1935-04-11 — Page 7

THE RIVER BOAT TRADE

Railway's Keen Competition

A nett loss of $187.782.30 for 1934 was reported at the annual renerst meeting of the Hong Kong, Canton and Macao Steam- -boat-Co., Ltd, which was held at the Company's Offices yester

day afternoon.

In the courte of his speech, the Chairman, Mr. Li Tse Fong referred to the instability of Erchange and the new and high Customs tariff which, he said, wers greatly handicapping both import and export business and tended further to minimise the already depleted trade on the River.

Chairman's Speech

amount of Directors' fees. Such reduction is an earnest of the ex- pression of the Directors' desire to share the burden of loss, if only in a small way, in view of the poor resült of the Company's earnings.

Addressing the meeting. Mr. Li Tse Fong, the Chairman, said:---

The Directors' report and audited statement of accounts having been in your hands for some time, I will, with your permissiön take them as read. The Directors are sorry that The amount of $50,027.84 that it the result of the working for the is proposed should be written off year ended December 31, 1934, again | the value of your steamers is the shows an adverse balance, The usual 5 per cent, of their book nett loss for the year is $187,782.30 | value. which, together, with the debit balance of $122.703.66 brought for ward from the 1933 account brings the total to $310.185 98 at debit of the Profit and Loss Account. The Directors recommend that this amount be carried forward to a new account.

Investment Fluctuation Account shows a reduction during the year of $128,177.50, which represents the amount of depreciation in the mar- ket value "of shares held by your Company as investment. In Nov- ember last year your Directors de- jelded to sell certain shares to meet the heavy overdraft with our bank- ers. That decision has been car ried out

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THE POOL AGREEMENT The Pool Agreement, which was renewed during the year for the Canton Line did not work out as successfully as we had hoped, and your Directors at one time were seriously considering the question of giving up such Pool How

In reviewing the operation of your Company's busturss « during the past year, I do not think it necessary for me to refer in detali to the world-wide depression which affects shipping more than any thing else. If any Indication is wanted in order to show to what extent this Company has been affected, it suffices to state that our freight earnings during the year

decline of about $100,000 Our passenger traffle also has suffered a heavy decline. This deliberation, they decided that it would be in the best interest of the is mainly due to the fact that the Company to renew this Foot Agree Railway continued to draw awayment, with certain modifications from the River the best part of this class of traffic.

show

a

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1935.

CORRESPONDENCE

[dil letters intended for' publica- tion must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not

bust as evidence of good faith.--ED.]

R. A. REUNION DINNER

for publication, unicus to duired, Happy Gathering

British Newsreels

A Royal Artillery Reunion din- ner was held at the Exchange Restaurant last Saturday, 6th

at

were

To the Editor, the Hong Kong April, 1935, at which many former

“Daily Press"]

Gunners of all ranks, as well as Bir,--With reference to recent oucers and

present correspondence regarding requests serving, about 90 in all for British newsreels, we have present. pleasure in announcing that we The gathering was the first or have made arrangements to im-its kind to be held in the Colony port the Paramount British News-for over 14 years, despite the fact reels which are produced in Eng-that the Royal Artillery form so land and contain British and Large & proportion of the garrison Continertal news items. These of Hong Kong and number so newsreels will be released in the many prominent residents among Alhambra and Central Theatres their ranks. immediately they are recalved and

the Loyal toast *#73 will be shown with Paramount, honoured. Colonel A. B Hearle. Warners and Gaumont pictures D.B.O., Commander of the Royal instead of holding, the newsreels Artillery, Hong Kong, in proposing to play with Paramount pictures the toast of "The Regiment" spoke only. We would appreviate if this of the value of regimental esprit extra service could be drawn to de corps both during and after the attention of local cinema ps-service. The 1st Battery of the Volunteer. Defence |Hong Kong

Corps gave a fine opportunity to those who had left the service, of renewing their knowledge of the

Master Gunner G. regiment.

trons.

In addition to the above service we have also made arrangements to release in future, 2 Paramount American newsreels each week in the Central and Alhambra Thea tres. These will also be released promptly on arrival in the Colony.

Yours etc...

PARAMOUNT FILMS OF CHINA, INCORPORATION.

