1909-06-05 — Page 5

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.

Pilst Christin's views.

I ondorse all Capt. Thomas' remarks re light on Capsing Island. After many years experience as a pilot to. Canton I have no hesitation in saying that the only safe gnido through Capsing-Mun Pass is alight on Kupsing Island. A light on BansausishTM Rock intended as side through the Pass would only increase the existing danger.

Minutes of a Mesting of the General Com mittee held in the Chamber Room, St. George's Building, pm Monday, the 17th May 1909, at 4 p.m. Prevent-Hon. tr. E. A. Hewett (Chair- man), Mr. J. E. M. Smith (Vice-Chairman), Hon. Mr. W. J. Grisson, Messrs. J. W. Eon, DR Law, H. A. Biol, E, Shellim, H. E. }·· Tomkins, J. W. Baudow and E. A. M. Williams (Secretary).

MINUTES. The Minates of the Let Mooting holl on the 12th March, 1909, were confirmed.

CONTINUOUS CERTIFICATES OF DISCHARGE TO CHINESE SEAMEN.

Ropiy from Govorament :--

Colonial Secretary's Offre, Hongkong, 25th March, 1909, SIE-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

ultimo ana, &c.-

F. H. MAY. Colonial Secretary. Enclosures since received. The Secretary, The Chamber of Commerce.

LIGHT ON KAPHING ISLAND.

The following reply was received from the Government:

Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 29th March, 1969. Sir,-1 am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 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 ou the Southern end of Kapsing Island is urgently required as a leading light across the Harbear to the Capenímun

In this connection I am to inform you that the placing of a beacou of the Bunsiah Rock has been under the consideration of this" Government aid it is suggested that if a light were placed on such a beacon the purpose of furnishing a leading light for the Capsuimun would be bottor soread than by placing a light in the position your Committee suggest; while at the same time what is a serious druger to navigation would be marked.

I am to add that the Government will bg glad to learn the opinion of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce on the above suggestion. ...I ani, &c.,

A. G.M.FLETCHER;

for Colonial Eecretary. The Secretary, The Chamber of Commerce. Memo by Captain Lloyd. The following Memorandum prepared by Capt. Lloyd was received--

The proposal of the Government to place a ight on the Bungausiah Rock as a guide through the Kap Shui on, and the opinion that it would furnish more protection to navi gation than a light on the lower end of Kapsing faland is not likely to find endorsement amongst those who are practically affected by it,

Wallo agreeing in the abstract. that a light on Bansansiuh Rook would be a good thing and welcomed as pointing out the position of danger, it nevertheless finds no favour as a bud weather guide through the pass, and I do not think there is any keen desire for such, cor tainly not as a substitute for the one Applied for Ass danger the rock exists, but I cannot call to mind any accident of late connected with it; the name Bungancinh is presumably derived from some "Country Wallah" in the old asiling ship days, striking it. It seems difficult to explain the reason for going so far afield for the solution of the problem When it lies so near at hand.

Accurate and fine drawn bearings are of little account in our navigation, with varying "for janks, &o, there is no courses, deviations time for taking or using such, keen eye-sight and good judgment are the essentials of our piloting and the actual visual fixing of the ubjective is what is wanted, and not the laying down of a course which carrot be adhered to.

I may point out that the rook is not an obstacle in any special fairway, ahul 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 faancial 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 opinen of the men who have had many years experience and practice on the route, and who have discussed 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.

CHAS Y LLOYD, Master, S.8. Fatshan.

not

mont:-

T. H. CHRISTIY.

The following reply was sent to the Govern

Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, 27th April, 1909. BIE-I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th March, 1909, (No. 8824/1904) in reply to mine of the 18th idom having reference to the institution of a light on the Southern end of Kapsing Island."

My Committee having consulted the principal hipping Companies interested with regard to the cowiter proposition of the Government that u light on Bansaniah Rock would better servo the purpose of furnishing a leading light for the Kapauimun, the opinion of the represents tive shipping Companies is now set forth in a memorandum dated 9th April, 1909, prepared by Capt. Lloyd, Master of the S.S. Fatehan,

which I now beg to enclose.

