1914-04-24 — Page 3

Page

CORRESPONDENCE.

PLAGUE, MEASURES:

SUGGESTION.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE HONGKONG

DAILY PRESS."

bag Hongkong, 22nd April, 1914. :- DEAR SIR,--Since you have discussed in your today's leader the question of Plague and Rate, I am sure your further comments of the above subject will carry more weight than ten of thy communica tion in any local papers, therefore I venture offer you the following

suggestion:

Referring to the minute by Dr. F. Clark discussed at the last meeting of the Sanitary Department regarding the increase in the rat population and the advice that all the efforts of this Depart inent and of the Community in general should be concentrated upon speedy removal of refuse of all kinda from the precincts of dwellings and offices, etc., and that no

measure which will help to exclude rats from these premises should be noglected, I would suggest that

householders should be notified that failing to co-operate with the Authorities in the above direction they should be. subject to fines, otherwise all measures will prove of no avail. No doubt the Chinese are the rent offenders in this respect, and as there is no other way to teach them lesson than to make them pay for it by fining then, this will be the only way of obtaining their co-operation.

Besides, the Inspector in charge, or the Forroen, in their periodical visits in connection with the cleansing operations, should be able to know the parties at fault with regard to the accumulation of rubbish in their premises, and to these people, too, a salutary lesson must be taught.

Leniency on the part of the Government has already cost the Colony millions, not to speak of the thousands of valuable lives list during the past twenty years.I siga myself, Dear Sir (for private reasons) Yours faithfully,

LOVER OF CLEAN COLONY.

RABIES IN HONGKONG.

IMPORTANT POLICE REGULATION.

The Captain-Superintendent of Police (the Hon. Mr. McI. Messer) in a notice warns owners of dogs in Hongkong that rabies having made its appearance in Hongkong, any dog which shall be found straying or wandering about during the daytime without any owner, and not wear- ing collar with the licence -aumber attached thereto, may forthwith be de

10 p.m. and i am.

AN AMERICAN STOWAWAY AND A|HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE

DISTRESSED BRITISH SEAMAN.”

J

Soon after the str. Fingchow had left Shanghai for Hongkong one of the "boys" employed on board noticed a

COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Hongkong Legislative Council was held yesterday at the Council Chamber.

The following were present HIS EXCELLENOY THE GOVERNOR, SIR FRANCIS HENRY MAY, K.C.M.G.

Hon. Mr. CLACE SEVERN (Colonial Secretary).

Hon. Mr. E. D. C. WOLFE (Colonial Treasurer),

Hon. MJI KEMP (Attorney Generat),

Hon. Mr. A. F. CHURCHILL (Director of Public Works);

Hon Mr. C Mel MESSER (Captain Superintendent of Police).

or

and disloynt character and which contain prostitute in such a manner as to show that matter which is subrcrsive of all social and he is aiding, nbetting or compelling her coonomic conditions and which, disseminated prostitution with any other person imongst ill-educated persons, are likely to generally. be productive of disturbance and ill-feeling By a further amendment of the same in the Colony. Some of these productions Section (17) it is made possible to proceed emanate from Indian sources and their against a female who for the purposes of publication and appearance in India are gain

'rendy prohibited.

in proved to be exercising similar control over the movements of a prostitute. The reason for these two lasă amendmenta is that Article 2 of the Convention con

With the existence of a largo Indian

templates the punishment of male or female

persons who, by some more subtle means thun direct fraud or violence, control and profit of these amendments is taken from Section 7 from the prostitution of others; the text

respectively of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1912. Sub-Section (1) and Sub-Section... · (4);

