1905-06-07 — Page 4

Entimations.

A. S. WATSON & CO.,

LIMITED.

ESTABLISHED A.D.

1841.

$

WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS.

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.

SHERRY.

The following. Brands are recommended as high-class Wines of superior quality.

Per doz.

J

Che

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 1905.

he Hongkong Gelegraph refuse to give the power necessary to drive

HONGKONG, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 1905..

ELECTRICAL SHANGHAI, For several years, Shanghai has been looking forward to the construction of a tramway through the Settlements, and while nobody suggested that the idea was not an excellent one, there was some under-current

beck and call of the new owners ? who may

the cars. It would seam, indeed, "that Shanghai residents have discovered a reply live subject for discussion, one that is likely to last for some time to come. Shanghai's supposed to be a lively place at any time

COMPRADORES AND THEIR SORETIES:

INTERESTING MOTIONS IN COURT Sinlogin Original jurisdiction at the Supreme. Court this morning, the Chief Justice (Mr. F.T. Piggott) heard applications of some consider.

it is on a far way to break its own "record."able interest to mercantile firms in Hongkong. But it will have to wait for its tramways?

CORRESPONDI

CE

(We do not necessarily endorse plakóns expresand by

Correspondente lo this cola

THE INDOCHINA S NACOR

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HONGMong Telegramja Bhe report of the directors of the Inde China Steam Navigation Company for the past The question arose in connection with an un-year must have come pretty much as a shock dostáking given by Mà Kia Ting, who figured to the majority of shareholders in Hongkong, as the plaintiff in the matter, to answer for particularly when a reference was made to the THE INDO-CHINA S, N. CO.

the indebtedness of a compradore formerly in dividend which it is proposed to give. There With reference to the letter from a corres- the employ of Messrs. Luigens, Einstutano and is a general impression that the distribution pondent, who signs himself "Shareholder," Co., who appeared in Court as the defendants proposed is uiterly disproportionate to the Mr. H. G. Calthrop (instructed by Mr. F. X. Coormous amount of profils made by the Com- appearing in another column, we under-d'Almada e Castro) was present on behalf of pany during the past, year. It is no exaggera- stand that an influential body of shareholders the plaintiff, and Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., (intion to say that the decision of the general in Hongkong have decided to cable the structed by Mr. H. Hursthouse, of Metari. managers in appropriating not a quarter of the directors of the Indo-China Steam Naviga Dehnys and Bowley) represented the defend-profits towards dividends is regarded with the

utmost dissatisfaction by the very large body.

tion Co. in London expressing the disant firm. satisfaction of a very large body of share Counsel for Messi. Lurgens, Einstmann and of shareholders in China. In fact, so great bolders in Hongkong in the matter Co. opened the case, and explained to his been the disappointnient that within 48 hours Lordship that he could move that the after the announcement of the dividend the stock of the proposed distribution of the carnings report of the referee in this matter, which depreciated by over 20 per cent. The fail in of the Company for the past. We also was filed on the 26th May last, might the market value of the stock was $23 he understand that a telegraphic message was be carried into effect, and that the plaintiff (ween Friday and Monday, although it recover despatched to Shanghai late this afternoon might be ordered to pay to the defendants the ed har slightly yesterday, thanks to one firm known though your columns the detailed notifying the shareholders in the Indo-China sum of $7,000 and costs of the action; also of brokers who were instrumental in making Steam Navigation Co. of the movement in that the remuneration of the referee might figures held back by the general managers. Hongkong, and it is believed that their co-be fixed by the Court, and that the amount in The drop in the market value of the shares one could understand if there was oma operation will be voluntarily culisted in the

is simply staggering. So great a slump radical difficulty either with the manage ment or in unforeseen losses, through the protest to London.

