1908-06-12 — Page 4

206

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY

Portuguese Consulship. OPIUM HOUSES IN SHANGHAI

MR. J. J. LEIRIA GAZETTED.

A POPULAR APPOINTMENT.

foth init. In our issue of the 21st April last we stated: "It is rumoured that a private telegram has been received in the Colony aunosucing the appointment of Mr. J. J. Leiria, Vice-Consul, as Consul-General for Portugal in Hongkong in succession to the late Mr. A. G. Romano.

"A representative of this paper Interviewed Mr. Leiria this forenoon in connection with the report. Mr. Leiria had had no intimation of the news nor has he received any official despatch from Lisbon thereanent.

Should the rumour be confirmed from Lis bon we have no doubt that Mr. Leiria's appoint ment to the Consul-Generalship for Portugal in Hongkong will be received with satisfaction by the local Portuguese community."

AND HONGKONG.

Sir E. Grey: The reply to the first question is in the affirmative. No opium dens exist at present in any British concessions in Chian, but other foreign concessions. On March I am unable to say whather that is the case

to the ratepayers of the Shanghai international settlement adopted a resolution whereby the number of opium hauses was to be reduced by a quarter from July next. The chairman of the municipal council explained at the time that this was part of a programme of periodical raductions leading to complete abolition in two years or less. The Viceroy of Nanking stated to have expressed his satisfaction at 'this'

MANCHESTER CHAMBER PROMETCOMMERCEN

Af, an ordinary>mosting of the Board of Director of the Manchester Chamber of Com- merco, held on 13th ult, Mr. Francis Ashworth presiding, the following, amongst other topics, were treated

a

THE ST VALIS SUNDAY LABOUR Chinese on BRITISH SHIPS.

ORDINANCE.

aro

SUGAR

HONGKONG COMI

RE IN

Sugar, Re

the

Mr. Churchill, mplying to Mr. Havelock On the gth ult, Mr. T. C. Taylor asked

The Sonday Labour Ordinance, passed in Wilson, sald his attention has been called to whether in the Chinese ruled city of Shanghai

1892; forbids any loading or unloading of cargo disturbances in Poplar in connection with the opium dens had all been closed since June last;

on Sundays within the waters of the colony proposal to ship Chinese crews on the whether in every foreign settlement in China,

of the Straits Settlements, the mail being Zamboat and the Strathnan. He understood Mr. Ikeuchi, of the Dai Nipp except Shangbai, the opiums dans had been for

poxempted from its operation. The Governor that it was the caso that the leading seaman fining Company, spashing to some time past shut up; what action the THE RETURN OF SIR ROBERT HART may alto exempt other rossels on cause shown No: I was unable to pass the language test. says that the sugar, refining indu municipal council of the international settle. At the instance of the India, China, and and a les paid. "This law has caused hard. There was no legal obligation on the owners to country has made, remarkable strides daring ment of Shanghai had taken to close the Colonial Committee, the Board resolved to ship, and is inconvenient and injurious to provide interpreters, but he was taken by the last ten years. In former daya the foreiga numerous opium dens they now license; and seek in opportunity of recognising and show, trade, as it compels vessels to waste, day in

the Superintendent that the various, clauses. Importers of sugar such as Mesars.. Jardine, dale; after which all their opium deos shall be the commercial community of Sir Robert and day unless, they can get clear before Sunday. sa before they were engaged. He had nothing The development of the home on The whether they had fixed a date, and, if so whating appreciation of the very great services to harbour doing nothing, or to so time-them in the articles: of agreement were explained Matheson & Co. and Messrs., Butterfeld; & Her selves an aot to arrive in the colony Sature to the seaman by some person competent to do wire, practically monopolisad the market, closed

