HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
Miautos of's Meeting of the General Cora mittee held in the Chamber Room, St. George's Building, on Monday, the 17th May 1909, a ps. Present Hon. Mr. E. A. Hewett (Chair man), Mr. J. R. M. Smith (Vice Chairman), Hon. Mr. W. J. Gresson, Meeste. J. W. Bonner, D. R. Law, H. A. Siebe, E. Shollin, H. E. Tonikins, J. W. Baudow and E. A. M. Williams (Secretary).
MINUTES,
The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 12th March, 1909, wore-confirmed.
CONTINUOUS CERTIFICATES OF DISCHARGE TO CHINEAS SEAMEN.
Reply from Government:--
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 25th March, 1909. Sin-With reference to your letter of the 18th instant, I am directed to state that the question of the granting of Continuous Certif cates of Discharge to Chinese seamen will be
allowed to drop.
I shall be glad if you will be so good as to return the enclosures in my letter of the 30th
altimo. I nm, &e...
F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary." *Enclosures since recsivel The Secretary, The Chamber of Commerce."
LIGHT ON KAYSING ISLAND.
The following reply was rezsived from the Government :-
Colonial Secretary`s Office, ̈* Hongkong, 29th March, 1969. Sir, I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your lottar of the 18th instant in which you state that in the opinion of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce the institution of a Light on the Southern end of Kapsing Laland is urgently required as a leuding light Deross the Harbour to the Capitan.
light
Pilot Christie'a vieros.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH, 1909.
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce. It was decided to forward to the Government visit to New Zealand will come niors con- a copy of the letter received from Capt. W. E, veniently at the conclusion of the Australian Clarke containing the views of the Commanders tour, Yours faithfully,
KENRIC B. MURRAY,
Secretary, of vessels of that Company. The Committee endorsed the views therein expressed.
Enclosures, Offcial Programme, Steamer Booklet. Blank letters of identification, were laid on the table.
I endorse all Capt. Thomas' remarks re After many years' light on Capsing Island. experience us a pilot to Canton I have no usitation in saying that the only safe guide throngh Capaing Man Pass is a light on Kapsing Island. A light on Buncansiah Hock intended as a guide through the Pass would only increase the existing danger.
ment:-
T. H. CHRISTIE.
The following reply was sent to the Govern
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, 27th April, 1909. SIB,-I bave the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th March, 1909, (No. 8824/1904) in reply to mine of the 18th idem having rolerence to the institution of a light on the Southern end of Kapsing Island.
My Committee having consulted the
regard to Shipping Companies interested with a the counter proposition of the Government that, light on Bansausish Rock wonid better nervo the purpose of furnishing a leading light for the Kapaniman, the opinion of the representa tive shipping Companies is now set forth in s memorandum dated 9th April, 1909, prepared by Capt. Lloyd, Master of the 8.9. Fashan, which I now beg to enclose.
Capt. Lloyd's opinion is supported by a lotter dated 16th April, 1909, from Capt. Thomas, Master, of the ss. cunyshan, the first of the signatories to the letter previously forwarded to the forernment by the Chamber,
Capt. Thomans' letter in endorsed by Mr. T. H. Christie, a pilet of many years experience.
copy of this letter and endorsement is also onclosed.
སོར་
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF 1906.
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Hongkong, 13th April, 1909. Sin-With reference to your latter of the 24th of March I am directed to point out to yon that the particular question which was referred to in the darpatch of the Secretary of State of the 21st January last, transmitted in my letter of the 26th of February was whether this Colony should adhere to the International Convention of 26th September, 1906, respecting the prohibi tion of the nus of White Phosphorus in the manufacture of matches.
It is on that question that this Government
UNITED STATES MONETARY COMMISSION. Reply from Mr. Moreton Frowen:
March 12th, 1909.
Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR-I have returned to Washington six weeks later than I had anticipated sad so hava drly now received your letter of the 10th of December and the Report of the Chamber for which I am much obliged.
The evidence taken by the Commission for the next three months will be for the most part the Exchange evidenca
CHINA'S CUSTOMS TARIFF.
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN FOREIGN"
GOVERNMENTS,
The Amoriens Minister, Mr. Rockhill, has communicated to the Weiwupu. the result of curtain correspondenco which has passed bo tween the American and British governments bearing upon hina's desire for an international wonference to considor the question of incrones of the customs duties apon imports... -.
