1907-03-02 — Page 12

1H8" TUNG LOI LANK

HOLOCAUST...

CORONER'S INQUIRY,"

ESCAFE ORDINANCE MUST, BE enforced,

25th February Mr. F. A. Hazeland presiding as Coroner and * jury, consisting of Messrs. C. Rogers (tore man), T. W. Clarke and H. P. Madar, held an Inquiry at the Magistracy this afternoon into the circumstances touching the deaths of a number of persons who were killed in a fire which broke out at No. 3. Tung Loi Lane, early on the morning of the and instant, due | record of which having already been made in these columns.

Inspector Warnock, of the Central Police Station, and Detective-Sergeant Walt watched proceedings on behalf of the police.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY MARCH 2, 1907.

S.S, "HONGKONG" STRANDED.

FIRE ON BOARD THE

"SHAWMUTH!!!

SMART WORK DY. THE CREW.

***A MISHAP 20 THB “ DEVANHA?

DIPARTURE OF PRINCE FUSHIMI FROM

KODE..

QUICK REPAIR WORK.

COMPANY MEETING,

‘SHANGHAI LAND INVESTMENT: CO., LTD. The annual meeting of the above Company CARGO SLIGHTLY DAMAGED,

was held yesterday evening at the offices of the Company, a Jinkee Road, reports the Shanghai The Boston Steantship and Towboat Com.

Timer of 21st Feb. There was only a spare pany's steamer Skawinul, Captain Roberts,

attendance of shareholders, presided over by which arrived at Kobe from Hongkong late on

As a result of the expeditious manner in Mr E Jenner Hogg. Others presept were. Thursday afternoon, left early yesterday morn which the repairs to the damaged P. and O. Messrs. E. C. Pearce, J. M. Young, C. W. ing for Yokohama, About 8,20 a.m., when the steamer Dranka were carried out by the Kawa: | Wrighson, J. M. Jamieson (directors), A. Dallas, steamer was in the Kli Channel, it was dis-saki Dock Company, the steamer was ready H. von Rucker, Crawford D. Kart, Marcus covered that No. a hold was on fire, reports the to resume her voyage to Europe in good time Wolf, A. McLeod, H. J. H. Tripp, 4. R. Kib- Japan Chronicle of Feb. 17.

yesterday morning, says the Japan Chroniclear, N., F. Bryent and P. Peebles, their of 16th ulto,

manager.

́ ́ PASSENGERS' SAFE.

26th February. A private telegram was received in the Colony yesterday that the French #amer

·Hongkong, Capt. Coreil, had stranded, on her recent voyage from Hongkong to Hoibów. When a representative of the Hongkong Tele graph called at the office of the agents of the steamer this morning to verify the report, Messrs. A, R. Marty & Co, courteously supplied us with all the information "they were then in possession concerning the mishap. Only meagre details are so far available. The Hongkong left Hongkong on the 19th inst. bound for Haihow. She carried seven European passengers and a general cargo. The steamer stranded at a point between Hainan Head And Mofu. Later without any assistance. Captain Anderson suc ceeded in refloating the steamer; but as she was making some water he decided to beach her. He did so, and the Hongkong now lies safely on a sandy beach in a perfectly sheltered position awaking-asastance from Hongkong.to The passengers and crew are all safe.

Early on the morning of the 2nd instant, Crown Sergeant Fenton declared, a message was received at the Fire Brigade Station giving notice that a fits had broken out in Tung toi Lane. Witness was the first Euro- pean fireman on the scere. When he arrived. At the time of our representative's visit this on the scene the entire building was on fire morning, Mesars. Marty were completing ar and flames were bursting out of every window. rangements for the despatch of salving gear, At this stage the Coroner called Mr. Hageic. to the Hongkong, and it was expected that gard, an engineer from the Public Works all necessary assistance would be got ready to Hepartment, who submitted: a plan of the be despatched to the rescue of the stranded building to the Court,

vessel by to-morrow morning.

Mr. Hazeland informed, the jury that the reason why the inmates of this house were unable to escape 'was because the bamboo ladder which led to the moof of the, house took fire and shut out all means of escape. Mr. Clarke, one of the jurymen, asked Mr. Haggard if, for instance, the ladder leading to the rapt of this house was made of ordinary, wood, instead of bamboo, would it have taken fire:56 easily. Mr. Haggard replied that it was" a question of time. He said that the wood used to make stairways in Chinese houses is usually of so common aipature that he doubted whether any Chinese staircase would last tong in any fire.

