1890-09-11 — Page 4

SUPREME COURT.

IN BANKRUPTCY.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1890.

IR SIT HIM KOK. Concerning the bankruptcy of Sk Him Kok,

· {Before Mr. Pulding Clarke, Acting Chief Mr. Reece, of Messrs. Ewens and Reece,

Justice).

appeared on behalf of Chan Oi Tang, one of the bankrupt's debtors, who, upon the request of Nga Ching Seng, represented hv Mr. Bowles, of Messrs. Wotton & Deacon's office, was brought up for examination.

September 4th, 1890.

the business of

months, the Official Assignce in the meantime labour question. I don't think you'll get much collecting all outstanding debts.

money by the request for extra pay, but you'll be pretty sure to get more Sundays to yourselves (Laughter and applause), for it will be the object of owners and agents to avald this extr1 pay if possible. By doing as I suggest you will receive the tacit gratitude of all shipping clerks and all people on share who have necessarily to attend to unnecessary Sunday labour on board ship (Applause). On this question I would go further than the Rev. Mr.Goldsmith-although it many be presumptuous on my part-and say that 1 | entirely disagree with their Excellencies who have laid it down that compulsory legislation in this connection, is inadvisable. It would, I am sure, be beneficial.

The first witness called was, Shu Stal, aunt of Chan Of Ting who said that the sum of $4,000 borrowed from. Sit Him Kok three years ago had been returned about two

| In raj. R. WENBER. Mr. A. B. Rodyk, of Messrs. Holmes and Rodyk, appeared for Mr. R. Fraser-Smith, attorney for John Francis Webber, and Mr. Ho Wyson represented the petitioning creditors-years since. W. E. Van Eps and John Minhinnett,

Mr. Rodyk said that on behalf of Mr. Fraser-Smith, attorney for Mr. Webber, he opposed the adjudication upon several grounds, chief amongst which was the, fact that Mr. Webber had never committed any reál act of bankruptcy. He had left the colony for purely private reasons, and with no intention or purpose of delaying or defrauding his creditors. It was within the range of possibility that Mr. Webber might never again practice his profession in' Hongkong, but nevertheless he might, and at no far distant date, return to this colony. It would therefore be very hard on him, he never having committed any real act of bankruptcy, to return and find that he had been adjudicated a bank- rupt. He could not see that under sub-section I of section to of Ordinance 5 of 1864 Mr. Webber had committed any act of bankruptcy.

His lordship, after satisfying himself as to the validity of Mr. Fraser-Smith's power of attorney, said he had held that Mr. Webber's departure from Hongkong constituted an act of bankruptcy under section 14 of the Ordinance, bis goods having been sold under, rit of execution. If Mr. Rodyk could show that there was no act of bankruptcy-by the bankrupt himself appearing to show cause why he should not be adjudicated then that would be a rood reason for setting aside the adjudication. This matter had been decided under section 14 of the Ordinance, and not under section to, to which Mr. Rodyk had

referr d...

Mr. Rodyk-But, your lordship, at the time. the petition was filed the goods had been not sold, so that no act of bankruptcy could then have been committed.

His lordship-Yes; that struck me at the time,

|

Chan Oi Tang said he borrowed $4,000 from the bankrupt on the 24th of April 1888, and gave a promissory note for that amount, Later on he repaid the money and received the promissory note back, which he had, however, mislaid.

His lordship said that as far as he could see there was no reason to discredit the witnesses' statement. It was well, of course, to examine them in view of the fact that otherwise it might be supposed Chan Oi Ting assisted the bankrupt to withhold money due to creditors, which it now appeared he had not done. He would therefore leave the case in the hands of the Official Assignee,

The Court then adjourned.

BRITISH MERCANTILE MARINE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION.

*THE PRESIDENT ON THE SUNDAY LABOUR QUESTION.

A special meeting of the British Mercantile Marine Officers' Association was held at the Marine Hotel, Praya West, on Saturday evening, the 6th instant, when Captain Samuel Ashton, the President, delivered a very interesting address upon the much vexed question of Sunday labour. There were present in addition to local members of the Association, representa- tives of the Australian and Shanghal Officers'

Associations.

THE BENEFITS OF STOPPING IT.