It will be remembered that some time last sent December the Chinese government. notes to all the Powers suggesting such a con forence and outlining briefly China's need for: friendly assistance in this direction. No steps antil recently. Shortly after Mr. Taft became seem to have been taken by any of the Powers President of the United States, this matter was brought to his attention with the result that the Amorican government took the initiative to the the other Powers, or some of them. It is under- stood that the American governmont expressed its friendly sympathy for China's desires for a conference of the Fowers to consider the customs question and such other questions as might proporly be considered at such a con.. forence.
desires to obtain the opinion of the Chamber of banking and ourrond Spring. I should not } extent of communicating on the subject with
F. H. MAY, Coloniul Secretary.. The Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Reply to Government :-
Commeren.--I am, &c.,
will occupy boxt be surprised. if there is material of importance from, England also. The Chancellor of Exchequer has nuder consideration a suggestion ta isette crown notes" secured by silver (the proposal of the Royal Currency Commission of 1888) with which to pay the weekly old-age pensions With the silver contents of a shilling worth hardly more than fourpouca the profit on the operation is attractive. Hore Congress is to be occupied with Tariff Revision, but the state of the Exchanges with Asia is much on the minds of the representative from the Pacific Coast States...
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,
27th April, 1909, Sir.-I now directed to reply to your letter (No. 3699/1907), of the 13th instant in which the Government desires the opinion of the Clumber as to whether or not this Colony should adhero to the International Convention of the 26th September 1906, respecting the prohibition of the use of White Phosphorus in the manufacture
I think if any member of your Churber shoukl of matches
My Committee consider that, for precisely be available next Autumn or Winter, it might reasons as were advanced by thee well to communicate with Mr. T H the same Representatives of the Imperial Government Whitehead of the Bank of India, Australia and
Iama-Believe me, yours faithfully. My Committes feel that the opinions ox for the non-allerance of Great Britain on this China, London. Mr. Whitehead will know whero
MOLETON FERWEN. pressed by so representative a selection of ox-point, this Colony should not sillere to the perienced navigators are entitled to the fullest Convention. consideration and would ask therefore that the Government be good enough to reconsider the question,
A
I should to glad if Capt. Lloyd's memorandum neay be returael.—I have &c.,
E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary,
Colonial Secretary's Office, 3rd May, 1909.
"Lu this connection I am to inform you that the placing of a beacon on the Bunyansiah Bock has been under the considerasion of this Government and it is suggested that if were placed on such a beacon the purpose of furnishing a lexiling light for the Capsmiman 812,-With reference to your letter of the 27th would be batter served than by placing a light ultime I st directed to inquire what description in the position your Committea anggest, while of light the Chamber recommends should be at the same time what is a serious danger to placed on the Southern end of Kapsing Island and ill this connection Ionclose a copy of asrigation would be marked.
a minute by the Harbour Master dated the 28th altino.
I am to add that the Government will be glad to learn the opinion of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce on the above suggestion.
I am, &c.,
A. O. M. FLETCHER.
for Colonial tecretary. The Secretary, The Chamber of Commerce. Memo by Captain Lloyd. The following Memorandura prepared by Capt. Lloyd was received:
The proposal of the Government to place ight on the Bansansial Rook as a guide through the Kap Shui soon, and the opinion that it would furnish more protection to navi gation than a light on the lower end of Kapsing Inland is not likely to find endorsement amongst those who are practically affected by it.
While agreeing in the abstract that a light on Bungausiak Rock would be good thing, and welcomed as pointing out the position of a danger, it nevertheless finde ao favour as a bad weather guide throngh the pass, anil I do not think there is any keen desire for such, car- the one tainly not a a substitute for applied for. As a danger the rock exists, but I cannot call to mind any accident of late connected with it; the rame Bunzausiah is presumably derived from some "Country Wallah" in the old sailing ship days, striking it.
It seems difficult to explain the reason for
--I um, Ke..
I return herewith Capt. Lloyd's memorandum
--F.H. MAY. Colonial Becretary.
The Secretary,
Chamber of Commerce.
Miaute by the Harbour Master. Mr. Lloyd certainly makes a very good point in the fact that courses cannot be relied upon bocause of the frequent necessity of getting out of the way of junks. But the principal point upon which he lays stress is the similarity of the appearance of Kap Sing Island and of Lantao Island and he seems to be more anxions for some distinguishing mark, such as a hut, than for a light, which, as I have pointed out, would not be visible in thick weather. Such a distinguishing mark could easily and economi- cally be made with a few rocks locally obtained and a bucket of whitewash.
