1905-03-09 — Page 4

Intimations.

NUTR

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1905.

Aliquiications fitended for publication in ***The HONGKONG TELEGRAPIE" spuld be slowed to The Kites, 1. Tee House lined, and Blenkt be mecnupambel by the Writer's Name and Or fuary lasius-mancations should be addressed A. S. WATSON & CO., The Killtor will so mndertake to be reposible for

LIMITED.

ESTABLISHED A.D.

1841.

WINE AND SPIRIT

MERCHANTS.

E

VERY OLD LIQUEUR

SCOTCH

Add now.

The Manager,

Any rejected M8, nor to return any Contribution. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (IN ADVANCE); DAY$50 per konato. WEEKLY $18 per annum.

gradually developed, but this has now been | HÚNGKONG'S WATER SUPPLY. averted for the time being by the more pro nounced advance of the Japanese centre and left armies which has resulted in a general retreat opon Mukden. The Japanese are in pursuit, and have no serious obstacles to encounter until coming within range of the Russian guns of the forts built on the banks of the Hunho, which will, however, soon be exposed to the fire of the artillery drawn up The rates per quarter and per incikem, proportiona? The daily issue is delivered from when address is by the Japanese centre now advancing on Accoilie to mewutger. Du copias sent by post in the right of the city from the direction of shiitional $1.90 per quarter is charged fortage. Fushun and Tita. The next move in the The jangan the weekly is to any part of the campaign will be followed with more than Single Copios Daily, a center Weekly, tweuty usual interest as 'indications of the Russian intentions regarding the evacuation of Mukden will surely be forthcoming.

world in 30 cunia per quitter,

five cents.

The Hongkong Gelegrapk

HONGKONG, THúrsday, March 9, 1905

THE POSITION NEAR MUKDEN,

A general glance over the theatre of war

{

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

IS A WATER FAMINE ÎN SIGHT?

Hongkong, it would seem, is still affected by the question of a water famine. For the past couple of weeks or mors, householders have been obliged to iny in the stack of water be tween 6 and to am, sufficient to supply the needs of the day, and the result has been that all manner of utensils have been called into use for this purpose. 1 is a well-known fact, that the Chinese house-by is by no means immaculately clean, and his idea of filling a pabuikin is of the crudest description. He simply dips it into the water-jar, and fills his vessel. This system has the double advantage. of fulfilling the end he had to view and also. cleaning the stained exterior of the pannikin, That may account for the fact that even clear

soup has, of late, had a suspicion of "thick.

ness" about it.

THE CHINA FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED.

SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING.

TELEGRAMS.

THE WAR,

JAPANESE CONSIDERATION,

Mr. M. Noma, Consul for Japan, kindly forwards us the following telegrams:--

• The thirty-sixth ordinary meeting of share- holders in the above Company was held at the THE SACRED TOMBS OF MUKDEN. offices, 3, Queen's Road Central, at noun. Mr. E. Gaetz presided, and there were also present Messrs. N. A. Siebt, A. G. Wood, E. Shellim, H. W. Slade, Hon. Mr. R. Shewan, and A. Haupt (Directors), C. Pemberton (Acting Secre tary), E. S. Joseph, J. J. Leiria, A. J. V. Ribeiro, Captain Goddard, F. Symth, W. . Wick- ham, P. M. N. da Silva, A. H, M. da Silva, Tong Lai Chuen, Chan Pat, B. M. Conceicao, Hon. Wei Yuk, and J. Orange.

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

The Chairoian said :—Gentlemen, the di

rectors' report and statement of the company's account for the past year having been in your The question to be considered, however, is hands for some time, I will, subject to your not the misdeeds of the all-pervading house-approval, now adopt the usual course and take The French mail of the 7th February was de-bay, but the reason why it should be necessary, them as read. You will I am sure have noticed livered in London on the 8th inst

at this time of the year, to limit the supply of with great pleasure the extremely favourable water to residents in Hongkong. The answer outturn of the year 1913, witich, has resulted will, doubiless, be that the authorities are in a profit of $236,374.17, the loss ratio being

|pared with 41.71 percent. for 102. With your approval we propose to deal with this sum as follows:-