I honestly believe, that if Sunday labour was compulsorily stopped both ashore and afbat it would result in fasting benefit to the inhabitants of this colony, I believe that if the Government of this Colony passed such, an Act, the Act to come in force say one year after its passage through the Legislative Council, the Chinese themselves would have. time to weigh this question, and might be by that time assured of the benefits of such legisla tion. My experience of Hongkong has not been brief. it has been that of a great number of years, and I can truly say that I have never known any innovation in the law to be passed which was of lasting benefit to the Chinese in particular, that was not virtually forced upon the community. Doubtless as soon as the first inkling of suck a law was caught by the masses we should hear an outcry and wail from the entire Chinese community, who would urge that the foreigners were trying to force upon them laws which were entirely opposed to their religious instincts, and would go on to predict that by the passage of such laws the colony would be utterly ruined. We should hear that every shop-keeper, labourer, contractor and boatman would be robbed of 52 days' pay every year! Gentlemen, I've heard such wails, such lamentations before- these baseless forecasts of utter ruin. In fact

det immediately abuted they would migrate in Umpire, Mr. J. Sampson; Referee, R. K. Leigh ;

disse to the Roval. In vain the manager Starter Mr. JM. Laing Timekeeper, "Mr." "H Sampson Handicapper, Mr. J. Sampson, protested that there was nothing wrong with The first item was diving far objects, them; the inhabitants retorted that they which brought forward some of the best men, had poses on their faces and liver to lose and wrong. The poor man W. Jackson, G. C. Hayward, C. F. Kew, W. that something was Stopani, F. White J.H.Sample, E. Hegeland, and went away in despair, and wandered over the M. Fredericks, Ten' cups were thrown in po house opening cupboards and searching. every miscuously; and the average stay under water of where for dead cats, for he could not admit to the competitors was 40 seconds. Jackson had the himself that there was a rom thing. At last he disadvantage of disturbed water, but brought up got on the track (and it did not require the nose the lot, Kew, Fredericks, and Stopani tying of a bloodhound, for the strongest herring and with eine for second place. In 'the deciding aniseed drag that ever was laid was as nothing search Kew secured his limit number, Fredericks, to that smell) and traced it, getting stronger and stronger, up to the room where Z. was peacefully the favorite; getting third place with nind

The opere two lengths scratch rice was lasked smoking his beloved tobicco. Could it he, could upon as a foregone conclusion for Bertie it possibly he-that pipe? The manager held his Grimble, although swimmer's like W. Stopani, F. nse and breath and wondered. Could anybody White, B. Grimble, I. Underwood. G. C.mbke that smell and live? He took another sniff. Satisfied of the fact and Hayward, and Frank Lammert had entered. Apparently, yes. From the start Grimble led, the first length being emboldened by the menaced ruin he went up cov red in 28 secs., but on the return Stopani to Z. and put the case to him thus:-Was if fair, spurted splendidly, and just secured Mr. Belilins' was it right, to treat a poor man 30, an honest prize by a foot, in 6 seconds, the rest, including man? Would he leave at once, cease to smoke that stuff, or hire the whole hotel? It must be Lammert, who got third, being yards behind.

The boys' handicap two lengths race, between one of the three, or he would feich the police. 14 and 17, brought out some smart, yougsters Then he changed to entreaty; he implored, be in H. Sainfield (t sec.). J. Machado (t sec), H. besought him to put the dreadful thing out. He Hayward (5 secs), and F. White (scratch). The need not have been in such a state of excitement, last-named reached his opponents in the first for of course Z. did put it out as soon as he length, but could not " stay," Stairfield dashing gasped his meaning, He contented himself ahead in the last twenty yards, and finishing first with saying that the smell to him was as the scent of attar of roses, and he wondered anyone in 1 min. 251 secs.

could find it otherwise.

The two lengths' scratch breast stroke race was considered pretty open, six good competitors entering, but the Colonial youth pulled it off in the end. L Rose's steady stroke was outpaced for the first length by Perkins' dash, and Sample pressed him close, but on the return he came away, followed by the elder Hayward, who preased him hard to the end, Perkins, the third to finish, being considerably out of it. Timo 1 min. 37 sec.

The Secretary, Mr. Chesney Duncan, having forced upon the Chinese they invariably object rimble repeatedly tied, and although, White he showed us the canvas, there was no paint on

read the bye-laws respecting the conduct of meetings, and a list of those who had been appointed, by ballot, members of the General Committee

