1905-03-25 — Page 3

NEW PEAK TRAMWAY.

ADVANTAGES OF THE SCHEME.

DESTRUCTION OF THE FERNERY AVOIDED.

21st inst.

Within a few weeks, it is probable that the Petition for permission to build a new. electric tramway to the Peak will have been sanctioned by the Legislative Council and active operations commenced on a scheme which promises to afford as much benefit and pleasure to the residents of Hongkong as the present High Level Tramway. It seems a far cry to-day from the time, in 1881, when Mr. Alexander Findlay Smith first brought a scheme for the construction of a high level tramway under the notice of the Government; but still more note- worthy of the change in public feeling is the acquiesence of residents generally in the feasi- bility of the proposal and their desira to help forward a movement which is destined, there cannot be the slightest doubt, to create another minor revolution in the social life of the com- munity. Many and vexatious trials lay before Mr. Findlay Smith when the present Peak Tramway was first proposed. It was hinted that the Peak would become a sort of public green, where all and sundry would disport themselves to the annoyance and inconveni ance of those privileged individuals who considered that the Peak practically belonged to them, by right of priority of possession, Bat those days are past, and where formerly there were merely a few houtes scattered here and there, difficult of access and removed almost from the world, there is now a collec. 'tion of villas and mansions which are not only a credit to the Colony, but add to the pic- turesqueness of the Peak. Then it was argued that such a tramway would prove a perpetual source of danger to the passengers, that it was impossible to navigate a car up such steep gradients as those suggested should be follow ed, that nobody would patronise the cars, and indeed, that the whole-scheme was chimerical and unworthy a second thought.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY MARCH 25, 1905.

HONGKONG'S SHIPPING.

THE PROSPECTS FOR 1995.

GLOOMY TIMES FEARED FOR SHIPOWNERS.

20th Inst.

The imminent opening e ice-bound ports in the north has led shipowners and brokers to speculate anxiously on the prospects during the ensuing year. As a general rule, those engaged is the trans-shipment of goods to the northern ports can tell pretty accurately the probable condition of things which wilt prevail during the year, but on this occasion so much dobiety exists, and so little of the exact state of affairs can be foreshadowed, that it is difficult to arrive at a perfectly sound estimate, and that is what wornes those interested in the shipping trade.

HONGKONG-MANILA LINE. Muat, T. E. Collage, G. C. Engel, and J. (foreman), J. Benjamin, J. Tatum, W. F.

Cruickshank,

RUMOURED COMPETITION BY A

The Hon. the Attorney General prosecuted and called Pang Lee, the prosecutor. He said MANILA STEAMSHIP CO.: he was a ship chandler, and supplied groceries to small junks and fishing boats. He tried to 20th inst.

collect a sum of money from a junk owner, a Romours have lately gained currency in woman, but she could not pay him. Her junk Hongkong to the effect that another line of was leaving that day for the place he was going steamers was about to enter into contpetition so he took pastage by her. He slept in the with the several lines at present keeping uphold, and in the middle of the night he was direct communication between Hongkong and Manila

It was stated, further, that the Com-oney. He told him he had uone whereupon woke up by the first prisoner who demanded pania Maritima of Manila, for whom Measts. Barretto & Co. are the local agents, was the when he drew a chopper and cut him on the he commenced to search him. He objected company concerned in this new venture and shoulder. His ear was also cut in the struggle. that the first of the new competing boats would the second prisoner had come up armed with leave Hongkong about the end of March a formidable looking bladgeon with which he With the object of ascertaining the amount of belaboured witness on the back and side. The truth in these sumours, which seemed very cir: prisoners afterwards wanted to get the junk cumstantial at a first glance Mr. Botelho, of way in another direction but the rest of those Messa Barretto & Co., was interviewed. He

on board brought the junk back to Hongkong, stated that while it was perfectly true that a and the prisoners were given into custody, steamer of the Compania Maritima's line was Hongkong, perhaps more than any other about to leave Hongkong for Manila, he was distributing centre, is profundly concerned not aware that there was any intention of with the prospects for 1905. Among the ques entering into competition with the existing tions which have to be considered in this con- steamship lines running between Hongkong nection are the state of the crops, the tonnage and Manila. Indeed, he could not say at the disposal of shippers, the state of the whether the Venus, which is at present in freight market, and-above all the probability of Hongkong harbour, and will leave for Manila peace being concluded between Japan and on the 24th last-being the first Compania Maria Russia. The last point is of the greatest imtima's boats to proceed on the run-would be portance, and the opinions of a ship broker in permanently engaged on the passage. the city may be of interest not only to those who are primarily connected with the shipping of the port, but all who are concerned with the welfare of the Colony.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.

