1934-02-07 — Page 7

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1934.

THE NEED FOR OPTIMISM

ROTARY ADDRESS BY H.M. TRADE COMMISSIONER

CHINA SINCERE AND DETERMINED ON RECONSTRUCTION

The necessity to be optimistic at the present time was emphasized by Mr. C. C. Pelham, H.M. Trade Commis. sioner, who spoke at the Rotary Club yesterday on

Optimism.

*

Mr. T. B. Wilson president of the Rotary Club took the Chair, and amongst those present were Mr. James K, Steele president of the Philippine Tourist Association and Col. Camilla Canali, of the Italian Government "Tourist Bureau.

MR. CASSIDY ON THE TARIFFS

Optimism

"I decided to entitle my address to you this morning by the one word "Optimism." I feel, how- ever, that that word having be- come rather buckneyed it is some- what necessary to define what one means by "Optimism.** Recently, in, expressing to a friend what I had in mind he suggested that, a better word might be "Faith" but there again is a word which Las been given very many mean- bigs. My friend told me a story of the faith experience of a negro

who required seed for his farma. The negro said that he had prayed for de seed for a very long time but de seed had not arrived-and after all he had had to go and fetch it himself.

..

ፋ

sincere and determined in an aim for the pacification and economic country.

reconstruction

of the

The Chinese, a most industrious race, are endeavouring earnestly to meet their fellow men of other nationalities on the same ground. Many of them,, do this of course, already, but on the whole I feel sure that many more will join the we optimists of all pioneers if

nationalities living here and here- abouts will hold out the friendly and helping hand. I am not sug- gesting that our Chinese friends

should embrace all the tenets of foreign countries any more than I dare suggest to a Scotsman that he should be English, but that we should all endeavour to see each that we others points of view

avold apathy-that Now my idea of optimism is not should only to have ideals of betterment should be working optimists. to- but also to work hard for them-gether. That we should all endeavour to be encouragers rather than dis- suaders.

we

When I was asked to speak at this meeting to-day it was Jug- gested to me that I should talk about the possibilities of increasing trade with Chica. I told friend, however, that to be at all interesting on such a subject I might have to try to discover and give away a lot of secrets and that

my

I have heard, a pessimist defined as a man who wore braces and, a belt but I think you will all agree that, at least for the normal figure, it would be more comfortable to indulge in 'somewhat simpler sup- port and a little faith. Well, Gen-1: might be difficult to be general tlemen, I think I have sold suffi- cient for you to realise that I do not advocate a wild optimism but rather a courageous outlook and a will to work for an improvement in the affairs of mankind.

Past History.

For the last few years we have. as a world, been suffering from the immediate mal-adjustment, cause of which may be the Great War but the real cause of which must be the whole of past history. The depression has spread all over the world in varying degree and recently we have here and in China begun to feel some of its effect. In addition to this, China has had various internal troubles which have still further weakened her position in trade. Through these various causes there has been a very considerable decrease la both, the Import and Export trade in China. There is no need Lo go into Agures they may be examined at leisure-in fact I have a tonsiderable amount of data which would overjoy the pessimist

and afford him considerable revel in his diabolic art. Well, then-we concede that the times are bad- but are we optimists going to con- cede that they must be worse? Or that they must go on being es bad? Are we to let pessimism per- petuate bad times.or are we going to convert the pessimists?

Have you ever thought what a wonderful world it would be if all peoples therein were optimists keeping their peckers up and in- dulging in service before self?

rather than national. However, on the wide question of great of competition we have a common ground. I heard it, sald

of

Impediments to further develop- ment on any suitable scale. There Is need for courageous action to- wards affording outside capital and technical skill such safeguards as they require, in order that, they may come in and help. Many countries in some stages of thel existence have had to bring in assistance from outside their bor- ders nearly always this assist

of form ance has been in the capital and skill the time has come when it has paid its way and the people of the country have gained sufficient knowledge to enable them to take charge.

CLAIM AGAINST CHASE BANK

Echo of Recent Disappearance

o?