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 24ru,” 1914.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied-His Excellency the Governor, acting on the advice of the Executive Council, gave orders for the trees in Royal Square to be removed. There were sixteen trees altogether, eight in Chater Road, seven to the West of Queen Victoria's Statue and one to the East, and eight in Wardley Street, three to the North and live to the South of the Statue. The reasons which caused the Government to remove the trees population both permanent and temperary were three in nuraber(a) The trees within the confines of this Colony, the were not of a suitable kind for such an introduction into the Colony of newspapers exposed spot as Royal Square Some or other publications of the charactor were Aleurites or Candle-nat trees and indicated should not it is thought he in any others and these the poorer specimens-way permitted. Celtis. As the result of more than ten The constant complaint which is made to years growth only a few of them had this Government as to the appearance within attained any size. In the opinion of the the Colony of this type of seditious publica. Superintendent of the Botanical and tion has led this Government to introduce Forestry Department those nearer the sea the present Bill with the object of enabling heing wind-swept were not likely to grow the uvil to be dealt with effectively. into good specimens. (b) It was repro- sented by the Director of Public Works The Bill itself is extremely simpio. It that the trees being in the middle of the gives power to the Postmaster-General and road rendered it difficult to keep the to the Customs authorities to detain ney central portion of the roadway in proper articles coming into the Colony which are repair, as it was impossible to roll the expected to contain any publication of a surfacing material in conjunction with seditions character and if by these or by that of the side portions of the road. (e)any other means publications of a seditions The minutes olis jast meeting were The view of Queen Victoria's Statue and character are brought to the notice of the confirmed.

of the Square as a whole, owing to the Governor-in-Council, the Governor-in-Council trees being in the middle of the road, was my, notify in the Gazette that such docu- much obscured, both from Chater Road ments shall be forfeited and upon such The above amendment places. this offence and the South side. The question of notification such documents may be seized in the category of those for which the planting at the sides of the roads in Royal and consented (Sections 3, 5, and 6). penalty of logging may be inflicted in Square flowering trees which will not Any person who has any interest in the respect of a second offence of this character; attuin much size is now under considera: papers thus forfeited has the right of appeal and is taken from Section 7 Sub-Section (5) tion. It is not proposed to remove any to the Supreme Court, i

of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1912. more trees in the vicinity of Royal Square

mented by the provisions of two other Bills, The provisions of this Bill are supple- namely, the Magistrates Amendment Bill, 1814, and the Flogging Amendment Bill, 1914 (laid before the Council simultaneously with this Bill), which also amplify punish- ments in certain cases connected with the White Slave Traffic.

a man in one of the cabins on the vessel. Ho asked the "boy" for something to cat, but the latter said he would havo to interview the Captain first. The Cap thin was informed of the presence of the man, and when the vessel arrived in Hongkong he handed him over to the authorities. The man, whose name was Morten Havers, and who spoke with a strong American accent, appeared before Mr. Wood at the Magistracy yesterday charged with being a stowaway. He told his Worship that on the night before the vessel sailed from Shanghai he was in- vited on board by a friend. They had several drinks, and he (defendant), went to sleep. On waking up the following morning he found himself on the sea." The Captain said that now that he was on board the boat he had better stop, and he told him that he would have to hand him over at Hongkong. He had only recently been discharged from hospital in Shanghai, and was about to enter the United States Navy.

Hon. Mr. We Yux, C.M.G. M Hon. Mr E A HEWETT, C.M.G. Hon. Mr. D. LANDALE. Hou. Mr. E. SHILLIM. Hon. Mi Hai Chu PARK. Mr. M. BREEN (Clerk of Councils).

MINUTES...

NEW MEMBERS.

Mr. J. H. Kemp, Mr. A. F. Churchill and M. E. D. C. Wolfe took the oath and assumed their seats as members of Council

PAPERS.

Inspector Gordon said he thought thers with a distressed British seaman, was very little doubt that he came down.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by com mand of His Excellency the Governor, The two were on board, and he thought it was laid on the table the following papers- with the assistance of the other man that Financial Returns for the year 1943 the defendant managed to stow away on Sessional paper No. 4 and Jurons' List board. Shortly after this man

for 1914; Despatch from the Secretary of arrested the British scaunan got drunk State (Sessional Paper No. 5) transmit- and caused endless trouble to the Captaining letter from the War Office with en- of the ship, and he was to appear at the closures relating to the cost of the Garri Marine Court that morning. The man so in Hongkong for the year 1912-13. almost took command of the ship.

