1924-03-15 — Page 4

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, MARCH 13TH, 1924.

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HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF writing, without prejudice, an informal CANTON THREAT TO LEVY CON-

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COMMERCE.

THE COMMITTEES ACTIVITIES IN 1923,

covering letter when forwarding their award, giving the reasons for these find inges. Naturally, in reply to this, tha case of shippers who have no representa tives in London was put forward, and the London Chamber of Commerce is trying to obtain a concession from the Produer Brekers' Association to meet this difficulty- TAXATION OF INSURANCE COM

PANIES BY THE MACAO GOVERNMENT.

SUMPTION TAX: Appendix T1'contains correspondenco an the subject of the threats by the party in power in Canton to seize the Customs Houses and divert the local revenues of the Chinese Maritime Customs to lecal purposER.

TRADE INDEXES,

Attention is called to the fact that the very useful and comprehensive guides to British Traile issued under the name of the British Standard. Exporter

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available to members in the chamber's Library: also that the British Consulate-

REPORT OF THE GENERAL COM-| Committee has repeatedly addressed the MITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1923 Guvernment urging that the importance During the year under review the of British interests in the Far East war-

On representations by the Fire Iasur Chamber undertook a great deal of work rant the commissioning of larger numbers,

ef mosquito craft. The experience of the ance Association of Hongkong, the Cham outside its accustomed spheres of action, Chinese Maritime Customs, whose cutters her requested the longkong Government notably in connection with the local ar- have performed useful service on occasion to use its influence with the Government General, Canton, is willing to place at of Macao in the direction of securing the the disposal of "Hongkong enquirers in rangements for the Hongkong Section of

in capturing pirates, indicates the effec-modification of П new Ordinance-pre-formation contained in the Trade Indexes the British Empire Exhibition and the tireness of even the smallest craft in judicial, it was urged, to insurance inter issued by the Department of Overseas

Trade. Appendix 1). administration of the fand raised in

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IN Hongkong for the relief of sufferers in the disastrous earthquake in Japan on the 1st September, 1923. The onerous secretarial work or the Joint Chambers of Commeres. Committee which has charge of the Exhibition arrangements, and of the Japatiese Earthquake Disaster Hog | kong Relief Committee, was ably

energetically carried through by the Secretariat, in addition to the labours of

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combating the present evils. The fre- quency with which, in recent months, piratical gangs have taken vessels to Bins Bay, in Chinese territory, and there un londed the loot, without any panitive action being taken by either the Chineses or British authorities, has led your Com mittee to take the view that the sitea- tion calls for immediate action on the part of the foreign Powers. The follow- ing resolution, moved by, Hongkong, was ananimously carried at the Annual Con ference of British Chambers of Commerce

China and Hengkong, held in Shang

in February, 1924:-

That in the opinion of this Confer nce the numerous piracies that have taken place in Far Eastern Waters, and the inability of any Government in China to deal with the situation, calls fur immediate action on the part of the foreign Powers.

The Conference urges E.M. Gov- crament to make arrangements with the proper Chinese Authorities where by, immediately a piracy is reported) punitive measures may be taken against the pirates by H.M. Navy in the locality where they have landed.

4 year in which several difficult problems engaged the attention of the Chamber."

Ore of the most important of these was the development of Hangkong Abai bour, following the reference by the Government to the Chamber of the Re- port hy Si Maurice Fitzmaurice on Hongkong Harbour Improvements." The Chamber has also given much anxious consideration to the very serious problem of dealing effectively with the increase of piracy in these waters, and pressing representations have been made to the Government urging the need for increased Naval Patrois, which have proved in the past the most effective means of deterring pimatical operations. Further discussions also took place as to the improvement of the Hongkong storm wärning service, especially in relation to the establish went of a wireless and meteo- rological station on the Pratas, Shoal:

Deliberations and correspondence on these and many other questions which have occupied the attention of the Cham ber are summarised in the succeeding paragraphs. The Appendix, forming the greater part of this volume, contains": complete correspodence on all the prin- cipu subjects which have come before the Chamber, except those of confideo tial nature. As usual, hundreds of en- quiries from Government Trade Depart ments and from business firins all over the work, seeking information or trading connections, have been answered, the re- plies often necessitating protracted en quiry and sometimes the production monagraphs of some length on particular industries or on trade developments. In

addition the Chamber has continued the issue, for the sixtieth year in unbroken succession of a Fortnightly Market Report. Acknowledgment is due to the Committee of the Association "of Export- ers and Dealers of Hongkong for special cfforts made during the year to render more complete the information supplied by them in regard to Export Prices,

At the request of the Government the Chamber again undertook arrangements for the entertainment of visiting Naval Squadrons, for which a vote of $90.000 was taken in the Colonial Budget, In the mouth of November the Japanese Naval Cadet Training Squadron paid a second visit to the Colony and the cadets and crews were again entertained.

