1903-09-05 — Page 8

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY,

SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION | largely educational both among the Chinese

'OF CRUALTY TO ANIMALS.

INAUGURAL MEETING.

The inaugural meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Animat was held on 28th-akt. is ake City Hall, H.F. the Governor, who was accompanied by Lady Blake, presiding. The meeting was fairly largely attended

Another point

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ABACA: THE PHILIPPINE

STAPLE INDUSTRY.

'III.

(Specially written for the “Hongkong Telegraph.")

[Concluded,}

The Filipino, no doubt, is the person most fit for the work connected with abacd; for un- told generations of that race have been accus tomed to the preparing of the fibre, the manu Facturing of clothes, muslins, etc. It is a kind of house industry, which procures to the workers a comparatively good income without much

rouble or tail.

The Chinese with his ability for all small mechanical work with easily learn all the manual things make him a less desirable helper. The (and pedal) tricks of the decortication; but two

first is his unwillingness to perform a work during many hours day except under the 'strictest control. This is the drawback of the

and also the children of the Colony. I trust therefore that our suggestions on this subject will receive the earnest consideration of those engaged in educational work in Hongkong and I would add that I hope later on we may see our way to offering prizes for the best essays bearing on the question of kindness to animals to be competed for by children in the various educational establishments. which I think might be considered is the establishment, in co-operation with the Police, of a home for lost dogs and cats, in fact an extension, might be arranged of the existing establishment already maintained the police for stray dogs. With regard to cases of in dividual acts of cruelty the existing law provides certain degrees of punishment, but in really wanton cases, such as the burning alive of rats boiling water on them (a favourite pastime of or killing them in cages by slowly pouring

native servants) I would venture to suggest that mere imprisonment does not meet the case. People who can be guilty of such acts are more easily appealed to physically, or through their Shanghai cotton industry. The Chinaman is purse, and I for one would like to see the law amended, Gross cases of cruelty should, inquires constant attention for a daily wage. It 100 lazy to strictly perform a work, which re-

my opinion, be treated as is robbery with is true, that abaci would be able to pay the violence, and the Courts should I consider in Shanghai, price of manual labour and even of such cases be empowered to inflict heavier comparative dexterity many times over, but fines, coupled at discretion, with corporal even the highest wages would not keep the punishment. In the case of an animal being in average Chinaman at a regular work on daily jure(such as for instance a horse which is lame) pay. He would, of course, do much better as but capable of being cured, under suitable care a contract worker. But just speak of the pour until its recovery be effected, the expenses in- intentions in trickery of the Filipinos to cured to be borne by those responsible for its Chinese mind! Why, it will make john smile! condition. With these remarks I have much "Ilim belong so plenty muchee moh clevah to pleasure in seconding the resolution proposed take it out of the confiding Ang-mô;" by His Excellency,

If lazy, he will never work off his advance, if stupid and slow, the manager will have to pay him a daily wage, for he pretends to be unable to perform the required task. If clever and handy to work-well, in that case he is the warst of all! The more he will earn at the game, he will double his tricks to make the work light and quick; the handling of the fibre will be rougher and he will deliver any amount of torn and overstrained fibre, spoiling the quality of the product, just to increase the quantity of his delivery..

In addition a born trader, as John is, he will employ his capital is buying up the product of the lazy and slow coolies at something between quarter and a half of the value. The estate pays for it, and the manager pays double for the hemp, to one coolie in wages, to the other in coin.

SEPTEMBER 5, 1903.

in full bearing The first planted irces, as well as the most favourably growing, would have given a few tons of fibre, but this would not amount

very much, say about 20 tons. Mr. V. Zuend, who orce started a small trial com- bined with a tobacco plantation in Sumatra, which he had to give up very soon for want of capital, thus relates his own experience: Two montis after the root has been planted, ilte shonts are appearing which rapidly spread. From these shoots within seven months three to four metres high (to to 13") stems with enoting i late are developing. In a close planting I had a considerable number of eigh teen months' old clusters, which numbered 21 stems with a diameter near the ground of 20 cm. (8 inches),"

My estimate of only 20 tons fibre or 93,000

passed by the results tenfold. At all events stems from 300 acres, tlierefore, seems rather below than above the mark and may be sur

a full crop can scarcely be expected in less than three years, but the estate will long the expenses. before that time have begun to almost balance

however, a greater number of coolies will have For the working of the crop of 300 to 350tons, to be procured and, if all the work has to be done by hand, very little short of geo men will be required, necessitating a renewed outlay of, say, $9,000 for labourers and some, more expenses for quarters, working sheds, ad ditional houses and assistants.

