1909-01-30 — Page 3

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KULANGSU (AMOY) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

PUBLIC COMPANY BEPORTS.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 1999.

CAMPBELL MOORE AND CO., LD. A meeting of the Council was held on the 26th

The twenty second ordinary meeting of share January 1909, when there were present Meholders in this ompany was held at the office W.H. Wallace (Chairman) Huang Tr'an Chew, W. Kruse, S. Okuyams, W. Wilson, the Health of the General Managers in Des Vœux Road Officer (Dr. McDougall) and the Secretary (Mr. yesterday afternoon. Mr. A. F. Arculi presided and there were also present Messrs. F. Ellis Berkeley Mitchell.)

(director), L. Borrello, A. R. Ellis, A. 8. Ellis and A. O'D.. Gourdin.

THE CRITICISM OF THE BUDGET.

Mr. Waudace, the Chairman, brenght up the following report:-

We

The CHAIRMAN, after rooding the notice convening the meeting, said:-Gentlemen; The report and accounts have been in your hands for some days, and, with your per mission, they may be considered as read. are very sorry that the account is so unfavour- able. The result is attributed to competition. depression in trade, and mismanagement by the last manager. Since the middle of 1907 and the whole of last your every effort has been made to reduce the stock. The accounts for the year 1909 will be ready very shortly. By the time. of the meeting to pass those secounts I think the general manager will be able to give you a better idea of var prospects. The mismanagement of our former secretary. and manager has boon explained to you baforo, gentlenen, so it is hardly necessary that I should recapitulate. If there is any other matter that you require explained, I shall do my best to enlighten yon.

Mr. GOVEDIN passed a remark inaudible to the Fressmen, to which the CHAIRMAN respond. ed-I don't think going into details would. benefit anybody.

The CHAIDMAN then proposed the adoption of the report and accounts, as presented.

The motion was seconded by Mr. BORELLO, and carried unanimously.

Mr. F. Els proposed the re-appointment of Mr. A. O'D. Gourdin as auditor,

The CHAIRMANI have much pleasure in seconding the motion, and I take this op portunity of expressing my appreciation of his services, and of thanking him for the great assistance he has given to the Board of Directors.

The motion was carried unanimously.

The CHAIRMAN-Thank you very much for your attendance, gentlemen, I think we can all hope for bright prospects in 1909.

HONGKONG CANTON AND MAÇÃO

STEAMBOAT COMPANY.

The report of the Board of Directors to the ordinary half-yearly meeting of shareholders to be held on Teosday, the 9th February, is as follows:--

The Directors beg to submit to the shore. holders the report and statement of accounts for the half-year ending 31st December leet.

After paying ranning expenses, salaries, premia of insurance, repairs and all other charges, there mains, including $17,755.84, brought forward from last account, the sum of $185,279.30 at credit of profit and loss account. From this amount the Directors recommend that a dividend for the half-year of One dollar and twenty-five conta per share or $100,000 be paid to shareholders, $20,000 ba written off book value of s'ésmets, $5,000 written off book value of whervos and properties, 820,000 be transferred to depreciation and insurance fund, $23,000 to account of special repairs fand, leaving a balance of 320,279.30 to be carried forward to now account.

PROFIT AND LOSE, LCCOUNT.

To Amount paid for repaim to

SLOGEOTA

To Amount paid for repairs to steamers Aso typhoon darings..... To Amount paid for repsire to

Company's Hongkong Whart Afe typhoon damage... To Directors and Auditors' Feon.

Balanco to be appropriated, vis, sen To Dividend of $1.25 per share on 80,000 Alu-Tee

To be written of book

value of SteaTROKE.

To be written of book valus of Properties and Wharves To be carried to De- preciation and In Burance Fand To be carried forward to Special Repairs Fand To becarried forward

to New Account '...

$100,000,00

20,000.00

Cr.

