sentations are to be made with the object of endeavouring to put a stop to the speculative actions brought by owners of junks for exces sive collision damages, in the hope that, on account of the necessary expense entailed on the defendant steamship owner in order to successfully defend the action in the Hong" kong Courts, he (the steamship owner) wil prefer to settle the matter out of Court. The Committer consider that it is only reasonable to require the plaintiff to bring his action within a reasonable time after the collision and Lo furnish security for defendant's costs unless able to produce evidence that he is resident in the Colony and possessed of property within the jurisdiction of the Court.
•
CABLE RATES,
The hope entertainer in the last report that the reductions in the rates between Europe and India and the Strait: might be extended to the Far Fast has not been realized, but on the contrry the dron in exchatec bis eanbled the Joint Telegraph Administration in increase the rates payable in Hongkong bỷ at per cent. The chairman's remark at the last annual meeting that the anfair discrimination between
India and the Far East regarding reduced tarifist is probably due to the influence of the Great Northern Company, was taken exception to by the Cable Commanies, who maintain that this is not correct and that, as the reduction of the tariff is dependent on the co-operation of 50 many different administrations, it cannot be arranged before the International Telegraph Conference in London in May, 1003. Through the influence of Lord-Carzon, the Cable Com. panies were obliged to reduce the tariff to India In 1992, and it was oninted out to them that if they desired to extend the reduced rates to the Far East, the-difficulties in the way could be easilyvercome! ...
The report of the Inter-Departmental Com- mittee on Cable 'Communications stated that with the exception of those to the Gold Coast and Nigeria, existing rates were not excessive but in view of the reduction in the Indian rates after its issue, your Committee addressed the
¦
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, FRIDAY, MAY 15,
direct service, thereby reducing the time entail- ed in transit. The Hongkong Government have recommended that the Foreign Office in London should negociate a convention with the Government of the United States of America for this purpose, and the Committee have hopes that this may be accomplished before long.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.. This measure which has been introduced as
the result of the reports of the experts--Pro- fessor Simpson and Mr. O. Chadwick, sent out by the Home Government to investigate the Ranitary condition of the Colony-should have an important bearing on the well-being of the Colony in the future. It is ton soon to say that benefits to any extent have been derived from its enactment. Plague was not, however,
so rampant in 1903, but this was, no doubt, due in the energetic cleansing work done by the Sanitary Board and also to the better climatic conditions prevailing in the spring. It is a matter for regret that the plague returns are not of so satisfactory a nature so far this spring Whilst the Bill was passing through its early stages on the Legislative Council, the Committer were approached by the European property owners who sought the support of the Chamber to their petition against the Bitlis then stood, on the ground that proper measureR were not incorporated in the Bill relating in compensation to owners who would, under its provisions. have had to make alterations to their properties, and the following resolution was passed by the Committee -
"While recording their entire sympathy with the objects of the Public Health and Buildings Bill, which is admittedly introduced for the benefit of the Colony at large yet on grounds of equity this Chamber decides to support the principle of fair compensation being given to Crown Lessees, in cases
where buildings (having been erected under
Government sanction_and_in compliance.
Representations were made to the Govern ment to this effect and stress was laid on the fact that the pilots of to-day are of inferior calibro to their predecessors, and that there was growing tendency amongst them to disregard and wilfully ignore ordinary precautions acces. sary, not only for the safety of the vessels in their charge whilst under way in rarrow waters, but of others either at anchor or at the wharves,
a
family of the murdered Englishman.
OFFICIAL CODE VOCABULARY.
1903.
un 1st November last. During the year therale, human plague; and thirdly, whether Committee were in constant communication | ather animals besides rats are affected - with Further representations were made during with Sir James L. Mackay on various matters, | plague, and if so the mode by which they be the year objecting to the compulsory adoption | to all of which he gave earnest attention,
come infected." A copy of the Treaty will be found in the Appendix Z 6.
of the Vocabulary by the International Telegraph Administration un similar lines to those made in past years..
QUESTION OF DATING AND SIGNING
BILL OF LADING.
