1924-03-25 — Page 5

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THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, MARCH 25TH,

Wheat flour imports have risen from of these areas which, by the way, wers 1,779,141 preuls ja 1023 to 1,924,440 peaks in 1823 in spite of reports that great deal of the flour formerly tran- shipped in Hongkong is now shipped direet to Optpects.

As to "Cotton Picce Goods and Fancy Cotton Goods, great changes hard taken place in regard to the Fancy Trade. The old Figured and Plain Poplia business appears to be at an end, considerable business in all kinds of Fancy Woollens having taken its place. The turnover in staples shows a substantial improvement

on -1989.

Export

No further communication bus been received from them, and it is to

b regretted that general charges of this kind should be made by a responsible trade organization without any attempt to substantiate them.-(Applause.)

LEGISLATION.

valued by Sir John Oakley. However, although the terms for resumption are so unsatisfactory, the Committee's opin- on was that they must be accepted, and representations runde for the surrender of certain reserved areas such as I have named. In this connection I should like to pay tribute to the services of the Hoz Mr. H. E. Pollock, whose untiring efforts for the public wenl are wall known to all of us-(Applause.) Mr. Pollock's succinot and able statement of the Colony's case at the last meeting of the Legislative Council cannot "fail to

impress the authorities at bome.

THE IMPROVED MAIL SERVICE.

Mr. Blair Eas

With these few remarks I beg to second the adoption of the Report and Accounts. FURTHER VIEWS ON THE PIRACY

PROBLEM.

MORE EFFICIENT SEARCH OF CHINESE FASSENGERS NEEDED..

Mr. W. S. BAILEY, of Mesars. W. S. Bailey & Co., Ltd., said:

being made to establish more satisfac THE SECRETARY'S VACATION. Gentlemen. It is a matter of much tory relations between China Skippera regret to your Committee, and I am sure and the General Produce Brokers' Asso- to all the members of the Chamber and ciation of London. Merchants in China the Colony generally that, owing to ill are seeking reforms in arbitration proce. health, our Secretary, Mr. Blair, has been dure and other matters which, I consider, medically advised to seek rest and reare perfectly reasonable and necessary Members of the Chamber, I am sure, cuperation in Europe and will be leaving under modern conditions of business. the Colony at the end of this week. The work of the past two years has beer will regret very much the Secretary's particularly heavy and far surpassed that breakdown in health. of previous years. The strain, especially been actirë qud zealous in the Chamber's during the strike period, when he was interests for many years,, and a valued carrying on singlehanded, bas told member of the community by reason of It will be noted in our Report' that

severely on him, and no doubt, hastened the keen and helpful interest he has taken an unpleasant incident took place early It is fitting that I should place on in the year in connection with the Tin record our acknowledgment of the im- this breakdown, which we trust is only in many local organisations, His organis- Trade I was alleged by the provements in the mail service since this of a temporary nature. Many here can ing abilities will be greatly inissed. 1 am New York Metal Exchange, in letters Chamber-with other bodies in the Far speak with greater knowledge thaw I can sure we all hope that a year's rest nad A better climate will addressed to the Chamber and to the East-made representations about a year of the energetic and efficient services recuperation in Government, that parcels of Chinese tinago. These improvements have been were showing on analysis a lower tin elected principally through the develop which Mr. Blair has rendered to this restore Mt. Blair to health and strength than usual; The New York ment of the overland route to Brindisi Chamber for many years. (Applause,) and that we shall see him again in Hoog- Metal Exchange was invited to send sam- enabling shipping documents to overtake

Jongkong ready to enter with his wonted zest ples of shipments complained o!,, in order precede the cargo to which they reinte, His judgment," discretion and

nequaintance with local conditions have into the life of the Colony. (Applause.) that the fullest investigation might be to the convenience of all concerned. made.

THE TELEPHONE CONTRACT.

always been of the greatest value. The Telephone question advanced to a Under the circumstances your Com- certain extent in 1 inasmuch as the mittee has granted Mr. Blair a year's Telephone Company voluntarily reduced their valuation of the plast by some

Home leave, a decision which I am sure £65,000. The Joint Chamber of Commembers will readily endorse, and it is merec Telephone Committee, however,

our earnest hope that the "trip home A interesting correspondence will he still consider this reduction is not ade.

to his family and a long rest from the found in the Report on the subject of an aquate, and representations have been amendment to the Opian Ordinance made to that effect, but as yet without very active life he has followed here

Telephone subscribers, of

I am requested, Sir, to speak to-day which, your Committee felt very strongly, response.

on the subject of piracy as outlined in presse most anfairly upon shipowners. course, appreciate that their rectals must will renew his health and fit him again the to take up his duties with the same

as heretofore, the very full report of this Chamber and To rebut a charge of conveying illicit bear some reasonable relation to

as summarised in your comprehensive opinm by steamer the owner was called, value of the Capital sunk in the business energy and enthusiasm un by the Section, ns worded. to prove and the Joint Committee are working to Messrs. Lowe, Bingham & Matthews will