QUARANTINE restrictions against vessels

in Manchuria cannot justily any sanguine Arriving in Netherlands India from Hongkong guarding against a water-famine in the hot 43-85 per cent. of the premium income, as.com-

hopes on the part of Kuropatkin that, what- BLEND ever preparations he has made during the winter months, his forces will be able to hold out for long against the Japanese armies when they invest him in the ancient city of Mukden. It was recognised by military ex- perts at home, some weeks ago, that he would have to hold on to the old Manchu capital until the last possible moment, for 15 war cannot be conducted with an exclu- sive regard to military principles by reason of political considerations, these latter have made it imperative, owing to the import

WHISKY.

D PORT,

VERY FINE OLD VINTAGE MANY

YEARS IN BOTTLE.

ance attached to Mukden by the Chinese, for him to remain in possession as long as possible. Had he fallen back to the spot chosen by him as his real base when he first came to Manchuria and fortified his troops among the hills of Tieling his position would have been materially strengthened and the task of the enemy rendered infi. nitely more difficult. But this now seems out of the question unless his rear guard can drive the right wing of the Japanese from A CHOICE AFTER-DINNER WINE. the Tieling Pass, which they recognised bore the same importance in relation to Mukden as Motionling was to Liaoyang, and which they have made their objective for

are removed,

THE fifth dance to be given by the Masonic Quadrille Club lake place in the Masonic Hall Lo-day at 9.pan.

:

WING 93rd Burma Infantry leaves here on the toth May, followed on the 23rd idem by the remainder of the Regiment.

THE Kowloon Schools, which, as we announced ten days ago, was closed on account of diph theria having made its appearance among some of the pupils, was re-opened this morning, the outbreak having been completely quelled. THE transport Hardinge arrives from Karachi to the zud prax, and leaves three days' later for India. The Dufferin arrives here on the 24th April from Bombay and proceeds to Taku the following day and, after disposing of reliefs returns here and goes on to Rangoon and Karachi. The sailing of the transport Cunning is cancelled.

weather. When it is remembered, that Hong. kong has been deluged with rain during the pati few days it will not seem hypercritical to define the answer as ridiculous. The reservoirs, if they are worth anything at all, should be amply sufficient to meet the needs of the com munity the whole year round, or at any rate during the greater part of the year. Allowance might be made for a slight diminution towards the close of the dry season, but even that would be a concession which should not be asked.

Hongkong stands in a peculiarly favoured position in so far as an adequate water supply is concerned. It is surrounded by an immense natural water-shed which should provide all that is necessary for the 300,000 odd people in Victoris, and if the reservoir were up to the mark there should never be any question as to a continuous supply. Indeed, it is very probable that the supply would be adequate every day of the year were it pot for the waste that goes on in every quarter of the city. At the public baths-take that at

The following have been chosen to play for the Club in the Rugby match against The Wanchai for example-the coolies may be seen Garrison at Happy Valley to-morrow at 445 deliberately wasting the water which is being pan-1ack:-J. A. F. Bourchier; three-quarwithheld from other sections of the communi ters: A. S. Rompthorne, T. E. Pearce, G. D. ty, The street hydrants are also made a

Bateman, and G. T. Macnamara; halves: H.

Soper and J. P. Jordan; forwards: P. W: Gold- ring, A. Boyd, 11, C. Aspinall, J. Hannon, Lieut. Holden, II, G. C. Bailey, A. N. Other,

some weeks past. It is the natural and . F. Chard. A. S. WATSON & Co., fortress of Southern Manchuria, and is

LIMITED,

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.

Hongkong, 15th February, 1905.

[32

cut

regarded as one of the strangest positions south of Harbin. Had lee so desired it, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS. and his peat guard had made an effective stand, Kuropatkin might have retreated to Tieling, but since it seems to be practically in the possession of the Japanese, whose right wing is swinging round to off any possible retreat, the Russians have about lost not only their bold on Mukden and Kirin Provinces, but also the vast granary which lies between Tieling and Harbin and which is practically essential to the existence of their army in the Far On the left or north bank of the river as it comes towards Tieling, there is a long range of bills, forming with the river at their base, a splendid protection for the right flank of a Japanese Army resting at Ticling, while on the eastern side of the town there are the useful hills of Eastern

Gregory

WINE

AND

HONGKONG,

34, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL,

FIRST FLOOR,

(WM. POWELL & Co.'s old premises).

