1905-02-18 — Page 2

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HONGKONG ICB COMPANY,

· SHAREHOLD×28" MEETING.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1905.

Macarthur, A. G. Wood, W. H. Gaskell, A, Forbes, D. D. Gazdar, C. A. Tones, H. N. Mody, E. S. Kadeoric, J. A. Chiney, N. Stabb, P. C. H. )otts, W. H. Wickham, S. Cruickshank, C. Gonsalves, E. Georg, Lo Hancock, W. G. Pirie, H. C. Gotla, W. A. Cheung Shiv, J. Maclaren, J. M. S. Alves, and F. B. Marshall.

13th inst.. holders to the above Company was held at the The twenty-fourth ordinary meeting of share- offices of the General Managers, Messrs. Jar dine, Matheson and Company, to-day. Hon. Mr. W. J. Gresson occupied the chair, and there were present Messrs. W. Parlane (Manager),nvening the meeting, P. Gow (Secretary), D. Clark, W. Dixon, H. P. White, A. Rodger, F. Smyth, T. 5. Forrest, A. Brooke Smith, W. A. C. Cruickshank, B. Lay- ton, C. A. W. blay, C. Mooney, Ho Fook, Ho Kum Tong, and Lo Cheung Shiu.

The notice convening the meeting having

been read,

The Chief Manager having read the notice

The Chairman said:-Gentlemen, I think you will all join with your directors in looking on the report that I have just read as a very satisfactory one. Besides the usual dividend of £1. 10/- per share, we propose paying a bonus of 1, per share. As we are also able to provide for the transfer of one million dollars to silver reserve fund and write two lacs of dollars. The Chairman said :-Gentlemen, with your approval I propose to take the report and off bank premises account, we feel justified in recommending the increase of the io bonus, accounts as rend, The receipts for ice,

which you have been accustomed to receive as compared with the year 1903, show n

since 1899, to £1. on this occasion. The decrease of about $7,800, the major part of which is traceable to the absence of Japanese higher rate of exchange on the 31st December, at which the dividend for this half year is steamers on the other hand, I am pleased to Bay revenue received from cold storage exceeds declared, lessens the amount in dollars, com- that of 1903 by $1,300, and from this branch of pared with the corresponding period last year, to an appreciable extent; our funds in the East our business, the prospects of which appear to

were well employed during the six months and be satisfactory, we look for increased earnings in the future. Turning now to the other side we had to deal with easier money in the home markets, other favourable circumstances also of the account, under the heading of salaries, wages and general expenses there has been a helped to swell the profits for the period under review, and for these reasons I would recom- saving of $9,600. The new machine referred

mend you not to build your hopes on a to a the last meeting was completed in July, and has since been working satisfactorily. continuation of the 1. bonus, but rather to consider. the present as an exception, In order to ensure our keeping pace with de-

Under these circumstances we thought it only mand it has been necessary to order seven new ice boxes, and at no distant date it is hoped right that the staff should be admitted to a calis on our cold storage will necessitate the share in the Bank's prosperity; they have all insulation of the two rooms already built for worked well and the results shown give ample that purpose. With this outlay to face, and proof of this and speak eloquently as to the also bearing in mind the possibility of opposi way in which your interests have been looked Boa visichas ever before them, your general after, and in voting the members of the staff a managers have considered it prudent to appro-well deserved benus of 15 per cent. on their priate a further sum of $15,000 for provision for salaries, your Directors felt that they were only contingencies, and this will I trust commend anticipating and giving effect to what would be itself to you, If any shareholder wishes to ask your own wishes in this respect, I may men. any question I will be pleased to answer them. tion that, as customary, full provision has been made for all bad and doubtful accounts and 1 Mr. Dixon: I have very great pleasure in

trust the proposed distribution of profits will seconding the report. It shows a very success- ful year's working. We occupy an enviable receive your approval. Comparing the various items in the balance sheet with the previous position in having $120,000 in the bank, a position which very few companies in the

report, you will observe that as usual our note East can show. We have great trust in the circulation is higher than in June half year, Manager, Mr. l'arlane, who is not only a comand at $16,422,593 shows an increase of pelent engineer hut a very shrewd business $103,349 over the corresponding period in 1903. There is a falling off in silver current man as well. (Hear, hear.)