The Inspector General of Chinese Customs, is now in route for England, after 47 years seri. A committee has been sitting to report as its before him to prove that the crews in the case years has not only successfully driven, vice in China. The secretary was instructed working, and members of the leading shipping referred to were supplied by Chloese crimps, bat foreign article out of the fold, harapancie to communicate with Sir Robert, by cable, at a firms have been examined as witnesses, the if any evidence of an infringement of the Mer sugar is now competing with the fortiga rival for the purpose of receiving ho address from to the advantage of the Oldina be limited to would be considered. He might add that the of Jap spese sugar exported in 1906 reached port of call, inviting him to visit Manchester views of the bulk of whom have been hostile chant Shipping 1894, was forthcoming, in the China and Korean market. Neverthe- the question of Instituting legal proceedings 1938, Mr. Ikanchi admits that while the amount the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. agreed that the restriction should JAPANESE EXPORT! AND LOTTERY TICKETS, the hours between 6 am. andy p.m., and the recent anusust increase in the number of Chin. Y8,000,000 in value the export for last year The same committee had had before them committee have recommended in favour of ese seamen shipped in United Kingdom ports feil off to £2,000,000.” He attribute this to full information from the Hongkong Chamber that limitation," and that permits to work required, and was receiving, prompt, and sear the decline of the purchasing power in Chien of Commerce. They suggested that a reply should be issued at a fas comparatively small, ching attention, and must be regarded as a due to various causes. This does not however, should be sent to the effect that the Board had but they have not advised its immediate re-matter of serious concern. (Cheers ). seem to bave had the effect of reducing the no besitation in denouncing the introduction peal, though they suggest that, its suspen Mr. Havelock Wilson: Will the right hon. amount of the Hongkong product sold in North of a lottery system by Japanese traders as ton" should be a matter of consideration at gentleman take steps to see that a proper and China Mr. Ikeuchi is optimistic." He says that: means of stimulating the demand for Japanese no distant period. The only practical way in competent interpreter is present on these oc this year's export, despite the effects of the yarn, but that it did not appear to the Board which the Ordinance has beau of the slightest casions ?

depreciation of silver, which are still felt in An how member naked if any compensation that the Manchester Chamber of Commerce tisa is in saving European clerks and superio

China and the boycott movement in Canton, had been awarded to license-holders.

could usefully intervene with a view to check- tendents of the loading and unloading, and

is expected to be better than that of last year. Sir E. Grey; I am not aware of boying the practice, subversive though it was of also the officers of the steamers, from having Io reply to Mr. Bowles, who inquired whather Where he gets this confidence from is not clear. (Laughter.)

all ordinary principles of commercial morality, to work on Sundays, But the latter lose an the steamship Zambest was forcibly taken The Customs Statistics do not bear it out. Up Mr. T. C. Taylor asked the Under-Secroinry It appeared to the Board that the Government extra day at home lo consequence, as the date possession of on 9th ult, in the Survey Com-to the end of April there was an, absoluto for the Colonies whether he was a care that is of Hongkong could, at their discretion, puta of leaving home is usually not fixed before mercial Docks by a mob of 200 persons. falling off, for the Customs, returns show. a large, number of the chief cities of Ching all stop to the circulation of the bales of yarn con- the ship leaves the Straits; and also some Mr Gladstone said :-The incident refer that, the value of sugar exported for the open dens had been closed by order of the taining these lottery tickets. As far as regard officers, as a deck officer and ao engineer (to red to took place on the private premises four months was only Y598,138 as against Chiness Government; whether he was aware ad the British settlement at Shanghai, it ap. see to the cleaning of the boilers, &c.) have of the Surveyor Commercial Dock Com. Yo77,259 for the corresponding period last year. that in Hongkong the Colonial Government peared that the Municipal Council would re- to be on board on Sundays as it is. An extre pany, who employ their own police but Thus not only was there a tremendous falling We understand that Mr. Leiria is in receipt of derived, a considerable revenue from licensing gard the practice as a breach of the regulations day at home is greatly appreciated by mariners, have made inquiry, and 1 am informed off in the value of refined sugar exported last a telegram from Conde d'Argosy; the King's pri- opium dent; and whether the tire taken to prohibiting the sale of lottery tic elite tien thought nothing of." There are no families to appeared in the Prese is exaggerated, and that maintained. The fact that Mr. Ikeuchi is so whereas a day nd is a Strait port is that the description of the incident which has year, but even those figures are not being vate secretary, tendering his felicitations to Mr. length come when steps should be to settlement," and that they were taking action Loiria. Throughout the day Mr. and Mrs. terminate the opium traffic in that colony. Leiria were the recipients of hearty congratu

matter was not a legitimate subject for diplo Europeans who are concerned are the ship discharging cargo on the afternoon of gih las1. latighs from almost the catire Portuguese com-

th the first paragraph of the question is in thematic action by the British Government, either each office. As it is, if a ship arrives on Sun- number of English members of the Seamen's ping clerks, of whom there is probably one in a party of 19: Chinaman arrived, followed by a munity to Hongkong by whom the appointment scarcely accurate to refer to "a considerable the scheme would defeat its own ends, a given by the managers of the shipping firms

affirmative, but as regards the second, that it is as regards Japan or China. In all probability day, he has to go on board. The evidenceFederation, who protested against the employ is popularly acclaimed.

