1921-11-08 — Page 2

Page

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY. NOVEMBER Šra, 19%.

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

THORNYCROFT

JOHN L THORNYUROFT ▲ '00,, LIMITED,

SHIPBUILDERS and EnsinarID,

LONDON, BowTIZAMPION AND BASINGSTOKE,

Shanghai Office: 10, Kiukiang Road,

15 B.H.P. 30 B.H.P. 50 B.H.P. Engines in Stock

THE

For quotation apply.

BOUND EDGE

SOFT

FELT

ᎻᎪᎢ .

SHANGHAI OFFICE,

A Bat extremely popular with well dressed men.

ו

different

Made of fine quality felt, and finished in three shades, with contrasting band and bloding.

LATEST STYLES NOW SHOWING AT

MACKINTOSH

&CO., LTD.,

Men's Wear Specialists.

16, DES VIEUX ROAD.

“LAMMIT”

Telephone

ASBESTOS-CEMENTS SHEETS

The ideal material for Hot climates.

For roofs, partitions & cellings."

It is light & strong.

It does not conduct heat.

It is practically indestructable.

It does not rust or corrode.

It is insect & vermin proof,

We carry large stocks and shall be pleased to quote prices and give you particulars.

SOLE AGENTS:-

Telephone 1030.

OBTAINABLE

FROM

LANE

CRAWFORD

& 00.

DODWELL & CO., LTD.,

Machinery Dept.

PICCADILL

CIRCUS

VIRGINIA CIGARETTES

HAND

ZAD

HONGKONG

CIGAR

STORE

ALEXANDER BOGUSLAVSKYL".

[1136

TABAQUERIA

FILIPINA.

ANGLO-

EGYPTIAN

TOBACCO

STORE

AND

MESSRS:

A.IS. WATSON

55 PICCADILLY W

& CO., LTD.

ALSO

TURFS

AND

VIRGINIA DE

LUXE

985

EAST POINT GARAGE.

EWO STREET.

(ON TRAMWAY ROUTE TO CAUSEWAY BAY,)

The management beg to inform the Publio that the above New and Com mcdions Garage is now open for their inspection,

Cars may be garaged in separate lockup stails $15.00 per month, Repairs of all kinds cxecated at reasonable rates with mtisfaction

TELEPHONE No. 3429,

-[1804

ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT SHANGHAL-

THE CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW OF THE FIRST YEAR,

LETTER FROM SIR HEILBY ALSTON.

Powers think it worth while to use wire-the sea approaches to Shanghai-a moit less stations as media for propaganda on important event in the history of Shang- a very extensive scale-and are doing so. hai in which this Association has taken We have not been able either to perits share of interest. I can only, at this suade our Government to let us have stage, wish the Commission every succes more Commercial Secretaries,

On the in the great and vastly interesting traži

CUMMUNITY" "OF FEELINĜATE

QUR CONSTITUTION..

Prior

contrary, they have diminished the num-which they have before them. ber we hill before, by withdrawing the one who used to be stationed at Hong- A word or two must be said also in kong. Our failure has not been due to regard to the Association's Constitution. The third annual conference of British I can illustrate this in more ways than lack of effort but to the economy cual. As authorized last year, we have drawn Chambers of Commerco. in China and dne. Before this Association was formed paign which politicians and newspapers up a constitution, part of which has Hongkong was opened at H.M. Supreine dürrency reform had been talked of for have been conducting at homea eam already received the approval of mein- Court, at Shanghai on November 2nd years and nothing-literally nothingpaign thrown into singularly sharp relief bers. The financial art was necessarily, and continued in session until Satur. had ever been done. Since its formation by unemployment doles ranging up to £1 delayed until the conclusion of the Asso- day, the proceedings being in private, and as a result, as I believe, of the a week.