accounts of $5,000,000 which may be chiefly put down to money being in strong demand to wards the end of the year. Silver fixed deposits have increased $2,000,000, Gold fixed deposits and current accounts show a total increase of close on £2,000,000. This is largely accounted for by proceeds of loans temporarily deposited with our London office. Bills payable are lower by 13,0 0,001. On the other side taking the amounts of cault, coin lodged with the Govern ment of Hongkong against excess note issue, and bullion in hand, and in transit, together, there is no appreciable difference in the total figures. Indian Governincat Rupee paper is practically the same, but Consols, Colonial and other securities stand at $9,314,974.98 as agains: $5,713,396.96. Sterling. reserve fund investments remain unchanged. Bills dis- counted, loans and Credits are about $1,500,000 less, while Mills Receivable at 1115,009,136,44 are higher by fifteen million dollars, but this is chiefly due to the increased funds in London

The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Smyth proposed the re-election of Mr. T. Arnold as auditor

Mr. Rodger seconded, and the resolution was unanimously agreed to,

The Chairman said this concluded the busi. ness and dividend warrants would be ready

to-morrow,

THE HONGKONG, CANTON AND MACAO STEAMBOAT CO., LTD.

ANNUAL HEETING.

11th inst.

The seventy-seventh ordinary hill-yearly meeting of shareholders of this Company was held at the offices of the Company, Bank Buildings, at noon, to-day, Hon. Mr. W. [. Gres son presiding. There were also present Messrs. T. Arnold (Secretary), N. A. Siebs, E. R. Fuhrmann, E. Guelz, A. Haupt, Hon. Mr. Kalready referred 10, which enabled our office Shewan, H. Schubart, F. Salinger, G. T.

there to carry a larger proportion of our Eastern Veitch, J. R. Michael). Arnold, Caplain W. Eremittances than usual and is reflected in the Clarke, L. Berindongue, T. S. Forrest and W. reduced amount of Bills rediscounted as noted A. Cruickshank.

in the margin of the report. The war continues to be a very disturbing element in the Far Hasters mercantile world, dislocating ordinary trade channels and making general business difficult and unsettled, I will not venture to forecast the end but for the sake of humanity, the happiness and well being of the people of two great nations, as well as in the interests of trade and commerce, it is earnestly to be hoped that the conflict will soon be terminated. When peace does come, I trust sincerely that the hapes which have been so confidently expres sed of the permanent opening up to the trade of the world of these regions where the scene of the war is placed, will be fully realized, and

The Secretary having read the notice con- vening the meeting,.

The Chairman said:-Gentlemen: With your permission, it will be convenient to take the report and accounts as read. Your directors regret that, in placing these accounts before you, they have to recommend a reduced di- vidend, but it must be remembered that for the two previous half-years the higher dividend was only maintained by the withdrawal of $50,000 from the equalization of dividend fund and $30,000, from the depreciation fund, and, as, at present, there seems but little prospect of any material improvement. of earnings in the

near future, your directors consider that it would be unwise to weaken the Company's position by drawing further on its reserves for the purpose of maintaining a dividend greally in excess of actual earnings, a policy of which they trust that shareholders will approve. For the past three hall-years the net earnings of our steamers have run pretty evenly at about $65,000, while for the six provious half- yearn tha Average was $165,000 in other words, each of the past three balf years shows a decrease of about $100,000 on the six months working. The causes of this heavy falling off of our profits were fully explained at our two previous meetings, and are so well known that it is needless to enlarge on the subject now, suffice it to say that while competition overburdens the trade with tonnage far in excess of its requirements low rates must of necessity prevail and profitable working cannot be looked for. The direct West River service, as you are aware, was resumed in the early part of last year; results have so far been somewhat disappointing, but with a new work ing arrangement which has recently been entered into, better returns from this souICE may be expected in the current year. The assats shown in our balance sheet all stand at sale values and there does not appear to be anything under this heading which calls for special remark, so unless further information be desired, I will propose the adoption of the report and accounts as they stand."

No questions being asked, The Chairman moved the adoption of the repart and accounts.

Mr. J. R. Michael'seconded, and it was un- animously agreed to.

Mr. J. R. Michasi proposed, and Captain Clarke seconded, that the appointment of Mr. F. Salinger to a seat on the Directorate vice Mr. . E. Tomkins, who is leaving the Colony, be confirmed.

that every nation will participate on equal terms in what will undoubtedly prove to be large and important markets for us all. A je- turn of confidence must follow the restoration of peace, and with this should come a revival oftrade, fresh'developments and new enterprises in China a situation which this Bank front its position and resources out here is ready and able to take full advantage. I have now to refer to a matter which I am sure you will all be sorry to hear about, and that 15 the retirement of Sir Ewen Cameron, our senior manager in London, He has been stricken with a severe illness and was

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Mr. Medhurst proposed, and the Hon. Mr. Gerstom Stewart recorded the re-election of Messrs. A. G. Wood and W. Hutton Potts as auditors, and this was also agreed to.