While offering our congratulations to the revenue" as the amount to be derived from already there were indications that the Japan

meat of foreigner. A conference took place Portuguese gentleman upon the distinction licences for 1908 would appear to amount to

ese spioners would abandon the lottery system.

on board, as a result of which the Chinsmen | thus conferred upon him, we trust it may not be only 18; the third paragraph, as my bop. The Board authorised the despatch of this

left, and the Englishmen were signed on. Tong before we shall have the pleasure of re-riend will agree, is difficult to deal with to communication to the Hongkong Chamber.

(Laughter.) I am laformed, further, that the cording bis appointment to the Consul General question and answer, but I gather I may have

Zambesi was not taked forcible possession of; ship for Portugal, in this Colony.

an opportunity of expressing the views of His Majesty's Government on the matter in the

there was not a mob of 200 persons; and, 10 far as can be ascertained, there was no intimidation, SHIPPING SUBSIDIES IN JAPAN. prae

That the report we gave two months ago as a rumour was absolutely correct is corroborat ed by an official' despatch.received by Mr. Leiria from the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Lisbon by the English mail today. The despatch is dated 7th May, 1958, and convoys, the gratifying news that Mr. J. J. Leiria has been' appointed Consul for Portugal ip Hongkong. The despatch encloses a copy of the Diurią de Governo of Lisbon, of 12th idem, in which Mr. Leitia's appointment is officially gazetted. The notification making the appointment is dated the 23rd April and the telegram to which our first report referred 'must have originated from an official controlling "inside" ipformation at the Portuguese Capital.

`measuro.

Mr. Churchill: The law will be most strictly enforced.

Colonel Scely: I understand that the reply accordingly. In the opinion of the Board this siny with, and nothing to do. The only resident | no disorder occurred. While the Zambest was seriously in error on this" point, must, lead to

debate to-morrow evening.

..

..

Concluding a lending article on the opium de- bate in Parliament, the D. & G. Baprem writes: -Ja regard to the colonies of Hongkong and the Straits Settlements, in which must be io. clinded the Federated Malay States, action will now have to be taken. For years, for a quarter

TRADE-MARK PROTECTION IN CHINA,

mittee. had had under consideration a com The Trade and Merchandise Marks Com

'munication from the Foreign Office, with an enclosed memorandum from the Shanghai Custom-house, which is one of two branch offices of the Bureau for the registration of trade-marks, the ether being at Tientsin. The memorandum explained1bat the proposed Trade Marks Regulations submitted by the Chinese Board of Trade in 1904 were not

governing the registration of trade-marks in China," and that they bore a number is the trade-mark series already mentioned. The memorandum continued that the matter te mained in store guo ante. The Custos would afford what moral suppost they could in case of infringement. A merchant would not be bound to register all, or any, of bis recorded. marks when the paient rules were eventually promulgated, if, for any reason, he wished to withdraw his application. The sole advantage of recording a trademark was the right of priority it gave of having the trade-mark deal: with before others once the law was, 'put into, force. This, the Trade Marks Committee were recording of a mark give the right, not of inclined to believe, meant that the provisional registration, but of being dealt with first when the registration office became, open to every

went strongly to show that it was doubtful whe ther Europeans gained any advantage by the Ordinance; and, of course, to Asiatics Sunday is nothing. la fact, Chinese merchants keep their offices open all Sundays.

To the shipping owners the Ordinance must entail loss. Often goods for Singapore or Penang if time is too precious to stay over Sunday. have to be lauded at another part and sent back

day and not discharged till Monday, demurrage Also, if goods are loaded into lighters on Satur has to be paid. Again, the difficulty bas often to be got over by short shipping cargo, which loses revenue for the steamers, and incurs the dis pleasure of regulars. Lastly, there are the Dutch

and other ports in competition, and the fact ofone day out of the seven being a din nou must induce some cargo vessels to avoid the 'Straits alto gether, lu, the face of these opinions from. persons who know the subject, it can hardly be.

stands. It has had a sixteen years' trial, and the almost unaolmaus opinion of the local ship ping world is that it is questionable whether it does any good, while it is certainly injurious ping intereste in particular.-L. & C. Express to commercial interests to general and to ship

HONGKONG'S SHIPPING,

· PROPOSED REVISION OF EXISTING LAWS.