loss of a ship or some material reduction to the position attained by the Company with regard to the South and North China trade, Straits and back and the opium traffic from Ladi particularly emigration traffic from China to the to China. But none of these contingencies has arisen so far as the Indo-China Steam Navigation Company is concerned at the present moment. Nor as far as human knowledge can see is any of them likely to wishin the limits which they have set down for arise so long as the Company continue to trade themselves ever since the formation.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

of opinion which effectually thwarted the | efforts of the promoters. But, latterly, con- siderable progress had been made in the matter, and the offer of an Edinburgh firm of engineers to construct the tramway system, provided the concession was con- ferred on them, came before the Municipal Council. The tenderers stated that they would construct; equip and work an electric tramway system at an estimated initial outlay of £300,000. The credentials of the firm being satisfactory, and upon their representative complying with all the Coun. cil's requirements, the offer was on the point of being accepted. Just then, however, an agitation was railed on the subject of the Municipal Electrical Department's works, It was argued that in consequence of the mismanagement which had taken place in connection with the works- and for other reasons, no doubt-the Municipal Council should, in the words of the resolution eventually submitted to the ratepayers: "dispose of the Municipal Electricity Department's business and on- dertaking, together with the land, buildings, MR. E. D. C. Wolfe, Transvaal Emigration plant, machinery, and effects appertaining Agent for Shantung, left Cheloc inwards the thereto, in conjunction with the granting of close of fast month, for Chinanfu and is ex- a concession for the construction and work. pected to be abrent until about the oth inst. ng of tramways in Shanghai." Forthwith The Indian Cook who was so badly burned 18.00 arose a host of gladiators in favour of mani under circumstances already recorded by us, cipal enterprise and municipal trading gen-at Arenal Steel, has succumbed to his erally. The Shanghai newspapers were injuries at the Government Civil Hospital. crammed with "letters from our correspon.

Mesny's Miscellany, for the week ending the dents" on the subject. All the arguments 301 ull, contains another lengthy instalment of 17.00 that were ever heard pro and com municipal the interesting account of the tile and adven trading were once more exhibited to an ad-tures of a Britisti pioneer in China in addition D." AND "E" ARE FAVOURITE Į miring world. The example of Glasgow-to much other useful information: always nese customera.." He really secured to the firm quently the ask was very greatly diminished. -WINES ALL OVER THE FAR EAST, that bile noir of the upholders of private en- ensured to readers of this pupular Shanghai

H. SUPERIOR PALE DRY, Dinner

Wine, Green Seal Capsule ......$12.00 C.`MANZANILLA, PALE NATU-

RAL SHERRY, White Capsule 13.50

CC. SUPERIOR OLD PALE' DRY, NATURAL SHERRY, Red Seal Capsule:

D. VERY SUPERIOR OLD PALE DRY, Choice Old Wine, White Seal' Capsule

E. EXTRA SUPERIOR OLD PALE DRY, Very Finest Qual- ity (old bottled), Black Seal Capsule

AND

MENDED.

16.00

THE Chinese have been celebrating the Dragon Festival to-day.

By the addition of two fatal cases to-day, the plague record for the year numbers. 125 cases

to date,

terprise-was dragged forth and whirled bejournal.

ARE SPECIALLY RECOM-fore the faces of those who favoured the sale ACCORDING to "Garrison Orders," commenc

of the electric department. Even ministers of religion left the peaceful sanctity of their study to join in the fray, and apparently everybody in Shanghai-with the exception A. S. WATSON & CO., of a few who are interested in their business Affairs-had a finger in the pie. It was the

LIMITED,

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.

Hongkong, 20th May, 1905.

Gregortly

WINE

AND

[31.

SPIRIT MERCHANTS,

HONGKONG,

34. QUBEN'S ROAD CENTRAL,

FIRST FLOOR,

(WN. POWELL & Co.'s old premises),

WHISKIES.

per duz.

ing on Thunday next and until further orders there will be a fortnightly issue of biscuit to the troops in Garrison. We are told that they will not be issued to married families. On the 14th ist. and until further orders preserved meat will be issued fortnightly,

defendant's solicitors. The application was Court to the credit of the action be paid to the made under sub-section 8, of section 553 of the |Hongkong Cude, and also under section 557. the latter section of which stipulates that the Court has to determine the remuneration to be paid to any special referee ordered The maiter in dispute was referred to Mr. A. Lowe, chartered accountant, and Mr. Pollock submitted that a reasonable remu- neration should be paid to him for his services. Before dealing with the question of the actual report made by the referee, Counsel thought it would be convenient to furnish his Lordship with a few details of the case. The writ of summons, he said, was taken out by the plaintiff on the rath August, 1903. This man was surety for the compradore employed by the defendant, and as his Lordship was in all probably unacquainted with the term compradore Mr. Pollock proceeded to explain in what capacity these people were employed compradort, he said, was a trusted employee of a firm who eng ged him to act, in effect, as an intermediary between the firm and their Chi