B. A. PROULIX. Hong Kong. April 10, 1935.

ง

GOVERNOR

VISITS

ever, after prolonged and careful Yeung Wo Hospital

that would tend, we hope, to make its working more successful

River Trade

The Economic Commission The present position of the River. trade is far from satisfactory, due, At the announced invitation-of undoubtedly, to a surplus of ten the Economic Commission, an ex- nage in relation to the present haustive Memorandum dealing diminished volume of trade gen comprehensively with the dimeul- erally. Towards the end of lasttles besetting the Company's busi- year a new competitor appeared on, ness and the obstacles created to the Canton River and the Company accentuate these difculties für- was faced with such a seriousther was submitted by your Direc situation that we had no alter-tors to the Chairman of the Con- native but to lower cut passage mission, for the consideration of rates with a view to inducing some the members of the Commission, on

August 27, 1934.

of our supporters to return to us.

In the Macao run the Company Your Directors regret to inform was also faced during the greater you that, beyond a bare acknow- part of the year with Intense com-ledgment of that report, we are petition offered by the ss."Wing without any information as to how On." This steamer was eventual- it has been received by the Com- ly withdrawn after running for mission. Nor are We acquainted several months when it was realis- | with uny recommendations or ed, that the amount of business be- criticisms that might have been tween the two ports and trade con- | submitted to Government thereon. ditions generally do not justify any additional tonnage on this Line.

minimise

High Tarifï's

the Government of Hong Kong, especially at a time when the dif- ficulties in the Company's way, are such as should enlist sympathy from the authorities. We have ad- vanced cogent arguments for that

||

After

Bentley replied,

Major-General F, W. Barron, OBE, who is at present on a visit to Hong Kong was the guest of the Regiment and in replying to his health proposed by Lieut Colonel M. Carrington-Sykes, MC RA, 'drew attention to the excel lent work of the Royal Artillery Association in all parts of the world" in caring for the interests of ex-artillerymen, and said that he would be glad if he might be the means of bringing this to the notice of all gunners in Hong The annual "expenditure, Kong. over £20,000 in 1934, was defray- ed entirely by voluntary subscrip- tions and of this sum only £2,000 represented the regular subscrip- tions of serving members.

His Excellency the Governor, Sir

He appealed for a wider interest William Feel, K.C.M.G. and Lady among all members of the Royal Peel, accompanied by the Private Regiment in the very fine work of Secretary, Mr. Pilcher, visited their Regimental Association, and Yeung Wo Hospital, Happy Valley hoped that he would soon be abis at 10.15 am, yesterday. „

Lo report a marked increase in the Among those present were the | membership of the local branch," Hon. N. L. Smith, S.C.A., the Hon. at present 240 strong.../ Dr. W. B. A. Moore, DMS3, and the Hon. Dr. 8. W. - Iso, O.B.E.. LL.D.

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KOWLOON'S BUS SERVICE

Complaint By

Residents.

Many matters of public interest were discussed at the monthly meeting of the General Committée of the Kowloon Residents'. Associa- tion, held at St. Andrew's Church Hall on Monday, and presided over by Mr. Char-chi, the President. Also present at the meeting were Measra F H Shaw (Hon. Secre tary), L. d'Almada e Castro, C. M. Hall, W. Goldenberg, H. F. Un, R. Pestonji, D. W. Munton, L. N. Mur- ray, W. J. Rattey Lam Ming-fan, Lieut.-Col. E D. Matthews, and Dr. B. de Sousa. Apologies for absence were received from Mesars. T. B Wilson, F. C. Mow Fung, E. Kern. and the Rev. J. R. Higgs

-Regarding the Cox's Playground, it was reported that the live bam- boa fence surrounding it bad been uprooted in places by children; and it was decided that the matter be investigated by a sub-committee.

A letter wäs read from the Head

of the Sanitary Department advis- that it was proposed to collect refuse in the area bounded by Aus- in Road, Nathan Road and Chat- ham Road at 10 am daily, and that a warning bell would accom- Dany the refuse lorry. This "ar- rangement would supersede the present method. The meeting X- pressed approval of this plan, and the Hon. Secretary was instructed to write the Head of the Sanitary Department thanking him for his courtesy in advising of the pro- posed alterations.

A letter was received from a re- sident deploring the condition and at Taim Sha Tsui congestion Market, and a sub-committee was appointed to investigate and re- port..

that

Various complaints having beer! received regarding the operation of the bus services, the Hon. Becre-" tary was instructed to write to the Bus Company requesting larger buses be used, or a more frequent service run during the rush hours: urging the complete "stoppage of buses whilst passeu- gers are boarding" or alighting:

Rabies Mensce

dik-

A number of friends of the | asking that efforts be made to re- Regiment among whom were Mr. cruit, conductors with a suficient L. Peckham, Mr. C. E. Dahagan, knowledge of English to cope with His Excellency was received at Mr. G. Ash, Chief Petty Officer passengers" queries; and suggesting the gate by Dr. Li Shu Fan, Chair-Woodward, O.S.M. 8. McNeill and a reduction in fares. man of Directors in accompany "Professor Houdi," who gave n with the other Directors, Dr. C. H. very clever half hour of white Wan, Dr. Li Shu Pui, Dr. 8. N. magic," assisted by L/Bdr. Hebden, Chau, Dr. Chau Wai Cheung, Dr. Gunner Nicholl and Gunner Stokes W. K. Fox and the Matron, Miss of the 9th Anti-Aircraft Battery.