It is reported that the Department of Com munications has in contemplation the appoint ment of a commission for the investigation of shipping subsidies. The idea is to' inquire of a century, in fact, we have pointed out that agreed to by the foreign representatives, ant into the results obtained by the laws for the the revenue was necessarily a precarious one,

that a large number of trade-marks had already encouragement of shipbuilding and navigation and that is abolition should always be kept been filed. For the sake of a record, the now in force, and the necessity, or otherwise of steadily in view. Only a year ago our special marks were numbered in a special series their revision. At the same time the Director correspundeat, when writing on the two colon according to date of receipt. The receip! of the Shipping Bureau will be dispatched to ies, again called pointed attention to the given to applicants ingrely stated that a certain Europe and America for the investigation of

maiter. The solution of it has now apprently mark had been received and recorded preced. conceived that the Government will be tog ill. the practice in vogue in the West in similar matters. Writing with referencely contemplated. In the case of the Straits

to ho faced at an earlier date than was géneraling the coming into force of the regulations / advised as to allow the law to continue as it to this subject, the fifi "Shimpo remarks Settlements, half the 'revenue is collected by -thot an amendment to the two laws referred means of the opium farms, whilst in Hong

to above has more than once became the subkong, the collection brings in one-third of the ject of discussion in the Diet, and as the term gross noual revenue. It is perhaps a tribule of contract for the subsidy of the European and fo their ardour, that certain members of Parlia American sleamship lines will expire at the ment,and others, call for immediate abolition end of the next fiscal year it is not conatural of the trade in, and consumption of, opium in that the attention of the authorities should ba Crown Colonies. But attention must be paid directed to the matter. The laws for the to the circumstances and the gravity surround encouragement of shipbuilding and naviga-ing instant action. There is one other point tion' were framed and put into operation, in that must not be left out; China has pledged 1896, and the grant of special bounties' ta

the opium revenue for the repayment of some the European, American, Australian, Bom- of her obligations. For instance, the load of bay, and some other lines came into force £1,100,000 m it by the government Hong during 1899 and 1990. The amount of the special bounties paid during the past nine demption of the Hankow-Canton railway cop kang to the Viceroy of Wuchang for the re- years has reached 60 million yen, while the

cession is secured on the opium revenue of the total shipping subsidies for the current year is Hu-kwang and Kwan lung. It is true the estimated to reach the sum of ra million yen. last Imperial Edict recognised that steps must The expenditure of this amount for the pur- be taken to replace the revenue that will be poses of the development of the marlume trade lost from opium, and the Board of Revenue is may seem too large in comparison with the commanded to devise means. But, as in the amount spent by other countries for similar case of Hongkong and Straits revenues, it is purposes, costiauel the fiji. «It should be easier to destroy-than to create in this matter remembered, however, that the protection of revenue. The task is not impossible, but it given by the Government has materially requires dime for adjustment. The sum of the helped the extension of the shipping trade whole matter is that Great Britain has now abroad as well as the growth of direct unmistakably shown her good will to China, trade. The amount of the money, annually and her high moral standard on the subject. earned by Japanese ships from foreign coun- But this new zeal must not outrun discretion. tries in the transport of cargo and passengers is Our policy should be to niove step by step peri put at Y20,000,000. Further, the important pou with the actual accomplishments of China. part played by the Japanese merchant marine in the Japan-China and Russo-Japanese war will be fresh in the memory of all. A certain foreign critic weet so far as to assent that with-- out the help of her mercantile fleet Japan would not have been able to obtain so decisive avic-