The

Tastai has issued a proclamation fixing a tekin duty to be collected on cotton yarns. deputy in charge of the bin tax office has declared his attention to collect lekin on cotton piece goods, but the Tactal makes mention of cotton yarns only. It is a well-known fact that this is only a beginning, and. If it can be enforced, one article after another will be included until every article in the trade will be taxed. There seems to be only one idea, and that is to extort every cash possible. from the unfortunate merchant. What else can be expected when the high officials recommend a subordinate for promotion on account of his real more than his predecessor's in extorting Tho money from the unfortunate traders? deputy in charge of the tax office summoned the heads of the eight guilds to his office a few days since to discuss the matter of raising more dekin but he got very little satisfaction; they simply said that they were afraid to sanction his scheme, an it was a well-known fact that merchants were losing money on the article that he proposed to tax. All of the principal merchants are to be summoned to discuss the matter on the 13th of August, and there is so doubt but that the officials will bring all the pressure they possibly can to bear on them; but there is a limit beyond which it

will be dangerous to go. The Chinese bave a method peculiarly their own of managing such matters; if the officials are too severe on them, they simply close their doors and do nothing, which throws hundreds of coolies and boatmen out of employment. And that state of affairs will last but a very short time before the unem. ployed raid the skin office and the deputy comes ignominiously to grief and is likely to be roughly handled if he can be found. This has occurred more than once in Chungking, therefore the officials will be very cautious how they arouse the sleeping lion. But if they can only get the wedge entered they will take their own time to drive it home. And as certain as they succeed with one article, just as certain they will tax every other; for they will ask why should dealers in one commodity be favoured more than others

There has been considerable silk-waste sent

and I must admit that I had some doubts about with hearty applause, "said:-Gentlemen, to disastrous fires ever known-in-Hongkong for some weeks past, in consideration of the very friend of the phenomenon I came in for a fali what will be the beneficial result, From my

making the order.

Mr. Rodyk said he was under the impression that these proceedings were taken under section to, which specially refersed to persons who had left the colony, and explained that as a matter of fact he only received his instructions half an hour before. But, as no net of bankruptcy had been committed on July 5th, the date on which the petition was filed, he maintained that the petition was bad from the beginning and therefore the adjudication should be annulle

Captain Ashton, who on rising was greeted night I am going to give you my ideas upon the Sunday labour on board much vexed question ships in this harbour, a question which the Rev. A. G. Goldsmith has striven so hard to settle in a manner beneficial to all.'sea-faring men. I, myself, believe in the fourth Commandment, and I think that those who rigidly obey it will be healthier, wealthier and wiser in the end intend to review this question to-night in all its bearings, in as far as I am able to. The question Mr. Van Eps, one of the petitioning creditors has become one of great, and I may say burning, at this point, left his sent alongside his solicitor Importance not only to us out here but also and made some communication to the Deputy to thousands of our fellows at home, I've Registrar (Mr. Sangster), which that official already, said that the Rev. Mr. Goldsmith has promptly communicated to the Judge.

worked very industriously with a view to His lordship then remarked that he had been causing a cessation of needless Sunday labour. Informed that the goods had been sold before in this port of Hongkong. He drew up a the creditors petition was filed, and that the lengthy pelition upon the subject and obtained bailiff of the Supreme Court stated he had the signatures to it of the great majority entered into possession on June 24th,

of captains and officers frequenting this port, as Mr. RedykAnd I am instructed that Mr. also the autographs of a great number of Webber had not left Hongkong on June 24th, residents on shore. This petition he presented and that the sale did not inke place till August. to our Governor, Sir William Des Voeux, and Mr. Van Eps made another communication from what we now learn by recent home advices, patent that Sir William has given to the Deputy Registrar, which the latter wit

the matter his earnest consideration. Accord proceeding to detail to the Court, when h lordship sharply remarked that he did not wanting to these advices we find that Sir William to be informed of anything.

Des Voeux has been in communication with Mr. Rodyk again insisted that the petition the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord was bad, no act of bankruptcy having been Knutsford, as also with Sir Cecil Smith, the committed, even under section 14, at the time it Governor of the Straits Settlements, who, by the was filed when his lordship, who was studying way, is well-known to all old residents of this the papers in the case, remarked that he was colony. I am quite sure that these experienced trying to supplement Mr. Rodyk's want of statesmen have thoroughly weighed this im Instructions.

portant question-a question which seriously affects every member of this Association. But notwithstanding all that has been done we find that their Excellencies have come to the con- clusion that it is not wise to introduce compulsory legislation at the present time. This is a great disappointment to us as a body of officers, for we reasonably expected, or rather hoped, that our appeal would result in decisive and much-to-be- desired action by Her Majesty's Government. However, the reverse is the case, and as obedient subjects of Her Majesty we must virtually abide by their decision although differing from them in our opinions. Now Mr. Goldsmith having done bis utmost, backed by the unanimous approval of British officers, we consider that we have a right to do the best we can for ourselves-joint action having falled-this Association having been formed with the express object of maintaining the properdignity of the profession and improving the condition of its members, morally, socially and intellectually, I say again we as an Association of certificated British officers have a perfect right.