Chamber of Commerce under this heading, a In answer to inquiries from the Melbourne reply was sent in similar terms to those made
to the General Produce Brokers' Association of
London, contained in the 1897 Report..
THE CURRENCY QUESTION. The resolution passed at the special general meeting on 18th February, 1903, was forwarded
to the Government, and a communication was
At the request of the Government a scheme for holding Government examinations and granting certificates, was drawn up by the Sub- Committee appointed (Messrs. E. A. Hewett, A Haupt and W. Ponte), endorsed by the Gene- ral Committee and forwarder to the Govern- ment, who replied at some length to the effect that it would place the Harbour Master in an entirely false position if he had to give certifi-received stating that the question would be cates for qualification which such officer can. not test. The Committee, in a further report, replied that at Home and other Asiatic ports this was satisfactorily managed, and. that, if necessary, the Licensing Foard need not be entirely composed of Government officials but might be supplemented by outside experts.
demand for pilotage in the Harbour, the Com mittee were against the institution of compul. sory pilotage, also that the granting or refusing to grint a certificate as suggested by the Gov ernment could not be acted on by private in- dividuals without pecuniary responsibility, to which the Government would not be fiable.
It was pointed out that, whilst there was a
The Committee regret that although the chief shipping firms and agencies in the port
were in favour of the scheme, the Government were unable to accede to their request.
STOWAWAYS TO THE PHILIPPINES, A fraud on a large scale was perpetrated on. when 133 Chinese were shipped to Manila in the China Navigation Co., Ld., last spring
the 5.5. Kalfone from Hongkong by the con.
nivance of the native crew without the know-
with the requirements of then existing Or-edged of the agents and European officers. dinances) will be affected by the proposed before the vessel's arrival at Manila and the Fortunately their presence was discovered The Government afterwards met the objec-fact reported by the captain to the American Authorities, otherwise a very heavy fine would
legislation."
referred to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for his consideration.
ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR TRAFFIC ON
THE WEST RIVER. Chiefly in order to put a stop to the bume- rous piratical attacks on native passenger boats on the West River, the Viceroy of the Two Kwang was influenced to look with more
favour on the benefits which would accrue in this respect from the increased use of passen- ger steams, and the Steamship Companies interested sought the aid of the Chamber in furthering the project. The Government and Sir Emest Satow were immediately communi. cated with in order to obtain the consent of the Chinese Imperial Authorities, and, the latter agreeing, has resulted in several additional ports on the West River being opened to Foreign Trade for the first time.. This may be regarded as a great advance in the attempt to properly open the inland waters of China to steamer traffic
PREFERENTIAL DUTIES.
the result of the transfer of the Native Custon's at Canton to the Imperial Maritime Customs has terminated the charging of lower duties on early in 1902, alluded to in the 1921 Report, junk-borne cargo, ant native shippers have accordingly again reverted to shipping their the benefit to forsign shipping on the Canton River run has been very noticeable and still better results should follow.
The Committee have pleasure in stating that
THE GENERAL COMMITTER.
Since its election at the last Annual Meeting, the following changes have taken place
The Chairman, Sir Thomas Jackson, Bart.; the Hon. J. I. Bell-Irving and Mr. Thomas Whitehend left the Colony. The Hon. C. S. Sharp, Messrs. V. Poate and A. Haupt went home on leave. Their places were filled by The Hon. C. W. Dickson, the Hon. R. Shewan and Messes. 1, R. M. Smith, A. G. Wood, C. Michelau and D. R. Law. All the new members, with the exception of Mr. Miche. nu, have served on the Committee in pre vious yeare.
4 On Sir Thomas jackson's reliement in Nay, 1003, the Vice-Chairman, Hon. C. S. Sharp, was elected to the Choir, Mr. W. Poate taking the latter's position as Vice-Chairman. present Mr. E. A. Hewett, the Vice-Chairman appointed on Mr. Poate's departure, acts as Chairman.
THE SECRETARY.
At
Mr. R C. Wilcox's resignation was notified in last year's report, and the Committee appoined Mr. A. R. Lowe to fulfil the duties of Secretary on 17th April, 1907. In order to conform with Rule XII this appointment requires to he confirmed by the members '*' the annual meeting.
