1908-05-01 — Page 15

54

Junk Bay Mills.

SIR PAUL CHATER AND MR. MODY'S POSITION.

DEFINED

BY THEIR SOLICITORS.

We have received the following latter from Messrs. Deacon, Looker and Deacon for publication¿

coo.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY MAY 1998.

over the claims of other creditors of the de- ceased'in respect of his said"dealings. There proceedings were"not instituted on the sanie day an, but on the`dly following Mr. Rennie's death, and Mrs. Rennie was not served with The writ of summons, nor was it ever in con templation to io sorve har, and in fact service was affected by 'us on ber then solicitors two days after Mr. Renule's death, sa

in

The Amending Bill.

PROPERTY OWNERS RECOMMENDA TIONS

AN). ADOPTED BY GOVERNMENT IN PART, G

29th aftoi Chinese Commercial Union was held his Another meeting of the Committee of the afterapon to consider, the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance Amendment Billar the meeting a letter was read from the Hon, Dr. Ho Kai transmitting notes of the proceeding the European and Chiness. at meetings held of the architects, on behalf of and Government officials. From thesa notes

· property owners,

tions, id the direction of amendments to it is learnt that most of the recommanda

adopted by the Government. The conferences the various clauses in the draft. Bill, had been will thus have the effect of paving the way to the passage of the Bill through the Legislative Council which will tonalder the second read.

the effect that our clients have succeeded

Finally, there is reported a suggestion to obtaining possession of the Mill: with regard to this, the true facts are that after, Mr. Rennie's death the affairs of the Company. were found to be as involved and disastrous that our clients, as the only remaining directors in the best interests of the shareholders, the in the Colony, wein advised and decided that, only proper course was to apply to the Court for a winding up order and the appointment This liquidator is now in possession of the property of the Company on its behalf, but it is more than probable that the realisation of such properly will be insufficient to pay the Company's creditors and consequently leave nothing for the shareholders, of whom ouring of the Bill to-morrow.. clients hold two-thirds of the whole capital and accordingly are by far the greatest losers from the confidence placed in Mr. Repnie and the state in which his death left the affairs of the Company.

Sir Wilb reference to your report of the ingubat attending the death of the late Mr. Réasie, whilst we are very lonths to address you on thle unhappy adbject we faal, jhat, in fastice to our clients, Sir Paul Chater and My, Mody, we ought to ask you to publish the fol lowing statement of the actual facis nection with certain of the matters referred tool a liquidator, which was accordingly done. in such report.

、: It is reported that a few days after the general meeting of the Hongkong Milling Company, Ltd, a change became apparent in, Mr. Rennie, who complained of business wor ries and alleged that those who could help him would ant do no. With regard to this, reference should be made to the statements of Mr. Rennie on the 7th ultimo on the occasion of "his presiding at the annual general meeting of the Milling Company; from this it will be scon that he stated that the outlook for the current" year is more promising, the demand for our product contipues so strong that we have difficulty in keeping pace with it.**** I am glad to say that everything is going smoothly at the Mills,*** and, "A profit of $161,261,76 in the first eleven months of our working proves that we have establisbad the business on a sound basis and 1 confidently believe that at our next meeting we will be in a position to propose a handsome distribution of profits.". Such statements would certainly not convey to the ordinary mind that there was any cause for worry over, or anything substantially wrong with, the afairs of the Com- pany and our clients had in fact no reason what ever to suppose, or any intimation whatever from Mr. Regale, that matters were running otherwise than most favourably, in connection with the concern.

Thanking you in anticipation of the inter- tion of this,

We are,

Yours obediently,"

DEACON, IOOKER & DEACON. Hongkong, 30th April, 1908.

N. D. LLOYD,

THE ANNUAL REPORT.