Further, the Conference strongly advocates an increased numbor of Naval vessels available for patrol work, especially in the Canton Delta and neighbouring waters, where it is clearly indicated by the frequent piracies successfully carried out that the existing patrols are inadequate to prevent them.

Correspondence with the Government on the question of Piracy will be found in Appendix Pl..

WIRELESS ON GUNBOATS. This question has been considered in connection with representations as to the necessity for increased Naval Patrols and the motion of Hongkong at the Con- ference just referred to epitomises Your Committee's views, and the references to that aspect of the subject in the corres- pondence on Pirney-

asta, and objectionable heause it dis- criminated in taxation against non-Portu- guese Companies and made a levy upon Insurnace Companies generally to meet Governor of Hongkong has addessed H.E. the cost of the Fire Brigade, H. the the Governor of Mause on the subject hat no reply has yet been communicated to the Chamber. (Appendix A2).

PROPOSED HONGKONG INDUS-

TRIAL EXHIBITION. The Chamber informed HM. Commer

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THE FAR EAST.

An able exposition of the anes along which wireless development might be pro- moted in the Colony, received from the Radio Communication Co. (Orient), Ltd., -Appendix V-is worthy of careful study. The Chamber asked the Govern ment to consider the letter, inviting a which discussion of the principles upon wireless communication should be deve- Your Committee

gial Secretary of Legation at Shanghai,toped in the Colony. in answer to an enquiry, that the decision to hold the British Empire Exhibition in 1924 instead of in 1923 and the unsettled condition of affairs in South China, had necessitated the postponement to 1923-6 of the proposed British-Chinese Indus trial Exhibition at Hongkong. Peace in the south is necessary to the levelop ment of the Exhibition. (Appendix R.).

took the view that a public utility ser-

vice of this kind might reasonably be given a monopoly, subject to limitation of pronta and an approved local Board,

RADIO COMMUNICATION WITH

SWATOW

Appendix Be contains particulars, kind- ly supplied by Lieut. R. H. Beauchamp, R.N., of the new Swatuw Radio Station, STANDARD FORM OF FANCY

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was assumed that the Government would only grant a charter to dominantly British and financially strong Company, and suggestions were inde as to the method of securing a measure of public control.

HARBOUR MOORINGS: DRAFT REGULATIONS.

The Govertiment submitted to the Chamber revised Regulations under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, of which the most interesting clause concerned the se of the Government buoys, particular-

RESCUE WORK IN THE HARBOUR DURING TYPHOON WEATHER.

veel

PIECE GOODS CONTRACT. When the last Annual Report of the

in typhoon weather. It was, learned Chaciber was completed an agreement had been reached with the Chinese Piece that it is the intention of the Gevern-

strengthened A Goods Guild, through the Chinese Cham- ment to provide, a mumber of specially class moorings at ber of Commerce, after reconsideration of the terms of the Standard Form of which large steaners will be able to lay

This during typhoons, The Chamber suggest Fancy Piece Goods Contract. Chamber, in accordance with an under-ed that, with the increasing number of taking given, had submitted to the Man large vessels using the port, fifteen sach moorings as a beginning-should be pro- chester and Bradford Chambers of Com villed as early as possible. (Appendix

'E2). merce a request by the Child that in cases of dispute one of the arbitrators shall he appointed by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. No reply has been received to those submissions. The Chamber also