MEMBERS.
At the date of the Annual Meeting in 1902 the total membership was 121, composed of 100 firms and public companies and a single individuals. The present membership is 133 showing an increase of 9 firms and public companies and 3 private individuals.
their membership, and. Mr. B. Byramjee died Messrs. Holliday, Wise & Co. have ceased during tooz.
bership, subject to confirmation at the annual Meeting:-Messrs. Arratoon V. Apcar & Co.,
The following have been admitted to mem
London Chamber of Commerce, on the subject|tions to the original Bill in a more magnani have been imposed. The stowing away of so chief articles of commerce by steamer. Already wards Piry & Co., Limited, Rozario & Co.,
of the reduction of rates, and the manner in
which the monopoly enjoyed in Hongkong by the Joint Telegraph Administration had been brought about, with the idea of obtaining some remedy of the, position of affairs by strong re- presentations of that Chamber in the proper
quarters.
4
mous spirit with the result that the foal mea
sure had the full support of the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council, and a very valuable Ordinance was quickly placed on the
Statute Book,
THE CHAMBER'S REPRESENTATIVE ON THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
The Commiller hope that their representa- The Hon. T. II. Whitehead having obtained tion will not be without effect at the forthcom-leave of absence in June last, the Officer Ad- ing Conference in May next.
ministering the Government invited the Cham
Me. Robert
CONNECTION OF HONGKONG AND SWATOW
BY CABLE.
An application having being made by the Swalow merchants to the F. F. A. & G. T. Co Ld, to connect Swearow with Honglong by cable, the Committee were asked to represent the advisability of the proposal to II. B. M.'s Minister at Peking with a view to the consent of the Chinese Government being obtained. The Committee recognised the advisability of the proposed connection, and replied that, on information.being received that the Telegraph Company concerned were prepared to entertain the matter, representations of a favourable nature would be made to the proper authorities on the understanding that further exclusive landing rights in this Colony were not sought for.
METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES,
In answer to an inquiry from the Govern- ment, emanating from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a reply was sent that the compulsory adoption of the Metric System of Weights and Measures throughout the Empire had the strong support of this Chamber, and that, as the Metric System was understood and largely in use in this Colony. comparatively little difficulty would be found in adopting such a change in Hongkong.
MERCHANT SHIPPING AMENDMENT
ORDINANCE, 1901,
ber to select another member Shewan, of Showin, Temes & Co., was selected
at the special meeting held on 5th June fast, defeating Mr. R. C. Wilcox, of Messrs Turner & Co. by 58 votes to 36.
The Committee could not allow Mr White- head's severance with the Chamber to pass without comment, and at the monthly meeting of the 13th July last, the following resolution was passed and afterwards communicated to him :-
many Chinese had been accomplished by the stevedores, leaving open spaces in the cargo. thereby constructing rooms in the between decks which were filled with men in the night time whilst the European officers were asleep. An enormous amount of trouble ensued, besides
expense and delay to the steamer, in addition to which a bond for $70,000 (Gold) had to be given to secure the re-conveyance of the stow. aways back to Hongkong. It was represented
to the Government that the penalties under the aw then in force were not suffic enf'to deter organised attempts, of which that on the 5.5. Kaif ug was one of the most daring examples, to smuggle Chinese into the Philippines and that it was desirable to punish by im, ri on-
ment in addition to a fine not only the naive the bigger men behind the latter who organised
cr. w but the stevedores coolic brokers and
this class of business. The Government were
That this Committee hereby records its adverse to increase the penalties imposed by law on stowaways and aiders and abettors high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. T. H. Whitehend through until it was shewn that the abuse continued after an example had been made of the officers out the long period from 1890 to the present time, during which he represented the Cham-through, whose neglect stowaways were carried ber of Commerce on the Legislative Council It was proved to the Government that all of Hongkong, and expresses its profound reasonable precautions were taken by the regret at the loss sustained by the Chamber European officers, and that where negligence through his departure from the Colony.".
was suspected dismissal followed, but the Auth- orities would not move in the matter. Mr. Whitehead's second period of office hav ing expired on 24th September last, Mr. Ro- bert Shewan was elected without opposition for a period of six years at a special meeting held on the 3rd October, 1907.
use at Singapore.
