1881-12-16 — Page 2

A. S. WATSON & Co. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGGISTS,

!

GENERAL CHEMISTS,

AND

Manufacturers of the following AERATED WATERS, viz: SODA, TONIC, SARSAPARILLA, AND POTASH, LEMONADE, GINGERADE, RASPBERRYADE,

AND PHOSPHORIC CHAMPAGNE. Deliveries in Town and Harbour from

7 A.M. to 7 P.M.

SHIPS' MEDICIENE CHESTS REFITTED, PASSENGER SHIPS SUPPLIED.

Prompt Attention given to Coast Orders.

HONGKONG DISPENSARY,

HONGKONG, SHANGHAI PHARMACY,

SHANGHAL

CANTON.

FoocHow.

CANTON DISPENSARY,

THE DISPENSARY,

THE

Hongkong Telegraph.

HONGKONG, 16TH DECEMBER, 1881.

"THERE can be little doubt that the appointment by the Secretary of State for the Colonies of Mr. Chad wick to report upon the whole of the details in connection with sanitation in Hongkong will lead to beneficial results. This gentleman bears the reputation of possessing both skill and experience in his profession, added to thorough common sense, which, considering that he is a stranger here, and therefore unlikely, to be unduly influenced by any private opinions energetic persons interested in this question may think fit to favour him with, should carry him successfully through the special duties of grave responsibility, to which he has been appointed. The real questions Mr. Chadwick will have to decide are of a very simple character, and should present no out of the way difficulty. Mr. J. M. Price, the Surveyor General of Hong- kong, a gentleman of the highest ability, has for years advocated for the city of Victoria a sanitary system based upon that in vogue a short time ago in the principal cities of Europe. In his strenuous efforts to establish on a firm basis in Hongkong the principles of "Western Sanitary Science," the Surveyor General has been consistently supported by Dr. P. B. C. Ayres, Colonial Surgeon. In opposition to the notions of these two experienced officers we have His Excellency the Governor, backed up by the full strength of the Chinese community. It is between these two opposing factions that Mr. Chadwick will have to decide..

Broadly speaking, Mr. Price and Dr. Ayres are in favour of water closets, and a complete system of drainage; in fact, they advocate an underground net-work of drains and sewers, and would like to see an ordinance passed compelling the Chinese to build their houses and to ́modify their existing arrangements in accordance with "the methods of Western Science.”.

The Governor, on the other hand, favours what is called the Chinese house-bucket system combined with the latest improvement in sani- tary science the dry earth closet.. The differences therefore, which have led to so much acrimonious contro- versy, and a final appeal to the Se- cratary of State for the Colonies, are in a nut-shell. The above are the main points of dispute between His Excellency and the Surveyor Gene- ral. There should surely be no difficulty whatever with the reliable data at our command, in practically arriving at a conclusion as to which of the two systems proposed is the more suited to such a city as Victoria. It appears to us to be more a question of common sense than of science, and on common sense grounds we will deal with it.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, 1881.

monthly to guarantee respectability, clean- liness, and regularity on the part of the oollector. The healthiness of our foreign settlements in China is, in agroat measure, owing to the absence of water closets in tho dwelling-houses, which, in Europe, aro a fruitful source of disease. Gases, such as sulphuretted and carburettod hydrogen. aro not so injurious to health when given off in the open air, as when escaping from sewors, China is, par excellence, the coun try of bad smells, and yet, as we have seen, the people do not seem to suffer from them.

The removal of exereta and the disposal of sewa wator is the sanitary problem of the day in Great Britain. Our sewers allow transference of gases and organic molecules from house to house and placa to place; occasionally, by bursting, loak- ago, or absorption, the ground is con- taminated, and the water supply is con- stuntly in danger of being poisoned and contaminated; and all theso dangers aro greater from being concealed and being beyond individual control. Forers and cholera are thus possibly propagated from house to house. In China wo are entirely free from this dangor.