In two years, ie, in a year less time than the ↑ „MINING EnterpRISE IN CHINA. Filipinos require for that work, perfectly deve- loped clusters ofsiems more than four yards long

Much has been said of mixing development had been obtained and this result was greatly in China, and the Government, now fairly in a to the credit of the superintendent, a well financially critical period, has directed her at

uown scientific man of high standing. The tention towards this to alleviate her heavy botanist's part of the business being finished, a

penditure. The heavy indemnity of practical estate manager ought to have been been mainly the cause leading to th procured at any cost, to work out a good system tion of this period which, as may b of roads and the necessary drains, and to build has poured upon the people many u permanent houses and sheds. The man of miseries. In more ways than one the science perhaps knew too little of these requirement prefers Chinese to foreign share ments. Besides, being overstrained at least rightly so. As recently appeared in the p entirely absorbed by his official work-he had she tries to get the wealthy Southern merchan no time to occupy himself especially with the interested in mining enterprises. How far sho superintendence of the estate.

The latter was worked by managers recruited for the good of her country as well as her people will be successful in this part of her noble effort from the casual unemployed, who, as a rule, remains yet to be seen, but it may be taken had as little practical knowledge of estate for granted that this effort will not be entirely. work as the doctor and far less idea of ma-

in vain. There are such merchants who are naging working men. They seem never to have

always ready to invest capital in mining enter. come to an appreciation of the requirements of the case, nor of the number of coolies necessary

prise if only they can be assured that their capital would not be wrongfully wasted, but for the pulling of the fibre. Special funds for the

be properly and honestly used. Tatter were never demanded from the proprietor; birds had a few weeks of leisure on the estate, invalids dismissed from the hospital, or jail-rich and extensive, as reported by mining ex The mines in China are woil-known to be

enjoying a regular daily pay for their esteemed untouched and sanctified by Fungsbu. All the perts. They are the natural resources of China, presence, and a happy mindus vivendi without wealth of the people has been laid up there for care or trouble set in, which brought the estate ages, guarded constantly by the mountain gods, no further progress, but most affectually denit and when the wealth is taken out by well con with the funds sent from Europe. The original ducted processes, not only will the nation be wooden buildings in the course of a few years enriched, but many idle and hungry people decayed through neglect and the managers would find ample labour to make their lives shifted their residence to Sandakan, zó miles by water from the estate. This happy Arcadian life came to a sudden close. The proprietor, who had long expected a good return from the laid out capital and rather unwillingly allowed the continuous drain on his purse, sent out a real planter to report about his property and, if p: ssible, to put it on a reasonable footing. Mr. Foreman gives an estimate of an estate The report was not very encouraging, but the in Albay Luzon) thus: The outlay of capital inan ininediately saw the extraordinary possi- is $57,500, the yearly expenses $9,75 The bilities of the case and demanded £2,500 for estate pays in crop (hemp) and buys the latter coolies, roads and drains, new houses, extension back from the coolies at less than the marketwork and the upkeep of all this for about it price. The estate derives a profit of $3,750 years, after which time he pretended to be able to from this sale, and the total value of the crop make the concern pay a very handsome return. $17,000.

The irate proprietor read the report of this new man and soon saw him-elsewhere. The estate was closed and ever since the waving leaves of bay are reflected by the dark, over-shadowed a solitary banana bush.in the rear of Sandakan

ing capital of about $20,000 will be re: In general, it may be said, that a work quired, if no risks are to be run: Compared herewith the value of a full crop of, say, only obtained without considerably exceeding the tons 300 al 30-£9,000, which can be yearly regular expenses in salaries, etc. This will be highly taxed at $40,000 and it is evident that ahaca is a most profitable product,

old trees for $50,000, Shed, press, houses, The land is bought planted with two years' cattle, hores and carriages figure at $6,500 $1,000 are counted as "lost advances" a typi, cal complaint in the "free labur" system, of which the contract system is not quite exempt. Unfortunately Mr. Foreman does not state to what extent the second year's crop surpasses the first (really the "second" means the fourth year after planting). The number of stems cut must be far greater and the result in value higher,

There

are

PP though subject to conditions and ur roundings more or less oppressive, Mining enterprise is not unknown in China, such enter prise as this has been started by means of pure native process from time immemorial.

