1930-04-01 — Page 8

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL

MEETING.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6.)

Of Importance To Shipping. It is gratifying to see that the I desire to comment upon the Chinese Language School has again special work of great importance to been well supported. The number the shipping community which the of individuals on the roll during Technical Committee on Shipping 1020 was 40. Twice during the year Survey Regulations has been doing the number of prospective students awaiting enrolment justified the for- since its appointment in February.mation of new classes, each of 1999. The members of this Com which, like an excursion train, was mittee are all busy men and they run in duplicate, in order to avoid unduly large numbers in one class. have been holding frequent meet Apart from the satisfaction which ings in the evenings throughout it gives to see such an awakening of interest in the learning of Can- summer and winter for the purpose tonese, the sunt of 82,838.10, repre- of advising as to the adaptation ofsenting surplus of income over ex- Board of Trade Rules to local ship- penditure, has been placed against ping. These rules have naturally deficit on the Language School of $3,301.80 as on January 1, 1999, had in view mainly Europeas con leaving only a deficit of 8463.30.

litions and the Atlantic and Con tinental trades. Circumstances in the Far East are, of course, very different, and it is simple economies that coolies, carried at very low fares, cannot be given (and would not, in fact, appreciate) accommo- dation comparable with that pro- vided for, say, a European emigrant to the North American Continent.

I would like to take this opportu Furthermore, if the conditions nity of thanking several members of governing the grant of the Houg the Chamber who have afforded mo

Before moving the adoption of the report and accounta, it will be observed that the total income on general account amounted to with 945,070.02 as compared

The 844,074.80 the previous year. surplus of income over expenditure was less this year by soine $1,000, due mainly to incorporation ex penses of 82,305.43, and increased secretarial-expenses.

Kong Passenger... Certificate are great assistance in the compilation made too onerous, it will follow that of this review. shipping wil be driven from the I now move the adoption of the port to the detriment of the whole. interests of this Colony, and report and accounts, and when this British shipping companies will find has been seconded, I shall be glad to answer, to the best of my ability, themselves severely handicapped in competing with abips under other any questions which members may

desire to ask. (Applause.) registries whose survey require- ments are less exacting. Climatic ifferences also come into the ques- tion. More important than all, valuable trades in Eastern waters which have been established and satisfactorily conducted, as long as, or even longer than, the foundation,

MR. FERGUSON'S SPEECH.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1930.

Enquiry, recently gazetted by Gov- ernment, it would be out of place for me to push forward my views at this meeting, Much as most hanks deprrente the further imports of British dollars entirely because they become a dead-weight redund- ant currenty, I need only state that this in my opinion to stop at condemnation will get us nowhere, appear for some other exchange and it would almost necessary corrective to be suggested in order to maintain our rates reasonably close to silver parity.

AIRCRAFTSMAN IN COURT.

ANSWERS FIVE TRAFFIC SUMMONSES.

EARLY MORNING SMASH IN NATHAN ROAD.

|

GOVERNMENT AS PLAINTIFF.

CLAIM FOR DAMAGE TO A PIER. FLOATING LOGS DURING LAST TYPHOON.

A claim for damage done to a The motor mishap which occurred pier at the Praya East Reclamation in Nathan Road on March 20, during the typhoon of August 9, which some men from the Kai Tack 1920, was brought by the Govern Aerodrome were involved, had its ment, through the Attorney Gen- sequel at Kowloon Magistracy yes-eral, at the Summary Court yester terday when 4.C.I. Tower, of the day before the Puiang Judge (Mr. Kai Tack Base, appeared before Justice Wood). Defendants were the Mr. Whyto-Smith on the following On Cheung Timber Company and charges:-

Ho Kai Chik, the proprietor.