The meeting terminated witha vote of thanks to the Chairman who announced that the dividend warrants would be ready on Monday,

BEAVY CLAIM FOR BREACH.

OF CONTRACT.

13th inst.

At the Supreme Court this morning, before the Chief Justice (Sir Henry S. Berkeley) the Yan Cheong firm of yarn merchants, of Bonham | Strand Fait, sued the Sam Yee Company Limited, to recover $11,991, being damages for breach of contract in respect of certain cotton varn which defondants contracted to deliver but failed to do so,

Hon. Mr. E. H. Sharp, KC. (instructed by Mr. John Hastings) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. H. R. Pollock, K.C.. (instructed by Messis, Johnson, Stokes and Master) defonded. | Chuen Li Po, managing partner of the plaintiff firm, was called and spoke to making a number of contracts with the defendant com-

point of law, and in the first place would say that the plaintiffs could not sus for damages they had not actually suffered, that was, they could not recover damages, as damages, other that they had sustained. He admitted that the plaintiffs were entitled to recover in so far as about five hundred bates were concerned which they had been obliged to buy in the market at a higher rate than the 'defendants contracted to deliver, But they could not come there and ask to be given what really amounted to a present. This was, the chief, point in his defence, Counsel then referred to various decided cases. After Mr. Sharp had replied briefly, for the plaintiffs,

possible evidence of the alrotious crime of morning, while walking up ar town on sentry setting fire to a house in which you knew duty, he heard a noise like sething upset. people were sleeping regardless of the cunting, and on looking to see what was the sequences that might asue, and merely for matter, he saw a figure falling. It caught on the purpose of getting some few dollars from the telephone wire, and thence foll to the your master. The result of your wicked deed ground. Witness shouted to the Sergeant of the guard, and when a light was brought, ha recognised the figure as that of Private Hicks, He appeared at first to be gasping for breath, then he started breathing easier. The noise of something upsetting was the first noise he heard on the verandah. There was no light there. The ground on which deceased fall was very hard,

bas been that no less than ten persons, men, women and children lost their lives on that night. Were you to pay the penalty with your. own lives, in my opinion the punishment would not be too severe. I have not the power to pass sentence of death upon you for this offence, but however the law allows me to give you a very terrible punishment, and 1 propose to do so. You are sentenced to imprisonmen! with hard labour for the term of your natural

His Lordship said there must be judgment | lives. for plaintiffs for the full amount claimed, and costs. He thought the fixing of $120 as the average price per bale of yarn purchased by plaintiffs in the market in consequence of the failure of defendants to supply at the price agreed upon, must stand. There was no necessity for any reference to the Registrar, because all the evidence that could possibly ba given before the Registrar, had already been givea in Court.

THE STERLING DRAFT CASE......

JUDGMENT FOR PLAINTIFFS..

pany in December 1903, for the delivery of certain quantities of cotton yarn at various prices. It was the custom to take delivery within three months, but if no delivery was taken an extra charge of two cents a day was.

14th inst. At the Civil Summary Court this afternoon, made. No actual time for taking delivery was inserted in the contracts, but it was the custom His Honour the Puisne Judge (Mr. T. Ser of the trade to take delivery within three Chia-combe Smith) gave judgment in the action esc months. If the seller could not supply the brought by the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank yarn the two cents of course was not payable against a native hong, known as the Wing Under the first contract he got delivery of 167 Shing Hing Bank, doing business at ro2, Wing bales, but could not get delivery of any further Lok Street. yarn under six other contracts. On the 13th December he made application for the delivery of ro8 hales at $tog a bale and tendered the price in full payment, but the defendants sald they had no yarn to deliver. Subsequently he made repeated applications for yarn, and was met with the same reply "None to deliver." His firm was suffering heavy loss in conse- quence of the breach of contract, but they allowed things to go on until the rath April of last year, when they made a demand for de livery of the yarn contracted for and tendered the price of it. Defendants said they had none, whereupon plaintiffs entered the present action against them. Prior to this the manager for

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Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Marior) appeared Mr. H. E. Pollock, KC, (instructed by for the plaintiffs, and Mr. H. N. Ferrers (instructed by Mr. P. W. Goldring) for the de- fendants.

