1912-03-25 — Page 3

Page

RANDOM REFLECTIONS.

Hongkong cannot complain of the dull. ness of life during the past week or so. Beginning with the visit of the Lang- Holloway theatrical combination, which drew out people nightly after dinner in larger numbers than have ever been seen in the Colony for years, we have had a regular surfeit of entertainments, the local Thespians and the Victoria Theatre comedians, adding to the gaiety of life.

*

THE BANK OF CANTON, LIMITED.

OF A CHINEKE BANK ON. WESTERN LINES IN HONGKONG.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, MAFC £ 25ra, 1912.

HAMBURG LETTER.

DAILY PRES9."]··

AN INTERESTING INSURANCE · ·.

QUESTION.

German merchant and destined for Ger- many, and the insurance, if effected in London, even by a Dutch firm, would be

void

It cannot be wondered at that under the circumstances not only importers of grain but merchants generally should wish the law on the validity of marine insurance policion in time of war to be amended in England and more liberal terms with re- gard to war risks granted by underwritera in this country. The International Marine Insurance Association founded last year might possibly be prevailed upon to take up the matter, its object being the fur- therance of the intereats of the marine in- surance on an international

facilities for the conduct of their business, and naturally they will be encouraged to extend their operations, the consequence [SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE "nomozone of which will be that commercial activity will be increased and the country in gen- eral will prosper thereby. Before I sit down, there is one point on which I wish Yesterday a large number of Chinese to lay special emphasis, and that is, it

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN I? GERMANY AND business mon and several foreign residents must not be thought for one moment that

ENGLAND WERE AT WAR!' were invited to a ceremony in connection a corporation like this will injure the with the opening of the Bank of Canton, interests and business of European banks

February 28th. Ever since the war scare last autumn Ltd., at No. 0, Des Voeux Road Central, which are already established in the East. close to Ice House Road. The objects of On the contrary, it is my firm conviction the question whether insurances effected the Bank are outlined in a speech deliver that Chinese banks run on Western methods with English underwriters would hold ed in English by Mr. Li Wai Ching, the will be able to render assistance to Euro-good in enae of a war between Great Bri chief accountant, which we reproduce pean bankers. As I have already said, I below. Mr. Look Pong Shau is Chair-an fully convinced that the European man of the Board of Directors and chief banks and those like ourselves will manager of the Bank, the other Directors mutually help and benefit each other and being: Messrs. Lam Wo, Li Yak Tong, I am sure they cannot but work together Ma Ying Piu, Tang, Cheung Cho, Tong Li Pao Lung, Lau Tung Sam, Lau Ki Wa, this opportunity of assuring the Euro- Secretary is Mr. Ho Li Shek. Mr. Wong Canton, Ltd., will always do its utmost Pik Tsun is Assistant Secretary and Mr. to maintain a most pleasant relationship with all the other banks in the Colony. Tang Chung Chak cashier.

The Bank premises, which are nicely in conclusion, on behalf of the staff of and that, even should there be any doubt | gates from other Chambers of Commerce fitted up, were decorated with flags this Bank, I extend a hearty welcome to easy undertaking, is being given with and flowers yesterday, the Chinese. Ameri- all who are present to-day and express the would always have the power to declarenanimously has been that, although the can and British flags being especially assurance that one and all who visit this the policies null and void notwithstanding proposed new terms are in favour of the

It as is well, perhaps, that we should have pleasure and amusement so easily provided just now considering that the outlook "At Home" is so gloomy. The industrial crisis, which even threatens the existence of the Government, has reached an acute stage, and when we read of the populace we may feel thankful that we are

growing distress which is overtaking the Yat Chun, Mak Li Tang, Yu Pao San, in harmony and goodwill. I would take visability of no longer insuring with Eng-publication of legal decisions of interna removed from the scene of so much suffer-Tong Li Cheun, and Li Pang Hau. The pean bankers that the staff of the Bank of given it as their opinion that according cases.

ing and misery.

