THE GAP ROCK LIGHTHOUSE.
LAVING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE,
It is now about two years since Govenor Des Voeux, in response to the representations of the Chamber of Commerce, reopened negotiations with the Chinese Government, through Her Majesty's Minister at Peking, for the concession of a barren rock situated at the southern ex- tremity of a chain of islands which extend for s distance of 30 miles south of Green Island. Gap Rock is so-called owing to the fact of its being a large jagged rock some 200 yards in circam ference, tising to co feet at its highest point above sen-level, and being divided into two distinct parts by conspicuous weather-worn gaps on its west and east sides. Immediately to the west of Gap Rock, and at out two miles distant, is the Greater Ladrones Island, whereon an important fishing station is to be found, with a small barbour where the numerous fishing craft seek shelter when the weather is too boisterous for them to carry on their operations in safety.
схретье
Barren and apparently useless as the Gap Rock appears to have been for untold ages past, still, since the British occupation of Hong kong, it has possessed an importance which even the navigators of these early day's estimated with considerable accuracy. Up to 1836 it was an inaccessible rock, uscicas in itself and in some respects a danger to navigation. Since Great Britain took possession of this "island home, and even in earlier days when the opium-laden clipper ships of the Enst India Company used to pay periodical visits to Whampoa, it has been of considerable importance from the fact that it is the first point, the landmark, which vessels "make" when coming to Hongkong from the South. Hitherto ships have been obliged to sight this little island in day-light or, if coming up to it at night, wait about in its vicinity until dawn rather than run the risk attendant upon entering the "inner track without having sighted it. If, too, the rock happened to be enveloped in fog when a vessel arrived within five or six miles of it she had either to "heave to," or steer a circuitous deep sea course away clear of the islands and try to get in at our northern entrance. All this, of course, entalls delay and additional Quite recently a large mail steamer bound for Hongkong, lost nearly two days in dodging about Gap Rock, being unable to make out this important land mark owing to a dense fog. The great importance, therefore, of a lighthouse and feg horn at this point can well be understood, and the laying of the foundation stone of such a boon to those inte- rested in shipping affairs; and to those also with important commercial interests at stake in this colony, was an affair more than usually interest- ing. This important ceremonial was satisfactorily completed by two o'clock yesterday afternoon (1st inst,) by His Excellency the Administrator, Mr. Francis Fleming who left Murray Wharf shortly after gam. In the Government steamer Fame, Captain Allen, accompanied by a representative party of local officials. Among those present on board the Fame were Major-General Digby Barker and aide-de-camp; Commodore Church; the Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Fielding Clarke; The Acting Attorney-General, Mr. E. J.Ackroyd; the Surveyer General, Mr. S. Brown; Captain Rumsey, R.N., Harbour Master; Major-General Gordon, Acting Captain Superintendent of Police: Major Dempster, Acting Superintendent of Victoria Gaoi; Mr. McLeavy Brown, Com- missioner of the Imperial Chinese Customs at Kowloon; Captain Booth, of the Chinese Re- venue cruiser Fel Hoo: Mr. F. H. May, Private Secretary, and Lieut. Thorburn, A.D.C. to the Administrator; several prominent members of the Public Works Department, etc., etc..
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1890.
through the boisterous and obscure waters found in every ses all the globe over. It is, I repeat, a very great pleasure to me to lay this foundation stons to-day, and I hope that before the end of next year, or early in the commence ment of the following year, this great work-so long thought of will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion. (Applause).
The stone was then lowered into its place and declared by His Excellency to be well and truly laid, an announcement which was followed with three hearty cheers by the Europeans there assembled, added to volleys of bombs and fasilade of crackers which the Chinese workmen let off until the Administrator and party were again on board the Fame, the anchor weighed and the little steamer going her eleven knots in the direction of Hongkong, whilst the company were dolag justice to an excellent tiffin,
Shortly after six o'clock the party was landed at Murray Pier after a most enjoyable trip to the neighbouring Anglo-Chinese island, Gap Rock. We say Anglo-Chinese advisedly, for though it is virtually ceded to Great Britain still the Chinese Government remains in nominal possession, in proof of which a small land tax will be paid to the Chinese authorities annually. The cost of building the lighthouse will, we hear, be met by dues levied upon shipping entering this port, after which the tonnage dues are to be abolished The Gap Rock light, or rather lantern, we may add, has been purchased from Messrs. Chance Bros' of Birmingham, who are, with the exception of a well-known Pasis firm, the most successful makers of these complicated and most useful of all lanterns. The lighthouse is to be supple- mented with a powerful fog horn which will be a guide to vessels fog-bound within a two miles radius of the rock-a most important and invaluable adjunct.
