse, cruiser, 5,000 tons, 11 guns, Captain

h.p., Capt. Henry M. T. Tador, Mies Bay

Stokos, en route W. ihaiwni Espiegle, gasboat, 1,070 tons, 10 guns, Comdr.

Ernest G. Barloa, Tongkang Feme, torpedo-boat destroyer, 360 tons, 6 guns, 5.700 h.p.. Lien-Comdr. C. Asser, at Fearless, gauboat, 143 tons 12 guns, Conde,

Hongkong

Vaughan Lewan, Chamalpo Glory, battleship, 12,950 tons, 16 guus: 13,500

p. Car in A. W. Carter, Ingkong

Bart,

top te bout destroyer, 200 tons, 6 gun", 2,000 h.p., in rusorI

torpadi-beat destroyer, 260 tons, 6 guns, 4.000 h.p., iu rosea Humber storship, 1.613 tons, Comir. John D. Janus, torpelo bout destroyer, 280 tons, 6 gaus,

Daintree, Hongkong

3,900 6. p., Lieut. Comile, J. A. Gregory Kinsha, rive gunboat, 311 tous, but to le Lisvinthan, orais, 14,100 tons, Capt. Hon, W.

Christopher P. Motoslt, on Yangtze G. Stopford. Woilaivel Hearhon, river gunboat 130 tons, 2 guns,

Lieut-Condr, G. G. Wobster, Hongkong Oconu, battleship, 12,950 tons, 16 gaus, 13,500

1. p. Captain R. F. O. Foote, U.M., Hongkong

Otter, torpedo-beat destroyer, 350 tons, in

reserve

Phoenix, sloop, 1015 tons, 6 guns, 1,400 k.p.,

Comdr. J. Nicholas, Shanghai Rambler, survoying-ship, 383 tons. Com.lr.

Cha E. Monre, Hongkong Rinaldo, sloop, 980 tons, guns, Comde. D. St.

Aubyn Wako, en route Singaporo

Romario, sloop, 980 tone, 6 gaus, 11,190 h.p., Robin, river gunboat, 85 tons, 2 guns. 210 h.p., Lieut. Comdr. Vaughan, West River

Coindr, Thos. Jackson, Yangtsze Sandpiper, river quabont, 85 tous, 2 guus. 21

h.p., Lieut.-Comdr. E. W.Jones, West River Sirius, 2nd class cruiser, 3,600 tons, Capt. C...

H. Moore, Hongkong

Lieut.-Cdr. Ernest W. G. Davidson on Yangisze

Following up the representations made last your, the Committee again draw the attention of the Government to the fact that a large number of-trading junks using the Harbour as The Government wore approached with the native craft after leaving the waters of the cases have been compiled at great expense and object of restricting the disabilities under which Colony hoist cortain foreign flags ander Con Administering the Government in which very Snipe, river gun-boat, 85 tons, 2 guns, 24 h.p.. sular Anthority and proceed to Canton as years of work.

steamere carrying small quantities of dangerous foreign craft. Mr. James Scott, H. M. Con The support of the Home Government Postal goods are under on arrival in the Harbour. The

sal-Gonerul at Canton, roferrail to the matter Lion alluded to in his letter may have heen aimed Authorities was obtained, and instead of the fact of the port being free emphasized the belief in his Annual Report for. 1902 as a state of Excellency refused a couply with the wishes of Sparrowhawk, torped baat destroyer. 360 h.p.. chiefly against bounty-fed Continental sagar, it compulsory vocabulary, the International Con- that at least similar regulations might be applied affairs which is obviously aasatisfactory both as obviously applied equally to sagar from Hong-forence decided to alter the rules relating to as are in rogue at the Treaty Ports of Chin regards the Hongkong Government and the kong not bounty-fed and there was wanting any codes, and after 1st July, 1904, any combination but the Government could not see its way to Imperial Maritime Customs in China. Certain increase of 8 Firms and Public Cotapanies and Tast, receiving ship, 4,600 ton. 5 gaus, ovidence of a desire on the part of Japan to of letters not exceeding ton in number will be

gens far in this direction. Some concessious trout Hongkong predacta us Japanese products passed as a code-word, provided that it is pro-were, however, granted, the value of whichgestions were therefore made which, it is are trusted in this Colony.

nounceable according to the use of the language depend on the promptness of the Harbour Offen hoped, will be acted upon, so that the Harbour 27 respectively.