SUGAR BOUNTIES AND CANE SUGAR,
SCARCITY OF WATER AT SINGAPORE, The fact of the unusual occurrence at the Southern port was thoughtfully wired up by the Singapore Chamber, and the information immediately conveyed to the agents of the steamers on the point of leaving for the South, who appreciated and made use of the informs Notice was received in September 1st thation. In one case a steamer profitably carried the Secretary of State for the Colonies had re-down several hundred tous of fresh water for ceived the Memorial from the Shipping Firms and Agencies dated 7th November, 1901, praying for the amendment of the clauses so as The Committee were not able to see their to limit the liability of owners and agents of way to help the West Indies by representation vessels in respect of such costs and expenses to the Home Government with reference to the of persons taken ill on board to those on the sugar industry in those Islands, further than 10 ship's articles, but that he saw no reason for express their sympathy in the efforts made by complying with the request of the signatories them to maintain the cane sugar industry. Since The Committee regret this decision and have then, however, the Sugar Conference at Brussels taken steps to warn the principal Chambers of agreed to a Convention suppressing the direct Commerce in Great Britain so that they may and indirect bounties by which the production be put on guard against any similar innovation of sugar might be benefited. This Convention being proposed in the Home legislature,
comes into force on tst September next; and OUSTRUCTIONS IN THE CANTON RIVER. there is no reason to doubt that its beneficial One important result of the Chamber's repre-effects will not be felt by the sugar industry in sentations to H. B. M.'s Minister at Peking this Colony. and Sir James L. Mackay has been the in clusion of clause V in the new British Com- mercial Treaty with Chios under which the Chinese Goverment undertakes to remove
POSTAL GRIEVANCES,
LEKIN AND BATTERY TAX ON. YARNS IMPORTED INTO CARTON BY
BRITISH STEAMERS.
In September last, the general managers of the Indo-China Steam Navigation Co, Ld, brought to the notice of the Chamber the fact that the compradore of their S.S. Loong
TYPHOON WARNINGS.
The question of storm warnings as issued by the Hongkong Observatory was once again brought forward by the shipping community. It was alleged that the warnings issued were Government holidays and that there was a lack meagre, that they were not issued on Sundays and
Mounsey & Hutton, Alex. Ross & Co., Ed-
British American Tobacen Co., Limited, Wil kinson, Heywood & Clark, Limited, Inter- national Banking Corporation, Mĩ. H. M. H Nemazee, Mr. D. S. Dady-Burjor, Mr. Ferd. Bornemann, Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., Mr A. G Gordon, and the China Commercial Steamship
Co. Limited.
FINANCE.
On the answers to these questions necessarily depend, in a great measure, the remedies to be suggested, bearing always in mind the local conditions which almost invariably modify the extent to which, and the mode in which, gene raf principles can be put into practice in differ- ent places.
