1933-06-10 — Page 7

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY,

“SUEZ CANAL--AN IMPEDIMENT TO TRADE”

OUTSPOKEN CRITICISMS AT ROYAL

EMPIRE SOCIETY MEETING

CANAL DUES AND BAD APPOINTMENTS

(1) Sir Ian Malcolm, for many years a Member of Parlin- ment and a Private Secretary to Lord Salisbury and fr Balfour (appointed in 1820); (2) Sir John T. Davies, for tent

years Private Secretary to "Mr. Lloyd George (1822); (3) The Earl of Cromer (1928). The former is a member of the Management Committee; the two last named of the Finance Com

a girat international public utility, which is, in the words of the last Roport of the Canal Company, 'un- affected by prices, by markets, or by vicissitudes of "fashion:"

In March 1999 Mr. Baldwin Iaid down in the House of Commons car- tain general principles as to the duties of monopoly holders to the !community.

B

"The Public is best served by an efficient industry operating freely. But special considerations arise where a angle undertaking dominates.

(its duty is, in such circumstances). to supply on reasonable terms: and the public have a right to be satisfied that those terms are reasonable."

It is time to apply this priticiple to the Suez Canal. There are re- inedies and those remedies can be ought by the British Government should it so desire, but I trust that it may not be necessary.

CANTON NOTES

Anti-Commúnist Campaign

PLANS TO STIMULATE TRADE

(From Our Own Correspondent)

JUNE 10, 1933

"IN A SPEECHLESS CONDITION"

Accountant, Wounded and Pinioned

CURIOUS STORY FROM HIGH STREET

"He was in a speechless condi Canton, June 8. tion when he was admitted to the The assumption here some days hospital and his eyes bulged, as ago of the additional post of Com- though he had been partially sphy- mander of Anti-Communist Cam-xiated," said Dr. G. H. Thomas of paign by Marshal Chen Tsai Tang, the Government Civil Hospital at and the abandonment by the leaders the Central Magistracy yesterday, concerned of the "anti-Japanese ex- when he gave evidence in the case pedition from the South West would in which a Chinese named Li Shek seem to indicate that the local mili- Ching with Li Ching and another tary leaders are about to make a unknown person is charged with as- serious attempt at a thorough clean, saulting Tsang Shing, with intent ing up of the Communists in Kiang- to rob, at Nos. 8-10, High Street, si province. The soldiers intended on April 3, last.

Badly Gagged,

Addressing the Royal Empire Society at luncheon at the Canon Street Hotel on Tuesday, May 16, Sir Archibald Weigall, K.C.M.G., Chairman of Council, "in the Chair, Lt.-Colonel Sir Arnold Wilson, K.CLE, QSL, OMG.. U.S.O., niter observing that more than half the shipping using the Canal was British, pointed out that early three quarters of the cargoes carried under all flags through the Canal either originated in or was destined for a British Dominion or

The thirty-two Directors Hependency or Mandated Terri-mittee, bory, or Great Britain itself, or was draw between then-apart from Purrind between foreign ports in a certain, personal expenditures, such British vessel. The interest of the as the cost of journeys to visit the British Empire as a whole the Suez Canal and their expenses to I have no other object than to for the expedition to Peiping, many Sub-Inspector O'Donovan of the Canal was thus overwhelming. Paris for the meetings of the Board stimulate the impartial considera of whom have entered Hunan pro-West Point Police Station was in - sum which, calculated on 2 per tion of the questions I have raised, vince where they still are, are re- The Canal originally cost £30 cent. of the net profits, amounts on by a body genuinely representative ported to be returning to their dif-defendant was not legally represent charge of the prosecution but the million, towards which the

the average of the last four years of the interests primarily affectedferent places of origin. It seemed. Egyptian Government contributed to over 14 million francs, which is £18 million: the balance being pro- more than double the figure for by the Canal, with a view to re- more logical and practicable how- vided mostly in France. I 1924, for, as profits of shipping moving the grievances which, unless ever for these men to be diverted to opened in 1560 under a concession have fallen, so have profits of the remedied, will become increasingly Kiangai province to join in the

