1906-03-17 — Page 3

>THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1906.

CHINA TRADERS INSURANCH' | THE LAZE KING:OF DENMARK.

COMPANY, LIMITED.

roth inst.

An extraordinary general inceling of share- holders in the above-named Company,was held at the registered offices of the Company, at noon to-day, when the resolutions set out below, which were paused at the extraor dinary general meeting of the Company held on the sixteenth day of February, 1906, were submitted for confirmation as special resolu tlans.

The following gentlemen were present Messrs. H. W. Slade (in the chair), A. Haupt, E. Goals, C. R. Lenzmann, (Directors); G, T. Veitch, W. J. Saunders, C. M.G. Burnie, A. B, Rouse, A. Ough, W. H. T. Davis, E. H. Ray, and Jas. Whittall, secretary.

The Secretary having read the notice con-

vening the meeting,

The Chairman proposed that Resolution No. I be confirmed. Mr. G. T. Veitch, second- ed.-Carried.

+

Resolutions: (1) That the Articles of Asso- ciation of the Company be altered in the fol. lowing manner:

The following Article shall be substituted for Article 130, namely:-

130. The Board, through its secretary, shall make yearly statements of the accounts of the Company from the 1st day of January to the 31st day of December, in each and every year, which shall be duly audited and presented to the shareholders, at each of the ordinary meet- logs of the Company, together with a report on the general position of the Company.

(2). That the Board, through its secretary, shall make a statement of the accounts of the Company as from the 1st day of May, 1905, LO the 31st day of December, 1905, which shall be duly audited and presented to the share. bolders at the next ordinary meeting of the Company to be held during 1906 and that, inasmuch as the accounts of the Company have already been audited and presented to the share holders to the 30th April, 1905, no further or other statements of the accounts of the Com pany for the year 1935 shall be called for by ur presented to, the shareholders in respect of Article 130 as this day substituted.

On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. H. T. Davis, resolution No. 2 was con firmed.

The Chairman-That is all the business, Kentlemen.

The meeting then terminated-

THE ADMIRAL'S COMPLAINT,

JUNKS AT MURRAY PIER

10th inst. At the instance of Inspector Smith, at the Police Court this morning, three junk men

appeared on a charge of blocking Murray's at three o'clock yesterday afternoon. The de- fendants pleaded guilty, and added that they did not know they were doing any harm. Inspector Smith informed the Court that this was a constant nuisance and that several com- plaints have been made by the naval people. The police had received several letters from the Admiral complaining of the blocking of the wharf. The Admiral's pinnace was delayed on many occasions, and as these junks are rather large it takes some time to clear the

way.

Mr. Melbourne: But I see these men are employed by the naval authorities, Messrs.. Punchard, Lowther and Company.

Inspector Smith: Yes, your Worship. But they are not permitted to be alongside the wharf.

His Worship said that as this was their first visit to Court he would treat them very lightly, and imposed a fine of $3 each and cautioned the defendants.

FILIPINOS IN TROUBLE.

ABSENT FROM THE SHIP

Foth inst.

Capt. A. T. Brain, master of the s.s.. Oro, proceeded against two Filipino deck hands at the Police Court this morning, for being absent from the vessel since the 8th instant, and also for disobeying his orders. The defendants de nied the charge. The master of the Oro said that the first defendant signed on in this Co- lapy on the ruth January, 1995, and the second man at Yokohama, on July 27th, 1995, both to serve until the termination of the articles, 29th December, 1906.

His Worship-Tell them they are in the habit of leaving ship without permission. I see they did the same at Kobe.

The first defendant, who acted as spokes man, said that they were badly fed on board, and that for six months' work he only received $65. Other ships paid their mea monthly.. As regards going on shore without leave, defen. dant said that they had had the permission of the chief officer, who, when permission was asked, said:"You can go for good!" 'His Worship sentenced the defendants to three weeks' hard labour each.

THE SINGAPORE Ţreasury MYSTERY.

WAS IT AN EARTHQUAKE?

It will be remembered, says the Singapore Free Press of and last, that a short time ago the Sikh seory on duty at the Treasury vault heard a loud noise from the vault and believed some thief had cffccled an entrance. As the treasury offices were closed the corporal of the guard turned out bis men and also obtained additional men from the Marine Police Station. The guard were then ordered to load their rifles and a cordon of men was placed round the whole building. Later in the night, however,

THEIR MAJESTIES' THANKS.

roth inst. The following despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies is published in yester day's issue of the Gazelle-

DOWNING STREET,

6th February, 1906.