Plaintiffs alleged that they had suffered dum age by reason of the breach by the defendants of a contract dated the 4th October, 1904, and made between the plaintiffs and the defendants whereby the last-named agreed to purchase from the plaintiffs a sterling draft on London, payable on demand, for the sum of £2,000 sterling, at exchange 1/97, and which said con- tract was to be completed on the 30th Novem ber, 1904. The defendants failed to complete their purchase on due date, and the plaintiffs had accordingly suffered damages to the ex- tent of $785.84 by such breach. The sale of the draft on October 4th at 1/97 amounted to $21,942.86, and the cost on the 30th November at 1/10 11/16 amounted to $21,157.02, hence the sum claimed.

the defendants invited him to a dinner at a Chinese restaurant at which were present others in a similar position to himself. When the defendant manager repeated that he had no yarn to deliver, witness said to him, "Well buy from the foreign firms," but he replied, Wait a few days, I have some of my own coming." Witness produced his books, and u In giving judgment for the plaintiffs with large number of documents showing the market costs, His Honour said that the books of the value of a bale on dates when he applied for defendant Bank appeared to have been kept delivery. The final breach took place on the properly. The fact the absence of any re 16th April when yarn was quoted at $120 a bale,ference in them to the present transaction, and the defendants were notified that co extended no further to the facts of the case, less delivery was made of the 1,164 bales, being than this, viz; that the defendants had no the undelivered balance of the amount they knowledge that Li Yuk Chu had negotiated had contracted to supply, plaintiffs would the contract now sued upon. This however be compelled to buy in oren market, and debit could not affect the defendants' liability. He the defendants with the difference between the also certified for Counsel. contract and the then market prices. Defen- dants however failed to deliver, and wrote that the contracts were void through failure on the part of the plaintiffs to take delivery.

Witness was cross-examined at some length

Mr. Pollack applied for immediate execution, The case had been very strenuously contested, and two of the parties on the other side had admitted that they were partners.

His Honour refused the application, until

A CHINESE CLUB.

RAIDED BY EUROPRANS.

14th inst.

Sergeant Ernest Gulliver stated that saw the deceased enter the barracks at 11.55 p.m. He reported himself to witness in the usual man ner on return from leave. He was jolly at the time, but was quite sober, and spoke to some of the man in the guard. Private Taylor came with him. He next saw him lying on the concrete of the parade ground outside the orderly room. That was about 1.45 a.m. on the 8th inst. The sentry sent for witr 'and when It is not often the citizens of this Colony aro he came to the spot the deceas was quite startled by such strange occurrences as that unconscious and did not recover o iciousness reported to the police last night, when a China- before he was removed. The man are in the man, member of a Chinese club in Jervois habit of sleeping on the verandah in the hot Street, called at the Central Police Station, and weather, but there was no reason why the de reported that four Europeans, whose names heceased should have done so on the night in did not know, had called at the club, and after question, as it was rather cold on that night. holding up the members, raided the club, One On going to that part of the verandah from of them, at least, it was stated, had a revolver, with which deceased fell he saw a form lying up which he threatened the members of the cluband | against a table. Deceased's waist belt was on which he also used to rap one man over the fiu- the table, and his boots and cap were lying on gers, who tried to resist their attempts to enter the varandah. When he saw deceased lying the room. The men managed to secured $30, and on the concrete there was a stream of blood it is alleged that they made off with this sum, and flowing from under his head. on that the report was made. The matter was

Captain, Jobusos, R.A.M.C, said deceased taken in head and detectives placed on the was brought into the Station Hospital, Well- gating the affair, and finally arresting two men of the 8th inst. being then quite unconscious case, Inspector of Detectives Murison investi-ington Barracks, about z am, on the morning named Brown and Burke on suspicion of being He never recovered consciousness up to the concerned in the armed robbery, it time of his death. He had a superficial con lieved that the four men had, earlier in the tused wound to the right of the right eye, and evening, been gambling in the Club, and thus, another just behind the left ear. He suffered in the various games, found they had lost all

in the first instance from concussion of the their money, and so, later, returned and raided brain. Later he had compression of the brain. the Club, with the view of regaining by that The cause of death was inter-cerebral hemorr means what they had lost in the games of hage. chance. The arrests of the other two men alleged to be implicated in the affair are ex:ing pected to be effected shartly, when they will be given a hearing before one of their Worships the Magistracy. It is understood that the man arrested are unemployed...