-4

A

The Norddeutscher-Lloyd" is the last of the. great German steamship enterprises to pie sent its annual report. From a dividend point of view it is worse than that of the Hamburg- American Company, for the distribution is at the rate of 4 per cent., compared with 81 per cost. for 19:6. The causes assigned are those with which we are getting pretty familiar. Rate wars, the American financial crisis, arrest of It is further reported that evidence was emigrant traffic, strikes, and dear coal-these given to the effect that Mr. Rennie was asked all find mention as contributing to bring about why he did not telf our clients of any troubles a disappointing year., More business has been he had and replied that he had done so bui done, both in passengers and freight, but the that it was no good. With regard to this, what profit lins been less. For this reason, among we have written above is is point, but we others, the directors of the Norddeutscher-Lloyd should add, it was not until the tith instant welcome the agreements recently entered into (three days before Mr. Rannie's 'death; that

with competing companies as ensuring a tron. our clients had the slightest suspicion that quil and profitable development of business, all was not well in connection with the during the current year. The four years' agree affairs of the Mill; on that "date, at a meat with the Hamburg-American Line is re Board meeting of the Company, Mr. Rennie, ferred to as foreshadowing "the profitable co- in accordance with the requirements-of-the--operation of both companies." Articles of Association, intimated that he de- sized to have a meeting of the shareholders of American Line has, the report says, "renounc In the trade with the Far East the Hamburg the Company convened for the purpose of ed the passenger service for a number of years." obtaining authority from them to charge the Henceforth the Norddeutscher Lloyd has Company's property in favour of their Bankers "only to reckon with the competition of the and he then put before our clients, as directors, foreign companies.". It was by the way, in n statement, which is now in our hands, connection with its East Asialic Imperial Mail shawing a loss, as estimated by him, ofine that the Norddeutsther Company recent £41,000 odd upon the milling and sale of the ly arranged a call wheat then in the Company's godowns, which

Algiers. The experiment is now described as a very fortunate one. statement Mr. Rennie then in'ormed our constantly increasing passenger movement be- clients he purposed placing before the Com tween Algiers, Southampton and Genoa is re pany's Bankers This was absolutely the first parted. To general, the company's Mediterra intimation our clients received from Mr. Rennie

baan business is returned as favourable, but it is that the affairs of the Company were not pre-admitted that the iteliopolis and the Cairo, the ceeding favourably, but, as the statement show new turbine boats of the Egypting Mail Steam ed a loss of only one fourth of the profits that ship Company, offer strong competition in Mr. Rennie had stated at the annual general the passenger traffic between Marseilles and meeting had been already made by the Com Alexandrin. Complaint is made of the coin- pany, our clients naturally did not view petition of the Japanese lines, which are des- matters in too serious or too unfavourable a cribed as supported by "a big State subsidy," light and, having the most complete cop- but this has apparently not prevented the 6dence in Mr. Rennie, they accepted orddeutscher Lloyd from making arrange- such statement as accurate in every respect, ments for the Nippon Company to go out of though it has since been ascertained that the

the Bangkok-Hongkang trade. Company's Bankers proved it to be otherwise. At the same time Mr. Rennis mentioned to our clients that there was a purchase of wheat which he had made for June shipment, which he bad asked the Company's Bankerslo france, but which they were unwilling to do unless cus clients personally guaranteed the transaction, which amounted to some $500,000, the latter did not then refuse to do this, but took the mat ter into consideration. On the morning of the 14th instant, Mr. Rennie rang up Sir Paul Chater on the telephone, stating that he was in trouble and desired to see Sir Paul, who, ia reply, arranged to see Mr. Rennie at his office that morning and accordingly did so. Mr. Rennie then informed Sir Paul Chater that there was trouble with regard to the Jane ship ment above mentioned, that he had been polified that the steamer in connection there. with had been chartered and that accord- ingly the necessary credit must be sent and reiterated that if our clients would guarantee same, it could be arranged Chater then suggested to Mr., Rennie that with owning coal mines, and participating in it would be best, in order to cut the then ap dark, steamship, and machinery, compas parent loss on the shipment as much as pos the Norddeutscher Lloyd is now hunting after sible, for Mr. Rennie to telegraph to cancel the phosphates. "The great importance which contract and re-sell the shipment, which Mr. the further economic development of the South Reonic then concurred in doing and, in Sir Sea territory possesses for our lines working Paul's presence, wrote out a telegram for that there has caused us in the past year," says the purpose and handed it to Mr. Chard to

company's report, "ip connection with friendly despatch.