East.

AT las sales rooms, Duddell Street, to-day Mr. Geo P. Lammert, auctioneer, put up for sale the cruising yacht Plover, as she now lies opposite An King's slipway, with all her boats, anchors, chains and appurtenances. Bidding commenced at $500, and rose by quick stages to $100, after which there were no further bids. The reserve price not having been reached, W. Lammert announced that the yacht was with

drawn for that reason.

source of wastefulness, and there are

thousand and one ways which the reader will see for himself every day whereby the supply, even during the few hours alletted by the

water authorities, is, frittered away.

Dividend of 16 and bonus of $1

per share...........

............$140,000.00 Add to extra reserve fund .....

92,364,17 Bonus to office staff

4,010.CO

$136,374-17

Tokio, 9th March, 1 p.m. ̈ To respect the sanctity of the place whence

arose the Imperial Dynasty of China and to preserve the peace and tranquillity among the Chinese inhabitants of Mukden, Marquis Oyama, in giving an order for the general pursuit of the enemy, on the 8th inst., strictly prohibited his troops from taking a route within the walls of that city.

RUSSIAN RETREAT,

JAPANESE IN PURSUIT,

Tokio, 8th March, 11.50 p.m. Marshal Oyama reports that the enemy, beaten in every direction, commenced to retreat on the early morning of Wednesday and our army is in vigorous pursuit,

RUSSIANS ROUTED.

Tokio, 8th March, 1.55 p.m.

We are again, I am glad to say, in the happy position of being able to recommend a bonus

In the direction of Hingking our detach. of fr per shute, in addition to the usual divi- dend of $5 per share, and also to transfer the ment, on the 6th inst., occupied Huaijen sum of $91,364.17 in the extra reserve fund, fifty miles south-east of Hingking other which will stand at $318,039.73. Such results, wise the situation is unchanged. In the however, cannot be expected every year, and your directors cannot impress upon you two direction of Shaho in district east of railway, strongly the advisability in the best interests of the enemy's attacks on the morning of 7th the company of continuing to build up the inst, on some of our positions were repulsed extra reserve fund Bad years muy come and we may be in the unfortunate position of having everywhere. In the district west of the to show a loss instead of a profit, this fund railway we occupied cast of Hangchengpao. would then, we hope, enable us to continue our whereupon the enemy attempted to restore dividend, and its utility in this respect has been it but were repulsed. On the right bank already, twice proved in 1891 and 1901, when but for its existence the dividend would have of the Shaho we captured a large portion of had to be decreased. Turning now to the Likvanpao whereupon the enemy about one- balance sheet. the amount under the heading of investments shows a decrease of $110,860.42, |

division strong delivered a counter-attack which is principally accounted for by the lact but were repulsed. that the Hongkong and Kowloon Whaif and Godown Co's debentures of which the com- pany held $103,153.50, have been repaid ; on the other band, loans on mortgage show an increase of $168,500, the other items remaining much the same. The company's surveyors have re. ported on our advances under mortgage and

Since the water authority declared its inten- tion of reducing the daily supply to four hours-and it should be mentioned in this allowed the use of their water-laps for ene connection that people at the Peak are only

am happy to assure you that the same are quite hour-Hongkong has had a plentiful rainfall, satisfactory. The balance at the credit of sufficient, one would think, to meet all the working account 1904 is $261,374-35, which, requirements of the city population. If that is considerably above the average, although were the case then, the expedient of lim ting $68,673, less than the sum carried forward the supply might have been waived for the last year; this is accounted for by losses being nonce, until the settled dry season had appear unusually heavy, being $139,907,29 as against in sight. Little wonder that people are $46,273 55 in the 1903 account. Fires were grumbling in every direction at the Median very numerous during the year especially in law which cannot be broken by the authorities. Shanghai, and the two fires in Kowloon godowns In the average household it is difficuk to say here will be still fresh in your minds. Our how much water will be required in any single premium and interest accounts both show antis- day. The result of this ordinance by factory increases, the former of $35,450.46, and the water people is that every available bucket the latter of $8,749.90. During the year wa is filled to the utmost between 6 and 10 am. commenced doing business in Calcutta and Supposing it is found that only half the quan.fudia generally, and so far, this has proved tity obtained was needless, that means that thousands of gallons have been wasted for no reason.