It was soon (bvious that Southern China bad not been for years free of plague, and in order to acquaint myself personally with the social life of the Chinese in the province searest to Hongkong, viz, Kwangtung, and the conditions under which pligue spreads among them, I visited Macan in Portuguese territory. Canton, wataw, Chaoyang, and a number of Chines
visit of this kind would have lost villages. most of its valus had it not been for the gener ous assistance rendered me by the local medical men, the officials of the Chinese Imperial Cus tons, and the different Consuls. Further, in order to gain more information regarding plague in China than a short visit to a few's laces could furaish, 1 addressed a circular letter asking certain questions on the subject to the medical men and medical missionaries in China, who, on account of their intimate connection with the Chinese, are in the best position co kubw what epidemics are prevailing in the districts over which they ave charge. A considerable
number favaried me witte answers,
It is with much appreciation of their services and the value of the information so willingly and freely given that I append their answers to this report
The second line of research involved a study
of the cases of plague in Hongkong as they occurred, a careful inquiry into the circum- stances connected with them, and the past history of the houses. In this I was fortunate in securing the cordial co-operation of Dr. At kinson, the principal medical officer for the Colony, of Dr. Pearce, the assistant medical officer of health, and of Dr.. Francis Clark, the able medical officer of health for the Colony,
whose knowledge of the sanitary conditions of Hongkong is unrivalled, and whose untiring
Victoria under great difficulties is deserving of energy to improve the health of the City of
the highest commendation,
conducted by the institution of a series of ex- The investigation into plague in animals was
periments. I had the dvantage here of having
associated with me Dr. William Hunter, the recently appointed bacteriologist to the Colony, whose technical skill and careful work were extremely useful, alsa Mr. Gibson, the Colonial veterinary surgeon, and Dr. Matsuda, the chief of the eight Japanese medical men, whose services were requisitioned from Japan for medical" "work connected with plague. My thanks are due to these gentlemen, especially to Dr. Hunter, for the assistance I received
The Pinnacle Rock Fund amounts with interest to $4073.54 and is separately invested of reciprocity between the officials at long-
No demands have been made on it drring the kong and those at the admirably conducted ver for discovery of rocks, dangerous to Chservatory at Sikawei, Shanghai. The navigation. Committee addressed the Government on the The Committee regret having to report that subject, and a long correspondence ensued.tering the year it was discovered that the It was pointed out that, in view of the enormous
Clerk had been misappropriating the monies of } from them. the Chamber and that the defalcations extended
value of the shipping passing through this part, it is very necessary that a complete code of day
and night signals, affording every variety of should be established at the local Observatory, masters of vessels,
weather information to
which should be second to none in its efficiency.
The Government were not inclined to instit- ute any new Rag system on the ground that it would not be suitable, but made arrangements for the more rapid distribution of the China Coast Meteorological Register.. This smail concession has been much appreciated by the shipping community.
་ ་་
3. The report now submitted is divided into
Part I. deals with plugue in China-
(r.) Before the outbreak in Canton in the
spring of 1894.
was sloten, of which $1,250 was afterwards over, two or three years. During 1902 $1,595 63 four parts.
the prisoner pleading guilty, he was sentenced recovered, The Committee prosecuted, and an
to six months' imprisonment with hird labour. The accounts now presented are in the form of an income and expenditure account and balance sheet instead of, as before, merely a summary of the cash receipts and payments.gation into plague in animals. These show that, after writing off $r 480.63 for
(6) During and after the outbreak in Can.
ton in 1894.
REPORT ON THÈ CAUSES AND CONTINUANCE OF PLAGUE `IN HONGKONG.
defalcations and prosecuting expenses, the sur plus for the year ($54.85' has been added to That the Committee had some real grounds the Reserve Fund or Accumulated Surplus Fund which now. stands at $12,153.02, The for dissatisfaction with the present system' was
own by a letter addressed to the Chamber reduction in this Fund, as compared with last in September last signed by 38 masters of year's accounts, is due to undisclosed liabilities vessels using the port, asking that a Com in the previous accounts having to be, mẹt ang had been placed on trial for an attempt mittee of Inquiry might be formed, and, during 1932.. to smuggle 5 Chinese into Manila, but not. withstanding the grave of the charge, he was allowed bail in $4,500 despite a protest from their solicitors. The profitable value of this illicit trade may be gathered from the fact that the prisoner preferred to, pay this large sum than stand for trial, and the fines imposed on the stowaways were promptly paid In this case also it was shewn that every precaution had been taken to prevent the carriage of stow aways and that the trouble, expense and loss of time entailed was a very heavy tax on the owners of steamers engaged on the Manila run through this smuggling continually taking place which would not occur if the Hongkong Government made the penalty imposed by law
fit the crime.
on this being communicated to the Govern ment, His Excellency the Governor agreed to consider very carefully the report of any such Committee with every 'anxiety to give the fullest information to those persons for whose safety and that of their ships the Observatory was primarily established.