It is also reported that Mrs. Rennie had been

firms, to send an expedition for investigating the mineral wealth of the island territories. served with a writ for $30,000: with regard to The outcome of this expedition is the discovery this, in February last, prior to the annual gen eral meeting and when the accounts had been

of rich phosphate deposits on different islands, for the exploration of which we have, in com- audited and a skeleton statement in consaction

mon with the participating firms, secured the therewith got out, Mr. Kennie zaw our clients necessary concession from the Imperial Gov. therewith and as to the disposition of the then estimated: balance of some $130,000 thereby within the Bismarck Archipelago, which is eroment. The mavement of commodities appearing, Sir Paul Chater expressed the view carried on by our steamers Sumatra and that this balance should be appropriated Langeoog to the depot created by us at Simp. by declaring a dividend to the sharehold-conhafen,-is-going-oo-slowly but steadily" ers, in view of the fact that three years The only drawback appears to be the lack of a had elapsed since the incorporation of the cable connecting Simpsonhafen with the out- Company: Mr.. Rennie was reluctant to accept side world.

ARQUITECTS' CRITICISMS.

CHINESE PROPERTY, OWNERS' CASE,

Messrs. Denisan, Ram & Gibbs, who were sugaged by the Chinese properly owners th copsider the technical points of the Dew Public Health Amending Bill, have submitted their report. I. Is dated 11th April, 1908, and in^as follows:-

i

TO THE CHINESE PROPERTY OWNERS OF

HONGKONG,

Gentlemen,We have carefully.considered the several clauses of the proposed amend ments of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinances of 1903 and send you herewith qur report on same.

In cases where the amendments are merely. additional words or alterations in wording to make the meaning of the original clauses clearer we have not made any remarks, nor have we reported on any clauses which we,consider do not adversely affect the interests of property owners or their tenants.

We observe that nothing has been done to. modify section 175 of the Principal Ordinance. In cases where there is a public or private street, at the back of a domestic building we do not see any more necessity for providing the where there is a backyard of fifty square feet or open space referred to in this section than

over and in the case of a corner house wa da not see any need for such open space. The object of the section is to provide light and surely better to have light and air from a con ventilation to the backs of houses, and it is

closed space eight or nine fest square sur- tinuous space like a street than from an en- rounded by buildings forty feat or so high.

We quite see the object of the open spaces in houses have no means of light or ventilation bi cks of buildings where the backs of the and the kitchens open directly into the malo, there is a street either at the back or side wa rooms and Have no windows, but in cases where

suggest that the following clause be added to consider it quile upnecessary. We therefore

not apply to aby domestic building which is section 175:-"Provided that this section shall bounded on the back or side by a street and is provided with a window or windows at the

back

side," or words to that effect, added to section 6, sub-section at: after the We also suggest that the following should be words "for special uses," the words for forths housing of the working classes."

31.—Section 118)

Section. 138.

66 and 67.

This amendment abould be akered so za not . Many of the nuisances to be dealt with noder to includo existing cocklofts,

there sections are caused by the tenants: not by the owner. It should not be possible offence caused by a tenant. A property owner to obtain a conviction against an owner for an canet be expected to visit, all his property, sing a nuisance, even he had a right to sales, every day 10-see that his tenants are not cau which is doubtful.

Thii ina further cutting down of verandah It was always understood that verandabs in so (90, streets were limited to three stories, that is, the ground-Scor, first floor and second floor Now it aims at cutting off another storey, The pply 30 or 32 building may be 75 feet high but the verandab

feet. AD verandah would rarely exceed 45 feet in height open three storey and would obstruct far less light and air at a distance of 40 feet than a building 75 feet high without verandaba at a distance of sa feet in many ways verandahs and balconies are a help keep open windows, keeping off the rain and in to sanitation as they, encourage the people to

very hot weather, the sun.

We consider that a clause should be added andabs and balconies may be re-erected of the to this secting to the effect that existing very original beight and design and without the renewed consent of the Governor, or compen sation paid for sams if not allowed.

37,Section 141.---

As this section is for the provision of light; and external air into the main room we con. sider that it should not be necessary, for two reasons, to limit the width of the kitchen to half the width of the house. In the first place the width necessary to provide for ex- ternal air is set down in the 'Amending Ordin auce at 5 feat. In the second place there are many lots ip the Colony on which Chinese houses are built, of a width of not more than 13′6′′ and very few Chinese houses are ever erected of more than 15 feet. In the case of a Ch 5 storied bouse of 13" 6" width the kitchen from the centre of one wall to the outside of the other would be 69. The walls would be 27" and 13", together 34-The in- side of the kitchen would thus be 35" wide and as a Chinese stove is quite 26 from frost to back, there would only be 11 inches for the cook. Even in the average case of an ordinary Chinese house of 15 feet is width, the walls are 18" thick and taking one wall and a half the interior width of the kitchen which is clear from 7'6", half the width, only leaves 3 3" as

the stove, a' 6" is taken off. We contend then ly pot nearly wide enough, when the width of that the wording of this section should be altered to this effect':-

:

68-Section 253.::

THE STATUS OF MACAO.