IF PEACE DE CONCLUDED. Should peace be concluded shortly," he said, "Japan will still require the services of the large mercantile fleet which she took over at the beginning of the war. It will be neces- sary to provide provisions for the troops in Manchuria, to employ transports for the return lar system ef communication between the base of the troops to Japan, and to maintain a regu-

But ably assisted as Mr. Findlay Smith was the effect of keeping a large amount of tonnage and the scene of operations. That will have and impelled by a full share of "Sixen' degged-out of competition with the regular steamship ness and Scotch pluck and perseverance" (as one newspaper of that day described it be proceeded in spite of all opposition to carry out his ideas, and the result is evident to-day.

The route of the new Peak Tramway has previously been described, and little need he said on that point at present, beyond this that it is proposed to start the track at Ice-house streel, and proceed by an easy gradient past Sir Paul Chater's new house to the Peak, the terminus there being close to the terminus of the present Peak tramway. In setting forth the benefits which would accrue from the adoption of his first scheme Mr. Findlay Smith enumerated certain facts which have the same bearing on the new tramway as they had on the old. For instance, he then stated :--

"The advantages, especially to the business life of the Colony, of a line of tramway on Queen's Road, need no demonstration. As to scheme [the scheme finally sanctioned your petitioner respectfully submits that, if carried out, it would

Firstly-Render valuable Crown lands now unproductive,,

service from Hongkong and ciber ports, but it may not last for any length of time."

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE.

"Then when that stage has been passed we can only look forward to bad times?"

have been trying to solve the question in "That is the opinion of most people who Hongkong. Even at the present time, freights are exceedingly low, due to the fact that there is an exceptionally large amount of tonnage in the East. Norwegian boats have been coming out all the time. Old boats that could not be employed at home were filled up with coal and sent to the East, in the hope that they would get acharter by hook or by crook; and the result is that a great deal of tonnage will be prepared to accept freights at the lowest figure possible, That means bad business for ship- owners at home and shipping firms here.

NEWCHWANG ICEDOUND.

"Newchwang has been icebound up till

to-day or to-morrow. We have that informa-

"Becondly-Afford important facilities for lion from the Chinese, who are most reliable the moving of troops and material as well as authorities on the subject. Boats have been ready means of access 10 the Military Sana-going up since a fortnight ago, but so far they tarium now about to be constructed. In this have not found any freight to take back on connection may be suggested the not alto account of the high price of produce-beans gether conjectural contingency that, with a

and bean cakes, for example." regular tramway service to the Peak, it might become advisable, for economical and sanitary reasons, to barrack the greater portion of the Garrison on the higher grounds, in which event the Government would reap consider able benefit from the diversion to commercial uses of the extensive property now occupied by the military.

"Thirdly-Open up the coolest and most attractive parts of the island toʻresidents and visitors.

"Fourthly-Add largely and beneficially to the over-crowded residential area of the Colony, "Fifthly-Establish communication with the outport of Aberdeen, and villages on the

southern side."

These are facts which remain the same to- day as they were 20 years ago. When the tram- way was finished in 1886 all opposition was forgotten in a chorus of praise. But success-in the first instance only stimulated the projector.

to fresh energies and he began to draft out a scheme for a second traraway which, while it should not be a replica of the first, should.em body all the advantages offered by the first, and at the same time open up a new district. Seven years ago he first presented a scheme of the site to the Govenment, but during those years he has developed and perfected his plans. so that they are now practically ready for the engineers.

Recently Mr. Findlay Smith returned from his eleventh trip round the world, and in the course of bis travels he has visited every known mountain railway. He has conversed with the most expert engineers in the world, and now his plans for a new electric car to the Peak are ready.