FASHIONABLE WEDDING.

RUTHERFORD-WAKEFIELD.

Ioth inst.

quakes, above stated, 149, were localised and 74 general, the ratio being 2 to 1. Considering the various provinces, localised earthquakes mostly occurred in Osumi, Satsuma, Higo, Hizen, Chikuzen, Taushima, Iwami, Kaga, Noto, Sado, Echigo, Shimano, Shimozuke, Iwashiro, Uzen, Ugo, labikati and Teshio. With the exceptions of Shinano and Echigo all these provinces rarely experienced general earthquakes.. Hyuga,, Bunge, Tosa, Kii: and Mino Provinces, and Kinai and Tokaido dis- great extent.

THE AREA OF ORIGIN,

It is not often that S. John's Cathedral is the scene of two such brilliant weddings as those which have taken place during the week in the sacred edifice, the days selected for these fonctions having been, as one might say, the alpha and omega of the business week. SIK,-1 have laid before the King your tele-To-day the Cathedral was once again a bril-tricts were subjects to general earthquakes of gram of the 31st of January, expressing the liant scene on the occasion of a very interesting Colony's sympathy with His Majesty, and with semi-military function, when, at the hands of Her Majesty the Queen on the death of the the Rev. F. T. Johnson, H.A., at three o'clock, King of Denmark.

Mr. N. H. Rutherford, of Messrs. Shewan, Tomes And Co., was united in the bonds of holy wed. lock with Miss Margaret Dorothy Wakefield, daughter of the late Colonel Thomas Wake field, of the Madras Army, and, of the sent on Staff Corps, and Mrs. Wakefield, at present on a visit to Hongkong. --

The church, which had been very tastefully decorated for the occasion by the Verger, Mr. J. Vanstone, with the usual Oriental foliage Plants and flowers, presented a very brilliant spectacle, when, at 2.30 p.m., the guests began to arrive and take their seats, the ladies' dresses being well set off by the brilliant military uni forms of the officers present.

2. His Majesty commands me to express on behalf of the Queen and himself his high ap preciation of this kind and loyal message of sympathy from His people in Hongkong-1

have, &c.

ELGIN. Governor Sir Matthew Natuan, K.C.M..,

Rec.,

&c.,

&c.

CHINA SUGARS.

FABULOUS PROFITS,

The following is the report of the China Sugar Refining Company, for presentation to the shareholders at the twenty-eighth annual general meeting, to be held at the offices of the general agents, at noon, on Wednesday,

the 21st inst

The general agents beg to submit to share. holders their report on the company's business for the year 1905 with a statement of accounts to 31st December last.

bonus

The refineries were

The Band of the Royal West Kent, under the bafos of Bandmaster T. McKelvey, was stationed in position, but when, at 3 pm, the bride, escorted by her brother, Lieutenant Wakefield, who was later to give her away, arrived, it was the organ that, broke forth in the strains of the "Wedding March" from Lokengrin. The bridegroom, accompanied by Mr. W. R. Robertson as best man, had pic viously arrived and taken up his position at the Chancel steps to await the bride.

train

than Bosho Peninsula.

The shape of Japan (excluding Formosa) can be considered as an arc, with centre in the Sen of Japan. This shape greatly affects the distribution of earthquakes in this country. The inside of the are, viz. the provinces that face the Sea of Japan, are frequently visited by localised earthquakes, while the outer side of the arc, facing the Pacific Ocean, is subject to general earthquakes. The latter are often ac companied by tidal waves, which have mora destructive power than earthquakes. Mino, Shimazuke, and Iwashiro in the central part of Japan frequently are the seat of severe localised earthquakes, but their neighbouring provinces, Kodzuke and Hida are conspicuously free from great earthquakes, as are also, the provinces of

GBO FENWICK AND CO. LTD. | to publish the paniculars, hitherto, giyen on -working account as it was information which

might be used to our d'étriment

ANNUAL MEETING,

'foth inst.

The seventeenth ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Mestra. Geo. Fenwick and Co., Limited, was held at the Hongkong Hotel in the forenoon, to-day.