Capt. Lloyd's opinion is supported by a letter dated 16th April, 1909, from Capt. Thomas, Master, of the se. Houngchuan, the first of the signatories to the lotter provionsly forwarded to the Government by the Chamber.

Capt. Thomas' letter is endorsed by Mr. T. H. Christie, a pilot of many years' experience.

A copy of this letter and endorsement is also onclosed,

My Committee feel that the opinions ex- pressed by so representative a selection of perienced navigaters are entitied to the fallort consideration and would ask therefore that the Government be good enough to reconsider the question.

I should be glad if Capt. Lloyd's memorandum may be returned-I have &o.,

E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary, Colonial Secretary's Office,..

3rd May, 1909. 81,-With reference to your letter of the 27th ultimo I am directed to inquire what description of light the Chamber recommends should be placed on the Southern ond of Kapsing Island and in this connection I enclose a copy of a minute by the Harbour Master dated the 28th ultimo.

---I um, &c.,

I return herewith Capt. Lloyd's memorandum

F. H. MAY. Colonial Secretary.

The Secretary,

Chamber of Commerce.

Minute by the Harbour Master Mr. Lloyd certainly makes a very good point in the fact that courses cannot be relied upon because 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 Bing Island and of Lantau Island and he seen to be more anxious for some distinguishing mark, such as a hut, than for a light, which, as I lave pointed eat. would not be visible in thick weather. Such a distinguishing mark could easily anil economi cally to made with a few rocky locatly obtained and a bucket of whitewash.

But, if it is decided that a light is to be erected there, it would be well if the Chamber of Commerce wore to say what description of light they advocate. The existing light on Mawan Island cost £51. 6. 2, including freight and insuruno, but not including Public Teach Department expenses for installation. If such

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH, 1909.

It was decided to forward to the Government visit to New Zealand will como more con- | a copy of the letter received from Capt W. E. reniently at the conclusion of the Australian Clarke containing the views of the Commanders tourYours faithfully, of vessels of that Company, The Committee endorsed the views therein expressed.

INTE NATIONAL CONVENTION. OF 1906,

Colonial Secretary's Office,

Hongkong, 13th April, 1909. SC-With referuate to your letter of the 24th of March I am directed to point out to you that y the particular question which was referred to in the despatch of the Secretary of State of the of 21st

January last, transmitted in my letter the 26th of February was whether this Colony should adhere to the International Convention of 26th September, 1906, respecting the prohibi- tion of the use of White Phosphorus in the manufacture of matches,

It is on that question. font this Gurmour of Commerce-I am, &c.,

that Government

F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary. The Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Reply to Government-

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 Chamber as to whether or not this Colony should adhere to the International Convention of the 26th September 1906, respecting the prohibition of the use of White Phosphorus in the manufacture of matches,

My Committee consider that, for precisely the same reasons as were, advanced by the Representatives of the Imperial Government for the non-adherence of Great Britain on this point, this Colony should not adhere to the Convention.

As pointed out in the memorandum accom panying your letter, it has been proved that the evils traceable to the use of White Phosphorus in the manufacture of matches can be success fully suppressed by regulation.

There appears, therefore, no adegnato justifica tion for the adoption of measures calculated to hamper trade.

My Committee desire to thank His Excellency the Governor for referring this matter to them.I have den

E. A. M. WILLIAMS. Seervlary. Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G.. Colonial Secretary

INDIAN LABOUR.

The following letter was received from the Geverament:-

15th March, 1909. Set-I am directed to enquire whether in the opinion of your Chamber ang opening exists for the employment of Indian labour indentured or mindentured, in this Colony, and whether" they consider that facilities with regard to pas ange and provisions of land should be given to encourage Indian immigration. I am, &c,

F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary. The Secretary, the Chamber of Commerce. The following reply was forwarded to the Government

Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, 27th April, 1909. SIR, I have the honour to reply to your letter (No. 1725/1909) of the 15th March, 1909, re- questing an expression of opinion from this Chamber as to whether any opening exists for the employment of Indian Labour in this Colony, nud whether facilities with regard to passage and provision of land should be given to

Indion imzaigration. My Committee, having consulted several

a light were advocated, it would, in addition, employers of labour, have been informed that involve the expenses of salary of light-koopers there is no opening for Indian Labour in and of course, ell etc., An automatio (anatton-dentored, or unindentured. In fact, there are ded) acetylene light, such as is extensively used Indians in the Colony at present who cannot in Canada with great success, would be of incl find employment. greater power and would cost about $700, but the cost of salaries would be avoided. This price would include an automatic ocenlting apparatas which makes the light distinctive and less costly to run.