The new tramway will embody all that is latest in mountain teamways, with many special ideas in the matter of construction which have been thought out and invented by Mr. Findlay Smith himself. The new tramway will not be a copy of the old one inasmuch as it will have a great many modern improvements rendering it suitable not only for present-day requirements, but also for the requirements of the future. It will run over an unoccupied piece of land, the scenery of which is unrivalled in the Colony, and before many years are past we may expect to see a new crop of villas and mansions in the air, where the jaded city worker can retire after his day's duties and return cach day recuperated, and ready for a hard day's toil.

VLADIVOSTOCK closed. "How does Vladivostock stand?"

Until the fall of Port, Arthur vessels were going up all the time to Vladivostock. The

Japanese could not look after Port Arthur and Vladivostock at the same time, so they con centrated their attention do Port Arthur. All a ship had to do then was' to telegraph to Vladivostock that she was coming up north and might be expected at Vladivostock on certais day. When that day arrived the Rus sians would send out their steam ice breaker which would make a passage for the cargo-boat and the goods would be landed. But that is all done away with now. The Japanese are watching for vessels going to Vladivostock and the last vessel that left Bongkong for that destination was promptly captured I mean the Scotsman."

it

PREMATURE TO FORECAST.

it

Continuing, the speaker said that it was difficult from any point of view to forecast the shipping prospects. He quoted from a circular issued by Messrs. Lamke and Rogge in which was stated:-" As regards Northern ports, is premature to form any correct idea as to opening tales. It is said, that local companies boats are holding out for 43 cents per picul New. chwang/Canton and it entirely depends on pro- duce being scarce or otherwise, whether that ben pausually cold of late and it is quite poss figure will be procurable. The weather has sible that Newcbwang may be ice-bound up to the end of the present month." On the whole, however, it was not necessary to be too pessi mistic, and the first view which had been entertained that 1905 should prove a good year for Hongkong shipping need not yet be dis carded. A variety of circumstances may arise to benefit the Colony's trade, and ensure the prosperity of the port for another year at least,

THE NATIONAL BANK

OF CHINA, LD.

The Compania Maritims have a fleet of vessels which are of considerable size and the firm is very well-known in the Philippines The Venus, a vessel of about 1,000 tons, is expected to leave on Friday for Manila with a general cargo. Passengers will also be booked for the voyage, and to show that no idea of competing with the other shipping companies was entertained Mr. Botelho observed that the charges for freight and passenger tickets on the Venus would be the same as those being exacted by other liners. The question of establishing may prove a fact in the very near future, the a new line, however, is still a possibility which

a trial run between Hongkong and Manila with idea probably being that the Femur will make the object of determining the prospects of success in the new project. Whether that be so or not the fact remains that the Venus is engaged on a new line of duty, and the only question at issue is with reference to the per manency of her trips from Hongkong to Manila

THE CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

Junk, spoke to being called on the night in Chong Looi, the woman who owned the question to the hold where the assauli had taken place. She saw the first prisoner cut Pang Lee with the chopper, and the second prisoner strike him with the bludgeon.

Dr. Laing spoke to receiving the first witness the rath February at the Hospital. He had wound five inches long on his shoulder another on the bend of the left elbow, four and half inches long, and a third two inches long, on the upper lip.

on

At this stage the Court adjourned for launch. On resuming, the sister of the last witness, who was on the junk at the time, gave similar evidence: regarding the assault. both men use the weapons, produced, upon the She saw

prosecutor,

Sergeant Appleton gave evidence of arrest. Be found on board, the wounded prosecutor, and had him sent to the Hospital..

A sergeant interpreter at Yaumati Police Station said the prisoners made stalements down. Both men put their marks to the docu when they were brought in, which he wrote

alleged that he did not assault the prosecutor, ments. The first prisoner in his statement but said it was the second prisoner. The second prisoner denied the assault, and said the injuries were caused by the first primer.

Further statements made by the accused to tally denying the charge wore put in and read. The first prisoner now said that the women of the junk owed him $too wages, and a gold ring and wanted to get rid of him. The pro secutor kept three women, and they had all come forward to tell lies against them.

