1918-09-04 — Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE. SIDE LIGHTS ON THE HOUSING PROBLEM.

TO THE EDITOR OF

ΤΗΣ ΠΟΝΟΚΟΝΟ DAILY PRESS.' }

Sin. Too much has been said and written on this subject that it would seem dificult to contribute anything fresh to the question But it would appear that the following points have hitherto not received the attention which they deserve

Let us first consider the thief causes of the present exorbitant rents..

About the time of the Chinese Revolu tion there was a great influx of natives from the neighbouring provinces. When inatters because more settled there, many returned and many remained permanently in Hongkong.

At Fiery successive scare in the South-t ern Provinces (and there have been at trast half-a-dozen) the same process was enacted over again."

Among those remaining here for good, - were numbers possessed of ample means some acquired bonestly and some other

· Wise

These puple, and eyen others who re- maihod behind in China, sought to invest

beir money in property here.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH, 1918,

LOCAL PORTUGUESE AND

WAR SERVICE.

IT THE EDITOR OF "THE HONGKONG. DAILY PRESS."}

Sta.. Jenkin's letter, published in your issue of today, is no excuse at all and far from being satisfactory.

hould have given a due apology for his entirely uncalled for and utterly unjust remarks.

HONGKONG MAGISTRACY. ALLEGED POCKET PICKING. A Chinese was charged with sunteking a purse containing $115 from another Chinese in Connaught Road Central.

Inspector Browae asked the Magistrate Heto grant a remand, as a boy and a girl who had witnessed the whole occurrence were not present. Complainant, who is a Chinese, expected to leave for Americi on the 8th instant.

The Portuguese are not only earning their living in. Hongkong and enjoying its hospitality and prosection, but they are contributing, to a great extent, to the welfare and prosperity of the Colony. They give their work-good, honest and faithful-in exchange for the money they receive, but their services are, generally speaking, neither well remunerated nor well appreciated as, in justice, they ought

Yours, etc..

ALIGUIS.

TO THE EDITOR THE HONGKONG

: DAILY PRESS."]

Six, Much has been said recently about the part of the local Portuguese com munity in the War too much on the one

Neverthe

side, in my humble opinion. Iras. I feel constrained to write a little nore, this time on the other side, trust-

ing you will be good enough to grant the

Brokers, naturally, were quick and keenSecessary space in your valued paper. to apprreiate the opportunities Houses)

I do not wish to take" up the question were sold and re-sold several times over

Mr. Wood accordingly remanded the case till to-day.

ALLEGED KIDNAPPING. A Chinese youth was charged with kid- upping a little boy from the custody of his parents, who live at Canton, :

Mr. R. F. Lindsell, of the Chinese Secretariat, prosecuted,

A HEAVY LOSER.

Two Chinese чего charged with gambling on astram-launch in the harbour early yesterday morning. “

It appears that altogether soven men ware arrested by Iaspector Grant while they were playing fan-gan. Two of the en were charged with keeping a commen gaming house, and when taken to the Police Station were granted bait in $100

each, while the ether defendants were allowed' bail in 85 each. With two ex- ceptions the men did not attend Court yesterday, and their ball was estreated.

Inspector Grant stated that be found the atakes amounted to $37.70. One of the men bad over $130 in his possession.

Mr. Wood ordered Inspector Grant to retain the $150, and fined the two men who appeared $3 ench.

common

After the case had been dealt with, Defendant, it is stated, brought the boy

Mr. E. Davidson informed the Magis from Canton on board the Kin Shan, stating that he was a relative. Suspicion trate that he had been instructed to was, roused, however, owing to the fact appear for one of the defendants, who

was charged with keeping a that the little boy was crying all the

His client was only way, and on the arrival of the boat in gaming house Hongkong one of the passengers inform-arrested on Monday night and wished to ed, the Folies, and subsequently defendant obtain legal advice. He came to his The defendant stated that (Mr. Davidson's) office at 0.50 0.10, yes. did. not hurry, as he was of the opinion the boy was lost and that he was sent by terday. Mr. Davidson admitted that he the parents to trade the kidnapper. He

that the Court would not it before 10 managed to do so, but when taking the

was arrested.

banish him.

