1890-03-19 — Page 3

tained last season, samples of which have been most favourably reported on, both in London and Holland. Mi, van Ringùm, the manager, lately visited Deli and informed me that our tobacco would compare well with any tobacco there-le

is confident of obtaining not only quality but quantity this season, and I have every reason to believe that his confidence is well founded and that we shall reap a paying crop. Things are in a very different position to what they were last year, 21.5 the 'Estate is now well organized and the coolies hav had experience in the work required of them, besides which the health of the men is satisfactory which was not the case when the Estate was newly opened, I am informed from reliable sources that from 6 to 10 plculs per field have been reaped from Estates in Bornen-one (in its second year) expects to pay, a dividend of about 20 per cent, and one in Marudu Bay, (in its third year) will pay 40 per cent to its share- holders. I consider our Estate is particularly well situated as to position and soil and that we may reasonably expect to harvest 7 picula per field Last season, was an exceptionally unfavourable one, we were late, and the abnormal raios caused a flood which would not have affected us had we been in time as we are this season. During an experience in Borneo of nearly eight years I never experienced such a wet season as last year, still I consider our climate is admirable. for tobacco. Personally I shall do my utmost in keeping down expenses consistent with efficiency as I am most anxious to see this company attain the success which 1 am co. fident is in store for it, and should any shareholder visit the com- pany's property, which is but 4 days from Hongkong, I shall give every facility for inspect ing the Estate (Applause).

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1890.

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The following is the report of the Committee for the year ending 31st December, 1889, for presen- tation to the members at the annual meeting, to be held on Thursday, the 20th March, 1890, at 3.30 p.m. --

STATUS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEN-OF-WAR GRANTED TO SUBSIDISED POREION MAIL STEAMERS AT BRITISH

COLONIAL PORTS.

judgment of the Court of Appeal was reversed. The difficulties certain in have arisen through this decision have subsequently been aliviated by the passing of an Act on 25th August," 1889. to amend the Shipping Act of 1844. The amending Act confers upon the Master a marime lien for disbursements properly made by him. (Appendix 7.)

·OPIUM SMUGGLING ON BOARD THE RIVER

STEAMERS TO CANTON,

THE ALICE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.

ATMAN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC.

Committee Room, Alice Memorial Hospital,

weg

in Hongkong, 11th March, 1890, To the Hongkong Community,

The report for the past year of the Alice Memorial being now before the public, the Finance Committee belleve that the time has come for an aphical which they have for some time had in view.

Built by Dr. Ho Kai, felly equipped by a reads response to an appeal to the public, and opened

The representatives of the two Steamer Com paules have addressed the Chamber on the above subject, and the difficulties which more particu- larly these two Companies labour under, awing to the abuses which have arisen out of the work the 17th of February, 1887, the H spitni has Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies having intimated that the Postal Coning of the Opium Ordinance, are fully explained hitherto been carried on almost entirely by fund in the annexed correspondence, and reports of talset by spasmodic efforts of the nature of public ventions entered into hetween Great Britain and trials. The facilities for smuggling it gives teres, &c, n method of supporting a public in- France and Germany will termiente on 30th those for whose benefit the Ordinance was of stitution necessarily of a temporary character. April, 1800, the extraordinary privileges granted ginally framed, and the evils likely to arise from The large numbers of the suffering poor of all to Foreign Mail Steamers in British Colonial the unconditional return of all confiscated Opium nationalities-availing themselves of the Hos waters will in consequence alia jerminate on to the Farner, are also referred ta. The almost unpital's benefits, and justifying its erection, the that date. It is satisfactory to be able to assume restricted power of search which the Ordinance confidence in acif, and in Western medicine that the united notion of this and other Chambers,

confers admits of general application, and, carried generally, which it seems inspiring in the minds at home and abroad, has been mainly instru

out as it often is in an arbitrary manner by of the Chinese population, not only in Hongkong mental in bringing about this desired change. persans ill-fitted to be entrusted with such powers, but also in the surrounding country, for not (Appendix A.)

is becoming a menace to the integrity of Hong infrequently patients come from considerable dis- kong as a perfectly free port, An amending tances, and its usefulness as a training institu. Ordinance is in course of preparation which will tion for native medical students, already to a doubtless deal with these vexed qucations, considerable extent being taken advantage of combine to inspire in the Finance Committee an (Appendix X.)

assurance that they may withì confidence now ask the public to put the Hospital on a firmer financial basis by the creation of annual subscrip. tion lists. They venture to bope that this appeal will meet with as hearty a response as former appeals have had,

