1919-07-31 — Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE..

THE RICE QUESTION. IT THE EDITOR OF THE "HONGKONG DAILY PREYS."

Six-In your leader yesterday you suid:-

The statement has bees made that

THE RICE SITUATION.

THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY EXPLAINED.

THE HONGKONG. DAILY „PRESS, THURSDAY, JULY Slær, 1919.

We have received the following Team- munication from the Colonial Secre

tarist!--

♪

EXPLANATION BY MR. LAU CHU-PAK,

AT THE CINEMAS.

In the course of a brief conversation D. W. GRIFFITH'S "INTOLERANCE," with a reporter of the Daily Press, yester- All the interest that has been aroused day, the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu-pak, ein D. W. Griffith's "Intolerance," which pressed the desire that this newspaper opens for a short season at the Coronet would impress upon the public the fact to-morrow (Friday) is tune beside the. that the rice situation had been uppermost enthusiasm evoked when it is seen. It is in his mind and in that of the Hon. Mr. so big that the figures of its people and Ho Fook, as well as of the local Govern-its, Bve thousand scenes stagger one. However, when you consider that 195,000 neht, during the past three months.

the Government were warned to take As there appears to be some misappre steps in anticipation of the present bersion regarding the rice situation, the sitaaginn several months ago, when good following explanation of the Govern had not been possible, however, to take | peuplo appear in the production, with rice could be bought for a picul, butment's artion may be of public interest, other counsels prevailed:"

any steps towards control any sooner than

13,500 horses and 1,500 chariots, you form had been done for a variety of reasons, sume idea of its comprehensive details, Mr. Hutchison has been deputed to ex I have it on good.authority that, as far amine and report upon the question of thief amongst these were the question of keeping with this largenes of outline 14 its bigness of purpose and theme. It it back as March last, the Clovernment were she supply of rice for leent consumption."nance and the uncertainty of Saigon and tails four stories that encompass the high definitely warned, and the present situn-but he has not been appointed Food Con- Slam dealers as to the quantity of ricaughts in the world's development

links Babylon and the Holy Land and

all

which.. an appointment would they would export to the Government of medieval France,

in scenes H But, troller.

Such tion was actually predicted to them.

Hongkong. I think we have done our join their purpose with the poetry, the hean that the Government had taken over

best in the matter," said Mr. Lau Cha romance, the comedy and the tragedy of as you stated, this warning was ignored. "The present sad sente of affairs is up the control of the food supplies in the

in an American city of the present time. questionably due to heal sproulation. Tolony, a step which it has no intention pak," and I can say with knowledge that every-day existence na it is to be found the Clovernment have been in correspon- It contains everything that is permis The United States are the largest bugers of taking.

dence with Sidha and Saigon during the sible in the drama and shows the luxury the of ancient

contrasted with courta From Hongkong, and I have yet in, heur

past three months. There was, besides,misery of modern hovels. It shifts from the delay due to the fact that permission time of the religious persecutions to the scheming, plotting cours of Paris in the that they have been willing to buy, at

had to be obtained from the Secretary of more sinister and cruel persecutions of anything near the prevailing prices here.

The this

when everlords of regulation As an instance of feat speculation

drain the laughter and smiles of the

vi

The invernment's enly action has been to secure that there shall be an adequate Supply of rice for the Colony's needs dur

have heard of one lot of rice which wasing the remaining months of the year, State for any steps suggested here. wl by a dealer to a foreign firm, sota and that it shall be available for purchase Government are now losing two inkhs of word through the Meve of their intoler to a dealer, and sold again to another " the public at a comparatively moderats dollars every month by selling rice at the mat meddling.

foreign firm. This, doubtless, is buy one of many instances which could be earthed by enquirs.

price.

What is the use of rice (Na, 3 grade Port, which is of the arst importance. Kustained in the sale of the third quality Man who brought the dawn of a new sove

that) at $12 for consumption by Inbouring classes ! Do the Government "really" and seriously imagine that these people can afford it?

ut 812.50 per picul.”

to the world. It recognises neither time or space. It is everything that enriches

and opera

drune

The first and In obtaining this supply the prices they have fixed.

