1907-03-09 — Page 12

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BONGKONG HOTEL MEETING.

OFFER TO LEASE HOTEL REFUSED.

LIVELY PROCEEDINGS.

.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY MARCH 9 1907.

bashfulness to deter you, as you have but to

mange express your wishes for us to act.

Since the above was written a letter has been received from Mr. Rumjabo withdrawing permanently his offer to lease the hotel: Some days ago ho wrote us reducing the offer which he now withdraws with these words: "In con The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders sequence of the great length of time your of the Hongkong Hotel Company, Ltd., war company is taking to consider my proposal, held in the Hotel, on the 6th inst. Mr. J. W. and since the accounts for the second half of

last year's working have been published, Noble,chairman of directors, presided, and there

beg with much regret to withdraw my offer for the lease of the Hongkong Hotel buildings, were present Hon. Mr. E: Osborné and Mr. W.

etc., for the present."The first letter we re- Hutton Potts, directors; Mesurs, W. A. Cruick shank, J. Chapman, Ahmet Rumjaho, Hoceived was dated January 9th, 1907. We con. Fook, Lo Cheung Shiu, E. S.' Kadoorie, E. E. cluded, however, not to alter what had already been written, that you might have some know- Haskell, G. C. C. Master and C. Mooney, ledge of what had transpired.

secretary.

The Secretary read the notice calling the meeting.

The Chairman said:-Gentlemen-We will, with your permission, follow the custom usubi in Hongkong and consider the report and at- counts as having been read,

We regret not being able to lay before you no account showing a much larger act profit than the one under consideration. There is no disguising the fact that our business is not in "as flourishing a condition as it was several years ago. Our income has been gradually but steadily decreasing month by month in several of our profitable departments, and those interested naturally seek for the cause of the existing conditions as well as the remedy there for. We consider the falling off in the re- ceipts to be largely, if not wholly, due to the general hard Umes now raling, and of which all seem to complain so bitterly; those on a ster ling basis feel the pinch severely, and find their monthly stipends materially reduced now that exchange is so high., One hears on all aides of expenses, being cut down and of econo- miles which must of necessity be practised to make ends meet, which alone is sufficient to account for the serious falling off in private dianer parties, wines and liquors consumed extra meals, &c. Some, a considerable numb in fact, attribute this falling off entirely to the closing of the main corridor. Be that as it may, the closing was a measure made necessary by the use to which it was put by many who had no interest or connection with the hotel. It bad becoms.nothing more or less than a public thoroughfare, and the toilet rooms sitasied therein were made use of as public property would be. The passage was made of. fensive by men in various stages of intoxication, so that it was hight me same means should be adopted to break up those objectionable prac *tices and abuses, when the Government order. ed that the corridor be closed. The result has been satisfactory and pleasing.

Before proposing the adoption of the report and accounts I will be pleased to answer any questions you would like to ask.

I would also like to say that the typhoon of September last damaged our property to the extent of about $6,000.

Mr. Rumjahn: 1 think it is but right to ask you to read the other portion of my letter of withdrawal. You have only read a portion, of it. 1 think it would be beneficial and to the interests of the company, and in justification to myself, that you should do so.

The Chairman: 1-only read that portion of your letter, because it was the only part that had a bearing on the subject we were discussing. If you wish me to read the other part of your letter I have no objection. I will read the entire correspondence if you like.

Mr. Rumjahn: 1 feave it entirely in your bands.

Mr. Hutton, Polls-1 would read the whole

Mr Osborne-Certainly, of the correspondence.

The Chairman then read the following letter

The Secretary, Hangkang, Hotel Co., 1.d.

Sir,-In consequence of the great length of time your company is taking to consider my proposal, and since the accounts for the second half of last year's working have been published, beg with regret to withdraw my offer for the lease of the Hongkong Hotel's buildings, etc., for the present.

As the chance for my renewing the offer is rather remote at the present moment, and as 1 am holding a few hundred shares, although 4. small quantity having only been reistered in my naine, I shall be very pleased for the interests of the company generally, and the public in particular, to give my views to and to discuss them pivately with your directors as to some important improvements which seem to me essential for the welfare of the company. It must be understond, however, that the motive which has prompted me to make the proposal for a lease, or my request for a private discussion for improvements does not reflect the least upon the management of the com pany; on, the contrary, it must be admitted that the board of directors, under the circum stances, have been very untiring in their efforts to promote the interests of the company.