ciation's financial year. As you will see tacept that of "Saturday morning, when fresh stimulus which we gave to that

from the agents, the constitution stands summary of the proceedings was to question, we here at all events brought I think you will agree with me that. Ist on the paper for this afternoon's be given. The big court room was well

the Chinese Government and Chinese have counted up our misses as fairly as business and you will be able to discuss. filled on the opening day long before bankers sufficiently into line to agree to have counted up our hits. But before any points which it may raise. the hour for which the conference was the erection of a Mint in Shanghai and leaving this review of what we have and to your discussion I would like, as Chair. called. The official guests of the 'cou to the cuiployment of axpert foreign as-havo not achieved I should just like to ference were Rear-Admiral Borrett, It-sistance As you will see from the ask these questions. Are we as a com- the responsiblities which rest on the man, to make a few remarks regarding; Colonel B. N. Crosse, R.A., and also Sir agenda we are not by any means, satis-manity of traders better organized for "Shunghi Chamber's shoulders as ther William Brunyate, K. M. G., Vice Bed with this, because it does not go the purpose of making our views known Association's headquarters. Chancellor of Hongkong University, the far enough. On the other hand the than we were three years ago? Is Shang- been occasions during the past year when There have Rev. Bernard Upwood, of the Grifith Government and bankers have taken af hai better able to understand the needs we have had to take decision on behalf John College. Hankow, Dr. Levington distinct step forward and the Mint Loan of Tientsin and is Tieatsin better thie to of the Association without having had Hart, of the Anglo-Chinese College, was concluded on conditions which re- communicate its views to Hankow? Do time to consult all members. There was Tientsin and the Rev. CG: Sparhain terred specifically to our deliberations at Harbin and Mukden feel lees far away criston also when at first at all London Missionary Society. Who were to previous Conferences.

than they used to feel und do British Yents, the Manchurian Chimbers did not speck on education, in connection with a resolution concerning the education of

We are a good deal further advanced merchants in Hongkong, who live under eye to ey with us, I wish to assure you that, in taking these decisions, the Chinese on British lines.

also than we were three years ago in the British flag, feel that they have a Amongst others present (the prelimin regard to trade marks. This matter also corporate interest in the affairs of less Shanghai Chamber has done its trist to meet the views and the welfare of the aryngeting being public) were Sir is to be discussed very thoroughly later fortante British merchants in the Bar Association as a whole Everard Fraser, R.C.M.G.. his Honour, so I will not go into details, In- East 16 those questions can be answer Judge Skinner Turner, his Honour Judge deed, I cannot do so because a good dear in the affirmative I think that this

We realim very clearly that. if this Association-is to remain : SUCCESS, Cuch Prentice, . M. Bain, H. H. Girardet, A. is confidential. You must take it from existence." H. George, C. G. Mackie, G. Matheson., in general terms, that we have got

treated as an independent entity. In G. H. Stitt, A. L. Anderson. H. W. as far as the business men of any uns.

some Chambers membership is to a large Filber. L. E. Canning, H. G. Simms, nationality can go in a country where left last year to the Shanghai Chamber offices here. Occasionally, it may at times

To turn now to matters which were

extent made up of branch offices of head W. B. Bennett, R. G. Wilson, G. W international interests have to be consult to dent with. At last year's Conference difficult to recunsile the views held by Sheppard, W. H. Trenchard Davis. W. S. Hutton, H. E. Arnhold, C. H. Ruther- ford. A. H. Gordon, C. W. Porter, W. J. Hawkings, Mrs. Skinner-Turner and several other Indies.

"

Peter Grain, Alesars, E. F. Mackay, J.for the ground. I should have to traverser Association is more than justifying Chamber must, as far as possible, be

ECC.

ed.

duce results in other directions.

* UNREFORMED TAXATION,"

RESPONSIBLITIES OF SRIPOWNERS.

and

COMMERCE AND POLITIUS.

it was resolved to appoint a committee and the views held in Shangirl. Our representations have helped to pro- to inquire into and make recommendspecially on subjects where commerce and mails and telegrams are very much more relating to the term shipment

Our tions to this Association on all questions. I want to assure that the Committe Politics ineet. When suck..cccasions aris ME. F. Mackey, Chairinam of the regular than was the case when last we to

the responsibilities of shipowners and will not take, decisions in any high- of the Shanghai Chamber has not taken. Shanghai Chamber and Mr. E. M. Gull.met. Foreign shipping is not being under bills of lading.