The typoon of August 18th led to much agreed to include in the Standard Form a version in Chinese of the terms of the public discussion of the adequacy or other. contract and asked the Chinese Chamberwisa of live-saving facilities in the Har- of Commeren on 3rd January, 1923-tour. The Harbour Master, Commander obtain from the Piece Goods Guild a Beckwith, R.N., suggested to the Govern Chinese translation. This was not re- ment the provision of a Resune Tug which ceived until the last month of the year cople also act as a lighthouse, tenilor. Thamediately upon its receipt. members The Chamber was invited to consider the ag and took the of the Chamber interested in piece goods suggestell design for the Tag "That the recrudescurce of piracies were supplied with copies of the Stan: per be capable coming the trip to i Far Eastern waters again em- dard Form of Contract, as agreed upon. phasizes the urgent necessity for con- printed both in English and Chinese, the Pratas Shoal, in readiness for the

establishment of the propos, meteorolo tious manns of wireless canmanica (Appendix Ce). tion with H.M. smaller vessels,

gical and wireless station there. This

·HONGKONG UNIVERSITY. Conference views with satisfaction the

suggestion was adopted by the Government improvements being made to increase Hongkong University continues to make and a special sub-committee of experts is -. the efficiency of the wireless or river steady progress in the right direction and at present advising as to the most suitable gunboats, and asks" H.M. "Government has been indebted for material additions design. (Appendix J1). to install wireless on every such ship, to its endowment funds to several local TYPHOON OF AUGUST 18th. 1923. also to provide the necessary increased benefactors, including the Hon. Sir Paul staff of wireless operators so that com-Chater, U.31.C., ale to the Rockefeller The Colony was struck, on August 18th, munication can be effected at all tines Fourdation, which has made a further by the worst typhoon experienced inc anal where expedient for general pur- handsome grant to the medical side of the 1906. Realising that loss of life had been poses, when the ordinary commercial institution. There is no doubt that the especially heavy amongst the Chinese cran means of telegraphic communication Finance Committee of the University, onmunity the Chamber conveyed a resolutior are not available, as is frequently the which the Chamber has a representative of sympathy to the Chinese Chamber of casin South Chinh."

under authority of the University Ordi- Commerce, which boxy also passed The warships of other countries help nauce, makes for the maintenance of similar resolution. (Appendix D). their national's in every way possible, in sound finance. Although the University the transmission of commercint messages is in need of further funds, its prescut when ordinary means of communication resources have been made use of to most are suspended, and your Committee con-evient purpose, while maintaining the

balance on the right side. sider that British vessels should also be prepared to give general assistance in this way in similar circumstances, pot necessarily limiting the helm to British nationals. (Appendix P1: alo Qi). IMPERIAL CUSTOMS CONFERENCE,

1921.

The

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i

TYPHOON WARNINGS.

Yout Committee regrets to have to report comparatively slight advance. in the direction of an improved service of storm warnings, for which the Chamber again pressed, after the Swatow typhoon of August, 1822 and continued to urgo 1923. At the suggestive of the

To Sir William Brungate, KC.M.G the retiring Vice-Chancellor, the Coin mittee takes this opportunity of record- ink its tribute on account of the pains- during, a conference at which the taking work he has devoted to the finances of the University and the general whole question was suroved took place advance he has furthered during his tenure of office. Co-operating with the Finance Committee Sir William has beer able to create a Superannuation Fund for storm remain as a standing record of his valu- need for a able services to the institution.

with the Director of the Observatory, Mr.

T. F. Claxton, and an agreed programine of needed improvements relating to the

sigual service was drawn up

in the first place, on the

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the storm signat service and with the kong a request by the Government for the staff of the University, which will Stress was less and observing

Captain Superintendent of Police, the Harbour Master and the Crown Solicitor on Piracy Prevention Regulations.

HONGKONG HARBOUR

IMPROVEMENTS.

timely to be given

The thanks of the amber are due to the Colonial Government for its readi- ness to consider representations made on various subjects, and to appoint Govern ment officials to confer with Committees of the Chamber when occasion arises. During the year there have been very helpful discussions of this kind, notably the meeting with Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher.

The Chamber referred to the Associa- C.M.G, on Harbour questions: also the discussion with Mr. T. F. Claxton on tio of Exporters and Dealers of Hong- advice upon a despatch from the Secre-

on the Pratas Shoal, which is in the tary of State for the Colonies, involving the position of Hongkong in relation" to The Chamber maintains its interest track of typhoons approaching the Coong the Imperial Customs Conference, 1991. in and support of the University, which and at a distane which would enable by a a station From a careful report by the Association has its best wishes and material support

suggested that 4K.W. it was made clear that the recomenda- so far as funds permit.

wirele-s transmitting set be installed a tions of the Conference particularly Mr. G. T. Edkins was appointed for a The Government invited the Chamber affect those portions of the British Em further term as the Chamber's representa- the Observatory that exchange of surTATE to express its views on the Report on pire which levy protective duties. Never live on the Council and Finance Com-warning with Zikawei Observatory he Hongkong Harbour Improvements made theless, it was pointed out that Hong-mittee of Hongkong University. (Ap-arranged; that certain additional observa- tions be obtained and that an evening by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, C.M.G, and kong, as a Free Trade Colony, has an pendix I). published in May, 1983. A summary of interest in secaring the right to share On December 18th, 1993, was made the weather report and forecast be prepared, the protracted discussions which took with the mother country in any pro- third annual contribution of $19,000 a thographic plant to be installed at the place throughout the summer was issued ferential treatment that may be given which British members of the Chamber servatory for that purpose.

