1926-03-26 — Page 4

NEW

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HONGKONG.

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE.

THE ANNUAL MEETING.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BY EE, THE GOVERNOR.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH · CANTON.

די.

There was a large and representative attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Hongkong General. Chamber of Commerce which was held in the old Chamber of Commerce room at the City Hall yesterday evening. The meeting was especially noteworthy by reason of the fact that it is probably the Brst time in the Chamber's long history that the annual meeting has been honoured by the presence of the Governor. In the course of a speech His Excellency announced that on Tuesday be received a letter from the Chairman of the Canton Council of Government informing him that he is now prepared to appoint three members of his Government to negotiate with three officials of the Hongkong Government." Hir Excellency said he had replied agreeing to that proposition, and he hoped that negotiations would soon begin and lead to an honourable and lasting settlement,- sentiment which was loudly applauded.

The Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak (retiring Chairman) presided, and seated at the Chairman's table wore H.E, the Gover- nor (Sir Cecil Clementi, E.C.M.G.), Mr. M. F. Key (Secretary); and the following members of the Committee: Hon. Mr.

You will not expect me, Gentlemen, under present conditions to dwell upon the trade position or to prophesy of the future. The reigning conditions are well known to all but I am thankful to say that I feel able to close with a more

A. O. Lana, Mesars, J. Owen Hughes, optimistic note than seemed possible G. M. Young, A. H. Barlow, Paul | even a short time ago and I think there Lauder. D. G. M. Bernard, W. H. Bell, is ground. for hope, if not bebel, that and T. G. Weall....

CHAIRMAN'S SPEECH. The CHAIRMAN said :--Your Excellency and Gentlemen,-In moving the adoption of the Report and Accounts I desire in the first place to express, to you Sir, our keen pleasure at your presence this afternoon providing as it does, another indication of the keen interest you take in every part of the Colony's life. I have already paid willing and just tribute, in the early part of this Report, to the assist- ance rendered the Commercial Commu- nity during the times of crisis which came upon it during the latter half of 1025. by His Excellency, Sir Edward Stubbs,

and since your arrival, by you, Sir.

For many years "past relationship be tween the Government of this Colony and the General Chamber of Commerce has been peculiarly, close and intimate and constantly, questions concerning not only mercantile and shipping problems but also those affecting the general life and welfare of the Colony have been referred

the unfortunate states of affairs between Hongkong and Canton which has prevail. ed for some months past, will shortly be cleared up and the old friendly re- lationship between the two ports which have existed harmoniously for so many years, will again irevail (Applause.)

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[101

From the Report, Sir, we learn with is true many people followed the China great satisfaction the progress, which has position fairly closely, they were with been made in Wireless Telegraphy in the few exceptions those who were more or Colony generally, the establishment of

less directly interested in the country. recording station on the Pratas Shoal and in the large majority of cases, men the improved conditions at D'Aguilar who had actually been out here. I have "TRIBUTES TO DECEASED MEMBERS.

and at the Observatory, cannot but be a previously said that politics and com- The Chairman proceeded to refer to

source of antisfaction to all associated merce are inseparable in this country, and I do not doubt but that very consi- the deaths of members during the year: with ships and shipping. First, to the death of Mr. Montague Ede, Merchants must also realize that the derable energy has already been display a distinguished citizen who rendered more up-to-date we can bring our aids ed by various bodies at Home and in the tish public, in line with the true state valuable ecrvices to the "Colony and to navigation, so will expensive demur-Far East to bring the mind of the Bri whose, advice and help to this Chambonage of ships and lighters be decreased, of affairs which has existed during re- and possible lower insurance premia on cent troubles. The suggestion, however, hulls and cargo cannot but generally which I have to make is in no way con benefit the trade of the Colony and South nected with politics, this is a Chamber

was always available; secondly, to the deplorable and tragic death of Mr. Chau

Siu Ki, which occurred through the Po Hing Fong disaster. As a merchant and banker he was well known to them all and won the admiration of all. His loas would much deplored.

Finally, he made reference to the death

China.

The necessity of an efficiently equipped Quarantine Station is I understand now exercising, the attention of the Govern- meat, and I am sure the incoming Com mittec of the Chamber will be prepared to give advice and assistance in the in- auguration of such an impotrant deve

of the Chamber's late Secretary, Mr.lopment in the improvement of shipping

R. Blair, whose death was reported

as recently as last month. Mr. Blair,

facilities of the Part.