Mr. A. Rodger presided, and there were also present, Messrs. W-Parlane, J. Rodger, J. 1. Andrew J. McCorquodale, A. Libes and

I

D., Kinnaird,

The notice convening the meeting having been read, the Chairman said-Gentlemen, The area of origin of these earthquakes lies with your permission we will adopt our usual in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, not far from practice and take the report and statement of the shore of Japan and it extends almost accounts as read. Your directors regret that and Sagami provinces lie between this sub- and engineering are concerned, has shown Parallel to the shore. In particular, Musashi the year under review, so far an shipbuilding marine hotbed of earthquakes and the exten- a slackness of business through nearly the sive localised earthquakes area of Shimazuke. whole of the time. Consequently when ten- Moreover, these two provinces have their owndering for work, estimates had to be cut very causes for localised earthquakes, so that they fine to compete with the keto competition that head the list in the number of great earth existed, but I am glad to say we secured a fair quakes. Rikuzen, Rikuchu, Mutau, Nemuro, shate of what work was offering although we and Kushiro provinces are also subject to the had to be content with a smaller profil than influence of submarine earthquakes. The usual. Meanwhile we are using our utmost

endeavours towards retrenchment in every de origin, however, does not extend further south

partment of the establishment without sacri- ficing efficiency. We had hoped for a brisk- ness in trade setting in with the close of the Russian, and Japanese war, but in this we have been disappointed. The launches, plant, ma- chinery and buildings, have been kept in a fairly good state of repair. The report and statement of accounts now placed before you state very clearly the Company's position, therefore it is needless for me to go into figures or details concerning them, and we trust the. appropriation of profits as presented meets with your approval. Our reclamation at North Point is nearing completion. This property should be a good asset in the near future, as it is a magnificent site and a suitable one for many purposes. Owing to the abandonment of the Praya East reclamation scheme, accompanied by the depression in the land market and a general tightness of money in the Colony (temporary I hope), we think it advisable to continue carrying on our business, in the mean time, in our present premises at Wanchai and have petitioned the authorities for permission to do so, as the present time is very inopportune for selling land or calling up more capital and one of these two things we shall require to do shortly, if we proceed at once with the erection is having our careful attention and serious of the new works at North Point. This mater consideration. Mr. Winterborn, our present general manager who is leaving the Colony in May, has resigned his position after fourteen years' service throughout which time he has worked hard and done his best to promote the welfare of the Company. We all wish him, I am sure, every success in his new under taking and hope he may be in a position to place some good orders with us before long. Mr. Andrew, who has been in the Company's the routine of our business. having carried on service for nearly ten years and understands Mr. Winterbure's duties during his absence on leave for ten months in 1901, has been appointed to succeed him. I do not think there is any further useful information I can give you, but before moving the adoption of the report and statement of accounts, I shall ability any questions relating to them. be very pleased to answer to the best of my There were no questions and the Chairman

When a great earthquake occurs in the sea it gives a powerful shock to the sea water, and causes a tidal wave. The history of Japan shows that there have been 23 tidal waves of disastrous character on the Pacific coast, and 3 on the shores of the Sea of Japan. The num- ber of earthquakes that originated in the Pacific Ocean was 47, so that the ratio of earthquakes to tidal waves is'two to one. There is general- ly an interval of 30 minutes to one hour and a

A tidal wave is responding tidal wave. half between the earthquake and the cor- nothing more than a waye with a very large In the directina amplitude of oscillation.. of the Sea of Japan, Sado Island was visited by tidal waves twice and Echigo once and beyond there, no tidal wave is on record. The pro vinces most frequently visited by tidal waves are Izu, "wa, Settsu, Totomi, Rikuchu, and Musu. These provinces suffered six or seven visits of tidal waves. All of the 23 tidal waves of the Pacific coasts and 3 of the Sea of Japan above mentioned, were of the severest soit. They destroyed buildings and human life.in a most terrible manner, Miror tidal waves are not included in the above number.

|

Mr. Arnold seconded the adoption of the " report and accounts. Carried unanimously.

Mr. Forbes moved, the confirmation of Mesars, E. S. Whealler, B.A, Hewett, and H. Schubart as directors, and the appointment of Messrs. E, A, Hewest and A. J. Raymond

Mr. Orange seconded. Agreed. Mr. Michael moyed the re-appointment of the auditors-Messes, W, H, Potts and A, Q'D.