THE NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA

The regular general meeting of shareholders tory, in the late war with, Russia. At any rate, Tokyo Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha was held at the the granting of subsidies for the carrying of af ernoon, presided over by Mr. Kondo, mails and for other objects is a meature President. After the business report already generally followed by many civilised published was announced, the chairman rose Countries, though there are of necessity and delivered a short speech to the following" different methods adopted by them, according purport:-During the term there is nothing to the conditions and circumstances prevailing particular to be stated on the condition of the in their countries. The object aimed at by all company's business, which was rather calm countries in thus subsidising their merchant and unsvepiful But quite the reverse' is that marine is the development of trade in time of for the coming term, there being enough. tp peace and its employment for warlike purposes give them much consideration. Whereas in time of war. Generally speaking, continues.hitherto the rivalry and comptetition between our vernacular contemporary, Japan's efforts or among the contemporary concerns have in this direction have been successful. The Bombay line, for instance, bas already attention of the authorities concerned, there beco the only thing to occupy the care and become self-supporting, while the other over- has appeared of late many unfavourable pro- sea lines, despite the keen competition hiems such as the financial depression, com- of strong rivals, are making steady pro- mercial inactivity, silver slump, Chinese boy. gre. As a result of the investigations to be cott and others. In fact of these and such undertaken, the Government may perhaps find other adverse matters" the company bas to necessary to readjust the amount of subsidies, meet emergencies with a calm and circumspect but it would be unwise to endanger, by a par- atlitude. simonibus policy, the foundation of an industry which has been nurtured with so much care.

-It-would-be-interesting to know on what authority the ii states that the Bombay lide is self-supporting. We believe it is true that the line obtains no direct subsidy from the Government, but we understand the line is worked by vessels which have been granted to the Nippon Yusen Kaisha by the Government, and in that case the line can scarcely be said to be supported by its profits,

THE NEW IMPERIAL YACHT.

The Yangão, a steam yacht for use on ipfand rivers or takes, which was recently presented to the Chinese Court by the Japanese Government, was built at the Kawasaki Dockyard, Kobe. Her langth is 65 feet and tonnage 45. She is propelled by paddle wheels. to point of size, the yacht cannot be said to be much superior to others, but its decorations designed by Mr. Kichirabel Yamanaka of Oaks, are a blond ing of Chinese and Japanese art, the ceil ing being adorned with sculpture of flowers and birds, and, the walls' embellished with drawlogs of the giraffe. The tables and chairs also show excellent workmanship and the cur- talas are extremely, fan. The Dowager Em press spends avery summer in a boxt on Lake Hwnaj Ming, Au old style" bost, sad two 'steamboats built at Tientsin hava hitherto been employed. The Chinese Emperor is so highly pleased with the gift that His Majesty himself gare the name of Long Peace to the yacht, svincing his desire for a permanent peace be

when the two neighbouring countries and bestowed rawards on the artisans and a

Nike

ana. The Committee desired that a lester should be addressed to the Foreign Office with particular reference to the extent of this right of priority re-emphasising what had been stated in previous correspondence, and expressing the hope that it was not designed that recorded marks should-because of their. being placed on the record either at Shanghai or Tientsin-- be necessarily registered.

THE COTTON FARN LOTTERY SCHEME.

According to a Tokyo message, nothing has

yet been heard at the Farsign Office from the Japaness Consul about the prohibition in Hongkong of the sale of the cotton yarn, prize tickets, there. When the scheme was first

pointing out that the scheme was at variance announced, the Colonial authorities of Hong kong wrote to the Japanese 'Government; with the law of the Colony, and that as the sale of tickets might be prohibited in Hong kong the request was made that the Japan Cotton Splaners' Association should be re minded of the fact. As matters stand at present nothing can be done'sgainst the course taken by the Colonial Government.

We are once more reminded of the impor tance of Hongkong as a great shipping pori by the annual report of the harbour master of the colony. From a glance at the detailed figures, it appears that the total of the shipping enter ing and clearing at ports in the Colony, during vessels of 3,181,042 tons, when compared with the year 1907 shows an increase of 77,908 the corresponding figures of 1906, The greatest part of this is due to internal traffic. There was a considerable increase in foreign ocean vessels, wholly due to the Japanese firms in creasing their carrying trade. Having regard to the fact that the question of the nationality of the officers and crew manning the mercan- tile marine is engaging the attention of politi. cians in England, it is interesting to ascertain the proportion of British, and foreign men engaged to the shipping frequenting a port of the importance of Hongkong. In 1907, accord- ing to official statistics in the case of the British vessels, 3,244 of the office: were Bri. ions, and the remainder were Danes, Dutch,

Norwegians fure American, 0.44 in a proportion of foreign officer of 0'44 per cent, Altogether the report is a gratifying one and shows that Hongkong still maintains its pre

inent position as the second post of the world.-L. &+ C. Exprcen, .