THE COST OF LIVING?

to this Chamber for consultation. The he said, after much useful work and high cost of living has been dealt with line, it is doubtful whether the large

period under review has been one of faithful service went home in a very bad almost unprecedented anxiety for the state of health. The Chairman at the Colony provoking problems arising from last annual meeting expressed the sincere a grave situation which had to be dealt hope that he would soon be restored to with under emergency conditions and strength and would recover his health. which called for quick action; throughout For some time it looked as is this hope that period right up to the present day, would be realised, but the old trouble, the Government and the Chamber of heart disease, recurred, and Mr. Blair Commerce Committee have been in con- passed away last month. He was a man stant and often daily consultation I who had rendered valuable service to desire here to acknowledge the sincere the Chamber and participated in every thanks of this Chamber and of the Com-form of life in this Colony. mercial Community of Hongkong which it represents, to the Government and its Officials for the courtesy and assistance which it has rendered under most difficult conditions.

tion.

COMPLIMENTS TO THE SECRETARY.

of Commerce, and I think you will agree with me Gentlemen that the less we are drawn into political issues the better. It is, of course, understood that the most common form of publicity is that through the medium of the public prees.. I ven- ture the opinion, however that this to.. day is not sufficiently far reaching at Home. While it is true that those. directly interested in China will scan an article in a newspaper under the heading.

or some such head- 1 note that the important question of of China Affairs

majority of the commercial and working in the Report, and that the closing classes take much notice of it. I would phrase of the paragraph reads, and there the matter rests at present. Euge therefore to submit a suggestion for kestions seem to have been made, that the consideration of the Committee. I enquiries from European Assistants of am fully conscious of the fact that it Commercial Firma should be instituted may be regarded as somewhat of an in- novation, and at first sight may not be in order to ascertain the extent of pre- acceptable. I would ask, however, that sent hardships. Whilst sympathising with the undoubted anxiety of that in due course it be considered and dealt with on its merits. As you are well particular branch of the Colony's Parties make ends meet, I submit with aware throughout the British Isles, and all respect that the question does not towns, there are associations very often more particularly in the large industrial seem to have been approached from quite called Literary and Debating Societies. the right angle, and I doubt even if the Some times they go under the name of statistics were obtained from the sources Reading Circles. indicated whether they would be of any they are formed by the upper, middle, Generally speaking real, commercial value. It seems to me and working classes, to advance their own that what we must aim at is to reduce worldly knowledge, and the backbone of the coet of living to the majority, as well the scheme is the preparation of a as to the minority. By this I mean a syllabus including addresses by profes reduction in the cost of living to Chinese sional lecturers on all subjects of com labour, which, burdened by the ever en mon interest. This has been found to be hanced cost of necessities," must in turn a most effective and pleasant means of demand & proportionate increase in bringing home, where it is wanted, in- wages, which in time cannot but react formation with regard to the nations and more and more upon employers and their peoples of the World. There are few industrial concerns in Hongkong, but got an organization such as I mention. business. We have comparatively few towns or even villages which have not what we have are important employers and in the case of large industrial of labour; they are moreover operating in centres the preparations for the winter

In conclusion, and speaking as the retiring Chairman, Mr. Holyoak said he would like to say a word regarding the assistance afforded him by the Secre- The report before you Gentlemen istary (Mr. M. F. Key). He did not so voluminous and I venture to say deals hesitate to any that the work of the so fully with the various subjects which Chamber was an extremely heavy job, have arisen during the past year that it and last year particularly so. It would would be superfitous for me to enlarge not be possible for any busy man in this upon them gor do they need argument place to carry it on unless he had the to commend themselves to your atten, admirable secretary they possessed in direct competition with the producing months are made on a very elaborate Mr. Key, who was abl eto take impres-markets of the World, and the local, price scale. I had occasion when it Home at of labour must obviously play a very im very short notice to préside at a smail I propose," however, to deal briefysions quickly, think rápidly and put them portant part in the success or otherwise and unimportant such as I have describ with one or two items. Referring to the into action. The services rendered by of securing business.