their contracts, and guaranteed that any con that their native customers would carry out tracts entered into between the firm and the Chinese customers would be duly carried ou In the present case the compradore was paid a salary and also received commission. It was customary for the compradore holding such a responsible position to put up some se curity of his own for the due and faith ful performance of his duties, and also to find some person to put up security for him proper manner. The plaintiff in the case in the defendant firm, a man named Ng Lai Kok. He undertook to perform such duties as are ordinarity, performed, by compradores is

A

it

In 1953 the Company upon an infinitesimally miller moute then that did not 38,017-12-8 to be exacl--did not think wrong to appropriate from the underwriting account a sum equal to about twice as much as that year's profil, namely 66ag-7-2, sufficient to enable them to distribute a dividend of sof per share. It was subsequently stated at the meeting in London, in reply to a questios put by Dr. Divers, that in connection with the underwriting account, "outside cover had been provided which was an absolute protection against the risk which was covered. Conte

In the event of a loss instead of having a reducd loss." It was an arrangement that was a little, complex, greater they would have but it was one that was absolutely to the ad vintage of the company".

TELEGRAMS

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH"

SERVICE

FARNHAM, BOYDS.

FINAL DIVIDEND

[From Our Own Correspondent."]

Shanghai, 7th June,

108

0 50 u,ın.

No date has yet been fixed for the annual meeting

n of shareholders in S. C. Farnham, Boyl & Co., fad. the profits for the second half of the Company's financial year 1904-1905 have been announced. The Directors propose the following appropriations out of the profits —____________

A fual dividend of Eight Taols per share, making 'l'ls. 13 for tho

year;

An addition of One Hundred Thousand Thels to the Reserve Fund, making the Reserve One Million Taels'

3. And that the sum of Thirty- four thousand Thels bo carried forward to the credit of tho new profit and loss account: Shares are quoted at Tls. 165, buyers, for cash.

[Messrs. Benjantin, Kelly & Potts advise us that they are in receipt of telegram giving the same figures for the proposed division of profits as above.-ED, H.K. T.] 2

SHANGHAI ELECTRICAL

*** PLANT.

PROPOSED SALE NEGATIVED,

[From" Our Own Correspondent.}

Slanglai, 7th June, 10,50 pm.

The volc to decide whether the

pality should dis.

In 1903, the company, to quote the chair man's own words, "bad not earned from the absolute i come from the atomers a sufficient therefore the sum taken from the under- sum fully to cover the depreciation, and writing account was availed of to meet Shanghai Municipality the difference in losses 14 pay the dividend." The directors in their report in 1993 for the pose of the Municipal Electricity year 1902 referred to the depressed condition "Owing to these causes a dividend would hardly have been lonked for, but the absence of with the granting of an electric tim any total loss or of serious damage to the feel for a long period has allowed of ways concession, was laken_vestor. accumulsion of profit on the underwiting I count, which nearly, equals half the final The voto resulted as follows

all-absorbing topic, and that fact explains, | CHANG WING, an emaciated lacking youth, that he would carry out his agreement of the shipping trade in the Far East and sală: | Department's business, in connection perhaps, the comparative apathy of the nor was charged with burglary and straling cloth- then Settlement over the arrival of battered ing, and a pillow box containing two pro-point was the guarantor for the 'comprades of Russian cruisers, and the temporary absence missory teles, one for $70 and the for 816 of what are familiarly known as "bunders." the property of a woman at Yaumali on the An offer of a million and quarter taels was 5th inst. Mr. F. A. Haseland sentenced him made for the electrical plant, etc, and the to four months' "hard labour and six hours in Hongkong, and agreed to guarasita, and be capital of the Company, and the directors con For:600 Against 5.

comparative magnitude of that sun blinded many to the advantages, op general prin- ciples, of public works being carried out by and under the supervision of the public- that is to say, the Municipality. At any rate, when the Municipal Council was just on the point of granting the tramway concession to the Edinburgh people, along came the intima tion that this meeting on the subject of the Electrical Department was to be convened. The Council accordingly decided to wait a bit and watch developments. It was a de cidedly weak and pusillanimous proceeding! on the part of the Council, but it is not un precedented. No sooner was the schemo to sell the Department mooted than people began to realise that after all the Depart ment had not discharged its duties so very badly. It was admitted that it had not kept pace with the growing require ment of the Settlements, but a slight expenditure would soon Temedy that.

the stocks.