As pointed out in the memorandum aceon- paying your letter, it has been proved that the evils traceable to the use of Whito Phosphorus in the manufacture of matches can be success- fally suppressed by regulation.
There appears, therefore, no adequate justific tiot for the adoption of measures calculated to hamper trade.
My Committee desire to thank His Exceliouty the Governor for referring this matter to them.-I bave do..
E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary.
Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary
· INDIAN- LABQUE.
The following letter was received from the Government-
15th March, 1909. S1--I am directed to enquire whether in the opinion of your Chamber any opening exists for the employment of Indian labour indentured or unindentare, in this Colony, and whether they consider that facilities with regard to pas- sage and provisions of land should be given to encourage Indian immigration. I am, &c.,
F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary,
27th April, 1909.
CHINESE EMPIRE.
Reply to Government:-
Because of Great Britain's very large in- terest in commerce with Chinn, the matter was first taken up with the British government, The reply of the British government, as com- Chiness authorities, is in effect that no long municated by the American minister to the as Chius has failed to abolish likin barriers and to bring about reform of the currency and other reforms provided in the Mackay tresty, Grost Britain does not consider that China has a right to ask for tariff increase,
The reforms especially referred to in addition to doing away with likin, are understood to be curtailing tho minting of copper money by the RE-ORGANISATION OF THE FINANCES OF THE provincial anthorities, stopping the issue of too many barik notes, and other currency reforms. China's position towards these and other re-
as follows: forms is understood to
Chine recognises the road for all these re- forms, but maintains that the evils of which the foreign governments complain are, to a large extent.at least, due to conditions produced by the lack of anfficient incomo to the contral govern- ment from customs. Chino refers to the pro- sont castoms chatics as being wholly inadequate. It is claimed that no other government lins as low entlas upon imports as those to which China is restricted by treaties with foreign governments. Therefore, before China can bring about these reforms, she must have the definite assanmce of the Powers that they will to customs increase to a reasonable
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, 7th April, 1909. BIE-In reply to your letter of 11th February, 1909, (No. 5778/1904), requesting the observatious of the Chamber regarding a Bohemo framed by the Board of Finance for the roorganising of the Finances of the Chinese Empire, I am directed to state that my Com mittee do not feel in a position to criticise exhaustively so large and far-reaching sshome-but-o contralisation of control, which seems to be the essence of the new Regulations, would be an important step forward and greatly assist in the birth of a purer administration.
Noodless to say my Committee are entirely sympathetic towards any proposals calculated to confer benefit upon the people of China. I have to,
E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Hon. Mr. F. II. May, C.M.G.,
Colonial Beorotray.
INTRODUCTION INTO THIS COLONY OF A GOVERNMENT NOTE ISSUE. The following letter was received from the Government
-DATEG
extent.
China will agree to totally abolish likin n soon as she has soon as she has entered upon s definite agreement with the Powers for customs increase.
The too great minting of copper and other- coins will be restricted as soon as the central government is able to reimburse the provinces
CUTICURA
Cuticura
SOAP
HANDS
JARE SOFT WHITE AND SHAPELY
Bold throughout the yorts Depot: London, 27. Chartertiouss Sq.; Parts, & Rue de la Pulzi Australia. 14. TOWER & CO., Sydney; India, 15,
·K. Paul Calcutta; Chien, Hong Hong Drug
Co: Japan, Marusa, Lid, Tukic: RSDAY FE
rem, fnerow; 60. Africa, Leumoni, Town, ato.. LA, Pulter Drug & Chein, Corp.. Bula Props, 138 Columbus Ave., Bosim.
*Position, Culeurs Book on Caro of the Bkin.
F67-1-10
for the income now received by the provinces THE ACTION AGAINST THE TANSAN from this source, which will be when there is an increase in the customs receipts,
COMPANY:
The judgment in the suit brought by the The Secretary, the Chamber of Commerce.