a successively higher figures. The broz of local services rendered by the Portu-boy back to his parents he was himself erk woeld approach an owner thus:-guise British Community, on which 1-hold arrested on the charge of kidnapping. the same views as expressed by Mr. He further asked the Magistrate to Jenkin in his speech and letter of the All I want to do is to ask some 2nd inst. patrione Portuguese--British

correspon- dent to give me the actual figure for the number of local-born Portuguese British subjects who have actually proceeded home

Raise your rentals and I can then get you a good price for it from a Ti Pi-Yuu" Chinese slang for those who have got rich quickly bines the Revolution). This piringess was repeated over and over again,

un in their eagerness to secure n'aie investment, for their wealth, property was

Mi case, not more, and even less than 4 per gat, on capitak in spite of the

exorbitant rentals.

Mr. Lindsell stated tha: the father of the boy came to Hongkong last week: Unfortunately, he was not in a position to give evidence, owing to the fact that he was away in the enuntry when the boy or elsewhere. for active service in the War. was kidnapped. The boy had accompanied

who have gone.

11.11.

Mr. Wond: The Court sits regularly

at 9.30 am.

Mr. Davidson replied that, as a matter of fact, the solicitors did not attend the Court before 10 a.m.

Mr. Wood repeated his previous state-

ment.

Mr. Davidson said he remembered a case, not in Mr. Wood's Court, which he

boped; the case would be re-heard.

He

Mr. Wood said he did not feel inclined

to revoke his decision. He would, how.“ ever, hear what the defence was going to

be.

M

bought at figures which would return, inghen we might, compare this number with his mother to Canton, and was kidnapped attended at 9.30a.m. and had to wait

the number of pure European Britons there. The father of the boy and bestil 10 am. before the Court sat.

A comparison of the sent to Canton to bring his wife down, respective local populations of Portuguese It would, however, take some time be Frinedy Hongkong, Chinese shunned

British subjects and Furopean' Britons (Ifore she could arrive owing to the Hoods, th higher levels owing to the extra expense for chair-hire or the inconvenithink there is not much doubt that the Mr. Lindsell naked the Magistrate for a

former exceeds the latter very consider-week's remand. ence of having to "foori"

ably) would make the table complete and reflect a truly interesting state of nfaira. it should be remembered that not only are the Portuguese I refer to subjects making a good living out of a British colony, but Portugal is also an ally of Great Britain in the war against

The desire to avoid sanitary mensares, which involved semi-annual white-washing of Chinese tenement houses, coupled with thanerainty of the water-supply, are accicional factors in the immigration of the Chinese from the lower to the higher

levels.

The ecolies who do the white-washing

Cause endless trouble by swishing their mixture all over the house. Tenants have to do some hard scrubbing to remove the

German aggression.

British

It would be interesting also to know exactly why conscription has been applied only to Britons of European descent and not to those not of pure European descent.

.

Mr.Wood accordingly remanded the case till Tuesday next.

Davidson replied that "his client admitted gambling, but denied that he was the keeper of the gaming house.

A Chinese detective deposed that he E.raided the launch by virtue of a warrant. Tha do accompanied by two other men. fendant and six other men were gambling

ALL ABOUT A RUCKET. An Indian was charged before Mr. D. C. Wolte with the theft of a bucket containing some scrapiron, the property of Mesars. W. G. Humphreys & Co.

Mr. Hall of Mesars. Wilkinson Grist) defended.

Mr. H. Best, manager of the Machinery

at the time. He remained' a few minutes and noticed defendant gathering the stakes whenever a person lost. Witness arrested him and seven other gamblers.

Two other Police 'witnesses borated.

white-wash from furniture and floors Of The latter, as is well known, are far more Department of Messrs.: W. G. Humphreys Several escaped. course tenants may have the white-wash-dispensable than the former, and, accord- ing done by men of their own choice, but ing to one correspondent, quite willing to go In spite of this correspondent's re- mark. I would like to see the excitement if conscription was applied to Portuguese British subjects.-Yours, etc.,

that involves extra expense,

in times of drought I have known of as much as 30 cents having had to be paid for two buckets of water, and ten cents for the same quantity has bad frequently to be paid.