WT reference to the report in connectioned with the Italian vagrant Colace Vincents, on his way to his native country, we under stand that Chevalier Volpicelli has no know. ledge of the man's own personal possessions. This gentleman is sending the man home be cause of instructions received to that effect from the Italian Legation at Tokio together with a cheque for Yen 57 10 pay his passage by the Italian steamer now in harbour.

One method of guarding against the uncer- tainties of the water supply is that adopted at the longkong Hotel, where tanks are kept full to the brim so that there is always an adequate supply. But in places where there are no tanks the action of those in charge of the mains has an exceedingly irritating effect. For in- stance, where lifts are operated by hydraulic power they are practically, and in fact, of no avail during business hours, and those who have to climb to the top of a five-storeyed build. Schwerin, who is engaged to the Crown Princeing know what it means to the leg-weary when

the water power is shut off, of Germany, is already occupied with her ther, the Grand Duchess Anastasia, the bride- trousseau. Acting upon the advice of her mo elect has ordered ag evening dress from each capital of Europe. Her reception robes and waists she is buying in Paris and Berlin, and orders for tailor-made dresses have been placed in London. She is making large purchases of trish lace, and all her shoes will be of Ameri-

THE young Duchess Cecilia of Mecklenburg-

FROM the local agents of the Portland and Asiatic Steamship Co, we have received an ela. Manchuria. The position is the strongest borately coloured plan of the district and build- that can be found anywhere on the railwayings to be occupied by the Lewis and Clark between Harlin and Newchwang, and it is Centennial and American Pacific Exposition not to be easily outflanked. The right is❘ and Oriental Fair, to be held at Portland, Ore. especially well protected ; for instead of the gon, from the 1st June in 15th October next in SPIRIT MERCHANTS, open plain which extends to the west of commemoration of the exploration of Oregon Liao-yang and Mukden, there is here the country in 1805. This is accompanied by the Liao River, with a high bluff on its northem official classification and roles of the exhibit

department. bank, and on the left flank there are far fewer roads than there are to the east of Liao-yang or Mukden. Not only is Tieling itself a great centre of supplies, but less than 30 miles to the north the Japanese have the town of Kaiyuan, which is one of the chief agricultural centres of Manchuria. Tie-ling is, therefore, not only a place which can be defended, and which will doubtless be made a position of considerable impor- tance by Kuroki, but one which if he succeeds in taking he will endeavour can make. at all costs to retain. As long as his Army is there, it practically dominates Southern Manchuria and the position of the Russian Army at the Manchurian capital can never be secure as long as there is an unbeaten Japanese Army at Tieling We have seen from the reports which have 44.00 filtered through from the scene of opera. 49.00 tions during the past few days that the 20.00 Japanese right were still pressing forward in an endeavour do what has not been done during the present war-cut off the Russian retreat entirely; the centre commanded by General Nodzy appears to have been engaged on the Hunho River some eighteen miles to the east of Mukden where, some days ago, they gained a signal victory; white at the southern end of the crescent, extending around a swampy plain, was NB-All our Wines and Spirits are bottled at General Oku who has been engaging the enemy and meeting with stubborn re-

CHAMPAGNES.

Perinet

Per Case. & Fils, Rheims, Cuvee reservee... quarts $51.50 pints 56.60

3

12

11

J1

"

Perinet & Fils, Rheims,

First Quality ... quarts

pints quarts pints

22.50 quarts 39.00 pints. 44.00 N.B-All our Champagnes will be found

• equal to the best.

Comte de Monte Christo

12.