Jaryman Clarke, who said he had had previous experience with fires, declared that he was in favour of a moveablo fadder, as it was in this case, than one which is a fixture, and liable to take fire quicker than the other, Fros ladders, in his opinion, would not have been any better for with the fire nearby it would get hat and The Ceroner thanked Mr. Clarke for his Opinions and said he was pleased to have hal a person on the jury who had some experie..te of fires.

would be impossible to mount,

WAS IT ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

A MYSTERIOUS CHINESE WOMAN, -

251 February." Station, arraigned a young and rather good Sergeant Sullivan, of Huoghom Police looking Chinese woman belare Mr. A. Hazeland, at the Police Court, this morning, to answer a charge of attempted suicide. The excuse the woman gave for attempting to take her life was scarcely probable. Her hus band,, she said, had two sisters. They did all the house-work and would not allow her to do any. That was the cause, she alleged, o

her attempting suicide.

Her lips, Bands and clothing were smenred with opium when she was taken to the station,, and the police are of opinion that by doing so” the woman had something in view. The wo. gan lived with her family at No. 41, Kowloon Road, and as far as could be learnt there have

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An alarm was immediately raised, and all bands turned out to extinguish the outbreak. So successful were the efforts of the crew that the fire was put out before any serious damage was done to the cargo in the hold. It is stated by the Kobe Water Police that the No, a hold was loaded with hemp, which had been taken on board at Manila nnd Shanghai for Yokohama.

The Shawmut was put about, and returned Kobe about ten o'clock yesterday morning. A representative of the Chronicle went on board the Shewmus yesterday afternoon, and obtained some particulars of the fire from Cap. tain E. V. Roberis. The captain stated that the Showmur leit Kobe about six o'clock yes- terday morning, and in addition to the cargo of hemp and matting there were 33 Japanese emigrants on board, bound for the United States. When the ship was about to pass through the Kit Channel it was discovered that No. bold, was on fire. The crew at once stood by the pumps, and within twenty minutes the fire was completely got under. The dam stated Captain Roberts, but considerable dam age done to the cargo by fire was not serious, age was done by water. This damaged cargo was being discharged yesterday afternoon, after which the Shawmut was to resume her voyage

to yakobama.

ANOTHER SHIP FIRE. NARROW ESCAPE OF THE "KAWACHI MARU." FOUR LIGHTERS ABLAZE IN KOBE HARBOUR.

The following report as taken from the Japan Chronicle of Feb. 19:-On Sunday afternoon at 3.15 a fire accurred in the barbour, which had it not been for prompt action of the been some damestic troubles for some me.

Chief Officer of the Kanchi-muru, might This morning, the young woman. Leung Lai,have resulted disastrously for that vessel. The said she had drank apiam and was promptly Kawachimura arrived in Kobe on Saturday taken to the Hunghom Police Station and from London, ria ports, with a fall, cargo, thence to the hospital. The woman, it' was amongst which was a large quantity of oils, poured it over herself by doing so she thought discliarging was actively proceeding and. it would bring her husband in terms. The Court several lighters were grouped together le bound her over to keep the peace for a year,

ceiving cargo from the hold aft. Two-lighters were full and a third was nearly ready to WONG-NEI-CÀONG RESIDENTS

leave the ship's side, when, just as some barrels of chlorate of soda had been releas ed from the sling into the lighter, a rush

Soon after ten o'clock His Imperial High aess Prince Fushimi left the Otowa in a closed carrings for the American Hatoba, followed by the suite. At the Hatoba, waiting to receive Prince Fishimi, were Mr. Kajima, Deputy Mayor of Kobe, Chief Justice Tamaru, Mr.. Yamamoto, Chief Procurator, Mr. Saito, super. intendent of Customs, the chiefs of the Kobe and Hyoga police, and others. His Imperial Highness arrived at the Hatoba at about 10.30, and immediately went on board the Kobe police launch Homer, which proceeded to the Pand O. steamer. A number of gentle men went out to the Divanka by the launch, amongst whom was Mr. J. B. Rentiers, Acting British Consul at Kobe, The Devanka leit Kobe a few minutes before noon,

སྙ

Mr. Peebles was unanimously appointed secretary to the meeting."