RATES OF POSTAGE BETWEEN ENGLAND

· AND THE BAST,

The matter of Postal charges has again had the attention of the Committee and has formed the subject of further correspondence with the London and other Chambers. The reduction of rates to the East and elsewhere finds a persistently warm advocate in Mr. 1. Henniker Heaton, MP, who when recently in Hongkong, referred to his intention of continuing the ngita tion on the re-opening of Parliament." (Appendix

THE CHINA ASSOCIATION.

|

+

SURVEY OF THE COAST OF CHINA. The withdrawal of H.B.M.'s surveying vessel Rambler and the consequent interruption to a survey, which had in part been very effectively carried out, has been the subject of somewhat lengthy correspondence, hetween the Chamber- and the Naval Authorities. In discussing the question the Committee gave due pro minence to the magnitude of the interests with China, and involved in the trade

It is found as a matter of experience that the persistently urged the pressing necessity for an

large proportion of those most urgently early resumption of the survey. These argument

requiring the benefits of the Hospital belong to were met with the somewhat unsatisfactory rejoinder "that it is not considered compatible

the very poorest classes, unable to pay ever a with other Imperia? interests that one of Her

fraction of the ten cents a day nominally charged for food, but paid by comparatively few which be permanently Majesty's vesselsahmili

being the case, the funds of the Hospital have stationed on the coast of China," The Com-4)

justified the admission of only the most pressing mitee, however, are pleased to learn that these

Was inaugurated in London this year, having cases, many who might with advantage have opinions have, apparently, been, 'subsequently.

been received as In-patients being treated in the modified, as they have been given to understand for its primary objects the advancement of com that a surveying vessel is strendy under erders mercial interests in China, Hongkong and Japan, Out-patient department,, while, Hospital beds and as stated in the Objects, Rules and Re-have been unoccupied; and the development of for the China Station. (Appendices B. & C.)

gulations," to represent, express, and give effect this important department of the work must This fund organised by the Chamber for the pur-to the opinions of the British mercantile com largely depend on the liberality with which the munity in their political and commercial relations necesskiy moneys are supplied. Subscribers to pose of rewarding fishermen and others offeringin with the Chinese and Japanese, to promote and the funds have the privilege of sending patients formation aste the position of obstructions to navi protect the trade, commerce, shipping, and to the Hospital at all hours of the day and night. gation along the coast has been augmented by a manufactures of the United Kingdom, India, and Admission cards may be had by application at further subscription of $250, and with the addition the Colonics with and in, China, Hongkong, and the Hospital, of interest now stands at $2 245. The absence of Japan. The Committee are hopeful that the

Subscriptions may be intimated to E, W surveying vessel has prevented its application to

Association will became in the future a valuable Maitland, Esq, Hon. Treasurer of the Hospital, the purposes for which it was intended, and for condjutor, increasing as it will the opportunities Dr. Chalmers, D. J. C. Thomson, or any miein- the present the fund remains in abeyaner

Trade relations betw en Great Britain and the East (Appendix M) ·

PINNACLE ROCK FUND.

a

Pale up their minds what to do with engineers a foreign nationality. They go upon the pinciple that only Netherlanders may be employcu their vessels ns far as practicable, The Chinaman who murdered Mr. Munder, the cinchona planter, in the Preanger, has con- fessed to the crime. The Locomotic deplores the fact that the slow pace justice moves in that quarter, will robs the coming trial of much of its deterrent.effect......

The Government intends to curb reckless speculation in lard. Applicants for lenses will bave to give security that they have adequate working capital for estate enterprise.

AMOFA

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)

Amoy, 11th March, 1890.. This usually dut, t has been turned almos topsy-turvy during the past month with weddings, balls, picnics and parties, and a good many sort heads are the result.

natives. The general opinion here is that It would be well if a salutary example ware made of some of these,rowdies.

As there appears to be some doubts amongst the Insurance people in China regarding the buoys in Sandakan habour and Copuẩn channel, may inform those whom it may concern that both the harbour and channel referred to are. properly buoyed.

Owing to the absence of proper "gangways" at the Government wharf, Mr. Birch, of the steamer Normanhurst, broke his leg on the 4th instant.

We hear that a Banking Company for Borneo Has been floated in London. It is rumoured that, Sir Altred Dent and Admiral Mayne are among the promoters.