A striking illustration of the little fropies which occasionally make theirs appearance is furnished by the fact that one of the minor |even in the grave sphere of international affairs Europain Powans has been called upon by party intervening in the case of the dispate force of circumstances to play the role of "third-

between Japan and China respecting the seizure of the Tuteu Marult was assorted The arbitrators should take into consideration that she was lying within the limits of Porns the non-reduction of the Crown Rest There guasa jurisdiction, and the Portuguese Minia are plots of ground in the Colony where the

ter in Japan hurried from Tokyo to Peking in Crown Rent is over five thousand dollars an connection with the supposed violation of his acre and the value no that account very littia country's rights. The incident has, as it were, and no reduction of Crown Rent the oweer Supposing a piece of this land were taken away thrown a searchlight upon the half-forgotten fact of the technical survival of Portugal would get practically nothing, but would still

as a World-Power, with colonial possessions have to pay his Crown Rest for land he go scaltered here and there which may at any ... not been paid: longer owned and for which he had practically

moment as in the present, instance--develop»> the awkward faculty of entangling the Mother Country in grave responsibilities that it may quite conceivably be beyond her capacity to dischargo

"

LAUNCHES IN COLLISION,

COXSWAIN'S TICKET CANCELLED. An inquiry was conducted by Commander Ball R. H. Taylor (Harbour-mastar) yesterday in the Marine Court, respecting the collision between the steam-launches Noi Kong and the Hot Hone, which took place in the harbour on ibe 2815 ultimo.

To Tsun master of the steam faunch Hol Kong, stated that about 12.20 p.m: on the 28th alto. he was coming to Hongkong from Cop sui-moon, when he met the steam-launch Hoi Bong going in an opposite direction, and as she was right ahead of his launch he alter ed his course to starboard, giving at the same time a long blast on his whistle, The other launch then altered her course to port and the collision came about, the Hol Feng, hitting the Hot Kong on the starboard' bow at the same time she gave one blast of long duration, Witness stated that when he saw the Hol Hong altering her course to port be tried to go full speed astern, but he bad not enough time.

Macao for a long time enjoyed almost: a 'monopoly of the China trade, but, this presi the rivalry of Hongkong, and partly because! eminence has fallen away, partly because of of its own. insufficiency of anchorage, which serves as a substituts for the barbour accom afficient modern seaport. Nevertheless, the modation so essential to the prosperity of an importance attaching to its advantagedur situation is inherent and indestructible, “and makes its ownership a highly valuable national asset. To the credit of Portugal it must be said that, though only a small nation, deficient in wealth and in resources of population," a good deal has been done to consolidate and oven to expand the strength of her position nt Macao. When the original grant was mado 1586 by the Chinese Emperor, in gratitude for assistance given in suppression of piracy, lik was subject to the payment of an annual sub- sidy, and though this was formally rescinded in 1863 it is characteristic of Chinese diplomatic subilety that Portugal's title to Macao itself and to the adjacent islands Talpa and Coloans. has never been explicitly admitted at Peking

carried on to secure an extension of the con although the de facto ownership is recognised by all the Powers. In 1902 negetlations word cession by a further grant of the Islands of Lappa and Dom João and of a territory known

certain Customs restrictions consected with as Pac Sincs on these points Portugal was un- successful, but she obtained the removal of the port of Macao, and gained some additions! rights of navigation on the West Rivar, toge- ther with the important privilege of constructe log a railway to Canton. This has, strangely enough, been permitted to remain a dead-lat- that the right would be promptly utilised by any grantee possessing enterprise and capital and having strong political backing at com mand-that is to say, by any of the First-class Powers.