Giving the facts of the case, In- which terminated in 1988 and thus Canal Company increased. How appareat as a cause of internation bandit suppression activities. This spector O'Donovan said that the

al friction had some 35 years to

The this sum

may indeed be done, as a meeting complainant in the case is a young of nearly £190,000 Panaraa Canal, on the other hand, divided between them is not pub-

is said to be taking place hore in accountant I will conclude by a quotation

who lived with his enst Er million--23 times as much tiely known, bat, whatever the from Disraeli's speech in the Com-Canton soon hmong the different father, Tsang Suk Fong, a house- -and cost about twier as much to

ansunt, it is based upon a vicious mens on February 6 1970 on the leaders of the Kwangtung, Kwangsi agent employed by a gentleman Yet the Suez Canal durs, principle, Appointment is in prae- question of how best pressure could and Fukien provinces. Generals

called Mr. Li Ping, at the address ever before the dollar went off gold, ties for life; there is no retiring be exerted, if need be, on the Suez Chen Ming Shu, Chiang Kwang Nai stated above. were nearly 93 per cent. greater on the average than Panama Canal and it is not an office of profit Canal Company, whose excessive and Li Tsung Jen, are expected here

About 9 a.m. on the day in ques. dues," though the Panama Canal of their functions the Directors methods had, at that time, as new, problems regarding what is to be tion the complainant was sitting at

charges and somewhat high-handed and they will ostensibly discuss was paying its way. At current

are responsible to the Foreign cates Panama Canal durs were Office, but are virtually immune excited very widespread resentment done with the soldiers who have a table in the front room on the nearly 10 per cent. less than those from criticism in Parliament, and The government of the world," been forced to return from their first floor of No. 10, when the de- charged at Port Said. The effect

mission of national defence as a re-fendant, who was a distant relation he said, is not a questions as to the financial posi was to give an artificial advantage tion and management of the Com- nation between abstract right sult of the compromise concluded in of Mr. Ping and who had been stay- 10 American trade with The Far

ing with the complainant and his and overwhelming force...

the North, The East and an equally artificial ad.pany are disallowed by the Speak-

father for some years, went to the. world is governed by conciliation, to Japanese trade with on the very proper ground that vantree

room and told the complainant that the Ministers of the Crown are not

compromise, influence, varied in. Asiatic countries.

responsible to Parliament for the

terests, the recognition of the

a man'wanted to see him. rights of others, coupled with the axertion of one's own; and, in addition, a general conviction, re- sulting from explanation and good understanding, that it is for

TUN.

run.

under the Crown. In the exercise

The Senior Director, Sir Ian' Review of January 1930 an article Malcolm, wrote in the Quarterly

observation:

which he made the following

On this ground alone the ques-proceedings of the Company. tion of Canal durs, merited the closes attention of the maritime zations of Europe and especially of this entry. Taking the aver age of the last twelve years 175 per cent. of the gross receipts have sufficed for interest and sinking fund, 8 per cent, to depreciation and reserves, 24 per cent, as bonus to Directors and staff, 72 per cent. has been distributed to capitalists in one form or other..

The British Government holds 48. per cent of the shares and has on the average received a dividend of 41 per cent per annum for the past five years, but if allowance be made for the amortized shares on which full dividends are paid (less 5 per cent) it would be even higher, Though it holds 6 per cent. of the shares it does not get 40 per cent. of the profits but only 46 per cent. of 71 per cent.-the balance goes to the

Hire and Creditors of de

Lessens

The Credit Fourier, who purchased in 1850 from the Egyptian Govern-

ment the right to re reive 15% of the profits for a sum of 2 million Franes and have receiv- ed for the past five years over, 100 million france

annually

Threbtors Stuff bonus

Total

I

10%

15%

10

24

The dues on loaded ships are, at present, 6 francs per Suez Canal ton, on ships in ballast 3 franes against a permissible maximum of 10 fravos,

No foreigner who visits the canal "annually can fail to note the extraordinary happy family feeling which exists between all classes of the Company's servants: there is general satisfaction with the existing condition of things there is a great desire in every grade to get sons and aephews taken into the service. One need not disguise one's D pleasure in sharing in so admir- able a state of affairs, for whiob. friendship, enlightened generosity, gratitude, and glad co-operation

are about equally responsible.

|

ner,"

merc alter-

Trade Depression.

The complainant accordingly went out and on the landing he saw t inan whom he knew was surnamed

Li. Another man was coming up the stairs at the time and though the complainant did not take parti

Failures of business houses, in- cluding native banks, in Canton city appear to be, more frequent than. they should. In fact the situation is so bad that the local leaders have attempted to devise means to atimu he interest of all parties that late trade and to encourage indus- matters should be conducted in a trial enterprises. The various cham-cular notice of him, as he (com- satisfactory and peaceful man bers of commerce in the province, plainant) thought the man to be one which are now forming themselves of the defendant's friends, Yim into a union, are also attending to Kee Kong. Shortly afterwards the the matter and are reported to be three men closed in on him and one taking joint action in appealing to of them, the defendant, produced a the authorities for a revision of the knife. In trying to snatch it from stamp duty and other tax regula- the man, the complainant cut his tions in order to relieve the hard-thumb and he was later overpower- ships of the merchants.

ed by the three and bound and gagged before he was taken into a cubicle on the floor.