A "WILP": COOLIN

AND AN EXCITED FARK.

roth inst

|

CHINESE AS SAILORS,

some doubt being falt with regard to his state ments on other matters.

or of Japanese sugar in China and Korea is the He goes on to say that the principal compati"

Hongkong sugar which is imported by Messrs. Jarding, Matheson & Cd; and Messi, Butter field and Swire. With regard to the relative quality and price of Japanese and Hongkong sugar it may be said that both are manufactur ed from the Java matenal and that Hongkong enjoy the advantage of cheaper freight on account of its being situated nearer to Java, whence the material is supplied. But the affect the power of competition in any material difference in freight is so small that it does not

degree. In point of quality, Mr. Ikenchi thinks, the palm must be given to the Japanese pro duct. The refining machinery in use at Hong. that in the Japanese refineries is of the latest. kong is of a comparatively old pattern, whereas improved type, and consequently reduced. difference in the quality of sugar produced. He thinks the Japanese merchants have had markets in China and Korea, but that there is Do sufficient time as yet to develop the

no doubt the sale of Japanese sugar in these countries will be greatly increased before the lapse of many years.” In view of the persistent optimism with a vengeancelejak da declips of the export of refined'sugar, this is

On 9th ult, a large number of unemployed British seamen congregated at the offices of the Mercantile. Marine at Poplar, where a crew was to be engaged for the British steamer Zambesi. They learned that Chinamen were to be employed on the ship. A deputation he proceeded to the Mercantile Marine Office waited upon Mr. Havelock Wilson, M. P., and

and interviewed the superintendent, entering Protest against the engagement of the Oriental pa the grounds that they had been supplied by boarding masters and crimps who were not licensed to supply seamen, and that the Chin- ese could out speak or understand the English to sign language. When tha Chinose went the superintendent tested one or two, and I was then decided to sign the men on ou found they could not pass the language test.

Cardiff, but when the Chinese arrived at the coasting articles to proceed from London to

Surrey Commercial Docks some opposition was manifested towards them, and eventually a British crew was taken on. On subsequent days large crowds gathered outside the loard f Trade offices in East India Dock-rond antici- pating that there would be a repetition of the scenes which had occurred on the 9th, but mat- ters, however, passed off quietly, Mr. J. Hava- lock Wilson, M.P., addressed the men on the

brought under the notice of the Board of Trade. subject, pointing out that the maiter had been lo au interview Mr. Wilson said that there were coo Chinamee signing on British ships in London now; is six months' time the Board of Trade estimated there would be 10,000. Mr Wilson averred that the Glasgow abipowners were principally responsible for importing these men, and there was probably not I per cent. of them who could speak English. It was, said Mr. Wilson, naturally to the advantage of ship- owners to employ Chipameu, as they worked for a wage of £1 a month, whereas the Britishgar, and the cost of labour rises as the result sailor got 4 a month. There was also a

- of the pressure of laxation, Protectionist Japan great caving in the food bill.

will have little bope of competing with Frae-, trade"Hongkong-Japan Ohroniolă:

The view of the British seaman is that Mr. Lloyd-George's Shipping Act, which came in

As already stated in our columns, recently the Dai Nippon, the Yokohama, and the Kobe Sugar Refining Companies entered into agree ment to restrict the production of sugar with capacity of each company, and the agreement in certain limits according to the producing came into force on May 1st. The daily pro ducing capacity of the Dai Nippon Beito, says Mr. Ikeuchi, is estimated' at 700-tons; that of the Yokohama, Bnito at roatons and that of the Kobe Seiloat to tons. When all thean mills are worked ta' the fall

total consumption of sugar in the country at capacity the yearly output of sugar will smount to something like 430 million kin, whereus- tba

present is put at 350 million kin.. This is the accessary to resinct production to avoid com. reason why the sugar companies have found it

demand springs up in the foreign markets of petition in the domestic market, but if an active course there will be no necessity of adhering to the agreement for the reduction of production. We venture to predict that while the Japanese Government places such heavy imposts on

COUNCIL.

force in January, making knowledge of English KULANGSU (AMOY) MUNICII obligatory on crews in British ships, has been rendered nugatory in the case of Orientals by the fact that British Colonies. Dependencies, and Protectorates are excluded. Chinese, Lat cars, Malays, and others by stating that they cama from places like Hongkong and Singe pore have been passed. Employers have, it is said, engaged them at cheaper rates.