21st inst. The business of the Sessions was concluded. to-day at the Supreme Court, before the Chief Justice, Sir Henry S. Berkeley,

THE MANSLAUGHTER OF A SHIPMATE.

THE EXTENT OF PROVOCATION, Mannel Ernandes, a Spanizli sallor, of the sailing ship King George, now in the Harbour, was indicted for the manslaughter of a ship. mate, named Theobald Olsen, in the waters of the Colony, on the 14h instant.

He pleaded not guilty, and the following (foreman), J. D. Kinnaird, T. E. Collinge, J. furors were sworn: Messis, C. M. G. Bumie Clark Fisher, C. G. Brickner, W, F. Must, and D. É.

Sharp XC.) prosecuted, and in outlining the case, said there was no doubt that the deceased The Hon. the Attomey General (Mr. R. H..

struck the accused before he drew the knife,

called and said he was prezent when a quarrel Bror Olsen, seaman of the King George, was occurred between the prisoner and the dend used a certain filthy phrase to the third mate, man, about a week ago. They were all having supper in the forecastle. Prisoner said he had when the deceased called him a liar.. Prisoner language got up and struck prisoner in the called him a liar, and after using a lot of Glihy

was sitting, with the dead man on top of him. face. He fell down on a bench on which he Prisoner drew his sheath knife and stabbed Olses in the groin. Both men then ran out of the forecastle, deceased making his way to the Captain's cabin aft.

evidence was interpreted by Chief Detective George Erdwin, a German sailor, whose Inspector Hanson, gave evidence almost similer to that of the last witness. Prisoner, the knife threw it overboard. after leaving the cabin, and seeing blood upon

James Herbert, an old sailor, likewise was called and corroborated the prisoner's testi mony. The two men had never been able to agree ever since they joined the ship. He ask ed prisoner what he used the knife for, but he

about an hour afterwards, made no reply. He went aft to assist to dress the wound of the deceased. The man died

Captain James Curtis White, of the King George, said the deceased came to his cabin, "Who did this?" and deceased replied, holding his hands to his groin. Witness raid,

by on the ship. Witness tent for a doctor, "Manuel," which was the name prisoner went from one of the ships in the Harbour, but nothing could be done as the wound was too serious, and death took place shortly after his arrival. Deceased was about 17 years of age, but a better man physically than the prisoner. The prisoner had borne a good character on the

His Lordship, having briefly summed up ship." zolh inst. The business of the Sessions was continued the jury found the prisoners guilty, and they were sentenced to five years' imprisonment at the Supreme Court this morning, the Chief Justice (Sir Henry S. Berkeley) presiding,

with hard labour, each to the receive twenty- four strokes of the birch rod on entering the gaol.

BRUTAL ATTACK ON A SERGEANT,

Wong Kwong Fi, Li Fat and Chun Chi were indicated for committing a violent attack in a Chinese Police Sergeant in the New Territory on the night of January 31st last,

DARING GANG ROBBERY.

bery of money and jewellery from a large Wong Yau Fat was indicated for the rob

Dr. William Huster, chief of post mortem exanimations, spoke to examining the wound which was an inch and a half long and four inches deep. It was a fatal wound from the start, and must have been caused by a say how old the deceased was very sharp knife. It was very difficult to P. C. Wilden, of the Water Police, spoke to

They pleaded not guilty, and the following number of people, whom, by threats, he puts being summoned on board the sailing ship on

jurors were em pannelled-Messrs. J. D. Kin- nard (foreman), F. W. White, C. Lanahan, Erich George, A G. Coppin, H. D. Bell, and Dhunjeebhoy B. D. Burjor.