After some consideration bis lordship and he would agree to an application for a reasonable adjournment, so as to enable Mr. Webbert, be present,

Mr. Fraser-Smith-As the largest creditor, my lord, I oppose the adjudication

His lordship-But I can't hear you on the

matter,

Mr. Fraser-Smith-A week ago year lord ship ruled that you could not hear me 13 attorney for Mr. Webber, but as a creditor I had a right to be heard.

His lordship-Very well; I will perhaps hear After consultation with the Deputy Registrar his lordship said that in the Registrar's opinion a creditor could not be heard in opposition to so order of adjudication; however, in this case he thought there were grounds for allowing time to communicate with Mr. Webber. Of course, no objections would be raised to the Official Assignee colecting any outstanding dehis belonging to

what you have to say later on.

the estate in the meantime.

Mr. Rodyk-Certainly not, my lord.

At the request of the Court Mr. Fraser-Smith ald he opposed the adjudication as the largest creditor-about the only bond fide creditor with the exception of Mr. Ab Yon and a few others on the grounds set forth by Mr. Rodyk. The petition was nothing but a mean conspiracy, and the claims of the petitioning creditors were false and fraudulent and were merely brought forward out of revenge.

His lordship At this stage you cousin't go beyond the affidavits, or I can't hear you.

Mr. Fraser-Smith then referred to the account rendered by Mr. Van Eps for $271,21, and to that person's affidavit in which he alleged this amount was due for balance of wages at $125 per month, and that $125 was set out as a mouth's wages in lieu of notice. Whatever the terms of bis agreement were, said Mr. Fraser-Smith, Mr. Van Eps was very properly dismissed summarily for improper conduct. Mr. Fraser-Smith, after criticising the account, was proceeding to reler to Mr. Minhinnett, the other petitioning creditor, when his lordship said that the proper time for these allegations would be when the matter came up for final settlement,

to do the best we can for ourselves.

HOW TO ACT,

were

Peace again reigned in the hotel, but Z. was treated as a sort of curiosity; prople came and stared at him; those who knew nudged those who didn't know and told them the story. A poct who was in the hotel sought his acquaintance and told him that one of the peculiarities of the smell was to stop the con- secutive flow of ideas; I'll answer for it, however, that in his case it did not stop the consecutive The running header from the middle spring-flow of whiskey. A painter, too, was curious as board had been steadily practiced for some time to its composition, for tobacco smoke as a rule, past by the youths who were ultimately placed, he said, was gord for pictures, mellowed but three others--Sample, Stainfield, and Hay-them, whereas this was of such a strong and whenever any great innovation of the law is ward-tested their skill." Afer those three bad aggressive character that it forced its way into been eliminated, Meyer, Fredericks, White, and B. his room and took all the paint off the canvas; to it I remember about the year 1965 a great fire occurred in the west part of this colony. All had the popular vote, Fredericks was declared the Chinese quarter, in fact the whole town from the winner, the others taking equal rank for the great cross roads for at least three-quartets second, in consideration of which a third-prize

was added by the Committee. of a mile, the houses were razed to the ground. It was, in fact, one of the largest and most

The open cight lengths' handicap, for which so many had been training secretly or otherwise the fire of 78, too, the Chinese heavy sufferers, because they were not insured. handsome cup given by the Hon. A. P. Mac-share of it), I was very glad when we moved on H. Sample (zasecs.), B. Grimble (scratch), Lat the Japanese capital much more if Z. had They did not understand the system of insurance Ewen, brought out. C. Barff (15secs.), J. T. to Tokio, I should have enjoyed my stay then, as they do now. But the losses by fire did

Rose, (scratch), W. Stopani (10secs), S. Hay omitted to buy a kodak. I object to being fot worry our Celestial friends nearly so much as

put on record at the precise moment when the fact of a law being passed which enacted that ward, (35secs.), H. Manning (30secs.), C. Perkins,

I am having a heated argument with a 'rickshaw the Chinese tenements should be constructed ($58cc.), and J. Traulsen (soices.). Only three

or four were really ever in the race, the rest coalie; the attitude and ex^ression I assume in modern style with fite-proof walls, steel-being-finished by the first three or four-lengths are spontaneous and appropriate to the occasion, The Chinese offered strenuous objections to

Rose's training record of six and a half minutes but to the occasion only. I found it necessary and all sorts of ridiculous rumours of calamity

made him favorite, but Stopant swam wonder to go about with.a fixed grin and rigid person, floated about. However, the houses were built as now seen and no great ruin, in fact no loss at fally well, and ended easily the winner by half a and could only relax when in the shade, where all, befel this colony. The upshot was that the

length-twenty seconds better than his allowance thank goodness the wretched thing doesn't act; Chinese themselves admitted that the new, law

ahead of Rose, in 6 min. 291 secs. Rose led for if I stooped to fasten a boot lace, or took up any praitios momentarily necessary, but undig. was really very beneficial in its operation. I have Hayward ten seconds.