The committe handed or peremptory way. Secretary were elected respectively penalized by having to pay fines for appointed consisted of Mesars. C. d.

We here Chairman and Secretary of the Confer opium smuggled on board with the con- Scott (Chartered Bank), H. E. Arnhold lze that the whole value of the Ass

nivance of Chinese officials. British (Arnhold Bros & Co, Ltd.), L. Mits value lies in the fact it is an ASSO ciation, or, at all events, a large part of picce goods merchants in Shanghai, Beytagh (bert & Co., Ltd.), and a re-ciation of different points of view, to THE CHAIRMAN'S INAUGURAL Tientsin, Hankow and Hongkong are in presentative of the Canadian Ocean Serwhich each member is entitled, and the

ADDRESS.

much closer agreement as to the lines on vice, together with the Secretary of the reconcilation of which is one of the Aso- The Chairman. in commencing his in which business should be conducted than Shanghai Chamber: This committee ciation's main objects, augural address, said that telegrams can they have ever been before, and decided wrote to the Foreign Exchange Bankers' veying good wishes had been received improvement has taken place on the Association urging that, in view of the from M. Minister at Peking (also re- Peking-Makden railway.

difficulties prevailing here, letters of gretting his inability to be present), the

This brngs me to the difheult question credit should state, that received for Federation of British Industries in Loa- I

shipnient Bills of lading, dated within with me that we are cor cerned with peli- of polites. You will. I think, alt agree don and from Vladivostock business men, Results of this character, purposely the period called for under the letter of tes only when politics and commeres aro also a letter from the British Commercial stated without any embellishment, are credit, should be accepted as conclusive inseparable, we have no wish to intule Attaché in Yokohama. He proceeded not, I think, a bad harvest. There are evidence of shipment. In opening this Conference, the third obvious limits to what any Chamber of

ourselves into the spheres that properly annual Conference of the Associated Commerce, or Associations of Chambers ciation Was asked to cable this to Newident of their ability to look after that

The Foreign Exchange Bankers' Asso belong to our diplomatists. We are co Chambers, my first duty is to express my of Commerce, can do. They cannot, for York and to ask for a cabled reply. No side of things for us great regret that H.M. Minister ahould example, alter the structure of society. ceply was received and pa June. 1fth we ever, questions in which politics, and com There are, how- have been prevented at the last moment They cannot give a country a good gor- wrote from leaving Peking. Sir Beilby Alston ernment in place of a bad one, or make They replied that they and the foreign that we claim the right to make our views to the exchange banks again. meie merge and it is then and only then wrote to me on October 10th accepting our invitation and saying I hope, dishonest officialdom honest. Nor can exchange, banks in Yokohama had given known. Even on those pensions WW nothing unforescon occurs, to be present

they hurry their own. Government beyond the matter their sympathetic considera-ought, I think, to take into considération at the opening of the Conference. We the pace which political and economie tion, but that, till the New York bankers the wishes of our diplomatists as to the knew therefore, that there was a pos- circumstances dietate. I can report no answered, they could make no change in extent of the publicity to be given to our sibility of his not being able to come, progress, therefore, in regard to China's the rule which they had introduced. The opinions. After all, they may often know- and with a very much more important system of taxation. We urged last year New York bankers have not answered

more than they can tell us. They are conference than this one about to open that the Chinese Government should be and so we stand to-day where we stood sometimes in the position of being able at Washington, and in the present de pressed to abolish forthwith the taxation last year, except that the difficulties to give a hints only. I think that due plorable state of affairs in China, we now levied by the Chinese Maritime occasioned are not as great now as they hints, and all we ask is that they on consideration should be given to their thought that he might at the last moment Customs on all goods carried from onewere then. be unable to leave his very responsible port to another in Chipa..

their side, with make their hinta as fal post. That possibility, ha, 1 regret to

enough to enable us to arrive at properly. as possible and give them to us varly considered decisions.