Amongst a few other improvements appear

With your directors it is a constant study. how retrenchments may be effected without, of course, sacrificing efficiency or interfering with the comfort of the guests of the hotel We cannot increase the prices for board and lodging paid by our regular monthly residents even though we know these prices in be less, in many instances, that those charged bying to me greatly beneficial to the Company is. a change in the present system of running the private hotels and boarding houses in the Colony. We are pleased to have them with us

bas, which are not yet even provided with well though they are not a source of much, if any, known brands of wines to be obtained Incally. profit.

The policy carried on by your company to push on the company's own particular brands, such as "Hongkong. Helel's Special this, and Special that or Wines specially Bottled for the Hongkang Hotel" is a good ene in the absence of keen competition; but when it is remembered that rival estab- lishments, are stocking wines that cora. mend them to the palate of a cosmopolitan community it is but natural that the members of the community give a preference to n plare where drinks accustomed to their painte are obtainable. It is hard to reconcile the fact that your bars are not even provided with the most well known and the only genuine Italian Vermouth (Martini and Rossi),

We are always glad to welcome any hints or suggestiona shareholders may feel dispos- to improve ed to make with reference ments or policy in the management of the hotel; but like most shareholders you do not take enough interest in your pro perty or its management to even attend these meetings, unless the dividend is a bad one, then you roll up in numbers to fight for more! I will mention just here that spine of your shareholders have recently made a suggestion as to how your dividends might be increased and your business greatly improved. Mr. Rumjaha has come forward with an offer to lease your hotel for a period of ten years.on certain terms and conditions. He has not, however, been able to convince us that ais offer is good enough for us to recom- mend it to you for acceptance. We have given it the careful consideration an offer of this character demands; we have gone into figures very carefully and exhaustively, and although Mr. Ramjahn assures us he is confident that under his management the property would im prove greatly and the hotel become more popu lar and be more thoroughly appreciated by the public generally than it is at present, and at the to pay larger dividends, as same time enable well as leave a large margin of profit for him sali, a study of our figures for the past five years has led us to conclude that it would be unwise to accept this offer. Trade, is greatly depressed and times are hard, it is true, bui, it is also true, nevertheless, that the dividend we ate to-day asking you to sanction is at the rate of 20% per annum-just bear that in mind. We hope nad trust times will not always be bad, and with the return of general prosperity our turnover will be larger and our profits once more return to their old level. Some of your directors have served you long and faithfully, coming to your assistance at a time when your company was on the very verge of bankruptcy, and the stock selling as low as $8 per share. They have by devotion to your interests re- scued your property, shown you some very bandsome balance sheets, added to your assets large and valuable buildings, made many im- provements and carned for the hotel a good will which in itself is a valuable asset. Gentle men, be careful how you make 'radical changes; business moves in cycles; the hotel business is no exception. Your board is not of the usual type meeting weekly or monthly for half an hour or so. All our members are in reality managing directors, meeting daily for the transaction of business and weekly have lang sittings, of never less than two and a half hours' duration, whilst once each week all the buildings are thoroughly inspected by one o' the board in company with the manager and his Assistants-this is a long and tiresome amuse- ment for a Saturday afternoon. The board gen- orally tiffins in the hotel so as to be able to judge of the quality of the food, the style and ma ner of serving, conduct of the dining room and to test the merits of the numerous ser- vants. A different set or "gang" serves the directors table each week that their efficiency may be gauged. We would be glad to escape this duly and many others if the hotel could only be run without so much personal super vision and such constant and persistent detail, the extent of which none of you can ba fully cógnizant. Having been a member of the board but a few months, I can speak with per- fect freedom, and i make no reference to my. self when I say your board has been and is a very hard-working, painstaking, conscientions body deserving of your greatest praise for

By introducing well-known brands of wine's not only the company would profit handsomely, for at least double the cost would be realized, but that adequate requirement for, the public demand could then be said to be provided for, if established without which competition even immediately next door to your company's buldings would be justified. Yours, etc.,

AHMET RUMJAHN,

Hongkong, 4th March, 1907.

r. #umjahn: I have one or two questions to ask before you adopt the report Are the Hotel Mansions leased out for a number of years, and for how much and for how long?

The Chairman: If you had giveh us notice of these questions we would have had the figures ready for you.