5,000.00

20,000,00

20,000.00

20,279.30

By samat brenght forward from

last account... By net earnings of steamers... By interest on investments., By transfor fees

$20,144.18

2,284.39

"THE CHINA ASSUCIATION.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HONGKONG

BRANCH.

- The annual report of the Hongkong Branck of the China Association is as follows:-

Gentlemen-During the past year the atten- 7,422.79 tion of your Committee has been engaged upon 4,750.00 | a variety of qubjects bearing upon British in

stereate in China, and, whenever the circum, tances have seemed to warrant it, represents tions have been made in the usual manner by telegram or letter to the London Branch or by letter to the Colonial Government.

SUBRIDIÀRY 'QOIN..

Upon the subject of the atmonlties created for this Colony by the erratio management of the Canton Mint repre- sentations have again been made. Writing to the London Branch in April we said :-". It will be within "your resollèstion that, some two years ago, in consequence of an excessivo issue of subsidiary coin by the l ́anton Mint Authorities that "commodity' fell to 101 për cent discount, dragging down in its descent, almost to the same level, Hongkong 10 cent pieces. It does not pay to issue it at a higher discount, and the end of the immediate adrazi- tagas reckless polioy thus appearing in sight the authors of it were brought to realise the attendant evils, with the result that they accepted good advice. previously offered in rain, and arrested the pace of the output. They aven went so far as to promise Sir Matthew Nathan to stop the issue altogether for three months. Whether this promise was kept is questiomble, but there is no doubt that for some considerable time the output was reduced,

BRITISH" TOST OFFICE IN TEUNTOLY. The first matter thus dealt with was an appeal from the Tientsin Branch in support of the efforts which they were making to retain the services of the British Post Office in that con- cession. Both Shanghai and Hongkong joined Tientsin in impressing upon the London Branch the importance of keeping the Office open, and the result of the Association's intervention in this particular case was, as you are aware, the The Hint Authorities continued this self- institution of a new arrangement postponing denying policy until by degrous the discount the threatened closure for a period of one year. had fallen as low as 4 per cent. Then 185,279.30 At the end of that time the problem thus tem-apparently the temptation to seize the profit thus held out became irresistible, and little by little the pace of the output was increased.

porarily disposed of willl recur, when it is hoped $219,880.65 that there will be found some more lasting method of solving it to the satisfaction of the Tintain community:

$17,755.84 167,001.34. 35,042,98 80.50

$219,880.66

DEPRECIATION AND INSURANCE FUND. Dr.

To Balanou

TABN LÖTTERY TICKETS.

"In consequence the discount has been steadily rising until now it has resolied B per cent. and the question threatens to become again soute.

"In discussing the question the local press rightly indicates the radical care for this recurring evil, namely, the fuifllment of the clause in the Mackay treaty by which China undertook to establish an uniform currency.

"Until that reform shall have been accomp lished the existing temptation to the Provincial Mints of making a profitable business out of coining will prove too much for their powers of

The next occasion upon which it appeared that representation might usefully be made was pro- vided by the introduction of lottery tickets as an incontive to the purchase of certain kinds of Japanese yarn. In a letter addrossed to the London Branch on the 26th March, we directed attention to the attraction thus held out to ignorant and thoughtless buyers, and even to those who, among

the hinese, are neither the one nor the other. Even in the case of the $587,500.00 better class Chinese bayer national idiosyncra-resistance

es must be reckoned with as rendering him $587,500.00 peculiarly liable to be led away by a seductive

appeal to chance, superimposed upon an other wise comparatively dull bargain. The hope of $575,000.00 sensing a first prize of as much as 80 hales of the commodity could hardly fail to prejudice him in favour of buying a handio of Osaka yern rather than a Bombay bundle which offers 12,500.00 no sneh sharing possibilities.

$587,500.00

RQUALIZATION OF DIVIDEND FUND. Dr.

Cr.. By Amount at Credit By Amount brought forward from Profit and Loss Account for Half Year onding 30th June, 1908...