BASIL TAYLOR,

28/4/09

Meme by Capt. Lloyd on the preceding

minute.

The light asked for on Kapsing Island is intended us a local lead and a powerful light is not necessary, as long as it is plainly visible in dark weather Rome 4 or 5 miles off, say, from the neighbouring point of Chungline, it would rufico. A white light would probably best meet requirements on account of its superior penetrating power in thick weather, and if it could be made distinctive it would be better as there are generally many and various lights thereabouts.

te

My Committee consider that market require ments are amply met, at present, by the supply of native labour. I have the honour to be, Sir,

E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Your obedient servant,

Secretary. Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary,

SEVENTH CONGRESS OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF THE EMPIRE. Farther letter from London fhamber—

Oxford Court, Cannon Street, London EC., 12th March, 1909. DEAR SIR-I beg to confirm my Circular lotter No. 3, dated 3rd November, 1908.

I hare still to hear from a large number of Chambers whether or not they intend to bo represented at the Congress, though, owing to the length of time necessary for communication On the geore of finance, could not some auto-between Loudon and Sydney, it is very desirablo matic contrivance,, such as the Gas Fairway that not only the names of delegates, but resolu- tions for the Programme, should reach me much Rooys (although it Spuld be in soine more

earlier than usual. It is as yet impossible to Hongkong, 7th April, 1909, The Sketch made by Capt, Lloyd was laid on reliable form, as the gas buoys show at times

only a pin-point of red Lght) are equipped fix upon a definite date as being the last day apon which nominations and resolutions will be the table.

with, he used, dispensing with the necessity of constant attendance. Acetylene I have seen accepted, but, so far at any ato as resolutions Views of Capt. 3. D. Thomas..

montioned in such connection, and if it could are concerned, it is obvious that several months Canton, 16th April, 1909. DEAR SI-I bog to neknowledge the receipt be depended on would be suitable, as the light must be allowed in order that Chambers may

of considering of your letter of the 13th instant enclosing a

peculiarity whiphasized the advantage of a subjects and instructing their delegatet in copy of the reply sent by the Gorernment to the Chamber of Commerce with reference to prominent structure at that place as a disting. regard to voting. I would therefore urge upou establishing lights on Kapsing Island and Tonguishing mark or guide in a fog. As the all Chambers the desirability of giving their I have pleasure in enclosing herewith the K. With regard to the Government proposal proverb says cats are grey in the dark" immediate attention to those mattors.

so in a shifting fog all rocks and trees lose their

first draft of the Official Programme, and shall be to place a light on the Buusasiah Bock as a guide arross the harbour to the Kap Shni Moon, identity and are not recognizable-seen for a and the opinion that it would furnish more second or two and then covered up again, it is glad in due course to add any resolutions you protection than a light oa Kapsing Island does impossible to locate them with certainty, but a may desire placed thereon it your name." À structure of lines and angles, seen if only for a second draft will be circulated us soon as circum- recommend itself to those most af-

moment, differing altogether from surrounding stances permit." Whilst agreeing that fected by it.

As you are no doubt aware, special arrange betoon on the Buumusiah Rock objects, speaks for itd and I would suggestments have beoz rasde with the steamship con light or would be useful

trying to Australia, and I hand you pointing out the exact if not a house, some form of beacon, either cone or shaped, with a pole and basket on top no favour as a position of a danger, it finds a feather, rather high up a foge drift around in tranche anyone keeping away to pick up such light or and layers, and what may be visible at one level beacou on a dark or foggy day or night would may not be so lower dow or higher up. Sach be unnecessarily ranning his ship into danger, structure should be distinctively coloured, would still be a mile or Striped black and red are, I think, the best and after picking it more away from the Fuss with a nasty lexge of seen colours in a fog." racks running out from Lantoo Island almost in his course on which more than one ressel has struck during my time on the river. On the other hand, it is absolutely necessary to pick up Island to insure setting a correct Kapsing course through the Pass. At the present time when there is a thin fog or hoary rain oné is unable to clearly distinguish the contuur of the land. The Southeru foreshore of Kapsing Island and the Eastern foreshore of Lantao Island in the neighbourhood of the Pass are so much alike that! it is almost im- possible to distinguish one fro, the other,

CHAS. V. LLOYD, Master. S. S. Futshan.