The Chairman then said:-The report and accounts which have been in your bands for some time may, I presume, be taken as read and I will propose their adoption, I am glad to be able to present to you such a favourable record for the past year, results which enable us to offer you the ordinary dividend and a substantial bonus as well. We have done good work during the year. Our rentals have increased by about Taels 41,600, but on the other band you will notion that the deductions for "Fire Insurance, water, repairs, etc, appear heavy and I should explain that this entry has been made: to bear some heavy items for what are really, permanent improve ments which might fairly be charged to capital To a representative of the Osaka Mainichi who called at the Otowa, where His Imperial as they much reduce ordinary repairs in the future, but I feel sure that you will approve of Bighness Prince Fushimi spent Thursday the prudent policy we bave adopted of taking night, Captain Acoma, uide-de-camp to the specially sent from Shanghai by the P. and Udamage caused by the typhoon last summer, Prince, stated that the Desin had been them from the year's earnings.

England. Consequently, the steamer carried Company to convey His Highness and suite to only two foreign passengers and an official of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, in addition to His Imperial Highness and suite. At the time of the accident, continued the officer, all on board were in their cabins, he being occupied in. reading. Three biasis of a steamer's whistle were suddenly heard, as if something unusual bad happened, and he immediately went up on deck. Sounds as of a collision were beard in the direction of the ship's bows, and in an instant a flash of light, as though a small mine had exploded, was seen ahead. The Devanka was proceeding at a slow speed, and when a collision was considered imminent the engines were promptly reversed, so that the damage done to the steamer was small. A seaman soon came up to the captain of the steamer, whio war on the bridge, and reported that the damage was slight.

The entry includes also some rather heavy

which cont un batween Tls. 3,000 and Tls. 4,000. Fire-lasurance, as well as the 'charges for lighting and water, naturally increase as our buildings extend. You will notice that the credit for interest account shows smaller fi- gures, It accounts for the reduced total of Working account and is attributable to the fact that we have used more of our funds in new buildings and in the purchase of new pro- parties, which though non-productive for the moment, will be remunerative in the near future. We have invested during the year Tls. 381,600'ip new buildings, Tls. 195,900 in va cant land, and Tis. 200,100 on land and build ings together a total of Tis. 807,602-all of which should do well. On the other we have sold three properties giving satisfactory profits which are credited in Profit and Loss,

account.

PRINCE FUSHIMI'S MISSION.

The interchange of missions between the Courts of St. James and Tokio sets, as it were, the popular imprimatur on the Treaty of Am ance ratified by, the respective Governments of the two countries. "Five years ago, when the Anglo-Japanese Agreement for, Alliance, was drawn up, the action of the British Governe ment constituled a significant departure from a policy of eschewing alliances, which seemed likely to become one of Great Britain's tradi tious. It is true that such policy applied. mainly, if not exclusively, to the European continent; but at that time the possibility of an alliance outside Europe, with the sole excep tion of America, which in virtue of Anglo-Baxon; intro breza calory of in owa in regard to our "foreign relations, would bardly occurred to the popular imagination, Conte quently it was left to the far-sightedness of our statesmen to discover where a policy of nominal isolation might be departed from with advant age to the nation and to lead the country with them in their interpretation of the signs of the future. The tentative nature of their action may be gathered from the fact that an Agree- ment for Alliance was allowed to precede by. three years the more comprehensive Treaty of Alliance signed on August 13, 1905. Current events in the Far East provided the best possi ble confirmation of the wisdom of the British Government's policy and ensured for the Allance & full measure of popular support in Great Britain With a happy knack of giving expression to the nation's feeling in a man ner that at once commends itself to the. approval on the Treaty by charging Prince country, King Edward set the seal of popular Arthur of Connaught with the personal investi ture of the Emperor of Japan with the Order of the Garter. That mission called for a return visit to the Court of St. James, which has been. cotrusted to His Imperial, ilighness Prince Fushimi, a cousin of the Emperor and ane af Japan's distinguished generals,

Sergeant Fenton, who is a foreman in alleged, did not drink the poison-she only paint and chemicals. Our Sunday afternoon He (Captain Azuma) then went below and Charges owing to there being na pausage throughout the world. The ultimate effect of

the fire brigade, continuing, said that after the fire six charred bodies were found. He also spoke of a few other unfortunates who had 10 be taken to hospital suffering from burast

Dr. Heanley, medical officer of the public mortuaries, was the next witness called, and he referred to examining several bodies that were brought to the mortuary, after the fire. Ho was of opinion that death was due to suffuck- tion and extensive burns

· AN EYEWITNESE'S STORY.

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STARTLED.