Mr. Rumjahu: in the report it is given as $21,000 for the six months. That gives you $3.50 a month.

The Chairman: That is correct. Mr. Rumjahn: Are you aware that the lessee is making between $1,000 and $1,500 a month on the lease?

The Chairman: Well }

Mr. Rimjaho Are your directors aware of that?

The Chairman: They ate

Mr. Rumjahn Were the shareholders con. sulted when the premises were leased? Was the proposal ever submitted to the share. holders?

The Chairman: Is it customary to submit offers to lease to shareholders before going into the business?

Mr. Rumjahn: I think it is a big under

taking.

The Chairman: You must remember these buildings were leased before they were built. Mr. umjahn: Before they were built?

The Chairman: While they were buildi g They were leased before the buliding was started, otherwise the building would not have been built. So that it was a speculation on the part of the man who leased them-a specu lation that the directors or the shareholders, so far as I can learn, were not willing to under- take. Now that the speculation has proved successful, I think we can congratulate our selves rather than otherwise. We don't want to see the man lose money.

Mr. Rumjahn: What has been in my mind is this: that the company has three directors drawing $3,000 a year who agree to lease out a building to a private individual who makes money out of it, when they ought to have seen that the money was made by the company itself.

The Chairman: What is the point you wish to' make?

Mr. Rumjahn: If it had been teased The Chairman: What is the point you wish to make?

Mr. Ramjahn: (continuing his sentence) The additional receipts amounting to 520,000,

The Chairman How so?

Mr Mastert, I think those new, buildings give a fair return on the whole, at the rent wo get from the lessen.

The Chairman: They do,

Mr. Rumjabar It only covers the interest on the debentures and the actual cost of the reclamation which costs about six per cent. on the outlay. If the reclamation had been rold, as I understand there was an offer of 510 The Chairman: You say in your letter of the fat, you couldn't have done batter. 9th of January: "The company will then re ceive from the Hotel Mansions $18,000 per

even annum." But what is your point?

Mr. Rumjaha: How long is the lease to the The Chairman: Ten years. With reference present lessce? to Mr. Rumjabn's letter I just read, the wines sold are the same as those supplied in our best and palmiest days. I may say that all liquets asked for are supplied even although they don't appear on the wine card. Whenever ance supply it. Even if one mae comes in there is a demand for a particular wins we al once in six months and asks for a certain thing, we don't hesitate to supply him.

Mr. Rumjahn: Since a doubt has, been created

customers.

THE MACAU, INSURANGE

OANERA

JUDGMENT FOR THE PLAINTIFF..

5th inst.

ment, the solution of this ambiguous phrase, must be "alther that the company accept- ed the estimate given by the plaintiff or that they treated it merely as a basis for future negociations as to what the actusi valco was. in the event of her being lost. They adopt the two meanings, indeed the only two mean ing, which can be given to the words "esti mated value.

NATIONAL BANK OF CHINA LTD.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL HENTING, An extraordinary general meeting of shame. holders in the National Bank of Chios, Limited, was-hold at the head office of the concern, Victoria Buildings, on the 6th inst. The meet

There were present; Mozart:

I have come to the conclusion that the coming was called to amend certain sections in the Articles of Association, (chnica pany accepted the estimate of valve given by the plaintiff as the basis on which they entered mao), J, Scott Harston (director, G. C. Moxon into the contract of insurance. The reasons (managing director), P. Loureiro, J. E. Joseph, which induced me to come to this conclusion E. S. Kadoorio, Ellit Kadonrio, E. D. Haskell, E. Howard, Chan-ki-pan, Yeung Pak Loung, The managing director read the notice P. C. Posts and E: W. Terry convening the meeting, after which

At the Supreme Court, this morning, his livered judgment in the action brought by Honour Sir Francis Piggott, Chief Justice, de O Yao Tsai, a merchant, against the Fook. On Assurance and Godown Company, Limited, of No. 133 Des Voeux Road Central, to recover the sum of $40,000, being the amount of the insurance of the steamship Macau which foun-are the following:- dered in the September typhoon, and which, The proposal was before the company it was alleged, was insured with the defendant for about a month before. It was actually effected: the original estimate of valtis company.