WES

Sentence of a month's hard labour was passed on the defendant.

sesinan,

Albert Slade, a distressed British.

appeared before the Marine Magistrate (Commander Basil Taylor, R.N.) on a charge of refusing to obey the lawful orders of the master of the Ying- hoe on the 21st inst. It appeared that the defendant was taken on board at Shanghai at the instance of the British Consul there as distrossed British seaman, for conveyance to Hongkong. On the 21st inst. he came into the saloon, where he had no business, and upon being ordered out, he refused. He also came on the lower bridge, and refused to leave, using bad language, and being disorderly. Captain Williams, eventually had to put him in irons. The Magistrate sent him to guol for four weeks, with hard labour.

ALLEGED THEFT OF LEAD FROM

THE “ALDENHAM, AN

THE "SECRET COMPARTMENT

OF A JUNK.

FINANCIAL MINUTES,

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by "com" mand of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos to 12, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.....

THE LAW COURTS BUILDING CONTRACTS.

With regard to Financial Minute No. 12, relating to a role of $18,505 in con nection with the building of the new Law Courts, the COLONIAL SECRETARY eaid:-I have a copy of the award given by Major Wenborn which I will circulate for the inspection of members of the Council,

at present.

THE PRIVET SHRUB AND HAY FEVER. Mr. Pollock's next question was:-

In view of the fact that the pollen from the flowering privet tends to induce coughing and entarth, will the Government take steps to exter minate the privet shrub in the vicinity of dwelling-houses in the Island of Hongkong and in Kow

Joon?

The Hon. replied:-ga

COLONIAL

SECRETARY

There is no evidence before the Govern-

By Section 4, issue, sale or exposure of forfeited publications is made an offence and a penalty is provided therefor.

The definition of seditious matter is con- tained in Section 2.

The provisions of this Hill, with the excep tion of Section 4, are adapted from parts of the Indian Press Act, 1910, whilst Section 4 itself is an adaptation of the Section 2 of the Chiese Publications (Prevention) Ordinance, 1907, which is at present in existence in this Colony.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY Seconded and the motion was agreed to.

The

of the same Ordinanco power is given to the Magistrate or the Court to inflict the Lastly, by ant amendment of Section 31

on the proceeds of prostitution in respect of penalty of flogging on a male person living second offence of this or similar character. Although the power of flogging in the enso of a second offence exists in respect of certain offences against the local Protection of Women and Girls' Ordinance, such power does not exist at present in the case of the offence of living on the proceeds of prostitution against which Section 17 of the Ordinance is directed..

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.

(Contioned on page 5.)

INTIMATIONS

The COLONIAL SECRETARY Seconded, and CHS. J. GAUPP

& CO.,

ent that in Hongkong the flowering suspension of the standing orders to ATTORNEY-GENERAL DEOved the privet causes what is popularly known as enable the Bill to be read a second time. hay fever. On the other hand, there are many other plants flowering in Hong-the motion was agreed to. kong, notably roses, which are well-known

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL to induce the affection referred to. The the second reading said--The aim of in moving Government is therefore as at present this Bill, Sir, is set out clearly, I think, in advised not prepared to destroy one plant the objects and reasons" appended, and which, if it iure bad, fed sith the same to it not think I need do more than refer result.t of many which are credited with the same to it very shortly. Briefly, the object of WATCHMAKERS

the Bill is threefold: (1), To make it clear What matter is deemed to be seditious; secondly, to provide for more effective means of preventing the introduction into the Colony of seditious matter, as defined by the Bill; and, thirdly, to provide for

THE NURSING STAFF AT GOVERNMENT CIVIL

HOSPITAL,

AND

JEWELLERS.