A FINE ON THE HILLSIDE.

A correspondent writes:-While the rexi- dents of Wong menchong Road were quietly A Chinese gentleman, who was asleep in enjoying their tiffin on the 25th uit, and discussing one of the upper floors when the fire broke out the sapics of the maming, they were greatly on the ground floor, told a story of how he startled by a strange noise which was being rescued six parsons from being burnt to death, made in the street." It began, with yells and which was proved by a glance at his hands screams, followed by the scampering of font Two fingers of each hand were in bandage, steps, and the blowing of a police whistle, the result of severe burns. He said, in telling which it was feared was never going to stop of what he had gone through during the fire, The noise threw the whole neighbourhood into that on the morning in question he was consternation. Men, women and children awakened by the sounds of a police whistle-some in their burry forgot to leave their napkins being violently blown in the street. He behind--rushed into the street to ascertain the jumped out of bed and found the raum. full of smoke. Not much time was inst before the flames ate through the floor, and he started to leave the burning building, The main stairway leading to the street was on fire. There was a panic, he continued. The inmates of the floors below-he lived on the top floor-all made a rush for witness's flat to escape by the roof. Several succeeded in doing so, whilst others met their death ascending the Indder, in a very few minutes the trap-door was blocked by these fleeing persons. Witness went on to explain that he worked his way to The top of the ladder and getting on the --roof was the means of pulling six persons up through the trap-door and on to the roof. The flames. were then burning fiercely, Soon the ladder took fire, and it was in drag- ging up the last person that he had his fingers barnt. There were eleven persons living on this floor and only five are alive now, six being

killed in the fire.

QUESTION OF FIRE, ESCAFES.

A question of fire escapes in Chinese build ings was then brought ap. The witness said that the ladder--or what was left of it-was his propeny. He had occupied two houses in this Colony and in each case he had to buy his own ladder, no ladder being supplied by the landlord which could be used in cases of fire to escape by the roof. The Coroner could not gel from the witness whether this was the general custom 'among the Chinese, so another person was summoned to speak on the subject, Hè said that is his opinion he did not think ladders were supplied by the landlord. If there was no ladder then he believed it remained for the tenant to get one at his own expense or go without any,

That concluded the evidence in the inquiry, after which Juryman Clarke read out part of a section of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance in reference to fire escapesin Chinese tenaments. He said that according to the Ordinance he would think that every house was supplied with fire escapes: He would suggest that an Ordinance be passed making it compulsory for every building to have a stairway leading to the roof and made of hardwood which would take a longer time to burn. The wood-China fir-he stated, that is used by Chinese builders for tenementslose they staying power as soon as it gets healed.

THE JURY'S FINDING,

His Worship informed the jury that any sug gestions they had to make would be conveyed to his Excellency the Governor. The jury then retired to consider their verdict. After several minutes they returned to Court and his Worship read out their finding as follows :—

THE RIDER.

We End that Fuk Kwan and seven others, male and female, died through misadventure, being burnt to death in a fire at No. 3. Tuo Loi Lane, whilst endeavouring to escape by the roof. We would recommend that section 149 of the Public Health and Buildings, Ordinance of 1903, with regard to fire escapes, be strictly enforced.

(Signed), CHARLES RODERE,

THOS. W. CLARKE, HUBAIN P. MADAR.

His Worship, after thanking the jury for the altention they had paid to the inquiry, dis

missed them.

MR. JOHN LYSAUGHT, of Wanchai Road, gave a coolie lo charge at Hunghom Police Station on the 25th ulto, on a charge of stealing eighty. twobamboo cheques. The case was heard before the 16th. After Mr. F. A. Hazeland, on telling the Court has he discovered this theft, Mr. Lysaght went on to say that each man is paid according to the number of cheques he possesses. Of late it was discovered when the accounts ware made out that there were more

cheques than there were mes employed in the works. The accused was sent to gaol for three weaks and ordered to be exposed in the socks

11.