LICENSING OF TILOTS.

It will be remembered that a long correspon dence with the Goverument took place in 1902 with the object of making it obligatory on the part of the pilots plying for hire within the waters of the Colony to register themselves with, and prove their qualifications before, Board having the requisite authority from the Government to act, and although, as was pointed out, similar regulations were in force dealing with the porswains and engineers of steam hunches, the Government could not then seo its way to extend the principle to pilots

to which taxle-words have been limited, other combinations of letters will be counted as five letters to the word und the prohibition of letter cyphers which hitherto prevailed, is removed.

THE CURRENCY QUESTION. The cosolution passed at the Special Gauoral Mesting of Members held on 18th February, 1903, in favour of the Straits Curroney Com mission extending its inquiries to Hongkong with a view to ascertaining whether reform of the Colony's enrrency arrangements is advis able, was communicated by H. E. Sir Henry Blake to Mr. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, who in reply referred to the resolutions pussed at the conference between de legations from United States, China, Mexico, and Great Britain regarding the monetary systems of silver-using countries and the establishment of a National Currency in the Chinese Empire, Resolation No. 2 reading as

The Committes again brought the matter forward in December last and instanced the Angrant incompetenss of the pilot on board the 5.3."Tjipands" whenshe steamed over the wreck of the "Pakehan," which happened to be in differently buoyed with danger signals. The Captain was fred for negligent seamanship by the Harbour Master, who would neither refollows:- cognise the part played by the pilot nor allow nim to give evidence.

The Government replied that the matter was receiving attention, and recently a Bill has been introduced by the Government dealing with the question.

BROKERAGE ON STOCKS AND SHARES, The committes proposed to the Stockbrokers" Association of Hongkong that brokerage should be borne by the seller only, as the present system in vogue of charging both buyer and seller with brokerage precluded the brokers from acting impartially for both parties. Unfortunately the association was unable to see the force of the argument, contending that the danger of

partiality would only be accentuated by the

Change Innamach as u broker might consider his duty was due mors to the seller from whom ho would receive his commission than to the bayer from whom he would not receive any brokerage, whoroas under the present system it is the im- perative duty of a broker receiving his commule sion from both sides to see, to the best of his ability, that both bayer and soller are treated with the greatest impartiality and in accordance with the ruling ratos on the market,

MIR ERNESTRATOW'S INTERVIEW WITH THE

COMMITTEE.

Officials in meeting incoming steamers, thereby preventing delay. It is hoped tlust before long the Government may be induced to do soy with any unnecessary restrictions of this nature

TELEGRAM DEPOSIT SYSTEM.

and regi.tered numbers of such junks to enable Master may be kept informed as to the names him to refuse them the right of entry and clearance in the Colony. The improper use of alien fings by Chinese junks will then be dis couraged.

MEMBERS,

Lieut-Conde. Co ringtoo, Hongkong the Petitioners.

Takn, torpade-boat do roger, 250 tons, 6 gan,

5100 h.p., in 10 The presont membership is 144, showing an | Talbot, cruiser, 5,650 us, 11 gans, 0,600 h.p,

Capt. Lewis Bayley, Singaporo 3 privata individuals, who now number 117 and

Mussrs. Deacon and Hastings and Edwards.

Pixy & Co.. Led.. haru resigno their member- ship, and the Holland-Chin Trading Co. took over the membership of Massrs. Hetz s’Jacob & Co.

The following have bean admitted to member- ship subject to confirmation at the Annual Moeting:-

At the end of August last some internal

STORM WARNINGS. arrangements in the Joint Administration of

The exertions of the Committee in 1992 were the Eastern Extension Australasia and China rewarded by H. E. the Governor agreeing in Telegraph Co.,, and the Great Northern Tele-May lust to introduce the flag system of weather

Messrs. Goddard and Douglas, Barretto and graph Co., induced these Companies to cease signals as worked at Shanghai for the inform

Co., Lamke and Rogge. E. C. Wilks and Co.. the old system of demanding just suficientation of Shipmasters, but without displacing S. S. Co., Ed., Osaka Shoven Kaisha, Jarn- Chut On Fire Insurance Co., L., Shiu On corer from their regular customers to meet the cone system in use. His Excellency's current indebtedness. The new regulations, opinion and that of his expert advisers was