The high dive and small springboard compe- nified, I heard 2.'s voice cry "There, I've taken known of several outeries and prognostications

titions were quite sainteresting, the winners, you." If he had been able to get a phonograph of utter ruin raised in this colony respecting (M. Fredericks first, and F., White second) as he wished, I don't know what would have certain ordinances before the Council. Such laws, in the face of violent opposition, have exhibiting much better style than their oppo-happened, for that works, I am told, even in the

nents-G. C. Hayward, B. Grimble, C. F. Kew,shade. invariably been passed and none of this utter

W. Jackson, and C. Aitken. ruin has come about. On the contrary increased

The two lengths' bandicap burdle race was prosperity has been the net result. I remember entered far by C. Aitken (6 sece.), L. Rose (1 a particularly loud wail when not only the Chinese but nise nine-tenths of the Europeans sec.). F. Lammert (3 seci.), W. Jackson (5 secs.), joined in the outery. They said that the colony

G.. Hayward (3 secs), B. Grimble (5 secs.), would be ruined, property depreciate in

C. Perkins (5 secs), and W. Stopani (scratch), With such young flyers a good race was assured, value, whole families be brought down to the

and after an exciting finish, Rose secured first lowest condition of poverty, the junk trade leave us, and, in fact, that the millennium place, Grimble the second, and Lammert third. would

hurst upon us. This, gentlemen, was at the time Sir Richard MacDonald insisted on the passage of the Starup Act. At the time he came here as Governor the finances of this Colony were in a most deplorable condi- tion-bankruptcy stared the Government in the face. Sir Richard decided that to raise revenue a'Stamp Act must be passed. "What," said the people, have a Stamp Act Why, to do so would be to bring utter ruin upon the town! Not only did the Chinese set up this bowl, but fully nine-tenths of the Europeans joined in the chorus Nevertheless, Sir Richard, a man of strong will, got his Ordinance through, and six months later the Chinese and Europeans were loud in their praises of the operation of the new law. So, you see, compulsory legislation has hitherio benefited this colony, and I am con- vinced that were the Government to pass a law respecting the cessation of Sunday labour it would eventually be a blessing to every man, woman and child in Hongkong.

THE CHINESE WILL APPRECIATE IT.

attendance of spectators on Saturday afternoon. The second day's sports drew a very large The water was rather lumpy, but the records were generally ahead of last year's, every event being well contested.

The swim under water was competed for by M. Fredericks, G. C. Hayward, B. Grimble C. F. Kew, F, White, W. Stopani, and J. T. H. Sample. Kew covered 59 yards, or nearly a length and a half, being a yard further than Fredericks reached last year. The last named swerved in his course this year, and was credited with 166 feet only in consequence. Grimble was a good third.

A host of little 'uns started in the small boys two lengths handicap, but after much splashing and excitement the three scratch "men" ended ahead. J. Carvalho being first and 1. Miller

second. Time 1 min. 39) secs.

25 brought out nine competitors, and with more The two lengths' handicap for members over judicious handicapping a good race would have. resulted. At the end of the first length, however, secs.), E. J. Meugens (4 sect,), H. C. Manning, the result lay between Mess. C. H. Grace ( (4 sec.), and J. M. Laing (2 secs.). Grace had smartly contested, Meugens being an excellent some difficulty with Meugens, and the finish was second, and Laing a bad third. Time 1 mio

away from here under outward transit pass, which has always been brought into the city to bave the packages overhauled and repaired. it. It is odd that none of these curious effects They have never paid a cash of lekin, but now the have been noticed in Hongkong or anywhere Taptal has declared his intention to collect in else; the only explanation I can give is that on these articles also, which will enhance their Boer tobacco ameke does not mix well with value very materially in the home markets. Now Yokohama air. So much attention being itk-that it is a foregone conclusion that Chungking. some to one of my retiring disposition, (for as a is to be opened to foreign trade, just let us enquire.

point of view it will be as follows: On

postpone the question of the steamer on part of the Chinese it will enable the

the Upper Yangtaze indefinitely. On the foreigners' side, what is the gain? The privilege of living in a place which it will be necessary to waste a whole month to reach, without the mest remote possibility of making a living by trade after arrival. The apparent great point is that all foreign goods are to be laid down in Chung- king cheaper by a half duty, which looks very well on paper, and is all right in theory, but it in simply a delusion, as the Chinese will undoubtedly succeed sooner or later in catablishing this lekin here, which is a complete offset against the half duty reduced. Unless the British Minister takes prompt action and comes to a definite under standing about this lekin business, and causes matters to remain as 'they were previous to the first of the sixth moon, he will have done no good whatever by opening Chungking to foreign trade. He will simply have demonstrated that es a diplomatist he is no match!r the Chinese.