In August 1880, H.E. the Governor The industrious and frugal habits of tha Beat a minute to the Surveyor Ge- Chinese, and even their very poverty, thus work to their advantage (all sanitary mon- neral's Department, calling for a

aures more than ropay their cost), for it return of all water-closets in the compels them to utilise all excrementitious colony, distinguishing those in public matter. Every particle of every kind of and private buildings respectively, manure, besides rags, paper, etc., are col- lested and preserved with the greatest with dates when they were put up..

caro. The privato privics, which are all out of doors, are visited daily by those On the 20th of the same month the return was duly handed in, and on manure collectors, and so great is the de- the 26th Mr. S. R. Neate, the Ins-mand for it, that no payment is made to those suavengers. Foreigners pay a tride pector of Buildings, wrote a special report on the subject, which is well worthy of attention. According to Mr. Neato, many of the existing water closets had been fitted up in the belief that they were in accordance with the requirements of section 10 of Ordinance 8 of 1856, such im- pressions, however, being clearly orroneous, as by section 14 of Ordi- nance 8 of 1856, and sub-section 1 of section 2 of Ordinance 14 of 1845, they are prohibited from connection with the sewers, and by section 14 of Ordinance 8 of 1856, cess-pits are de- clared illegal; therefore the water closets of the last mentioned ordi- nance become simply water com- modes. It is illegal to run soil into the sewers; but were it otherwise Mr. Neate is of opinion that it would not be an advisable practice to follow, even with an ample supply of water all the year round, because the filth would still be washed to and fro in front of the city, or lie on the foreshore for certain periods. We cordially endorse the views of the Inspector of Buildings that, as the city is built on the side of a hill, it is absolutely of vital importance that the drains should be kept free from night soil and other filth, as the rapid incline of the drains facilitates the movement of the gas, which, in escaping, contaminates the atmo- sphere of the neighbourhood above such drains opening throughout the town. Modern experience, even in European cities, has taught us that water closets are a fruitful source of typhoid fever, by conducting foul sewer gases into dwelling houses, and even the most elaborate procau- tions have been unable to prevent this result. If, therefore, the water- closet system has been proved so radically defective, where every ad- vantage of climate, and ample oppor- tunity for keeping the pipes, &c., in good order exist, what would be the result of its universal introduction in a Colony and a climate like ours, especially remembering that water closets are generally out of order in one way or another?

The Hongkong system of removing the contents of commodes every morning has doubtless many objec- tions attached to it; but it is a grave question whether a better method, and one more peculiarly adapted to the re- quirements of the community, is in existence. The Chinese interests, which are very great in Hongkong, have an undoubted claim to be con- sidered in the introduction of any new or improved system of sanitation. It is perfectly well known that the Chinese object strongly to Mr. Price's projects of drainage and water supply for flushing house sewage, on the ground that they are inconsistent with the Chinese mode of living. They would appear to have a perfect justification in their objections to the introduction of any system which would prove unsuited to their special requirements, especially when this particular system has invariably brought typhoid fever and other malignant diseases in its train. An almost unanswerable argument in favour of the Chinese house bucket and dry earth systems, is the fact that typhoid fever is almost unknown in Chinese cities, their generally filthy condition notwithstanding.

Dr.Dudgeon, of Peking, in his well known work on "The Diseases of China contrasted with those of Eu rope," says in support of the Chinese system as opposed to underground drainage :-

Much that is recommended at home in

the way of ventilation, water supply, and disinfection of privies is rendered in China unnecessary. All the advantages olaimed

for the dry earth system are gained here free of expense to the individual or public,

In the face of the above facts it will, we think, be generally allowed that a good case has been made out for His Excellency the Governor, in advocating the combined house- bucket and dry earth system in oppo- sition to the Surveyor-General's pro- jected network of drains, and water- closet scheme. Should Mr. Chadwick, as most probably will be the case, report in favor of the Governor's views, we trust that the Government will see their way, in the interests of the public health, to undertake the manufacture of dry earth to be given gratis to the members of the commu- nity. There will be no difficulty whatever in satisfactorily arranging to do this, and there should be no additional expense entailed on the Government. The scavenging con- tract, which in recent years has been given to a contractor, ought to be farmed out to the highest bidder, sufficient guarantees being procured that the work undertaken be satis- factorily carried out. It is a valuable privilege, which should return a fairly large sum to the Government exchequer. The manufacture of dry earth for sanitary purposes has been successfully carried out elsewhere, and its adoption here-under Go- vernment supervision and control— may be regarded as a certainty, if His Excellency's views on a system of sanitation for Hongkong receive the favourable consideration of Earl Kimberley.