Gourdin,

Mr. Percy Smith seconded. Agreed. The Chairman-- thank you for your attend- auce. Dividend warrants may be bad on application.

THE CHINA-BORNEO COMPANY,

LIMITED.

The following is the report for presentation to the shareholders at the third ordinary yearly meeting to be held at the office of the, Com- pany, at noon, on Saturday, the 24th inst.

Gentlemen, The general manager and con sulling committer beg to present to the, share holders the third ordinary yearly report of the company.

$20,848.27

4,000,00

The accounts shew a profit of From this has to be deducted:- Fees to consulting committee Leaving available for appropriation... 516,848,27 The consulting committee recommend To write off Talaga saw mills and

6,948,65 Kudat pier.........**

,4,000,00 launches and lighters..... 5,000,00 timber concessions......... 1,799.62

$16,848.a7

*

cast of removal'

· 19

H

15.

33

Consulting Committer.-In accordance with the articles of association, Sir Paul Chater, Ki, C.M.G., retires but offers himself for re election,

Auditor. The accounts under review have been audited by Mr. W, H, Potts; who offern. himself for re-eleciton."

J. WHEELEY, General Manager. Hongkong, 12th March, 1906, STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS TO DEC. 31, 1905. Liabilities. Capital:-

60,000 shares each $12-$720,000.00 Less 14,000 shares un-

well employed during the greater part of the

The bride was very handsomely gowned in a year, but during the last few months a falling off in demand necessitated a reduction in frock of ivory Duchesse satin, trimmed with

Inclusive of

pleated chiffon, and garlands of orange blos the output of refined sugar. 542,812.75 brought forward from the year 1904

soms and white heather, the long the sum at credit of profit and loss account is

tiara, surmounted and held in place the long $1,405,4 19.68, frons which has to be deducted bearing the same blossoms, which also, in a bridal veil of tulle, while she carried a semi- $200,000 paid as interim dividend of 10% on 18th August last, leaving $1,205,119.58 avail- shower bouquet of chrysanthemums, steph- able for appropriation, and this sum the generalnotis, and tube roses. She wore a very hand- sume, pearl and ruby pendant, the gift of the agents and consuking committee recommend shall be dealt with as follows, viz.:-To pay a groom. As bridesmaids she was attended by the final dividend of $15 per share, $300,000.00; to little Misses Duffie and Mabel Dickson, Eileen transfer to a reserve fund, $850,000.00; to Hastings, and Sylvia Ross, who looked very

to European staff, $15,000.00; to

sweet indeed in white crêpe de Chine frocks carry forward, $40.419.68; Total $1,205,41968. trimmed with guipure, with wreaths of pink The steady fall which has occurred during the

roses of palest shade in place of hats, while year in values of raw sugar and the uncertainty they wore very pretty little pearl and gold as to the future of prices, render it necessary brooches, each of different design, the gift of to provide a large sum against forward pur the groom, and carried baskets of flowers chases, hence the proposed transfer of $850,000 adorned with pink ribbons. Master Dickson, to a reserve fund which will be utilized for the

performed the duties of page, and looked very purpose of writing down such commitments.

The consulting committee consists of the handsome in his MacDuff taman kilt, and. wearing a gold and pearl pin, the bridegroom's Hon. Sir Paul Chater, C.N.G., Messrs. A. G. Wood and E. Shellim, of whom Sir Paul gift. The service was fully choral, the choir intaning the responses and the psalm, Mr. Dea- Chater and Mr. Wood offer themselves for re-

man Fuller presiding at the organ, and playing, during the signing of the register, Tann hauser's March, which, on the signal that the happy couple were leaving the vestry, ceased, and gave place to Mendelssohn's Wedding March. Aftertheceremony the guests'adjourned to the Hongkong Hotel where a reception was held by Mrs. Wakefield, mother of the bride, and there the newly-wedded pair received the congratulations of their throng of friends, their health being drunk in humpers. In all there were some 250 guests at the reception, and the wedding gifts were both numerous and costly, testifying to the popularity of the young couple. During the reception in the Hotel the Royal in Japan. The heights of the wave at Yoshi-moved the adoption of the report and accounts. Talaga saw millsicaspa andintor West Kents Band played suitable airs, appro- priate to the occasion, and tended greatly to enliven the proceedings

slection. Mr. A. J. Raymond resigned his seat on the committee on his departure from the Auditors: The accounts have been audited by Messrs. Thomas Arnold and W. H. Potts who offer themselves for re-election.