being "go odd" thousand dollars, which differs so inappreciably from the 95,000," afterward adopted, as to be immaterial. The original offer of the company was to insure up to $30,000, which was afterwards raised.to $40,000, showing clearly that the company must have devoted some consideration to the actpal value of the vessel. Captain Douglas had a retainer from the company to report on proposals for insurance he did in fact report, on the Macau in respect of her capacity to carry cargo on the voyage to Amoy. The com- pany, therefore, bad it in their power to verify They did not do so. The figure $9,000 the plaintiff's estimate of value at ang moment. was in fact adopted as the basis of the contract, the company insisting on the con dition that the plaintiff should himself in sure far the balance $55,000. The company did not, as they might, as experienced Insurers, have done, put in words to the effect that they did not accept the plaintiff's estimate or value- tion, which would have put the onus on the plaintiff in the event of loss of proving the actual insurance value of the ship reducing to an open policy, And if, after these con- siderations had been duly weighed, I had any doubts left as to what the intention of the com- Ng Sau Kau's statement: "I understood it to pany really was, they vanish when come to

as he immediately changed it to" of the value be that we should take 49/93ths of $95,000" ar, of the ship." I regret that I cannot believe this introduction into his thoughts at that time of a matter which it is clear he had never thought ference with his legal advisers, of, and which was obviously the result of con-

Mr. M. W. Slade, instructed by Mr. A. G. Jackson, of Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Mas ter, appeared for the plaintiff, the defendants being represented by the Hon. Mr. H. E Pollock, K.C., who was instructed by Mr. C. F. Dixon, of Mr. John Hastings' office.

The Chief Justice said: Having admitted evidence in order to clear up what I hald to be a latent ambiguity in the policy sued on in this case, I have how to consider the effect of that The Chairman We will buy your wines or evidence. It reveals a very remarkable case of coincidence." The plaintiff or, to be mure any others,

afr. Ruminha But if you don't stack lead-accurate, the plaintiffs father O Yik Wong on old Chinese gunboat, and spent considerable ing wines and your customers come in and bis behalf, purchased some few years ago an don't see them on the wine list they don't-

sums of money in converting her into a mer The Chairman: We don't have such modest

chant vessel for the purpose of coastwise trade, in putting her into a seaworthy condition, and Mr, Master! Mr. Rumjahn wants his own

generally in effecting improvements onher. He liquors to be bought by the Hotel.

Mr. Rumjahn: The company is, I under-pamed her the Macam. He bad never insured her on her voyages; but in the month of stand, pushing its own particular brands.

ugust, 1906, having in contemplation a same- The Chairman: That is Mr. Rumjahn's policy as well. Are there any other questions? what longer voyage than usual, lo Amoy, about the middle of the ensuing month, he endea No other questions being asked,

voured to effect an insurance on her for $50,000 The Chairman said: I propose that the re-

or 360,000, bis, estimate of her value being port and accounts be adopted.

$90,030 edd. He seems to have had some difficulty at first, in doing this, but, at length matters were arran,ed through an intermediary, with the defendant company, who first agreed to take a risk up to $30,000; but afterward, on or about 14th August, they agreed to take up $10,000, if the plaintiff would himself insure her for the remaining $55,0co, he having given the value at $95,000, and would act insure in any other company, The policy was signed during the afternoon of 17th September, being timed to take effect from 7 p.m. On that day the final discussion took place. On the morning of the 18 a disastrous.typhoon swept over the harbour, and the vessel sank before she started on her voyage. The curious part of the case is that the Fook Un Company seems never to have insured a vessel before.

Mr. Cruickshank: 1 beg to second the motion, As on a previous bccasion I had the pleasure of seconding the motion, I take advantage of this occasion to express, on behalf of the other shareholders, our gratitude to the directors for their assiduous labours and for the conscien- tious way they have attended to their duties With regard to Mr. during the past year, Rumjahn's remarks as to the wine list, am not a drinking man, but I have heard no complaints outside, 'no reference as to

any advantage the quality of the liquor supplied by the Hongkong Hotel, or

ta

be gained by substituting by others those at present provided. And I have much pleasure in seconding the motion (applause).

The Chairman: We certainly would not sub stitute one liquor for another, but we might add another or more sn that everybody might be pleased to get all the drinks they want."

The motion was carried unanimously.. Mr. Ho Fook proposed the re-election of Dr. Noble as a director of the company.

Mr. Master seconded, and the motion was carried

Mr. Haskell moved the re-appointment of Messrs. H. U. Jeffries and A. R. Lowe, CA), as auditors.