BY

Mr. Pollock's fourth question was

Was any written representation sent

in by the Nurses on the Stalfeizures and forfeiture of seditious pub- of the Goveromont Civil Hospital to lications. In the law at present there is the Principai Civil Medical Occrtion into the Colony of seditious matter,

certain power for preventing the introduc SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS kast summer upon the subject of the but it is confined to stopping seditione insufficiency in numbers of the Nursing Staff at that Hospital Will the Government lay such rrit ten representation upon the table of this Council? Has any answer been sont to such writton representation If so, will the Government lay such answer upon the table of this Council? What steps, if any, have been taken, and when, to remedy Auch insufficiency?

replied:

The Hon. COLONIAL SECRETART

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

E. R. WATTS & SON,

LONDON.

CARL ZEISS. JENA.

Espresentatives MAPPIN & WEBB LTD..

LONDON.

HIS EXCELLENCY, in connection with Financial Minute No. 19, said-It will be within the recollection of members that on the cecasion of the debate on the Estimates for 1913 the honourable mem- her nominated by the Chamber of Com- mere animadverted upon the delay in the building of the Law Courts and thei Post Office, and on behalf of unofficial members asked for a Cominission to enquire into the administration of the Public Works Department and the cause A junk-master and his two fokis ap- of delays in carrying out Public Works stroyed; and, further, that any deg maypeared before the Magistrate yesterday on. In consequence of these representations a be destroyed which shall be found straying a charge connected with the alleged larceny Committee was appointed to enquire into or wandering about between the hours of of 14 bars of lead from the Aldenham. the delay and excess expenditure over No such written representation was

The Brst defendant was also charged with Estimates in the case of the Law Courts Quer by the Sisters (they are not called Council to have power to detain any sus

made to the Principal Civil Medical Owners of dogs are also reminded of having a secret rempartment in his junk and Post Office, and their report on the Nurss) but under date of the 2nd of the provisions of Subsection (2) of Section 16 of Ordinance No. 1 1845. Stokes & Master), who prosecuted, explain table some months ago. It was impossible Mr. D. Lewis (of Messrs. Johnson, subject of the Post Office was laid on the which is as follows:-" (2). The owner ofed that the secret compartment was really for the Committee to prosecuts their any such dog or animal who permits the double-bulkhead, and the entrance was inquiries into the building of the Law same to go at large, after having informa so fastened up that it appeared to be part Courts, because the accounts for that work tion or reasonable ground for believing of the ship. It ran the whole width of the had, owing to disputes with the contractor, it to be in a rabid state, or to have been vessel, and was large enough to contain not bean closed. The contractor claimed hitten by a dog or other animal in a rabid people. This was very often found in $55,448.2 for value of extra work per slate, shall be liable to a fine not exceed janks in the Harbour. He explained that formed in connection with the but ing 100 dollars."

the first defendam was engaged to remove building, and as no agreement could be 101 bars of lead from the Aldenham to the arrived at on the subject it was agreed Head of the Department, and provision Choy Sting. The defendant disputed the tallying and said there were 14 bars of Major Wenborn, whose services were to submit the question to the arbitration many on the tally. As the result of diving kindly lant by his Excellency the General operations off the Pulice pier, where the junk had been lying, ta burs of the lead Office Commanding for the purpose The award is $32,366.15 less $15,851.58 overpaid to the contractor, or a nett sum of Bie,505 The arbitrator's award is laid on the table for the perusal of member His fest amounts to 82,000, and on the commendation of the arbitrator it is proposed that this fee should be defrayed by the Clovernment. Mr. H. G., Fisher, the Executive Engineer in charge of the erection of the Law Courts, has recently been invalided out of the service, and ville not return to the Colony. An Before the senior Magistrate at Singa enquiry without his presence as a witness pore luat week Captain F. E. Jarret, of is not possible, and in these circumstances the motion was agreed to.