With regard to issue of bank notes the Colonial Secretary's Offer, position of the Chinese Government is this: The Wilkinson Taman Miner Water Company
central The following reply was forwarded to the
government is responsible for all notes against J. M. Mar, was served on the defend. 15th April, 199,
* will be remembered; the The pro-ant's attorney. issued by the government banks. Government:-
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, SIR-Iam directed to inform you that H.Evincial governments are responsible for the object of the mit was to prevent the execution the Governor has at the present tinue under notes issued by lanks operating under the of the judgment rendered last yea: by tim Kobe District Court, which ordered Mr. Wilk- SIR, I bave the honour to reply to your lotter consideration the question of the introduction sanction and control of the provincial au (No. 1725/1909) of the 15th March, 1909, re-in this Colony of a Government. Note Issue on
thorities. As for the issues of private banks, inson to pay Fr. Mar Yen 35,000 und interest- the Chinese government would advise foreign due on a promissory note drawn by the former. But, if it is decided that a light is to be quoting an expression of opinion from this the lines of the system already adopted in the erected there, it would be well if the Chambar Chamber as to whether any aponing exists for Straits Settlements and I am to inquire what merchants not to accept these, s soon as The company's suit was dismissed on the 16th This matter was last under consideration is able to adopt. and put into oper- April with costs, sad the order for the suspen ation propor banking swe, private banks will sion of execution complained of was cancelled.. of Commerce were to say what description of the employment of Indian Labour in this Colony, are the views of your Chamber on the subject. light they advocate. The existing light on and whether facilities with regard to passage Mawan Islan:l cost £51. 6. 2.
freight and provision of land shoul be given to in 1899 when the Government decided to awai be compellal to coufers to those laws.
the result of the experiment in the Straits
The contral government is anxious to carry and insurance, but not including Public Works encourage Indian immigration:
out all the reforms promised in its treaties but If such
Committee, having consnited several Settlements, which appears to have been attended My Department expenses for installation.
along these lines until it is permitted a recon- the
ตะ light-keepers there is no opening for Indian Labour in Your obedient servant,
F. H. MAY. Dxpenses of anlary
In fact, there are
able increase in its exstoms duties, as only in Colonial Secretary, and of course, oil etc., An automatic (unatten- dentured, or unindentured.
this way can it sosure sufficient income to carry ded) acetylene light, such as is extensively used Indians in the Colony at present who cannot
The Chairman,
these reformas into effect. The Chinese govern in Canada with great success, would he of much find employment.
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.ment makes it clear that there is no desire, for greater power and would cost about $700, bat the
such high rates as might in any degree restrict cost of salaries would be avoided. This price
foreign trado, as its great need is revenue-THE SPEED OF INDIAN RAILWAYS. would include an automatic oceniting apparatus
Peking Daily News. which makes the light distinctive and less costly to run.
â
going so far afield for the solution of the problem gut were advocated, it would, in addition, employers of labour, have been informed that by a certain measure of sugresi.--I am, Sir, it maintains it can make no substantial progress now understood that the company's buikings
when it lies so near at hand,
Accurate and flue drawn bearings are of little nocount in our navigation, with varying courses, deviations for junks, &c., there is no time for taking or using such, keen eye-sight and good judgment are the assentials of our pileting, and the actual visual firing of the objective is what is wanted, and not the laying down of a course which cannot bo adhered to.
I
I may point out that the rook is not an obstacle in any special fairway, and a straight course from the buoys to the Pass (marked by the light) leads a long way clear of it.
It would also seem that financial considera- tions would favour the island light, as finding a foundation on a submerged rock is an expensive piece of work.
The common sense view of the matter would seem to be, that the matured opinion of the men who have had many years experience and practics on the route, and who have discusand the subject and weighed the claims of this or the other alternative should be the determining factor in the decision as to the site of the light.
CHAB V. LLOYD, Master, 8.S. Falshan.
Hongkong, 7th April, 1909, The Sketch made by Cupt, Lloyd was laid on the table.
not
BASIL TAYLOR.
28/4/09.
Meme by Capt. Lloyd on the preceding
minute.
The light asked for on Kapsing Island la intended as a local loud and a powerful light is not necessary, as long as it is plainly visible in dark weather some 4 or 5 miles off, say, from the neighbouring, point of Chunghue, it would suffice. A white light would probably best mest requirements on account of its superior ponstrating power in thick weather, and if it could be made distinctive it would be better as there are generally many and various lights thereabouts
My Committee consider that market require- ments aro amply met, at present, by the supply of native labour. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,
E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary. Hon. Mr. F. H. May, CM.G., Coluak Becretary,
SEVENTH CONGRESS OF CHAMBERS of COMMERCE OF THE EMPIRE. Further letter from London Chamber:-
Oxford Court, Cannon Street,” London EC., 12th March; 1909. DEAR SIRI beg to confirm my Circular letter No. 3, dated 3rd November, 1908.
ible to
It was decided to nak the Government for fuller details of the scheme, the following boing being among the more important points upon which the Counittes wished to be informed
1 The general lines which it is proposed to
ndopt.