Owing to heavy rains the operations of the French in Tanis have been lom- porarily suspen led. The next move will doubtless be the long threatenei udvance on Tripoli,

Our contemporary the China Mail must have proved eminently satisfac tory to its subscribers last night. It contained such an overpowering fand of local and interesting general intelli- gence, convincing proof-if proof were needed that the boasted enterprise is not more balderdash, that the mach talked of energy is not quite a myth. Two "locals " about the arrival of the Pojasus, and the departure from Yoko- hana of the Rio de Janiro (already pablished in the Telegraph), a notic

that the subscription lists for the pro. posed public ball are ready for signa- ture (als previously published), a stapid reference to the meetings of the Legislative Council; a feeble groan about streets in the colony, twenty olamsily written lines describing the most exciting and most important lawn tennis match over playel in Hongkong, the usual police court padding, and close upon seven colonias of state and uninteresting extracts from other papers, form the sum total. And yet people are consorious. enough to any that the China Mail is quite fos. silised. Wo will give our contemporary some "copy" to help them on a bit in the course of a few weeks. Some aid is evidently wanted badly.

The Vigilant, paddle dispatch.boat, Lieut. Commandor O. Lindsay, arrived here this morning from Chusan, "and roports having left there a fow hours before the ships of the Squadron were to hoist anchors and proceed south.

It is reported by telegraph from London' that no less than 917 persons are missing since the burning of the Vienna Theatre. This would appear to be the inost frightful calamity of modern timos. Surely the time has now come when every Government in the world will insist on all thoatres and opora houses being constructed principles to ensure safe and spooly mearts of o press in the oveat of fire!

00

Wo learn from El Comercio that another heavy gale passed over Manila on the 11th and 12th inst. The wind fortunately did not reach hurricano force. It began to blow from E.S.E. vooring round tho N. and N.E. From 10 to 12 p.m. on the 11th it was blow-

ing in hard gusts from N.N.B., veoring to N.W. and N.N.E. and subsequently died away to E. by E.S.E. The vortex of the storm passed to the Southward of Manila. The provinces of Batangas aud Tayabas must have felt it most. Noreport of any serious damage caused by the galo has come to hand.

One of our subscribers, a prominent

athlete and member of the Victoria Recreation Club, writes to ask why we have not pablished the advertisement for the forthcoming Regatta. The The question is easily auswered. Hon. Secretary of the Recreation Club declined to permit the advertisement to be published in the Telegraph for reasons probably bottor understood by himself than by ns. It is perfectly true that the menbors of the staff of this paper know more about rowing and general sport, than fifty thousand such newpapera as the China Mail and Daily Press.

It is also a fact that more

rowing men, and members of the Ra.

creation Olub who take an interest in tho Regatta, subscribe to the Telegraph than to the two other papers combined. If our correspondent will look up our files he will find that in criticising the proposed Tramway Scheme for Hong- kong, we could not honestly be com- plimentary to, or acquiosce in the pro- fessional opinions-liaited in examina- tion by the Select Committes-of a certain Mr. R. K. Leigh, although both our contemporaries treated that gentle, man to an extra dose of soft sawder. Mr. R. K. Leigh is Hon. Sacratury of the Victoria Recreation Clab. If our

A meeting of the Perseverance Lodge of Freemasons will be held in Froo- mason's Hall this evening at 9 o'clook precisely.

According to a wire from London Mr. Frelinghuyson has been appointed Scoretary of State for the United States of America.

The American barque R. Parsons will come out of Aberdeen Dock this afternoon, and make room for the Gor.

inau schooner Hecht.

The residents in Amoy have orga- nisod a picnic ou an elaborato scale to which the Princes and a large number of Naval officers will be invited. Ac- cording to the latost intelligence re- ceived, there is a probability of the Squadron entering Hongkong Harbour on Monday next.

The steamers from Canton for the past few days have brought down & large quantity of lanterns and other paraphernalia for the purposes of illu- mination. One of the largest of the sot piecos, a gaudy affair, has been made for the On Tai Insurance office, and will be a conspicuous item in the illumination when lit up.