41

There are two resolutions on the agenda which are to some extent political. They are both subjects on which we feel very

In August, H.MConsul-General wrote responsibility of shipowners, you were As regards the wider question of the say been realized and we are unable to us as follows:- therefore to offer him the very hearty wel-

informed by the Secretary on January 4th come which we were looking forward to

"I am instructed to inform you that, lnst that the Shanghai Chamber had pass giving him. We appreciate just as much,

in view of existing political conditions ed a resolution expressing its agreement however, his acceptance of bur invitation

in China, His Majesty's Government with the Bill of Lading Resolution adopt and feel sure that had he been able to

has decided to refrain, for the present, ed by the Ninth Congress of Chambers of keenly. They will, I expect be fully dis come he would have spared no pains to

from putting forward any specific Commerce of the British Empire held at cussed, the more so as there is shortly to understand and appreciate the various

proposals for the reform of China's Toronto and this resolution was sent mees very auch more important confer- problems which we propose to discuss.

tariff system and has merely informed home in the name of the Association to ence than this one. I refer, of course. We feel sure also that his absence from

the Chinese Government in general the Associated Chambers of Commerce our discussions will not prevent him

terms of its willingness to discuss the in London. from doing all that lies in his power-to

subject. forward our aims and objects.

Admiral Sir Alexander Duff, T.M. to say. Commander-in-Chief oli the China Station, is also unable to be present. Sir Alexander's keen interest in the affairs of this Association was shown last year and I feel sure that, had he been able to come, he would have done so. The

VISITORS AND DELEGATES:

On the other hand, the letter goes on

DRITISH COMPANIES IN CHINA, -

to the Washington Conference. That Conference is primarily a Disarmament Conference and as such commands the Another subject which was left to us world. Disarmament, however, can only sympathy and good wishes of the whole "In the event of such discussion to deal with was the resolution to the follow the solution of specific problema. taking place, however, dau regard will effect that the Conference considered many of which bristle with difficulties. be accorded, to the views expressed by desirable, that legislation be enacted Some of us here are only too familiar the British Chambers of Commerce in whereby the word British or other with their obstinate character and in re- word or words of similar import belation to them, including as they do on

China”

On

absence of such distinguished visitors is scored this, niucli. Our less are one panies, present or future following on the and on the other the natural aspirations Under this head, therefore, we have appended to the names of all China com the one hand China's sovereign rights deeply regretted.

word limited." You will remember of Japan. I venture only to say this, cord and on record also is a promise that that, after a long discussion. in which that this Association stands for equality dun regard will be given to what we one of the chief points made was the dif of opportunity, the open door, and the On the other hand, we are able to wel- think. come Rear Admiral Borrett and Rear-

THE PREVAILING UNREST."

ficulty of making the addition of the cause of peace and good government in Admiral Maclachlan; his Honour Judge

'word" British compulsory without this country. Turner, to whom we are indebted for the the state of unrest and lawlessness pre having a series of meetings, it was felt Again, last year, we viewed with alarm amending Articles of Association, and use of this building; the Assistant Judge, veiling in almost every Province in to the Secretary of the Association to Mr. Peter Grain; Sir Everard Fraser: China; we protested against the atter institute inquiries. I find the opinion of mercial Counsellor of Legation, mention

Mr. H. H. Fox, C.M.G., H.M. Co H.M. Consul-General, our Honorary Pre-failure of the Chinese authorities to deal the Registrar at Singapore is that heed that the first conference and that of sident, and Sir William Branyate, Vice-effectively with the situation and we recommends that no attempt be made to last year were presided over respectively Chancellor of Hongkong University. The fact that they and representatives of most urged H.M. Government to use its utmost legislate by Order in Council, but that by himself and Mr. Archibald Rose. int of the Briish Chambers of Commerce in endeavour to bring home to the Chinese the word British" be merely inserted this year Mr. Kennett would acer by the China are gathered together here is. I Government the inevitable effect of its in brackets after the word "Limited", chair, because the Shanghai Chamar had venture to think, guarantee that this persistent neglect of duty. To-day things in other words that the matter, should be fallen in with a suggestion than it and succeeding sessions will be as useful are worse than ever and our resolution dealt with by persuasion rather than would be better for a gathering of repre and interesting as they have been on pie-kas had about as much effect as the legislation.

sentative business men to be presided over vious occasions. On behalf of the Shang maxims of Mencius or the exhortations

by one of their own number. Mr. Fox hai thamber I welcome also the delegates of Confucius.