cause of the disturbance. Upatice a lukong was seen blowing his whistle-perhaps it was alleg ed, he thought that from his perch, aloft all the police stations in the Colony would hear him. Down the hillside a cookie' rushed and brake the news that the bill was on fire. A glance in that direction showed the cause of the dis turbance. Half an acre of grass and shrub was burning brightly, Immediately a fire fighting force was organized, consisting of the leading residents of that incality, and steps were taken to extinguish the blaze. One gentleman was seen hurrying to the scene with a glass of water, another with a syringe; a lady, who appeared to be directing the opera. tions from the street, suggested to a third to get a blanket, a number of others carried sticks, while another volunteer was dispatched in the nearest telephone to call up the fire brigade, Then a star was made by the volunteers to

of flame burst from the barrels. In less than minute the lighter, which was laden with oil, pitch, paint and chlorate of soda, was ablaze from stem to stern. The coolies on board the neighbouring lighters were panic-stricken, and several jumped into the sea. Doe, who could not, swim, would have fared very badly had it not been for a lifebuoy which was thrown, to him by the First Engineer of the Kawachi. m. The wind, which was blowing strongly off-shore, fanned the flames on to the Kawath mays and Mr. McClelland, the Chief Officer, who had been vainly endeavouring to persuade a tug to tow the burning lighter away from the steamer's side, immediately.gave a fire alarm.

In a remarkably short space of time four lines of huse were placed in position by the Japanese crew atid steady streams of water. were directed down the ship's side; the heat from the burning lighter being so great as to scorch the paint on the walls of the hold. The cargo in this hold was chiefly oil and paint and the men worked hard to prevent these igniting. By this time many launches had arrived, but could not approach the lighter owing to the intense heat and the many ex- plosions of the oil barrels; and, they had to watch three other tighters catch fire without being able to get them clear. These lighters were cut adrift from the Kawachi-maru by the Chief Officer's orders wùli a view to enabling the launches to tow them away, and they now drifted astern, on the way setting fire to the Kawachi-maru's boats and rigging. the orders of the Chief Officer two lines of

Under

hose were taken aft, where they threw steady

squelch the fire They, no doubt, took things very seriously indeed, but at, the same time streams of water on the bonis and wood. there was the amusing side. The gentleman work which were now well alight. Smoke with the syringe had only one squirt, which, was observed coming from the lavatories aft, he said, would have saved the trouble of the and it was found necessary to send a line of brigade bad he not dropped it into the fire. The hose along owing to the woodwork having, volunteers with the sticks did the best work of caught fire. Al about 3.45 the four burning the lot. They hammered away at the fire and lighters had drifted astern of the Kamichi-waru by the time the fire brigade limped to the scene and the police launches were soon pouring there was only left a heap of smouldering ashes streams of water into three of them that were This was eventually killed and the Wong-nei-laden with sheet iron, rails, machinery, etc. The chong residents left the scene, wondering when fourth, which had nearly burnt itself out, was the next scare was coming along,

connected with a latach and was towed towards Sfirume, twice getting adrift, however, owing to the low rope burning, and distributed to the neighbouring steamers volumes of suffocating smoke which emanated from its burning cargo of oil and paint,

IRUNMONGER KNOWS NOT

IRON.

BUT WILL NOW LEARN,

!

23rd ulto, There was considerable excitement in Wel lington Street in the wee hours of this morning at 3.30 o'clock to be precise. Wir dows were banged open by irate, disturbed sleepers and everybody was shouting.al once to know what was the matter. A few igre:pon, sible idiots cried "fire"-when there was D fire-but luckily for the comfort of the Fire Brigade, they were unheard in the unearthly din raised by the gaping shouters. The cause of all the racket was the ear-piercing and nerve wracking screams proceeding from the shop of an ironmonger. The shop was closed at the time, but suddenly a man burst through the door, and made as if to do the sprint of his life. Bat he reckoned without his host, or at any rate without our local Police, for before his sprint had merged from a preliminary canter to a full gallop the man found himself in the arms of a native minion of the Law, who very rightly viewed with suspicion the movements of a man who, at that hour of the morning, was rushing

reported particulars of the accident to Prince returned on deck. At about 10.45 p.m. the Fushimi, who was still awake, after which he DrawAre lowered eight boats which went to the assistance of the Shiulu-maru, on which only the mast-head lights and a few lights moving about on deck could be seen. At logo flames were seen issuing from the damaged part of the Shinhu-mur and it was then known that the vessel had caught fire. At 1 o'clock the fire had spread considerably, and all hands on board could be seen endeavouring to extinguish the outbreak. In about an hour the fire was got under, but by that time the position of the Japanese vessel was unknown, and all on board the P, and (), steamer were much concerned as to what had become of her.