In response to this letter, the Govern inter in the year to the local Press and within the Empire, and the Association have undertaken to contribute for five foring the second part of Appendix A suggested that the attention of the years towards the expenses of the Department arranged for the issue of an evening weather report and forecast and approach- in the present volume. It will be seen Colonial Government be drawn to this ment, of Commerce at the University. ed, the Chinese Government through H.M. that the future requirements of the Polt aspect of the question. The need was (Appendix D2)....

Mr. Y. H. F. Prew, the student. in theter, with a preliminary enquiry and the possibilities of development at emphasized, also, for the regular issue.

they would be willing to allow the West. Point, Kennedy Town and North of volumes setting forth the Customs and Department of Commerce who holds the "Point, as well as in Hunghom Bay, to trade laws and regulations in operation Hewitt Memorial Scholarship of 8600 Hongkong Government is erect a wirelese n the Pratas Shoal. The Chinese which Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice chiefly in the various parts of the British Emper annum, passed during the year in

ernment replied that. 1 the pramity of addressed himself, were very fully dispire. For lack of information Hongkong Part I. of the Intermediate Examination

setting up the station was established and cussed, also ferry schemes and typhoon may be lesing the advantage of rehates leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the work would be done by the Hydrogra pretection measures. This last conside-open to the Colony in its trading rela-Appendix F2). ration led to a postponement of further tions with other parts of the Empire. The Chamber again contributed $2,000 in view of prevent political condi

nhic Butran. It was coraidered probable

Jong discussion of the whole question, the The Combined Certificate of Value and towards the support of Yunnanese scho- that it might be a

time Government promising to submit to its Origin" adopted by the Conference is lars at the University. The Hongkong the Chinese Hydrographic Bureau carried

like ont the. Harbour Engineer the problem of the not applicable to Hongkong circum- Government also contributes a

work Bir Francis Aglon, K... practicability of converting any wharves stances but, of course, has to be used amount (Appendix G2).

Inspector General of the Chinese Maritime Constructed into the form of a wet dock for exports to countries in which it is The Chamber willingly responded to a Customs, very kind's interested hims affording protection in ateamers during in force. (Appendix G).

request hy the Vice-Chancellor of the in this subject and invited a full state It is hoped that fur

University for sets of commercial document of the history of the question. This typhoon weather. ther progress will be made with this

ments to illustrate lectures on Commer was very willinghy provided, and, as this very important subject early in 1924.

cial Law, and received Sir William Brun volume goon to press, a sympathetic nnl

PIRACY.

yate's thanks for a "very interesting and helpful reply is to hand from Sir Franci

Agien." instructive collection" of the material

The Chamber was compelled to call required (Appendix (1),

ARBITRATION AWARDS.

+

Delora

A further stage has been reached in the negotiations with the London Chamber of Commerce and the General Produce Your Committee has given constant and Brokers' Association of London with a

An appeat was circulated by the Cham-attention during the typhoon sensan, to caroest attention to the problema of view to obtaining the inclusion of par- piracy, to which notice has been insist ticulars of defect in Arbitration Awards her to members on behalf of the Associa defects in the working of the storm signal ently called by the frequent predators made under the auspices of the latter tion of British Chambers in China and servies and in reply is still awaited to a attacks made upon merchant shipping body. (Appendix C). The Produce Hongkong for assistance in completing letter dated 24th September in which and native craft, both large and small Brokers' Association has agreed to Having in mind the experience of some notify arbitrators, that, if they were re years ago, when increased Naval Patrols quested by either party to an arbitration led to a virtual cessation of piracy the to do so, there was no objection to their

payments for, a five year, period, during various points were submitted to the Gov which assistance has been guaranteed to ernment. at. the request of the Acting "chools affording education to Chinese on Colonial Secretary," (Appendix C1.).

(To be Continued.) British lines. (Appendix R1).

£47