In these circumstances I suggest that continued: of other members of our Association, equally lacking in effect have been all Conference goes into committee. We are paid a tribute to the work that these Bri-

the other hand, the inatter be gone into again when the who will, I am sure, be very glad to are the efforts of all the Legation of all the fortunate this year in having with us My fish Chambers of Commerce are doing in I stand here just three years ago and that this year the British Association of Powers. Japan have sent us a delegate in the I must not let this subject pass with ledge of this subject, and he will, doubt stand here again to dry and, after the

W. B. Kennett who has a sound know China person of Mr. Pollard and Mr. Cooper: out making some reference to the services less, be able to advise us whether we can farther experience I have had of Cham- I am very glad to be able to We are very glad indeed that Mr. Pol of HM, Navy on the Yangtze under the get any further in the matter. lard and Mr. Cooper have been able to able command of Hear-Admiral Borrett

bers of Commerce, both out here and at come for I feel more that Britons in The Navy has been a tower of strength" China and in Japan should be as closely to British merchants at upper river ports

Home, again to congratulate them on the.. A third subject which was left to us great assistance they are giving to Bri- ascciated ne possible. Hongkong, unfor- nd I would like, therefore, to take this was the question of the education of fish commercial interests in this country. tunately, has not been able to send a re- opportunity to tell Admiral Berrett and Chinese on British lines. On this subject presentative this year. The date decided all his subordinates how much we value a very full report, copies of which have which we have been passing, business men I must say that I admire the way in on for the Conference clashed with other their splendid services.

which, during these bad timer through important engagements there and, though

already been issued, is to be read to you in this place and other ports in China, later on. It is not necessary, therefore, however much worried they have been for me to say anything except to welcome with their own affairs have given up Then there are other matters in which very cordially hir William Brussate their time to work in the public interest do so. However, they are,-I-feel-sure we have also failed: We have not been Vice-Chancellor of Hongkong mversity; with us in spirit, for they believe an able, for example, to persuade our own Mr. Bernard Upwood, of Griffith John. You may think, some of you, that officials firmly as we do that our Annual Confer Government. that a wireless station is College, Ma Lavington Burt, of the chan's when trade is bad. It is quite true ouce is of real value to British interests necessary at Hongkong.

nre not troubled in the same way as mer in the Far East,"

The Govern Anglo-Chinese College, Tientsin and Mr that we are not ro dependent on ho erment's point of view is that it would not Sparham, of the London. Mission,, all of fuctuations of markets and exchange, but pay and our reply that that fact does whoin bave been good enough to come to I assure you that we have our own troubles. That such is the view of His Majesty's not, in our opinion, exhaust the subject the Conference to enable us to get to and we officials, too, look forward with Government is shown by the message will take longer than twelve mouths to grins with this very important matter, confidence to better times. But it in dif which the Foreign Office, sent to us early affect the Treasury. In a matter of this About another subject which we disti cult for an official like myself to write

we did our best to find another date that would suit everybody, we, were unable to

BOME ACHIEVEMENTS.

THE WIRELESS WANT,

EDUCATION OF CHINESE.

יו

this year, a message which stated that kind the Associated Chambers are up cassed last year, the Conservancy of the with enthusiasm on trade prospects in these annual gatherings quote the againat conditions over which they have Yangtze, more is to be said later on China when I have a letter lying on the actual words cannot fail to promote no power. All we can do is to go on In connection with it I would like to tablo balore me from the Income Tax collaboration-and-to consolidate the Bri- reiterating our wish for a wireless make reference to the appointment of an people saying that they have deducted, 30. tisti position and influence in the Farstation, reinforcing ear arguments with International Commission to investigate per cent from my salary. (Laughter) East"

this highly important fact, that other the possibilities of the improvement of

(Continued on page 6.)