So far the mines worked out under Chinese shareholders have not yet proved fruitful to the utter discouragement of their high-minded promoters, and this may be attributed to several causes. capital, (2) want of mining regulations, or (3) the It may be due to (1) lack of superstition of the people. Very often a mine, however good, has to be abandoned on account of the superstition of the people, and even the Governnizat to a certain extent, is powerless to quell the disturbances created by them, The superstition of the people may be removed

ance may be avoided by the issue of mining education and civilization, and the disturb as vapours in the air by the onward march of

regulations. rumours in China, and this, of course, has always political nuch to do with the investment of mining when the Government takes a strong hand in capital. But the evil may easily be remedied

her reform measures, and ere long there would And yet the capital employed in this planta be protection of lives and property throughout tion is not completely lost. A thorough clear the whole empire, and then, and not until then, ing, removing of the over-ripe stems as well as people would feel confident in any groat the too exuberant growth of young shoots, re-enterprise, and even mining enterprise in building of houses and roads, and a staff of China.-Shanghai Mercury. coolies alone is required to put the estate at once again in a working order. And this will scarcely, if at all, cost more than it would have cost at the closing of the estate. This-is one feature of abaca planting, which raises its chances high, above that of the tobacco; the latter plant dies out in the year it is planted, while iea and coffee degenerate and are choked by hribs and wild growth of all kinds in a short time, causing an almost entire loss of the capital invested, after operations have been stopped.

waters of a deserted river. Years of work and many thousands of capital. have been spent up to the present without result, and one of the most justified expectations of B. N. Borneo as colony has been frustrated or, at least, delayed for many years,

In propasing the first resolution on the paper, His Excellency explained the objects of the meeting, and sand the formation of such a Society in Hongkong had not come a day too ១០១៦, He referred to cases of cruelty to. animals that had come under his own notice, where b 1.5, cattle, and fowli were made the victims of unnecessary suffering, and expressed the conviction that carelessness or thoughtless ness on the pärt of the p ople indicting that suffering ad a great deal to do with i. He quoted an instance that occurred once in the West Indies, where, ridgig along the road one day, he saw an old negro woman carrying some fow to the markets by their legs with their heads hanging down. He stopped the old woman and said to herThat is a cruel thing to do; how would you like, my good lady, if took you up by the feet and carried you that way for two or three miles?" She appeared outraged at the idea, but carried the fowls properly after that, She simply bad not thought about it. In the same way there was a complaint here recently about gloss cruelty to a play, which had been driven about all day and at fast dropped and nearly, died; it was possible that there the Chinese thought as little about that pony as the Cockney, whom

The Hon. Wei Yuk supported the resolution Mr. Leitch was fond of caricaturing in the which was carried unanimously. pages of Punch years ago, thought about his The Ihshop of Victoria proposed the second horse. When told that the animal might be resolution as follows:-"The purpose of the driven for thirty miles but could not possibly Society is to encourage by every possible be driven for sixty, he answered-"It's all

means the promotion of humanitarianism to- right; I have brought two whips." In most of wards Animal Creation. (a) The, members of these cases it was probable that the cruelty the Society will do all in their power to put a was the result of unfeeling thoughtlessness stop to crualty to animals by individual effort. rather than deliberate brutality. The pur(6) They will use their best endeavours to pose of the Society was to stimulate the

teach the true meaning of kindness to animals ausceptibilities of these thoughtless persons to all with whom they are brought into contact and bring before them appreciation of the fact and to educate children in these views; to that God, who hid laid upon all animals the which end they would suggest the introduction capacity to suffer, had planted in the human of books bearing on this subject into the breast the seeds of sympathy, and pity, and schools of the Colony. (c) It is farther pro mercy, and without cultivation of these qualities, posed to gain this object as regards the Chinese a man, or woman, however successful or high by the translation and circulation of suitable or mighty, was but a poor creature whose mind literature amongst them." The Bishop said he had been deformed by neglect or abuse. As was glad to hear that the chief object of the Shakespeare had said in his beautiful lines Society was to be educational, and for that "Mercy is an attribute to God himself" His

reason he was glad that the resolution had Excellency, whose remarks were received with been put into his hands, because the method applause, then read the following resolution advocated by that resolution was chiefly standing in his name -That it is desirable to

education, His firm conviction was that the form a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Chinese were not a cruel people, and where to Animals in Hongkong and it be now resolved

only owing to ignorance. The conditions under one found cases of cruelty these things were which the Chinese of the poor class lived tended to promote thoughtlessness with regard to the treatment of their animals and fowls; and the proper way to teach them kindness was by educational means rather than prosecutions. If

TOTAL FAILURE FEARED. these people were to be taught to be humane towards animals, we must set the example by

to have failed.