the day in question, he was steaming Hong, stated that about 12.20 p.m., on Wong Wa, master of the steam launch Hol

to Tai O, from Hongkong, and when he had just passed Kennedy Town he saw the No kitchen of any domestic building out steam launch Hot Kong coming down ahead. District shall hereafter be constructed entirely altered her course to starboard; port, and then side the European Reservation or the Hill Witness kept his course, As the other launch across the width of such building if such build-again to starboard almost at once, the Hot Hong from other buildings or from land on which Hoi Kong, ing has other buildings on both sides of it;-ar

gave a short blast. He then went full speed, and if it is separated by a space: less than 13 feet was struck on his port bow violently by the other buildings may be erected, but there shall

Chang Mui, shroff of the Hot Kong, said be left a space of a width of 5. feet at least, of open space for the purpose of providing lights on the 28th, at about noon, off Wester, though there cauust be the slightest doubt atid ventilation to the main rooms of the

Point, going to Hongkong from Tai O, the master of the steam›läusch buildings."

Hoi Kong #40-Section 149)

was down in the cabin and a sailor was steer ing the launch when the collision occurred This amendment appears to us to be un with the launch Hol Hong. He saw the cox. cecessary, the original Ordinance providing for swain come up from the cabinmediately after fire escapes,

41. Section 151.

We are of opinión' that sub-section should be amended by the insertion of the word "additional" between the words one tenth of most cases, as the sub-section stands, it would the" and "floor area in the fifth line. In be impossible to comply with it.

4-Section 15r, aub-section 3.

If there is no reduction in Crown Rent the compensation should include the amount of Crowo Rent capitalized. See 68, section 233,

This sub-section should only apply to land

42--Section 153, sub-section 2.

the Amending Ordinance.

the collision.

་་

In giving his 'decision the Harbour master the collision was caused by the launch said: I find that after going into the case Hot Kong which was coming down clear of 200 feet altering her course to starboard giving the launch Hai Hong. Suddenly, when within at the same time a short blast. The launch Hot Hong had not time to get out of the way by going astern which same appears to have been done, and 3 whistles given, and that the collision was due entirely to the master of the Hot Kong, To Tun, not being at his place of duty, but below, and the faunch left under the care of a sailor. 1, therefore, order the certifi

acquisition of a useful a pied-à-terre close to Indications have not been lacking, that the

the great southern centre of Chinese trade has entered into the calculations of statesmen as a desirable stroke of policy in the event of the present owners being willing to frumufer ibair

the erection of a sanatorium at Macan, and pers property. Some few years ago an effort was made by the French Consul at Canton to secure mission was provisionally granted by Seabor Harta Costa, the Governor, though subsequente ly withdrawn by the authorities at Lisbon. "Ar application by a Fresch trader from Hongkong to build a brewery was likewise refused. This alleged ambition on the part of France may be exaggerated or even imaginary, but the strength of the belief that Macao is regarded somewhat

The following are our notes and obtained from the Crown after the passing of cate of the master To Teno tà bé cancelled, as a Naboth's vineyard, receivas 'confirmation

suggestions

on the amendments, and we are presuming that you are in possession of a copy of the Amend ing Ordinance.

2.-Section 6, sub-section 26,

We are of opinion that it should be provided that in rouses facing existing laces of more than 8 feet and less than 13 feet in width, the width of such Jane shall be deemed sufficient.

The catering, argements on Atlantic liners form a subject or perennial interest. It is desirable, therefore, to note the fact that the first-class restaurant service, with dinners' Is carle at small tables, which was established by the Norddeutscher Lloyd on its new Atlantic express steamer Kronprinzessin Cecilie, has met with such approval that the system is to

1-Section 6, sub-section 39. be torroduced on the company's three other expless boats. As regards submarine bell ty stringent in the original Ordinance. It The definition of a new building is sufficient. signalling, "the remarkably successful ex- should also be strictly provided that the greater company to order receiving apparatus for periences of our captains" have led the

part of two walls should mean more than half additional, ships. "Since the new lightship

of each of two walls and not more than half of two walls combined, as in many cases the at Norderney has been provided with a subdemolition of one wall could be considered marias beli, our vessels are," says the report,.

in a position to receive these signals from all smaller one combined, although nothing might greater than the half of the same wall and a the lightships from the mouth of the Weser to be done to the other wall. the English Channel, and thus to ascertain their position in foggy weather."

In the work of exploration it would, seem that even a steamship company can nowadays take a hand, Not coutent with circumnavi.