To Balance

Cr.

By Amount at Credit

SPECIAL REPAIRS FUND.

Dr.

To enndry disbursements To balance

By amount at credit

By amount brought forward from profit and loss account for half year ending 30th June, 1908 ...

The Bombay yarn trade is, of course, the interest more immediately and directly thres- tened, but, over and above consideration arising out of the importance of protesting that, there

appears the larger possibility of $250,000.00 an extension of this gambling principle into other branches of commerce, and British $250,000.00merchante, debarred by law from competing on such terms, have every reason to fear an innova tion which contains a real danger to reputable $250,000.00 trade. The contention was set up that thangh possibly no ground for formal objection $250,000.00 exists, the matter may not improperly be unde the subject, of informal protest and friendly diplomatic remonstrance."

It is a source of satisfaction to all well wishers to Japan that the ephemeral advantage thus $12.310.88 sought after by certain manufacturers, has

5,344.81 apparently been abandoned in deference to con

siderations of a higher order urged upon them $17,655.69 by widespread public opinion

1

THE "TATSU MARU" INCIDENT. Following hard upon, and completely over. 87,655.69 shadowing, the interest create locally by this disturbing development in competitive methods came the Tatsu Maru incident, The disastrous 10,000.00 results of that incident were not clearly foreseet the outset, but the correspondence which $17,655.69 passed between this sad the London Branch would show that your Committee were alive to the situation, and at least apprehended the dangers inkorentin it. The worst of these having passed sway, no useful purpose would now be served by the publication of that correspondence, but members may rest assured of the close attention paid to the subject both in its local and in its larger sepeot.

THE MANILA CATTLE TRADE.

TRADE MARKS.

|

I have to add that informal representations made by the Governor of Hongkong to the Viceroy of Canton, and also, I believe by the Minister at his recent interview, elicited an equally informal undertaking that the Mint Anthorities will be restrained."

Judging by the result, and noting the fall in the discount as the year drew towards its close. it would appear that the Mint Anthorities have been exercising some discretion, but it is not possible yet to feel any security against a recru- descence of their former policy,

HONGKONG OPIUM REVENUE. The serious question raised for this Colony by the inconsiderate action of His Mjesty's Minis- ters, in suddenly announcing an early intention of closing the opium houses, seemed to the members of your Committee to call for prompt representation, and at oneo the following

KEPT PRISONER BY AWFUL HUMOUR

Hands, Arms and Ear In Serious Condition with Eczema--Cared for by Doctors, Dispensary and Nurse but Got Only Temporary Relief Could Scratch Herself to Pieces.

SOON COMPLETELY CURED BY CUTICURA REMEDIES

"I feel it my duty to let you know about my being mired of somers. A year ago fast April I ebilled my blood and it caused my hands and arms to break out. I used to tey all kinds of things and I had two different doctors and also a2- tended a dispensary for three months. Then I had a nurse come to the house every morning for seven wooka. They would seem to sage me for the thins but it would all come again and by night could seratch myself to places. My own girl has been an hour every night putting bandages on any arms and hands. Almost everyone In High St. could tell you what a sufferer I was and the doo for told me that I should never be able to do my washing again.

*Yest May my ear becaine awful, Boo. Then I rend-of Mrs. Cutler'n ohild, on King St., being cured by Outlour. Bo a neighbour kindly want and saw her, se I was a perfect prisoner and could not even go to the door or window. Mrs. Cutler told her if I tried Cutleurs she felt sure it would do me good. I sent right away for Culoara Boap, Cuticura Ointment and Culoara PiN I shall never forget the first time I used them. Shay cooled me po. I used three asta and at the end of the week I wan a dif- ferent person. This was seven months ago and I have not had a spot on me since. I have kept on using Cuticura. Soap and always shail. A friend of mine had her baby nearly all covered with sores. I told her about my cure, In fact, she had seen the stato I was in. She bought Cuticura Soap and Oint ment and her child is now" quite differ- ent, thanks to Cuticure. Mira. X. Brown, 61, High St., Stonehouse, Devon, England, Dec. 1, 1907 and Jan. 12, 1908.