At the moment of the collision a sailor of the.

vessel was ascertained. He stated that the

The working account shows a decrease in

monies paid as was the case during the preced ing year. Salaries for the staff are rather more, work connected with the new issue of capital. also legal expenses, due in great measure to As regards Reserve fund it has now reached the very substantial sum of Tis. 869,493.51 and there will further accrue next April some Tis 50,000 from the premiums on the new capital thus completed and will thus be brought up to about Tis. 1,570,000, We have therefore can sidered it time to cease passing to this account the interests on undeveloped estates and to leave the benefit to present shareholders.

The estates are charged as heretofore each with its proportion, 'of course, and making a total for the year of Fia 13.29965, but which as I have said is not carried to the Reserve Fund as formerly..

The Special Reserve Fund, remains at TI. Shinumura clambered on board the Dawnhu,170,000 and is intended for the equalisation of and from him the identity of the Japanese dividends should such an emergency occur.

Referring to the Balance Sheet, the report steamer had been chartered by the Govern is so fully explanatory that I need only say mest, and was on her way from Tokuyama to that we have every reason in be very well satis. Innoshima to be ducked. The second officer fied with the changes in the properties whether of the Berankis buarded the Sherdue-to-sales, purchases or buildings-and the immediately after the collision, and inquired actual values of the properties are, as you are. as to the damage sustained. The Devashut doubtless aware, enormously greater than what made a little water after the collision, but it was soon pumped out. The damage sustained they stand at in this account. by the P. & O. steamer was slight, and above the water line. Though fully able to continue her voyage, having the Imperial Prince on board, it was thought desirable to put back to Kobe for repairs.

T

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT IN SINGAPORE,

ADDRESS OF THE STRAITS-BORN CHINEST.

The following is the address presented to His Royal Highness by the Straits-born Chinese community:-

of

To His Royal Highness Prince Arthur

William Patrick Alberi, Duke Connaught and Strathearn, K. G., K. A. K. P., &c., &c.

The chain of events recently forged in the Far East, of which the mission of Prince Fushimi is but one link, is significant of mare than a political alliance between two countries. With the rapid rise of Japan we have seen challenged for the first time the Zomfortable. assumption, which for centuries has bold its own ground, that the world belonged to the white races of mankind. We have arrogated to ourselves the enjoyment of the only civilization. worthy of the name, and urged forward by a power that is noi of ourselves we have conceiv ed it to be our duty to extend that' civilization such a crusade we have hardly stopped to realize; but confident, as it were, in quowa destiny, we have continued to push forward the white man's civilization. Only now are we able to appreciate the far-reaching possibilities of such a policy, if once the non-white races take us at our word. The peculiar circom. stances in which their lives are ordered will give them an overwhelming advantage in all joint competition; they can produce cheaply, and chenpness, if not the summum donum of ig dustry, carries with it an almost irresistible nitraction. Whether in peace or in war the Japanese have proved themselves capable of mastering all the white man's arts. It is true that not all non-white races are Japanese; but as we have proved the capabilities of the one race in such an incredibly short time, it would ba dangerous to speculate.on the absence of latent probabilities in others. Forty years ago no one could have predicted that Japan would occupy the position she holds to-day. In an- other forty years those who are convinced to- day that the Japanese will exhaust, the poles- tislitics of the non-white races may be equally wide of the mask

already manifested itself should continue to, It is inevitable that the tendency which has

develop; and it would be well for the white Our Mortgages are all excellently covered faces at this stage to consider carefully the and stand at Tfs. 1,821,801.42, being about Tls, situation and the manner in which they pro 153,700 more than last year. The debentures puse to order their actions. Already the appearing among the assets are a few of our

Japanese constitute a new industrial force in own. 5 per cent issue, which we took at a low what was formerly the white men's preserve, price, and they will, as required, be converted in a less degree the natives of India are enter into cash. Capital account is increased by re-ing into direct competition with the white races, ceipts in respect of the new issue last October, and this not only in their own country, and Premium account shows the preaiiom on but also in other lands. In spite of race pre the new capital issued at that time and will be judice the non-white races find their way into transferred (subject to your approval, at the the white man's territory; Japanese are the next annual meeting) when the payment of the agricultural labourers of California, Indians whole new capital is completed. You will see are their counterpart in Natal, while Chinese from the report that in accordance with the are working some of the mines of the Transvaal decision at our Extraordinary Meeting last and are wanted for, the Panama Canal, In year we put out the new issue of 16,000 shares, each case the white man refuses or has refused payable Tis 40 Inst October and Tls 35 next to do the work, Against these powerful forces shares which can be satisfactorily disposed of to be successful in the long run. It is difficult, April. In October all were applied for but yo5 the policy of rigid exclusion seems too crude as convenient. As to the current year (1907) however to foresee the end. For the moment' without being sanguine I ma that there is the best policy must be to face the altered every prospect of our increasing prosperity circumstances and to let diamond cut diamond. and that a year hence we shall present to you No virile race will altogelber reject com- no less favourable results than those which it petition; but it has the right to expect complete has been my pleasure to lay before you today, straightforwardness from those who ask to meet There being no questions asked the Chairman it on equal terms,~~N. C. D. News. proposed and Mr. J. M. Young seconded that the report and accounts as presented be accepted and passed. Carried unanimously,