"

Chateau Poncić Fleurie

15

IT

17

"

It is rarely that theatrical companies in Hoag kong have the satisfaction of seeing crowned houses for several nights in succession. This, however, has fallen to the lot of the Dallas Bandmann Opera Co. who are drawing large audiences to each performance. The two pieces staged since their season started in the Colony have undoubtedly merited patronage, and when the curtain rises on "The Cingnice to-night Mr. Dallas may rest assured that a packed house will be awating the appearance

of the artistes.

CHINA'S MONETARY SYSTEM.

The Board of Revenue intends to start a ge neral silver and copper coin-making mint at Peking with the object of establishing a uniform monetary system throughout China. It is learned that all the mints in the different pro vinces, whose schemes have been proposed, but which have not yet been established, have been ordered to be stopped instantly. In this connection, all the copper plants add other ma

home, thereby ensuring to our Customers sistance in the district west of the railway,terials already ordered will be sent up to all the advantages accruing from bottling running up from the Shaho. Here the ut done at home under the direct supervision most hardships have been encountered, and when. the brief, but stirring account of the Growers and Distillers as compared of the fighting already to hand over the

i.

Peking for the use of the general mint, On the other hand, those mints that have bers started have been ordered to be suspended for three months, until the arrival of the steel moulds. The whole idea is to establish unifor tale of carnage will be unfolded. It was mity with regard to the coinage system of evident from the disposition of the forces tions and to prevent those peculiar avita con China, so as to facilitate commercial transac [33-1) engaged that a big encounter was being | nected with counterfelt coins-Sinwunpaa.

to bottling done in China by Chiuamen wires, is supplemented by detalls another

at the service of European Firms. Hongkong, 24th December, 1904,

Another matter which might be,considered is the question: What would be done in the case of a fire? No doubt mans have been adopted to cope with such an emergency, but, however efficie the Fire Brigade may be, and tho- roughly prepared for such an emergency as it

no doubt is, the fact remains that those on the spot when the first signs of an outbreak appear.

ed and when half a dozen bucketfuls of water might do all that was necessary to prevent a conft gration, would be utterly powerless until the firigade arrived. It may be argued that many towns in the Fast adopt precautions against a water famine, and while that is per fectly true, it should be borne in mind that there are few, if any, places which enjoy the natural advantages of collecting a sufficiency of water compared to Hongkong. In fine, the whole matter seems to be that Hongkong is sorely in need of additional water-storage ca pacity and the sooner the works already started are completed the better it will be for every-. body.

MASONIC.

At a meeting of the Phoenix Chapter No. 17 A. A. S. R. held in the Masonic Hall, Zetland Street, Victoria, on Tuesday evening the fol lowing Companions were elected and installed as office bearers for the ensuing year.. Ill Comp. J. A. Tarrant 18 M, W. S.

F. Howell 30' 'D. M. W. S. W. E. Claret 30° H. P. J. R. Lee 18* 5. W.

#

I. Spafford

O. F. Focken 30 J. W. C. Lesbirel 30. Treasurer. -

30 Secretary, M. C Chancellor G. A. Watkins 30 Standard Bearer J. W. Osborne 30" Steward J. Smith 18 IG

W. Fittock Jr. 30 Tang Chee.

J. Vanstone

Equerry

|

Later.

Our detachment, which had been engag ing with the enemy's strong forces near Machuntan, dislodged them at eight o'clock this morning (8th) from their positions and is pursuing northward.

A DISPUTED BISCUIT CONTRACT,

At the Civil Summary Court this morning, before the Puisne. Judge (Mr. T, Sercombe Smith), the Hip Loong firm of wholesale bakers, sued the proprietors of the Café Weiss- mann to recover $648, being the value of 10,800 pounds of biscuits at six cents per pound,

Mr. P. W. Goldring appeared for the plain tiffs and Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., instructed by Mr. F. X. d'Almada e Castro) defended.