2-Section 6, sub-section 45:

43.-Section. 1530.

This would be impracticable, for at least two

TELSONS:

would not bear being cut about in this manner, (1) The class of houses likely to be treated

but would, in sine caves out of ten, collapse.

(2.) Under the Ordinance the whole block would come under the deficition of new build

to the Government, together with the cost of so-called "compensation" having to be repaid ings and would have to be entirly rebuilt. The

rebuilding, by the owner, he would not only lose the full value of his property but would, in many cases, have to pay more than the value of his new buildings,

N

As a case in point, some blacks of two

al public auction for Syco each. Three houses storied houses of this class were sold last year would be worth $2,100 or $350 per floor.. When the work was done there would be Aoors The definition of a party wall may be a

worth $1,750, but the cost of the work in ac- suitable one for Cardiff or many towns in Erg-cordance with the Ordinance would, at the land, but we consider a better definition would present time, be fully $10, the whole of be:-"A wall forming part of a building and would not only have lost the whole of his ori- which would eventually fall on the owner who

belong to a different owner and forming part the Goverment some an adjoining building belonging to or likely to

compensation, but he would have to pay also of such adjoining building, or built for

$4,000 for what the manifest purpose of belonging to such an

would be worth to him less than $1,750 a the honses would only be three-fourths the adjoining building to be hereafter erected."

size of the old ones. Total loss: $2,250 plus $1,100. In the case of three or four storied $1,100 54,350 on a property worth originally houses the loss would be greater as there would be more loss of accommodation.

JAPAN-CHINA STEAMSHIP

COMPANY.

from a telegram published in Madrid in July;'- 1904, from the Manila Correspondent of the Imparcial stating that the United States Government had recently opened negotiations with Portugal for the purchase of Macao, but that the negotiations came to nothing owing to can claim, indeed, an interest of very long 'opposition from Great Britain. This country standing with regard to Macao, reaching back,

the place was occupied by British troops, and in fact, for more than a century, Twice during the war with Napoleon-in 1803 and in 1808- the coincidence seems worth noticing that the second of these occasions synchronises the Appointment of the Scottish post Leyden as a Judge at Calcutta, with the temporary guardian- ship by his countrymen of the grotto in which Cumorns, also a Colonial Judge, had written the "Lusiad,"

In view of the brisk competition going on among the steamen engaged in the Yangtze navigation the Nisshin Kiren Kaitha (Japan China Steamship.Co.) has decided to execute a great improvement of its business as the fiest

been settled that the company's head office in of its directors recently held in Tokyo it has step of extension. As a result of the conference

Tokyo be removed to Shanghai and Messrs. Shitaiwa, Takenouchi and other directors will go to Shanghai, in order to play so active part at the head office. As

ceiving a considerable subsidy from the state- the Department of Communications, so- the company has a good deal to do with

treasury, Messrs. Kondo, and Nakahashi, lo any oiber bands than those of its present. Directors, will, on the removal of the head office possessors Macao might well become a menace to Shanghai,chiefly attend to the matters related to the security of British trade in the Far East, to the government. As the company is an in- and its sale or cession by Portugal is a con corporated body of the Human, Taiton, Nippon tingency which cannot be regarded as Image officials and clerks were all taken from those Yusen and Osaka Shosan S.S. Cos, and the

probable. It is by no means certain that it could successfully resist an attack on the part

through the Company's Bankers: Sir Panl gating the globe 240 times in a single year! used for the separation of such. building from ginal properly for which he would get no companies, the result is that in course off of China, and it is not so very long ago that !

A TROUBLESOME BUROPEAN,

this suggestion and stated that the Company needed the money in its business and that their Baakers preferred such a course, whereupon Sir Paul Chater said that, as Mr.-Rennie HIS HEHAVIOUR OUTSIDE A POLICE STATION., proposed to give no dividend to the share holders, be ought, in accordance with, the not unusual practice, to forego at least a