THE HONGKONG GOLF CLUB.. The first competition for the Handicap Chal lenge Cup, presented by the Hon. A. P. MacEwen, took place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday last week, on the links at Happy Valley. The ground was very hard owing to the long con- tinued drought, the putting greens especially being very keen. As will be seen from the annexed scores, the committee did their bandi. capping work well, especially considering that this was their first effort and that there was a large amount of raw talent to gauge. After an interesting but rather tedious fight the winner eventually turned up in Mr. Wade Gardiner, whose success was warmly received.
Several couples played off on Thursday, the most important of whom were Mr. Gardner and the Hon. A. P. MacEwen. The ultimate winner played a good steady game all through, but Mr. MacEwen was a trifle erratic, sometimes playing a first class game and at others bung- fing from what seemed to be want of care. He. handled his wooden clubs well--more especially his "shuvel"-but trusted too much to them alone when iron ones would have paid better. By steady play Mr. Gardner got round his first nine holes in 47, while his opponent took 51. The second round commenced, as is frequently the case, with an improvement in play, Gardiner in particular developing a very strong game. The seventh hole was the only one which he could have easily improved on, weak putting causing seven strokes to be put down against him. Three and four to the last two holes brought his total to 43, which, barring some of Lowson's rounds, is the lowest yet made on the links. MacEwen fell off a bit towards the end of the round and did not finish. No other noteworthy scores were made on Thursday. On Friday Mr. Mitchell-Innes and Captain Rumiey were the most fancied couples as far as low scoring was concerned, although Major The trip down to the Rock was done under 3 Arbuthnot and Major Barker were expected not hours and half, the pleasure of the last two hours to be far away. Mitchell-Innes commenced being somewhat marred by the unruly motion well, but a ten to the fourth hole smashed up of the steamer as she pitched into the head sea. what would otherwise have been a fine score, On reaching her destination the Fame was and he took 51 for the round. Captain Rumsey made fast to a buoy on the east side of the scarcely played up to bis usual form, requiring island, so as to avoid the heavy rollers, to give 53 for the nine holes. In the second round the the passengers a chance to land, which even on Hon. Sec. "played up" and managed to put in an exceptionally fine day, such as yesterday, is a 44, while the Captain of the Club again by no means a safe or pleasant business. First had a 53, so that the totals were 95 and of all the Surveyor-General, accompanied by 106 respectively. Major Barker was not in Mr. Mudie, the engineer in charge of the works, fettle, but the gallant Majar of the R.A. got into the landing boat, which was steered into get in two fairly good rounds, although a cove where a large chair suspended from a
not quite up to his usual form, finishing derrick received them, and they were hoisted, like in 101.
On Saturday the interest centred in Mr. a bale of piece goods, up about 30 feet and then swung in and lowered on a ledge of rock. In Gershom Stewart and Dr. J. A. Lowson. The this undignified way His Excellency the latter "owed seven strokes, while Mr. Stewart Administrator and the whole party were landed was in receipt of one, and in order to be equal on the sterile. rock which is to shortly become with Mr. Gardner they had 81 and 89 respectively to get round twice. The first round was not a beacon-light to navigators.
After the visitors were landed in this very productive of anything out of the way- unceremonious manner, they wended their wayCloudlands" "rum punch" being evidently in up to the summit, where the ceremony of laying the eyes of both players, and it took Lowson the stone was performed. Prior to doing so,43 and Stewart 48 to complete the round. In however, His Excellency personally inspected the second round the Doctor made a determined the temporary quarters of the overseer bid for good scores, bluck was against him, as of works, Mr. Fraser, and the hundred the ball kept continually dodging round the labourers, amongst whom, mirabile dictus, since hole on the putting free. Stewart also played the beginning of the work in March last, not one well, but, as the meilen ultimately did, also case of sickness has occurred. Upon returning managed the last three holes very badly, requir to the summit again His Excellency zested for Ing ten to the pond hole, and the result was that a few moments under an awning, where the neither player insproved on their previous round, contractor, Mr. Tsang Keng stepped forward 43 being the Doctor's total and $7 Stewart's
thus making them 86 and roz respectively. and presented the plans of the lighthouse.