Colony in November last...

Balance Sbeet-One Year-to 31st Dec., 1905.

CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES.

Paid-up capital ............................. *********** $2,000,000.00 450,000.00 Equalization of dividend fund ...

86,129.85 Repairs and renewals ajc

408,243-25 Sundry creditors ...... Balance of profit and

loss a/c....$1,40,419.68.

Less interim dividend

at 10% paid on the

18th August, 1905, 200,000.00

Property account consisting ofn

ASSETS,

East Point Refinery......

Bowrington Refinery

"Swatow Refinery ..............

Hongkong Distillery...

1,705,419.68

Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford will spend a short honeymoon in Macao, after which they will return to Hongkong to join the 5.5. Nubla $4,149.792.78 on which vessel they are about to proceed for

a holiday in Eugland.

$1,531,209.03

1,010,77 Cash.. Raw and refined sugar, &c......... 2,038,299.48 10,517.65 Spirits and rum.

290,179.17 Charcoal, coal, stores, &c.............

62,527.30 Sundry debtors Shipments

$352,816.87 Less....... 136,767.49

PROPERTY ACCOUNT.

To Balance on 31st December,

By transfer from profit and loss

a/c. st. per last report, Balance on 31st December,

1905...

216,049.38

$4,149,792.78

JAPANESE BARTHQUAKES.

AN INTERESTING ARTICLE BY PROFESSOR OMORI

THE RUMOURS OF A GREAT SHOCK IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Professor Omori has contributed a very interesting article to the Dempo apropos of the rumours that a great earthquake is due in Japan

this year:-

There is no ground, he writes, as we learn from a summary in the Japan Times, for the rumours that this year, being the year of "hinos-uma" (fire horse), will see a great ......$1,581,209.03 | earthquake. History establishes no connection whatever between earthquakes and years of $1,581,209.03 "uma" None of the great earthquakes of the Keicho, Genroku, Ansel and other eras occurred $50,000,00 in "uma" years. There was an interval of 79 years between 1703 and 1782, during which 1,531,200.03 time Japan had no severe earthquake. But on an average a great earthquake occurred once $1581,209.03 in every 28 years, so that a great earthquake in the near future is not an improbable thing. $83,788.47 The great earthquake, however, will not originate in the ground below Tokyo, but most 2,503.00 probably the vibration will originate in the 750.00 North-east and extend to Tokyo. The shock will be comparable in severity with the great 587,038.47 carthquake of Mino and Owari. In time of earthquake, hillside position suffer less 200,000.00 destruction than the low-lying parts of the city, Tskiji rests on very soft subsoil and may fare 287,038.47 badly. Net balance, ... 1,205,419.68

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT. To Commission,

Remuneration to consulting

committee,

21

"

Auditors' fees,

#

interim dividend $10 per share paid 18th August, 1995,

Balance brought forward from

last year............ Gain on working.... ..............................

By

" Interest,"

Comparing day with night in frequency of earthquakes, out of 10x recent earthquakes 40 $1,492,458.15 occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight, and 28 between 6 am and noon. So earthquakes $42,812.75 occur more frequently at night than in the 1.447.751.98 day-time."

in Japan, the scientific observation of earth. 1,893.42

quakes dates from 1876, and the number of $1,493,458.15 observatories and report stations reached 1,600 at the end of 1901. According to the reports. furnished by these observatories and slations, coume of 13 years from 1885 to 1897. The number of earthquakes for 1886 was 473, the smallest of all those years; and that for 1894 was 2,729 and beaded the list. The average per year was 1,365. In Tokio alone 2,485 earthquakes occurred in the course of 26 years from 1876 to 1901. The smallest number was 32 for the year 1881 and the largest was 225 for the year 1895. The yearly average was 96, THE GREAT HISTORICAL ZARTHQUAKES,

THE TIDAL WAVE OF 1896.

Mr. Kinnaird seconded and the motion was carried.