30th ulto, A European, who is believed to be a Custom portion of his commistion on the Company's house officer, giving the name of C. W. Body, workings for the then past year (prior to which there had been no workings and console experience last night, which he will not a passenger by the steamer Wing Sang, had a quently no commission earned) amouating to forget for long. It appears that during the $60,000 and Mr. Renale agreed to half such small hours of this moming he made his way commission, thus receiving the sum of $30,000 into the charge-room of the Central Police in this connection, Mt. Kensie then informed Statins and loformed the Sergeant on duty that our clients that he desired to obtain an advance lie wanted to make a complaint, to himself of

a sum of $30,000, which Mr. "Well, what is it?" asked the "ergeant, Mody promptly volunteered, and which, a low

El I want to see the Inspector," be stated. days later, he did in fact lead, receiving in re- turn a promissory note therefor, which pro- on duty," proceeded the Bergen,

"The inspector has just been relieved. I am missory note fell dus on the rat ultima, but, having the fullest confidence in Mr. him-nnd 1 will," he shouted.".

"I must see the inspector. I want to see Rennie and his position, Mr. Mody did not Seeing that the man was in an obstreperous then present the mole for payment, but mond, the Sergeant advised him to leave, or left it to Mr. Regals to discharge as and when you'll get into trouble". ho saw it. After Mr. Renuit's death our clients learnt for the first time that he had with was not going to be fulfilled, he took his At first he refused point blank, but as his effected considerable dealings with his holdings departure. Arriving outside the charge room in the Milling Company engendering consider he discharged.a. fusilade of oplibets at the abla claims on his estate and Mr. Mody saw us in connection with the above mentioned Loan, informing us of the dealings just referred te and placing his interests in our hands. On Our advice proceedings were at once insitated against the deceased's estate, with the view of Endeavouring to assure to Mr. Mody priority for his claim in respect of the loan seferred to

Sergeant, until fically his behaviour was such that the officer was forced to arrest him. When searched the supposed Custom house man was found to have in his possession about £110.in. arling, besides other coins. This morning, looking very penitent, he was taken to the Eplica Court and charged with disorderly be. haviour. He was discharged with a caution,

3-Section 6, sub-section 6oa.

By the wording of this section the whole sash would have to be made of glass, as a wood or iron sash frame is opaque. The word whole should be left out. Instead "glazed portion." might be inserted,

་་

4-Section 8,

If the President has any special powers over and above any other member be should be élected annually by the members.

-Section 46.

We suggest that the words Provided that this section shall not apply to matsheds- or other temporary structures provided for housing workmen during the progress of works should be added to this section.

18.-Section Tor,

The parts of the Ordinance referring to thick ness of walls should be reconsidered. Under the existing Ordinance of two walls of the same height a thinser one may be constructed on the top of another wall than may be built on the solid ground. For instance a 30 feet wall built on the top of a 35 feat wall may be 14 inches thick, whereas if it is built on the ground the lower part must be 18 inches thick.

21-Section 103a, The words "in cement mortar in the second line should be omitted. It does not agree with the latter part of section 103.

47.-Section 179.

As this only applies to land the property of and clerks which is the vital principle for the Crown there can be no objection to k.

48.-Section 180.

the

time there grew up party feeling among and two destroyers lo order to enforce

the mainland Power despatched four gusboate them throughout all the branches at Shanghal extradition of an alleged fugitive from Justice: Hankow, and others. feeling is of late assuming an established numbers less than 500 mes, of whom not quite Their antagonistic The military defence force of the place form and naturally a bad effect is favourable report of the company's business, experienced on the business so that the uo.

two-thirds are Europeans; and fortifications

though partly ascribed to the competition on

are practically non-existent. If Macao; warai au oceanic island its ownership would be a the Yangtze line, is as well attributable to the

matter of comparatively no moment. But its lack of union and barmony among its officials Position gives it an importance altogether out.

of proportion to its present economic stand. ing its capacity for development may ba prosperity of the company. Taking the oppor |tunity of the removal of its head office the

said to surpass even that of Hongkong, for company is determined to effect radical_re-

direct railway communication with Castan forms in this matter, ....

cannot permanently be postponed, and must prove of enormous advantage by increasing its atility as a point of collection and distributiond for trade. In strong hands it could open up. boundless possibilities of prosperity, but it prosent condition is one of mera helplessnester apd semi-stagnation. Its owners are unable either to develop or to defend it, and it remaini- - open to any fate of seizure, surrender, or sale. or perhaps even of re-absorption by Chinn London Post,

POSTAL "AGENCIES IN CHINA:

:

JAVA SUGAR IN INDIA.