His Excellency then said-It affords me great
It is of Interest to remark that the record score
1
so far was made by Dr. Lowson in a match with Captain Ramsey about a fortnight ago,when he did the two rounds in 38 and 40.
For comparison we give the scores, hole for hole, of the three highest on the card Gard'ner-
6.4.5.5.5-5.6.5.6=47
1st round zad round..........5.5.5.3.4.6.7.3.44390 Lowson
1st round 5.4.5.4.4.5.6.4443. and round.5.44-5-4-5-7-5-443-86 Mitchell-Innes-
1st round.5.4.5.10.46.7.4.6=51 and round...6544-5-5-744-44-95 The following is the score list with handicaps. Full Stroker Not score, allowed. SCOTS.
болса 7
95 (scratch)
Wade Gard'nera............. Dr. Lowson Major Arbuthnot..... Mitchell-Innes... R. E. Baird Capt. Ramsey Major Hanany...... Dr.W, M. Craig G. Stewart....... Major Barker
.101
.88 93
94
98
306
7
99
A
100
07
100
+102
101
.101
Mr.. Beart then stated that he produced an authorized copy of the New South Wales Restric tion Act of 1888, by which it was shown that any ship arriving in the waters of the colony with Chinese passengers in excess of the number allowed by the Act was liable to a fine of £500 for each passenger carried over and The above the number allowed by law. master of the Taiyuan, he added, was called upon in Sydney to show why he should not be proceeded against in regard to the eight stow- aways-which formed the subject of the present inquiry. The matter was still, as far as he knew, in abeyance at Sydney, where, upon the arrival of the Taiyuan, the matter would be further investigated.
Ja answer to Mr. Rodyk he said he received that copy of the Restriction Act from the Company's agents in Sydney,
To his Worship-Betts bad been but two trips in the Taiyuan, to Sydney.
Mr. Hastings said; in closing the case for the prosecution, that the prisoners were charged with secreting Chinese passengers on board the Taiyuan and trying to land them in Sydney. As the local Ordinance did not make it possible that they could be charged with aiding and abetting in the smuggling of Chinese passengers on board a British ship, the prisoners were therefore charged with the common offence of conspiracy. The evidence showed that the "hay" had fed the stowaways, and Betts, held the keys of the places in which they were concealed.
Fixed deposits with
Banks India 3 per 'cent.
stock India 4 per cent.
51,428.57
28,940.48
Indian Railways
(guaranteed stock) 51,076 19 Cape of Good Hope
5 per cent. Loan 28,571,42 Victoria 4 per cent,
Loan ...................................... 28,$71.43. South Australia 4
per cent. Loan 2*,571,42 Remit ance in tran-
sků.............
51,428.57
Cash in hand, 'in course of collection, and on fixed deposit........
Melbourne Branch
Sydney Branch -
Cash in hand, in course of collection, and on fixed deposit...... Furniture at Head Office and..
Banches...........
Policy stamps...
Interest accrued, but not yeL
payable* Premia uncollected... Due from Agencies......$14.2 6.64 Less due to Agencies... 3,293.90
Liabilities.
Capital Subscribed ......$2,000 -00
Amount paid-up........................... Reserve Fand........ Dividends outstanding..................... Profit and Loss Account.......
Betts was the man told off to search the after part of the ship, hence, as he was pecuniarily interested in the affair, the success of the conspirators in getting their passengers to Australia. Lo Akit, the No. 1 "boy," said he was the man who issued rations for the stowaways. The "boy" now before the Court was the one who fed the stowaways and probably got a considerable sum of money for keeping the matter quiet. Against him there was no distinct, only circumstantial, evidence that he was in the conspiracy. As to Betts written. stalement, it quite corroborated the statements of the No. I boy." The object of this stow- away business was the avoidance of passage money and the Sydney poll-tax, in all about $700 per head. By this conspiracy therefore, the owners were defrauded out of the passage money at least, even supposing that the ship had her full legal complement of Chinese passengers. The Company had suffered more seriously by the affair, for it had been conjectured by the Australian Government that the Company must have been privy to the smuggling, and they were now liable to be fined £4,000. The Company had. also suffered in its reputation in, Australia by reason of this affair. This offence that was to say the conspiracy-was an indictable offence. By Premia, less Re-insurances and
His Worship thought that it was an action for trespass, not of defrauding the company. The evidence showed that the steamer had her full legal complement, they couldn't carry more than they already had on board that trip.