The sugar crop in Formosa this year appears being humane to our fellow-men, for nothing

From the 2nd January last, tended so much to brutalise a man as to be

when the exportation of new sugar to Japan treated like a brute himself. (lear, hear)

was opened by the Taichu Maru, to the sand july, when the Kelang Maru the last boat inly the other day he had seen a man fling a

The above estimate rests exclusively on the tem oras y disadvantage; for, no doubi, af er a icksha-colic mast severely web a

with sugar, left, thirty-three steamers loaded sugar at Anping and thirty-two at Takow. The and whilst an that point he should like to equal, if not surpass any Filipino at the fibre decortication by machinery is not quite settled

sugar shipped at Takow amounted to 19,142,240 cane, few dhs' wok many of the Javanese would employment of hand labour. The question of

see a good may y of the caves carried about scraping work, · A few of the latter race might

set. It is said, that most of the machines

kin, while that sent from Anping represent the streets the hands of officials and semi-good service in instructing the centies in all employed break the fibre at about 4 feet. As

ed 15.227,t&o kin-making a grand total of officials quietly put in the fire. If we tried to

the intricacies of the wark, to do the sorting the length of the fibre is one of the most in

34,369,120 kin. When the amount shipped to teach our fellow men to be humane, kindnessd, in general, assist in every work, the coo.

portant features of abacá, this defect is rather

Hongkong, Amoy, and other Chinese ports towards them would be more likely to lead to ies have as yet tar, As soon as

batch serious.

It will, however, be possible to decor. |

252,300kin-is added, the total shiparentamounts gentle treatment towards animals on their part. of good Javanese have learned the work, it flicate at least the shorter strips cut, from the word counted for liule in his own country.

Mr. E. H. Shap, K. C, secondle the resolutime, that the gentleman of the leisurely proud of, say, half a ton a das (the engine builders put about abacá in a dozen books relating to travels Y1,731,000. The quantity of sugar shipped to 34,621,720 kin. Taling the value of sugar at outer petioles in this wholesale way at the ratele studied carefully everything contained Ys per picut, the total will thus realise about tion. He also instanced acts of cruelty that the races of Tagalos and Visayas disappear. Their Society would be called upon to prevent, but wages, would ost too much and their ideas of

the amount at 3,co in 12 working hours which in the Philippines and wrote a pamphlet on the said that most of the work of the Society would work may exercise a demoralizing influence on

seems impossible considering the quality of subject of his hobby in three languages-Dutch.

this year was about one-half of the quantity arise in connection with cruelties occuring the simple and unpretentious Javanese.

The value, the working men in a tropical estale). The

usually shipped in one season. German and English, (only the latter is as yet during the carriage of animals to Hongkong. The Filipino, if he works, makes 25 hs. emp

decorticator most in use is a revolving cylinder not printed), and at lat obtained from the pro-antinary year, which was due to the higher however, was about 60 or 70 per cent. of an To illustrate what his point was, Mr. Sharp a day. The average amount of the Javanese

of about 4" diameter with scrapers or knifes prietor of the Su nauba plantation the lease price ruling.-Robe Chronicle. River, where on boart ship many of them, surpass half that quantity, referred to the transport of cattle on the West coolies in the first year would probably little placed at regular distances. The strips are of this concern. He i-Yours truly,

introduced between this cylinder and an ad.

F. M. J. S. tied up by the noses to keep them from lying

justable cushion and clean scraped with incre Hongkong, 2nd September, 1903. down, collapsed-with results better left to the imagination than described. It was for the

dible quickness, the revolutions (about 200 in the minute) giving to the knives a surprising suppression of such acts of cruelty as these tha:

effect. After scraping one half, the strip is the Society was proposed to be founded.

pulled back and the other half introduced, in -Rev. C. Hickling-supported the resolution, and

the same way as this is done by the single said that if the example of His Excellency in

worker at the pulling frame. the West Indies were more generally followed here it might do a great deal towards securing better treatment for the dumb creation.

that such a Society be hereby formed under the name of "The Hongkeng Society for the Prevention of Cruelty in Annals."

large

A

Referring to the case quoted by His Lordship His Excellency said that a man who used the Bishop of a man caning a ricksha coolie, violence where he expected to be hit back might be called brutal and cruel, but a man wh used violence when he knew he would not be bit back was a contemptible coward

Applause.)