Mr. J. Rodger moved the re-election of Mr. Parlane to the directorate.

A tremendous tidal, wave visited Sauriku Provinces (Mursu, Rikuchu, and Rikuzes) in 1895, on June it. It was caused by an earth- quake that occurred at 7.33 p.m. the same day; and the wave reached the shore at 5.19 p.m. was one of the largest waves that ever occurred hama, Rikuzen, reached 80 feet. The wave extended from Shirizaki in the north to Ojika peninsula in the south, the distance being 250 miles. On that occasion 6,690 houses were washed away, 537 destroyed, 771 damaged, the total coming to 7,357. In addition, 2,477 build- ings, including temples, schools, yea, the 20% etc were washed away, 239 destroyed, and 297 damaged, the total coming to 10,370. In addi tion, 21,953 persons were killed and 4.398 in- jured. As compared with the Nobi earth-gentlemen; dividend warrants will be ready on

Monday. quakes, the losses of houses were about one- tenth as many, while the loss of life was three times as beavy. The conclusion is that à tidal HONGKONG GODOWN COMPANY, wave is more dangerous than an earthquake,

A great earthquake occurred in Tokia on June 20, 1894, at 2.4.10 p.m. As the shock occurred in the daytime and in summer, the casualties were small and no fire broke out. The shack was, however, the heaviest one that has occurred in Tokio, since the great earthquake of 1855. In the city, z4 persons were killed, 33 seriously wounded, and 115 persons slightly,

NOKI EARTHQUAKE,

Mr. McCorquodale seconded and the motion was carried,

Mr. Andrew moved the re-election of Mr.

issued each $12...$168,000.00 Hongkong and Shanghai Bank,

amount overdrawn........ Bills payable........ Sundry creditors. Balance of working account...

-$$52,000,00

55,167.58 15,000,00 ********* 19,101.00 20,848.27

5662,116.85

Assets. Hongkong saw mills Value as per last state-

ment ........................$150,000,00 Since added

Sandakan saw mill-

Value as per last state-

Since added

ment

1,995.41

...$40,000.00

1,625,00

41,675.00

44,662.51

Steam launches and lighters :—. Value as per last sinte

ment..........

Less amount provided for deprecia.

tion 10,600,00

valne lighter Deu-

Arnold as auditor, which, after being seconded Less by Mr. Forbes, was carried.

.

The Chairman-That is all the business,

ANNUAL MEETING..

12th inst.

The nineteenth annual meeting of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Gowdown Company, Ltd., was held in the City Hall this afternoon, the Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson pre siding. Among those present were Sir Paul Chater, Messrs. E. Goetz, N. A. Siebs, A. Haupt, E, Shellim, G. H. Medhurst, E. A. Hewett, C R. Lenzmann, C. H. Thompson, A. G. Wood, directors E. Osborne, secretary; Captain Brown, J. R. Michael, A. Forbes, H.. Percy Lamber and Captain Tillett. Smith, 1. Orange, T. Arnold, F. Smyth, J.

The Secretary read the notice calling the meeting.

calton sold 6,500.00

106,201.35

17,100,00

89,191.35-

Since added onenar 6,615.70

95.717:05 Sandakan engine works & slipway *-*-* Value as per last state.

meat..........

Since added...............

Plant :-

71,700.29 10,994-52

82,694.81

$23,716.91

Value as per last state-

ment Less, amount provided

for depreciation...... 2,400.00

$21,316,91

Since added 3,757,93€

-$ 24,074.84

Land and house property House and office furniture........... Kudat pier....!! Timber concessions :-

Value as per Inst state-

ment ....................$23,775,16, Less amount provided

for depreciation

saw-mills

7,72145

$2,054.71

Since added 4,328.50

Sundry debtors........................... Suspense cost of removal of Talaga Stock of tough and sawn timber,

stores, material, etc. ................

Cash in hand......