It is now dramatic, now pictorial, now intensely real, now bewilderingly diverting has been take not to intersecond quality rice is being sold practi-in its mad dances of the Orient. Anu gruntast ere 177-

fere with the transhipment trade of the cally at cost price, and the loss is being solemnly beautiful in its scenit reproduc

of tion of the Holy Land and the Son though in one or two instances of ship; thements to abnormal destinations the Gov-

ernment has exercised its powers of pur

The policy of non-interference chase. with ordinary trade was explained to I am glad to hear that Government are making further statements regarding shippers early in the year, it has been their activities in this connection and reiterated on several occasions, and there hops that much cheaper rice will be theis no intention of departing from it. leading feature of such statement-Yours *tc..

MERCHANT.. ..

Hongkong, July 30th, 1919.

JAPANESE PASSENGER RATES PROPOSED INCREASE. During the war the Japanese steamship companies built no passenger steamers in spite of the great development of the coun- try's shipping trade overseas. and this is one of the principal reasons why it is rwadays very difficult to get passages to Europe and America. It is said that all the cabins on the NY.K. European liners suiting before the end of the year have already been booked, while there is no

Mr. Lau Chu-pak, continuing, stated that Mr. Ho Fook and he had seen H.E. the Offer Administering the Government to request that the price of third quality rice be lowered from $12.50 per piruli to $10 per pisul. They represented that the present price was a great hardship on the coolie class, whose monthly, wages WHT insufficient to ensura the bare neces

The prices, fixed for the three grades of rice are undoubtedly high, but those prices are not sufficient to coves the cost of thesarios of lile.. rice which is now on sale. It is hoped that in the near future it will be possible to complete arrangements for purchase which will enable the Government to res duce the prizes

Booking is now open at Robinson's and as a brisk demand for seats may be expected, curly reservation is advisable.

WEATHERLEY'S "PRIZE PACKETS."

3 r.

i

• Prize

Charles Weatherley's Pacts. who are concluding a short Reason in Hongkong to-day, bave enjoyed. H.E. the Officer Administering the greater measure of popularity than has Their entertainmenta Government received the request very been accorded to a Company of their size. sympathetically and stated that the for inany years. Government were aware that the present have been delightfully bright and anus- price of third quality rice was a hardshiping, and their versatility has been a source to the poorer classes. Cafortunately, this of wonder to those who gathered nightly

to enjoy their entertainment. request could not be granted at the Three girls who have a fatüre before mument, not because the Government did them on the music-hall stage provided, ents, a thoroughly enjoyable two hours' not want to bo involved in further with an occasional item from their par Miss Laida Stells, known as diversion.

She has convincing male impersonator. the Australian Westa Tilley, is a very clear vuics that carries well, and a fextensive repertoire.

The raids that took place on Sunday and Monday on certain rice shops in Victoria, Shaukiwan, Yaumati, and Hung- hom were the result of the lack of employ the Government would lose approximately unt among cargo and coal coolies dur-cocoo a month by weeling third quality ing the stormy weather, which unfor-rice at $10-but because of the great tunately occurred at a time when the local difficulty that was being experienced in

La Petite Zilk, who went on the stage dealers were increasing their selling prices obtaining sufficient broken rice to make

when she was three years old and was the up the third quality rice. Bruken rice

principal buy in an Australian parto- to a very high figure.

could not be obtained at $15 or $is permine three years later, has a voice folt opening on liners to America antil Nosetion taken by large employers of labout Ppicul owing to the supply being very of cheruus the bent of her songs were liatited, and a high quality rice had to undoubtedly "Mother" and "Memories." be used for mixing. H.E. promised, how. Not by any means the least talented of the trio was little Miss Queenie Lloyd, successful manner for one who has seen but twelve. suminers. She is a born comedienne with the gilt of making people laugh, and is the youngest come dienne on the music-ball stage.

The Government, is grateful for the

a monthly the Colony in making allowance to their employes to meet in

most earnest attention, and relief would be afforded at the earliest possible opportunity."

The Nippon Yusen Kaisha, the Shosen Kaishu, and the Toyo Kisen Kaisha have recently applied to the Department off some measure the extra cost incurred in ever, that he would give the request his who sang comic songs in a remarkably Communications for permission to raise buying rice. It is hoped that all employ- bean passenger fares (says the Japan fers will take similar action, Chronicle). According to Mr. Wakamiya, Director of the Mercantile Marine Bureau, the permission will be granted shurtly. How much the lares will be raised is not definitely known, but it is

FREE DISTRIBUTION OF LONGEE

TO THE POOR.

On Tuesday evening a meeting was

EXPORT PERMITS WITHDRAWN. A mild sensation was caused among rice-dealers in Hongkong, yesterday morn.of ing, when it was known that export per-

"said that the increase will be by about convened by the Tung Wah Hospital of its granted to Messrs. J. M. da Rocha)

50 per cent.