Mr. E. A. Hewett seconded, and said :- Your Excellency, Lady Blake, ladies and gentlemen. As it has fallen to me to second the first resolu- tion proposed by His Excellency the Governor, I trust I may be permitted on behalf of those here present to express to His Excellencs the appreciation we feel at the interest he has shown in this movement and our thanks for his accepting the pe-ilency of new society and for agreeing to preside at this our inaugur ation meeting, While thanking His Excellency for the support he has given us it is, if we come to think of i', only fitting that the represent ative of His Majes y shoud take the lead in such a movement, for as we all know His Majesty for many years was closely connected with similar societies in England, àd to men- tion one instance caly recently made a firm stand against the ducking of horses. is place is now being worthly filled by H. R. H. The Prince of Wales. It is perhaps only tight that I should further remind you of the very great interest our gracious Quera has so consistently evinced in everything relating to the human treatment of animals and how she was, many years ago, among the first of discourage pigeon shooting matches In seconding the resolu tion therefore proposed by His Excellency I trust I may be allowed to express the hope that before long we may succeed in obtaining the necessary permission to add the word "Royal" to the name of our Society and that our Society may then be known as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As to the need for such a Society as this being formed in Hongkong, I fear there cannot but be one opinion and that is that it is very badly required. While we must give full credit to what is done. by the Police and other Authorities towards putting down individual cases of cruelty, we now that by themselves they cannot do all that is required to put a stop to the great and entirely unnecessarry cruelty to which so number of dumb creatures is daily subjected. will indicate a few instances of this. A trade in cattle, even at the best, must result in much suffering to poor beasts, and the trade here of both cattle and pigs is no exception to this rule. During the past few days I have been informed that "drenching" is universally practised at the cattle sheds, this I need hardly point out is On the mation of His Excellency, seconded not only a fraud on those purchasing cattle but by Commodore Robinson, it was decided to results in considerable suffering, to the unfor request the following to form the first Com- tunate animal. While the new act now before

mitee of the Society-President, 11 the Legislature will go far towards ameliorating

E. Sir Denry A. Blake, G.C.M.G.; Vice- the condition of the animals when it becomes Presidents, H.E. Vajor-General Sir W. law, an act by itself is not sufficient, constant

J. Gascoigne K.C.M.G., Commodore C. G. supervision is necessary to see the provisions Robinson, R., the Bishop of Victoria, of the act are observed. In this matter the and the Rt. Rev. L. M. Piazzol, Bishop Society might render valuable assistance. The of Clazomene. General Committee-Hon. overcrowding of birds in baskets, imperfectly Dr. J. M. Atkinson, Hon. Sir C. Paul Chater, provided with food and water as already stated.M.G. Hon. C. W. Dickson, Hon. F. H. by His Excellency is another requiring, atten- May, C.M.G., Hon, Wei A Yuk, and Messrs. tion although freely admit that the Market

D. Clarke, A. Gibson, E, A..Hewett, Rev. C. H. Inspectors and others have of recent years Hickling, Ilo Tung, M. S Northcate (on, effected considerable improvements on the Secretary), A. J. Raymond, C. 11. Ross, E. H. Former condition of affairs. The bird and dog Sharp, K.C, N. A. Siebs, J. R. M. Smith, C. A. shops while also better controlled than formerly

Tomes, H. C. Wilcox (Hon. Treasurer). The till require constant supervision in order to

Committee to have power to add in their num- prevent suffering to their unfortunate stock in rades as do also the public livery stables. It is,

ber and to appoint a Sub-Committee as may be found necessary. however, when we come to the actual kill ng of animals forfood that the greatest cruelty discovered. One matter to which I think we hould direct our attention is the proper pole xing of all cattle, and that all water buffaloes hould be shot. I believe I am correct in say ng that there is not a single proper poleaxe In the Colony, I also consider that so far as possible all slaughter houses on the mainland hould be placed under European supervision; s is well known the Chinese through calous sess or more likely ignorance inflict at time treat suffering while killing animals. I could five a number of instances of which i have ersonal knowledge were it necessary to do so. With regard to the killing of birds here again cruelty is often practised

Hishop Hoare aid he did not want it to be understood that he considered the caning of coolies to be a practice, but the cane was fre- quently used when it ought not to be...