In opening the case, Mr. Goldring said that on December 16th last, the compradore of the very satisfactory. We also have opened an defendant Company sent his fokl round to the agency at Chingwantao. Our outstanding plaintiffs' shop and asked the manager to call liabilities in Japan also ran off, without I am oo him. The manager did so, and the com glad to say any further losses. I will now move pradore asked him how many biscuits ha could that the directors' report and statement of ac- supply of the kind known as "toi pau." Plain- counts for the year 1904 as presented be adopt liffs manager replied 50,000 pounds each ed. After this has been seconded I shall be month, and the compradore gave him an order pleased to answer any questions that may be for that amount at six and a ball cente, per put relating to business before the meeting. pound. The plaintiffs menti

on with the Mr. J. Orange said: I have pleasure in baking of the biscuits, and on the fol. seconding the adoption of the report and lowing day Mr. Weissmann, manager of accounts, and also to congratulate the Roard the defendant Company, went round and

and the Acting Secretary on the excellent inspected the biscuits and signified his ap. - figures before us. I have also to thank the proval of them. They had then baked upwards Chairman on behalf of the shareholders for his of 200 pounds. On the next day and following excellent speech which gives us more informa daya Mr. Weissman went and took samples tion of the working of the Company than is of the biscuits, which were signed in Chinera usual in such cases,

ink by defendants' manager. On the oth December 200 tins of 54 pounds each were de-

The resolution was carried unanimously, Mr. J. J. Leiria moved that the Hon. Mr. R.livered on the Praya to the defendant. The Shewan as Director of the Company be confirmed.

Mr,'da Silva seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Mr. H. W. Slade and Mr. A. Haupt were re-elected Directors on the proposition of Mr. Ribeiro seconded by Mr. Smyth,

Mr. Joseph proposed and Mr. Wickham seconded the re-election of the auditors, Messrs. W. Hutton Potts and A. W. Lowe, and this was agreed to.

This concluded the business, the Chairman stating that dividend warrants would be posted

in the afternoon.

SHIPPING AND MAILS...

MAILS DUE. English (Nubia) roth inst., 6 a.m. Indian (Suisang) 14th inst, · German (Princess Alice) 14th inst. Canadian (Empress of China) 15th inst.. American (Korea) 16th inst. German (Prins Heinrich) 16th inst... Indian (Kumuang) aznd inst Canadian (Tartar) 29th inst.

The A, A. Co.'s s.. Clavirburn left New York on 23rd ult, and is due here on 25th pre

The 3.5. Opland left, Tienisin yesterday after- noon, and is due here on Monday afternoon,

The C. P. R. Co. s.5. Tartar lesi Vancouver for Hongkong via the usual ports of call on 7th

inst.

."

The Great Northerns.s. Afinnes fa will leave Manila for Hongkong on 12th inst., and is due here on 14th inst.

The O. S, S. Co. & C MN. Co Alcinaus left Singapore at daylight to-day, and la expected here on 15th lost.

The C. P. R. Co.'s 3.8. Empress of China arrived at Kobe at 14 10 pm, on 8th inst., and left again at 4 pm., same dây via Nagasakl for Shanghal where she is due to arrive at 3 Path, on 12th inst

tins were examined by Mr. Weissmann in the presence of his manager and were alleged to be not according to the quality of the samples. Mr. Weissmann refused to take delivery, and the biscuits were taken bac to plaintiffs' shop. On the 22nd December, Mr. Weissmann called at the plaintiff shop, and in an interview with the manager, offered to take the biscuits at five- and three quarter cents per pound, provided he had the right to make a selection from the re- jected biscuits. After some discussion, the original order was amended, and the plaintiffs received an order for 15,000 pounds of biscuits al six cents. On December rotb, Mr. Weiss- mann and another European called at the plain. tiffs' shop, and made a selection of the biscuits. These were packed into tins, soldered up by employés of Mr. Weissmann, and 45 tids were delivered, and the remaining 155 tina wern delivered on January and. On the following- day Mr. Weissmann and his baker called on the plaintiffs and refused to take delivery of the rest of the biscuits. The 100 tins were sent to Singapore by the defendants, and even- tually arrived back in Hengkang, defendants refusing to pay for them.”

Evidence for plaintiffs was then led sub- stantiating Counsel's opening statement.

The further hearing was adjourned until to- |morrow afternoon,

The death occurred in Dundee the other day the event very sorrowful. She was within the of a young lady in circumstances which render

next few days to have become a bride. Het fiance, who has been abroad some time, was on his way home and arrived in London on the morning of her death. The deceased lady was to be laid to rest in her bridal rober,