Hakodate, which we next visited, was chiefly remarkable for bear skins, a plentiful lack of accomodation and the smell of dried salmon which last peculiarities so annoyed two other officers that they beat a hasty retreat, going back by the same boat which had brought them. We, however, persevered and reached Sapporo, having suffered severely from the weather. At least did Z. declared that be felt quite well, but if greenness of complexion and want of appetite diddle. go for anything, I should say, be told a tarra-

Although foreign impor's heretofore have paid no lakin, when covered by transit pass, on entering the city, they have always paid at the lekin barrier, outside of the city, when being shipped away. What is now being attempted i to collect two duties, one an entering and one on leaving the city of Chungking.

THE FLOODS IN THE NORTH.

Daily News writes on August 22nd:

The Tientsin correspondent of the N. C.

The conditions of the flood have not materially

Fishing was our object, we had heard that there was magnificent fishing at Sapporo, that the river was simply full of salman trout. The morning after our arrival we sallied forth, armed with powerful rods, and books of seductive flies, and followed by rickshaws carrying our tiffins, and to carry the fish. In our limited phrase. book Japanese, we had asked the people of the changed since my last was communicated. The hotel about the fish; they had replied, their faces water on the plain remains about the same, wreathed in agreeable smiles that there were subject of course to slight local variations. "Takaan," which is being interpreted plenty." Various exploration parties, in connection with We had then inquired about the size, and the Committee to collect information, have pretty holding their hands about four feet apart they thoroughly examined and ascertained the condi had made as though they were lifting exceedingly tion of the immediate surroundings of Tientsin, heavy weights. This was of happy augury and From other sources, the extent and the general condition of the entire flooded district arg naturally as we walked along we were gay at heart. We soon came to the river, it looked also fairly well ascertained. This informa with no result. splendid. We fished several pools carefully but tion was given to the General Committee a few days ago, and will be published, with map showing the flood area, in due time. It has now been asceriained that there is no outlet

A countryman came by; "Sakana arimaska (ate there any fish 7)- we asked. “Taksan,” he They seem to be further up," we said, and replied with a grin and pointed up the river, for the water to the south or south-east of Tientsin, as was at one time, hoped. All this drudged on again. We put on new files and water to the south and west, and much of that Every time we asked a passing countryman the channel of the Peihe, so that the plata can- did our level best, but we caught nothing to the cast, must find its way to the sea through about the fish he said there were "Taksan," not be entirely free from water probably under and pointed up, the river; wo must have about three years, as in 'gr. We also know that walked about ten miles that day but we to the southward the nearest, dry land is quite were not rewarded by a single rise. Next 100 distant, while in some directions the day was the same, except that we each water extends to a distance of more than 300 caught a sort of tittlebat. Our feelings were. It is also known that a large tract of too deep for words; we did not pat the country between Pastioglu and Hwailu is wretches back, but gave them to the rickshaw inundated, and that much if not all of the The open two lengths handicap was quite coolles, a piece of generosity we thought would countries of Hauntebfa and Talmingfu are competitors starting. An exciting finlah was equal in interest to any of the events, twelve be appreciated. On opening my door next covered. All this water must find its outlet by morning I found my tittlebat, the coolie's little way of Tientsin. The original estimate of 3,000 witnessed between F. Lammert, F. Grimble bat, suspended by piece of string to the square miles of flooded territory is considerably and W. Stopant, who ended in the order named handle. Z. found his in the same position.

It short of the facts. spolit our appetite for breakfast; even the coolles The four lengths' race for soldiers attracted | laughed at us. ten heroes, and the winner, Private Morrison, We came to the conclusion that the fish must certainly showed some good form, his time being have gone to the upper waters, and determined 2 min. 431 secs. Privates Deacon and Dodd to follow them. We went to the upper waters, took second and third places respectively, a painful journey on pack horses. We fished The small boys' race fell to a tiny swimmer with flea, we fished with spinners, we descended named D. Alves, and the two lengths' competition to bait, but we caught no salmon trent. fa ordinary costume was won by F. Lammert lu 1 min. 411 seca, C. Aitken being a fair second,