ed, and curiously enough the subject of question of re-opening the Imports and Mr. Ker during the past twelve monthe This, I submit is a most important the lecturer was China. His discourse Exports Statistical Department," will be dealt with at a later stage if this meet bad been invaluable. This the members matter, and I trust the Chamber will was assisted by magic lantern slides of a when the time is opportune, renew its somewhat antediluvian order, he, how- ing. The necessity for considerable im of the Chamber fully and adequately interest and associate themselves with ever, made most efficient use of the provement in the fire fighting appliances realised. He passed Mr. Key on to his the Government in terminating the pre- material at his disposal. In conversation of this Colony, of increased pressure in successor with the fullest confidence that sent state of affairs when higher wage had only been in China for three months, with him I subsequently ascertained be the mains and the possible use of sea- he would assist him with the same do not benefit the real worker but native water instead of fresh water in connec-

middlemen and others who never them but he certainly, in that time, seemed to tion with them is engaging the earnest fervent zeal na he had assisted him. Birselves "bearing the heat and burden of have covered a great deal of ground. attention of the Government. The ne- Key had served them for some years and the day," batten on him to the detriment This leads up to my suggestion-granted cessity for such improvements was he would have to go on leave soon, and of the Colony's well being and expan- that you agree it is desirable for all emphasised by the disastrous Hotel fre

& question the Committee would have to sion, and all that that represents classes in the Home, Countries to really on New Year's day. One naturally feels

grasp the possibilities in China, particu tempted to discusss such controversial consider would be the provision of an

larly from a commercial standpoint, it subjects as the "Tariff Conference. and acting secretary during Mr. Key's ab- The conclusion, Gentlemen, there is one seems to me that it would be possibl

matter which I would like to mention. with the help of other Chambers of Com-. Extra Territoriality Commisson both sence on leave. now sitting in Peking the measure of The Chairman then formally moved the My reason for doing so is that, if ap-merce, and of the very influential Eastern progress made and what they hope to adoption of the Report and Accounts.

proved it will call for the co-operation Committee, just appointed at Home, ta achieve, but I refrain from doing so and

of the Members of the Chamber as a whole prepare data for a serious of lectures. our views upon both these questions have

so possibly a few words now may not dealing with China, its industries, its already been ably and rigorously repre- Mr. R. SUTHERLAND, in, seconding the be inopportune. It relates to the very people, and its potential development, sented in Peking by Mr. Brooke-Smith, adoption of the Report, and Accounts important matter of propaganda, a word such lectures to be supported by photo the special delegates from Shanghai. The said:From our chairman's full and I may say which is a misnomer when graphs and possibly motion pictures. It Boxer Indemnity Commission, headed by able Speech and from the Chamber's used in connection: with many subjects could then be arranged with certain s Lord Willington, referred to at the close Annual Report just issued, the latter covers. Possibly I might substitute the sociations, which I understand are in of our report has, as you are aware, I may say being most excellently com word publicity to better define what I touch with prefessional lecturers, to in arrived in China and has already begun piled, it is manifest that our General now wish to pat forward. During my clude our China papers in their re- prosecuting its enquiries, It is hoped Committee and Sub-Committee have had recent stay at Home I could not but be pertoire. It might, of course, be possible that at no very distant date it will visit difficult and anxious term of office. particularly struck by the lack of ap- to secure the voluntary services of those Hongkong, in order to investigate the Their endeavours to foster and protect preciation of the general public in con- who have actually been out here, and who strong claim put forward for a grant to the trade of the Colony, and to bring a noction with China affairs. It was ex- could speak with personal knowledge of the Hongkong University, and "your broad angle of vision on the many traordinary that even well, informed peo-their mubject. This, and various other, Committee has consistently advocated difficult problems confronting them, will ple had such meagre knowledge of con- important points of detail would have throughout, and in a letter to the Asso stand as a lasting monument to the use ditions existing out here, both political to be duly considered, and I am now ciated Chambers in Shanghai on March fulness, and I would say, essentiality of and commercial, and throughout the en- merely throwing out the skeleton sug- 30th last year again, confirmed its-con- this Chamber. Their task has been stire country it would seem that, that gestion, but would further add that in viction that "the purposes to which difficult one because it would seem, in very important section of the public my opinion, the expense would not be (over portion of) these funds can most the light of past experience over a long known sa the man in the street — great," and the benefits both direct and usefully be applied are the Education of period of years, that there are few coun-cared very little about a country, the indirect very considerable both in the Chinese on British lines and the support tries in which political and commercial success and industrial development of near future and in the years to come. of British medical work, educational and issues are so inseparably bound together which, was in no small mapaure asso- (Applause.) clinical of China."

as in China.

ciated with his own well being. While it

(Continued on page 5.).

SECONDERS' SPEECH,

THE NEED OF PROPAGANDA.