Jous WYLLE, the man of many convictions, whose last escapade was visiting houses in Kowloon, and by representing to be a Sanitary Inspector, ob'aining money by false pretences, was placed before Mr. G. N. Orme this moro. ing, when he suited that he had nothing to say, and his fifth sentence of six months hard labour was recorded against him.

sider this account has reached such dimensions

[The above telegram refers to a special personally answerable for and pay and make that they are fustified in the interests of the

revenue, leaving still the large sum of held in the Shanghai Town Hall, yesterday, to good the price of all goods delivered by him shareholders in transferring £18,655.169 to meeting of Shanghai ratepayers which was or any of his Chinese assistants either in Hong-140,003 at credit of underwriting account, discuss and pass resolutions authorising the kong or Canton, and also make good all losses This year, when the proft as shown by the Council to dispose of the Municipal +lectricity and damages, etc. The plaint if contracted to statement which vou published from Messrs. Department's business and undertaking, to be responsible in a total sum of $15, co to the Benjamin, Kelly & Fairs yesterday amounts together with the land, buildings plant defendants in respect of the defaults of the over £157,902, the dividend proposed is only 6 machinery, and effects appertaining thereto, in company actually incurred a loss, and when to for the construction and working of Tramways' compradore under his agreement. Upon being per cent, or a better than in the year when the conjunction with the granting of a concession engaged the compra inre had to d. posit 58,072, suit the general managers a dividend of five in Shanghai-ED, HR, D}/ and the defendants now proposed to appro- per cent, was declared There is only a differe

THE CRUISER "SULLY priate that sum in pursuance of the referee's ence of one per cent..between the lat year that report. Mr. Lowe found that the sum of has passed and the lean year that preceded h

One item of your report stated that: £35,000 We hear today, from the French Consul, $20,000, odd was due by the compradore to would be placed to the underwriting account that no news of any importance has been re

in addition to the provision of £65,000 for deceived from those on the Sully. Everything Messrs. Lutgens, Enisimann & Co., and con-

preciation and a round £20,000 to the general The heating was resumed this afternoon,sequently to the extent of the wirely liability before Mr. F. A Hazeland, of the case in which They had the 58,000 in haw, and were now She Tat Troi, compradore of the Hongkong, asking that plaintiff be ordered to pay them the Canton and Macie Steamboat Company, is $7,000, the balance of his liability. The referee's charged with perjury, under circumstances alreriuneration had been agreed at $312.51, and ready recorded by us.

this amount would, of course, by paid as

ALLEGED PERJURY.

COMPRADORE COMMITTED,

Mr. F. N. Ferrers, instructed by Mr. O. D. Thomion, prosecuted, and Mr. Dixon appear ed for the defence.

Li Hung Mi, assistant interpreter at the Supreme Court, remembered the wease of Chu Hok Lung and the present defend

general costs by the unsuccessful party in the present action. Having explained generally the nature of the comprad ire's agreement with the defendant firm and the surets posin Counsel proceeded to explains the precise nature of the proceedings in the Case The

reserve fund. From the chairman's s'atement is in statu que, on account if the bad weather made last year, one would infer that the comprevailing, and this has enforced a cessation of plex system of re-insurance entered into since work, and the salvage party are now remaining 1903 should not have rendered necessary the

on the qui vive for a possible few calm days, provision of any very large amount in any one year towards the underwriting account; for it until the advent of which nothing can be done. has been assented that the company's risks on Some anxiety is naturally fell for the chances its own boats were very greatly diminished, of the ultimate salvage of the Sully, as the Yet we have an appropriation of £35 co capproach of the S. W. monsoon is rendering templated towards that amount when the divis dead is reduced to a minimum. the task more difficult and even dangerous, tionate distribution of the profits 750.