(1) For being intoxicated "while driving an unlicensed motor-cycle and sidecar along Nathan Road; (2) For failing to have full con- trol of his machins; (3) For driv ing without an appropriate driver's licence; (4) For driving an un- licensed motor-cycle, and (3) Driv ing at a rate which was a danger to the public

A Note of Warning. As you are aware, gentlemen, we have arrived at a time when money conditions in the Colony are ex- tremely easy, and the causes are no doubt well known. There is a strong tendency, therefore, for great portion of these funds to be the ahare-market. I diverted to have nothing to say against honest investment in local shares, and after the thin time sharebrokers" have experienced for years, we are all glad for their sakes. that they are now probably earning a reason- able livelihood. I hope I may be

Defendant pleaded guilty to excused if I sound a note of ware. ing. There is a vast difference be-charges 3 and 4 but denied the re- tween investment, and speculation.maining three, one one of which was We have became acquainted with withdrawn later and another dis what happened in New York, a few missed. months ago, and we have our own experience in 1995 to fall back upon: Surely the effects of this share slump are still retained in eur memory and in the interests of the Colony I seriously hope we will not allow such a situation to repeat itself (Applause).

The Accounts.

Civing evidence for the prosers tion, Sergeant Boffin said that about 9 am on March 20, he was riding in a ricksha along Nathan Road from south to north, opposite the Orient Tobacco Company, wher be beard & cycle coming from be- hind. The engine was facing and the machine WAS, apparently travelling at a good speed. The next thing he knew was witness As regards the accounts, very little comment appears necessary continued, that the side car hit the off wheel of the ricksha, throwing the driver and himself over. The notice the cost of the market re- ports and the annual report are slightly in excess of receipts, but cycle then appeared to travel an- subscriptions other 100 feet or so and then turn doubtless members' "take care of this small deficit. I am ed a somersault. He then went to pleased to see, na regards the Chin the Mongkok Police Station, where ese Language School, that the de he telephoned for an ambulance. ficiency of the previous year has This arrived in due course and con- Leen nil but wiped out by the surveyed the coolie and himself to the plus income over expenditure for Kowloon Hospital. 1920. I presume that all that is wanted is for the account to to the Language School is given this year, the deficit of 8163.50 will doubtless disappear in next year's

The Government claimed, the sum of $839, alleging negligence on the part of the defendants in, allowing a number of logs which had been improperly secured to float about in close proximity to the pier.

Mr. L R.. Andrewes, Assistant Crown Solicitor, conducted the case for the Crown, and Mr. F. C. E. Rendall appeared for the defence,

A foreman of the P.W.D. stated in evidence that he visited the pier on August 21 and noticed nine logs. Boating near the pier, He warned defendants to move the logs, as they were bumping against the pier and a typhoon signal was up. Tvo. days later witness again, went to the spot, when he found that six logs were still there. Three other logs which were underneath the pier had gone.

Cross-examined by Mr. Rendall, witness said that only negligible damage was done on August 21. He did not see 100 pieces of Ameri can pine, and there were nine logs, not six.

Evidence as to typhoon signals displayed during the period was given by Mr. C. W. Jeffries F.R.A.S., of the Royal Observatory,

en-

Witness produced his records to show that ample warning had been

Mr. A. Anderson, P.W.D. given of the approaching typhoon. gineer, expressed the opinion that the damage might have been caus- ed by a junk. Damaged portions

have to be replaced. Witness said that the damage would be made good as soon as the Government received the money.

of this Colony, cannot be jeopardis only enlightening but expressed balance, and if the same support replied that he was not sure as could not be repaired but would!

conditions.

accounts.

Interposing, the Magistrate asked who was in the sidecar, but witness far as he remembered, there were about five people on the machine. He did not hear any horn being

sounded.