CANTON OFFICIAL AS PLAINTIFF

a great risk of An echo of the disappearance, been running

Charlie Chao, compradore of criminal proceedings if that were the Eastern Equitable Banking the case, and as he had deposited Corporation was a case which 16,000 guarantee of costs. the re- came before the Chief Justice, Mr. ward would hardly be commen- J. R. Wood, yesterday in which surate with this risk.

allas Tam Cheuk Yue Tam Foo It is probably quite well-known sued the Chase Bank for 914,800. to you that of recent years many

The statement of claim set out towns in England have broadcast-

that on January 17, 1928, plaintif the ed invitations to foreign manu-

money with deposited the facturers to establish factories in the United Kingdom. Many fae-Equkable Eastern Banking Cor-hat at this time a series of dis- poration receiving a pass-book in exchange.

tories have been so established be cause it is realised that there are mutual benefits, security, and no restrictions:

"It must be considered a polley of optimism when a country in

in development vites assistance from outside and grants full sec-

urity to those who join in. that development-but It Is not a blind optimism but a sane and cheerful- belief that such action will be of benefit to the people of the coun- try.

It is very often stated that there can be little or no further deve- lopment in China until all its in- ternal differences are settled and

the present burden of debt has been liquidated. There is no doubt whatever that steadfast leader- ship and practical measures fo

me

"I regret that I have to put an- ather face of this case before the Court, but I must added Coun- sel "We are going to prove to a doubt your Lordship beyond

honest transactions were being put through the Equitable Eastern Banking Corporation by one of its leading officials, namely, the then,

The compradore Charite Chos defalcation amounted approxi-

The com- mately of $1,800,000.

On November 23, 1932, he de- manded payment of defendants but was refused. Plaintiff alterna-; tively claimed from the defendants as transferers of the business of the Equitable Eastern Banking Corporation under the Fraudulent Mr. Eldon Potter, K. C., and Mr. transfers of Businesses Ordinance.

F. C. Jenkin, K. C. instructed by j Messrs. Lo and Lo appeared for items of Savings plaintiff and Mr. D. McNelli and Mr. H. G. Sheldon, instructed by Messrs. Hastings and Co., repre- sented defendants.

pradore was guaranteed by certain persons and a claim was made against the guarantors by the bank's solicitors.

il

Guarantee Paid. "These claims included four Banks Deposit. the same department where plain- The ti had made his deposit claim set out that three deposits in April

$200,000 amounting to Opening the case Mr. Potter said were made by different people and als client was, prior to 1928, head $25,000 was paid in Noveraber. All of the Department of Military Ex- these sums passed directly through penditure for Canton, while defen- the compradore's hands, according dants were the successors of the to the claim against the guaran- had the compradore Equitable Eastern Banking Cor-tors, and

fraudulently obtained deposit poration. The issue at stake was whether or not the defendants! books, entered them according to the custom of the bank, and himself. Con- were, Hlable for this deposit.

initiailed:" them fronted by this claim, the guaran- tors paid their guarantee to the extent of $200,000.”

Plaintiff

then gave evidence

'he said bearing out Counsel's statement,

In cross-examination. he did not know Charlie Choa, and In fact, did not know when the Banking Cor- poration was taken over by the Equitable Eastern

defendants.

the liquidation of debts would put China in immediate command of deve- considerable assistance for lopment. There is also no doubt that speaking as an Englishman

In 1927 plaintiff deposited $1,000 though I feel sure that the prin-

with the Corporation and received ciple must apply to others--that

a pass book. In January of 1928 the most developed countries tä

he deposited a further sum of $14- the world are our best customers. Chinese Aims

300 making the deposit in the It is quite clear to that, ordinary manner and receiving, as far as he knew, a genuine pass- whatever may be their difficulties and they are many-and in spite book. The money was handed over difficulties responsible the counter and it was immatérial of these Chinese have a strong determinado plaintiff if someone in that de- measure ΟΣ partment of the Bank was fraudu- tion towards that

lently putting the money into his peace and security which will en- sure industrial expansion, an abil- own pocket. On the book in ques- produce "common needs, and tion there were the initials "C.C" ity

which the plaintiff would prove was the mark of the compradore, Charlie Choa,"

19

a raising of the general standard of living. I hope I can say in this meeting that they have our very good will and that "we are out to help as much as, we possibly.can to ensure advancement of enter- a short time ago that internation- al competition was the cause prize and prosperity in China. war-but need it be so? I have to I am glad to say that the trade agree that in existing conditions position of Great Britain is grad- situations arise in trade relation-ually and month by month im- ships which cause considerable proving. This has not come na- effect 05 the strain-but may we not, in look-turally but ing forward, argue from the par- economies and measures commen- ticular to the general In all our ced in 1931 when there was serious games we have competition. This cause for alarm. The year 1934 is a healthy competition, the bene has been commenced by the peo- with very fit of which I think few of us would pie in Great Britain deny. In trading within our na- definite optimism as regards thetr

hope tional borders we have competition own position and a which we are able sufficiently to there will be persistent trend in world that major

towards improvement regulate not only so frictions are avoided but also for trade as a whole. 'the benefit of the majority of the people.