2 The arrangements for exchanging dollars
into notes and vice versa.
(a) Whether the Governmout will have their own treasuries and staff for working the issue.
(b) If not what alternative system hare
they in view. 3. To what extent da the Government estimate the ravenue of the Colony would benefit as against the present tax on Bank Notes and the data on which such estimate is based.
PROPOSED NEW FRENCH CUSTOMB TARIFF.
HONGKONG INVESTORS IN PHILIPPINES.
On the service of the judgment, r. Himata at once took steps on behalf of Mr. Mur for re- opening the execution alrealy started. It is and land will be sold at public suction within a few weeks unless the company accued in get ting an order for further suspension from the Court of ppeal.
a
The Indian Railway Gazette gives some in- teresting information with regard to the speed of railway trains in India. The East Indian According to the Baguio correspondent of the Hailway attains the greatest average speed over The journey from of its permanent way. Cabieneur American, a Hongkong syndicate long distance which, is due to the superiority has purchased a texth interest in the Headwaters Calentia to Jubbulpore is done by the East Mining Company (ve), from Nele Peterson, Indian train at an average speed of 34:63 miles for the sum of P40,000. Governor Whitmarsh
an hour whilst the Bengal Nagpur travels from represented the Hongkong capitalists in closing Calcutta to Nagpur at an average of 29.8 por the deal. This is one of the most important hour. Thio fustest train in India is the workly mining deals put through here this year and is Special Fostul aver the G.I.P. and the East an indication of the interest being taken by
Indian lines, which covers the breadth of capitalists of Hongkong in the Philippines India at an average of 35.5 miles per hour
mining industry.
mouth whose
I have still to hear from a large number of Chamber whether or not they intend to be
The Headwaters Mining Company (Inc.) 1349 miles, this must certainly be considered. including all stoppages. As the distance is the length of time necessary for communication
recently organized twith u represented at the Congress, though, owing to
u capital stock of me P600,000 of which P350,000 is paid up. This fast travelling for India- although to poople On the score of finance, could not some auto-between London and Sydney, it is very desirable
Ply matie contrivance, such as the Gas Fairway that not only the names of delegates, but resolu
The following letter from the Government company controlled a large group of raines u the accustomed to the express trains from London tions for the Programma should reach me rach
works out to well over most desirable section of the Baguio district and to Edinburgh and London to Bristol ar
averuge Buoys (although it should be in some more
yet in
we received:- impossible
the promise for future developuient in the arco 50 miles per hour, the Indian timing may seem Colonial Secretary's Office, reliable form, as the gas buoys show at times earlier than usual. It is us
30th April, 1909.
is very bright. The president of the company slow. But in view of the huge distances covered
governor, and is Mr. H. P. Whitmarsh, the first only a pin-point of red light) are equipped fix mon a definits dates us being the last day
Sir, I am Aircated to transmit for the with, be used, dispousing with the necessity of upon which nominations and resolutions
tion for whose benefit certain trains must daily constant attendance. Acetyleno I have seen accepted, bat, so far at any rate as rosolations
premiotion
stop at namerous small stations the speed obtained mentioned in such onnection, and if it could are concerned, it is obvious that several months consideration of your Committen: the enclosed pioneer merchant of the sunimer capital. Ho in India and the enormous agricultural popula
copy of a circular despatch from Lord Crowe us always taken a lively interest in the light must be allowed in order that Chambers may
considering the various dated the 16th day of last March and to inquire work affecting the mining industry here and it is undoubtedly good, The uber of Indian
efforts that
increased in have the opportunity of
railway passengers has greatly be depended on would be suitable, is peculiarly white
subjects and instructing their delegates in whether any commercial interests in this Colony is largely to his
are likely to be adversely affected by the capital has been attrated
recent years, and with advance in education and the greater developmout of western ideas will amongst the F. H. MAY,
peoples of India this increase regard to voting. I would therefore urge apon
Colonial Secretary, all Chambers the desirability of giving their proposed Tarif.I am, &e, immediate attention to those matters.
The Secretary,
Chamber of Commerce.