China-Japan Liju. China and Japan Telephone published at two days notice, demanded a stated as being that the cous system was a better and Electric Co., Ld, Deucou, Loeker and deposit in the joint names of the two Com and safer system and familiar to the local junk Deacon. Mr. B. H. Sharp. K. C., Mr. G. C. ponies at a special Bank, a equal to the average monthly account of commencement of the discussion the Chumbor

sum of money population. It will be remembered that at the Moxon, and Mr. A. M. Essabhoy.

each sordor of tolograms, or if this were not suggested the introduction of a flag system, but

Since itselection at the last Annual Meeting agreed to, cash payments to be made for each

His Excellency then arrived at the conclusion in May lust. the only changes taking place separate message as sent. At the request of that an alteration in the Hongkong system of have been the temporary substitution of Mr. several Members of the Chamber, a strong signalling storms was not desirable and that a

H. E. Pollock, K. C.. for Mr. R. Shewan ng protest was male against so high-handed a system of flag signals to convey weather informe-officio Member in August last, and Mr. C.

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE.

Commodars . G. Diskas, at Hongkong Toal, river gaaboat, 180 tons, gans Lieut- Comdr. F. E. Dugmero, on Yungtsz Thotis, arniser, 3,100 tons, Capt. J. O. A

Wilkinson, Shanghai

Twi, turboat, 382 ton-, 3 guns, 200 b.p.,

on Yuughsze Vengeancs, battleship, 12,950 loas, 13 guns, 13,500 hp, Capt. L. C. Stuart, C.M.G., Mira Bay

Vestal, sloop, 980 tons. 10 guns, 1.400 h.p.,

Comdr. Start St, J. Farqabar, Singapore Virago, torpedo-boat destroyer, 360 tous,

in reserva

Whiting, torpedo-heat destroyer. 360 tone, 6 Waternitol, surveying ship, 620 toas, 450 i.h.p.,

Comdr. E. C. Hardy, Double Haven

gass, 5,900 h.p., Lient.Comdr. Wella, Hongkong

Wire, const defez co ship, armoured, 2,750 tous

1,000 h ... in reservo, at Hongkong Woudsock, gunboat, 150 tons, 2 guns 550 h.p..

Lisut. Cor. Hugh Somerville, Yangiez Woodlark, grabont, 150 tana, 2 guus, 350 h.p.,

Liou-Com. Wason, Yangtzze

NOW ON SALE.

r.

IMPERIAL QUARTO INGLIS # AND CHINESE

DICTIONARY. WITH THE PUNTI AND MANDARIN PRONUNCIATION.

proceeding. A long correspondence ensued, ination was. for the reasons indicated by the Act- Michelan having left the Colony in January, D which it was pointed cut amongst othering Director, not suited to local conditions. arguments that :--

"That a national currency for the Chinese Empire, consisting of silver coins which shall be full legal tender throughout the Empire, is urgently desirable." "As soon as practicable, steps should be taken. .) Longor notice should have been given. for the establishment in China of a fixed rola- (2) The injustice of a person desiring to do tion between the silver unit and gold."

business with only one of the two Companies Mr. Chamberlain considered it would be being obliged to deposit his money with both inexpedient to appoint a Commission to inquirejointly,

into the Hongkong Currency arrangements as (1) That to make the amount deposited equal it appeared to be out of the question to entertain to an average month's telegrum account was the idea of adopting a gold standard of currency tantamount to making each depositor a creditor in the Colony while China remains a silver of the Companies for the greater portion of sack standard canntry.

month, which was more than the joint The Tientsin Chamber having been informed | Administration were entitled to, and that a

take action with regard to its Currency invited ¦ more equitable proveeding.

Eventually the Chamber drew an extended sodo. of symbol signals for day, and lautern signals fer night work, to meet the objections raised against flags as well as on economical grounds. Now that the Government has introduced the Shanghai flag system it is felt that at least a fair trial may be given tolt and objections raised later if found necessary.

The Committee's suggestion that an addition- al signal station should be established at Cape Collisos ant Green Island was vetoed on the ground that these places were not in direct tele.

1904, Mr. A. Haupt was invited to re-join the Committee.

DEUTER'S POLITICAL TELEGRAMS.

Since the last Meeting the Committee have made a contract with the Renter's Telegram Co., Ld., for five years at a monthly unscription

of $500.

!

PROPOSED DIRECT PARCEL POST EXCHANGE

BETWEEN HONGKONG AND UNITED STATES

AMERICA.