Hongkong May, 6th 1909.

Letter from Capt. Clarke-

Hongkong, 14th May, 1909. SIE,-In reply to your inquiries. the general opinion of our Commanders is that the most suitable situation for the light would to on the Southern end of Kapring Island at an ploration of 3 feet above high water.

Light Bright, oculting, or sixth urder, visible for five miles on a clear night.

Structure. Similar to Ma-wan Island light- especially so if the course scross the harbour house. This would he considered a good distinc

junks has been altered several times to clear when both time and position are somewhat vague.tive mark in a fog during day time.

Now with a small white house (in which to Fog-signal-Bell, worked automatically as In ase on the Iron Barrier near Whamapon. In keep the light) built on the Southern fore-shore of Kapsing Island this dificulty would dis fog or thick rain sound would be a safer warning appear, as the one shore would then hure a this than the off-abanes of seeing the structure of the tinctive mark and the erection of the light light tower. I recommend this suggestion to the consideration of your Committee. I am, &e, would then be quite as useful during the day as it would be at night-I remain, &c.,

R. D. THOMAS, Master, S.S. Heungshan. To E. A. M. Williamas, Esq., Becretary.

W. R. CLARKE, - Secretary, Hongkong Canton. and Macao Steamboat Co. E. A. M. Williams, Esq.,

Secretary, Chamber of Commerce,

herewith a booklet giving full particulars in this connection. You will notice that the re daced rates are available not only for delegates, but for members of their families travelling must be accompanied, in enoh casa, by a letter with them. Applications for these tickets of identification, signed by the Secretary of the nouinating Chamber, and I am sending you, enclosed, forms for the purpose. I have for- warded copies of the booklet direct to all dele gates nominated to date.

KANDI B. MURRAY,

Secretary. Enclosures, Offcial Programme, Steamer Booklet. Bunk letters of identification, ware laid on the table.

UNITED STATES MONETARY COMMISSION. Reply from Mr. Moreton Frewen:

March 12th, 1909.

Washington, DC. DEAR SIR,I have returned to Washington six weeks later than I had anticipated and so have only now received your letter of the 10th for which I am much obliged, of December and the Report of the Chamber

The takon the Commission for the next three months will be for the most part banking and ourrancy, the Exetinage evidenco will occupy next Winter and Spring. I should not be surprised if there is matarial of importance from England also. The Chancellor of Exchequer has under consideration a suggestion to issue crown notes" secured by silver (the proposal of the Royal Currency Commission of 1688) with which to pay the weekly old-age pensions. With the silver contents of a shilling worth hardly more than fourpence the profit on the operation is attractive. Hore Congress is to much on the be occupied wi h. Tarif Revision, but the state of the changes with Asia minds of the representative from the Pacific Coast Caton.

I think if any mera ber of your Chamber should be available next Autumu or Winter, it might be well to communicate with Mr. T H Whitehoud of the Bank of India, Australia and China, London. Mr. Whitehead will know where

am-Believe me, yours faithfully.

MORETON FREWEN.

CHINA'S CUSTOMS TARIFF.

CORRESPONDENCE 'NETWEEN. FOREIGN

GOVERNMENTS.

The American Minister, Mr. Rockhill, has ommunicated to the Waisapu the result of certain correspondence which has passed be- tween the American and British governmenta bearing upon China's desire for an international conference to consider the question of increase of the customs duties upon imports.

It will be remembered that some time last Chinese government sent December the nates to all the Powers suggesting such a con. ference and entining briefly China's need for friendly assistance in this direction. No steps until recently. Shortly after Mr. Taft became seem to have been taken by any of the Powers President of the United States, brought to his attention with this matter was American government took the initiative to the extent of communicating on the subject with the other Powers, or some of them. It is under- stood that the Ameriesa government expressed its friendly sympathy for China's desires for a conference of the Powers to consider the customs question and such other questions as right properly be considered at such a can- forence.

