1921-03-30 — Page 3

THE HONGKUNG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30mm, 1981.

HONGKONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW OF TRADE.

EIRE BRIGADE AND TELEPHONE SERVICES CRITICISED.

CONFERENCE IN SHANGHAI,

GENERAL.

DELAYS TO INWARD MAILS, This is another of our old evils which There are many other matters dealt at it is beginning to show signs of with in the report on which I could speak abating, although during the year Siuga- but an end must be made somewhere, and pore Post Office managed to cause us I will eonclude my remarks by reference great inconvenience at every available to a matter which this Chamber considers opportunity. Members will no doubt be to be of the utmost importanee, «e., the interested to read the correspondence appointment of a permanent Commercial from Singapore which they will find in Secretary in Hongkong. the Appendix of the report, and I may add that Singapore never appears to

chance of waking a mess. PILLAGE OF CARGO.

miss

It is an open secret that, being the homines of a different department, the The annual general meeting of the

past in Hongkong has not been altogether a bed of roses and I appeal to the Hong Bengkong Chamber of Commerce was I would first refer to the Conference Beli, yesterday afternoon, at the "offices of British Chambers of Commerce in

jealousies in the furtherance of what may kong Government to sink their petty of the Chamber. In the absence, through Shanghai. In my opinion, the importer the world are suffering very severely eally be termed their own interests,

| from the depredations of organized bodies We do not want & Government cadet

As an aftermath of the war ports all

indisposition, of the Hon. Mr. P. Hance attaching to this annual meeting of cargo thieves in which respect Hop&whose hands are tied, work hampered,

Belyoak, the Hon. Mr. John Johnstour cannot be over-estimated, not because it presided.

happens to be British, but because of its kung is far from being an exception. Of The following facmbers were present: general bearing on the trade of China, course, the local state of affairs is due to of where his bread and butter comes and judgment overshadowed by thoughts als the Asiatic Petroleum Co, Ltd.

It deserves the most active support of causes peculiar to the East, and I feel! Mr. V. H. Hell), Arnhold Bros. & Co. All those in a position to give it, and thit, to combat this evil, measures should Ltd. (Mr. Monteith Webb), Botelho Bros. (Mr. P. V. Botelho), Bradley & Co., Ltd. (eng. J.A. Plummer and

"I trust Hongkong will continue to do her share in bringing forward questions which

from!

ACCOUNTS. be taken that will cover certain locales conditions that work in favour of the These. I think, must be accepted as. cargo thieves

As a result of reports highly satisfactory. I do not propose to the Colonial Secretary making certain

T. W. Hil). British American Tobacco effect the welfare of all who rely upon from members, a letter was addressed to | dwell on then but after they have been

This Chamber should also make a point of sending one or two members of our Committee to attend the annual meeting. EDUCATION.

trade with Chan for their livelihood.suggestions that we considered would seconded shall be very pleased to answer

help to suppress their activities. The any questions arising therefrom. lies with the shipping companies and not Mr. W. L. PATTENDEN said: It gives reply received suggested that the onus with the Government to see that the laws me much pleasure to second the resolu of the land as regards stealing and tion now before the meeting, and I feel receiving are carried out. Now, I do not sure that I am expressing the wishes of presume to set myself up as un authority the members of this Chamber in thank- fention for an administrative position in ing the Chairman, Committee, and Sec- on police matters-but if the only qual- the police is that one has successfully retariat for the excellent work done' dur- Sanitary Board, I am encouraged to offering the past year a year that has not filled the position of Chairman of the the advice that special attention be paid been without its anxietica to the receivers of stolen property, when wish to enlarge on anything the Chair- and some very illuminating facts as to plan has said in bis excellent speech but pilferage itself would become negligible, how it is done might come to light! I should like, if I may be allowed to

RICE SHIPMENTS TO THE U.S.A..

do ao, to support his remarks with e gard to educational work, and the action

Co. China, Ltd. (Mr. H. Kennett), But terfeld & Swire (Messrs. G. T. Elkins ao T. H. R. Shaw), Britto & Co., Ltd. (Mr. J. Esla). Messrs. British Borneo Timber Co., Ltd. (Mr. G. M, Lakin), Canadian Pacific Ocean Service, Ltd. Your Committee consider that this is a (Mr. J. H. Wallare), Canton Insurance matter of the utmost importance to the Olliee, Ltd. (Mr. D. G. M. Bernard).

future of our trade relations with China Carters (Mr. J. C. Ponsonby), China and and so far as les in their power, have Japan Telephone und "Electric Co., Ltd:

and are endeavouring to assist young (Messrs. S. H. Bennett and "Sherry), China Light and Power Co., Ltd. (Ching to acquire a thorough knowledge BV. J. Hawker), China Provident Loan of English and the best traditions, busi and Mortgage Co., Ltd. (Mr. C. W. J.