13

By moving into European houses on the middle levels, Chinese, by living in much the same fustion as in Chinese flats, pay proportionately less rent than they would have to pay for the latter.

By reason of their habit of herding! "Beveral families in one house, Chinese can afford to pay more rent thua Europeana, who are accustomed to one family occup ing one house.

Even among the richer Chinese who have recently become owners of European houses on the middle levels there are very many who occupy one floor only of three und four storied houses. The other floors are let out to several tenants. Imagine the cooking and sanitary conveniences.of house designed for one family, being strained to serve several families,

ANTI-GERMAN NEUTRAL. Hongkong. 3rd September, 1918.

* CHUNG NGÒI"

CANTON NEWS. [BY COURTESY OF THE

SAN PO."I CANTON, September 3rd.. TREASURER NOT TO BLAME FOR GAMBLING.

The Civil Governor has refused to pro- secute the Treasurer, as requested by the Provincial Assembly, on the ground that the revenue from gambling is specially for military expenses and the Treasurer is not to blame. SWATOW REPORTS.

& Co., said that the iron goods, produced, were only a very small part of a quantity of scrap-iron which the Erm had recently purchased and of which between 40 and, 30 tons had disappeared, in small quan

tities. He had had so much trouble with the watchmen owing to the disappearance of the iron that he had dismissed four, and had then engaged the defendant, who lived in a mat-shed on the premises, The bucket stolen was one of the two which he had allowed the watchman to

use for water.

corrc-

.

Defendant stated that he visited a friend on the steam-launch and noticed gambling going on. He joined in the Rame, and was playing till the Police

arrived. He did not collect the stakes; that was done by another man. He had on him at the time about $155, which be was going to use for the purchase of furniture That money represented his earnings as a scaman.

Another witness stated that he did not notice defendant, as there were over ten persons gambling.

An Indian watchman employed in the firm's store at Shem-sui-po, said that on August 25th be saw the defendant and a

Cross-examined by the Magistrate, Chinese Alling three buckets with iron, which they dug out from the ground, and witress stated that he was not gambling placing the buckets in a mat-shed. On but only counted the beans, baving taken the following day witness reported what he had seen to the Company's foreman. the place of another man who became

When witness Later the foreman and witness went to anwell the defendant's house.

Mr. Wood said he believed defendant called out to the defendant, the latter came out of his room carrying the bucket was the banker. In view of the fact that Commander Chan Kwing-ming has op- (produced) and, having placed the bucket defendant's bail had been estreated be en the landing of the first floor, west pointed several magistrates to the dishack into his room. When saked again would find him only $5. The #155 found, to come downstairs with the bucket, the ou defendant, however, would be con- tricts that were captured by the Canton

defendant did so. The defendant then forces.

told the foreman to take the bucket away, and offered to carry it himself to the The foreman said defendant office. would be taken to the Police Station be cause he had kept the bucket in his house,

F

In Laine Road there are numerous It is reported that the Canton troops private schools for Chinese in dwelling have occupied the Nam Ching and Shan Juruser. Why cannot the Government pro-Bing districts in Fukien. Fighting is vide schools convenient to the several proceeding. localities and thus relieve the pressure!

Chan King-ming has reported that

fiscated

HONGKONG TRAMWAY CO., LTD. The approximate abatement of traffic The defendant, when asked by the fore receipts for the week ending 31st August, man as to the whereabouts of two other

On August 26th witness had overheard a conversation between the defendant and

Also, why does the Government permit his troops occupied Chang Chow on the buckets, denied all knowledge of them, is as follow the businesses of Chinese restaurants, oil and inst. This is the most important men's stores, confectioners, etc, to be carried on in European dwelling-houses city on the sputh-borders of Fukien, and in Caine Road -Yours, etc., -

is regarded as the door to Foochow OLD RESIDENT.

GENERAL LUE'S MOVEMENTS. Hongkong, September 2nd.

General Lük Wing-ting has recently re turned to Moming after inspecting the new troops in Lung Chow. He has accom- panied by his son, Luk Yu-kwong, who has recently returned from the Hanan

front

SUNKEN GUNBOAT LOCATED,

"

Is it reported that the gunboat King fung, which was sunk by its crew as the result of a mutiny, has been located near Chu Tau Shan (off Konginoon). Other gunboats have been sent to refloat the ship, and orders have been given to in- vestigate the mutiny. STEAMER CAPSIZED.