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
The Colonial Secretary has kindly forwarded to us a copy of Dr. W. J. Simpson's' report on Your Committee thereupon asked all the the causes and continuance of plague in Hong. shipping firms and agencies in Hongkong to kong and suggestions as to remedial measures, obtain the views of their shipmasters on the The first portion of an introductory communi- subject. This was well responded to, and cation is as follows:- representatives from the Shipping DepartTo the Right Honourable. ments of the Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co., Messrs, Jardine, Matheson & Co., Butterfield & Swire, and Melchers & Co., were appointed, SIR, as a Sub-Committee, to report on the best In accordance with the instructions given. After negociations with American Authorities method of signalling for use in the Observatory, me to visit the Colony of Hongkong to in Manila, which were apparently not success-
Their report, advising the adoption of an vestigate and report upon the causea and con- ful, with a view to measures being adopted extended system of symbol signals by day and tinuance of Bubonic Plague therein, and to there to save shipowners from being fined for lanterns by night, additional signal and obser- advise remedial measures, I have the honour unwillingly carrying towaways, the Govern-vation stations, direct telephonic communicato report that I arrived in Hongkong on Jan. ment finally agreed to bring in "The Stow-tion betiyeen the Harbour. Office and the vary stli, 1901, and left on July 10th. aways Ordinance, 1953" increasing the penalty Ob-ervatory, daily simultaneous telegraphic During my stay in the Colony every facility to $1,co and imprisonment with or without observations from other Observatories up was afforded me by the Government of Hong. hard labour for a period not exceeding nine and down the coast, and ibat the latest kang to prosecute my inquiries, and any months. This may be considered a reasonable instruments should be placed at the disposal remedial measures I suggested were promptly penalty, and if enforced should be sufficient to of te staff, was adopted by the General Com. carried out. Defore 1 left.a gradual organiza countervail the exceptional temptations to mittee and sent on to the Government for con- tion of methods was effected on the lines which Introduce Chiness into the Philippines.. sideration together with the whole correspund- I'considor necessary to be followed in order
ence received by the Chamber.
to combat plague. Over three months have elapsed without the I am happy to be able to record that with receipt of any communication as to the attitude the exception of 1895 and, 1897, which were H.E. the Governor intends to take, but it is non-epidemic years and the statistics of which hoped that something will be done to improve are not comparable with these of other years, the Observatory system of warnings before the the outbreak of 1901 was remarkable as the
lightest since 1894, while the usual concomi 1903 typhoon season commences. NEW BRITISH COMMMERCIAL TREATY-THE LANs, such as panic and flight of the Chinese with scarcity of workinen, disturbance of trade, and serious business losses, have been con- spicuously absent.
PIRACY ON THE WEST RIVER.
The attempt of the Canton authorities to within the next two years the artificial ob impose an additional tax of 5% on Yarn in struction in the Canton River Perbapa it is.
-ports-by-steamer-to-Gaston was happily yet early for any start being made in this frustrated, but not without some trouble and direction, and it may be necessary to keep this disturbance to the trade. Strong representa. The brutal murder, of an Englishman in from becoming a dead letter.
tions were made against this breach of the November last, during a piratical attack on the Treatles to H, B. M. Consul-General atjunk on which he was travelling between Cab: The Committes have been instrumental, at | Canton, and through his anøfgetic efforts a ton and Hongkong, gave the Committee another the instigation of the Amoy Chamber, in ob new proclamation was issued by the Viceroy opportunity of pressing op the Government taining the ready consent of the Postmaster cancelling the old one and stating that steamer the obligation on the part of the Chinese Au. General to grant greater facilities for posting imported foreign goods after having paid full thorities to institute and keep up a proper late correspondence the previous night in order | import duty were free from lekin within the Port patrol of the waters of the Dei's. The Goy- that it may leave by the steamers sailing at--area irrespective of the nationality of the im-ernment replied that the matter had received daylight. The Postmaster General also agreed porter. to revert to the former hours of closing the mail for printed papers and books for the Homeward Packets,
PROPOSED DIRECT PARCEL POST EXCHANGE
BETWEEN HONGKONG and the UNITED STATES OF:AMERICA.
|
LICENSING OF PILOTA.