Mr. Chapman seconded, and the motion was carried.

The Chairman. That is all the business, gen- tlemen. Thank you very much for your attend- ance. If there is anything we can do to improve the condition of the hotel, be sure we shall do it, and any suggestions any one is pleased to make, by Mr. Rumjahn or others, we will be very pleased to hear them and thank you.

Mr. Master: Speaking for myself, I have the greatest confidence in the directors. I feel they take a great deal of trouble-more than they are expected to-in coming here and go ing round the hotel. I have always been satisfied with the Hongkong Hotel, and know Mr. that the directorsave given much of their time and attention to its working. Osborne has been constantly in attendance.

The Chairman: He certainly-has. And he has been very ably assisted by Mr. Parfitt.

A

The Chairman proposed: "That the Articles of Association, be altered by striking out tha word "thred in Article III and by substite- out the words "each of whom shall be perman- ting therefor the word "twa, and by strikinge ently resident in or near the Colony of Hong kong in the same, Article and also by striking out the words each of whom must be perman ently resident in Great Britain" in Article 115.

Mr. Ellis Kadourie seconded. Carried Hem A

The Resolution being passed by the required. majority it will be submitted for confrisation as a special resolution to a second extraordinary meeting which will be subsequently convened.

The Chairman thanked those present for their attendance and declared the meating to be at an end.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER, TEC AND "CONSTABLE-TO-DE" HARD LUCK.

6th inst. Waldemar Foulson, an unemployed: com positor, and William Linten an unemployed seaman, were charged before Mr. F. A. Haze drunk and incapable in Queen's Road Central, land, to-day, at the Police Court, with being last evening. Both man pleaded guilty to the drink, they said, and had sought comfort in a charge. They had taken a bit too much to gutter, from where they were rescued by two bard-hearted policemen

Poulsen, it was alleged, some weeks down by the Shanghai Municipal Council ago, imagined he was a detective sent I am therefore of opinion that by signing on special duty. No one know what the policy the company agreed to accept the that special duty" was until late one estimate of value given by the plaintiff, which evening he maneuvred into a district police to the inspector to be silent, he crept up to the had requsted him to give, and which they in-station and gave away the secret, Signalling seited in the policy.

desk, and whispered; "A startling crime bas been committed in this district and I am barn to solve the mystery. It's murder, mind you," write a book about it." The inspector's reply. he was reported as saying, "and I'm going to was not given-it might have been very strong. All that we know is that Poulsen cleared onl a hurry, promising to turn up again. He did not, however, and the next time the inspector saN. him was in the Police Coort this morning,,

With regard to the condition that the plain. tiff himself should insure for $55,000, I am of opinen that he has fulfilled it; for on the finding that the value of $95,000 was taken as the basis of the insurance, the balance Sc5,000 was not insured in any other company, and therefore the plaintiff was in fact his own insurer to this amount: this was the amount which, from bis own point of view and accepted by the com. pany, he himself had at risk.

Judgment must therefore be for the plaintiff

with costa..

CHINAMAN'S FATAL BALL. ·

DROPS FROM A WALL-DIES FROM SHOCK.

6th inst.

Linten lately had been thinking of joining the local police force, it was said. "Yesterday he came to the conclusion that he would make a try, and sat down and wrote an application to the Chief of Police. He promptly got "tight * on the strength of it, and the letter was found in his pocket when he was charged last night.! His Worship fined each defendant $3, or one week in gaol. They spent the entire morning hunting for the money to pay their fines. Whe ther they ultimately secured it is not known,

·CHINESE IN-MANILA,

..DIFFICULTY OF TAKING CENSUS." Some difficulty is being experienced by the Bureau of Health in securing a correct census of the Chinese population in this city, says the

fanfic Times,

On Tuesday of last week an aged coolie, about fifty-nine years old, was removed to the Government Civil Hospital suffering from in- juries which he received in a fall, He died, yesterday from shock. The coolie had been through many hardships during the past. month or so owing to ill health and his 26th ultimo, he went to visit some workmen failure to secure employment. On Tuesday,

construction in Caine Road, hoping to get a who were employed on a building in course of job. He found them working on the top of a retaining wall and went up to speak to them, While standing on the wall, speaking to the men, the old man overbalanced and fell to the street, a matter of about thirty feet. The ac- cident was reported to Inspector Ritchie, at the Central Police Station, and he despatched a being made, as the first canvass fell surprising. sergeant with an ambulance to remove they short of the official census of 1903, and it was thought possible, that many had been coolle to hospital. All the coolic sustained

overlooked. in the fall was a compound fracture of one leg. He was operated on in the hospital, but he never recovered, his death following some days later, due it is said from shock.