To do so by agreement will be the fittest tribute that we of this gen eration can pay to the work of the illustrious Frenchman, who has so well deserved of his country and of all civilised nations.

SIR ARNOLD WILSON'S

PROPOSALS

Sir Arnold Wilson pressed the view stated in his speeches of March 9 and April 6, as to the influence of the canal dues on British trade with Asia.

Real Estate Values.

The trade depression has further aggravated the depreciation of real estate in Canton, which has been going on during the past months after enjoying a boom of several

The Father Returns.

About this time, the complain- Long may it continue for the ad-

ant's father came home and as he vantage of all concerned.".

He insisted that the years. The situation has on the passed the defendant at the door. The writer of the words quoted above is the senior representative high dues, large profits, and extra other band given rise to an enter way, he did not pay any particular on the Board of the Company of vagant management of the company prise which is new in this part of attention to him as he did not know the country'. Some of the real anything bad happened. On his His Majesty's Government, and were a direct impediment to British therefors in present circumstances trade with the East, and a direct state firma, whose land is hawway up the stairs, however, he saw of India, the Dominions and aid to American and Japanese difficult to sell are working along the other two fellows coming down Colonies as well as of British indus competition with British commerce the lines of foreign building socie- and he questioned them but they trial interests.

in the Orient. The dues were 30 toties, and have started building did not answer, going straight down- 40 per cent, higher than those of houses to "be let or sold on instalataira. Sir Arthur Michael, Samuel, on the Panama Canal, and it was prob- ment. Owing to the fact that this the other haud, speaking in theable that the disparity bad risen is a new venture here, it has not House of Commons on April 21, as to 30 per cent, sine the departure yet received wide support. a former Parliamentary Secretary

of the Department of Overseas of the United States from the gold Trade, observed that "the methods standard. Formerly it did not pay of the Canal Company are fast be coming a matter of international Friction" and asked for a special enquiry, which was refused.

American abips to compete at a greater distance from their ports than Shanghai, but to-day they were competing with British trade as far east as Calcutta.

School Examination.

Tsang Suk Fong then heard some noises coming from the cubicle on the first floor of No. 10 and on going to see what was the matter, he found his son lying in a pool of blood, bound and gagged. He then rushed downstaire and on finding the intruders gone, raised an alarm.

The Department of Education here has decided to hold a joint govern ment examination for the final class of all secondary schools in the pro- vince sa that the standard of attain- Inspector O'Donovan concluded No one questions the great ser- vices which de Lesseps and his asso

ment of all graduates may be uni- by saying that Tsang Bak Fong had Fewer ships going to Australia form. The students are however of collected about $600 for rent over ciates rendered to the world: it is, were using the Suez Canal than for

a different opinion, and are taking the "week-end and that the police however, possible to recognise this many years. It was cheaper to Suez Canal measurement is 15 per fact, and yet to hold that the Comsend wheat from Melbourne to step to ask the puthorities to contention was that the defendant rent. or 20 per cent. more than re-pany is exacting too high a price Alexandria, Naples, and Venice cancel the proposed examination of knew all about it and wanted to get

Gibraltar than by way of Suez, which they say they have not rethe money. gistered Hat

tonnage: Panama for the foresight of its founders.

and likewise often cheaper to send ceived sufficient notice. Canal measurement in practice is

"Somer, rather than later,"

goods from this country to Mom- not more than 3 per cent. above net

says Sir Ian Malcolm, the Bass and Tanganyika by way of the tonnage. In these times, and for

question of the future of the Cape. Cardiff coal in particular some years past. a shipowner is

Canal will come up again, al-had been handicapped in markets lucky is he can carry on the aver

though not until all parties are east of Suez, and the Japanese were age, as many tons of cargo both

agreed that the question is ripe finding it an advantage to buy sise- ways as his registered tonnage: A

for discussion. The parties prim- where goods they normally bought typical ship of 5,500 net tone is

arily concerned are Egypt the in the European markets, owing to charged as 6,500 tons by Suez Canal.

-Spez Canal Company, and the having to pay anything from 10%. measurement and pays 12 gold

British Empire."...

to £1 a ton more than they need to Francs a ton for the double journey, or $4,500, which work out at some

Sir Ian Malcolm, like the Suergo through the Suez Canal. thing like 7 gold francs a ton.