Two distinct seams of coal have been found by Mr. J. Margan, the expert coal miner engaged by the East Borneo Syndicate to prospect the country," "These scams hre but 20 inches apart; one is 13 inches thick and the other 4 inches, thick, and they are situated within a few. hundred yards from deep water, and quite close to Sandakan town, Mr. Mofynn: thinks these two scams will join and form one, and that the prospects of finding a payable seam in a short time are/very hopeful

A local company has obtained an order for 15,000 sleepers for the Manila railway.

RECOLLECTIONS OF LIFE IN THE FAR EAST IN THE FIFTIES.

III.

Though only one pinnacle rock was discovered of unity in action, in agitating questions affecting ber of the Finance Coinmittee. Subscription selves very creditably. After the first intervalovcinents of the Tai-ping rebels. After....

FEES TO SPECIAL JURORS.

LIGHT OV THE GAP ROCK.

sheets will also be found at Messrs. Lane,

Crawford and Co., Messrs. Kelly and Walsh, 18., and Messta Kruse and Co.

An appeal similr to the above is being cir- culated among the Chiasse pontion of the com- munity.

In the name of the Finance Committee,

Clement PalMER,

Chairman of the Finance Committee.

E. W. MAITLAND,

Hon. Treasurer of the Hospital, JOHN CHALMERS,

·General Secretary

with

a long time we were kept in suspense as to their

First our genial " Commodore" was led, or, rather led, to the aller of Hymen, Miss Saunders, the charming daughter of Captain Saunders of Fooch. The ceremony was first performed ar the British Consulate, which I hear was taste fully decorated for the occasion, with evergrees. Then at 7 pm. the marriage was solemnized at the Union Church, the Rev. W. Jennings, Colonial Chaplain of Hongkong, officiating. The church was beautifully decorated by the Ladies After leaving the church, the bridal pair, held an at home," and at 4 p.m. they proceeded amid showers of rice and old shoes

The uneasiness caused by the assassinations to the steam launch Egret which conveyed them that had taken place subsided somewhat when to Taitan, where they were to spend their Honey- it was ascertained that they were not connected moon-away from the busy haunts of man.

On Monday, the ad inst. the Members of the acts of fanatics or malcontents; yet the fact that: with any plot against foreigners,, but were the Amoy Club give a Ball in the Masonic Hall to such people were roving about armed with the Admiral and officers of the Russian Fleet. swords, which might be drawn, against one at The Ball-com and approaches were very taste-

any moment, was sufficiently disquieting; and we fully decorated, and dancing was kept up with

never felt altogethe safe, but continued to walke vigour until the "ever silent hours of the morn-about with hands upon our revolvers, and 1 kept ing

mine ready for age until I embarked again on On the 6th inst the Amoy Customs "Griffens" the slow going but friendly steamer Azofon my gaze their maiden' performance to a crowded. House, the proceeds being devoted to the Amoy leaved untry whose charms were greatly return to Shanghai, not altogether sorry, to Chinese Hospital. At 9.15 p.m. the curtain marred by the constant dread of sudden rose and the opening chorus "Climbing up the Attack After a trip unmarked by any event golden stairs was sung by the troupe, Mr.

morei noteworthy than the breaking down Banes, (late Mr. Paley) then sang a comic song of the steamer's cogines and drifting hover entitled "Love," which being treated with much

to and. Helpless for several days in a gale of spirit and humour, elicited great applause. This wind, which fortunately, was off shore, we reached. was followed by some very pleasing songs in Shanghai in salety, only to find, however, that fair style, the young artistes (considering it was

we had jumped from the frying pan into the fire, their fist appearance in public) acquitted them. as the place was in, a great forment owing to the of ten minutes Miss Howard, who is a young remaining comparatively quiet in Nanking since through information, supplied during the latter

and talented musician, favoured the company their occupation of that city some seven years part of the Rambler's stay on the Coast, her

a grand but difficult selection from previously, they had again taken the war path, Captain, Commander Moore, was confident that

La Traviata" which was received with befitting this time in the direction of Shanghai; and great such a system of rewards if persevered ip would In reply to the question put by the Honourable

applause. And as the curtain next rose, loud consternation prevailed in consequence through. prove very fruitful of good results. The Hydro-A. P MacEwen, the Chamber's representative.

cheers greeted the renowned Saunders Auldage out the country. In June they captured Soochow graphic Department at Whitehall specially in Council, on isth February last, "What pro-