Minutes of a meeting of the Council, held at the Board Room, on the 19th May, 1908

Present--Messrs. W. H. Wallace (Chair) man), C. A. V. Bowra, Huang Ts'an-chew, W. Kruse, S. Okuyama, W. Willon and the Secre tary

The minutes of the last meeting worn read and confirmed.

An official of the German Seamen's Uolon states that 3ro Chinese sailors arrived at Ham burg last week, having travelled as passengers "You must deposit $10 bail. If not you will from China. They were being imported from reply. I'll deposit $.00, if you like." "We be detained here" Sto bail!" was the sarcastic Bamburg as the shipowners required.

A petition was read from the following Dairy The agitation has spread from London to Farmers:-Kulangsu Milk and Produce Com- The Osaku. Mainichi states that the Celton only want 5ro this time." This was the gist of. Cardiff. A meeting was held outside the Car-pany, Hap Soon, Eng Hap. Chost Host, Goad Spinners' Association, finding difficulty in sell. conversation which took place list night" be-- "diff Shipping Offices, on 13ik ull, when a "Hoat, and Hap Kee, requesting that the hours ing yarn in Hongkong by means of the induce tween the officer in charge of the Central Police resolution was unanimously adopted that the for allowing cattle and buffaloos being out for ment of lottery tickets, voluntarily abandoned Station and J. T. Tavaret, a man who is reput-seamen sailing out of the part of Cardiff grazing be altered to "not before 5,30 s.m. and

the prohibition of the sale of tickets will in no

not later than 7.30 p.m." instead of as at pre- the issue and arranged to grant a bovaly oned to have very wealthy relations, unemploy. strongly protested against the Increase in the yan shipped to Hongkong, in consequence, ed, and residing at 39, Wong-aci-chong Road. employment of Chinese seamen upon British sent "not before 8 am, or after 4 p.m." The

41 Tavares was arrested for assaulting the bearer ships, and urged the Government to take steps application was refused. way affect the shipment of yarn to Hongkong of a public chair. It would appear that he to deal with the question, The Osaka journal adds that t,:00 bales of engaged a chair outside the Central Market March insiJapan Chronicle. yara have been shipped to Hongkong since

at about eight o'clock and proceeded as far as Hollywood Road, Taveros gave the coolic, it is believed, ten cents. The latter growled. Tavares became annoyed, and was alleged to have given the irritating coolie a short amm jib is tha sye, which instantly dis- coloured that optic. Plecceman" was the invited to the station, where the

cussion accored deposited the necessary Sto bail, and returned home. This morning he surrendered to his bail in the Police Court, and was discharged,

}

13

A GUNBOAT SQUADRON FOR SHANGHAI,

THA MATCH INDUSTRY.

The Secretory, was directed to forward to the Senior Consul, for the approval of the Consular Body, a proclamation by which ball the Opium. Shops will be closed on-the-gist March, 1909, and the semaining half on the gist March, 1910. The Superintendent of Police reported tha following cases have been dealt with at the Mixed Court since the last menting Sum- monses: Allowing pigs and cattle to stray 7. Throwing robbish &c. into the public drains 6; Obstructing the public drains. 4. Assanii 1, Damaging property 1, Debt-a, Contempt of 1, Summary Arrests: Being rogue, and vagabond, &c. 2, Failing to oboy an order of the Mixed Court 1.

(Signed), W. H. WALLACK, Chairman.t

O, BERKELEY Mitchell, AdvanÉM!

Secretary e

Net prost 1,467.396 reparts the establishment of a squadron of charge was laid against him. After much dis-cline of silver and the monetary stringency Court 2, Obtaining goods under false prétences

To legal reserve

To bonus itu Dividend (10% per annum)............ Special dividend (2% per annum)... Carried to next account

...

CHAIR COOLINS' BEHAVIOUR.

ACCUSED OF REFUSING HIRE,

8th inst.

By Dider,

ACCIDENT AT CAUSEWAY BAY.