For comprobonairenosa and practical service this Work stands unrivalled. All the new words which the Chinees have of late years been com polled to coin to express the numerous objects iz Dachinery, photography, telegraphy, and in science generally, which the rapid advance of foreign relations has imposed upon them, are bero given in extenso. Each and every word in fully illustrated and explained, forming exercises for students of a most instructivo nature. Both the Court and Punti pronunciations are given, the accents being carefully marked on the best principle hitherto attained. The typography of body, thereby effecting a vast economy of displays the success of an attempt to make the Chinese and English typo correspond in the size

The Committee have pleasure in reporting that the joint representations of the Chamber, and that of Amoy to the Hongkong Government phone communication with, and the signals Henry Blako, and roferred to in last year's which were strongly supported by H.E. Bir could not be verified by, the Observatory Off-report, bare had a satisfactory jane. cists.

space, achieving a cloarness not previously Parcels may now be sent direct From Hong-altained, and dispousing with those vast margins

free special telegraphic information from the rapidly prore a great convenience and incentivo following facts are submittedfor consideration :-- ters of Vessels or their Agents may now obtain song by post to places in the United States, and and vacant spaces which have heretofore charac

there is little doubt that this service will terized Chinese pablications, Observatory by calling at the Telegraph Com- to trade. pany's Office in the Praya or through the tole

A concession was granted whereby all Mus.

that the Chinese Government were anxious to reduction of the deposit by one half would be a the Shanghai and Hongkong Clambers of Com- 14.) That the claim by the Companies to the merce to join in drawing up a Memorial to the whole of the interest allowed by the Bank on Diplomatic Body in Peking with the object of | the deposits was unjust and contrary to custom, instigating sympathetic support by that Body and the argument for the retention of the with the aims of the Chinese Anthorities. interest by the Telegraph Companies as put Your Committee advised that the first step to forward by there on the ground of the credit wards a solution of this complicated question allowed and trouble of bookkeeping was considered phous or calling at the Folies Station at Kow. should be the establishment of a uniform nation-by the Chamber to be unreasonable. al currency, as provided for by Article 11 of the British Commercial Treaty of Shanghai of to pay cash for such telegram sout, much 1902, as until reform in this direction was carexponse, delay and consequent annoyance to the ried out, it would not be possible to satisfac. whole Mercantile Community would result, as torily deal with the question of stability of the handling of cash in small amounts is not a exchange in China. The Tientsin and Shang quick process, especially in this Colony. hai Chambers agreed to this course of action, as

ARBITRATIONS,

I

(5.) That if all sendors of telegramas oleotad | vantage to Masters of Vessels on the point of Members, and the expert survey reparts made and upwards of 600,000, Chinese characters

loon Point, and this will doubtless prove of ad-

sailing.

The Asting Director (Mr. Figg) reported that the Observatory was well equipped with Mateo rological instruments.

REDUCED CABLE BATES TO EUROPE.

The hope expressed in last year's Report that

Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in well as to the proposed absorption, instead of the rofund half of the sums deposited with them the repeated representations to the Cable Com require surveys to be conducted under the

To illustrate the vase scope of the work the

Chalmers Vocabulary contains about 16,000 Chinese characters, and Medhurst's English and Chinese Dictionary about 100,001 whilst this Work contains more than 50,000 Englian words Agniu, despite all the grammars and other elementary works as yet published, the student of this difficult language absolutely requires ex- amples to display the various applications and quivalents of different words which have one general meaning. Of these examples this work contains more than five times as many as any other Dictionary litherto published.

For practical purposes the arrangement of the work is so complete that a reference to its pages enables a person who understands English to communicaté s fuclátely with nativos who under. stand nothing but Chinese. In this respect the

During the year 8 differences between buyer and seller were referred to the Chamber by on the goods in dispute were in all cases accepted by the applicants. Following the precedent not on former visita

As one of the objects of the Chamber is to encourage reference to arbitration in trade of H.B.M.'s Ministers at Peking to the Colony,

disputes instead of by redress in the Law Courts, the Committee took the opportunity of inviting

the Committee consider it satisfactory to place In the end the Cable Compasion agreed to Sir Ernest Bator, G.C.M.G., H. B. M.e Envoy

on record the increased inclination on the part of manufacturers and merchants in Europe to China, to meet them and receive an Address on closing, of the provincial Hints, and the Joint and to allow the whole of the interest on the the various questions awaiting settlement relatemorial from the three bodios was despatched remaining portion to the depositor. A return panies on the subject of the excessive rates auspices of the Chambers of Commerce.

to the old system would have bem preferred, ternational Telegraph Conference in May, 1903, terest to $4,256.84 and is separately invested, to each Member of the Diplomatic Body in ing to the Colony's commercial dealings with China, amongst which were

Peking, the Doyen of whom replied that the but as the Companies find themselves unable to fortunately turned out to be correct, as from the partly in Hongkong Hotel Co. 6 per cent. Do work will be found indispensable to all Europeans Obstructions in the Canton River.