The resolution was put to the meeting and carried without dissent,

by Mr. A. J. Raymond, and carried unanim- It was proposed by His Excellency, seconded ously that The Committee are hereby em- powered to make such regulations and bye-laws as may from time to time be found advisable. His Excellency next proposed "That the annual subscription be $2 for adults and fifty cents for children under 16 years of age, the Committee to have power to change the necessary." amount of the annual subscription if found

The supervision in such a case must be enormously strict an will cost much more than the management of less noisy, obstinate and tricky people.

As such in Grst line the Javanese can be mentioned. They are more civilised and less falsa and obstinate than the average Malay, whom they surpass almost in every kind of honest and industrious, than either Javanese work. Also Banjarese miglu do, being more.

or Malay. The native races of N. Borneo are perhaps with the exception of the Kadayans and the Dayaks (uf Sarawak) of little or no use at all.

心

An estate coo.ie would work eight to hours a day in a more steady way than the Filiping is accustomed to do. It is, however, extremely doubtful, if he would reach he latter's daily output, the dexterity of the Filipian being so much greater.

But this would be only a

Besides, the climate at the coasts of Borneo is not just that of a Sanitarium and the drinking water not that of a Spa. Sickness and perhaps death, will play a certain or rather uncertain amount of havoc. And for all these reasons it will be safe, to reckon the Javanese in Borneo only as worth about one-third of the Filipino in his own country.

The Filipino, if working daily, would produce more than three tons of hemp during a year. Say, that the coolie would deliver only one 100, and the whole yearly wages of one man would pay for that ton.

The Javanese coolie, generally gets $6 to 57 month. At the rate of $8 a inomth old free plantation Inbourers from Sumatra or even from the estates in Borneo can be hired. These latter men are so infinitely superior to their raw countrymen, that they probably very soon would beat the Filipino at his own game, let us for argument sake consider two of them

oly as worth one Filipino.

But

The latter produces a ton of hemp in about go working days. Say, that the Javanese works 180 days, and his pay would be 180 x 263 cents, or 6 x $8-$48. Say, even that three of these men would equal only one Filipino at decort cating and the ton would caly cost $72 in labour, A certain amount paid for every pound of hemp delivered would scan develop that kind of Javanese into splendid hemp drawers, and a premium paid for extra good handling would remove all fear of rough dealing in John Chi- naman's style. The wages or the price per pound could be fixed on such a scale, that never a tobacco or coffee estate would have witnessed a more contented staff of working men. Men with little aptitude for drawing hemp could be employed at ordinary wages in the fields.

The cost of a Javanese coolie with a three years' contract taken to Dr. N. Borneo will be somewhat more than $60, half of which sum is to be recovered from the wages at the rate of about $2 a month, practically during the first 56, not 88. 15 months the men's wages are therefore only

Even in the first working year more than 30% on the whole outlay are recovered and the

made" is, of course, is not to be reckoned on and profit on the working account is almost 30%. In Borned the facility of buying an estate "ready the planter has to do all the work himself, while the Manila planter buys the land and the crop from the dativer. In compensation for the greater expenses the Horned planter will have a more regular ploration and his own, much cheaper labour.. ile by no means is forced to ve half his crop away for the decortication and manages his estate without any trouble some, rebellious natives,

IV.

The ran whose report was so fateful for Suaniamba estate, a Sumatra tobacco planter, who had privately studied the development of ramic for some time, put all conside ation of this certainly valuable plant off and started, in his land of adoption, a propaganda for his new ideal, abaca. Like many another prophest his

DEATH OF MR, QUONG TART.

A RESPECTED CHINESE MERCHANT.

No more genuine or widespread regret, pro- bably, would be occasioned by the news of the It is evident that decorticating by machinery, death of any citizen than will be caused by the with its enormous saving of hands, must be of announcement that Mr. Quong Tart, the the greatest advantage in a sparsely populated popular Chinese merchant, has joined the country, like Borneo, where the labour has to great majority. Mr. Tart died last evening at be imported at considerable expense. of the greatest obstacles to the prosperity of the the Sydney E. News of 27th July. He had only One his rezidence, "Gallop House," Ashfield, says tobacco estates has always been the high death been ill for a few days. Last Monday he was rate among the coolies, of whom a large tobacco forced to take to his bed by an attack of estate employs many hundreds; some hav pleurisy, and Dr. Traill was called to attend hemp plantation will by no means run into patient until his death, the immediate cause of ing more than a thousand men in pay. A him. He remained in attendance upon the

uch figures, and besides the coolies would be spread over a greater surface, making the sani- tation much easier.