ness or otherwise, which a knowledge of Hawker), Commercial Union. Assurance Co., Ltd. (Mr. G. H. Elliott), Dodwell this language confers. In the respect of &Co., Ltd. (Mr. G. M. Dodwell), Don-funits for educational purposes, we are nelly & Whyte (Mr. M. Whyte). Eastern Extrusion Australasia & China

a long way behind our American cousins, who, with their Rockefeller and Y.M.C.A. Institutes, education had look after the welfare of , tre enabled. to attend to the

returned students in a manner which redounds to their credit and makes for the propagation of American ideals. Whilst we are content in the knowledge that the aims and objects, of our Ameri- can cousins coincide with our own these matters, and that where the two English-speaking races are pulling toge ther as they will always do there is little to complain of, yet it gulls us to continue

Telegraph Co. (Mr. M. E. F. Airey), Walter Fard & Co. (Mr. Arthur Samy) Gandle Prier & Co., Ltd., (Mr. C. Band), Gibly Livingston & Co. (Mr. A. Q. Lang), Gilman & Co., Ltd. (Mr. G. Miskin), Green Island Cement Co., Ltd. (Air. W. 9. Hawker), T: E./ Grifith, Ltil. (Mr. R. G. Hal. WA. Hannibal & Co. (Mr. J. Robertson). Hausmann, Kern & Co. (Mr. Cr Hausman),. Hoiland Chips Trading Co. (Mr. Van Andel). Hongkong Electric Co.. Lút (Mr. F. R. Marsh Hongkong Rope Manufacturing Co., Ltd (Mr. W. J. Hawker), Hongkong and Shanghai Banikeg Corporation (Mr. A. G. Stephen), Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Co., Ltd. (Mr. R M. Dyer), J. D Hutchison & Co. (Mr. T. E Pearce), Sir R. Ho Tung. Jardine Matheson & Co., Lul. (the Hon. Mr. John Johnstone), Lewe, Bingham & Matthews (Mr. A. R. Lowe), W. R. Loxley & Co. (Mr. W. L Pattondon), Marine Insurance Associa

in

I do not

As you all know, the rice business of, this Colony passed through a severe crisis, of the combined Chambers of Commerco ring the year, and many frons here in Shanghai last year. I do not think on the Himsiest exoase, when the market strongly emphasised. Wa, in Hongkong, fund to their cost that certain American the importance of this work can be too buyers would repudiate their contracts went against them. The reason put for cantot perhaps give as much material ward for their attitude was that buyers support as we should like as, after all, were not honouring their contracte, a bat I hope that the associated Chambers in Cuba to whom San Francisco had sold we are a comparatively small community; reason which appears to me to betray of Commerce at home, whose interesis very extraordinary business morality. In are very largely bound up with Chines view of this, the request of the Rice will be brought to realise the extreme ber should arrange for merchants here to generously educational work in this coun Association of California that this Cham-importance and urgency of supporting Cuba is difficult to explain. The action and Shanghai-but in all other centres refuse to quote for shipments of rice to try not merely in Hongkong. Canton- taken by exporters in this Colony in where it has been carried on, often, ns refusing to be dictated to in this conice know personally, under great dis- :i to play second fiddle, especially when walition would, however, appear to have been abilities. I understand that Mr. John- believe that much more could, and should, though these troubles were not suffure that I am expressing the feelinga.

stonn in shortly leaving ns, and I no cient, the local Chinese General Chamber of all members of this. Chamber in any It is the opinion of your Committee letter to this Chamber which, knowing

of Commerce thought it to addressing that we shall regret the loss of his tion of Hongkong (MD. Blair) that in this matter the Hongkong Govern the true facts of the case, I consider was been largely bound in commercial valuable services Mr. Johnstone has J. R. Michael & Co. (Mr. Vivian Bon jamin) Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Coment should play a greater part. They extremely impudent. This letter you will matters not only in Hongkong, but also (Mr. P. I Knight), New Zealand Insur ance Co., Ltd., H. Y. W. Stackhouse), should remember that Hongkong repre-mitter was referred to the Association will be greatly missed. I am sure the fnd. on page 900 of the report. The in ather parts of China, and his services North China Insurance Co., Ltd. (Mr.sents the lips," Canton the "mouth of Exporters for advice, and the Cham- hearty good wishes of the Chamber go W. F. Townend), Hon. Mr. H. E. Pal of the Southern Provinces of China and where we pointed out that if the Chinese pleasure in seconding the adoption of the her's reply will be found on page 236 with him on his departure. I have much lock, K.C Reiss Co. (Mr. J. H that Hongkong by reason of her situation dealers themselves had noted according report and accounts Brister), Alex Ross & Co. (Mesar, Alex is from a merchant point of view to all to the advice they now gave they would Ross and A. S. D. Cousland), J. M.