Bend to nearest depot for free Cuts- cors Book an Treatment of Skin Disoxaes. Complete Taternal and Internal Treatums for Every Humour of laikam, Chidrm, and Atum condita of Cutters Boap to Cleanm the Blin Sateurs Ontment to reas of to Pulz Akin, and Desinga Pula (Chocolate Coated, in the Blood. à lingle lies often Oures... Bold through out the word. Depot: Loados, 37, Charterhouse Cou7d007; india, B. At Paul, Cabyria; CARE, kuma, Ferrata, gasow Be, Airies, LastNATIVEL Cape Town, etc; 1. H. k., Poster Drog & Chan Carp., Bom Própe. Bestan."

54-7

telegram was despatched to the Home Branch. **Press tolograms state British Government announced in House of ommons intention isano immediately ordor Hongkong Govern- ment close opium, houses forthwith. This would impose considerable financial hardship ng owing to opium farmer's contract does not expiro until February, 1910, it would ap-being prompted solely by an oarnent desira to parently involve payment large compensation serve the public interest and we had reason mab- in addition to prospective los revenue.sequently to think that it was not inopportune. Untair dislocate Colony's finance so suddenly.

·BELATIONS WITH OFFICIALS

Urge you represent need proceeding Inns In this as in all other matters in which we drastically Time required gradual rehave had to deal with the Colonial Govern- adjustment burden taxation.

maut--and have had considerable correspon-

And it is not only with the Officials of the Colonial Government that we have sought to maintain good relations. Your Committee were privileged to entertain privately His Britannic Majesty's Minister to Peking on the occasion of his visit to the Colony, in April, when he avowed himself at all times anxiona to hear the views of the mercantile community.

By letter the olony's view of the case was dence, mainly relating to The Registration of strongly urged upon the London Committes and Trade Marks and the proposed Trade Marka the replies received showed that we could confid-convention with Japan-the attitude of the eatly count upou ready sympathy and active sp. Secretariat has been consistently courteous and port, The details of the subsequent development helpful. of this affair are, in the main, too well known for recapitulation, but it may interest mem bors to learn the nature of the suggestions made from here in response to a request made by the London Chairman for an opinion of gradual reduction whereby the bardon of taxation would be rentually readjusted without any vinlent dislocation of the Colony's finances. The underlying ides of this plan. was

Similar assurances on behalf of the Gonera! that instead of closing the opium bonses Committee were given to us by the Associa the number of chests drawable yearly by tione President, Mr. J. H. Scott, whom also we the Farmer should be steadily reduced had the plassare of entertaining recently-H. The details were worked ont upon the E. the Governor honouring the occasion by his The President stated that the figures for the past three years and com. presence,

views advanned by each Branch invariably mouting upon this we wrote as follows

received the most earnest and careful atten tion of those who conduct the business of the Association at home, and begged us to believe that in communicating the opinions of the British Merchantile Community of Hong. kong we were always certain of gaining an interested and sympathetic hearing.

With referance to certain questions raised at the angual meeting of ratepayers by Mr. Bathurst concerning the accounts for 1908, of which no previous notice, private or otherwise, was given the question Wherefore being so to speak sprang on ns-ed which it was impossi. ble to fully answer offhand at the time, I have, as your Chairman, since gone into the figures and I will now give you the results, taking them in the order Mr. Bathurst had them on the paper he handed to the Chairman at the meeting. Prison Charges.--The increase is due to rise in price of food and fuel during the past two years, and to the fact that the cost of lighting the prison is now borne by prison charges account, whereas previous to moving into the new buildings the cost of lighting the old cells and barracks was dobited against police charges account alone. The cost of lighting the new prison is considerably more than the old one. Police Chargeafor 1908 are the lowest sincs -the inception of the Council. General Charges.