The Colony has reason to be proud of its Amateur Dramatic Club. The produc tion of "The Gondoliers," by no means an

tain and Germany has engaged the atten-bagia. It hopes to attain this by stitial tion of commercial men in this country. terchange of ideas on the rules and cus- The Bremen Association of Importers of toms of the insurance trade in different Grain therefore addressed a letter to that countries, by the conclusion of interna of Hamburg some time ago asking for tional agreements, and the festering of the views of its members as to the ad writers at home and abroad, and by the friendly relations amongst the under-

lish companies, eminent counsel having tional importance in marine insurance A new form of policy has been to the law of England the payment of drafted after numerous consultations with insurance claims by mderwriters after the merchants, insurance brokers and ship outbreak of hostilities would be illegal Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.

owners and submitted for approval to the Dele.

on the subject, the British Government having been invited to take part in the deliberations, the conclusion arrived at

signal success, and though we have wit

Bank will meet with courtesy and respect any clause they might contain providing insurers on some points, their interests nessed performances in which a more prominent, and shortly after noon а

The Ham- are not sufficiently safeguarded and that uniform degree of excellence was attained, number of congratulatory addresses from and that their business will be attended against such a contingency.

burg Association has thereupon circulariz- alterations in that respect must be made. it has to be admitted that all things con

ed its membera stating that, although the sidered the amateurs have done exceed associations and individual merchants into with promptitude and despatch.

question is one of grave importance to ingly well. More power to them, say 1, the Colony were read and many speeches

the trade, the ulterior consequences of the and I hope the continued existence of the

step suggested by Bremen were so far. A.D.C. may never have to be seriously

reaching that it would have to be caro. fully considered under all its aspects.

delivered.

Mr. Lak Pong Shan presided, and

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER

INSPECTION.

among the speakers were Mr. Ma Ying On Saturday afternoon the annual considered as it was this last year.

Pin, the manager of the Sincere Com inspection of the Hongkong Volunteer The appointment of Mr. Henry Keswick pany, and Mr. Li Yuk Tong, the Trea-Corps and the Hongkong Scouts took as M.P. for the Epsom Division of Surrey surer of Kwangtung under the Pro-place on the Murray Barracks Parade in succession to his father is one that visional Government. The tenour of their Ground, the inspecting officer being H.E. causes no little satisfaction in Hongkong. addresses was that Chins needed many the General Officer Commanding. There He is the second gentlemaic within two more banke like the Bank of Capton, Ltd, was a good master, the parade numbering or three years to have been trauslated, as

as they would undoubtedly terid to about 170, Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman it were, from the Hongkong Legislative increase the commerce of the country. being in command: After Major-General Council to the British House of Commons. Mr. LI WA1 CHING, chief accountant, de- Anderson had boot received with a salute, The other is Mr. Gershom Stewart, whose livered the following speech in English:the troops went through a number of brilliant contest in the Wirral Division On being called upon to speak on this movements, which was followed by the of Cheshire is remembered, The late Mr.Auspicious occasion, I feel that it is not march

past. Ifis Excellency

then William Keswick occupied a sent in the only a duty which I owe to this institu- addressed the parade, expressing the Hongkong Legislative Council before betion but it is both a privilege and an

pleasure which it gave hiui'to inspect the went home and was returned for Epsom. honour. You will all, I am sure, be Hongkong Volunteers and complimenting Sir Thomas Sutherland, tho chairman of

the corps on its efficiency. the P., & O. Company, is another who has been a member of the Legislative Council before be returned to the homeland and was elected the parliamentary represents- tive of Greenock.

*

INTIMATIONS JOHNSTONE'S

M.P.

WHISKY.

H. RUTTONJEE & SON,

A PROSPEROUS YEAR IN INDIA. UNEXPECTEDLY BIGH RECEIPTS FROM OPIUM. Our argument is there is nothing

The Financial Statement laid before the

better than M.P Supreme Legislative Council at Calcutta on the 1st inst. again records a period of progress and prosperity. The year is illustrious for the first visit of the King Emperor to his Indian dominions and memorable for important territorial. change. It has helped the agriculturist by high prices and ends with the best Prospects. The unexpectedly high opium WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, receipts lave mostly helped to raise the Imperial surplus to 28 millions, oven after 33 AND 40, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL, large grants to provinces. For next year continued prosperity is anticipated, but the opium revenue is uncertain and an imperial surplus of 1 millions ia expected.

In the current year opium realised one

135

Chs. J. Gaupp

and three-quarters million pounds over the original estimate. Two-thirds of the 'excess war again employed in redeeming the temporary sterling debt, and the re maining third was distributed in grants to the provinces for non-recurring ex- penditure of a beneficial character, £33,000 for sanitation; £133,000 for agricultural improvement; £33,000 Central Research Institute; £33,000 School of Tropical Medicine WATCH MAKERS, Calcutta; and £27,000 Government laboratories, Burma and Parel have been

allotted in this manner.