Mr. Hastings-Then I submit to your Worship that the defendants are liable to punishment for a common misdemeanour..
WORKING ACCOUNT. To Losses......
.. Charges, Commissions &c......
Survey Fecs...... Directors' and Auditors' fees- Head Office and Branches.........
Bad Debts...
11
"
Exchange...
Balance to Profit and Loss Account
to-wet each other down, for they had no manns of getting off the roof without being scorched. The flames rose high in the air while the dense smoke which had preceded this outburst was wafted through Hongkew as far as the Old Ningpo Whail.
were gone the plundered gentleman raised a terrible outcry, and his apartment was speedily. thronged with the wild figures of only hall awakened, and partially-clad soldiers, grasping whatever weapons they had been able to seize on hearing the alarm, and loudly demanding the cause of the disturbance. Thu being explained, after great difficulty on account of the general confusion, the "braves" rushed ff and searched the Yamen, poking into every hook and corner, and being particularly, diligent in the way they overhauled the quarters of the Viceroy himself, but without avail, the thieves having gotten clear off.
The next day the Viceroy issued orders for a descent on the brothels and opium dens, in the hope that the unwelcome visitors to his Yamen might be discovered in some of them. Accontingly after nightfall on the 13th inst., a general raid was made on alt such places, and 370 people arrested. Great was the consternation in Tientsin next day, for the crowd apprehended consisted of men of all sorts and conditions,- and vagrants. Those who were known were officials, bankers, merchants, vagabonds, thieves
released after a rather trying interview with
Little by little the flames spread along the roof, and as the rafters were burnt through they fell below on top of the cocoons, which were a mass of fire but without any flame. The flames raged higher and higher and defied all the united streams to quell them, only subsiding when there was nothing more to burn. Meanwhile tons of water were poured on the building, and such was the quantity that the water forced its way out of the wall at the basement a foot from the 310,200 57 ground. At 3 am, a perceptible advantage had been gained over the fire, but it was not till 6 1.m, that the firemen were told to go home, leaving behind lour steamers in the bands of the coolies, who played on the smouldering ruins for hours afterwards. About 1,400 piculs of cocoons were destroyed.
The origin of the fire is a mystery. It is very improbable that it was caused by any one noking, as this practice was strictly prohibited. in the godown, and as, cocoons are not subject: 37.20 to
to spontaneous combustion, the fire could not have originated from that cause. There seems to be only one theory left to account for thewhere they were finally left to their reflections fire, namely incendiarism. Last November the behind closed hars. The affair has had beneficial effect on the habitat of the brothels and opium Filature caught fire, the origin of which was shops, and those places have been in an explained, buton luit occasion the firemen had difficulty on getting at the flames, which were altogether forlorn and deserted condition ever confined to the roof.
186,616.87
57.067 43 1,550.25
18.590 62 3.689 60
10,998,74 $1,668,953.37
"!.
His Excellency; but the remainder, about 175 in number, were taken to the Ying Hoa Chin, and from there to the Tientsin Taotai's Yamên,
since.
The Viceroy has shown clearly by blanction The stock of cocoons was insured for Tls. 140,000 distributed as follows:-Commercial desired by the most critical, that he is still in in this matter, prompt and vigorous as could be Union, Tis. 40,000; North British, Tis. 30,000
full possession of those energetic and decisive Hongkong Fire, Tis. 30,000; London and
qualities that marked him in the early stages of 600,000.001
Lancashire, Tis. 20,000; Sun, Tls, 20,000. 650,000.00 The North British had a line of Tis. 10,000
his career. By this step he has done much to 14,023.68
on the rental of the entire filature. Estimating clear up the atmosphere of society in Tientsin, 404929 43 the loss at 70 per cent of the sun insured, which had gotten into a most undesirable state and adding Tis. 8,000 for the loss of the uring the past few weeks. Refugees of course $1.668 953-37 godown and Tis. 5,000 for loss of rent, the total thronged in from the flailed districts adjacent, and it might only be expected that amongst the damage comes to about Tls. 121,000, less salvage
an item which cannot at present be estimated incoming hordes there should be a fair sprink with any approach to accuracy. The late riveing of lewd and lawless characters. Under 407,077 59 of exchange will be very unfortunate for the these circumstances Tientsia has lately had an undue proportion of the abandoned and pro- home insurance offices interested, who have to 7,314-11 by in taels and who, na doubt, received their ligate within her walls, and brothels, opium- premiums from Shanghai at the beginning of shops, and such abominable resorts have been
crowded nightly, 11,779 90 the year at a much lower rate of exchange. The 908.17, difference will probably be as much as 4.000.. 21,250.70 The flangkong Fire office of course escapes this
loss.-N. C. Daily News. 404 919 49 dog day 971,277.58 | | >»ÝHE NEW CHINESE COINAGE.