The increase in principally due to extraordinary expenditure in the shape of such items as Duty &a en 50 stand of armis $98; bonas of 225 to tax collector for work in connection with the Land Commision; 815 cost of taking the censure, and some 849 odd in extras on the new buildings Police. Mr. Bathurst asked "Why was the Police staff reduced from 28 in 1904 to 19 in 1908 at a cost of three hundred dollars more in wages. I find the strength of the force in 1904 was, from January to March, 24 Indians and one detective. From April to Desember one Inspector, 17 Indians and one Chinese detective; Cost in wages for the year $5,546.80, This gun was for wages pure and simple, and all ranks were on the lowest rate of pay, none having suficient service to be drawing either class or good conduct pay. No passage money, deferred pay or bonuses were included. In 1908, up to the end of November. the strength was one jemadar, three sergeants and fourteen constables, with one Chinese detective, or 19 in all On the discharge of the jemadar, the force stood at 4 sergeants, 14 constables and I Chinese detective. The wages for the year came to $5,840.14, which included deferred pay 8343.51, bonuses $226.82 and passage money $71.38, or a total of $641.71 over and above ordinary pay, class pay and good conduct pay. It must also be remembered that we raised the pay of the Police in 1908 $1.50 per man, per month, and that we have serving four men with over five years' service, 4 men with over 4, and three men with over three, all of whom are drawing class pay and good contact pay. A recruit starts at $16.50 per month, and caprise sa a constable, to 819.50 per month by

- addition of 31 in every 24 months. A sergeant, starts at $22.50 and rises to $26.50. Besides these rises, good conduct, pay is issued after every 18 months satisfactory conduct at 81.50 per month. i.e. sfter 18 month's service $1.50 after 36 months service another $1.50 and so on. Therefore all those men still serving who were with us in 1904 must be drawing more pay in 1908. The proportion of sergeants to constables was also commented on, although those who oriticise have overlooked the fact that the duties of our force are not confined entirely to police duties, but also embrace the supervisio

On the 14th July last, Mr. H. E. Tomkins of sanitary work, and the duty of looking after the prison, and the working parties of prisoners resumed his former seat on the Board. Mr. C Thiel rosigned his seat, in consequence of his outside on the roads do., which two latter duties departure from the Colony; and Mr. R. Fub that there existed no regulations' as to fittings -CANTON-HANKOW RAILWAY. would anywhere else be performed by warders, man was nominated by the Directors to illequired by vessels engaged in the cattle tradeIt need hardly be said that the question of hence the number of sergeants required. When the vacant scat. The regretable death of Mr. except at the ports of Singapore and Hongkong.always in China has bem contionally in the the jemiadar left at the end of Noyember, the Brodersen on the 4th of October last, created Steamers bringing cattle to the Philippines, minds of the members of your Committee. Very Ettle correspondence has, however, passed con- senior sergeant took over his duties, at a saving Tacancy on the Board and Mr. H. A. Sieks has sare from the two above mentioned ports, caring it, as the larger question more imme etors in his place. used to carry cattle without stalls. The diately affecting the interests of the Colony-the to confirmation Standard made several trips here along progress of the Canten-Hankow line has not eting. offer thousselves for seven trips from Annam and one from Anping. events indicate that the Chinese Authorities tre, A. O'D. Gour, the first part of 1906. Last year I made emerged into any such practicable shape na

render reprosentation of any avail. Recent

A leading Japanese match-stick company is According to the ship's official log book, the

are coming to realise the inadvisability of

reported to be arranging to secure espital from Standard has carried 3.854 cattle in the seven waiting until China passasies the capital

the Swedish Match Trust. This trust was voyages out of which thirty-one have died while and engineering akill requisite for the

formed in 1906 by eighteen match manufacturing building of the northern section, and it

OPIUM MONOPOLIES.