intents and purposes a part of Ching,

The report and accounts were adoptes. David Sassoon & Co. Ltd. Dr. A. S parochial point of view and take a more of standing, and also they were reminded da Rocha & Co. (Mr. J. M. da Rocha) The Government should abandon their have had no reason to regret business concluded with local foreign merchanta

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE Gubbay), E D. Sasson & Co., Ltd. general interest in all questions affecting (Mr. S. H. Datton), Shewin. Tomes'& China and our business relations with of the inadvisability of people in glass Co. (Mr. W. J. Hawker), H. Skott & her. It is trade that has made this place. houses throwing stones.

be done.

Co. Mr. G. E. Wetton) De Sousand it is to trade the Government must Co. Ltd. (Mr. F. N. D'Almeda Reme look to support it, and in return we look dios), Stewart Bros. (Mr. Evan Ormala ton), The Texis Co. (Mr. D. AL. Larkina), and expect nasistance in questions Mr. F. P. Taisti. Mr. B. Percy Smith, which, in our opinion, make for the good Union Insurance Society of Canton, Ltd. of that trade. (Mr. Paul Lauder), CE. Warren & Co. (Mr. C. E. Warren), and Harry Wicking &Co. (Mr. Andrew Forbes).

THE HON. MR. JOHN JOHNSTONE'S

SPEECH.

!

CABLE DELAYS,

This year shows a distinct improvement

Out.

2

sound.

SHIPMENT CLAUSE IN BILLS OF LADING,

NEW FIRMS ELECTED.

Mr. Asunew Fonses proposed, and Mr. B. MONTEITH WEB Seconded, the election of the following. Committee: Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak (Chairman), Mr. A. O Lang (Vice-Chairman), Mesars, C. H. P. Hay, J. A. Plummer, G. M. Dodwell, G. Edkins, A., G. Stephen, P. L Arising from the same cause, ie, the Knight, A. S. Gubbay, D. G. M. Bernard. endeavour merchant firms and some American banks were making to repudi- tion of Mr. Bernard's name for his own. The CHAIRMAN suggested the substitu ato contracts, the Bill of Lading, some as he is leaving the Colony, and this was what complicated document, but one, agreed to the last few years, although of necessity was seized upon as a means of escape of our telegraphic service over that of which had stood the test of many years, The Committee was then elected. · we have kept this matter always before from a bad bargain, and an infinite us. With the assistance of associated amount of trouble was caused to local On the motion of the CHAIRMAN, Second- The CHAIRMAN said:-1 regret to state-bodies everything has been done to im merchants, Banks and shipowners alike ed by Mr. A. O. LANG, the following new that your Chairman. the Hon. Mr. P. H.. Holyoak, is not yet sufficiently recovered neces on those responsible the absolute by the action adopted by a certain class members at the Chamber clected during necessity for a quick and reliable tele; of American Bank and trader who, to the year, were confirmed:--Mesars. Britto from his recent illness to permit of his graphic service. Happily this should be save his own skin, was quite prepared to & Co., Ltd., Bank of East Asia, Ltd.,.. conducting this meeting, and under the realised in the near future and I think besmirch the reputation for fair dealing Carroll & Co., Carters. Chan Yue Teng, eircumstances you will, trust, excuse it fitting. I should acknowledge that the of his fellow-countrymen. Repudiation of Hontsz & Co., Ltd. Hausunnon Kern & me for taking the chair. The report and Associated Cable Companies are doing a bargain by a merchant is a merchant Co, Himly & Co., South China Produce accounts have been in your hands for their utmost to meet the requirements of able risk which can be and is guarded Co., The Sandoz Chemical Works, Baste, some days and we will, with your pet the business community. True, even now gat. Remudiation of a Bank eredit Switzerland, and The Hoy Sun Flash- mission, adopt the usual course and take we are occasionally, subject to rather long is a far more serious affair and the action cracka Ca. Mr. H. C. Best, Mr. A. C. them as rend. As will be seen from the delays, but I am afraid these are incon of some American Banks in going back Franklin, F.1.C., and Mr. K. S. Pavri. report, a diversity of matters have veniences we must now and again meet on their own credits could only serve to The Membership at 31st December stood occupied the attention of the Committee, philosophically until e Cable Com complicate ordinary trade difficulties, at 103, viz., 169 6rms and 27 individual several of which are now nesuming the panies programme is completely carried already sufficiently difficult, and bring members. character of hardy annuals. Before deal ing with these I would ask you to bear in

into disrepute the reparation of their mind that the subjects of the speech and DIAPHONE SYSTEM OF FOG SIGNALS alike. This matter was dealt with at ear he attended the annual meeting to

fellow-countrymen-banker and merchant

Mr. H. PERCY SMITH said that last) remarks from the chair on these occasions. are largely at the discretion of the Chair.