The Hon. the Attorney General (Mr. E. H. Sharp, KC,) briefly opened the case, and called Sergeant Fan Ching who said that on the day in question he was stationed at utau in the New Territory. On that date he was at Anlung where there was

temple known as Fak Tai. He saw a man running out of the temple, and followed and caught." He found the man was carrying three boxes of opium and a pair of scales. He arrested him and proceeded to take him to the police station, baving to pass the temple to do so. Whilst three prisoners who demanded the release of on the way, he attacked from behind by the the prisoner. He refused, whereupon they set about him and pulled him to the ground and struck him many times. They stopped up his mouth with earth and grass, after he had blown his whistle, and then they took away his whistle and revolver. He was then stabbed many times in the face, cars and hands. He became unconscious, and when he came to he was in the Police Station, and afterwards removed to the Government Civil Hospital. He had known all the prisoners before. It was a little after half past six when the attack took place. The first prisoner was the keeper of the temple, and on one occasion he remonstrated with him for allowing so many bad characters to congregate there.

Dr. Laing spoke to attending the last witness at the Autau police station. He found from ten to fifteen stabs on the head; both upper eyelids were cut through and he had to silich them; his head was twice its aormal size form the violence he had received. Altogether he had to put eight stitches in his face. Beyond now quite recovered. He had to remain six the fact that his right ear was deformed, he was werks in the Hospital. He would think from the position of the wounds, all near the eyes, that the object of the assailants was to blind the man.

grave bodily fear.

back for sentence.

He pleaded guilty, and was ordered to stand

In connection with the case Cheung Mak charge, of stealing and house breaking and Sang, and Yau Kiu were indicted on the same putting in bodily fear a large number of people

on the 22nd February, in the New Territory.

Mr. H. G. Calthrop prosecuted on behalf of the Hon. the Attorney General.

ing were sworn jurors:Messrs. J. McArthur Prisoners pleaded not guilty, and the follow- (foreman), M. P. Beattie, C. G. Bruckner, T, E. Collinge, F. E. C. Georg, P. A. Cunningham dad C. Lanahan.

above, said that on the day of the robbery, six Wong Yau Fat, the prisoner mentioned

said they would like to take him to a place men, including the prisoners, came to him and

they meant to go somewhere to have a gamble where he could make a fortune. He thought

so he went with them. After visiting several ed to do, did they want him to go robbing? tea saloons be asked them what they intend- The first prisoner said "No," and urged him

on. Some time later they came to the house of the first prisoner, where he made a bamboo ladder, and told witness they were going to Witness said he would not go. The prisoners rob a little distance from where they then were and four others who were there told him if he did not come after having walked ten miles, they nullah. He was so much afraid that he followed would stone bim to death, and bury him in a them. They came shortly afterwards to a house which they surrounded, and eventually three men who had got on to the To 1 jumped down into the house, and bound all the in- mates. He, with the two prisoners stood out side the door, and did not go into the house. The men inside the house then came out carry ing a lot of articles. The men not in custody run with them as fast is he could. He refused gave him some of the goods and told him to

the evening of the night in question when the Captain gave the prisoner into his custody. Prisoner had a nasty mark over his right eye.

Mr. N. G. Nolan, the Court Spanish Inter preter, deposed to taking the statement of the prisoner as the Central Police Station.

The Hon, Attorney-General read the state- made the same statement before the Magis ment which amounted to a confession. He

tracy.

witnesses had said.

Prisoner now said he agreed with all the

the evidence it was abundantly clear that the His Lordship, in summing up, said that from

deceased in the groin, severing thereby the prisoner drew his shenth knife and stabbed the

To write off from value of electric

plantarumine depart. 2,228,74 To carry forward to new account....... 3,554.92

$88,876.58

DIRECTORS.

Mr. E. Osborne retires by rotation, but offers himself for re-election. Mr. R. C. Wilcox bas been granted twelve months' leave of absence.

AUDIT.

The accounts have been acdited by Messr H. U. Jeffrica and A. R. Lowe, CA., who offer themselves for re-election.

W. HUTTON FOTTS, Chairman,

The accounts are as follows |----

Capital-

BALANCE SHEET. · 31st December, 1904, Liabilities.

12,000 shares at $50 each (fully

paid-up)

1,000 mortgage deben.

tures (6 per cent) authorised" issue, at $500cach.....................$500,000,00 Less 270 ditto held by

the Company..... 135,000.00

$600,000.00

365,000.00

Reserve fund, as per last account 100,000.00 Sundry creditors .....