AN UNPLEASANT AWAKENING A LUNATIC BRANDISHING A

CHOPPER.

པ ་

A Chinese, believed by the Police to be a maniae, was charged at the Magistrany. Yesterday, with cutting the throat.of an other Chinese, who has now recovered from his injuries.

Defendant: I did not cut his throat. "Do you, think he is insane?" enquired Mr. Lindsell of complainant.

Complainant: I do not know anything about him.

fast and present members of its Com mittee, members of the Advisory Board, and also of the Chinese Justices of the Peace to consider the question of distri buting free.conges among the poor in

& Co. and to Mesars. Botelho & Co. had xen withdrawn by Commander Beckwith on the orders of the Government.

י!

and

their

Mr. Weatherley, who has been up the road for 37 years. and Mrs. Weatherley have mastered the intricacies of a variety instrumenta musical contributions were always appreciated. The little Coinpany have travelled in most parts of the world during the last four years and have given hundreds of enter tainmerits to soldiers at Home and in India. They deserve the success they have gained.

GOLDSMITH'S MASTERPIECE IN PICTORIAL FORM.

A large quantity of rice which the Hongkong Mercantile Co. intended to the Colony Among those present werkship to South Africa on the Hawaii Maru Sir Robert Ho Tung and Messrs. Chou has been purchased by the Government,

The opinion has been expressed that the Shou-son, Chau Siu-ki, Li Yau-thuen, Ho Wing. Fung Ping-san, Tong Yat-chuen surest way to force the price of rice down that made Oliver Goldsmith famous, was

To Sze-tuen, and Sinen Tse-yen,

is to prevent export ...

**

The Vicar of Wakefield," the novel

sereened at the Victoria Theatre last night. The chief character in this classic 18 Dr. Primrose, vicar of the little coun try, parish of Wakefield, who displayed such noble fortitude, and resignation when distress visited his virtuous household. The little idiusyneracies of the clergyman are well brought out in the picture, and who end by abducting his two beautiful the scheming artifices of supposed friends, daughters, keeps the interest well sus- The picture will be screened again tained.

Mr. Ho Kwong, the Chairman of Cont

BOYS ASSAULT A CONSTABLE. initter, who presided, said:-Gentlemen,

At the Magistracy, yesterday, before owing to the enormous increase in the price of rice, which is operating very Mr.-R. F. Lindsell, two well-dressed Chi-

a Chinese constable. hardly on the pour, I have, during these youths were charged with assaulting last two months, constantly Seen" the It was stated that the two boys were "Inspector Macdonald: Complainant Secretary for Chinese Affairs with a vieween peeping into an unoccupied shop in Queen's Road at 1.30 am., yesterday. 'said that the defendant was insane. De to finding some means of relief. I have the lukany, who was patrolling the to-night.

vicinity, regarding them as suspicious fendant alleges that complainant's Juki also requested our two representatives on characters, asked them what they were The boys replied that he should atacked his master.

the Legislative Coudel to urge the love doing

own business. But I .am a The boys

At the Magistracy, yesterday, a Chin- Complainants stated that on July 22nderament to take early steps to deal with

ese youth who had a previous conviction that they did not care one rap who he was, and attacked him, tearing against him was charged with stealing a

uniform.

All three rolled into the watch belonging to Mrs. Edwards of 17, Lee I aen Street, where he was employed

Defendant:

at 3 a... he felt a pain in his throat the situation. As you know, the Govern said the fukang.

and woke up to find defendant stand-

"BOY" STEALS A WATCH.

ment has already decided to sell rice at his ing over him, brandishing a chop helow cost, and has also fixed the prices gutter, whereupon another constable came

to the assistance of his comrade and took as a serva The lady did not pay my Der. Witness Felt hiz throat and

Police-station. Fat "which three grades of rice are to be the boys to the found it covered with blood.

The boys denied the assault, stating wages, so i took the watch

Mrs. Edwards: His wages are $3 a called out "Save life! whereupon sold. Owing to the stormy weather which

McWaiter, atated that the Sergeant "boy

disappeared with the watch a week ago and was not discovered till Tuesday. The watch had been pawiki.

Mr. Lindsell: Three months.

defendant ran away, but was arrested by has prevailed during the last few days that it was the lukong, who had rough month; my husband gave him $5.

handled them.