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ba.

The other two were subsequently arrested, charged and remanded.

17th inst,

The case in which the four Europeans were Street, and stealing therefrom $33, under cir charged with raiding a Chinese Club in Jervois

cumstances already recorded in these columns, was called on again before Mr. H. H. J. Gom pertz, at the Magistracy this morning,

Frank Cooper, recalled, said he identified the revolver produced, as the one he lent to Burke, The cartridges were similar to those witness had in his possession, and may have been in the revolver when he lent it to Burke. In an swer to a questio from the fourth defendant, witness said there were no cartridges in the revolver when he lent it to the fourth defendant. He had three different kinds of cartridges. Those produced were of copper, but he thought he had some brass ones.

in regard to prices prevailing during Decem- after the expiration of the ordinary seven days. was on duty in Queen's Road Central, near ber 1903.

The case was adjourned

to-morrow.

14th inst.

At the Supreme Court this morning, before the Chief Justice (Sir Henry S. Berkeley) the action brought by the Yan Cheong firm, yarn merchants of Bonham Strand East, against the Sam Yee, Limited, to recover $11,99: damagėš for breach of contract, was continued,

Hon. Mr. E. H. Sharp, K.C., (instructed by Mr. John Hastings) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. H. E. Pollack, K.C., (instructed by Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Master) defended. The managing partner of the plaintiff firm was further cross-examined, and taken over practically every item in a very prolix statement of particulars. He had contracts with other dealers besides the defendants to supply him

with yarn. Because he could not get yard from defendants he had to buy extensively

from other firms,

THE CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

The Chief Justice (Sir Henry S. Berkeley) took his seat at ten o'clock this morning, and opened the business of the February Sessions.

THE HOLLYWOOD ROAD FIRE.

LIFE SENTENCES.

Prisoners both pleaded not guilty.. The following were sworn jurors-Messrs. W, S. Brown, (foreman), E. 0. Wilks, E. home, E. Smith, Phillip Plage, J. McCorqua

dale and F. Kiene.

Private S. Taylor, R.W.K. deposed to meet- deceased at the West Gate of Murray Bar mcks, at 11.55 p.m., and to his then being per fectly saber.

Private James Joseph deposed to leaving the barracks with the deceased, at 7.10 p.m. on the 7th inst., and remaining with him about two hours in the Soldiers' Club. Deceased was then perfectly sober.

Verdict: Death by misadventure.

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S.S." SHREWSBURY”

BALVAGE OPERATIONS TO BEGIN.

14th inst.

of the s...Shrewsbury, the British collier, now Having secured the contract for the salvage lying stranded on the Bombay Shoal, Mesara. E. P. Wilks have now completed the ariange ments, which we previously announcorl in these columns they were preparing for the salvage of the vessel, on behalf of Messrs. Gilman and Company. The 5.5. Progress, a German steamer, of 1,000 tons register, has been Police Constable Winter deposed that he chartered from Messrs, Siamesen and Com

pany for the salvage operations, and is Jervois Street on the night of the 14th inst. now being prepared for the salvage work In consequence of information received be before her. Every possible requirement /în went to the Chinese Club in Jervois Street, the way of salvage gear is being placed aboard and while going in that direction he met the and it is expected that the salvage party will third defendant at the bottom of the stairs.

leave in the Progress on or about Thursday He told witness some friends of his had been next, for the scene of the salvage work. In gambling up-stairs One of them has lost $150, cluded in this work is to be an attempt to salve and finding the Chinese had been using loaded the Baron Gordon also stranded near by on dice there had been a bit of a squabble. Wit the same shoal, should the work on the Shrews Chang Chung and Tang Hop were chargedness asked the third defendant if his friends Bury prove successful. The expedition will be with arson, by setting fire to a dwelling house, were still upstairs and he said they were. He persons being therein, at 168 Hollywood Road, told him to accompany witness upstairs to

in charge of Captain Owen Wilks, who will on the 12th January.

have with him, as assistants, Captain Framp- search for them, and he did so; going first to ton, Mr. E. Tully, late Chief Engineer of the the servants' quarters on the second floor.