If, therefore, a part of the crop would pass through the machinery, the number of coolies, could be greatly reduced, even if the contention of the manufacturers, that a 14-H.P. plant. (costing about £902 feb. Liverpool) requiring 25 coolies, would produce about 3,000 lbs: of cleaned fibre, baled for expart had to be con iderably discounted. The quantity named single man's work for sixteen months. after our previous estimate, would represent a

constructed in the near future, does not admit That machinery, effective inany, way, will be of any doubt. Too great interests are at stake be soon enough a thing of the past. Many and the antediluvian way of decorticating may yenis will elapse before over-production sets in reducing the high prices now paid and the pro fit of the hemp industry, for a considerable time, will be unusually bigh. A stuff, which requires at least two to three years for growing cannot be produced in any quantity at once and the first in the market will benefit most.

The writer once read a London broker's report about abací, contending that even a quantity of 5,000 tons thrown into the market would not price of abacé. to & perceptible extent reduce the then curient

The Germans in their new passession, the Carolines, bought apparently at an exorbitant price from poor beaten Spain, may still make gond the money paid by further developing their plantations.

Infortunately greats alive or in plunging Society during the preceding year be presented the manager alone can direct all the work of duemmsten Bauern haben die dicksten Kar.

at

hiefly in plucking hem into scalding water after their throats savo been cut but before the miserable crea- ares are dead. Some of the instances referred are those which might well receive the ention of the Commillee, in others we must rast to the care of individual householders to ut a stop to such cases of cruelty. At first at II events we propose to carry on the work of he Society with unpaid labour, later on it may e found desirable to employ paid inspectors nd possibly a paid Secretary should the in- rease in the work of the Society prove this ecessary. The aims of the Society are met orth in another resolu lon and it only therefore necessary to here state, that our idea is

which was carried.

Mr R. C. Wilcox seconded the motion, The last motion on the paper was also made meeting of the Society be held at least once a by Ilis Excellency as follows-That a public year at which a report of the working of the by the Committee and an account of the fands of the Society be rendered."

Rev. C. H. Hickling seconded the proposal, which was carried nam, diss Committee was held immediately afterwards,

This was all the business. A meeting of the

THE Universal Garett i informed that Governor Chou Fu of Shantung, in response agent at Vladivostock is projecting a company to the suggestion of the Chinese commercial with a capital of Taels 50,000 for the trant portation of salt produced in Shantung to Vladivostock for sale at that port,

which was heart failure.

It was not generally known that Mr. Tart was in ill-health, none but his more intimate friends being aware of the fact. He was $3 years of age, and has left a widow and six children,

came to Australia 39 years ago, when about 14 Mr. Tart was a native of Canton, China. He

Chinese merchant, trading to Sydney. Soon, years of age, under the care of an uncle, a after arriving here, he was taken into the house- hold of Mrs. Simpson, and in the Simpson family, and in Mr. J. E. Want, M.L.C, he he owed much of his education and the success always had kindly friends, to whose assistance of his early life. For some years he worked on afterwards he removed to Sydney, and with the the goldfieds in the Braidwood district, and

restaurateur, achieving success. money head saved commenced business ná In 1881 be visited China to see his parents, and was ban quated, prior to his departure, by Braidwood residents. While "home" he made anauge. ments for embarking in the ten trade, in which he was associated until his death, and he built up a large business,

THE FORMOSA SUGAR CROP.

SANDAKAN NOTES.

THE MURDER OF MR. WARDER. The murderer of Mr Warder is still at large. It now appears the murderer was a man whose house had been burnt down, by Mr. Warder's instructions, after refusal to pay pell tax, and this has, we understand, caused Mr Consul Hewitt to interest himself in the matter, with a view to finding out by whose instructions such a course was taken by the deceased officer. The more one hears of the matter the greater. the regret, for-in addition to being a good officer to the Government-the late Mr. Warder seems to have been a very self-sacrificing. son to a widowed mother at Home.

territory, and we hear a punitive expedition is PROVINCE CLARKE. Rumours of trouble reach here from the new.

being kept very quiet, being organised, though the whole matter is

MINERALS.

There is very little news about this. The coal expert has gone back to Tawao, to make further investigations. As to the Mineral Syndicate several discoveries of manganese ore a.e talked about and are expected to turn oat trumps.

SULUR.

exceeding his powers very considerably, and The Sulu Native Chief bere has been ex- is about to be deported, along with several of fines imposed by the Government. Datu Tim. his followers, in default of payment of heavy bang, the chief in queation, has never had the full confidence of the people here, and his ba-. nishment will not be regretted..