Probably in no other port in the world of any magnitude are unlicensed persons allowed. to offer themselves as pilots, and when the opportunity is given to form themselves into a recognised body, it is ually eagerly embraced As the Home Authorities have recently been in this case the Hongkong and Koulon Wharf able to establish a parcel post exchange with and Godown Co., Ld., approached the Cham- the United States of America which enabled her with the object of inducing the Govarement parcels to be sent from Hongkong to the latter to oblige the pilots to register themselves with, country, vid London, joint representations and prove their qualifications before, Board were made by this Chamber, and that of Amoy, having the requisite authority from the to the Hongkong Government with a view to's | Government to act.
sttention and arrangements were being made to institute a patrol with two Chiness gunboats under European command,
It is hardly like that this small patrol will be anything likely sufficient to cope with the numerous pirate craft infesting so great an area, and the disturbed condition of the Kwang,
+
EFFECTIVE 5% SPECIFIC TARIFF. The Treaty between Great Britain and China signed at Shanghai on the 5th September last,
2. As the scope of my commission was some- reflects greatly to the credit of the British Com missioner, Sir James Lyle Mackay, and should what wide in its terms, and the time at my the other Foreign Powers interested in the disposal limited, it was necessary to confine trade of China see fit. to follow sait, the mutual investigations to the more obvious practical benefits likely to accrue with the abolition of points, and for this purpose three lines of re lekin, the institution of a national currency,search were undertaken, to ascertain, firstly, sl Province, which is partly due to the failure the abolition of the artificial obstructions in the extent of the prevalence of plague in South the Canton River, the Improving of the lalandern China, a country with which Hongkong has waterways, regulations as to trade-saarks, the large commercial relations; secondly, the be increase in the number of Treaty Fonts, etc., baviour of plague in Hongkong, the conditions the Importance of the Treaty will have far which favour its spread and continuance there reaching effects,
named and whether, as in Cape Colony, rat plages is The I per cent; speciño tariff came into force intimately connected with, and precedos as a
of the rice crop, has not tended to help matters since.
It is satisfactory to note that adequate damages, were, through the vigorous action of Mr, Scott, the British Consul, obtained from the Chinese Authorities for the benefit of the
#
·Part II, treats of plague in Hongkong. Part 11. records the results of the investi-
Part IV, suggests remedial measures.
4. Tite main causes of plague and its con- tinuance in Hongkong may be summarised as
(1) Importation of plague from China, ,especially during the early months
of the year.
(2.) The eademic maintenance and disse. mination of the disease by infected rats, infected houses, and infected clothes, Ilongkong, owing to its being an emporium for grain and „other goods, has an enormous num ber of rats,
(3) The insanitary and overcrowded con- dition of most of the Chinese houses, with an exceptional amount of darks ness and bad ventilation of the roomk
(4) The absence of a special staff to com
bat ille disease, and to trace the history of, or even to their homes, cases of plague, many of which aro dumped in the streets when dead or dying.
(5.) The facility with which infected food may be imported into the Colony, combined with insufficient cooking of food by the lower-class Chiners. This, however, it should be, added, is rather a suspected than attested cause, and needs more facts for cons firmation than I had time or oppor tunity of collecting
5. In connection with importation of plague. into the Colony, the report shows that Southera China originally infected Hongkong, and that, as this part of China. is annually more or less __infected with the disease, it forms a dangerous centre close to the Colony, and a constantly menacing source of fresh infection, The liability to re-infection of the Colony is favoured by i's proximity to the Kwangtung Province, be and the intimate intercourse that exists. tween the two, Situated near the mouth of the Pearl River, Hongkong is less than so miles from Canton, the capital and chief commercial city of Kwangtung, with which it is in constant daily communication by junk and steamer, and auch is the traffic between Hongkong and Can ton, and the villages in and near the Delta, that at least half a million passenger travel each way to and fra during the year, and coo coolie emigrants, men and women, come to Honglong to be finally shipped to other lands fur work,
The population of Hongkong is chiefly Can tanese, drawn from the villages in the neigh. bourhood of Canton, the West River, and the Delia, it is dependent on the Kwangtung Fro vince for its food supply, and observes the same festivals, large numbere visiting Chine At certain periods of the year, more especially in the spring. Besides this intimate relations ship with the Province of Kwangtung, Hongs. kong is the chief commercial centre, and em porium for Southern China.
Acto bi fontinued.)“.
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