R.A., Noreen Lum, `.

entertained the company During the course of the inspec-after dinner with a short pro tion is Ercellency conversed with gramme of songs and recitations. paidents and made enquiries as to their "comfort, etc. High tribute was paid to the beauty of the hospital site and the general effi- clency of the services, while Lady Peel evinced great interest in the work of the Charity Maternity Ward and the hospital garden.

í Those Present

Among those present were:- A. A Allison, W. H. Balley, Major-General F. W. Barron OBE. EA Braiser-Creagh, Master Gunner G. F. Bentley, Lieut. Col. M. Carrington-lykes, MC., RA, A. B. Didsbury, Mr. Dimond, Major F. W. Eastwick- Field, MC, RA, H. G. Fuller, A Gillard, Mr. Gough BSM W. E. nomination. I would like to take Grant, Mr. Goodrich, 8/8gt. (A.C.) this opportunity of tendering to Bir Glasspool, RA, &C. & Robert my sincere wishes for his Hallowes Colonel A B Hearle, speedy recovery so that he can once DSO, Captain (DO.) E. Hague, again take up an active part in the RA, Mr. Hayward Inspector Hunt, conduct of the Company's business. B&M (LG.) P. Lee. RA, SM With these remarks I beg to pro- | (A.C.) W. Leaper, RA, B.QMB. H pose that the report and accounts | Leeves, R., RL Moncrief, as presented be passed. After this Major EMJ McIntyre, A., has been seconded I shall en Captain D. B. Michell, RA, Master deavour to answer to the best of Gunner R. V. Manley, EA, QMS my ability any question you wish (A.C.) A. E. Medina, R.A., Major N. C. Parkes, RA, Bergt (AC) The proposal for the adoption of B. Peckham, RA, J. P. Robinson, the report and statement of ac- Major F. LE P. Roupell, MC counts was seconded by Mr. M. H. HAWL Rallion, E. B. Read Lo and the motion was carried un-HH Rose, R.S.M. E. 8. Rendell antmously

to ask

In the opinion of your Directors the statements contained in our Memorandum were worthy of the The instability of Exchange and very serious consideration of the the new and high Customs tarin Commission-Indeed of its sym-Your Directors have approved the are greatly handicapping both impathy and support. For over sixty port business and tend further to years this Company has maintain

the already depleted ed an essential service greatly trade on the River. As examples beneficial to the Colony and that of the detrimental effects of the has contributed in no small degree handicaps imposed on business, it to its prosperity. Your Directors may be mentioned that such staple feel that we are entitled to some commodities as Sugar and Cement consideration and assistance from. which, in former years, formed a large bulk of the Company's carry ing trade are now practically im- possible to be imported into Canton with any hope of profit to dealers in these essential commodities.

Your Directors have given close sympathy, and careful attention to the ques-

Sir Robert Ho Tung tion of economic running of your

I do not think that there is any steamers. They are now happy to thing further in the accounts that be able to state that through the requires any comment from me, friendly co-operation of the Guilds but before I resume my seat, I a sliding scale of cuta in the would like to refer to Sir Robert salaries of officers of all ranks has Ho Tung's generous act towards been in force since September last

this Company. year when the dimcult position of "As you are doubtless aware, Bif the Company was fully explained Robert had to make a prolonged to them. The annual savings un-stay in Europe on account of his Mr. H. Staples Smith had been in- der this heading will amount to critical iness Although legally vited to join the Board and the about $25,000.

entitled to remuneration during his appointment required confirmation: Cost of repairs to steamers and enforced absence, Sir Robert, in This was duly done wharves standing in the Profit and view of the poor working, of the Messrs Linstead & Davis and Loss Account at $124.772.47 shows Company, voluntarily refunded to Messrs Lowe, Bingham & Mat- a slight reduction compared with the Company his Director's fees thews were re-elected auditors for that of the previous year. During covering, the period of his absence the ensuing year at a remmers-report a big demand this subilee the year under, review two of the Further, and solely because of the ton of 31.000 each, on the propost year because they are said to be Company's steamets had to under-company's financial position,he tion of Mn M. Fernandez, zeconded the Queen's favourite stone, have 20 special and extensive repairs refunded to the Company 20 per by Mr. Tung-fan Lo long been, associated with British

OTHER MATTERS

The rabies outbreak-was cussed as considerable length, and It was eventually decided that a letter be sent to the Government requesting that all possible steps be taken to eradicate the menace, and suggesting that the free inocula- tion of all dogs by the Government would do much to attain this end.