(Paley) who greatly entertained the audience and not long after resumed their march in this marked its appreciation of the action of the gress is being made with the Gap Rock Light-

with an amusing stump speech-Old Mother direction. Their progress was slow, as they Chamber by tendering thanks for what had been house 7" the Honcurable S. Brown, Surveyor

Hubbard which he delivered with great effect, made a clean sweep of everything, in their path, General, stated:-"the preparation for the mate-

He was succeeded by Mr. Crampton, the Irish burning the towns and villages and putting to done. (Appendices §. & C.)

rial for the tower and Light-keeper's house is

comedian, who appeared in the fall and interest- the sword such of the inhabitants as they could progressing satisfactorily. All arrangements

ing unilorm of a London policeman and sang

not turn to account for their own purposes. For have been completed (including the preparation

Are you there, Moriarty?" in which he walked of the necessary plant, &c.) for commenting and

his beat admirably, and in response to loud and

movements, about which no reliable information pushing on the work, at the Gap Rock as soon

continued encores repeated the two last verses

could be had, and cach day, for weeks, we looked as the weather permits" The question of a

Again and retired with firing colours. Messrs. Light-house Board was also advanced, and in

for their advent; no one daring to venture far: Elder and Purvis then sang "The Larboard reference to which His Excellency the Governor

Watch in which they both distinguished them fear of coming unexpectedly upon them. Finally, from the Settlement in the meantime, through remarked "The matter has come upon me too suddenly, and I have therefore not considered it

selves, especially the former, who has not only when they did come, their approach was heralded sufficiently as yet. The gentleman who proposed

plack, considering that a few days as he it, I don't think need have any hesitation in saying is Mr. MacEwen, and he will hardly

severely fractured his arm and received other injuries which would have disqualified many from expect me to give a final opinion-on-t now.

the fatigue of taking any active part in an enter- Suffice it to say I have no a prieri objection to it. I conceive its first object is to see that Light-machines, at 25 to 50 guilders a month, a sort, taint of this description. The next song of examination has to be gone through. Ob- was "Der-o-w-n" by Mr. Havers, who has a bouse money is devoted to light-houses."

jection can hardly tie against the practice. The pleasing if somewhat weak tenor voice, which supply in such cases goes so far beyond the de-requires a little training; but the song tonk very well and the singer was loudly applauded. Then The granting of Licences to Brokers is sug-mand that employers, resort to this method to

Mr. Purvis sang with effect Down by the gested in the annexed letter from the Colonial choose the best servants in the labour market.

irver side," and although his voice was weaker Secretary, and the opinion of the Chamber asked

Last month, a prominent member of the as to the advisability of such a course. The Chinese mercantile community at Surabaya than usual, he won many golden opinions before Commitice are of opinion that a system of licen-filed to the amount of four hundred thousand giving place to the Irish comedian who, attired in the rustic garments of his fatherland, gave sing would be desirable, but do not suggest any guilders, the assets being a mere nothing in

Mr. John Malone" at the termination of which Government control over share transactions, as compitison.

Elder, amidst loud acclamations, made his there was a chorus of applause. Then Mr. they consider that legislative measure could not be made applicable to the many ramifications of general share business. Though tentative efforts

appearance and sang "Annie Laurie" with such towards organisation have, apparently, been so

perfect expression that he carried the audience far unsuccessful, the difficulty will probably be

with him. Mr. Crampton, in the garments of solved by the Brokers becoming a law unto them-

Hongkong 'ricktha-man out for a boliday made his obeisance in true Chinese style, and selves and framing regulations on lines similar

fully established his reputation as a comic singer to those in force on the London Stock Exchange,

by giving "Going to be a ricksha-man" in finc (Appendix N)

style, and on being recalled he further pleased DE

the audience with an original, addition to the TWEEN THE TELEGRAPH COMPANIES AND

song. After another interval of ten minutes the entertainment concluded with a laughable Negro THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

farce in one act, entitled "The Black. Shoe- The progress of the alleged Convention has

maker" which caused vast amusement, and sent been carefully watched by the Committee during the past two years, and at no time have their

the audience home delighted. efforts towards offering opposition to a compact detrimental to commercial interests generally and which has, apparently, for its object a long monopoly and the maintenance of a high tariff, been relaxed. How far the Conference has been successful in accomplishing the ends aimed at is still a matter of uncertainty, but the Committee have quite recently learned on good authority that as yet no Convention has been actually ratified."(Appendix 0.); CORRESPONDENCE HAVING REFERENCE TO THE

·UNDERNOTED SUBJECTS, IS ANNEX D HIRETO ****

The question of remuneration to Special Jurors has again claimed the attention of the Committer and heen the subject of further correspondence with the Government. The proposal of a daily fee of $10, In cases prolonred beyond one day. was advanced rather with the idea that it might under caitain circumstances tend to deter litigants from claiming the servicca of Special urors in unimportant cases, than that it would in all instances be an adequate remuneration to Special Jurors. His Excellency the Governor when replying to the Chamber regretted his inability to meet their views in regard to fees, but stated that he had given instructions for the preparation of an amending Ordinance to the effect that no Special Jurv is to be summoned unless the Judge is satisfied the case will pró bably present such difficulties as to render a Special Jury desirable. (Appendix D.)