$
Return Prenia .................................
Interest.............................................................. Transfer fees...on Suspense, amount brought for- ward from last year
$
RESERVE FUND.
118,011 62
653.5074$ 86,106.52 329.00
231.343 91 $ 974277.88
Mr. Rodyk-I must ask your Worship to remand the case so that I may have time to To Balance on 30th June, 1890.....$650.000.00 look into it as regards my client: His defence is, that he was under the influence of the By Balance on 30th June, 1879...... 650,000.00 defendant Betts and was not a free agent in the
matter.
His Worship--Yes, I will remand the case until Monday, when I shall be glad to hear you upon the subject,
The case was then adjourned until Monday afternoon, bail being fixed in one surety of $500 for each of the defendants.
At the Police Court on the 1st inst. Nathaniel Betts was further charged on remand with conspiring to secrete eight stowaways on the Taiyaan, of which he was second steward, on the 11th June. Mr. Hastings prosecuted. Mr. Phillippo, barrister-at-law, who appeared for a Chinese defendant in the case, having pleaded successfully for his client, Betta, in defence, explained that he had been undefended because the prosecutors (Messrs. Butterfield and Swire) had refused to pay his wages for two months, and left him without means to retain legal assistance. He denied that any conspiracy against the Company existed, and urged that the Chinese Restriction Act of N.S.W. did not extend to Hongkong. Mr. Robinson, in a lengthy and involved judgment, held that an agreement existed between Belts and Lo Akit to smuggle the Chinese over, and that Betts was guilty of larceny of stores in feeding the men. In regard to the charge of conspiracy to prejudice the Company, be thought that no such conspira in was shewn. The importance of the case lay in the fact that the prisoner was a European, in a position of trust, which trust he abused in a most reckless way. He would be sentenced to thres months' imprisonment.
CHINA TRADERS INSURANCE
last.
COMPANY, LIMITED.
amounts
The net premium earned 8653.507.45 and the working account shews a balance at credit of $404.929-49, which sum the Directors recommend be appropriated in the following manner;
A dividend of 18 per cent, to share- holders..... ...........$108,000,00
A dividend of 15 per cent on
contributions, payable to
all contributors of of busl ness, whethershareholders or not.
W. H. RAY, Secretary.
Hongkong, 31st July, 1890.' We have compared the above Statements with the Books, Vouchers, and Securities of the Com pany, and found the same correct.
T. ARNOLD,
H. U. JEFFRIES, J
Auditors,
FIRE AT THE "KEE CHONG"
FILATURE, SHANGHAI,
One of the most serious fires that have occurred at Shanghal for a long time was that at the Kee Chong Filature on Monday night (August 251b), We briefly related yesterday morning that a fire had occurred there, and are now able to give a more detailed account. As our readers know, the Filature is situated on the north side of the Soochow creek near the Shanse Road Bridge, It consists of the building containing the reeling machinery, and residences of the foreign staff the engine house and a high three, storled godown, the roof of the latter being covered with hundreds of Chinese women and girls who are corrugated iron, The Filature employs some under the supervision of Italian forewomen, the whale establishment being under the manage- ment of Mr. Riva. The godown referred to is used to store the cocoons which are taken to the reeling department as they are wanted, and the place is locked up at about 6 p.m. dally, the women and girls going to their homes, leaving only the foreigners and some of the male Chinese staff on the premises,
Iann unpretending little wooden box, which we, have just been privileged to examine, lie tokens of one of the most noteworthy events which have happened for many centuries in the history of China. For hundreds and hundreds of years this vast empire has been in the extra ordinary condition of having no coinage worthy the name. With the exception of gold bars; which are used in too infinitesimal quantities to requiré consideration, the clumsy shoes of sycce have for ages been the only representative of valuable currency. During all this time the only native-made coin in general use has been the copper cash, which, being worth but a sixth part of the smallest coin minted in England, is of no use for large transfers of money. All other wants have been met by the importation of foreign coins, principally Mexican dollars. Now, in this sixteenth year of the reign of the Emperor Kwang Hsu, the reproach has been taken away, and Chinese silver coln actually exists. Five specimens lie before us; now, fresh, from the mint which has been esta blished at Canton by the able Viceroy Chang Chib-tung. They are respectively equivalent in value to a Mexican dollar, half-dollar, and twenty, ten, and five cents, and are all handsome, well-minted coins, fit to compare with those of any country in the world. The values, be it observed, are expressed in 'tael fractions, the Chinese dollar being of the face value of 7 mace 2 canadareens, and the other coins being issued as worth 3 mace 6 candareens, 43/ candareens, 7-3.10th candareens, and 363 candareens. It is worthy of note that if the new money were always negotiable. at its face value, ten ten-cent pieces would be worth more than a dollar, and two five-cent pieces would be of more value than one ten cent plece. This will be readily seen on comparing the values as given above. In size and weight Mexican coined in the present year. The three the new Chinese dollar is identical with a smaller coins correspond equally to the five, ten,