The position of the opium trade, follow- ing the agreement with China of last May, is fully explained while the objects and lengthy pronouncement is made of the Government's opium policy. results of The Hague Conference and a

The subject is now being ventilated in the local newspapers, and whilst there is a consensus of opinion that British marine insurance policies would in case of war afford little or no protection to the holder, particularly not as long as the British Government has not signed the "London Declaration of 1909," doubts are express- ed as to the possibility of merchants con- firing themselves to German and other continental companies as the terms of the English policies are more favourable to the insurer and the premiums lower, whilst German companies have latterly interested in a brief history of the forma-

shown a disposition to form rings in order to raise the premiums and would certainly tion of this Bank and an outline of the

BANDMANN OPERA COMPANY..

not fail toļšake advantage of so enormous objects which it has in view. Every one

an necession of business to demand rates ia aware of the fact that there is a large The forthcoming season of the new number of wealthy Chinese merchants and Bandmann Opera Company at the Theatre the trade might not be able nor customers of.

abroad be willing to pay. It is further residents in the United States of America, Royal promises to be one of the most sueurged that, considering the incalculable who conduct a very extensive trade with cessful of that crganisation's tour in the damage a war between England and Ger- The East. Since their last visit to the Colony many would do to the trade and pros. their homeland and the Orient. transactions are of very large amounts the Company has been strengthened by perty of both nationa the insurance and naturally claborate banking facilities the engagement of Miss Florence Beech, question is comparatively of little import- are necessary to finance them. For many who has been absent from the Company ance and that the present moment, when years, the Canton Bank in San Francisco, for some time, and Mr. William Farmers efforts are being made on all sides to founded by the Chinese merchants there, very pleasing light baritone, from the

tween them, seems hardly opportune for have handled these financial transactions, Carl Rosa Opera Company, Miss Majorie bring about a better understanding be but having a branch on this side bave Tempest, and a number of cther artists proposing a sort of boycott of British

The Budget next year shows an opium had to pass the business through ordinary with fine records in the profession. Dur- underwriters. Besides, it seems doubtful revenue of b crores against 81 crores for

whether German policies against war

the current year. The intention is to sell correspondent banks or agents. Not long ing the season several pieces new to

5,206 chests of Bengal opium with special ago it was decided that the extent of the Hongkong will be produced on a lavish risks would, owing to the numerous re

certificates and 13,200 cheats without business of the Chinese merchants in scale.

servations, prove of much avail. British certificates, of which 1,000 will be offered America with the East was large enough

statesmen, being fully aware that they to Malwa; also to export 14,681 chests to warrant the opening of a bank of their

are not 'in a position to strike a decisive Malwa. From the proceeds 540 lakha will own on this side, and this decision was

blow on land, have always aimed at main-be-treated-as-current revenue, any excess over that figure being set aside for the institution, the Bank of Canton, Ltd., in Hongkong. I may state that this bank is not a branch of nor in any way attached to the Canton Bank of San Francisco. Both institutions are separate although they are closely related to each other in view of the fact that mest share- holders of the latter bank are also shareholders uf this Institution Furthermore, one acts for the uther as sole agents and both work on the same We are much system and principle. indebted to the Canton Bank of Sau Francisco for the part which they have taken in bringing this institution into shape. At the commencement, their

If no news is to be regarded as good news then the affairs of the new Republic must be regarded as running on fairly satisfactory lines on the whole. Condi- tions at Paking and Nauking seem normal, and it looks as if a start were being made with the big task of establish- ing a Government and restoring order. The only disturbing factor is the unreat and anarchy prevailing in Kwangtung province, and it may be if the provincial authorities are not strong enough to bring about peace and good order that an army may have to be sent from the North to reduce the turbulent-elements to subjec At any rate, even with Canton at its worst, the outlook for the success of given effect to, in the establishing of this comedy, which has called forth unstinted taining the supremacy at sea in order to other usual purposes.

tion.

the Republic is no worse than it has been. It looks as if Murel were determined "to maintain its reputation as a wet month. After a spell of fairly nice weather the downpour on Saturday morning and the torrential rainfall of yesterday - were rather unexpected. Though the rain may have interfered with pleasure, there is no doubt that, the ground needed the refresh- ment very much.

*

Though the coal strike is not exactly with us, its effects are beginning to be felt even at this distance, and the reduced im- ports will doubtless have their influence on the prices throughout the East.

INTERNATIONAL BANKERS AND LOAN TO CHINA.