Unclaimed dividends

$35.479.20

6,787.00

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

Corporation (current account)... 77:497.09 Profit and loss account, balance

as per statement.......... 88,876.58

Assets.

$1,273,639.87

Value of land and building as per

Jast report :- Marine Lot No. 5 and

remaining portion of Marine Lot No. 3...$374 045 60 Remaining portion of

Marine Lot No. 7... 368,108.20

Praya reclamation-

cast of land.... 23,390.42 New building on le

clamation, payments

on account...... 256,256.02

Cost of three Chinese houses on sections B, C and D of Inland Lot No. 8o.... Value of furniture and

fixtures, as per last account...............$ 67,207.49 Less written off as per

last report

Since added

Installation of electric

7,207.49

$ 60,020,00 2,091,97

light... $ 57,328,74

Lert account from spe

cial reserve fund

1

20,000.00

-$740,153.80

278,646.44

33,000.00

62 092.92

31,228 74

41,663.00

5.796.31 2,66667

Stock of linen, crockery and glass-

ware, &C........... Stock of wine, provisions, house- hold sundries and stationery, as per inventories ............................ ******** 31,576.49 Shares in public companies. Licenses attaching to 1905 Value of steam launch as per last

report Sundry debtors .......................... Hongkong and Shanghai Banking . Corporation (unclaimed diviď.

eads account)... Cash in hand.......

7,000.00 32,845.95

6,787 00

182.55 $1,273,639.87

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT,

For the six months ending 31st December, 1904. Dr.

crown rent

the two men, which arose out of a previous great artery and inflicting a mortal wound. It was given in the course of a contest between

unlawful killing was murder, but that offence altercation between them. Prima facie all

Crown against the prisoner was the lesser might be reduced to manslaughter according To bad debts and refunds to circumstances. The crime charged by the

crime of manslaughter, and the reason why was that the deceased came by his death deliberately, yet the act was done under circumstances of great provocation ausing from a blow, which the deceased had previously. strick. It has been held, and it is the law, by striking the man, and death results, that is that if a person upon receiving a blow, replies manslaughter, if it can be properly considered that the blow was the result of the provocation previously received. Had the provacation

been a pretext it would have been murder, but

on the evidence in this case, manslaughter was the proper charge. It had been held thai no

provocation could render homicide excusable, might excuse a crime, and if the provocation was extremely grave the punishment might be practically ni

but it could reduce it to manslaughter. It

•

The jury after a brief deliberation found the

His Lordship, in passing sentence, said he was satisfied from the evidence that the deceased

his death upon himself. He evidently dealt the was a bully, and was bullying the prisoner on that occasion. In one sense he brought prisoner a heavy blow, for he knocked him down, and for some time he bore the mark of the evidence that the deceased was a bigger the blow in the face. It appeared also from

man than the prisoner, yet for all that it did plained to the Captain, but instead, in the heat not justify him in his act. He could have com- of passion, he stuck a knife into the m... Ho (his Lordship) always had sympathy with a man sympathy did not extend to one who used a who had been struck in the face, but that

knife. Pristaer was a very young man, 'just starting out in life and this he took into con- sideration. He would sentence him to three years' imprisonment with hard labour, and he only hoped that it would be a warning to the prisoner all his life never under any circum. stances to draw a knife again. The Court rose at noon.

and struck him with a bamboo. Later on hel when the first prisoner called him a coward, started off with the goods to the pre-arranged duty on the sight in question, when he heard and said he was not entitled to any of the booty Sergeant Perkins deposed to being on patrol other six men. They all began to scold him meeting place, and was later joined by the

groans from the roadside. He went in the Afterward, however, they gave him a gold coin, direction from whence the sounds proceeded and some small things, and ordered him to and found the prosecutor lying in a small pit clear out. On his way home in Kowloon, he about two feet deep surrounded by prickly was carrying a silver bangle and some of the bushes. He took him to the police station, stolen property when he was stopped by a where he was attended to. The following policeman who wanted to know how he came morning he made an examination of the scene, by it. Thinking he might be ill-treated he and found the sergeant's whistle and the holster made a clean breast of all that happened. of his revolver. There were signs of a very The owner of the robbed house spoke to severe struggle, and marks in the road where being badly assaulted. He recognised the they had dragged the body about, In the last witness and the second prisoner as temple he found the sergeant's umbrella. being two of the party. He had known the Chen Tak, a police constable at Autau police first prisoner a long time, but did not see him station, spoke to arresting the prisoners in the there that night. The amount of money they temple the day following the assault. stole that night would amount to $350, includ

ing $100 in American gold pieces. They, the inmates of the house, remained tied up all night. When he went to the Police Station the next morning, he found the two men in the dock and the first witness in custody, He identified a quantity of clothing which had been stolen from his house.