6,769.53

2,395.03 8,000,00

$ 23,383 2x

6.708.39

1,048.65

155.791:22 18,251.20

$663,116.85

On October 28, 1891, at 6.37 am, the pro- vinces of Mino and Owari were the scene of a holocaust. The shock was felt almost all over Japan, except north of Sendai. The area of the vibration covered two-thirds the whole of Japan, extending about 500,000 square miles, The vibration extended to a distance of 325

The Chairman said:-Gentlemen,-The re miles from its centre so that the area of vibra tion, on land and sea, must have been about 337.500 square miles or twice the whole area of part and accounts, having been with you for Japan. The area of the heaviest shock extend- several days, i propose, gy be regarded as ed from Nobi plain to Fukui, in those dis read. The main feature of the year's work, as tricts, there occurred mountain slices, and sub-disclosed by the report, is that we have ex- mersions, upheavals and fissures of the earth; pended considerable sums in the development muddy water spouted from unexpected places, of your property and business, to keep pace ob house or bridge semained intact, and losses with the growth of the Colony's shipping trade, of life, or limb were numberless. The area of which places Hongkong in the unique position the Leaviest shock was about 18,000 square of barbouring annually the largest aggregate of The commencement of work on the British miles, extending over Mino, Owari, Echizen. registered tonnage of any port in the world.

The severity of the

section of the Kowloon-Cantes railway leads Kaga, Ohmi, and Ise. shock was about the same as that, of the great earthquake of Tokio in 1855, and 10 the hope that the long deferred industrial even severer at such places as Neoya. There advance of Kowloon is nearer at hand, and you were towns and villages in Mino and Owari will therefore doubtless endorse the board's where not a single house remained standing action in acquiring, from the estate of the late through the shock. In certain villages, all the Mr. Granville Sharp, additional accommoda- fatalities reached from 4.7 to 5.5 per cent of the Company's propery at Kowloon Paint. houses were burnt. In Western Mine, the tion in the piece of land that lay wedged into We have spent largely, and are making fur- the total village populations. The total casual-

ther outlays, on lighter craft in order to cape with the increasing amount of work lies in these provinces were 24,448, including 7273 killed and 17,175. wounded. The number of dwelling houses destroyed was over 80,000, afloat which is now entrusted to us and which was formerly monopolised by native so that the ratio of houses destroyed to persons

assist in.expediting discharge of vessels lying at the wharven. In the early part of 1905 was 4 or 5 to 1. The smallness of the casual.

considerable difficulties arose lá connecțion ties, as compared with the number of houses destroyed, is due to the slightness of Japanese with China New Year settlements, and you By profit on sales of rough and sawn architecture. Should a similar earthquake occur in Europe or America, the casualties will be pleased to learn that though serious would be much greater. Besides the dwelling regularities occurred in connection with goods By strip fees hauses there were destroyed many other build-deposited in other public godowns the mer- instapco found to be intact, thus emphasizing ings. In all, 142,177 buildings were destroyed, chandise, entrusted to our care was in every the advantages of storage with the wharf com- and 30,321 damaged, the tail coming to 222,501, Estimating those of one building at an average of 200 yen, the total comes to 44 pany. The dividend which is recommended million yen. Taken together with the loss for your acceptance, though larger than has moderate return on the market value of your sustained by the railways, farms, etc., the been hitherto customary, still representa but a artets, if such value may be gauged by the grand total is about 60 million yea.

price at which land in the vicinity of the Kowloon godowns has recently changed ownership. The development of your busi

another noise of something falling was beard INFORMATION FOR MARINERS. 17,750 earthquakes occurred in Japan in the killed was to 1, and that to the wounded lightermen. These additional boats will also

from the vault and the Sikh corporal was almost driven frantic by the belief that burglars bad effected an entrance to the strongroom, and be kept the guard with the additional men.op the qui view the whole night.

A report was made to the Treasurer the next morning, and the strongroom opened and it was found that bags containing 540,000 had slipped from a shelf on which they had been placed and were scattered over the floor of the vault The whole vault was thoroughly examined but no trace of anything suspicious or anything that could have caused the bags to fall could bd found and up to the present the matter is a complete enigma.

LUZON COASTS BULLETIN.