s.s. Belgian King, while Mr. Newman The Chinamen there would not give witness Mumford, Surveyor to Lloyds will also any information. The third defendant then accompany the expedition. A salvage staff went up with the witness to the third floor, will also ge in the Progress, and several gangs and finding no one, he went on the roof of coolies to do the work of moving the coal and looked over, but still seeing no Euro of which the Shrewsbury's cargo consists, the peans he searched the whole house, without staff and coolies in all consisting of some Bo finding them. If anyone had gone out while i souls all told. Great expectations are enter- he was searching the house they would have tained of the success of this expedition, and it had to pass an Indian Constable and a Chiis quite possible that it will return triumphant. nese tukang. Witness returned to the secondly bringing back the "spoils of war in the floor, and found in a room there a box shape of the s.s. Shrewsbury and Baron Gor containing chips used for gambling purdon to place in the hands of the Kowloon poses, and also some dice. The doors Dock, We wish the expedition every success. leading from the room to the verandah were closed. On opening one of these doors wit not make him understand anything he said to ness found an elderly Chinaman, but he could him. He met Mr. Cheong Lee and seeing hin go into the same house he thought this was a good opportunity for getting an explanation of the case, knowing he was formerly a police in terpreter. When witness went upstairs Cheong Lee was in conversation with the elderly Chinaman. The old man told Cheong Lee that he had been robbed. Witness learned that they knew one man in particular who was employed by them to teach them the ast of self defence., Witness went to Hung Lee ( lub in Hollywood Road, to look for him but could not meet him. He then returned to Jervois Street, and while he was there the fourth defeud out walked in, and said he had been robbed himself by people when he thought, were policemen. They were Europeans, he said, but he did not know any of them. He turned round and asked witness if he thought he had anything to do with the affair, Witness said he had his doubts, and asked the fourth de fendant to accompany him to the station, with the old Chinaman,

The Hon. Attorney-General (Mr. E. H. Bharp, K.C.) in outlining the case, said there were a number of people sleeping at the time The accountant of the plaintiff firm gave in the house in question sume of whom unfor evidence as to the failure to deliver the yarn. tunately died as the result of the fire which the ac Cross-examined he said his salary was $10 a cused werecharged with igniting. The prisoners month and odds and ends (Laughter). Asked warathe cook and coalie employed on the ground to explain "adds and ends" he said he got foor where the fire broke out, Shortly after two the hoops off the bales, and other perquisites, o'clock in the morning of the rath January, a whilst in common with all the employes, he Chinese police sergeant off dutywas passing the received a small percentage on the profits of house in a chair when he saw the first prisoner account, snit he could not remember the cir- shop and calling "Fire" at the top of his voice, the business. Witness, asked as to a certain standing outside the house looking into the cumstances as it was several years ago, Cor. The sergeant got out of the chair and looked rected as to this, he said "well it was the year into the shop, but could see no sign of fire, before last." The witness spoke as to the The sergeant arrested him, and also the second necessity for taking yarn from other firms, man, who then ran out of the shop. Imme through defendants being unable to deliver. Idiately afterwards fire suddenly broke out and was the custom to give twenty-four hours' spread with terrible rapidly, there being now. grace on time delivery. The Sam Yee firm

a very strong smell of kerosing coming from put people off continually, other firms very the shop. The sergeant said to the first pri rarely. The case was further adjourned,

souer "This is your doing," to which he replied "I could not help it, my master ordered me to do it." lo afterwards said, his master had gone to Canton. These premises, Counsel said, were an absolute death-imp. It seemed that the houses in Hollywood Road, and Square Street, stood back to back, but the level of Square Street was very much above the level of Hollywood Road, and the only means of es cape from three-stories of the houses in Square Hon. Mr. E. H. Sharp, XC, (instructed by Street was through the houses in Hollywood Mr. John Hastings) appeared for the plaintiff, Road. The reason for the crime was the and Mr. H. E. Pollock K.C., (instructed by usual reason to defraud the isaurance com- Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Master) defended. pany, the premises having only recently been A coolie in the employ of the plaintiffs was insured for $1,500, and it was in evidence that called, and spoke to being sent with delivery an attempt was made to insure it for more.. orders for yarn by plaintiffs to defendants. A number of witnesses were called, all of Sometimes he got yarn, but generally they whom spoke to perceiving a very strong smell were unable to fill the order. "This occurreð | of kerniine coming from the building. The on many occasions.

fire spread with remarkable rapidity. When the prisoners were taken to the police station, they denied all knowledge of the fire.

A police constable who assisted to extinguish

JUDGMENT FOR PLAINTIFFS.

16th inst.

At the Supreme Court this morning, the Chief Justice (Sir Henry S. Berkeley) presiding, the hearing of the action in which the Yan Cheong firm of yarn merchants of Bonham Strand Fast sued the Sam Yee Limited to recover $11,991 damages for breach of contract,

was continued.