companies of Sweden for the sale of en roate. On the trip across from Anping 17 is to be hoped that the existing rumours of a

matches, Another development of the opium question and it has been able to overcome the JapanNES were lost, but as post was found among the dead foreign loan, to be devoted to that purpose, will which necessitated our taking action, arose when match competition in India. The Swedish $1,200,000.00

I have reason to believe that post was the cause prove true.

the Provincial Authorities at Canton made' an Trast, on the other hand, has been feeling 587,500,00・ of the mortality. The buffalo were unharmed. The work of construction on the Kwangtong attempt to establish a monopoly. The case ras anxious regarding the sources of its futurs The Standard has maintained the same fittings section has been watched with interest. It is plen on all fours with that successfully fought supply of waed for match sticks, which it cannot 250,000.00

on all her trips across the China ses and no the year in the rate of progress, but it is at least being put in possession of the facts we at once

sant to chronicle a great improvement during against the Nanking Viceroy last year. On obtain wholly at home. Learning that Japanese match manufacturers, who have repeatedly failed in attempts to form combination, are animals suffered with broken legs and the beat dombtfulhether development is proceeding wired to London në follows: 79,428.85

possible care has been taken of the cattle while along lines best suited to the ultimate require Kwangtung authorities issued notifestion anxions to secure foreign money, and also that 5,344.81 in transit. On the various voyages the

ments of a great trunk railway. There is

placing restrictions upon sale opium calcul. there is an abundant supply of match-stick wood 4.724.75 Standard has encountered good me well as bad danger lest the elaims of the future should be

"ated create monopely; seriously threatens in Japan, the Swedish syndicate has made 57,996.85*

mado subservient to a shortsighted anxiety to British Indian trade: beg you represent investigations into the position of the Japaness weather. The trip from Anping was a terrible secure immediate returns. 45,497,47

agreement reduction Indian trade; does not industry, and the outcome is that it has now ono nad fraught with great danger. The

KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.

"alter existing treaty obligations governing decided to invest money in the indas ry in 185,279.30 fact that the Standard arrived. bore from the As regards the Chinese section of the

Japan, and negotiations are proceeding with Kowloon-Canton lino we have had to remark Formosan eattle port with a very small loss of upon the slowness of the progress made and the British Consul-General in Canton sufficed to

The promptness and energy displayed by the several Japanese companies.

A proposal was made that the Swedish. Trust $2,395,772.03 animals under suck trying conditions, would difficulties which seemed to boset the acquisition stay the Viceroy's baud, and the restrictions should take half the amount of the capital of the Japanese matek-stick company already referred plainly indicate that the Standard's fittings are of the requisite land. These dification con- complained of were withdrawn. in every way suitable. Had I been notified by which Mr.lementi succeeded in purchasing withdrawal applied to the whole of the Kwang. Japan the Trast hesitated to agree to the trust unfavourably with the easy manner in But, although it was understood that their to, but in view of the depression of bussines in the Insular authorities that may fittings were Negotiations the be unsuited for the trade, I would have demanded for the British section of the line, and it is discovery was made that they had not been tween the Trust and the Japanese company 8 $1,002,638.42 proper attinge from my chartarer, such as significant that not an owner, and without in weiding taken to carry thein into fores marcial intelligence. If the combination is

however, again been opened, says Com would comply with existing regulations; this more expeditiously but cheaper,

An account of these proceedings, with which successfully arranged, a large export of match 8,000.00 matter being entirely up to the local importers any way easing trouble among the villa

The Chinese Officials entrusted with gers; "who chartered the Standard.

we were furnished, was passed on to the London sticks will be the result, and in that case the 144,744.26

a similar task on the other side of the Branch by letter, but again through the activity price in Japan will rise, and the match industry, The statement that the cattle were cruelly frontier are reported to have met with and firmness of the onsul General at Canton which is already entering from the depression 128,796.77 treated is absolutely denied. The animals have opposition, from which it is reasonable to the situation was straightened out before it had in trade, will be reduced to an even worse pori- tion. The manufacturers outside the proposed 22,152.09 never been fastoned with nose ropes, but the lines oonclude either that they are not paying their time to develop any awkward features.