These include The Count of Luxomberg and "Peggy," two of Mr. George Edwardes' latest Gaiety suc cesser,The Mousme," a musical praise from the critics in London, and

"The King's Bride" The latter has not cripple the foreign trade of the enemy yet been placed before the public in Lon- and to accomplish his económic ruin. don, but at a trial performance at the With a view to this the law of England who witnessed the performance, was so Kennington Theatre, Mr. Bandmann,provides that all trading with the enemy

In a telegram of the N.-C. Daily News, taken up with, the light opera, that he must cease on the declaration of war, that dated the 17th, the Peking correspondent immediately secured the rights for the the fulfilment of contracts and other en-aid-

gagements entered into prior to such de- The international bankers point out The opening production of the season,claration shall be suspended until the re- that Tang Shao-vi, representing the which commenses on Friday night next, storation of peace, that engagements con- country to be practically bankrupt, had will be The Quaker Girl," in which Miss

mitted a statement of the country's Florence Beech will assume the title role. tracted during the war shall be null and appealed to them for money. He sub- This musical comedy has always been a void, and finally that all partnerships necessities and resources, but he did not great favourite with theatregoers and the existing between British subjects and mention the Belgian negotiations which Company could not have made a better those of a State with which Great Britain were then proceeding. selection for the initial production of the is at war shall terminate at once. Ger- The international group, believing the since the piece was last produced in Hong- seasoil. The cast has been remodelléd

many no doubt would adopt retaliatory situation to be critical, having large vested interests in China and desiring to kong, and the comedy itself has been measures of a similar nature and the re-

restore prosperity as quickly as possible greatly improved by the introduction of sult would be the failure of a large num

for their own and China's benefit, with

East.

the end of June.

It was characteristic of Sir Frederick manager, Mr. Allen, very kindly came new musical numbers. Booking for the ber of important and wealthy firms in much inconvenience made immediate ad- season opens at Moutrie's this morning. both countries and widespread distress. vances and agreed to finance China until over here to assist us in the organization

The other pieces in the Company's German ships at sea on hearing of the de- work and stayed with us several months. repertoire include "The Balkan Prin-

The international group considers, In him we had the good fortune of having ces The Merry Widow, the Cheeeclaration of war would make for the therefore, that Tang Shanxi showed & late Soldier," The Runaway Girl," The nearest neutral port and there discharge breach of faith in concluding the Belgian a man with wide experience and excep- tional ability to guide this new institution Girl in the Train, ** The Dollar Prin their cargoes, the expense of storing the loan, when the international group's in its first steps. I may further mention ceas," A Waltz Dream."" Florodora," goods or having them forwarded to their assistance had been given without in- and the evergreen comic opera, "The destination falling upon the owners or mediate security on the understanding Arcadiane."

•

Lugard's-consideration to send that tele- gram to the Colony expressing the appre- eletion of Lady Lugard and himself for the send-off which they received. Sir: Frederick, we may presume, thought of sending that message before he actually reached Singapore, and so had a practical lesson in the advantage of that commercial wireless telegraph service which he re- cently announced was at last in the way of being provided for the Colony,

Rumour has been busy these days with our railway and its terminal station, the site of which has been in doubt for some time. According to report; negotiations have taken place and have resulted in purchase and exchange of property which point to the terminal railway station being located on the site of the property occupied at present as the. Godown Company's office and Railway Company's office ae well as dwelling houses, and that the Star Ferry Company will construct two wharves in front. The road leading to the police pier will be closed, and tho present ferry wharf will become a public wharf. It is reported, too, that the police basin will be given to the Godown Company in exchange for other property obtained by the Govern- ment. I do not vouch for the accuracy of these statement but give them merely in the language of rumour.

RODERICK RANDOM.

that Mr. Look Tin Eli, the President of the Canton Bank of San Francisco, arrived a few days ago, and during his stay here of several months, he will give us the benefit of bis experience and advice. The Bank of Canton, Ltd., has been formed and is registered in Hongkong in accordance with the requirements of the British Law regarding banking institutions, and its registered capital is $2,000,000. At first it was intended to subscribe a capital of $10,000,000, but the promoters decided to

commence

on 4. moderate scale. $2,000,000. Although the bank is virtually a Chinese bank, the capital all being pro- vided by Chinese shareholders in the United States of America, Hongkong and Australia, its affairs and business will be conducted on strictly Western methods, and the customs and usages now in vogue with the European banks will be generally followed.