[Copy.]
16th March, 1909. Sre, I have the honour to transmit, for your information, a copy of the proposed New French Customs Tariff.
uvt a horse, some form of hunea, either cone f or obelisk shaped, with a pole and husket on top rather high up as fogs drift around in Lunches and layers, and what may be visible at one level may not be so lower down or higher up. Such structure should be distinctively coloured. Striped black and red are, I think, the best
CHAS V. LLOYD, seen colours in a fog.
Master, S. S: Fatalan. Hongkong May, 6th 1909.
Views of Capt. I. D. Thonias.
Canton, 16th April, 1909. DEAR SIR-I-bog to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th instaat enclosing n
have before emphasized the advantage of a copy of the reply sent by the Government to the Chamber of Commerce with reference to prominent structure at that place as a disting establishing lights on Kapsing Island and Tonguishing mark or guide in a fog. As to Xu. With regard to the Government proposal proverb says:ll eats are groy in the dark" so in a shifting fog all rocks and tres lose their to place a light on the Bunsaasiul Rock as a -guide across the harur to the Kap Shui Moon, identity aul are not recognizable-seau for a and the opinion that it would furnisk amore second or two and then covered up again, it is protection than a light on Kapsing Island does impossible to locate them with certainty, but a recommend solf to those most af structure of lines anil ungles, seen if only for a moment, diforing altogether from surrounding Whilst agreeing that footed by it. light or beacon on the Bnusausiah Rock objects, speaks for itself, and I would suggest would be useful as pointing out the arset position of a danger, it fads no favour as guide to the Puss during bad wheather, as anyone keeping away to pick up such light or beacon on a dark or toggy day or night would bo unnecessarily running his slip into danger, and after picking it up would still be a mile or more away from the Fass with a nasty ledge of rooks running out from Lantne Island most in his course on which more than one vessel hus, track daring my time on the river. On the
to pick other band, it is absolutely necessary to
a correct, Kapsing Island to insure setting
At the present time course through the Pass. when there is a thin fog or heavy rain ons is anuble to clearly distinguish the contour The Southern foreshore of of the land. Kapsing Teland and the Eastern foreshorn of Tantuo Island in the neighbourhood of the
Light.-Bright, occulting, or sixth order, Pass are so much alike that it is almost im
Structure-Similar to Na-wan Island light- possible to distinguish one from the ather, visible for five miles on a clear night.
180 if the course across the harbour especially has been altered several lines to clear juuks house. This would be considered a good distine when ball time and position are somewhat rague, tive mark in a fog during day time.
Now with a small white house (in which to bog-signal-Bell, worked automatically as in keep the light) built on the Southern fore-shore use on the Iron Barrier near Whampoa. In of Kapsing Island this dificulty would dis- fog or thick rain sound would be a safer warning appear, as the one shore would then have a dis- than the off chance of seeing the structure of the tinctive mark and the erection of the light light towor. I recommend this suggestion to
WE. CLASKE, would then be quite as useful daring the day as the consideration of your Committee. I am, &o,, it would be at night--I remain, &,
Secretary, Hongkong Canton R. D. THOMAS,
and Macao Bteamboat Co. Master, S.B. IIcungshan,
E. A.M. Williams, Esq., .To E. A. M. Williams, Esq.,
Secretary, Chamber of Commerce. Secretary.
Letter from Capt. Clarke.
A Hongkong, 14th May, 1909. Ste-In reply to your inquiries, the general opinion of our Commanders is that the most suitable situation for the light would be on the Southern end of Kupsing Island at an eloration of feet above high water,
I have pleasure in enclosing herewith the first draft of the Official Programme, and shall be glad in due course to add any resolutions you may desire placed thereon it your name. A second draft will be circulated as soon as circum- stancea permit.
As you are no doubt aware, special arrange- ments have boon made with the steamship com-
Should there be any commercial interests in panies trading to Australia and I had you herewith, booklet giving full particulars in the territory under your administration likely to this connection. You will notice that the re-bo adversely affected by the proposed Tariff, I duced rates are available not only for delegates, shall of course be glad to consider whether any On the particu ar subject-1 bat for members of their families travelling representation should be made to the French mast be accompanied, in such case, by a letter bare &c.,
COEWE. with them. Applications for these tickets Government of identification, signed by the Secretary of the nominating Chamber, and I am sending you, enclose, forms for the purpose. I have for. warded copies of the booklet direct to all-dolo gates nominated to date.