1,000.00 have always been passed around the horns. The land-owners of New Territory, or that the

combination have been holding conferences to with that promptitude which placated the way

A situation in which the Colony was more consider the course to be taken.

The leading matah manufacturers of Kobe cattle when received at either Anuam or Anping requisite authority from the Viceroy has been immediately and ritally concerned arose out of a 675,132.00

693.18 were poorly nourished, having been for days with- withheld. But though we have had to deplore Late development of the Japanese boycott when, and Osaks are considering a proposal to in- 322000.00 out bax or water prior to their embarking on the by which we could assist in accelerating it, and aging the ill-feeling which ultimately led to riot possible, to obtain a charter to monopolise the

slaw

progress there seeme, no way open to us on suspicion of being prominent in eacour corporate the industry into one company and, if Standard. I once refused to sail until more only with reference to certain practical difficul-disorder, a number of Chinese residente export of matches, There are 124 match food was sant on board, which detained my ship ties, displaying some of the inconveniences were served with notices of banishment. The factories in Kobe and Osaka. Of the number for a day and caused the importer to make a of Chinese control over the Enginoor-in-Chief, number of those who had not disguised their 15 in Osake and 17 in Kobe have temporarily 48,908,10 deduction of a third on the promised payment.

We on one occasion to request the sympathies in this matter being considerable, suspended operations. The export of Japanes "I disclaim being considered a ornel man, I tesistance of the London Branch. The matter great uneasiness prevailed throughout the fastches so far this year shows a decrease of 40 9,07887 wouldn't attend a Manila cockfight, nor would. I

at issue was ultimately settled in a satisfactory Chinese Community, and feeling at one time per cent es compared with the corresponding manner and we have not since heard of any ran so high that your Committee felt justified in period of last year, and the outlook is considered 82,395,772.03 And pleasure in witnessing this exhibition of similar attempts, an the part of a set of men appealing to the Colonis Government to relieve mest hopeless unless united efforts are made

cruelty,"

who are inevitably ill informed, to set in direct it. The reception of our communications led by the companies to relieve the situation. It is defiance of qualified advice.

to believe that our action was recognised as expected that the amalgamation scheme will

come to a successful issue.

of some $200 per annum, a constable being pro- moted sergeant in the senior sergeant's place. So that instead of having one jemadar and three sergeants, as in 1908, wo now have 4 sergeants No doubt, on the arrival of the Assistant to th Superintendent of Police, the Watch Committe will consider whether it is practical to reduce the number of sergeanta.

THE OPIUM DIVANS.

Biz opium shops were selected by ballot to be closed on April 12th; in, sccordance with the local regulations.

HARMSTON'S CIROUS.

The attractions are well maintained and the popularity of the entertainment is growing. The management announce an amateur riding contest which should appeal to some of our loes] sports, as a handsome trophy will be presented to the competitor making the best attempt at standing on a horse three times round the ring.

Special trains to the Peak ran after last night's performance.

A matinée will be given this afternoon."

AN UNORTHODOX CALLER.

At the Magistracy yesterday a native wearing a long silken robe was placed before Mr. J. H. Kemp on a charge, of entering house No. 2 Chater Road in the early morning hours. The tenant of the house, hearing the door being pushed open, and seeing the intruder enter nooured him and headed him over to the police When asked what he had to say, the defendant told his Worship that he went to the same hour, during the day to look for a clansman, but could not find him, and so returned later,

Two now tail-shafts and propellers have been constructed for the steamer Heungshan, and fitted at her recent docking, and a new spare paddle-aliaft ordered from England for The usual Government the steamer Honam. survey and overhaul of the steamers Kisshan, Sus Ax and Sui Tei have been effected during the half-year and the fleet is in good running order.

been nominated by the These nominations ar

by the shareholders 57 - dia sud W. Hutton Potts, The retiring auditors,

re-election.