Mr A. G. Stokes said that the reason the reconstruction of the Company had been con sidered advisable was-first, the fact that the present Company commenced operations with too small a capital. They saw the fault now, and the scheme of reconstruction was intended to remedy it... Instead of having two lakhs of dollars they ought to have begun with four, and they would to-day have been able to continue planting operations without any necessity for considering further enlargement of capital. Their position to-day was-that-with- the final call, they had sufficient to carry on aver 1889 and very nearly over the opera tions of 1890, and it was estimated by the directors, on Mr. Abrahamson's report, that at the very outside only $30,000 more was needed probably considerably less, but at any rate something more than the present Company's balance. With this in front of them the Com pany had two alternatives-either to issue fresh shares in the present Company or to reconstruc! it on the lines to which he would refer later on, The directors did not favor the first scheme, because in nearly all Companies, both in Romeo and Sumatra, the result of the working of tobacco estates shewed that it was quite two years before dividends were paid, as there was nearly always a lows the first year. The second year, expe- rience had shewn, that loss was about made up, but the working expenses left very little of a balance. But at the end of the third year there was a profit to be divided. If the directors had decided to issue fresh shares in the pre- sent Company it would entailed a considerable period clapsing before they got any results from their investments. That would be obviated by the other scheme, one of the results of which would be, according to Mr. Abrahamson's report, that they would not only be able to pay a dividend of ten per cent, but also put the sum of at least $40,000 to the working account, in Addition to replacing any capital expended by the new Company on this year's crop. That, they would admit, would be a very satisfactory position. Before further referring to the scheme be would read the draft prospectius. The prospectus set out that the capital of the new Company should be $400,000, in $10 shares, 20,000 (A.) of which should be paid to the old Company in consideration of its estates, and 20,000 (3.) should be offered for subscription $3 on application and the rest as required. The B. shares were to be entitled for five years from the registration of the Company to a cumulative, preferential dividend of per cent. per annum on the amount paid up. The A shares to be entitled to a dividend at the same rate afterwards, and the residuum to be equally divided according to the amounts paid up, or carried to the reserve fund, as the directors decided. The prospectus further set out at length the advantages which the Company's estates possessed] Mr. Stokes, proceeding, held forth anti- cipations of 10, 20, and even 50 per cent dividends, pointing out that the results on other estates

The desirability of the earliest publication of dhewed that he did not exaggerate. The pre all available information regarding the probable derential dividend clause had been inverted

course of typhoons forming in this neighbour because the Board thought it only reasonable hood, or at greater distances, was brought to the that same inducement should be offered to notice of the Government. The suggestion was investors. They would really have been amply very favourably entertained by. His Excellency repaid by the increased value of the estate. I the Governor, and the Chamber informed that consisted of 10,000 acres, bought for $55,000, and he was about taking steps to give due publicity since then land had been sold for £2 and even to all obtainable information. The working of £3 an acre, the upset Government price new

the Observatory in all its branches has since being 36 for uncleared ground. Their estate was been referred to a Special Commission, at whose capable of growing excellent tobacco, having hands storm-warnings will so doubt receive full been gradually improving for eighteen months consideration. (Appendix F.)

the most critical period for a Company to sur-VISION OF THE CHINESE EMIGRATION ACT. mount.