What was the necessity for this dispropor I have heard it said on all hands that the holding back of the figures of the proposes appropriation by the general managers when dividend was declared on Friday last was an exceedingly unsatisfactory and by many held

THE INPRINGEMENT OF TRADEMARKS,

ACTION AGAINST OSAKA DEALERS, Mr. Mari, a bavister of Osaka, on behalf of

tion of the Company. The result has been position Company of Newcastle-on-Tyne, bas to be an unfair concern of the exact posi Mr. T. M. Luite, Manager of Holzapfel's Com- that quite a panic occurred on the local stock

But it was the offer of a million and a quarant, and also an inquiry taking place in writ of summons was issued by the plaintiff as ter taels that proved the most insidious bait. april and May before the Registrar of And the supporters of municipal trading set the Supreme Court, at which he acted as surety on the sath August, 1903, and he claim

interpreter. Defendant gave evidence in the ed to have an account taken of the dealings, to work to clear the minds of the "others." Cantonese, dialect, ani witness would swear and transactions of the compradore. It was "The offer of 14 million tacks for the depart that he correctly interpreted the questions put no doubt considered advisible that it should

be referred to an accountant, and a

tant, and a summons mont" said one newspaper "looks a very to defendant, and also his answers.

To Cheung Wa, sergeant interpreter, at the

was taken out accordingly on behalf of the exchange and in Shanghai towards the end of laid a complaint in the Osaka Chibo Saibansko literal one, seeing that the book value is central station, testified to a slalement made

plaint. This was dated the 23rd October, last and the beginning of this week, against Kishigami, a paint-denler, in Shim." Fogasding the present position of the Commachi, Osaka; and fomiraga, a merchant in Macintosh 10 years Old Whisky.... $10.00 only half the amount. But in the first place, by accused when charged, wr

Detective Sergeant O'Sullivan produbia 1933, and was consented to on behalf of the

pany is cin safely be asserted-and turn to Matsushima, Osaka, charging them with an the book value is far below its real value, warrant for the arrest of She Tat Tsoj, whom he defendants on the understanding that upon an the official statement of the directors-that the infringement of the trade mark of the com. Gregor & Co.'s Imperial Highland... 16.00 and no one would offer 14 million taels for tank into custody on the rat ult

Mr. Dixon pointed out the important account being taken by Mr. Lowe the surety Company fleet was never in a better condi it if he did not think he could make a profit pests held by defendunt, and stated that should pay up to Sigo, what the referee tion than it is at the present moment. Old plainant's company. On Tuesday Procurator 18.00 on that outlay." Then again: "Shanghai his employers had such complete con found to be due. Mr. Lowe went into the boats have been sold out of the fizet, and have Fukuda searched the houses of the defendabis Gregor & Co.'s Club N. I.

fidence in him that they were now matter thoroughly and there were numerous been replaced by several new ant up-to-date for the purpose of obtaining evidence. continues to grow so fast that while actively interesting themselves in his behalf. outings before him." In the end he found there steamers, answering to the exact requirements According to the information given by the

of the Company's business in the East. From million teels looks a large sun now, it will The terms of the agreement between defendant was due and oring the sum of $10,979 56 and resent indications there is nothing to fear complainant to the Court, the trade mark of Gregor & Co.'s Royal Old Highland 24.00 look very much smaller five years bence; and his surety were that, if there were any that the plaint ff as surety was liable to pay to that, equipped as the Company is with a fleet the company was registered in Japan on July profits from the compradoreship, the surely the defendants the $15,000 less the of modern boats of suitable build, tonnage and 23rd, 1897. Lately the defendants were found and we hold to the principle that the light was to draw 545 per month, Mr. Dixon said already paid, or held by the defendant firm.speed, any competition would wrest from the selling their paint packed in tins used by the

that defendant had stated that. Ibe surety Mr. Calihrop explained that the compr dore J. R. D, plain

J. R. D.

Absolutely the finest obtainable in

Hongkong."

SHIPPING AND MAILS.