Chairman,

R. SHEWAN,

Hongkong, 26th January, 1909.

LIABILITIES. Amount of "apital, 80,000 Shares

of $15 each fully paid up... Amount at Credit of Depreciation

and Insurance Fand....... Amount at Credit of Equalization

of Dvidend Fund Amount at Credit of Investment

Fluctuation Fund Amount at redit

Special

Repairs Fund Unclaimed Dividends Sundry Creditors Hilla Payable... Amount at Credit of Proft and

Loss Ac.

ASSETS.

Falus of Steamers Honam, Heung-

and

shan, Sui-da, Sub-Tai and Hot Sang and the of Kinshan and Ard of Sainam, Nanning, Lintan, and Samut Value of Lighters

Wolce

Halks and Value of Wharvos, Value of Properties at Canton,

Moorings Kongkun and Wuchow Value of Spare Gear and Stores.. Value of Furniture

Value of Shares in Public Com-

panies Value of Chinese Bonds Loans on Mortgage Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Current Account Interest sccrued Sundry Debtors... Bille Éacaivable

His Worship pointed out that if the defendant could not find his friend there during the day,; Marine sad

Fire

Insurance

it was hardly likely that he would find him there Premia paid on sccent of 1909

at four o'clock in the morning, and sentenced į

the defendant to two weeks' imprisonment

23,268.10 824.26 28,535.68

1

Captain H. Ball, master of the sa. Standard, requests ns to insert the following latter in correction of a paragraph which has appeared in a. Manila paper, and is presumed to have been extensively copied by other Eastern papers, It was not reproduced by the Daily Press, but we comply with the request for publication because of the general interest of the letter

"Inasmuch as

the Norwegian steamer Standard has come in for an undue share of adverse criticing through some of the Manila newspapers, because of an alleged infraction of cattle regulations, I offer the following About two yours ago I made my ärst trip with cattle from Annam to Manila. I had been informed

Another subject frequently discussed and written about was the growing menace to the prospects of British commerce in the Far East from the imitation of trade marks. The whole petion of the proper protection of trade marks has occupied a large space in the work of the year, but as the correspondence between the London Branch and the Foreign Office, and between the local Branch and the Colonial Government, has been invariably confidential, it can find no place in this report. The results have, however, been satisfactory in so far as that many doubtful points have been cleared up, and sridenes has been shown of an earnest desire, on the part of all British Offcials concerned, to safeguard, in every way in their power, the interests of the mercantils community.

to

.

"The number of chests actually drawn by the Farmer during the last three years is exceptionally low.

These years have been bad years in every rospect and the period is too short to give a fair average. The average for the last 10 years is slightly over 1000.

In view of this figure it is, in the opinion of this Committee, justifiable to recommend that:--

(1) The divans be not interfered with during the period of the present farm, but that the number of chests drawable be reduced from 1,800 to 1.200 per annum.”

(2) That in the new contract, to be made in 1910, the number be reduced to 900 cheste per annum.

(3) That in 1913 a scheme of annual reduction be adopted, the details of which shall depend upon the progress of China's efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation." We have not heard whether thase suggestions recommended themselves to the London Com mittes, but we trust that they will receive the approval of members.

"conditions sale."

were

THE BANISHMENT ORDERS,

are

THE RETIRING COMMITTER.

The members of the retiring Committee

Mr. D. R. Law, Mr. H. E. Tompkins, Mr. C. H. Ross, Mr. J. W. C. Bonnar, Mr. W. G. Humphreys, Hon. Mr. H. W. Slade, Mr. E. G. Barrett, Mi. H. R. B. Hancock, Mr..A. 8. D. Consland (Hon. Secretary), and

M. STEWART, Chairman.

JAPANESE AND SWEDISH MATCH COMBINE.