Mr. Lindwall: The boys appear to bui respectable, a policeman when he reached the street. the poor pepple have found it still hardes

Inspector Boulger: Yes, but I think the There was no reason whatever why defen. to obtain food. In view of this condition dant should have assaulted him,, except, cf affairs, I called again on the Secretary constable was quite justified in question-

ing them.

The Police do not want to perhaps, that he felt annoyed when wit for Chinese Affairs, yesterday, to discuss press the charge. I think a little advice I think Mr. Lindsell (to the boys)': mess asked him to go to work instead of with him the question of making a free from your Worship would be sufficient. of wandering about the town.

distribution of congee. We have now it very likely you had some provocation At the same time, it is received from hit the necessary permis- for the assault.

that. Be more "careful in the future. sion for this action, and for the selection pot right for you to go for the Police like of eleven distributing depots in Hong. You are discharged with a caution. kong and the outlying districts. I beg now. to submit to you the names of certain gentlemen to form a Sub-Committee to supervise the distribution work.

Mr. Lindsell; What business was it of yours whether defendant went to work

or not?

Witness muttered something to the effect tlint he only gave the man a bit of advice, Defendant: This man has threatened to kill me and my fricade told me to be careful of him."

A Sub-Committee, consisting of leading

Inspector Macdonald stated that defen- dant used to worry his mother and ak members of the Chinese community, was her to find him a wife as he was longing

The man was insane and did subsequently appointed, and it is likely not know what he was talking about.

Mr. Lindsell-remanded the case till to that the distribution will commence in the day.

course of the next low daye.

for onc

"It is reported here that Lieut-General C. D. Bruce will shortly return to China and resume his position as Police, Adviser to the Ministry of the Interior. Before the outbreak of war, Colonel Bruce, as ho, was then, had been Captain-Baperin- tendent of the Shanghai Municipal Police, and on the termination of his en ment At one time he was 0.0. the Bagement received his present appoint Chinese Regiment in Weihaiwei.

IMITATING SAMPSON.

At the Magistracy, yesterday, a Chin- cse pleaded guilty to stealing two doors.

Inspector nouiger, stated that defen- dant went to an unoccupied house in Queca's Road and stole the two doors (1 a cubicle. He was arrested in Lower Lascar now by a watchman.

Mr. Lindsell sentenood defendant to four weeks' hard labour."

ALLEGED THEFT BY AN INDIAN.

At the Magistracy, yesterday, an Indian watchman was charged by a com patriot with stealing a pair of shoes.

Mr. J. H. Gardiner, appearing for the defendant, applied for remand, which was granted, bail being azed at $100.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Flavoury desserts and Meats for August Means——, ARMOUR'S canned MEATS, etc.

"

Luncheon Beef per tin go cts. Chili con Carne Pigs' Feet Bologna Sausage Liver

اور

Ham Loaf per tin 40 cts.

Veal

Beef

25 cts.

So cts.

40°cts

40 cts

60 cts.

Brisket of Beef

90 crs

#70 cts.

Spaghetti & Chill

97

25 cts.

Tripe

Sandwich

60 cts.

Dainties

3

» 33 cts.

HORS D'OEUVRE

Milan Salami Sausage per lb. Mortadella

Summer

FRUITS

$1. $1.20

$1.

Apricots...

Bartlett Pears

Egg Plums

per tin 55 cts.

White Cherries per tin 70 cts.

60 cts.

» 50 cts.

Cling Peaches Greengages

>>

60 cts.

r

,50 cts.

TONGUES

Ox Tongues in tins $1.50 1.75

}]

1

Glass...

***

31

2.25 2.75 each.

$2.50 each. Lamb and Lunch Tongues go cts. per tin.

LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.

NTOLERANC

IN

the film magnificent

E

More gorgeous and more entrancing than any other picture ever produced.

D

Wonderful scenes of bygone days! Age old civilizations reproduced! Mighty cities of long ago reconstructed! Four fine stories woven into one!

Babylon feasting and Babylon afire! Jerusalem in the days of Our Lord!

Paris and the, Massacre of St. Bartholomew !

New York-the Babylon of to-day!

All have their parts to play in this the master production of

D. W. GRIFFITH

Showlog

the Wizard of the Screen.

To-morrow

32

at the

CORONET.

Prices $3,00 and $1,50

Powell

TELEPHONE 346

SMART

Lrd.

[240

NECKWEAR

DISTINCTIVE IN DESIGN AND OF A DEPENDABLE QUALITY.

PLAIN COLOURS

IN THE MOST FASHIONABLE SHADES, INCLUDING KHAKI.

INSPECTION INVITED.