DILLIARD TOURNAMENT,

Frank Beeston in the final round by 25, in the Mr. F. Moysey, Secretary to the Governor, has won the autumn bandicap, beating Mr game of 300, the time being hour and g scratch, in the semi-final by Mr. Moysey, who minutes. The Governor was beaten, from

was conceded 75 points, and who, in tum, allowed Mr. Beeston 5 points in the handicap,

BLIFWAYS.

The buildings of a hemp estate are com- paratively cheap and consist only of the houses for the European staff, those for the overseels and coolies, one or two work ng sheds, a pack ing godown and perhaps a Chinese shop and a watchman's house. 53,000 will easily provide all these items. If the communication is over. sea, the estate wi'l have to have a rowing boat On the 36th of last month the Oceana, left for and a lighter with sails and, at a more advanced the Carolines with one or two botanists on estate of the work, a steam launch.

board, who will study in those islands several In the first years the former craft will be or tropical products, which have been introduced perhaps must be sufficient. The rising profits on a small scale. One of the latter is a fibre launch, of the estate lo due time will procure the plant-almost certainly abaca.

There is a German proverb, that the most If economical managment is a vital question; dense peasants grow the heaviest potatoes ("Die the first two years. For possible cases of sick toffel") and, it is not likely, that the Jaint Co. victim of a murderous assault at the hands of a When, on August 19 last year, he was the ness this would, however, scarcely be desirable. will forget to replace the doctor philosophie, as robber, the citizens of Sydney entertained Mr. The outlay of the first 2 years would therefore soon as his work of investigation is finished, with Tart in the most flattering way at the Town roughly amount to the cost of houses $3,000, the man, who can grow potatoes and hensp, Hell, after his recovery boat and lighter $1,200, 120 to 150° coolies con the man of theory with the practical planter, with a cheque for over 300. Mr. Tart many and presented him tracted at $60 say, 37,200 to $9,000, manager's Needless to say, that for the latter an unusual years ago embraced the Christian faith. Socí. and assistants salary (very low calculation degree of stupidity, as the proverb seems to ally, he was an entertaining and agreeable wages, say on average 86 per month $10,800 Unfortunately the proprietor of Suanlamba, for singing "Scotch" songs has caused much damage at 5300, viz. $200 per month) $15,000 coolies imply, is not strictly required, alpha me q companion, and his well-known predilection per year or $27,000 for the whole time of the Mr. P. D., of Glasgow, did not engage the amusement at many gatherings. In losing doctor, personnel of the lighter, office, seed procuring, at great cost, several thousand acted up to citizenship in the highest sense of preparatory works. Further costs of medicinenservices of a practical man in due time. After Tart Sydney has lost a citizen who always plants, press, implements, etc. About $6,000 young plants from the Philippines, the estate the word. would be spent with little return up to that was opened out with a success which would The interment took place at Rockwood time, but at least 300 acres would be very near have started the experts from this country. Cemetery

The honoured and respected name which Mr. Tart had achieved here, brought him renown in his own country, and the late Emperor of Chins created him a mandarin

The Slipway of the China-Boraco Co., Ltd., of the fifth rank, an equivalent honour 10

appears to be making good progress, but the an English knighthood. Mr. Quong Tart

one started by the North Borneo Trading Co. ments, and his charitable nature found the very doubtful if two slipways would pay hero, was foremost in mony philantropic move-

seams to be standing still temporarily. It is

Keenest pleasure in relieving distress in, an

but there ja certainly emple scopa for one, for dnostentatious way, either among his own

the possession of a fair sized slipway will filled the duties, in the respect of watching there will always be a fair amount of local countrymen or among Europeans. He ful-Certainly bring work over here from the his countrymen's interests, of Consul-General work to be done. Beyond doubt Sandakan Southern Philippines, In addition to which for China, that office being non-existent.. Lat ters, asking for advice or assistance, were con-

compares very favourably with Philippine ports tinually reaching him from all parts of the building of small craft, and we look to see a in the matter of the cost of repairing and Commonwealth."

slipway is an accomplished fact here, great extension of this class of work when a

The Nam Yong brought up about 1,000 packages for this port on her last trip, and it is reported on very good authority that ber owners intend placing a second boat on the Press, Borneo run very shortly-Singapore Fres

>

Tan Nippon and Jiji Shimbo are urging their The Japanese Minister at Bangkok is said to countrymen to emigrate to the Mekong Valley,

longkom to the immigration of large numbers have received the sanction of H.M. Chula of Japanese subjects into Siam,