The main facts are in in the interim carry on the secretarial speech. I think, Sir, the general feeling" thate of the officers or their ber- this end only vantity of the crew, were implicat possession of the Telephone Company organisation with the Acting Assistant regarding piracy is one of strong indigna- ed them. Of course, no such proof and watil the latter satisfy the Com Secretary, Mr. Key, who for nearly twotion at the repeated loss of life and pro- dustry of the Colony, besides the injury could sibly be adduced, and I am mittee of the reasonableness of their years has proved his value in the Secre-perty and of injury to the most vital in-

tariat, in that capacity. (Applause.) glad ay that the Chamber, after reclaims no further progress can be made.

I now beg propose that the Report to the prestige of our dag. It is with peated, representations, was able to in- The Company's monopoly ceases on 31st due the Government to substitute a January, 1830, and until then the Com- and Accounts, as presented, be adopted. feelings almost of shame that we must form of words which leaves it to the pany can refuse to depart from their pre- and after that motion has been seconded admit, despite the undoubted efforts of Magistrate's discretion to decide who sent attitude. Sometime before that date I shall be pleased to answer" to the best our authorities, our failure to bring to murders and robberies; to recover any ther or pothona fides on the part of the the Government, or the Community at of my ability any questions which mem-justice any of the perpetrators of these

bers may wish to pat

of the stolen property, or to safeguard shipowner have been proved to his satis large, must take steps to inaugurate a new system to replace the present one faction. (Applause.)

on its expiration, unless the present

the lives of the captains, officers and The Tele-

crews of vessels trading in our waters. monopolists come to terms.

The relative merits of grilles, patrols and convoy systems have lieen so far discuss phone Company does not seem to be in any great hurry as they have not answer.

The very interesting address to whiched without any apparent reduction in ed the Joint Committee's last letter on the subject dated 23rd April, 1923.

we have just-listened and the contents of piracy, and much more effective means the volume containing the record of the appear imperative. I suggest, Sir, in the Chamber's activities bear striking testi first place there be put in force at once mittee and Secretariat during the past gers embarking from, and arriving at this tions have been under consideration. I as far as practicable, with the arming of year, one in which many important ques port. Second, the continued use of grilles naval patrols as recommended by this should like to express on behalf of the officers; thirdly, extension of convoys and General Members our indebtedness to the Chamber, also the more general use of Chairman and the General and other

wireless telegraphy both ashore and Committees, also to the Secretariat for

afloat. Fourthly, an agreement with the Customs and Chinese Government by which pirates may be traced, apprehend ed and punished in China. (Applause.)

I have read with much interest the report

af Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice on the

with contained in the annual report of proposed Harbour improvements scheme and the correspondence connected there-

vessels to discharge directly into godowns dispute the great advantage to this

and so avoid the loss of time and material Colony of adequate wharfage enabling

system. In this connection I would en- and the delays incident to our present dorse generally the scheme submitted to

Merchants will note with satisfaction that the Bill, proposed by the Chamber Inst year, to make illegal the transfer to a purchaser of the assets of a busi- ness, without the liabilities, has passed

'intu Law!

NATIVE CUSTOMS TARIFF.

THE EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN.

MR. W. L PATTENDEN'S SPEECH. Mr. W. L PATTENDEN, in seconding the adoption of the report and accounts, said:-

2

Up till now the issue has been between the Company and the Hongkong Govern- At the Shanghai Conference last month ment. Recently, however, bent financial tween the duties levied by the Mari with the Company; with what success is resolution dealing with the disparity interests have endeavoured to negotiate mony to the strenuous work of the Com. a more efficient search of Chinese passen- Line Customs and the Native Customs at present unknown and whether their was used by us and duly passed. advent will result in a quicker settlement China, 1902, gave a formal andertaking of the question or the reverse remains that the duties and likin combined, levied to be seen. on goods carried by junks from Hong- kong to the Treaty Ports in the Canton

When the extent of the disaster which Province, and vice verin, should together "be not less than the duties imposed by ecurred in Japan through the earthquake Nothing on 1st September was realised, your Com the Chinese Maritime Customs. has been done to fulfil this undertaking mittee opened a Relief Fund, and I take in spite of frequent representations by this opportunity of acknowledging the H.A. Minister in. Faking during the last generous support given to the Fund by twenty years.