Because of Great Britain's very large in- terest in commerce with Chins, the matter was The reply of the British government, as com frst taken up with the British government. the Chinese authorities, is in effect that so long municated by the american minister to as China has failed to abolish ikin barriers and to bring about reform of the currency and other reforms provided in the Mackay treaty, Great Britain does not consider that Chius has a right to ask for tarill increase.

The reforms especially referred to in addition to doing away with likia, are understood to be curtailing the minting of copper money by tas

KE-ORGANISATION OF THE FINANCES OF THE provincial authorities, stopping the issue of too many bank notes, and other curroney roforins, China's position towards these and other re- forms is understood to be as follows:

CHINESE EMPIRE.

Reply to Government:-

Chien recognises the need for all these re Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,

forms, but maintains that the evil of which the 7th April, 1909. SI,In reply to your letter of 11th foreign governmente complain are, to a large February, 1909. (No. 5778/1904), requesting extent at least, due to conditions produced by the the observations of the Chamber regarding a lack of sufficient income to the central govern scheme framed by the Board of Finance for the ment from enstoms. China refers to the pre- roorganising of the Finances of the Chinese sont customs duties as being wholly inadequate

I Empire, am directed to state that my ComIt is claimed that no other government has as mittee do not feel in a position to criticisslow duties upon imports as those to which exhaustively so large and far-reaching s China is restricted by treaties with foreign Boheme, but the centralisation of control, which governments. Therefore, before Clans can seems to be the essence of the new Regulations, bring about them roforms, she must have the would be an important step forward and greatly definite nainance of the Powers that they will assist in the birth of a parer administration.

exteat. Needless to say my Committee are entirelygtes to austome increase to a reasonable China will agon to totally abolish likin as sympathetic towards any proposals calonlated to confar boneft upon the people of China. I soon as she has soon as she has entered upon a definite agreement with the Powers for enstoms have &c.,

increase.

E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G.,

Colonial Becretray.

The too great minting of copper and other coins will be restricted as MOO us the contral government is able to reimburse the provinces

CUTICURA

Cuticura

SOAP

HANDS

ARE SOFT WHITE AND SHAPELY

Bold throw bout the world. Depota: Londat. 27, Charterhouse 89.: Paris, 6, Kuo do in Paix Australia, FL Towns & Co. Bydney; India, 1. Paul, Caloutta: Chi TORBARA FE

Hong Kohn Bran Co.: Japan. Mazaya, Ltd.,

in Mosco; 50, Abien, Letiran. Ltd, Cape Tows, ato.; U.S.A, Potter Drug & Chern.Corp., Pole Propr., 135 Columbus Ave, Boston.

Post-Droe, Cumoral book on Care of the Blin

COMPANY.

#67-1-10

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.

a will be remembered, the

of the judgment rendered last yea: by the Kobo District Court, which ordered Mr. Wilk- inson to pay Mr. Mar Yen 35,000 and interest due on a promissory note drawn by the former: The company's suit was dismissed on the 16th --- April with costs, and the order for the suspen- sion of execution complained of was cancelled.

INTRODUCTION INTO THIS COLONY OF A GOVERNMENT NOTE ISSUE.

With regard to issue of lank notos, the The judgment in the suit brought by tho The following letter was received from the Government

position of the Chinese Government is this The Wilkinson Tan Mineral Water Company Colonial Secretary's Office, central government is responsible for all notes against J. M. May was served on the defend

15th April, 199,

issued by the government banks. The pro-ant's attorney.. SIR-I am directed to inform you that H.Evincial governments are responsible for the object of the suit was to prevent the executign the Governor has at the present time under notes issued by hanks operating under the consideration the question of the introduction notion and control of the provincial au- in this Colony of a Government Note Isers on

thorities. As for the issues of private banks, the lines of the system already adeptec in the the Chinese government would advise foreign Straits Settlements and I am to inquire what merchants not to accept these. as soon as

subjret.