are placed the characters
Another inevitable result of this addition to the ordinary, population, has been the over. crowding of the Chinese, and the consequent increase in the numbers of the sick,
Front Peking and other places in the interior cheering news continues to reach us. The floods seem to be over, and the water is fast disappear- ing from the face of the country. Afairs in Shantung offer the only contrast to the state of things elsewhere; and the intelligence from that province I am sorry to say is of anything but. the most enlivening character. True, the sum- mer freshets are over there, but there is every sign that those in the autumn months, which often are far more terrible than the summer fonds, will this year be of unprecedented severity; and consequently the greatest terror prevails amongst the inhabitants of the threatened province, "China's Sorrow" has already shown itself a terribly real danger this year. May leaven keepincheck the volume of those dreaded autumn freshets; for should the north bank of the Yellow River give way above 'Lung Wang Miao, or in Honan, all the south-western plains of Chihli would be converted into a lake, and Tientsin and even Peking would probably be included in the general devastation.
.
+
August 23rd. Some time ago, Li Hung-chang petitioned the Throne to remove the duty from all cereals in order that they might more easily reach the starving poor, of whom the numbers had been so largely increased by the late floods, and whose condition is such a frightful one, without home or food and in many instances bereft of their nearest and dearest friends. His Imperial Majesty, through the Tsung-li Yamên, has graciously sanctioned the Viceroy's request, and has ordered that money be distributed the indigent people. His Ex- amongst cellency is to buy up large quantities of rice, wheat, and millet, engage trustworthy officials to take charge of it, and see that it is sold under cost price to the poor, for, even free of duty, the grain-dealers, if left to themselves, would be able to fix their own price, and by so doing prevent the poor buying cheap food, as happened during the famine of 1976-78, when the dealers made fortunes out of the starving poor,
The Technical College built by the Viceroy and Mr. Dering outside the Settlements is to be devoted to the purposes of a Military College, This is in accordance with the proposal of the Viceroy himself,
The telegraph line between here and Shang-.. bai is not restored yet; all messages to Europe continue to be forwarded via Kiakhta. The telephone between here and Taku is also out of order and not working-Shanghai Mercury.
Telegraphic communication between Tientsin and Shanghai has been suspended during the Telephonic communication with Taku was also past week, but was restored this morning. interrupted for about four hours on the 22nd inst..
arid twenty cent pieces which have long been coined for the English authorities at Hongkong. and which bave proved so great a convenience not only to foreigners but to. Chinese. The half-dollar is of course half the weight of the dollar, and, in the absence of a coin of cor responding value is the Hongkong and Mexican currency, is likely to be extremely useful The design of all five coins is the 'same. On the reverse are the four characters Keong-tu yuen pao (meaning Sycee of wise, with small Manchu characters, of the the reign of Kwang-Hsu arranged diamond same signification in the centre, these latter being simply Kwang Hsi yuen pas wiitten round which phonetically On the obverse is a dragon, Kwang-tung sang tso ju ping chut chin ye fun signifying that the coin is worth 7 macs 2 candareens of silver and is made in Canton, On the brass cash which are also being issued from the mint at Canton, are characters stating the value of the coin, the reign, and the province. One of the car before us is without the customary square hole in the centre, but it is not yet known whether cash of this novel pattern are being issued in large quantities.. The only fault to be found with the appearance of the
The raking of the Tientsin Reach has been coins (which have not yet found their way actively conducted during the past week, and a to Shanghai in any quantity) is that on smaller ones the fractional figures are so small le improvement is reported. The Pooch! came to the Bund yesterday, and left this morning. as not to be readily decipherable. It is hardly She found the channel at the Match Factory necessary to point out that the market value of very narrow, and in all probability the process the new money is not likely to be determined of silting up is going on at that part of the river. by its face value. There seems to be no reason
A strong current was running this morning, and why, if the Chinese can buy silver cheaply. enough, the new.coinage should not come into it is to be hoped such will continue and general use and even replace the Mexican dollar thoroughly scour the river,
On Monday night the godown was locked up as usual. At a few minutes to 10 pm. Mr. Riva The following is the report for presentation to the shareholders at the twenty-fourth ordinary locked round the premises and, finding every. been in his room long before he was informed meeting, to be held on Thursday, the riththing safe, retired to his quarters. He had not September, 1890,, at 4 o'clock p.m.