The present disparity the Government, the Hongkong and operates as a preferential duty in favour Shanghai Baek, and the community gener of cargo conveyed by Chinese junks, to all. The Chamber lent its organisation" present patrol service in the harbour this Chamber, and I think you will not the detriment of shipping generally. An for the purpose of administering the interesting table is printed on pages 979 Fand, and our thanks are due to those ard of the Report showing that the members of the Chamber who acted on differences between the two duties may the Relief Committee; I would mention amount in some cases, to anything from especially Mr. G. T. Edkins, who ably 30 to 500 per cent. The difference will presided over the Committee and devoted become still greater in the near future a great deal of time and thought to the administration; also the Hou, Mr. A. G. if the 2 per cent. surtax is adopted. Stephen" who acted as Hou. Treasurer of interests in China to-day. As you have this Chamber by Mr. Sutherland, refer-

The resolution recommended that, failing a revision of the Native Customs duties, the Maritime Customs duties should be reduced to the same level.

no

the Fund. (Applause.)

THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

וי

the work that has been so eficiently You. Sir, rightly laid special done. stress on the need for effective measures to counter the pirntient attacks 36 con- stantly made upon local shipping, even within the waters of the Harbour, and I venture to suggest that events of the past few weeks point to the fact that the limits is quite inadequate. Although the Imperial Government has decided not to proceed with the proposed Naval Base at Singapore, a decision I feel most of us deplore, it is to be hoped that they will not be averse to a comparatively speak ing small expenditure very necessary for counteracting dangers threatening British

in

This

We have continued our endeavours to the local arrangements for the Hongkong too, with the Resolution submitted expeditiog the work of the Health

।।

Produce

Clause in the

CANTON HARBOUE APPROACHES.

THE UNIVERSITY.

detail to the Government. paid, Sir, our most urgent need is for red to in the report, and since submitted increased Naval protection, particularly scheme would contribute largely, not only in the form of patrols of trade routes The Chauher also placed its staff at which we all remember, have proved to the safety of the travelling public but the disposal of the Joint Chambers of highly effective in quelling piracy in the to the prevention of lawlessness in the THE SHIPPING OF PRODUCE

Commerce Committee which has made

past. I am sure we are all in agreement, Colony, besides greatly simplifing and

General

tion of infection and disease generally obtain from the

Spetion of the British Empire Exhibition. this Chamber to the recent Chambers of authorities and so checking the introduc- into the Colony. It is an anomaly that Brokers' Association of London more con There is every reason to believe that Commerce Conference in Shanghai arg- stilerate treatment of Cha shippers langkong's contribution to what will ing that, in view of the powerlessness The Arbitration Awards contain in- undoubtedly be the greatest Exhibition of of China to deal with evil-decre, nests of Hongkong is practically the only port of Hufficient information and give no indica tion of the defect of the shipment. So, the kind the world has ever seen is going pirates should be cleared out by punitive importance in which no control is exer- to be worthy of the Colony and of its measures employed by Foreign Powers. cised over those entering or leaving the are, adjacent to that great Chinese cen- far Brokers' Associations have any agreed to give an informal letter, if aphed for, commercial importance. In this connec-Such action will be as much in the in- Colony, and I may say, situated as we 'tion our thanks are due to the Hoa, Mr. terests of China as of ourselves, for

that there is no port in the World where setting out the defects, but your Com Holyoak and those associated with him pust not be forgotten that the Chinese, tre, Canton, with its teeming millions, some such control is so imperative to the mitted does not consider this is adequate on the Hongkong Committee; also to the after all, are the chief sufferers from There are other respects in which we are London Committee, Mr. H. W. Bird and piracy. I hope, Sir, that before the next

Shortly, Sir, I think any expenditure we asking for reform-for instance there is fr. C. H. P. Hay, the Hen. Secretary, annual meeting of the Chamber we shall safety and well being of the inhabitants. ean afford in the maintenance of law and "Force Majeure Assceiation's Forui of Contract for C... for all they have done to ensure the sue- have advanced a long way towards a (Apsolution of this very serious problem...

The question of the removal of the order, and in the fullest development

this fine port, which nature has entrust- Sales of produce, and the procedure ceas of the Hongkong Section.

plause.)

military establishments has been very guerally in regard to Arbitration is un. satishistory.

Before concluding my remarks I should frequently mentioned in these meetings ed to us-will be well repaid by security, desirable and by, the attraction of capital to the like to extend a welcome on behalf of the and at last the first steps are to be taken increased volume of trade and revenue In the last few months we have had Chamber to the new Vice-Chancellor of towards accomplishing this

There were no questions and the report under consideration the condition of the the University-Mr. H. W. Hornell. His end; though, I must say, with you, Sir, Colony with resulting benefits to both approaches to Canton Harbour, parti- inaugural address was beard with great that the satisfaction we might have felt this and future generations. (Applause.) cularly with regard to the silting at interest and I am sure that the Univer is greatly modified by consideration of Taimei Crossing and have co-operated sity may look for steady progress under the heavy price we are to pay for what and accounts were unanimously adopted: Mr. T. E. PEARCE then proposed the with the Canton British Chamber in re his guidance. We have taken the op: is, after all, only a partial realisation of our hopes, and at a very distant date

following names as members of the Com- presentations which we trust will lead, portunity, in our floport, to place on which many of us will not be here to see.