The bureau of coast and geodetic survey hos just published a third edition of a bulletin con- taining valuable information to mariners and others relative to the north and west coasts of Luzon and the off-lying and adjacent islands between cape Eagano and Manila bay. This edition contains new information culled from The records of earthquakes in Japan show that in the course of 1,487 years from 417 (the the reports of F. Westdahl, engaged in the

fifth year after accession of Emperor Inkio hydrographic survey of the coast from Calili point to San Fernando, the reppnis of John te 1898, there occurred 223 great earthquakes, all of which made fissurca in the earth, and Bach, engaged in the typographical surveys One theory given for the fall is that a slight between cape Bolinao and the vicinity of Santa caused numerous casualties. The ancient re- Cords were very imperfect in relation to the earthquake occurred and it is stated that the Cruz, the reports of W, B. Fairfield and R. B. Hon. E. C. Hill bas said that he imagined be Derickson between Santa Cruz and Cabingen, North East and Hokkaido. The actual oum Jelt an earthquake on the day the dollars fell, Zambales, of J. 1. Gilbert and H. M. True ber of earthquakes must have been many times greater than the above figures, Under the Another theory put forward is that the big gun blood, engaged in topographic, and hydro-

Tokugawa Shogunate, the feudal lords were firing from the forts caused a movement of the graphic, surveys in Manila bay and from other

strictly ordered to furnish full reports in bage and ibat they gradually slipped and sad. sources. denly came down with a run. The natives in. All this information has been prepared in the relation to natural calamities and abnor terested have the usual "hantu" theory, but office of the coast and geodetic survey by Harry mal occurrences, so that the records can be the fact still remains that the cause for this. Ford, nautical expert. Although better considered comparatively perfect, except with curious occurrence has never been discovered. known than many other portions of the Philip regard to Hokkaido and Loochoo. According As there is no seismograph, or instrument pine islands, the existing surveys and informato there records, 108 great earthquakes occurs for, registering shocks and concussions of carb-

tion as to the north and west coasts of Luzoned in the course of 299 years, up to 1898, or

once in every two years and a half. quakes in Singapore, the earthquake theory are still incomplete. cannot be authenticated. We are informed that the delicate clocks and instruments, in Messrs Motion & Co's godown were not affected.

This edition contains notes on history as well as geography, and touches upon the climate, weather, storms, typhoons, earthquakes, het cetera, of the archipelago.

Of great earthquakes, those felt in ons pro- vince alone are called "localised earthquakes" and those felt in more than one province, "general earthquaken" Of the 223 grost garth-

The most of these casualties did not occur as the direct results of earthquakes, but were mainly due to panic on the part of the others Some jumped from upper storeys, while sought refuge in wrong places.

"A RECENT issue of the Nangtanpa gays that H.E. Chuo Kunting, Governor-designate of Kiangsu, is waiting for the new Governor of Honon, Chang Jen-chun to arrive from Shansi before he can give up his post at Honan to come to Kiangau H. Ho Ting-kan, Gover par of Kiangai, has asked to be punished on account of the Nanchang massacre.The Bri tish demands in connection with the murders are the punishment of the murderers, an in- demnity, and the privilege of stationing British gunboats on Poyang Lake for the protection of missionary properties in the interior,

the rate

To

WORKING ACCOUNT. Dr. management, office expenses, and general charges at Hongkong, and Boraco.....

To interest To exchange To balance

timber, &c.

Cr.

$17,710,16

2,005.12

3,361.25

20,848.27

$54.524.80

$54.505.Bo

19.00

$54,524.80

THE NETHERLANDS TRAD ING CO.

It would seem that the latest addition to the list of banking institutions in the Colony has had a rather prosperous time over the fixity of the dollar in the Straits, if any reliance is to be placed in the following extract from the Java

of Bode:-

ness has been slow and profit derived from it has not kept pace Handsome, profile hays, been made, and with the appreciation of your property heavy losses too. But the value of the dollar but you have satisfaction in the knowledge that is now fixed, and exchange fluctuations are the business rests on solid foundations and wo things of the past. It is said that the agency must look forward to the possibility of more of the Netherlands Trading Society at Singa

pore did splendid business by buying, hp as Mr. Michael-1 expected, to hear from the many dollars as possible when the exchange abundant harvests as the years progress. chair some reason with regard to the working stood low. It was a risky thing, but proved to account. We have been supplied for the last be a success. Some speak of even a ono and 18, years with, a statement of the working a half million guilders, profit, having been account. This report has dropped it. entirely made, much to the irritation of the British and no remark has been, made by the chair on Banks, which seem to be, of opinjgo that the the subject. Can any explanation be given? Trading Society abpuld be abore such specula- The Chairman-The directors, after duetions This calls to mind, the fable of the fox consideration, decided that it was inadvisable and the gWpp",