Mr. Rendall: You mean if you succeed in this action, you will repair the pier 1-Yes,

Mr. A. H. Ferguson, in rising to second the report and accounts, congratulated the Chairman on his very able speech, which was not very concisely the main points of interest to the members of the focal- Chamber. Continuing, he said :-- I think we can readily infer not

Asked if he had any questions to the witness, Tower remarked only from the Chairman's speech

put but from the annual report submitt

that there was no silencer on the ed to us, the tremendous amount

Before opening bis defence, Mr. machine at the time, and anyone of work that has devolved upon each member of the Committee, and

who knew anything about cycles Rendall submitted that he had no case to answer. The plaintiff bad although it is easy to say that they

would agree that if a machine had no silencer on it, it would sound produced evidence to show the have been dealing principally with

faster than it was actually travell-varions inspections made, but there ing.

was no evidence to show what ac- commercial or shipping affairs in

The ricksha coolie corroborated which their respective firms are

"That Messrs. Percy Smith, Seth first witness' evidence, after which directly interested. I feel sure wo owe them a deep debt of gratitude

& Fleming be appointed Auditors the Sergeant was recalled and, ask- not only for the sacrifice of their individual time but for the consci-to the Hong Kong General Chambered if he could say for certain

ed by the imposition of rules framel to meet entirely different conditions. I am glad to say that this has been fully recognised by the Government' and its advisers, who have coa sistently stated that in regard to ahips other than foreign-going, Hong Kong is free to make its own rules, adapted in order to meet local the in recommended It is Technical Committee's repart that the requirements of the new rules should not apply to existing slips, and this suggestion meets with the strong approval of the Chamber.

The area to be included in the Hong Kong Passenger Certificate fill awaits settlement. Another im rtant question is the provision in Hong Kong of some machinery com parable to the Consultative Branch of the Board of Trade in London, When I was asked to second the so that when, on technical ques report (before a copy had reached tions, differences of opinion ariseme) I was hoping it would contain between shipowners and shipbuild some controversial matter, but I ers on the one hand and the Gov-find myself so much in agreement ernment Marine Surveyors on the with what has been set down, there other, anal decisions may be given seems no occasion for my aaying without the delay inseparable from an appeal to London.

entious and thorough manner in which they have tackled problems which must have becasioned pro- longed discussions and necessitated viewing the subjects from all angles. (Applause.)

very much.

score

the the

With these remarks I conclude, gentlemen, with regrets for taking

I there up so much of your time. fare formally second the resolution proposed by the Chairman for the adoption of the report and ac counts. (Applause).

The following resolutions were proposed and carried:

of Commerce at a remuneration of (Proposed by $200 per annum." Mr. F. C. Hall and seconded by Mr. Li Tse Fong),..

whether he actually saw defendant driving the cycle at the time. He answered in the negative.

Cuts On the Road Surface. That the election of the following

Sergeant Clark was next in the members by the General Committee box. He said that on the morning since the last anual meeting be in question he was called at about confrmed:-Mr. C. Champkin, The 2.13 and informed that there had Advertising and Publicity Bureau been an accident. He went to the The American Express Co., Inc., spot, which was near the Orient Messrs. Anderson Ashe, The Tobacco Company, and there he Canadian Trade Commissioner at found a ricksha lying broken on Hong Kong. Messrs. H. Johnson & the side of the road. Farther on Co. The Swedish Chinese Export there lay, a Harley-Davidson com- and Import Co., Ltd., Mears.bination with the wheels upturned. James Tau & Co. (Proposed by That was 101 feet away from the the Chairman and seconded by Mr. ricksha and both vehicles were W. H.. Bell).

New General Committee.

Unfulfilled Idaais. I will not, on this occasion, go deeply into the subject, as it is full I much regret, even if only on

that of trade, of technicalities which non-shipping the

and aspirations of members can hardly be expected to ideals study very closely. The Chamber, Nationalist Government hare not.

st far been realised, and that for The following were appointed the owes a great debt of gratitude fo