THE LIFE OF PARLIAMENT. According to the Daily Telegraph's Parliamentary Correspondent, the mea sure which Mr. Bonar Law presented to the House of Commons in July was the fifth, and will probably be the last, for prolonging the life of the present Partia ment. The fourth Act was for a term of eight months, which expired on July 30th. The latest extension is for six months, ending January 30th next, when the Parliament will have lasted eight years. The new voting-list will be ready in October, so that a general election will Le possible at any time between then and next January, should a full occur in the war. As one of the Government Whips remarked, "It by no means follows that the Parliament will live till January." lost.

The steamer Wa Yeung, which runs be tween Wachow and Kwai Lin, capsized on a recent trip to Kwai 'Lin. She was heavily loaded with cargo and passengers, and many lives are reported to have been

Receipta

for

Aggregate Treeipts.

week.

for 25 weeks 8477,772 471,306

-0,468

1,389

an Indian constable (No. 65). The de- fendant said that if the witness would This Year.......... $13 989 go away they would toke sonic staff at Year 15,338

Incrossò «CGI POKRETIME (DI from the Company's premises...

Cross-examined: Witness was inside Decrease the yard, within speaking distance of the defendant and the Chinese, when they were taking the iron from the ground GERMAN SOCIALISTS' OUTBURST. Herr Hofer, Independent Socialist, not arrest them because bie instructions and putting it into the bucketa. He did were to report the matter first. He had speaking at the Budget debate recently, been asked by his master to pay surprise in the Prussian Lower House, according visits to the scrap yard, bence his pre to the heinisch-Westfälische Zeitung, sence at the latter place on August 26th said:"Ten thousand Red Guards have Mr. Wolfe remarked that so far been mercilessly, mowed down in Tagan- the case had gone there was nothing rog by German troops, and then you say we are at pence with Eussia1 I'am per- against the defendant. It was absurd to expect him to believe that the defendant suaded that Russia will spring at our had walked downstairs with the bucket throats when the time comes. It is base of iron in his hand knowing that he was to kill the enemy after he has been blind. (Here the Vice- going to meet the foreman if he had ed by poisonous gas."

President, Dr. Lohmann, reprimanded atolen it,

Mr. Hall asked that the defendant be the speaker.) "The people must over discharged, bot Mr. Wolfe said it would, throw a Government which is incapable perhaps, be better to hear the evidence of of attaining a speedy peace by under the foreman first. The hearing was ac-standing" (Cheers from the Independ

"ents.) cordingly remanded until Thursday.

LANE, CRAWFORD

:

AND COMPANY.

LADIEST DEPARTMENT.

11

SPECIAL CLEARANCE

SALE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28th, to SEPTEMBER 7th.

THE WHOLE STOCK

ON VIEW

REDUCED

25%

AND ALL ODDMENTS AT PRICES

TO ENSURES A QUICK CLEARANCE.

SPECIAL REDUCTIONS

THIS WEEK IN

SHOES, HOSIERY and HATS.

LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.

BEFORE

18

DECIDING UPON ANY ROOF, INVESTIČATE

CERTAIN-TEED

Certain leed

PRODUCTS.

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ECONOMICAL

"EASY TO LAY

THE MODERN ROOF FOR

MODERN BUILDINGS.

ANDERSEN. MEYER & CO.,

LIMITED,

Hotel Mansions. Missions Building,

HONGKONG.

CANTON.

Powell

Wm.

TELEPHONE:346'

JUST

.:

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PRINTED

FOR

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DAY AND EVENING GOWNS.

DURABLE AND PRETTY

SHING KEE CO.

BODA MERCHANTS,

IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF

Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Muriate of Ammonia, Silicate of Soda, Refined Bicarbonate of Suda, Mineral Water, and Soda Crystal, Bleaching Powder, Sulphur Acid, Sulphate of Ammonia, etc., etc.

ALWAYS IN · STOCK.

No. 32, Das Vœux ROAD WEST, HONGKONG

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