I have before me the figures of

0 ships of one line which paid on the average eight shillings per ton of cargo.

CLAIM FOR-RENT

DISPUTE OVER SHOP IN GLOUCESTER BUILDING.

dant in a claim for rent which was Mrs. May Wescott was defen-

beard before Mr. Justice" Lindsell

"Dr. Thomas then gave medical evidence and he was followed by Mr. McFayden, of the P.W.D., who produced plans of the house in which the alleged assault took place..

The complainant then went into the box and corroborated Inspector O'Donoviun's outline of the case, other witnesses after which hearing. Further evidence was taken from

was adjourned.

Canal Company, ignores the rest There was a remedy. The British at the Summary Court yesterday. Empire after the Suez Canal. 143,000, of the shares in the Suez and Sons and the claimed from of the world, and places the British Government held 46 per cent, or The plaintiff was Messrs. Dialdas Egypt, as was proved in 1810, can Canal Company, but it was not Mrs. Wescott 8474.67 in respect of RUSSIA'S FLOATING HOMES look after itself, but the British entitled to more than 10 votes owing Gloucester Building and also past rent for No. 3 East Arcade, Empire needs more forceful ad- vocacy if it is to obtain a bearing.to the allocation of votes on other cost of telephone installed in the

than a shareholding basis. To ob shop.

SHIPS AR SANATORIA ON THE VOLGA

On coal Suez Canal dues are equal to 37 per cent, of the fo.b.

The Imperial Shipping Commit- tain voting control under the exist The claim, arose in respect of cost. On fuel oil they may reach 1 per cent. of the c.i.f. cont. Intec has had the Suez Canal on its ing, clauses the British Government rent for February March and April rach case the ship must go as a agenda at least once.. It is time to might sell portions of its shares to this year, which totalled 8714.25. this a payment of rule in hallast one way. On bulk raise it again and to secure if need the Governments of Australia and Against

There are two floating homes of goods of low value, such as aisal be that British official representa- New Zealand, to the various Gov-8239.58 has been made.

rest on the Volga. They are large! Mr. Wescott who was in Court passenger vessals fitted out with all and manganese ore or pig-iron, the tion on the Boards is not principal-ernments of India, and the many dues run to over 10 per cent. adly confined to retired private secre- Colonial Governments from East represented his wife and admitted the means of sanatoria treatment, rature--and be it remembered that tarica, however, eminent, but is Africa to Shanghai. Each of those liability but challenged the rent with a hall for sports, libraries, of the gross receipts 11 per cent. allocated according to some system Governments could then possess 10 dus for April, pointing out a reading rooms and other amenities. are a reward to capital. There are more in accord with the public votes, and collectively the Empire he had come to an arrangemens There floating sanatoria make

even British Directors appointed interest.

Governmente could then control the with Mr. Dialdas: whereby he was fortnightly and monthly voyages, to move out of the premises at carrying several hundred people by commercial interests-in practice Caligula made his horse & Consul.voting power of the company.

the end of March. He admitted

on every voyage. During the by shipowners using the Canal. It was no reflection on the horse, Sir Thomas Wilford, the High owing only 8244.92,

course of "a single summer scason Producers and the Governments of noblest of animals, ner on the Con- Commissioner for New Zealand, ro After hearing the evidence, Mr. thousands of people spend their British Dependencies east of Suez sulate, most dignified of offices. It called that today British shipping Lindsell gave judgment for plain-vacations on them. The cost of have no say.

was simply a bad appointment. enjoyed the mime advantages in the tiff for $244.99.

running them is extremely low. and In the course of the evidence it the greater part of the expense is The three official Directors are For the moment, however, these of the Panama Canal as the

the British was stated that Mrs. Wescott borne by trade unions or enterprises. now. in the words of an Under-urying need is to focus public Americans, because Secretary of State for Foreign opinion throughout Europe and Government, on the completion of traded as "Mayflower" and occupi- employing the vacationers. Affairs, usually DеTEOUS with Asia upon the administration of the that canal, stood firm to the terms ed half the shop and that the mov-

of the Hay-Pauncelote Treaty be ed out when the landlords indicat. A third such vessel was launched Parliamentary" or official · ex- perience." The names of those who Canal, to apply thereto the rules ween Britain and the United ed that a silkstore would occupy recently, with socommodation for

which should govern the conduct of States.

the other half of the shop. "How bold this office are:

1,500 persons.

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