China is ablo to adopt and put into oper This matter was last under consideration ation proper banking laws, private banks will are the views of your Chamber on the

be compelled to conform to those laws. in 1899 when the Government decided to await the result of the experiment in the Struita Settlements, which appears to have been attended by a certain measure of success.—I am, `Sir,

F. H. MAY. Your obedient servant,

Colonial Secretary. The Chairman,

Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.

It was decided to make the Government for failer details of the scheme, the following being being among tho more important points upon which the Committee wished to be informed:- 1 The general lines which it is propoedd to

adopt.

2. The arrangements for exchanging dollara

into notes and vice versa.

(a) Whether the Government will have their own treasuries and staff for working

the issue.

(b) if not what alternative system hare

thoy in view. 3. To what extent do the Government estimate the revenue of the Colony would benefit as against the present tax on Bank Notes and the data on whic k such estimate is based.

PROPOSED NEW FRENCH CUSTOMS TARIFP.

The following letter from the Government was received --

Colonial Secretary's Office, 30th April, 1909, Sir, I am lincted to transmit for the consideration of your Committee the enclosed copy of a direnlar despatch from Lord Crowe waterhera 16th day of list March and to inquire are likely to be adversely affected by the

F. H. MAY, Colonial Benrotary. proposed Tariff.--I am, &c...

The Secretary,

Chamber of Commerce.

[Copy.]

16th March, 1909. SIR,-I have the honour to transmit, for your information, a copy of the proposed Now French Customs Tariff.

Should there be

the tornitut, undo any commercial interests in be adversely affected by the proposed Tarif, I shall of course be glad to consider whether any representation should be made to the French. Government on the particu ar subject.I

have &..

CLEWE.

On the service of the judgment, Mr. Hirate The contral government is anxious to carry at once took steps on behalf of Mr. Mor for re- ont all the reforms promised in its treaties but opening the execution already started. It in it maintains it can make ne anbstantial progress now understood that the company's buiklings and land will be sold at pablie auction within a along these lines until it is permitted a reson- alde increase in its customs duties, as only in few weeks unless the company succeed in grot-.. this way can itsseurs sufficient income to carrying an order for further suspension from the thene reforms into effect. The Chinese govern Court of · ppeat;

ment makes it clear that there is no desire, for such high rates as might in any degroo restrict foreign trade, as its great need is revenne Peking Daily Nests.

THE SPEED OF INDIAN RAILWAYS.

The Indian Railway Gazelle gives some in- HONGKONG INVESTORS IN

teresting information with regard to the speed PHILIPPINES.

of railway trains in India. The East Indian According to the Baguio correspondent of the Railway attains the greatest average speed over long distance which, is due to the superiority Cublensus American, a Hongkong syndicate of its permanent way. The journey from has purchased a tenth interest in the Headwaters Calcutta to Jubbulpore is one by the East Indian train at an average speed of 34.63 miles Hining Company (Itc), from Nels Peterson, for the sum of F40,000. 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 per the dent. This is one of the most important the fastest train in India is the weekly mining deals put through here this year and is an indication of the interest being taken by capitalists of Hongkong in the Philippines mining industry.

Indian lines, which covers the breath of Special Postal over the GLP. and the East India at, un average of 35.6 miles per hour As the distance is all stoppages. including The Headwaters Mining Company (c) 1349 miles, this must certainly be considered was recently organized (with a capital stook of P500,000 of which P350,000 is paid up. This fast travelling-for India- although to peopla compmy controlled a large group of wines in this accustomed to the express trains from London most desirable section of the Baguio district and to Edinburgh and London to Bristol oz Fly- mouth whose average works out to wall ever the promise for future development in the area 50 per hour, the Indian timing may som

nulles t of the company low. But in view of the hage list

listances scovered is very bright. The president is Mr. H. P. Whitmersh, the first governor, and in India and the enormons agricultural popala. a pioneer merchant of the summer capital. Htion for, whose benefit certain trains must daily industry here and it is undoubtedly good, The number of Indian bas always taken a lively interest in promotion stop at numerous small stations the speed obtained work the

railway passengers has greatly increased in is largely to his urina, juust capital has been attracted.