Mr. Francis asked if the directors would take Papers drawn up by a Special Commission any of the new issue ?

containing suggestions as to the revision of the Chinese Emigration Act were laid before the Chamber for the consideration of the Committee, The Committee suggested the establishment of an Emigration Department distinct from the Harbour Master's Office, and a somewhat less complicated system of supervising the shipment of emigrants, pointing out that, in their opinion, if hampered with vexatious conditions the traffic would be driven into other channels, to the detriment of the trade of Hongkong. (Appendix

The Chairman replied that he believed they all would, although very heavy holders at pre- sent. He then proposed That the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that Henry Liston Dalrymple and Selby Darby, both of Hongkong, be, and they are hereby, appointed liquidators for the purposes of such winding up y

·

NON-JULFILMENT OF CONTRACTS. With the view of, if possible, finding some remedy for the present unsatisfactory position of the Import trade as regards contracts, the Chamber was induced "to issue to Imparters the annexed circular. The existence of the evil complained of was freely admitted, but the circular evoked little or no response from Importers, nor were any remedies suggested. Under these clrcumstances, the Chamber has not moved further in the matter. (Appendix E)

STORN-WARNINOS..."

SUNDAY OBSERVANCE IN HONGKONG HARBOUR.

'Mr. Judd seconded, and it was agreed to.

The Chaliman then proposed That the draft agreement submitted to this meeting, and ex-G). pressed to be made between this Company and Its liquidators of the one part, and The New East Boinco Planting Company, Limited, of th other part, be and the same is hereby approved, and that the said liquidators be and they are 'bereby authorized to enter into an agreement with such new Company (when incorporated) in the terms of the said draft and to carry the same Into effect,

The Secretary of State for the Colonies has invited the assistance of merchants and others to take voluntary action for the purpose of stop- ping unnecessary labour in the barbour on Sun- days. The subject has already been brought to the notice of the Chamber, but the same difficulty is still experienced by the Committee in suggesting any scheme admitting of general and

LICENSING SHARE BROKERS,

ALLROED CONTEMPLATED CONVENTION

BURMO-CHINESE FRONTIER, (Appendix P.)

CONSULAR INVOICES,

(Appendix Q.)

(Appendix R.)

NEW ZEALAND EXHIDITION.. (Appendix 5.)

NETHERLANDS INDIAN NEWS. A firm at Surabaya having need of a book- keeper, advertised the other day for one, on con- dition that the candidates should undergo com petitive examination. It seems that, of late, it has become customary there in examine in that fashion applicants for mercantile employment, copying Even in engaging clerks, mere

a

Acheen news offer little variety. The forts recently taken from the Achinese have been evacuated by the troops and razed to the ground, but o'her forts in the neighbourhood present such form duble front as to inake an attack risky. The civil authorities on the spot hope steadily to gain over the leading spirits of the Achinese war party, and fancy that the good time coming is not far off. Such is the confidence in the so called friendly Achinese that arms and ammunition have been distributed among them without stint, though experience has shown that these supplies find their way too often into wrong hands,

The Gove timent, it is said, intend to pass an enactment curtailing the liberty hitherto given to the Chinese to take land on lease in Netherlands India.

a fine tener voice but also a fair amount of

a long way off in a most unmistakeable way,

by columas of smoke ascending from hundreds of burning villages, which reached in a vast semi-circle from beyond Sicawel to Woosung. The extent of the front of the rebels as thos delineated seemed to be so vast that, if l were a fair indication of their strength, it was evident Shanghai was threatened by a host so overwhelming that any resistance which could be made was hardly likely to be effective. The alarm among foreigners was consequently very serious. All possible preparations for defence were made: arrangements for the safety of the women and children were determined upon; books, papers, and valuables were sent off to the vessels in port, or got ready for so doing; had wallowed about in the muddy waters of the and the opium ships, which for so many years

river at Woosung, pulled up their rusty anchors, and hoisting on their bare poles everything in the shape of canvas that could be found, came lumbering up the river as best they could, and anchored off the Bund, where they have ever since continued to display their unsightly shapes conspicuously in the foreground, to the unqualified annoyance of every one not pecu niarily interested in them. As for the Chinese, the panic among them was simply indescribable Refugees from the country came pouring in from every direction by land and water with such of their belongings as they could carry, seeking" Yesterday the Russian Admiral gave an alter safety in the city and Settlements, while people noon, dance on board the Admiral Nakimower lecing to other places on the coast by which was enjoyed very much by all present..

At Jembrana, in Bali, the people find tigers very trouble some, owing to these beasts of prey marauding In the villages, and becoming a terror to their inhabitants. The latter take the precaution to go to the fields in companies, but this does not prevent several of them from being⠀⠀ carried off at times by these prowlers."