May it please Your Royal Highness, We the humble subjects of His Most Gracious Majesty the King Emperor, desire most respectfully to wish Your Royal High. ness, and also Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Connaught and Princess Patricia of Connaught a most sincere and cordial wel- come to this part of His Majesty's dominions.

As a community of British subjects of Chinese descent whose forefathers came to. The Chairman then proposed and Mr. and settled down in this Colony and who them- Kinnear, deconded that the directors be The fire on the 'Kunachi-anaru was soon selves were bora in this Colony, we humbly authorised to pay a foal dividend for 1906 of extinguished, and great credit is due to the beseech Your Royal Highness in be graciously six per cent, and a bonus of three per cent, on pleased to accept this brief expression of our the paid up capital to shareholders on the Chief Officer and men, not only for the ex- pedition with which the hose was got ready, gladness and joy at seeing Your Royal High-register that day. Carried. but for the able manner in which they coped vesses, such prominent and distinguished with the fire, despite the dificulties under members of the Royal House, in our midst, which they had to labour. The Chief Officer and likewise of our gratification for the op- is also deserving of praise for the fore-sight portunity afforded to us of once again as aarl, promptitude displayed. Besides the dam-suring Your Royal Highness, no less a pet. age to the Kawachi mare. four lighters belongsonage than the brother of His Majesty the ing to the Kobe Per Company and their cou. King, of our loyal and constant devotion to tents were more or less damaged one being the British Throne, and of expressing our entirely destroyed. We understand the dam- deep sense of gratitude for the liberties and age is covered by insurance, but until an privileges which we enjoy under the aegis of inquiry is instituted no estimate of the loss can the British Flag and our firm belief and be arrived at. At present the immediate unfaltering hope in the jealousy with cause of the fire is unknown,,

which His Majesty the King and His Majesty's Government will ever follow the fortunes of any of His Majesty's Straits-born Chinese subjects in foreign countries and ports,

FOREIGNER'S ACCIDENTAL

DEATH.

Mr. C. D. Kerr proposed that Mr. E. Tenner Hogg be re-elected a director for the ensuing year. Seconded by Mr. A. Dallas and carried nem con.

Mr. C. W. Wrightson was re-elected auditor for the coming year. The Chairman said that this concluded the business of the meeting and thanked them for their attendance, Dividend warrants would be posted immediately. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to

the chair.

AMERICA AND JAPAN,

THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT CRITICIZED. A Tokio special of Feb. 19 to the N., C. D. News says:-

The House of Representatives at Washing ment of the Immigration Bilt by a large ton has passed President Roosevelt's amend majority.

YUAN SHIH-KAL

length on the critical position in which the A few weeks ago we drit at considerable advanced parly in China was p' iced by the ra- : peated soubs to which it was being subjected by the vacillating pears that tooth d pire. As things then were there was every

kelihood that were toremuan Shih-Kai and his disciples time to come, and our native contemporaries the various posts which they held. Not long were talking of their forthcoming resignation of after that we heard of the serious illness of highly placed official who had incurred the imperial displeasure and the pest, quod eigo propter quod argument was freely applied to the case and there were not wanting those who believed that, the illoess in question was one of those political fictions to which resort is commonly had to save face' in view of a forthcoming necessary obedience to the command "Right about face." How far such was the case we should not like to say, bat it restoration to health has been simultaneous. certainly is a very remarkable colucidence that with the renewed smile of Imperial 'favour which has been bestowed on Yuan Shin-Kal As we pointed out in the article to which re ference has been made above, it would have been playing into the bands of the reactionaries for either Yuan Shih-K'ai or any of his enlightened co-workers to resign, and wo

We are reminded that this is the second eccasion on which Your Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Connaught have graced this Colony with your August Presence, and we desire to bear testimony to the fact that the great and steady advance, since the first memorable visit of Your Royal Highnesses to these shores, in the social, commercial and educational affairs of our Colony has been due to the wisdom and soundness of our British policy.