that smoke was coming out of the godown; so The Directors have now the pleasure to lay
the smoke was coming frors, and found that it before the shareholders a statement of the Com. hastily dressing himself he went to see where pany's accounts for the year ended April 30th proceeded from the second storey of the godown, at a spot apparently midway between the walls to and in that part of the bullding which is maarest the engine house. He immediately got his fire pumps to work and told his interpreter to tele phone to the Central Station to call out the Fire Brigades, he himself continuing to play on the smoke through one of the windows which he broke open. After a time, not hearing the fire bells, he went to the telephone himself, but it seems that the message sent by his interpreter had not been understood, and it was not till five minutes to eleven that the firemen were called out. They were not-long in responding, but as there were no flames to be seen, they wandered up and down Tiendong Road looking for the fire, and were preparing to retum/home when someone informed them where the fire was. The companies then hastened to the locality, but as the hydrants were so far off, it was a good while before the firemen could play on the building Even then they could not do much, as they could only play through one window, all the others being fastened from the inside How ever, they poured two streams in, and then having obtained ladders, broke open other windows and played through them, so that before midnight there were six streams on, besides the two from the Filature pumps The Dalugo engine as stationed close to Shaded Road bridge and next to it were the Victoll | engine and the Hongkéw engine, and these took water from the Boochow Creek but the tide was nearly out, so that each engine had bannik za to use thirty feet of suction hose, but evenidally lonely 200
93,000.00 To be carried to new account 104,979.49
DIRECTORS.
$404,929.49
Mr. J. Tharburn has resigned his sent at the Board, and Mr. C. F. Rowband has accepted an invitation to fill the seat so vacated.
This appointment will require the confirma. tion of the shareboders.
Mesars J. S. Moses and M. Paquin retire by rotation and offer themselves for ré-electioni.
AUDITORS.
pleasure and satisfaction to take part in the ceremony to perform which we are here to-day. The laying of the foundation stone of this light house is indeed an important matter, for it will afford safety to the great and ever increasing amount of shipping bound to this Eastern part of the world. In fog or in storm. We know that when this project was first seriously thought of several almost insuperable difficul ties arose in connection with it, but it was so generally admitted that a lighthouse to the Bouth of Hongkong would be desirable that wiser counsels prevailed and the difficulties were at last, overcome, and to-day we give the real commencement to a work that wo all trust will be a boon to many. It is well known that His Excellency Governor des Voeux ised every endeavour in order to bring this work to completion, but his exertions would have avalled but little had he not obtained the co- operation of the Chinese Authorities. Therefore those who will derive benefit from this light hereafter will not only owe a debt of gratitude to Hongkong, but also to the Chinese who co-operated with them to carry the scheme to a successful issue. To Sir Robert Hart, the chief of the Imperial Chinese, Maritime Customs, also, as well as to Her Majesty's Minister at Peking, who did all in their power to further Sir William des Voeux's wishes in this connection, a debt of gratitude is due. There is no doubt. but that this work will be somewhat costly, the revised estimate being, I believe, $150,000 and I earnestly hope and trust that this estimate will not be exceeded, of Charles, Nathaniel Betts, second steward of the course a great deal depends on the weather. If C. N. Co.'s Australian liner Taiyuan, and the weather is favourable the work will progress Chinese "boy charged with smuggling quickly and the expenses be less; If the Chinese on board the same ship, were again weather is bad, then, there will be delay and brought before Mr. Robinson At the Police consequent increase of expense, This light-Court this afternoon (Aug. 28th); Mr. Hastings, house will be about 140 feet high above mean of Messrs. Wotton and Deacon's office, appeared sea-level, and be visible from a distance of 21 for the prosecution, and Mr. Rodyk for the boy "Casb-la-hand w miles The more navigation increases, as it Mr. Rodyk said he would be glad to be fully does every year, larger ships are made with informed as to how the case stood as he had only greater speed, more valuable cargoes are carried just been instructed. ERROR round the world, greater numbers of pasaengers are carried and greater should be the socurities for safety; and amongst these, latter: mone are greater than those beacons which are erected in All parts of the world for the guidance of vessels
THE TAIYUAN” STOWAWAYS
CASE.