Nine tried for the "Consolation" handicap, two lengths, Aitken pulling it off in 1 min. 21 secs, Perkins second.j

usual, wails; but if the law is passed and in No doubt we shall, in such case, bear the operation for a year, I believe every Chinese workman would by that time heartily appre ciate his Sunday, just as much as his white fellow in Europe. (Applause), No amount of talking or persuasion will induce him to 28 secs. believe it though; it must be forced upon him. The high dive was competed for by fiva youths Having had to obey such a law for a year, it-Fredericks, White, B. Grimble, G. C. would dawn upon the Chinese that they Hayward, and another. White's form was much they were actually getting seven days' pay dived, was adjudged winner, there was some were not robbed of 52 days' pay, but that admired, and when Fredericks, splendidly as he for aix days' labour. At the year's end if | dissatisfaction. you asked a coolle or a stone-cutter or a boat. tell you that, such labour being unusual, he man to work on Sunday he would promptly could only undertake it provided you gave him double pay ! I am aware that you cannot make a man moral or virtuous by act of Parlia; | in 1 mla, 16) secs. ment, but you can make him cleaner and healthier by the operation of laws; and being cleaner and healthier he will be stronger and better able to work. One day of rest out of seven will make him a better man in many ways; and that should be undoubted by all reasonable men (Applause). I trust; gentlemen, that we shall all live to see the day when in no part of Her Majesty's dominions it will not be compulsory for every man to take one day's rest out of seven, except la such cases where labour is absolutely, necessary in the interest of the general weal of the community at large (applause); and that, too, by direct command of Her Majesty the Queen (loud applause).

The sports concluded with an impromptu display of diving and swimming by some of the very recent generation, and although not on the programme it was watched with much amuse-- ment and interest.

I counsel you to discuss amongst yourselves the advisability of asking your owners to give you extra (double) pay for extra labour on Sunday. I consider you have a right to do so. Not that you wish thereby to put this extra pay in your pockets, but that you wish to do away, an ranch as possible, with needless Sunday labour (Loud applause). That, I think, you have a right to do. It is my firm opinion that you have a right to do this because you'll only be asking for that which men somewhat similarly situated as yourselves already have conceded to them. I refer to Europeans in this port who are engaged in directing Chinese workinen; and in this connection I specially refer to foremen in the employ of the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company. These men, such as engineers, shipwrights, moulders and boiler-makers, are indeed well educated. They are "picked "men from home, experts at their profession, who came out here on fixed liberal salaries and are granted double pay for Sunday, and all overtime, work I think therefore that you will be perfectly right in asking for and expecting extra pay for unnecessary, labour on Sunday the working of cargo in port on Sunday. (Hear, bear). I know good many of these Dock employees and have askid them for their opinion on this very ques tion, and they all assured me that they would rather forego the extra pay than work on Sunday The Sunday is as dear to us as it is to them. I will now ask you a question, as a representa live body of placers, and 1 want you to answer you rather receive, extra pay for Bunday labour ** or be sure of your Sunday to yourselves?

(Shouts of free Sunday," "po Sunday labour" and applause). Continuing, the speaker said-I | im Informed that the members of the Public Works Department of this colony receive extra pay for Sunday and all overtime work. I am confident that id asking for this extra pay from This year's Aquatic Sports in connection with your owners you will la respect to unnecessary that most popular and mismanaged lestitution, Sunday labour, carry with you the full sympathy the V. R. C., commenced on Friday, the not only of men similarly situated as yourselves, 5th inst, have been extremely successful. but also of the general public as well. I don't Donors of prizes have been even more generous say that you should ask for this at once, for it will than in former years, and the entries are | bebetter that you should discuss it amongst your both numerous, and what is euphemistically ing Event.

delves at ordinary meetings, so that every member-known-a-better class. The old swimmers. On reaching Yokobama we put ep at the may have an opportunity of expressing his candid of the last generation still tarned up in force, Imperial Hotel, two days after the event, which His lordship-Well! have you anything to opinion upon the subject. Should owners concede (excepting the few prominent sports whom we I have mentioned occurred. The ladies of the my?.

this extra pay it will be a small step gained could enumerate as having left under a cloudhotel spoke secretly to their husbands, he **Mr. Ho Wyson--Nt, my lord,

towards what we still hope to attain the com- but contented themselves, with watching the Loving, summoned the manager of the hotel to pulsory cessation of labour in this harbour on contests between the younger fry, who, by the their pretence, were very wrath with him. The Bunday (Laud cheers). That, gentlemen, is all same token, are nothing wanting in natatory drains, they said, had gone wrong, they had you can do at present to forward this Sunday skill. The following gentlemen officiated - noticed if for now two days; if the nuisance was

Mr. Fraser-Smith-If I am correct in assum- ing that your lordship has decided to allow an adjournment to enable Mr. Webber to be present I cannot but see the futility of going further with these remarks. I would mention, however, a one who knows something of accounts, that I have looked through Mr. Webber's books, and I am centala that the coats of the bankruptcy cannot be met by the available assets.