Further complications in the Chili- Peruvian difficulties are impending. The Government of the United States has not only warned both Chili.and intervention, bat has despatched a spa- Pera against invoking any Europeau

cial envoy to demand an explanation from the Chilian Government as to the arrest and removal of the President of the Republic of Peru.

LAWN TENNIS. HONGKONG V. Singapore.

The most interesting double-handed match at lawn tonnis ever contested in Hougkong was played in front of the pavilion on the Cricket Ground yester- day afternoon, between teams repre- : seating Hongkong and Singapore re- spectively. The capital of the Straits Settlements was represented by Mr. J. D'Almeida, the reputed best player in Singapore, and Lieut. R. S. Hedley," RE.; Mr. A. B. Tomkins, and Lieut. J. G. Mayne, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, doing battle for Hongkong. The importance of this inter-colonial contest, and the high reputations of the players attracted a large gathering of spectators, including a fair number of ladies. The conditions of the match were the ordinary rules of lawn tennis, and the first thres sets out of five to decide the match. The Singapore re- presentatives were the popular fa- vourites, in fact, it was generally con-

correspondent is a believer in coinci-sidered by the initiated that they had

donces he can make whatever he likes out of this one.

to Canton,

an easy task before them. The result of the first set, however, proved a re- galar facer to the supporters of the An important case, involving a ques- southerners, as Tomkins volleying.in tion of considerable interest to a public magnificent style, and admirably sup- company of this Colony, will probably ported by Mayne, whose long reach shortly come before the Supreme Court. served him in good stead, never gave Some weeks ago the China Marchant's their opponents & chauce, and scored steamer Kang-ping, a vessel which has the first notch by 6 games to 2. The for some time past been running be-second set appeared at first likely to tween Macao and Canton, was taken off end the same way, as Hongkong tho liue and brought to this port to scored two games to love; but then undergo extensive repairs. The work D'Almeida, who was evidently suffer- was done by the firm of Fenwick & ing from nervousness, commenced to Co., at Wanchai, and after the repairs show his trae form, and with Hadley were completed it was the intention of also playing grandly, the Singapore the C. M.S. N. Campaay to dock the players scored the six games required vessel at one of the Hongkong and to win the set right off the real. This Whampoa Dack Company's yards. It made the match "trick and tie," and is said, however, that the proposed popular feeling again veered round in favour of the foreigners. Singapore charge for docking this vessel was so exhorbitant that the Company owning commenced, well in the third set, bat the steamer would not entertain it, and Tomkins would not be denied, and volleying in unapproachable style com. consequently took her where arrangements were made with pletely oat-played his opponents at the Chinese officials to have the Kiang- every turn of the game, and with ping docked at Whampoa in the dock Mayne also placing the ball with con- purchased soms time ago from the summate judgment, the result was soon Hongkong and Whampoa Dosk Com placed beyond doubt, Hongkong win pany. This has been done, and we ning the set by 6 games to 3. The final anderstand that it is the intention of Bet was merely a repetition of the third, the last-mentioned Company to sae as the Singapore players were clearly the Chinese Gorecimant for breach out-matched, and although excellent of contract, inasmuch as when the play was exhibited, ospodially by transfer of the Whampoa promises Hedley, in some very exciting rallios, was made to the Chinese officials Tomkins' retaras really never gave a olause was inserted in the deed them a chance of sucoess. The fourth sat fell to Hongkong by 6 games to 3, to the effect that no vessels of any kind whatever, save and except Chinese and the match by 3 sets to 1. The warships, were to be docked in the play throughout was, although occa yard sold by the Company to the Chi- sionally brilliant, hardly up to high nese Government. These are the bare class form, the volleying of Tomkins, facts; and as the prosent is not the which was the feature of the match, time to discuss the merits of the case, alone excepted. The Singapore "crack" we will leave thom alone. There can D'Almeida signally failed to maintain his reputation, although he at times ex- hibited symptoms of brilliant play. Wo understand that a return match is likely to be arranged."

be no question, however, about the

extent of the interest involved in tho case, so far as the Dock Company is concerned.