His Worship said he did not see any evidence as to a breach of the Australian Immigration Acte, which was one of the charges.
Mr. Hastings sald he would put Mr Beart into the box to prove that charge
The annexed accounts have been audited by Messis. T. Arnold and H. U. Jeffries, who offer themselves for re-election. pohode, pe › L. POISNICKER;
i Chairman;
Hongkong, 30th August, 1890.
-STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR
ENDED 30TH APRIL, 18900
Fixed deposits with Banks Invested in mortgages of properties Bond of Chinese Imperial Govern-
ment Loan, 1884 Bonds of Chinese Imperial Govern
mené Loan, 1886................ London Branch
This would be still more likely to come to pass if the Government were to agree to receive con- tributions from the provincial, treasuries in this form. Nevertheless, experience teaches that it simpossible to foretell how any new thing will be received by the Chinese, one of whose national characteristics is suspicion and time alone will show whether Chang Chih-tung's exertions will result in fallurs or in success-N C. Daily Whois anos Ty you
TIENTSINAM,
this was not long enough for after time the (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
Deluge was pumping mud. By this time the end of you set at frem
His Excellency Chou Fu, Judicial Commissioner Defence, has been by the influence of the of Chibli and Inspector-General of Coast Seventh Prince appointed Special Commissioner, for the Yun-ting, or Hun-ko, the river which is credited with the principal share of the inundatious in the vicinity of the capital. Chou Fa's experiences of hydraulic works at Port Arthur during the past six years it is thought will he invaluable to him, and it is through his agency, if at all, that foreign engineers may be, expected to be utilized in the river conservancy in the province,
Work on the Taku Road east of the Defence
Wall has been proceeded with so actively that from the beginning of the present week a good riding and driving course of about two miles has been in use, and before another week is over here will be a good road five miles in length available for exercise and recreation,
A messenger from Chi-yang in Shangtang reports that the people opened the bank of the Yellow River, that a Wel-yuen who was seat from Chinan-fu to stop them was shot "at and wounded, though not quite fatally, and a collision occurred between the population, of Chi-yang, whose dwellings were situated within the outer bank of the river, and those outside. The dis. trict is stated to be in a state of quasi-rebellion. * The penal, target practice of the Fel-yang steam float had arrived and supplied two inoretaungolo ang maha jathte August 20th.. jeg streamia; making ten in all The Torrent? On the night of the rath last three robbers Squadron at Ta-llen-wan has just finished. There $36,487.68 engine could not be used owing to an accident got late the quarters of Tsel Kuang-yang, one were 18 ships in all The Chi-yuen bas again 375,000.00 to some of the machinery. The firemen got on of the officials in the sake of Li Hung Chang, won the prize as the best The men cere 490,000.00 the roof of the engine house and played four and surprised the owner of the apartments in rewarded with $40. They fired 5 rounds in 6 Mag Petreams through the godown, windowslo All this bed They demanded his money or his life,minutes each round with 308-16. kell and 121,000.00 time nothing but denie volumes of smoke and under the pressure of moral terror Mr. Tsel 8,100 lbs. powder, with Krupp guns. The target proceeded from thegodown,utils al twenty Kuang yang parted with two gold bangles his was at a distance of 3,100 yards and the ship $1,706.41 minutes past midnight "great flamb shot up watch and 100,000 cath in notes: Satisfied was running at eight knots an hour, This gun
through t the roofy
fy and it became so hot for the with their booty the robbers gave their victim's boat was under Captain Tang and Commander firemen on top of the engine house that they had|| fioul shaking up and departed. As soon as they | Chin-Chinese Times, Baker
Cash in hand. 21,447.14:
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