In Jaya there is yet no tax on dogs, though as dig de the latter abound, and madness among them is far from uncommon, but, the natives make short work of mad dogs, sad soon kill them to prevent further mischief: The number of deaths from hydrophobia, there is hard to ascertain, awing to bitten persons not dying till weeks and months after the bits. In that case, the real cause of death does not appear in the mortality returno,dates to lend me sabaia desit The Batavia Nieuwsblad, saya that as new

FER AND COMMISSIONS ON VESSELS UNDER assement on lands and houses there has aroused, widespread dissatisfaction among the AVOINERAL AVERAGE, &C.

Eur pean, and native community on account of too high a valuation, of the rental. Land is assessed four to five times the market value The owners take it out of their tenants, and occu piers even of small plots feel keenly the enhanced revenue demand. Some of the natives bave been hitno-bard that they talk of moring off to Singapore bag and baggage and scitling down theramed off lot Externo molting

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN INDIA

(Appendix-7) qua p LEGISLATIVE COUNCILM

The Honourable A. P. MacEwen, whose leave of absence had been extended to November, resumed his seat at the Council, which during his absence from the Colony was occupied by Mr. B. Layton, "(Appendix (.)....

·

COMM.TTEE.

MEMBERS.

NORTH BORNEO.

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT)

every available conveyance. The streets were full of terror stricken people, some hurrying in one direction, and some in another, and the river was crowded with boats, for which fabulous prices were paid, many loaded to the water's edge with human beings. The rebels took their time, bowever, in approaching ve, being Sandakan, 5th March, 1890 as usual occupied in plundering by the way, Mr. Henry Walker, who entered the service of and several days clapsed before the first of the Government nearly seven years ago, left last them came in sight. Then a long line of Angs week for Europe on a well earned holiday. He was seen moving along the French road from the has seen much hard work in the country and has direction of Seawel, the numbers of which done a considerable amount useful exploration. seemed to bearout the opinion as to their strength News from the tobacco plantations is now (which had been formed by the extent of the more satisfactory, as the floods and heavy rains semi-circle of fire which still continued), and are over. Work for the coming crop is well in came nearer and nearer, and it was evident that hand, and most of the estates are healthy and that the coming host 'was, à large one. They very promising in every respect.ph

did not appear to make any serious demonstra- Reports reach us that Hongkong Investors in tion against the city that day, but, after recon- the Boraco tobacco ventures are somewhat poitring the place drew back again towards disappointed at the results of the 1889 crop. This Sicawei.Some French soldiers who were is not surprising, but it would be a pity indeed iftheguarding their concession, however, apprehending fine estates belonging to the Hongkong companies an attack in that quarter, set fire the next day to were permitted to languish for the sake of the the suburbs adjoining the city, walls and near the moderate amount of money necessary to continue east gate, and commenced throwing up earth activa operations.. It must not be forgotten that works which traversed the Band, and for this the worst time is over and that it is possible to work Impressed into their service every China- ecoup all the capital expended in one season man that came by. It was most amusing to should the crops turn out as well as has been watch the blank look of astonishment that came often the case in Sumatra, moindre over the faces of well dressed and rather, swell. 1 hear that the tobacco from many of Borneo looking, Individuals, as they came letturely estates bas been pronounced as an extremely aühtering along 'änd paused to see what wAE valuable product. If quantity can be obtained belog done, when they were roughly laid bold in as satisfactory manner as quality, no doubt of thrust into the ditch, and forced to use, the can be entertained as to the lucrative result of spades and picks that were put into their hands, and to note their feeble efforts to acqult, them- the culture to those who persevere.

It is reported that Captain Rothbart, the selves créditsbly in the eyes of their taskosantern manager of the Darvel Bay Trading Co, Ld, with implements such as they had never seen

before.

The next day the rebels made another advance towards the city, coming from the same direction as before, but spread more over the open fields,

ald's foods. He did not quite approve of equitable application calculated to bring about

At Cheribon the other day, a party given by Mr. Francis then, at the Chairman's request,

native headman, in honone of his daughters the scheme, prefering that of reconstruction, the ends aimed at. (Appendix 17.)in ma kaan but still he would give it every support. By the DIRECT CABLE, OMMUNICATION BETWEEN

marriage bad a tragical and. A coelle engaged Courtesy of Mr. Abrahamson he had visited the HONGKONG AND SINGAPORE,

by one of the quests, wroth at being kept too long Melapi estate when down in Borneo recently, and

without pay, rau amok and killed two beadesso, The question of telegraphia/communication had found none apparently better managed (car with Singapere has again been submitted to the