By Mr. Pollock: He had never received an order from the plaintiffs on Sam Yes, and then plaintiffs take it back again and say they did

very anxious that the directors should accept bis resignation. I need hardly say that it was only in deference to his own wishes that we acceded to his request, and we did so with great reluctance, deep regiei and sincere sympathy for himself and family. Sir Ewen Cameron's name will have a prominent place in the his tury of the bank. He joined here in 1867, shortly after the Bank was started, and he has had a very large share in raising it to its present position. His ability, tact and kindly disposi. tion commanded success wherever he has served the bank. Many of you will remember him as manager in Shanghai where, as also in the north of China, he did so much to build up our business. I can look back myself 14 years in Shanghai and at that time there was no better known or more popular resident in the settlement than Mr. (as he then was) Ewen Cameron. A man of broad viewi and sound judgment, he took a prominent part in negotiating the early loans issued by the bank for the Imperial Chinese Government, and the friendly relations which were then established between that government and the bank, I am glad to say, exist to-day and 1 hope will always continue. Since he went to London he has also taken the leading part there in negotiating the various Chinese and Japanese Government loans which it has been the bank's good fortune to be so prominently associated

not want the stuff. He had bean eight or ten the fire spoke to finding inside the shop with. His marvellous energy and whole heart-

times to the defendants and met with the an- | kerosine tins, and a broken lamp, and a fire ed devotion to the general interests of the bank,

swer that they had no yarn to deliver. ‚» | chatfis in the centre of the room, and its Shareholders are well known to you all

Kwong Kum Hing, a clerk in the employ of inspector Gourley was called and spoke to but perhaps nowhere has he does beller serr Mr. John Hastings, spoke to accompanying the the recovery of a number of bodies. yice than in the City of London, where he plaintiffs accountant to the defendants' pre made many good and influential friends for themises and making a formal demand for the Mr. F. Salinger seconded and said have delivery of the yarn the day before legal pro- ceedings were instituted. The man who was auch pleasure in seconding the adoption of tho in evident charge sald he could not give any His Lordship, in summing up, said that to very satisfactory report and accounts which yarn. The accountant tendered the price of deliberately set fire to a house wherein people have been laid before us. The position attain the yarn some thirty odd thousand dollars in werosleeping, was the most heinous offence with ed by this institution, through the zeal and cash. Defendants wanted to give him in which any man could be charged. The con. energy of all connected with it, is one of which

order on another firm, but he refused and told sequences of the fire to this case had been ter we may feel proud. I am sure that all the share them he wanted godown cargo, and nothing rible in the extreme ten persons having been holders will appreciate the 1 bonus, and, alte

burned to death. One man had only time to The seventy-ninth ordinary half-yearly meet though the Chairman has remarked that wo

Mr. Sharp said that this concluded the snatch up his infant son, run on to the third floor, ing of the shareholders was held at the City may not always be so fortunate, 1 ani convinced evidence, and as that evidence was almost and with the assistance of others, broke down Hall at noon. Mr. A, J. Raymond presided that, under the present able management, we

identical with other actions pending between a partition, and got into the next house. This and there were present: Messis. J. R. M. may look forward to the future with all confid

the parties, he would ask that it be taken man was apparently unable to save his wife Smith (Chief Manager), H. E. Tomkins, Hon. encs. I cannot help expressing the sincere re-

and two daughters, whose dead badies were Mr. W. J. Gresson, Hon. Mr. R. Shewan, Egret which must be felt by all at the retirement read when those actions came on.

Mr. Pollock agreed so far as the action was subsequently found on the ground floor, having Goetz, H. Schubart, E. Shellim, N. &. Siebs, of Sir Ewen Cameron, and more especially at concerned and His Lordship, granted the fallen through from the room they occupied

the very sad reasons for it. H. W. Slade, E. S. Whealler (Directors, F

above. His Lordship pointed out that the shop The resolution was put to the meeting and· Salinger, T. Arnold, C. E. Anton, G. H. Med.

was heavily insured, and yet on examination hurst, Hon. Mr. Gershom Stewart, Captain. F. carried with acclamation.

could be found after the fire, not a vestige of stock or furniture Goddard, G. B. Dodwell, H. M. H. Nemazee, B. Hough, A. Radge, A. A, Roza, Ho Kom Tong, Ho Fook, S. Į. Michael, S. H. Michael, W. H. Potts, E. Kadoorie, C. S. Gubbay, JC. Peter, C. W. May, G. H. Potts,

The resolution was unanimously carried. Mr. G. T. Veitch proposed the re-election of Messrs. A. O'D. Gourdia and W. H. Potts as auditors.