We pray that Your Foyal Highnats will betion of this Amandment depends on diplomatic are pleased to find they have not taken

'FELL DOWN STAIRCASE AT EAST POINT.

F. Rangel, a clerk, once employed in the for dear life down the street, and away from Naval Yard, died in the Government Civil a house, whence the unearthly screams, which fiospital on the 25th ult, the result of a frac. had attracted the policeman to the spot, were tured skull, which he received in an accident at being emitted. An investigation paturally Wanchai, on the night of the 23rd. Accord followed, when it was found that several fakising to a statement made by Rangel to the of the shop slept on the premises, among police before his death, it appears that on the them being the accused. Early this morning, night in question, in an inebriated condi. for purposes of his own, one of them got up tion, he went, to a certain house in the to go out, and in doing so trod on the corns of Eastem district and was refused admission. his neighbour, the accused, who seizing the In attempting to descend the staircase he first thing that came to hand, which importun said he lost his hold and went headlong ately for both of them, happened to be a crow down the stairway stuck his head scales that the brief sojourn in our midst of Your bar, brought it down full weight upon the head feet. At the bottom be struck his head against of the "trender on corns," inflicting a gaping the door. The inmates of the house, from a wound some four inches long. Inspector story they told the police, knew nothing of the Smith, who was soon on the scene, sent the accident until they were told by the amah, wounded man to hospital, and escorted his who had just returned from making a pur assailant to the lack up. When questioned chase, that a foreigner was lying near the about the matter at the Station, the accured | doorway and unable to move. The police from No. 2 Police Station were called and, in calmly said, "I did not know that it was an iron hut--l took hold of the first thing my an ambulance, the unfortunate man, who had hand fell to hit him with." As his victim is already lost consciousness, was removed to the detained in haipital, the accused is detained in hospital for attendance. Ho regained con- Victoris Gaol, pending the result of his fellow sciousness a few minutes before breathing his THE Chinese Engineering and Mining Co.'s job, when he will be placed before one of fast and was able to give the police his name,cial output of the Company's three mines for their Honours to accountsatisfactorily, if pos- and to supply them with all the information the week ending February 3, 1907, amounted sible for his extraordinary action with the which accounted for his presence in the into 19,190.69 tons and the sales during the same стояват,

stication,

period to 16,249,93 tonn,

pleased to convey our humble expression of loyalty to His Majesty the King Emperor,

la conclusion, we most respectfully hope Royal Highnesses and of Her Royal Highness the Princess Patricia of Connaught will be a pleasant occas no doubt Your Royal Highness" visit in connection with your military duties will be beneficial to the Colony,

And we, as in duty bound, will ever pray. (Signed on behalf of the Straits-bora Chinese

community). Singapore, February 16, 1907,

The authorities at Tokio declare that they have consented to the principle of restriction being placed on the immigration of Japan- ese lalo America, but they have not yet consented to the Amendment as passed by the United States Congrass. The actual applica- negotiations which have not yet been opened.

any such unwise step. Between' the Eas sirong protests to Washington and Tokio,

The Japanese in Hawaii are telegraphing tern and the Western, minds there ja Bill passed by Congress is more illegal than separates the average Western intelligence great gulf fixed, but it is a mere fordable Some of the Tokio papers point out that the streamlet in comparison with the gulf that the Segregation Act of California.

from that pure enigma the Imperial "Will THE annual report of the Shanghai Gas Com which prompt these kaleidoscopic changes. Hence it is impossible to divine "the motivas, pany for 1906 reveals ast profl for the year Put if there is one thing more than another the payment in addition to the 7 per cent. petually din into the care of those who can in. of just over Tis. 200.coo and this permits which our native contemporaries should per... interim dividend of a final dividend on old any way influence that will, it is the fact that the; - shares of 7 per cent, dividend on new shares quick change artist is out of character on the shares of Tis. 1:1 and on new shares of ris.o.ag .consistent policy, even if consistently con for two month at 14 per cent, and a bonus on old political and international stage, and that a per share. The private consumption increased servative, is far proferable on every score, during the year by $1.800,675 cubic feet; there except that of picturesqueness, to the present was a small increase in the public consumption invertebrate sinuosities pl the imperina and residuais found a favourable market,bght Acrobat Shangkat Mercury,//