Office. The present law is also limited in matter which comes in through the Post THEODOLITES AND LEVELS. other respects, as it appears that the Post- master is only able to return seditious matter to the Post Office of origin. The present Bill, Sir, provides that as sedi tious matter may come into the Colony in other ways besides through the Post Office, while the Postmaster General will still have power to detain any matter which passes through the post which he is auspicious is seditious, similar power will be given to the Superintendent of officer authorised by the Governor-in- Importa and Exports, and to any other

detain any articles suspected of contain- pected article. The Bill gives power to

letter to the Principal Civil Medical if any book, or newspaper or document is July fast the Superintendent of the ing seditious publications. It also pro- Government Civil Hospital addressed a vides that the Governor-in-Council may, Oficer setting forth on behalf of the seditious declare it to be such, and Sisters reasons why they considered their declare it to be forfeited. Notice is puh number should be increased by two. The lished in the Gazette, and power is given to as did the Principal Civil Medical Oncer. tions, and seizure by the officer making Superintendent recommended the increase, issue search warrants for such publica The recognised that an increase in staff was publications have found their way into Governor, after investigation, the search. The fact that seditious necessary, but decided that it should take the Colony recently is sufficient reason for This decision was communicated to the is desirable. the form of two additional probationers. coming to the conclusion that this Bill

The COLONIAL SECRETARY Reconded, and was made accordingly in the Estimates the Bill was read a second time. for the current year. In February of this Council then went into committee to exre probationers had been engaged, and year the Governor enquired whether the consider the Bill clause by clause.

and possible to engage them. In these reported that the Bill had passed through On resuming, the ATTORNEY-GENERAL circumstances the question of the committs without amendment, and moved organization of the staff of sisters and that it be read a third time

The COLONIAL SECRETARY Setonded, and probationers was again taken up and is being considered at the present time. It the Bill was read a third time and passed. is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by laying papers on this subject on the table,

There was a suspected case of rabies in Hongkong on Wednesday. The dog was killed by the police, and taken to the

crematorium, where it will be examined..

BOY SCOUTS. PARADE.

were recovered.

The case was remanded.

BREACH OF QUARANTINE RULES

AT SINGAPORE.

FINANCIAL..

he was informed that it had not been

SUPREME COURT-

The COLONIAL SECRETARY-I beg to lay on the tably and move the adoption of the 'der as to the fees and percentages to be taken in the Supreme Court of Hong-

ong

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and The COLONIAL SECRETARY I beg to lay the rules for taxing costs in the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

The ATTORNEY GENERAL seconded, and the inofea was agreed to.

SEDITIOUS PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE.

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS" ORDINANCE.

:

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the

Ordinance to amend the Protection of first reading of a Bill entitled, “Au Women and Girls' Ordinance, 1897, The Objecte and Reasons ar

The International Convention for the pression of the White Blave Trafic was signed at Paris on May 5th, 1910. The

Congress was deposited at Paris on August to the terms of this important International ratification of the adherence of Great Britain

8th, 1913. This Colony has declared its necarlingly become necessary that certain accession to the Convention, and it has

modifientions should be made in the local law dealing with this matter in order to

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.

CHATER BOAD.

CALDBECK,

MACGREGOR&C..

(ESTABLISHED 1864).

SCLE AGENTS FOR

FALCON

In accordance with the expressed desire of-General-Sir-Robert Baden-Powell, that--

THE TIGER STILL ROAMING. Hoy Scouts all over the world should observe Saint George's Day, by a special

Mr. Wong Kwong Tin, an interpreter: celebration, &; "rally" of the St.at the Supreme Court, saw a tiger at Joseph's College Troop was held on the about 11.30 on Wednesday night at the College Square yesterday. The boys fell Rion of Robinson Road and Park

Road. in on the square in front of the College- the Bodyguard on the right, the suits proper on the left. Very smart they look- ed in their neat khaki uniforms, with the Union Jack in the centre. The Brother

the steamship Yet Shang, was charged. I do not propose to ask the Committee to on the table and move the adoption of Director, accompanied by the Chief Scout with taking his vessel from the quarantine hold cay further enquiry. Major Bowen, and Scout Master Roy anchorage on the 15th inst, without the without hope that delays such as occurred Item not lance, inspected the troop, after which a Officer.