Diplomatic Body was highly interested and accede to this plan, your Committee ure of 15th July, 1903, the rate-to-Europe was dropped entures purchased on 31st December last at residing in China, and to the natives themselves Legistration of Native-owned Junks under greatly appreciated the efforts and zeal of the opinion that the system now adopted is not

without its advantages.

from Francs 7 to 5.50, a reduction of over 20 par, and the balance in 1 per cent. Hongkong it explains subjects fully with which very few per cent. The competition of the new Pacific and Shanghai Bank Fixed Deposit. No do indeed of them are perfectly acquainted. To Cable to Manila has been the direct cause of the mands have hoon made on the Fund during the parties resident in England and interested in year for discovery of rocks dangerous to naviga. lower rates for which the Committee have been tion. agitating for years past.

Foreign Flags,

Pirsoy on the West River,

Lalund Navigation Rules.

Absconding Chinese Debtors

National Coinage for China.. Payment of Customs Drities in Gold. British Commercial Treaty of Shanghai,

1902.

Proposed Increase of Taxation on Opium at Cantou.

The meeting took place in the Chamber Room on the 6th August, and, after the Address had been read by the Chairman, His Excellency proceeded to discus the subjects touched upon therein, taking them scrietin, asking for further

signatory Chambers of Commerce. Nothing, however, has transpired as to what efforts have since been made to furtkor the matter with tho

TEIVATE FIRMS.

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF PASSENGERS,

In 1807 and again in 1901 the Chamber Chinese Government, but it is no doubt to brought to the notice of Government the varly to expect that any material result has been desirability of the appointment of the Health attained in this direction at the time of writing. | Ofter of the Port being filed by an Official CONTRACTS WITH whose undivided attention would be devoted to THE GROWN AGENTS AND

the dutics of the position, and as a result of the The Ceylon Chamber having asked for the representations then placed before His Excell. opinion of this Chamber with regard to the envy the Governor, Sir Henry Blake made working of the Crown Agent System in Hong. the following recommendations to the Saerotary kong, the Chambor's, Representativo, Hou. R. of State for the Colonies: Shewan, put a series of questions at a subsequent (a) The appointment of a Second Health mosting of the Legislative Council, and from Officer of the Port who will be allowed no prae- the answers given by the Government and thoi tice of any kind

"

charged might not be without effect at the In-

CONVEYANCE OF AUSTRALIAN MAILS VIA HONGKONG AND THE SIBERIAN RAILWAY.

FINANCES.

The Pinnacle Rock Fund amounts with in-

The incore shows a satisfactory increase over that of the previous year, chiefly resulting through the increased members ip, but on the other hand the expenditure has been greater. The surplus is 5694.97, bringing the Reserve Fund up to $12.547.23 at the end of the year.

China it cannot but be invaluable occasionally.

It comprises upwards of two thousand large quarto pages.

4 Vols. IMPERIAL QUARTO, Price $20. A Large REDUCTION in PRICE is made to Parelors of SIX or more Copies.

HONGKONG: "DAILY PRAS" OFFICE. 14, Dei. Voeux

Eoad Ce tral.

The Comel of the North Australian League forwarded resolutions in favour of the quicker It will be noted that in order to obtain a transit of London Mails to Australia and the larger inname in future yours, the Bank 11-DRINTING OF AL KINDS autho-meak desirability of inangorating soon

moderate prices at as the posits on general account have been withdrawn

THE DAILY PRESS" OFFICE and re-invested on 31st December list in Hong Adekida-Fort Darwin Railway line is completed kong Hotel Co., and Hongkong & Kowloon

All proofs are read and all work of mail service via the Trans-Siberian Rail Wharf & Godown Co. 6 per cent. Debentures superintended by Englishmen. Always way to China and thence in Hongkong or hearing interest at i per cent, and & por cent. equal and generally superior to that Cantou by first steamer service to Port Darwin. I per unuam respectively.

done anywhere else. Estimates given