Mr. Berindongue seconded, and the motion was carried.

The Chairman thanked the shareholders for their presence and said that dividend warrants would be ready to-morrow morning.

HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.

USUAL BONUS DOUBLED.

HALF-YEARLY MEETINO.

bank.

Mr. Arnold proposed the re-election of Messm. H.E. Tomkins, A. J. Raymond and N. A. Siebs to the Directorate,

Mr. Anton seconded and the motion was

agreed to.

appl cation.

Prisoners both alleged that they were asleep at the tinge. The first one said he was awakened by the smell of fire, and the second by the first prisoner calling out " Fire!

For the defence, Mr. Pollock said that after frankly admitted that the case was a very carefully weighing the evidence given he strong pne, and he had decided not to call the The Jury after retiring to consider their it would not in any way affect the issue. He evidence he had intended to call, inasmuch as verdict found bath prisoners guilty.

His Lordship, in passing sentence, said: would, however, address His Lordship on the You have been found guilty on the Clearest

THE CIVIL SERVICE,

SALARIES OF THE SUBORDINATES.

The local Poss announced a few weeks

since that the subordinate members of the Hongkong Civ Service had, for the third tine, pentioned the Government, urging force. fully the incommensurate increases the lower branch of the service had received to the disproportionate higher cost of living in the Colony. As anticipated in our co fumns, the clerical branch of the Govern ment service, who are the people principally effected, stood but little chance of success in their endeavour to secure any improve inent in their condition which, as compared with their brethern in the commercial hongs, in anything but an enviable one. Not that their case deserves lesa consideration but, as was painted out, they needed that "backing" which was promptly forthcoming when “Exchange Compensation was under consideration for the favoured ones. Nor was the support want.

In answer to the third defendant, witnessing when later the question of "double come said there were about five 20 cent pieces on pensation" arose for the Legislative Council to the table with the gambling paraphersalia. a man voied in favour of the officials. Wimess surmised that there had been some gambling and that the Chloese had made it worth the while of the Europeans to go away. so that there would be no trouble. In wit. | nes's opinion the other defendants had left before he got there. The Chinese in the house wers all afraid, and told Cheong Lee 10 is witness's presence. He told them not to be afraid and then got the story out of them. There was nothing to indicate that any alarm had been given. The Europeans bad certains ly left before he got there..

They were subsequently committed for trial.

THE SOLDIERISATAL FALL.

17th inst

The Subordinates have received their rophy Their latest petition has been negatived. The Colonial Secretary informed the petitioners, that Government had given their decision previously and would not again re-open the subject for considemtion, Meanwhile, the burdensome increase in the cost of living in Hongkong goea merrily on, and why should any one concern bimself with it so long as be draws a comfortable competence and is com pensated and that twice over-for any loss which the decreasing purchating power of tha dollar entail?

THE WIDOWS AND, ORPHANS, PENSION FUND.

The Coroner (Me H. H/J. Gompertz) beld.

In their report on the Widows and Orphans an inquiry this afternoon at the Magistracy Fund for 1994, the directors state that the into the cause of the death of Private Frederick Hicks, of the Royal West Kent Regiment, who amount to the credit of the fond on the stat lost his life on the 12th inst, through a fall from $10,381.32 for interest, as per statement ap December last, was: 8196,575.75, including a verandah on the second storey at Murray pended. The average monthly contributions Barracks.

amount now to about $1,300; On the 31st December, 1903, the number of contributors on the books was 435, and on the 31st Decemi- her, 1904, 449, of whom 169 are bachelors, 269, are married men, and I are widowers, Dur, the year, 68 officers joined the fund, $4 left, and 6 died. The total number of children on

The following jury was impannelled: Messrs John W. Stewart (Foreman), A. Griffin, and C. F. Grey.

James Cork, private in the 2nd Battalion, Royal West Kents, said he was on sentry duty, on the 7th inst, at Murray Barracks. Deceased entered by the Western Gate between eleven the books is 369. There are in the list 27. and twelve o'clock, at night, with Private pensioners, whose pensions aggregate $3,338,83 Taylor. He could not say whether deceased per annum. Of the 14 who left; 43 resigned.. was sober when he entered. The following Government service, and 31 wese diopsienada