General Committee for the ensuing Mr. Dyer, Mr. Shervell, Mr. James, China, Proper the place and se- Mr. Morrison, Mr. Bearfeld, Mr. curity we are locking and hoping year on the proposal of Mr. Dudley Hunter, Capt. Kennedy and Capt. for, are still apparently a long King, seconded by Mr. L. C. F. Bellamy:-Hon. Mr. J. Owen Skinner for the onerous and valu- way off. Much as we and China'n able work they have done, and we best friends deplore the present Hughes, Mr. J. K. Bousfield, Mr. hope will continue to do until a con- unhealthy situation, the Nationalist A. P. Bunge, Mr. V. D. Grayburn Government must see for themselves Mr. Paul Lauder, Mr. "C. Gordon that the root of their trouble is Mackie, Mr. J. J. Peterson, Mr. T. internal, and that any reasonable assistance the Powers could reader, were it wanted, is theirs for the asking.

clusion is reached in this matter.

Vehicular Farry Service.

The Salaries Commission.

and

E. Pearce, Mr. T. H. R. Shaw, Mr. J. P. Warren.

Vote of.Thanks.

Sir Henry Pollock, K.C.: "I pro- pose a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring Committee for the way in which they conducted the business of the Chamber during the last year."

about 2 or 3 yards from the side channel. There was also a skid

tually happened on the day in

question.

His Lordship held that there was me evidence to point to the damage having been caused by something heavy bumping against the pier..

¿

Defendant's Efforts Fruitless. Giving evidence from the-witness box, Ho Kai Chik, proprietor of the defendant company, said that on August 21 he took delivery of 100 pieces of American pine from the 4. Kentucky, and also six Saada- kan logs from the Kowloon Godown. The timber was towed to the sea wall near his yard. In the morning, the day of the typhoon, he found that the American pine had been hauled ashore, but not the logs. He then telephoned fer a launch but found that none would venture out. in such weather.

Witness went on to say that with mark--a short one about 12 feet jong-ånd on the surface of the great difficulty he and his fokis

the impression that they were caus-gether with wire ropes, drove on were some cuts which gave one managed to secure the six logs to- ed by some sharp part of the cycle raping the ground. At this stage were not possible that the marks defendant asked the officer if it

were caused by the foot-rests, which, in this particular machine, were rather low. The officer said that it was possible, and that concluded his evidence.

staples into the wood to keep the rope in position, and tied the logs typhoon came, the logs broke away alongside the sea wall. When the

Cross-examined by Mr. Andrewes, defendant said that when they were about to cease work on the night of ing the logs ashore gave way and August 21, the pulley used for haul,

fell into. The sea. A new pulley was put in the next morning, but

and drifted. Witness saw one of the logs strike the pier when it was carried westward. Four of the logs were found the next day in the Naval Yard and one in the middle. The next witness called by the of the harbour. The sixth log had Police was Dr. D. J. Valentine, not been traced and they had look- of the Kowloon Hospital, who saided all round the island for it. that on 20th instant, he was called at about 2.30 am. we see three men who had been admitted to the hos This was greeted with loud ap-accident. One of these gave his pital as the result of a motor-cycle

name as Tower. He was suffering plause.

from severe abrasions to the head, At a committee meeting held sub-face, hands and legs, and consider in any case witness agreed that they sequent to the annual meeting, Mr. alle bruising, especially the neck. could not have hauled up all the C. Gordon Muckie elected His face was a bit red and congest-logs even if the pulley. had been in Chairman of the Chamber for the ed and be appeared somewhat good order. He agreed it was un- much and his breath smelt of ensuing year and Mr. T. H. R. dazed. He was disinclined to speak wise to have brought so, many logs Shaw, Vice-Chairman.

to the yard when he knew what alcohol. He was lying in bed then, kind of weather might be expected. as he had been too badly knocked His Lordship adjourned the case until tomorrow morning to hear The magistrate at this point legal arguments from both sides. asked if defendant's utterances were clear, and the doctor answered

The New Chairman,

WAS

MAN WHO "USED" SCISSSORS.

about to get up.