His lordship, to Mr. Wyson-Have’you any- thing to say?

Mr. Van Eps-1 would like to say a few words—

His lordship-Your solicitor must say what you wish. Is Mr. Ho Wyson representing you? Mr. Van Eps (after considerable hesitation) --Not on this occasion; be represents Mr. Minhinnett,

His lordship, to Mr. Wyson-Who instructed you? Who do you appear for?

Mr. Ho Wyson (after consideration)-Mr. Minhinnett.

His lordship-Don't you also appear for Mr. Van Epst

Mr. Ho Wyson-Yes'!. I believe so..

His lordship, after inquiring how long it would take to advise Mr. Webber in Sydney, eventually busponded the order of adjudication for three

With a cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman for his very Interesting address, proposed by Mr. Maddox and seconded by Mr. St. John, the proceedings terminated; after the announcement that next Tuesday, the gth instant, there would

question,

AND IN JAPAN,

On getting back, while 'our cuticle was slowly healing from the injuries it had received from the pack Eorse, we studied works on Chinese tortures, with a view to experimenting on the person, of the villain who gave us the alluring detalls of the beautiful fishing at Sapporo Regimental Gazette.

MOGNEW LEKIN”, TAXES AT · A band

CHUNGKING.

小

Throughout all this area, the crops are des troyed. The villages are little islands in a vast'. sea. It is estimated that about 4,000,000 of people are thus brought into a state of such destitution, that the great mass of them must perich unless they receive assistance through the winter. The Government is making large pro. vision for meeting the needs of these sufferers, especially in the more immediate neighbourhood of Tientsin, but it is doubtful if the entire want will be met.MAR

A serious evli connected with all this promis cuous giving of relief is that it tends to the pauperisation of those assisted. Utilising this great force of able-bodied labourers in the construction of public works of Importance and value, and looking toward the diminution of such calamities in the future, has been urged upon the native authorities, but to little purpose. The people grow up with the idea that at such times the Emperor is responsible for their support, and they expect it, and appear to prefer

me iruly and conscientiously," Which would be a general discussion upon the Sunday labour whose time la money, lá very fond of Hongkong, Mercury from "Chungking under date August a bara subsistence on such terms to fair wages ·

VICTORIA RECREATION. CLUB AQUATIC SPORTS.

In June no one except perhaps a broker or two and Z. and I left it with considerable joy. Our Journey up to Japan, except for one incident, was uneventful. Z. had provided himself with several boxes of Boer tobacco, on the merits of which he was so eloquent, that, in spite of the Captain's protesta and suggestion that the Inland Sea being difficult to navigate it would be better to wait for port, he prevailed upon him to try some. He was a hardy and genial person when we started, but after that pipe he became a querulous invalid. I hear he has left the station. This incident was, as it were, the shadow, of a Com-

A correspondent writes to the Shanghai

12th

for falt work. Even the Viceroy Li says that The whole city has been in commotion for such a plan cannot be carried out the people: sonic time past on account of the Total want-are not educated up to it and probably no ing to raise money. His only reason for so attempt will be made to effect any change. doing Is that he wants more; but whether he This question of public works in the Interests will get more money or more trouble remains to of trade, and, so mutually beneficial to the be seen. There is one thing apparent, and that Chinese, the foreigner, and the needy who will is, he means to make a strong effort, and the be employed, is prominently before the foreign merchants; on their part, seem pretty determined community, and not a few hayo expressed to resist what they look upon as extortion. Here their unwillingness to contribute for the relief tofore there has been no lakin or other tax what of any able-bodied men who are unwilling to ever levied on any foreign imports landed here work for good wages. But outside this class, under transit pass, or any goods sent away from there are multitades of women and children, Lete under outward transit past This move of aged and infirm, for hom plly should be shown la some active meainics for their relief. For the local officials is something entirely new. They offer no excuse for taxing goods not the other, what a blessing it would be to the before taxed, only that the amount of taxes whole land and all the people if these expen collected has fallen off They do not consider ditures could be used in the construction of much the fact that trade is very bad, money extremely needed works for the public good. But with the scarce, and interest high. These are matters present official corps of barpies and others, it is that concern, not the Chinese officials. The uncles to look for any substantial seform,