state record our tribute to Sir William Brun-

the the ensuing year-Mr. D. G. to amelioration of a affairs which constitutes & grave hau- yate's important services to the Univer-1. hope that success will attend the neon-mittee for do the Hon. Mr. P. H. Holy- elica and even a positive danger to sity and its stall, particularly in

tion of financial reorganisation and the ditions imposed upon us. I join most oak, the Hon. Mr. A. G. Stephen, the navigation.

establishment of a superannuation fund. heartily in acknowledgment of our in- Hon. Mr. C. Montague Ede, Mr. G. M. Mr. Hornell may rest assured that the debtedness to Mr. Pollock for his able Young, Mr. J. Owen Hughes, Mr. C. G. 8. Mackie, Mr. J. A. Plammer, Mr. N. L. Watson and Mr. J. P. Warren, University will always receive the moral spokesmanship for the Colony in this as

in so many other public questions.

Mr. A. L. SHIELDS seconded, and, as and raaterial support of this Chamber

It is to be regretted that there is still. so little close co-operation between the there were no additions or objections, the

names were unanimously adopted. Hongkong and Zikawei Observatorics so CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AKY, DE, TW.

The CHAIRMAN then proposed the con- necessary for an improvement in the Storm Signal Service, but it is very firmation of the following firms to be satisfactory to care at cis elected as members of the Chamber... Aglen, Inspector-General of Chinese Cus. The P. & O, Banking Corporation, toms, has kindly interested himself in the The Nam Hing Yuen Hong. The Jardine

I the Pratas Shoal, which Franenise de Gérance, Messrs. Holyoak, questions of a Meteorological Wireless Engineering Corporation, Ltd. Societe think I am correct in saying has for a Massey & Co., Ltd., and Messrs. Davie, long time past been advocated by this Bong & Co., Ltd. Chamber. I most sincerely trust that by this time next year we may hear that the scheme is on the way, at all events, to being carried out.

1

PEARCE

the direc

THE CHINESE TRADE MARK LAW"," The Chamber has supported Northern Chambers of Commerce in their protests gainst the proposed Chinese Trade Mark Law which it considered will pro- vide quite izadequate machinery for the

I should like, also, to offer a word of protection of valuable trade mark rights possessed by foreigners. The Diplomatic congratulation to the Rev. Dr. T. W. Body has been urged not to accept or re Pearce po him cognise the new law without such modi.ferred upon bim during the year for signal fications as will provide for adequate services to education in this Colony. foreign representation in the Trado (Applause.). We are ourselves indebted to Mark Burean, and on every Tribunal Dr. Pearce for the very able manner in Station in which may be called upon to give any which he has during the last few years decision affecting foreign interests in conducted the classes maintained by the Charlier for giving instruction in Can connection with Trade Marks.

tonese. The importance to young, com, mercial men of speaking knowledge of Chinese can hardly be over-estimated and I commend these classes to the support and interest of mercantile firms.

pay

THE MILITARY LANDƏ QUESTION.

It is most satisfactory to know that at last, after very many years' negotia tion, arrangements have been made for

The financial statement is before you the resumption of certain Military lands. The price the Colony is called upon to and I think calls for no special comment is regarded as far too high; more beyond drawing attention to the fact over, certain areas such as the Detention that, owing to dearth of students at the Barracks and ground behind Headquar- Chinese Language Subcol during the year, der House are retained, areas which it that institution owes the Chamber $2,303. is essential for us to have, to provide for Unless the School is able to pay off the the growth and expansion of the City debt during the next two years I suggest Applause:) It is to be hoped that arrange it should be written off Reserve Account ments can be made for the acquisition in yearly instalments.

ELECTION OF COMMITTER.

"

Mr. G. T. EDKINE seconded, and the aames vero passed without dissent.

This was all the business before the ineeting. I will not attempt to touch upon all

NEW CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN, the questions to which reference has been made this afternoon but I would endorse! At the conclusion of the proceedings, what the Chairman has said as to the the Committee held a meeting for the wireless needs of the Colony, especially election of a Chairman and Vice-Chair- of Mr. J. A. PLUMMER, seconded by Mr. in view of the constant interruption of man for the ensuing year. On the motion land lines owing to lawless conditions in

was unanimously re-elected Chairman the interior. The offer of the Naval J. P. WARBEN, Mr. D. G. M. Bernard and Mr. N. L. Watson was elected Vice- authorities to place wireless facilities at the disposal of commercial firms tam sure is appreciated by all. I am glad Chairman on the motion of Mr. BeYARD, to note, also, that endeavours are still seconded by Mr. J. OWEN HUGIES.

1921

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