TREATMENT FOR HYDROPHOBIA.

consignees, who would not be able to re- cover from the underwriters, as the gen- orality of German policies, with exception of the Hamburg ones, bar all such claims Should France become involved in the struggle, as does not appear unlikely, shipment in English, German or French bottoms would be too dangerous, and the trade of this country, inwards and out-

As the result of the patient investiga tions, which have been carried on, first in the research laboratory at Kabuli, and afterwarde independently in the research laboratory at Parel, a change has been introduced in the system of anti-rabic treatment, which should reinove any lingering doubts as to the safety of this means of preventing hydrophobia. It wards, would have to be conducted via scems that Colonel Semple discovered a Dutch and Belgian ports in neutral ves- method of sterilising anti-rabic serum sels. But even this would not be entirely tive of hydrophobin. His serum, which

that the next loan would embrace all as The sum of Tls. 1,000,000, vances made. payable last Saturday, has not been ad- vanced and further advances have been suspended pending advice from Home.

Yuan Shit-kai is not blamed. The mat- ter was probably left in the hands of Tang Shao-yi. It is considered extremely nn- fortunate that Yuan Shih-kai was so badly advised and that the first actual monetary assistance of the Powers should be slight ed in a manner which jeopardizes con- fidence in the new Republic.

The result will probably be

TEN GRAND MASTERS.

more

stringent terms, for the sextette group of without destroying its efficacy as a preven safe, at least as far as contraband goods alone is able to supply China's needs.

thus differs from that hitherto in use in are concerned, for Great Britain has the containing lifeless instead of living and right to inquire into the ulterior destina-

Shortly the new hall of the Grand thus potentially active garms, has been- tion" of such, that is to say, to demand Lodge of Freemasons in course of com- the subject of an extensive series of tests, that proof be made that they are not plation in George street, Edinburgh, will which in the opinion of the medical pro meant for the enemy, as long as she defers receive a fine equiment of ten. heraldic fession have established all that he has claimed for it. In consequence a change her adhesion to the "London Declara was introduced on January 1st an both the tion," which abolishes that right. Much Pasteur laboratories in India, the new would therefore depend upon the defini- I may express & hope that serum being substituted for the old in all

cases treated. The new serum can also, tion of "contraband goods." England has similar institutions to ours will be plenti- unlike the old seruin, be transmitted to always declared grain and provisions to fully established throughout the Empire long distances by post without losing its he contraband and the London Declara there is room enough for all. Such banks efficacy. Colonel Semplo has proceeded tion distinctly confirms this; a cargo of on thirteen months leave. Captain W. H. are absolutely essential for the develop Harvey, IM.S., la officiating during his wheat from the Black Sea to Rotterdam ment of the trade of China. Chinese absence in charge of the central research for instance, would be liable to capture if it turned out to be the property of a traders will be able to obtain greater institute.-Rangoon Gaselle.

windows acmmemorative of the last ten Grand Masters of the Order. The coate of-arme iliustrated are those of the Marquess of Tullibardine, the present holder of the office: Sir Thomas D. Gibson Carmichael (now Baron Carmichael), and the Hon. Charles Maule Ramsay, Past Grand Masters. The others of the suite will consist of the heraldic bearings of Lord Newlands, Lord Falloun, Sir Charles Dalrymple, the Earl of Haddington, Lord Blythswood, the Earl of Mar and Kellie, and Sir Michael Shaw Stewart.

& Co.

JEWELLERS,

AND OPTICIANS,

Always have on hand a larga stock of Scientific and Surveying Instruments.

Microscopes and Optical Goods,

Zeiss

Prism Binoculars, Voigtlaender Telescopes, Watches and Clocks.

Докиства:

45

MAPPIN & WEBB, LTD., London.

W. F. STANLEY & CO., LTD.,.

London.

CARL ZEISS, Jena.

VOIGTLAENDER & SOHN, Braunschweig.

BRITISH ADMIRALTY CHARTS.

If You Wear

TORICS

you know you have the best. It you do NOT, you have not yet done the best you can to give your eyes comfort. It is possible to correct the vision of eyes that need gleeses without using TORIC LENSES." It would alse bo possible to uze a motor-car without pneumatic tyres, bat it would not be as comfortable. If you bave failed to find real eye comfort, try a pair of TORICA. The deep inner surve conforms to the vatural motions of your eye. Their advantage is particularly noticeable to players of tennia, golf, cricket, and billiards, Mede. in clear. glass and tinted shader.

ARK & Co

LARK&

YORK

ENTIFIC

BLOGS,

OPTICIANS

CHATER RO

HONGKONG