"Play The Game"

In these cases rules are laid down which suffice to guide com- petition for the benefit of all the participants.

There is little doubt that competition may bring out both the best and the worst in us. but in that class of competition which is properly guided by rules and in which there is co-operative effort to play the game" we find that the best is brought out of us.

Now in arguing from the parti- cular to the general there is every reason to suppose that with the will to do so, we can attair. the same internationally, and you will observe that, in spite of all the talk about wars there are in this world increasingly large bodies of Please don't, think. I am merely

men of all countries who are doing counselling perfection. We all have

their very best to organise rules our times of depression-I often

of the game so that in trade we feel like Hurree Babu "3. very fearful man" but it is the per- may be friendly rivals and so that

2

that

of

decrease

com- соп

At the beginning of 1928 plain- Aff

a number of was making deposits, locally as there was con- siderable political unrest at Can- ton.

came

ON

He put money into the Yoko- hama Specle Bank and the Bank of East Asia during January, short- ly afterwards leaving for Swatow to take up his present job..

In November of 1932, Tam be-

1222 alarmed at the American banks and the crisis in that country and he sent a friend of his to Hongkong to draw the deposit. His friend was refused payment and Tam paid a višit to the bank, and met with a smiliar

He interviewed reception.

the

officials who said they could find no trace of his account and offer ed to allow him to speak to the bank's solicitors...

Payment Demanded.

Mr. M. K. Lo gave evidence that the pass the initials "C.C." on book were those of Choa and said he had seen the signature hun- dreds of times...

Referring to a letter, Mr. Potter that receive you said: "Did claim as

o! Charlie guarantor Choa?”.

Witness:-Yes.

And did you pay two lakhs in respect of the guarantee?"

Witness:-Yes!

The Defence.

Mr DM. Biggar, manager of the Chase Bank, giving evidence said that with regard to $14,000- transferred, the bank never re- ceive the money. The initial on the pass book appeared to witness ice that of Charlie Choa, but witness could not be certain, It was definitely not the initials of any member of the present staff.

Charlie Choa disappeared in August 2, 1930 and it made a big sensation, being published in the local papers...

The shroff had no authority to receive

from deposite

anyone. The Compradore' was employed 3 contract. under the terms of Tam declined the offer and con-

which witness produced. The sulted Messrs. Lo and Lo.

Cross-examined by Mr. Jenkin, witness agreed that money paid solicitors thereupon wrote to the bank demanding payment and re-into the bank on deposit was 'paid ceived the reply that while it was through the compradore staff.

You heard the His Lordship: true that they had taken over the assets and abilities of the Equit-plaintiff's evidence. Can you sug able Eastern Banking Corporation, gest anything he ought to have the pass book presented by Tam done to make his position safe? was not one issued by the Corpora- No. tion; no, test signature of the The case was adjourned. client had been filed; and that no such account could be traced in their books.

Burst of Optimism In nearly all parts of the world the year 1931 has been ushered in with bursts of optimistic ex- pression. In nearly all parts

endeavours strenuous the world are being made towards the con- ducting of trade on fair and agreed principles which will enable a of goods and proper exchange services and at the same time tend to increase rather than general standards of living.

Whatever our philosophical theories may be I think that the majority of us can agree that scientific and mechanical progress is affording an increasingly larger outlook for the many. It has been suggested to me that with monsense agreement and a tinuation of the present rate of progress, that in a very short fur- ther period of the world's history each unit of mankind will, with a to his daily physical "needs, and modicum of labour, be satisfied as rivalry shall not be carried to the sistent pessimists the continuous point where it becomes a free fight that he will have leisure for cul-

progress tural pursuits and real danger for all crier of gloom who is

Underlying all the froth of pre-higher planes of life than those of his account, was the number to us all at the present time. He

of another account which of purely "earning a living." saps our energles he makes us

sent day. troubles is crystallsing a

Bank were satisfied was genuine. apethetic until we join him and do

strong effort on the part of ali don't think this is altogether an

A Great Risk. not try any more...

thinking man to tron out the airy fancy-In fact I think that anyway it is a prime necessity "Know Each Other."

compromise difficulties by 2

that we should build: such castles Now there are many people of agreement rather than resort

But in doing so, and war. At, no time in the history of in the air.