written permission of the Port Health in the case of the building referred to

He put in a plea of guilty will rot be repeated. simple march past was performed and the remarking that he acted under a mis- The COLONIAL TREASURER Seconded, and

understanding. Court Inspector Bourne the motion was agreed we flag saluted,

explained that on the date in question the Fat Shing arrived at the quarantine

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the carry out the obligations which are imposed PILSENER BEER anchorage with 544 coolies from Hong- The COLUNIAL SECRETARY, by command first reading of a Bill entitled, "An upon all these Governments which adhere to kong. The assistant Port Health Officer of his Excellency the Governor, laid on Ordinance to provide against the circula- † the resolutions of the Congress. This Bill discourse on St. George, the Boy Scouts hoarded her, and ordered that the coolies the table the report of the Finance Comtion in the Colony of seditious publica entries out some of the required modibrations Patron Saint. He said that purity, be sent to a hulk kept by the company in mittes (No. 1), and mored that it he tions, The Objects and Reasons is the local law by amendments of the local generosity, chivalry, and loyalty were order that the cargo work might not be adopte 3,

attached to the Bill are as follows:- Protection of Women and Girls' Ordinance, the virtues the Scouts' law specially in the Captain on the hulk, but as he only the motion was agreed to. ngh

interrupted. The pratique was given to The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and Government has been drawn to the fact that In the first place the age of girls the

For some time past the attention of the 1807 NO

culcated. In bo way could they be received 533 coolies in transfer he did not

newspaper and documents. of a highly subject of procuration offences has been learnt belter than by laying to heart the hand over the pratique. but returnert it REMOVAL OF TREES FROM ROYAL SQUARE: objectionable character hare heen brought fixed by the Convention as that of 20 as a THE ONLY GENUINE PILSENER beautiful story of St George and the this the defendant went alongside the of the Hon. Mr. Pollock, asked the some of its inhabitants.

to the Port Health authorities. Despite The Hon. Mr. HEWETT, in the absence into the Colony and distributed amongst minimum; Section 2 of the Bill brings up Sometimes those the age which at present stands locally at dragon. It would inspire them to do wharf. Inspector Bourne said they did questions standing in Mr. Pollock's papers pass through the post, and although 18, to the secessary minimum.

BEER SOLD AT 80 LOW their own duty bravely no inatter what not wish to press the case against the name

by means of the powers contained in Section the odds might be in the battle of life dofendant; it was his first voyage as cap- The first two were

19 of the Post Office Ordinance, 1900, there the existing Ordinance, the fact that a male Secondly, by an amendment-Section-17--of in which those alone who were loyal totain, but the matter was a serious one,

exist certain provisions as to the stoppage their principles could hope to win a inasmuchas owing to his action there.

(1.)-By whose orders were certain trees of matter of this character sent through the who is proved to live or to be lasting victory. Major Bowen stated that were at large somewhere in Singapore in Royal Square, which have been post, it is difficult, and often practically habitually in the company of a prostitute, eleven coolies from a suspected plague growing there for many years paat, impossible to exercise such powers with base visible dans of subsistence is no

cut down on the 9th March and for success

Jonger to be taken into account, but he is. what reason?

The class of publication which has of late deemed to be guilty of the offence of living Will the Government take prompt given rise to considerable comment consists on the proceeds of prostitution if he is action to prevent the further cut in the main of newspaper published out "roved to have exercised control, direction ting down of trees in that vicinity? of the Colony which are of a highly seditious or influence over the movements of a

After the parade the boys formed a square, and Major Bowen gave a brief

he bad despatched greetings by telegram pert. Capt. Jarret, said that he acted to Sir Robert Baden-Powell,, Bro. Adrian purely under a misunderstandings had (a former Director of the College), and he known otherwise he would never have. the Scouts of Shanghai and Caton, ou done such a thing. behalf of St. Joseph's College Troop.

A fine of: 810 and costs was imposed.

--now exportel to the Enst for the

Irst time

PRICE,

Per 1 Dozen Quarts

$3.00

Piste

$2.00