Chief Detective Inspector Hanson said that on the 7th February, the prisoners and eight others were taken to the Hospital, and out of the lot he unhestitatingly picked out the first and second prisoners, and later identified the third.

All the accused made long defences denying that they took any part in the attack.

In delivering judgment in re the petition for the reduction of the capital of the National said that the petition was opposed by only 44 Bank of China (Limited), Mr. Justice Farwell holders of the founders' shares, though, of course, they were entitled to be heard, and it was for the Court to see that they were not unduly The seating arrangements are to be on a

oppressed. The first point taken was that there was an express bargain that the holders of the new and improved principle: They will per founders' shares should not be interfered with mit the passenger to enjoy the vista from all. He did not think that was the true construction points of view, at the same time giving the The general power to reduce capital was not maximum of comfort with the minimum of intended to be limited, and the protection of straie. The cars will be lighted by electricity. the founders' shares was left to the Court. Then An ingenious device which is the invention of it was said there was no sufficient evidence of

His Lordship summed up, and said there Mr. Findlay Smith, has been arranged, whereby loss of capital. That was a matter for expert could be no doubt that the persons who com the light is obtained through an apparatus evidence; and the experts for the company far mitted this assault did so with intent to maim hanging from the car and connecting with a outweighed the experts on the other side. There and it was quite certain that but for the timely wire running along the centre of the track. was no doubt that, owing to the fall in the value and very skilful assistance of Dr. Laing, the un It was suggested at first that the railway of the dollar, the company had lost the amount fortunate sergeant would in all probability bave would pass through the public gardens and destroy the Fernery and palm trees (which are could not see that a company which over 12 ately cut across. He thought the jury would not of capital alleged. As for the goodwill, he lost his eyesight, for his eyelids had been deliber not palm trees according to a well-informed

years had paid an average of only a little over be justified in finding the third prisoner guilty writer) but we believe that a hint about a short per cent, could be said to have a valuable on account of the failure of the sergeant to at tunnel is mooted which readers may accept for goodwill. The real objection to the scheme once pick him out at the Hospital. The what it is worth. The grades will be easy; there was that it was not fair and equitable. The Attorney General had also agreed to withdraw will be is probable that freight waggons will also observations made by Mr. Justice Stirling in

the charge. be no sharp turnings, but long sweeping curves. “In re London and New York Investment The jury returned a that the new tramway is to be the latest Corporation ([1895) 3 Ch. at p. 867) exactly the first and second predict of guilty against thing in tramways and should prove a boon fitted the present case. His Lordship could see His Lordship then discharged the prisoner and a blessing to the Colony. It only remains ne hardship in wiping out the founders' shares. Chu Chi. With regard to the other, (who now for the Government to sanction the These shares would get nothing until 8 per cent. atoutly protested their innocence), be sentenc scheme and work will then proceed without

was paid on the ordinary shares, and there wased them to five years' imprisonment with bard delay.

no reasonable prospect that the ordinary shares labour, and to receive twenty-four strokes with would ever reach that level. Nor could be see the birch on entrance to the gaol. any object in keeping just a shred of life in the founders' shares in order that they might have a bops for the future. The company might want new capital, which they could not secure without getting rid of the founders' shares. He was convinced that the scheme would do no injustice, and the prayer of the parition must be granted.