I notice that my predecessor in this chair remarked last year that the question of a vehicular ferry service across the harbour appears to be becoming somewhat of a

The Chairman has touched on the hardy annual. At any rate, it is satisfactory to nole, from an official salaries question, and I feel sure statement recently issued, that the employers, as far as they reasonab Government has reached a decision ly can, will give full consideration on one aspect of the matter, namely to the hardships from which em that responsibility for the construc-ployees are suffering through no tion and maintenance of the piers fault of their own, and allow some

reasonable will be retained by the Government, compensation, and that questions of building the equitable to both parties.

The Salaries Commission seems necessary boats out of Government funds, and of the most satisfactory to have come in for a good deal of method of running them, if so built, criticism recently, but when one will be further explored. We are considers that at the time of their assured that these matters are en deliberations exchange was much gaging the immediate attention of higher than it is at the moment, the Government, so it is hoped every allowance must be made, as that the promulgation of a work no ons (not even bankers) could able scheme to provide this import foresee such a tremendous slump in "ant addition to local transport the price of silver,

facilities will not be long delayed. In the nature of things, it must be some time before ferries are actually You may expect me to criticize put into commission..

in some way the remarks of the It is in advising on subjects of Chairman on the currency question. this kind. that the recently formed in the main, I may say here I am Harbour Advisory Board may be in accord with the views he has ex confidently expected to do much pressed. Still, there are so many useful work. Its first meeting, I angles from which the problem can hear, accomplished a great deal, and be tackled, I doubt if it is possible since then matters of considerable to get any two persons who have moment have been referred to the carefully studied the subject, to Board.

arrive at a common understanding. The Chamber has continued dur- It is sometimes not appreciated The defendant was placed under

Summing up, his Worship said ing 1029 to subscribe, on behalf of that it was in order to pro- observation and when the Court a limited number of members, to tect themselves that the Banks sat yesterday, the Magistrate in that there was not enough evidence to prove that Tower was drunk on forced in October last timated that Dr. Cannon hed in. Reuter's service of commercial tele- were

The cost per member is to endeavour to return to what formed him that the defendant the night in question. That sum- mone would be dismissed. As re grams.

js. was suffering from epileptic in- reasonable and the service seems to was then, and what still be thoroughly appreciated by those the legal currency basis. The real sanity He (the Magistrate) rug gards charge number three, he who receive it. If other members difficulty is to find the best method gested that the defendant should would impose a fine of 85. For wish to subscribe, all that is peces.in which our currency, in a practibe sent to the asylum, but ordered failing to license his machine, the certified defendant would be fined $10, and sary is to get in touch with the cal way, can be aligned effectively the remand pending a office of the Chamber where details to silver. As this is one of the report from the medical authorities as for driving dangerously, a fine (Continued at foot of next column), taska allotted to a Committee of of the gaol. are available.

Currenty Problems.

REPORTED TO BE INSANE.

The Chinese who was charged before Mr. Whyte-Smith some time ago with maliciously attacking twú women in Temple Street with pair of scissors and causing them grievous bodily harm, was again before the Magistrate yesterday when another week's remand was

ördered.

that he did not speak much, but of 830 was imposed. With regard what little he spoke, was clear

to the damage done to the tickaba

enough. He was also talking sense. and the coolie, he ordered defen-

Ho-Not Definitely Drunk. The Aircraftsman asked the doctor if he would say for certain that he was under the influence of liquor, but witness said no.

Further evidence was taken, after which Inspector Nicol asked leave to withdraw the summons for fail ing to have full control of his machine.

dant to pay is compensation, 812 for repairs the ricksha and 83 for the coolie who, as a result of the accident, had been out of work for 'some time. Before making the order for the compensation, the Magistrate explained to the coolie that if he accepted any compen sction, he would not be able to make any further claim on the driver..

SUMMONS WITHDRAWN.

The summonses againet Comman- der Maxwell, Car No. 2828, were withdrawn. Asking his Worship's permission to do so, Inspector Nicol said he was acting under the in- structions of the LG.P.A

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