Complaints having been received regarding the uneven surface of Waterloo Road between Nathan Road and Prince Edward Road, and also. Chatham Road between the Kowloon Football: Club:: and Signal Ell it was decided to draw the attention of the Director of Public Works to this matter) 05

The Hon. Secretary was instruct- et to write to the Fortmaster Gen- erai asking if it would be possible to instal at the Kowloon Fost Office a notice-board showing the arrival and departure of mails, similar to that in use at the General Post Office.

The following sub-committees were appointed for the year:

Correspondence The President, Vice-President and Hon. Secretary (ex officio)

Playgrounds Messrs. W. Gold-"] enberg, C. M. Hall and Lieut-Col B. D. Matthews

RA, V. Sarby, Master Gunner D. Central British School-Messrs. Sharp, RA, BSM, A Smith. Wylie C M. Manners, proposed by Mr. Hung Tase Yet, Master Gunner H H Bolivan,

RA, BSM FH V. Skinner, RA, Ratter and Rev. JR Higgs, and seconded by Mr. B. C. Sun, the RA, Sergt. Stanton (ex R4). Manner 1. N. Murray, and Lam Hon Mr. J. P. Braga and Mr. C. A. Master Gunner C. Timms, Ming-fan

» Street: Lighting -Messrs. C, M.

Board of Directors da Roza were re-elected to the Lieut. Col DC., Wilson, DSO,

RAJ. Watson.

The Chairman announced that

**- THOSE PRESENT

::

RUBIES AND ROYALTY

(8pedia) Air Mall Service);

London, March -24. Bustes, for which the jewellers

royalty. It was by the splendid ruby he wore that Richard Coed Mr. 11 The Fong (Chairman of | de Lion was, recognised

for Load Line Certificates, other cent of the commission paid to him wise further economy would have during 1934 as Guarantor of the been possible.

Chinese Manager, the Staff of the Your management are exercising Chinese Department and for the the Board of Directors) presided enemies when travelits borhe great vigilance in regard to Stores collection and due payment to the and was supported by Mr. M. E from the Crusade It was by the and other expenditure, and I am Company of Chinese freight On Lo, the Hon. very pleased to, be in a position to behalf of the Company I wish to C. A.

state that the contract for the supplace on record our sincere thanks and

ply of Coul for the current year to Sir Robert for his generosity in tors), Mr H da Liz

will result in a saying of about

these matters. On account of the targ), and the

ga, Mr. | present

Lo Pedro of

Becrean

that

the Black

Hospitals—Messrs. F, C. Mow Fung, W. J. Rattey and Dr, Sousa. Membership --Messrs Wilson, E. Kern and W. 1. Rattey.

"Markets Messe F. C. Mow Fung, HF. Un and E. Kern

Representative on SF.CAMI B. Pestonji

Representative on New Terri

clation

Childen's

tories Agricultural

Mr, La

Com

TOPEES

FOR

GIRLS

BOYS

& INFANTS

IN ALL SIZES

PRICES

FROM

$2.75

LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD,

CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT.

TELEPHONE 28151 (8ix LINES).

MUSICAL

Ο

DINNER

CHIMES

NEW STOCK JUST RECEIVED

The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.

Ise House Street.

Tel. 21822.

If only every

mother knew

Tears cease and baby's pain is soon Soothed away with a teaspoonful

of Woodward's Gripe

Woodward's checks

and ensures complete dige

ater

Hent:

emoves the cause of discom

a natural way

WOOD

contains no opiates, and

cive babies of any age.

WOODWARDS GRIPE WATER

KEEPS BABY WELL

230.000 to the Company..

DIRECTORS, FEES REDUCED

state of his health Bir Robert no- Holders: 14

minated Mr. Tung-fan Lo to act MH Lo, 22 Fernande

In the Profit and Loss Account for him as an Alternate Director - Kwan Yol Kong, Lat Fong, 14 KABY you will notice a reduction in the on the Board of the Company. - Hong

T. LOXLEY & CO. (CHINA), LTD