In the billiard match, Y. M. C.A. European Department v. Chinese Department, on Satur- day, the former won every game, while in a match between Mr. J. H. Oxbeny, winner of the European Department handicap toumament and Mr. Tan Boon Leung, winner of the Chinese Department bandicap tournament, the fatter won by 17 in a game of sou up,

ANOTHER BRUTAL ARMED ATTACK. Lo Po Shing and Lo Yee were indicted for committing a violent assault upon one. Pang Lee with intent to steal, each of them being armed with choppers and bludgeons, on the 12th February last.

ནཾ་

They pleaded not guilty and the following jury was empanelled Messrs, D. E. Clark

An inmate of the house, related tothe owner, was called and identified the second pri

He picked bim out of a large number of men soner as being one of the robbers. at the Police Station, having distinctly seen his face in the house by the light of a torch He had known the first prisoner for a long had the same sprname. time, but they were not related, though both

the robbery, one being knocked down and Two women inmates of the house spoke to robbed of two silver bangles.

A native constable spoke to arresting the prisoner Wong carrying stolen goods. From what he told him he went to the house of the first prisoner and there found property which was identified by the prosecutor.

Statements made by prisoners when charged were put in and read.

Prisoners now denied the charges.

His Lordship summed up, and the Jury found the prisoners guilty, His Lordship sen- tencing them to five years' imprisonment with hard labour, and 24 strokes of the birch on en. tering the gaol,

The prisoner Wong Yau Fat, who informed on the others was sentenced to four years' im prisonment and ta strokes of the birch..

The Court adjourned till to-morrow at half. past ten.

THE HONGKong HOTEL COM- PANY, LIMITED.

The report of the board of directors to be presented at the ordinary meeting of share- holders, to be held at the company's hotel, at 12.30 p.m., on Tuesday, the 18th March, is as follows:

Gentlemen, In accordance with section 56 of the Articles of Association, the directors now

beg to submit their report for the half-year

ended 31st December, 1904.

ACCOUNTS.

The profit on working account amounted 10

**

...........$

174 85

502-40

3,103.30

fire insurance

"

2,337.89

debenture

Int. on

M

$500,000 at 3 %-...$ 15,000.00

less returned on de-

bentures held by the

4,630.87

10,369.13

interest account .......................

1,983.65*

directors and auditors' fees

51

3,200.00

repairs and renewals

874-77

15

balance to be appropriated as

follows:-

Company.............

To pay a dividend of--

I

10 per cent....$ 60,500,00

transfer to repairs

andrenewalsa/c 10,000.00

7,000.00

,,"write off (ram va

lue of furniture and fixtures.... 12,092.92 write offfrom value. of steam launch write off from va. lue of electric installation.... carry forward to. new account...

Cr.

1,238.74

3.554.92

88,876.58

$111,422-57

By balance from 30th June,

1904 ********** ....$68,876.14 Less dividendl

at 10%...$65,000.00 Less transfer to repairs &

renewals p/c 10,000.00 Less written of furniture and fixture account... 7,207.19

77,207.49

11,668.65

11

By rents of shops and

offices, old building...$ 7,290.00 rents of shops and

offices, new build ogs 2,573-47

9,863-47

By dividend on shares in public companies...amma scrip and transfer fees

497.00

42.00

25.10

"profit on hotel working account for the six months ending 31st December, 1994......

89,326.25

$111,422.57

4

bad debts recovered

REPAIRS AND RENEWALS ACCOUNT. For the six months ending 31st December, 1904. Dr.

$89.326.25 as compared with $78,424.49 for the To payments on account of repairs corresponding period of 1903, showing an in- crease of $10,901.76.

The profit and loss account, including the sum of $11,668.65 brought forward from 30th June, 1904, shows a credit bilance of $86,876.58, which the directers recommend should be ap portioned as follows

To

pay a dividend of to per cent. for the half-year.....cere

....$60,000.00 To write off from value, of furniture

and fixtures......................... 17,092.9a To transfer to repairs and renewals

account..........................imary :10,000,00 To write off from value of stoam

launch mister. 3,000.00.

and renewals during the half- year ending 31st December, 1904..

Cr.

..$ 12,699.52

$ 12,699.52

By balance from last account.m$ 1,824.75

transfer from profit and loss ac

"

11

‚count, as recommended, in last

report..........................................

profit and loss account

10,000.00

874-77

$ 12,699.52