We must China who are determined on an evolution of their country from a the world has "there been such having them in mind state which I have sometimes heard effort and I feel sure that we here take a hand in the practical pre-point out that Tam would have described as similar to the middle in the spirit of service will put. sent day affair of life. ages in the West, to a modern ur vigour into strong, support.

However, I seem to have some- state bidding to be as good if not better than its fellows. I am not what gone off the main lines of trying to patronise-none of us my aublect.

and

to

Trade in Hongkong

In a later leter, defendant's solicitors afirmed that when he first demanded the money, plain- tir" said it was public money, but on the second occasion said it was his own. The number 671 which as the number plainta clälmed .pn

I

We in Hongkorig have recently

the

Mr. Potter continuing, said that if the defence was that this was a bogus claim, he would like to

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT

For International Women's Club

Lady Southorn made an appeal for more support for the Interna- tional Women's Club at a business meeting held in the Club's pre- Tin Building, last mises. Chung evening when over 170 members were presént. Lady Southorn and the members of the Committee

seen a very unpleasing report on EUROPEAN LADY ROBBED were the hostesses at a tea pre- local trade" by which" our feara ́of

ceding the meeting.

In opening the meeting Lady are in any real position to. As 1 was saying. I felt that to low records have been established.

MIS. Basto, residing at No. 3 Southorn said that when she left patronise. We have all evolved talk of trade merely from a na- This is partially owing to world

about eight months from something, pre-historical and tional point of view would not conditions which have now com-

ustal experience. yesterday, when ago; the Club had only just start- it is only recently that we have perhaps be very interesting to an menced to improve and partially inden Avenue had rather an un-the Colony come together to any great extent international audience, whereas by owing to conditions in China, she was robbed by a Chinese ofed but now it boasted 258 members,

also suffering

her band bag and other articles Even this figure, however, was too -the peoples of the world are only adopting such a subject as optim-China herself is

to the total value of $76. She was small and Lady Southorn appeal- just beginning to know one an- ism, I could endeavour to strike a from these same causes.

It is difficult for us to prognos-

walking along Kimberley Road ated to all present to bring in more other at all well, but as the world blow for clearness of thought

about 5.10 p.m., and when near.members, saying that it would becomes smaller and smaller in breadth of vision, and the cheer- ticate any quick recovery from ex- most likely to ternal causes, though this will be

Armand Building she was accost- be a pity if the Club were to fall time, owing to the increasing fulness which is

of corn-foster, accomplishment in time of gradual, but there does seem to

for fairly ed by a Chinese who pulled up a through for want of support. She rapidity, and facility

be considerable room

leg of his trousers, revealing a thanked Mrs. Biggar, Mra, Sommera munications so we all come more adversity.

China K rapid, improvement in and more to know each other and

"A Pre-Requisite"

sound measures of reconstruction knife. The man then pushed her and the ladies of the Committee to the ground and snatched, her for the bard-work they had put to realise that we are interdepen-

The wider adoption of an op- and for the fostering of trade and

handbag, valued at 87, a brooch in for the Club and expressed the dent. We find we must strive our utmost to meet on a common timistic outlook and a spirit of ser-commerce are adopted,

I sometimes feel, when listening wrist watch valued at 850 and hope that they would one day have plane and to see the other fellow's vice before self is a pre-requisite point of view. There are many or to any worth while expansion in to some individual views on China, other articles to the total value of a building of their own. us who are not very good at this human relationship. Not less im- that it is not fully realised what $75. The robber escaped in the In the course of the afternoon; but it is becoming Increasingly portant in this country is the is going on in that country behind direction of Austin Road, but it was announced that Mrs. Well essential that we should, be. elimination by China herself of many of the unpromising scenes: description of him has been sup-and Mrs. Raymond would present many restrictions which even, in which manage to get the glare of piled by Mrs. Basto in her report the Club with a dear while Mra to the police who are making en-Nichols promised a clock and Mrs; quiries into the matter.

Elders a wastepaper basket.. (Continued on Page 12) *

Sincere And Determined ·*

I now see China, with all her a number of the most highly de dimculties endeavouring to be veloped districts are considerable

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