Nels Peterson, who is a farge shareholder in reount years, and with advance in education and the greater development of western ideas the company and who sold the tenth interest in the Headquarters, is one of the first prospectors amongst the peoples of India this increase will no doubt continue. The populations of the big who invaded the Benguet country. He has been active in developmeat work and his will has cities are also growing rapidly and these facts made him a swag fortune, He is now worth ought to inaones railways in putting on factor everal hundred thousand dollars, the result of express trains from one big city to another. At the gene sine it must be recognised that on Dy lines improved tracks and more lines are his activity in the district and his unbounded

essential before express trains with a spoed any where approaching that of express trains at faith in the future of mining there.

home can be run with safety-Calcutta English-

efforts that much

LIFT AND DEATH RECORD IN MANILA

INTERESTING FACTS CONCENING CITY'S BIRTH BATE AND PEATU EATE During the quarter ending April 1 last there were 2,193 births registered in the city of Mesila. 25 of them being of Americane and 2.156 Filipinos. The remainder were Spaniards and other Europeaxe and hinese.

maR

WEATHER REPORT

The Hongkong Observatory post rday issued, the following report: -

On the 4th at 1'55 am-The baromete

Pressure remaina low-ter Tongking and the

Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,

Of this number 177 were illegitimate the has fallon quickly over the E. and N.E. opus of China owing to the depression whi 6th May, 1979,

largest number of them being born in Tondo. EIR-I am drected to acknowledge the One of these births was of a 21st child, three moving into the Yellow Sea o the North of A draft programms of entertainmente to be offered to delegates has been drawn by the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant No. of the 17th child and six were 14th child, Bhanghai. Australian Committee, in accordance with which 26581909) covering a copy of the proposed New Five hundred and fourteen were first chilikron, visits will be paid, subsequent to the Congress French Customs Tarif on which yon request an 416 second childres, 346 third clutdren and 319 baromoter has fallen aghty oror the S. const wealth (excepting Perth, West Australia, where have &c., proper to the principal citios of the Common-expression of opinion from my Committee-fourth childron it is hoped delegates will be able to call on the outward or homeward journey),

(8gd) E. A. M. Williams,

Becretary. Hon Mr. F. H. May, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

This fear in Australia will probably extend

It was decided to reply that the Committee over three weeks, and at its close delegutes will be at liberty to make fauch other visits in the Commonwealth and elsewhore as they may desire. did not see that commercial interests in this Cordial invitations to delegates have been Colony were likely to be adversely affected by received from several cities in New Zealand, the adoption of the Tariff. Auckland, Canterbury and Danedin), also from Launceston (Tasmania) and Honolulu (where the Vancouver Sydney boat calls), and though

of China. High pressure still covers E. Japan During this same period of time there were and adjacent seas.

Fresh 8.E. to..winds and squally weather. 1,954 deaths in the city, 11 of Americans Of the total deaths 1,129 were males and 941 may be expecte in the Fortunes Channel and

along the nextern shores of the China Sea females. Eight Hundred children under one

Hongkong rainfall for the 24 hours ending year were among the number of deaths, and 233 at 10 am, co-day, 0.00 inches. under one month. There were a relatively large

The brocast for the 24 hours ending at noon ( 8.E. & 8. wind. 90, 14 between 90 and 100 und 7 died after to-day is as follows: number of deaths among old people, 49 dying at ages ranging between 70 and 80, 29 between 80 passing the centary mark

showery The entire death rate for the quarter was 37 Hongkong & Neighbourhood fresh, squally, Same as No. An anonymene donution of £70,000 as per 1,000. The death rato in Tondo was 57 per

1,000 and in Meisie 25 per 1,000. The com- Formosa Channel

Hongkong and Lamooks. parative statement of mortality for the yesa Beuth coast of China between Same as No., previous shows that in 1901 there ware 9,375

Hongkong and Haitan... in 19:4 10,301, in 1905 8,741, in 1906 9,182, in deaths, in 1902 there were 14,451, in 1903 9,359, Sonth coast of Chins between 1907 7,287 and in 1908 10,646.

it has been found impossible to arrange collec-beginning to the fund of £500,000 which it is live 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 annonnsext the invitations during the course of their journey by the Lord Major of Loudon ut a recent The Orgaising Committee suggest that the meeting of the Mansion House.

and

Same as N