IN HONGKONG WATERS, |Shanghai-lant-November-

call attention to what he considered was the unsatisfactory state of the telephone man, which, being the case, don't blame Your Chairman at last year's meeting

HONGKONG FIRE BRIGADE service in the Colony. The Chairman Mr. Holyoak for anything I may say to was able to announce that the Govern Recent fires, both in Hongkong and replied that there was, at that time, night with which you do not agreement had agreed to the adoption of the Kowloon, have clearly proved that the whom great things were expected. Mr. in the Colony a telephone expert from (Laughter). M

China Coast System of Storm Signals, Colony has outgrown the existing Smith suggested that most people had Our title. The Hongkong General thus securing uniformity. Dealing fur- organization and equipment of the Hong not found those good things and he Chamber of Commerce" rightly implies ther thAids to Navigation to have kong Fire Brigade, and the matter is one begged again to call the attention of the that we are "general" in the sense that, this year forwarded to the Local Authori that should receive the immediate atten Chamber to the very unsatisfactory con all nationalities doing business in Hong. tes a resolution recommending that the tion of the Government Personnel, dition of the telephone service (Ap kong are entitled to membership, and as Diaphone System of Fog Signals be in equipment, distribution of gear, water plause.) we are all striving towards the same end stalled at the approacher to Hongkong. mains and the system of alarma, all re

namely, an improvement of the trade The resolution was the outcome of aquire early attention. Further to the The CHAIRMAN replied that he quite relations of this Colony with China-we debate at the Conference of British foregoing, cases of the fire engine being agree with Mr. Percy Smith's remarks welcome all to our fold. It must not be Chambers of Commerce in China held employed for the carriage of beggars, and" Forgotten, however, that this is a British at Shanghai, and it is to be regretted the whole of the motor gear and personnel phone expert in Hongkong about this about the unsatisfactory telephone ser vice. His remark that there was a tele Colony and we cannot be blamed if, that I cannot at the moment, report any proceeding to Repulse Bay to attend a time last year was quite corfect therefore, we incline to British methods, further developments. nad put forward British ideas with what

matshed fire do not impress one with any would add that the report which that may seem to members of other nationali

high opinion of the methods of super gentleman was putting forward arrived ties, undue emphasis. Judging by the For some years now we, in co-opera Representations to the Government communicated to the Government forth- in his office that morning. It would be increnaine number of foreign firms who tion with the Chamber of Commerce in evoked the reply that the fall investiga with, and he trusted, that as a result of have established themselves in Hongkong the Straits and F.M.S. anil Colombo, have tion of Fire Brigade matters was await that report, the telephone service would of late years, the disabilities under which endeavoured to induce the Colonial Office ing the return of Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe, and be improved (Applause.) they labour appear to be cutweighed by to abandon the practice of requisitioning now that this gentleman is again in the the advantages they gain under British for. Government supplies through the Colony I hope to hear that steps are rule, or the methods this Chamber adopts Crown Agents, and this year a memorial being taken which will canse us to alter in handling their affairs. I will nak you was drawn up and forwarded to the our present opinion that the Brigade to bear-these-views in mind, gentlemen, Secretary of State for ure Colonies other than the rank and file on whom the -in following me through a brief review of strongly urging our views. Previous to hard work fails and who do their best our Activities; during the year 1930, and the despatch of this memorinathe with the material to hand-is a standing tobb mindful that although a General Colonial Office had replied to our earlier disgrace to a Crown Colony Chamber in name, we are British it representations that they had no inten- I suggest for consideration that pro scratch, best Capt. Jim a start of 40 bottom and do not propose to alur over tion of abandoning this practice, conse perly equipped highly efficient Fire minutes. The winning ont in conceded incidents merely secause it might burt quently do not feel very sanguine that Brigade could be raised as in the case six minutes to the Sapa fast people's feelings to mar them, whether, we shall receive much sympathy from the of Shanghai with three trained foreign Thorsbycraft-engined boat, which w they be our own nationals or not.

Colonial Offico.

ers and the balance Chinese(Applause) beaten by three minutes.

CROWN AGENTS,

vision.

The proceedings then terminated.

Ho

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