As a rule the Chinese believe there is some ulterior motive for locating them and securing their name and residence, most of them be lieving the census to bean additional effort on the part of the authorities to impose further taxes, A second canvass of ibe Chiness districts in

A few days after the Macau sank a claim was made for payment of the insurance; the company repudiated all liability, on the fallow ing definite grounds-that the vessel had not started on her voyage, and that the premium had not been paid, but only guaranteed. Later un, the company based its refusal on another ground, which is, in fact, the defence raised in this action, that the policy was an "open" and not a "value" policy, and that the company was only liable to pay 40/95ths of the real value of the ship. Now, there is not the slightest objection in law that I can see to the position thus, taken by the company though, of course, it may be matter of comment. They may have put forward untenable reasons for non-payment at first, and when they have consulted their legal adv sers, they may put forward an entirely new ground of defence, on which they are entitled to succeed if it is a good defence. But this correspondence, which was not put in, but the purport of which the com pany's secretary admitted, does to my mind throw some light on what actually, happened when the insurance was entered into and received has so tinged the recollection of the unfortunately the advice he seems to have secretary who conducted the negotiations, induce me as to what took place, as with reluctance to say that I do not very material Mr. Master: I think it is a very great mis believe his evidence on take to blame the directors because there ha: point. I now turn to the evidence of what been a slight depression, and we only ask led to the use of the ambiguous term in the policy the estimated value of the vessel is them to go on as they have been doing.

The Chairman: Thanks, Mr. Master, for $95,000,"

I have no doubt that O Yik "Tong is right in your remarks; and also Mr. Cruickshank.

Mr. Rumjson: I think there is a misunder his figures, I am satisfied that he has expen) standing regarding my attitude towards the ed $95,000 on the vessel, though I am not quite directors. I think from my letters it will be satisfied that the whole of that sum would pro- clearly seen that I said the directors have been perly be taken to be her value if i were to hold very untiring in their efforts to do everything that the policy is an open one; for some part in their power for the benefit of the company. of it, though how much I cannot say, seems to I have taken a great deal of trouble to find out have been for repairs in consequence of oF the working of this company for some time dinary wear and tear. On the other band I past, and I must say the directors have been could not accept the valuation of Captain Don.. very assiduous and painstaking in safeguard Ing, though I feel quite sure it is an accurate ing the interests of the company. But I must valuation of the market value of theship-an the basis on which I should estimate her insurable say there is room for improvement, There is

value. It seems to me that to do this would no system which is perfect in every way. We are moving on with the times, and I think that destroy the quality of an insurance, that it is a contract of indemnity; for it is quite clear that with some improvements in the management

the amount given by Captain Douglas would of this company it could be gradually im- proved for the benefit of the company generally. not enable the plaintiff to retrieve the position The Chairman: Thank you, Dividend war-in which he was prior to the loss of the vessel, that is, again to become the owner of a freight rants are ready,

earning ship. The question whether a person

THE ALLEGED CURE FOR THE who insures an old-hing-whether it be a ship

OPIUM HABIT. gr anything else is entitled to be paid a sum which would purchase a new thing.

Flaus for new gaol, police barracks, Muni.

Mr Edward Morell Helmes (F. L. S.) Curator is the practical question which must often cipal offices and secretary's house, are sub of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, present itself to insurance companies, and I am mitted by the Secretary, and he is finstructed writes as follows to the Tirs upon the subject not sure that the Jaw can help very to advertise for estimates for same.

of the indigenous plant discovered in Selangor. much. There is no doubt that in some cases

The Superintendent of Police reports the which is credited with being a cure for the r as in the case of a house, the person who takes following cases have been dealt with at the out a policy may be in a better position Mized Court since the last meeting-Sum- having a new house-than he was before the

montes: Breach of Municipal regulations, 7; less. But what the law does say is that he Kidnapping, 1; Debt, 2. Summary Arreste must not be in a worse position, otherwise in Rioting, 11 Assault, 1; Drunk and incapable, surance would cease to be a contract of in; Robbery, 4 Being in possession of stolen demnity. The only possible middle course in property, 2; Embezzlement, 1. the case of a ship, admittedly old when pur chased and on which money has been expend- ed for constructive repairs, would be to award the owner enough money to- ebable him to purchase a vessel in as good a condition' as his repaired vessel, supposing such a vessel to be on the market,

Mr, Cruickshank: Ask Mr. Rumjahn if he ever kept a hotel,

Mr. Rumjahn: I am keeping a private one. Mr. Cruickshank: Do you think you have had such special experience that you could run this gigantic concera, better than it has been done?