The whole of this section is unfair to property owners unless full compensation is paid. In third of the depth of the proposed buildings any case where a lane of a width equal to one exists, so open space on the land should be required. The provision of open spaces in the reay of buildings is required for giving light State for Foreign Affairs: Whether the Govern Mr. Henniker Heatbo nisked the Secretary of Food wir to the back of houses. The air in a ment of Hongkong is saddled with the financi. street or lane, which is practically always in al as well as the administrative responsibility motion is of far better quality than out of a of carrying on British postal agencies at the backyard which would be more or less surprincipal treaty parts of China; whether the rounded by buildings, and which would be British Government will in future share these stagnant. In cases where the lane is of a less expouses and losses, in view of the fact that width than one third the depth of the bullding Great Britain shares the profits from these ser oficient land should be acquired from the ow vices, whether the British community at Tien- Der by the Government to make up what is tsin have been required to guarantee $7,500, sufficient land should be resumed to make one. postal agency at Tientsin during 1908; and once noticed the extraordinary increase in the necessary.

In cases where there is no lage the estimated loss on the working of the British The Pioneer remarks -We have more that Many existing lots were bought from the whether the $7,500 is treated as revenue in the imports of Java sugar foto India: and the ship. could be entirely built over, and lanes W210, Government on the understanding that they Hongkong Government accounts, the Colonialmente during 1997 were larger than was antla specially reserved for the purpose of providing 20 per cent. military contributions, notwith lowed the rapid development of this new trade Government being required to pay upon it the cipated even by those who hava Carefully, fol light, air and access to the backs of the houses standing that it represents a loss. —

From the report of the British Consul at Hatavia, when they were built, and it is a great hard- Mr. Churchill: The Hongkong Government it appears that the past year was a singularly, should be made of no valua had no compensa #gencies in China, and bak bitterte derived rains were good. The total onipat was 151741205 ship and injustice that a quarter of the land has for many years carried on the British postal favourable ons for production, as the monsoon If the wall tion paid for it. In the case of a scavenging from them's profit to which the British Govern tons, or an increase of nearly to4,000 tons over with openings it strong, enough it is surely lane too, why should the air over it be of no

ment has not shared. As will be seen from that of 1906. Itis remarked that "systematica new brickwork of the same description as the we contend, that the scavenging lese should received a grant of 810 per annum from the application of fertilisers, careful selection of old: Moreover, should it be necessary pt 4 form part of the open space. quite as strong with the openings filled up with value for ventilation? Where there is no lane, Sub-head D of the Post Office Estimates, it scientific caltivation; the rational and lipqueal fature time to take away the filling, it could be

British Government in respect of them, out of the cas, based on the experience, of part walls, but scarcely so if built up with cement, what as follows

60-Section 204.

which £100 represents an allowance to the year, coupled with the best possible attention w done, if in lime mortar, without injury to the. We think a clause should be added some spousibility. The British Municipal Council chief factors which under the above-mentig

Colonial Posimastor-General for increased re to libe prevention of cane disease, wart Ladies morlát.

at Tientsin have guaranteed a sum of $7,500 propitious' weather conditions, Provided that occupation may be made to meet the anticipated deficit on the agency about this satisfactory state of affalis not notified the owner that the building con arrangements any sum so paid would be treated to combine a prolific growth after seven days if the Building Authority has of that port during 1908, and under prescat variety of cane has also been discovA travenes the Ordinance."

64 Section 222, subirection-i,

ed as ravenna for the purpose of assessing the high percumage of sugneka michean Hongkong military contribution," And stances it seems only too likely ha} Waysuggest that the words "scron days formed the honourable member for Stretford will continue to be gent in increasing We consider that any alteration in this' sec? (per plank" in the third line of the Principal of thiso"/agencies" is, however, under-com- be done on this side to rahabilitat

*after* be laserted between "until and pro on March 12 the question of the maintenance to the Indiás market) unidar than is unscossary,

kideration;

declining ladestrý

34,-Section 107. should not be required to be filled, ap. with Openinge in brick walls built. In lime mortar, brick or stone in cement mortar,

25,-Section IIS,

It should not be left to the discretion of any one to say what is good cement concrete, The proportions should be stated) 1.3.6 and 7 juch "moner make good concrete.

3a-Section 117.

6

ཝཱནཾ *, '

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