besides wounding five other persons before he bear). He had lospected many estates, but that Chamber, and though the suggested connecting The Honourable J. Bell-Irving and Mr. N. A. was mastered. Naturally this threw a damper seemed thoroughly well organised. The land of a cable with British North Borneo has some Slebs retired from the Committee on their leav. on the festive Joy, and the guests made off as was apparently as good as any in Borneo. As he had said in his address on the subject last what changed the aspect of aspect of affairs the ing the Colony, and were succeeded by the quickly as possible for the month, there was evidently a great future for Committed saw no reason to alter the opinions Honourable J. J. Keswick, and Mr. H. Hoppius.The financial results of the Government cinhas again got himself into difficulties with the chora cultivation in Java have proved satisfac-authorities, owing, it is alleged, to the ill- already expressed, which deprecated any appin tobacco culture in Borneo. He had also stated 'priation al Colonial funds in support of a project

tory so far. The accounts for 1888 show a profit treatment of some coolies. It is camestly to be During the past year Messrs. Wotton & Deacon of 23 000 guilders; and the Bgures for last year hoped that this report is unfounded. that the Hongkong-Borneo companies had in- sufficient capital, and that there were difficulties the expense of which they considered ought to

resigned, and the names of Mesars. Stollerfobt & amounting to 55,00 guilderi,.

week ago. It is sincerely to be hoped that be of our house, and when they had reached a point His, and Mesari, W. Hewett & Co., have been. These casing unhealthiness of Tanjong Priok will succeed in sulking Rajah Brooke in his about where stands the Widow's Monument on added to the list of Members

has led to the Government, directing the local effects to gobble up what rembios of Brunei terri- the preset race-course; I was suddenly startled DINANCE. pun bole disanitary authorities to enquire into the cason tory. To my mind the Rajah's autocratic by a violent rush of air and the screaming sound The Accounts have been audited by Mr. H. A, why, and the best way to remedy the evil government and tendencies should not be exof a large shell flying past, and so near that I bag wondered it had not carried away the top of the Herbert and Mr. C. F. Rwband, Mr. J.Thur. The efforts made by Mr. Zylker, to float a tended bum and Mr. E. W. Kutter having both left the company at Amsterdam; to work the petroleum It is rumoured that the tobacco from Sarawak house, look-out and all. Turning around to find Colony your print call spring in Langkat, bave taken. such a favourable fately sold in Europe realized but a poor price, whence it had come, I directed my glasses upon us lena'gunboat lying in the river just in front, and December amounted to $226.71, exclusive of reach shortly, specified peace pir 16, $5,250 on fixed deposit, and $2,245 at credit of Telegraphic, advices have been received at The police couts have been rather busy of Pinnacle Rock Fund," also on fixed deposit, Batavia, that the contractors about to manage late and amongst the noticeable cases may be both amounts being in the hands of the Hong the N.1mail service instead of the N1, S. N. mentioned several in which Dutchmen cape kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, and Company, will take over all the Captains in the cially have behaved in a very violent style, bearing interest at 5 per cent, per annum, latter's employ, but for the present, have not yet taking the law into their own bands against

to be surmounted which investors here did not devolve on the Imperial Governvient. (Appendix and Messrs. The Barnen Company, Limited, are expected to bring out a, balance to the good, Governor Creagh left for Labuan about at I was watching them from a look-out on the top,

understand. As far as he could see, that Com

pany had surmounted those initial difficulties, CAPTAIN'S TIEN FOR DISQURSEMENTS IN although perhaps some of the expense was zot PRIORITY TO MORTGAGEES. unavoidable, and the result had been such that. A case involving the abose question was the new Company might rely on getting a very brought to the notice of this Chamber by the valuable estate, well worth the money asked for London Chamber. (The case, which is interest. It, He would have preferred to have seen the ing in its progressive stages, was that of the structed, but he hoped that the existing share who held that the Master had a maritime lien holders would have the preference in the on the vessel in priority to the mortgagees, and allotment. | Maroe

gave judgment in his favour, Mr. Justice Dutt's decision was upheld by the Court ei. Appeal, but, when the case was after. wards carried to the House of Lorde, the

5

present Company extended, rather than recon- steamship Sara; tried before Mr. Justice. But, The.balance at credit of the Chamber.on 31lb.tura that he deems success to be within his some of it having been sold 10 looked straight into the cavernous bore of a large.

The Chairman-assured him of that, and the meeting dispersed. A confirmatory meeting will be held at an early date.'

gun which had been apparently trained right upon my position. As I did so there was a fash of flame, a cloud of smoke, ard, another shell. came rushing past with a deafening sound. An I was as dearly as possible la the line that

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