Mr. Rumjahn: That is my opinion. The Chairman: Dividend warrants can be obtained by applying at the secretary's office.

.The meeting then ended.

A, COAL SLIP,

AND THE RESULT.

6th inst.

Hunghom Bay was the scene of n framar yesterday, which might have, but, fortunately, did not result fatally, the cause of all the trouble being a very ordinary occurrence on a coal ship when discharging cargo of that nature. In this case a number of coal-coolies

Taking the case one step further, if a vessel were engaged on board a vessel, whose name did not transpire, in Hunghom Tay, dis has, as the Macau had, cost its owner a coosi. charging coal into lighters for the Green derable sum for repairs of all sorts; if a vessel Island Cement Co. Home of the coolies which he bought as a very old one has cost far were below shovelling up the coal from more even than he anticipated, far more than the deck, while others were above, digs market value as a repaired ship, far more than any such ship ought to have cost him, ging down towards the deck. Suddenly, a the operations proceeded, a quantity of coal why should he hat insure her for the full amount which she has actually cost him? 1 from above slipped down, striking some of the men below. Looking up and seeing know al no principle of law which prevents one of the caplier of the upper gang looking him. The law only steps in and says: "make down to see the result of the coal-slip, two of it a matter of agreement with the insurance those below thought he had deliberately thrown company then you can recover." And it is in the coal down on them, and started up to "get order to prevent all sorts of questions, such as even, before the top man could get away, those I have indicated, being raised after the One of the two then seired and held him by loss bar actually occurred, that the "value por law in dealing with them treats such policies the queue, while the other, despite the viclicy" has been introduced into practice; and the tions; proceeded to batter the man over the face with bis coal shovel. When they were contracte, through with him he was a sorry sight, for. bis eyes, pore and cheeks were badly cut and bleed ing. A report was at once made to No. 2 Po lice "tation of the occurrence, and Inspector Gourley had the two assailants arrested, send ing the unfortunate battered man to hospital, where his wounds were dressed. This morn fore Mr. C. A. 1, Melbourne, at the Magistracy, who, on the charge of assault and battery being proved, fined the shovel-manipulator $5. and the queue-holder $3, while hs at the same time ordered each of them to pay $1 compon sation to the complainanti ›

what it has done for your company. When the company would have been that to the good, tim's protestations and attempted exp by the light of the law. applicable to, similar

Mr. Rumjahn: Because the difference be tween what the company in getting from the lessed in rental and the rental received by the lessee makes it about $20,000 a year.

The Chairman: $12,000. So I hear outside, just as you do. I have no authority to say so. I have already told you if he hadn't leased it at that figure the building would never have on the sliding scale, so that in a few years wa shall receive a great deal more than we do now, I think you pointed that out in one of your letters, so you muit bays been faily cognisant of it,

joined the board a low months ago I was amared to find such a perfect system of accounts relating to all departments, such a mass of detalls and the thorough grasp of the situation by the board. 1 "am" telting no one else you of these things because can, and you ought to know them. Our fees appear in the accounts that our tiffin is not charged for is true, it being one of the duties of the members of the board to eat it whether been built in addition to that, the rental ising Inspector Gourlay placed the culprits be they relish it or not. Now, then, if it is your desire to enter into new arrangements as to future management, either to lease the hotel or to pect new Board of your choice we are ready to resign our positions, individually or collectively, here and now, so don't allow your

• *

Mr. Rumjaho't I don't think so.

If the assured has valued his ship At so such, and the assurers have accepted the valuation, there is an end of the matter save in the case of fraud, or perhaps such over-valua tion as might be held to be evidence of fraud. But the question of fraud does not arise in this case. I have no doubt that ✪ Yik Tong, having expended such large sums on bis vessel, did. intend to insure her for as much as possible. on the basis of that amounts the only quer tion therefore is, did the insurance Co. accept | his valuation? The Boswer turns on the meaning of the words "estimated valne which ware Inserted in the policy and as 1 have stated in my preliminary judg.