(Bga) E. A. M. Williams,
Secretary
Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.M G.,
Colonial Secretary.
Nels Paterson, who is a large shareholler in the company and who sold the tenth interest in the Headquarters, is one of the first prospetors who invaded the Bengust country. He has been doubt continne. The populations of the big cities are growing rapidly and these foots active in development work and his mill has made him a sag fortune, He is now worth night to influence railways in patting on faster overal hundred thousand dollars, the result of his activity in the district and his unbounded faith in the future of mining there.
.
LIFE AND DEATH RECORD IN MANICA İNTERESTING FACTS CONCE" NING CITY'S BIRTH BATE AND DEATH FATE,
Daring the quarter ending pri! I last there were 2.193 births registerul in the city of Manila 25 of them being of Americans and 2,156 Filipinos. The remainder were Spaniards and other Europeans and hinese.
express truing from one big city to another. At the ganun tie it must be recognised that on many lines improved tracks and more lines are owential before express trains with a spood any where approaching that of express trains at home can be ran with safety-Calcutta English-
ntan.
WEATHER REPORT
The Hongkong Observatory yestrday ikuned, the following report:-
On the 4th at 1155 am-The baromete
Of this number 177 were illegitimate the has fallen quickly over the E. and N.36, co
of China owing to the depression which is largest number of them being born in Tondo. One of these biria was of a 21st child, three moving into the Yellow Sea the North of
Shangkai, of the 17th child and six were 14th children. Five bundred and fourteen were first children, Porter has fallen sightly over the B. _coast fourth children.
415 second children, 346 third children and 319
During this same period of time there were 1,954 deaths in the city, 11 of Amoriens,
Of
Pressure remains lowrer Tongking and the
of China. High presure still covers E. Japan and adjacent seas
Fresh 8.E. to A. winds and squally weather
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, 6th May, 1909. 518,I am directed, acknowledge the A draft programme of entertainments to be offered to delegates has been drawn by the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant (No. Australian Committee, in accordance with which 2658/1969) covering a copy of the proposed New visits will be paid, subsequent to the Congress Froual Customs Tariff on which you request au proper to the principal cities of the Common-expression of opinion from my Committee. -1 wealth (excepting Perth, West Australia, where have &c.,
ates will be able to call on the it is hoped delegates
the total deaths 1.159 were males and 941 may be expecte in the Formosa Channel and outward or homeward journey).
females. Eight hundred children under ons along the northern shores of the China Sea.
Hongkon rainfall for the 24-hours ending This tour in Australia will probably extend
year were the number of deaths, and 233 It was decided to reply that the Committee under one month. There were a relatively large at 10a.m.-day, 0.00 inchos. bo at liberty to make such other visits in the over three weeks, and at its close delegates will Commonwealth and elsewhere as they may desire, did not see that commercial interests in this number of deaths among old people, 49 dying at
and 90, 14 between 90 and 100 and 7 died after to-day in Cordial invitations to delegates have boen Colony were likely to be adversely affected by ages ranging between 70 and 60, 29 between 80
passing the century mark. received from several cities in New Zealand, the adoption of the Tariff.
The entire death rate for the quarter was 37 Hongkong & Neighbourhood (Auckland, Canterbury and Dunedin), also from
per 1,000. The death rate in Tondo was 57 por* Launceston (Tasmacia) and Honolulu (where the Ysucouver Sydney boat calls), and, though
Hongkong and Lamooks 1,000 and in visic 25 per 1,000. The com- Formosa Channel parative statoruent of mortality for the years. Fouth coast of China between? Same as No. previous shows that in 1901 there were 9,375
Hongkong and Hainan... deaths, in 1902 there were 14,451, in 1903 9,358, Bouth coast of China between in 19:4-10,301, in 1905-8,741, in 1906 9,182, in 1907 7,287 and in 1908 10,545.
An anonymons donation of £70,000 ns it has been found impossible to arrange collec. beginning to the fund of £500,000 which it is tire visits to these places, it is hoped that many proposed to raise to build and endow a national will be able individually to take advantage of memorial theatre to Shakespeare, was announced the invitations during the course of their journey. by the Lord Major of London at a recent The Organising Committee. suggest that the meeting of the Mansion Honse.
The orecast for the 24 hours ending at noon
Be follows:-
B.E. & S. wind.
fresh squally, showery. Same as No. I
Same No
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