MAILS: BEK,- Canadian (Empress of India) 19th inst. Amentin (Coptic) 17th inst, French (Ozernien) 13th insta

Indian (Sufjang) 20th installed, n Cermas (Prins Waldemar) 19th inst, Canadian (Tartar) 25th instigat

11.75ing of the Settlements should be a municipal did net draw his $48 lur two years because goaranteed that the firm's customers would company the business which it can control by

not a private undertaking." Meanwhile the there were no profits, and two yeḥra later the pay for what they had; if they did not do so. Virtue of the facilities it has enjoyed under complainant's company, with label, &c, com 14.25 firm whose offer to construct a tramway had agreement was re-made upon the old terms, the defendants could sus him, and if he did general management of a firm, who have, at plete, and passing off the anicle as the English

This charge was of the flimsiest character not pay then they could come down on the their command, numerous outlets in various composition Japan Chronicle, been for all practical purposes passed, were and was brought maliciously, and he would plaintiff as surety, it appeared, however, that branches of trade, which will ensure for the it a profit, and make it the splendid concern, left to await, the result of the meeting of electors. The result of that meeting is told to say that he left the Court without a stain on dating as far back as 1890, and he asked that which it is generally regarded as being, so

his charatter, since he was convinced that no the matter be again referred to Mr. Lown for in a special telegram from Shanghai to-day crime had been committed, and no jury would him to rate the terms under which shoe can Why is it, again, that in London the shares The electors have determined to sell their convictracts were made, the dates they ought to have actually stand at 13 sterling, with no depre. Mr. Ferrers said the case was a'clear one as been performed and when the liabilities were ciation, and yet in Hongkong and Shanghai undertaking by the overwhelming majority they had it is evidence that on the 17th of April facuried. He pointed out, to his Lordship that directly the dividend was announced the big of 600 to 5. So the eloquent divines and the defendant said he did not consult; plaintiff he was making mition for the matter to be slump of zoper cent occurred within 48 hours? saber-sided citizens who fought against the regarding the payments of the: Erta and $48 referred back, and stated that if the plaintiff These are, some of the questions which

respectively, and on the 16:1 of May he said he had been informed at once when the dcbcs along with arber shareholders, would like to

SHAREHOLDER, proposal have been hopelessly outmatched. did tell the plaintiff about the arrangement and became due the claim could not have been hear answered, am, etc. The 1, C. S. N. Co.'s 3.5. Sulsang

the plaintiff agreed. Those contradictory sate resisted. As it was they knew nothing whatever

Hongkong..7th June, 190. Well, the electric plant will be sold and now ments made in the course of official examina about the debts until long after they had been

The following table compiled from arises the question-will the holders of the tion conflitated perluty, and that being so he contracted. He asked that Mt. 1. Lowe be tramway concession have an opportunity of must ask his Worship to do, bis duty and send requested to go into the matter agaio and previous reports shows the position of affairs

repon with regard to the various contracts, and, and the force of my argument at a glancé :- defendant for trial by jury

Profits Dividend. bidding for the plant, ete, or will it go to His Worship said he was atisfied a primer state to what extent, the plaintif has been pre the party who offered one and a quarter faris case bad been made out against defend Judiced by the neglect of the defendants in not millions for it? Again, supposing the conant, and therefore the only course to him, enforcing the contracts according to their terms next and in not giving Holice to the plaintifs was to commit him to take his cessionaries decline to purchase the plant or Criminal Semions. This he dễ một

at the time the debts were contracted. *Hit Worship arentually adjourned the cafe (33-fail to bld highest, will they be placed at the bail of $5,000,

N.B.-All our Wines and Spirits are bouled at hame, thereby ensuring to our Customers all the advantages accruing from bottling done at home under the direct supervision of the Growers and Distillers as compared to battling done in China by Chioamer

at the service of European Firms. Hongkong, and December, 1994.

cutia for this port ver, the Straits on ard may be expected here on ar abo

(1903

1903 1004

*Alter, appropr Underwriting acc

The OS S. Co. & CAS, NE Yamature left Singapore yesterday. pm die here on the 11th inst. She 2 for the Pacific Coast on the rath

The OS. SUCH & CAI Ing-C65,391, 75, ad from Prometheus is due from the Spect

the

Inst.

-