KULANGSU (AMOY) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

Migures of a meeting of the Municipal Council held at the Board Room, Kelangsu, Amoy, on the 12th February, 1907,

Present-Messrs W. H. Wallace. (Vice- Chairman), A. F. Gardiner, W. Kruse, the Health Officer and the Secretary,

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

A letter is read from Mr. Lim Nea Kar with reference to the public road.he. is anxious to acquire, and the Secretary is directed to inform him the Council cannot alter the conditions contained in their letter dated 31% ult.

(Signed), W. H. WALLACE,

Vice-Chairman.

That the Chinese colony in Manila „is de- creasing there can be no doubt. There are but fex Chinesa births registered in Manila, while a large number are continually returning to their native hasth.. In addition' a 'num. larga percentage die, especially during the rage ber have been deported, while . of epidemic diseases, With the drain by death and removal, with no new arrivals and but few births the Chinese colony in this city is destined to decrease, but the decrease in the census was so large as to create doubt in the minds of the officials as to its correctness

Another noticeable decrease in the Chinese colony can be attributed to the fact that many. Chinese who were here in 1903 have moved into the provinces since that time, where they have engaged in business.

opium habit:

Sir-Hitherto the name of the plant used as a cure for the op'um babit. in the Straitent Settlements does not appear to have been made knows.

Specimens of the plant in flower and fruit have how been presented to the museum of this society by Mr. L. Wray Curator of the Talping Museum, Perak. This gentleman, who is a careful botanist, has identified the plant as Combretum Sundaicum, Miquel, 1t THE ROYAL HONGKONG GOLF, accords well with Miquel's description, and

CLUB..

The monthly competitions for the Captain's Cup and May Cup were held at the Happy Valley from the and to 4th March, 1907. The following returas were made:-

CAPTAIN'S CUP.

Mr. F. W. Warre... 89-11-78 Dr. G. M. Harsion..... 89-10-79 Hon. Mr. F. J. Badeley... 91-1270 Mr. T. C. Gray... 92-81 Mr. W. C. D. Tumar..... 94-13-81 Mr. R. O. Hutchison..... 84—, z=82 Mr. C..H. Gala

94-10-84 Mr. E. F. Mackay ......... 8g ser. -89

: (33 entries).

MAY CUP.

Mr. T. C. Vernon ‡........ 100---3070 Mr. P. Tester 10-25-85 (6 entries), .POOL.

Maj. W. A. F. Williamson*88-13=75′′ MA), H. E. Lowis 84 777. Lt. R. M. Crot18 8778

Mr. F. W. Warr 89-11-78 MET. C. Gray jako m. 91–1181 Mr. R. O. Hutchison... 84-2-82 Mr. WJ Saunders ..... 92— 9×83; Lt O. C. Watcon, R. 919-82 Mr. C. 14. Galð...komum 94–10–84. (38 entries);

1Winner of May Cop.

Winner of Cup,

Winner of Pool:

one.

there can be no doubt that it belongs to that species. It is a woody climber, with opposite that of the pear tree, and bears globular classma leaves, in sire and shape somewhat resembling tors, of small white flowers arranged in panicles, t the flower being followed by a red fruit about an inch loop, furnished with four longitudinal wings. The plant is abundant on the plains around Kuala Lumpur, in Selangor, he pro- parties of the Combretaceœe, the natural order to which it belongs, are very little known;": some are used in malarial fevers,” two, an known to possess vermifuge properties and an is used for poisoning bata, chikan Saka

As soon as a larger quantity of the plant arrives the leaves will be subjected to chemical analysis and, physiological investigation, and its actual value or otherwise determined. Meanwhile a few preliminary tests, applied in the research laboratory of the Pharmaceutical Society to the small quantity of the leaves?? available indicate only the presence of any astringent principle, and a colouring matter, presence of any alkaloid or glucoside, although but do not afford a deficite proof of the the leaves appear to contain some substanca of yet unknown to chemists

of A Those who may be interested in the method of administering the remedy in Belangor will find the details given in the Pharmaceutical Journal January 12, page 45acfThe plant has Devor, believe, been Agured hitherto, but an lastration of the plants and a full bokan cal description appears in this week's issue of the same Journal