The following accounts and distribution

·SERIOUS: CONDITIONS, IN, KOBE. were submitted and unanimously adopted:

The match industry in Japan appears to Grass receipts. 14,416,788 The Peking correspondent of the W. C. P next item on the programme, and Tavares Disbursements ............... ... 14,948,8go News writes on 24th ult. Viceroy Tuan Fang, was

bave suffered most of all from the depression of trade with Chinn consequent upon the de- Brought from last term

307.882 Chinese gunboats to keep the peace on in. land' waterways adjacent to Shanghai, The

and the industry is now reduced to a most Totals

*****... 1,775,278 squadron which is the work of H.E. Jui Teing

trying and critical position. Since December 73.389 lately Customs. Taqtai of Shanghai and ófficer

last some of the match factories in Kobp bave 71,358 in charge of the suppression of piratce and salų

bad

suspend operations. But the leading 1,100,000 smugglers, is be composed of sight light

factories have continued to work in order to 200,000 draught river gunboats,twenty-four Chinese

give employment to the operatives, in view 310,551 wooden gunboats and sixty-eight sampani.

of the importance of the industry in relation to At the extraordinary general meeting, sub- Thesenra to be built and maintained by Kiangsu

the general prosperity of Kobe, thousands of submitted and passed with one accord(1) under the command of are commander-in- sequently held, the following resolutions were and Chekiang. The squadron is to be placed

the poorer people belog dependent upon it. This morning, at the Police Coun, two chair The manufacturers, it is now stated, can no into a sub-branch; (2) That the branch offices the Viceroy and the Governors of Kiangan and at the instance of Inspector Ritchie with re-truistic motives, for under present conditions That the present Tokyo branch be converted chief who will receive his orders directly from coolien were charged before Mr. R. Wood, looger afford to run their factories from al- at Osaka, Yokkaichi and Fusan and sub-bran- Chokiang. Besides the Commander-in-Chief, fusing to accept hire while not engaged. The they declare they are losing money daily, the ches at Memuto, Aomori, Nagon and Gensany there will be two Sub-Commanders, eight first complainant was Mr. M. Schindewolf, of the match market becoming worse and worse. “A be discontinued: (3) That the fixing of the date clasa captains, twenty-four second class cap-Deutsch Asiatiche Bank. The inspector alle proposal has at last been made among the of the enforcement of the above decisions be tains and sixty-eight lieutenants while, each ged that early on Sunday morning the com. manufacturers in Kobe and Osaka to suspend commissioned to the board of directors, The foreign-bolt gunboat is to be mapped by plainant attempted to engage the defendants' work altogether, Already not a few of them intention to close Nagasaki, Chemulpo and sixty marines, and each. Chinese boat from chair to take him from the Peak to the town. have greatly reduced their output, and yet the An old coolie came very near being killed Tientsio branches has been abandoned owing thirly to thirty-five or forty marices and etchDefendants, he stated, for some reason or a stocks remaining in the gedowns are estimated outright at Causeway Bay, last Sunday morning, to the authorities' advice and suggestion of the sampan by ten men. The lotel sirengib of other, refused to accept complainant, who at about 35,020 cases. The export of matcher at the result of an accident. The coolie so local people.

this squadroo is about 2,000 officers and banded them over to an Indian policeman, lo- has shown some increase in quantity of late, is about fifty-six years of age, wat wall men and its headquarters, will be at a central ||gether with a note to the officer on duty request. but the goods have been sold at vory low prices along the tram truck on the Shau-ki-was- Road place on the Taihu, H. E, Jul Tréóg, basing him to have the coolies charged. This was and at ne profil.

Abound for Causeway Bay, at about half-p nominated Colonel sü Yü-lia to be Comman done. When the coolies were arraigned be. It is stated that the relentless attitude ádopt-| eight o'clock. In front of him); der-in-Chief. The simpans will be used for fore the Magistrate this morning, after having ed by bankers in collecting advances has running along the quia in bin pursuing pirate boats in the small rivers and been detained at headquarters since their arrest, aggravated the difficulties of the match maen- 'hind him was a framcar. 5. When streams where the foreigo and Chinese gou the complainant did not appear to prosecute, facturers, We may add that the operatives at the old man attanipted to get put boats cannot penstrategi paketomedituspector Ritche applied to the Court for a day's present employed in the match factories of Kaba this was impossible at his passi Arms will be supplied by the Kihozpan adjournment with a view to having the com- number not less than 6,000, while over 10,000 ad by the trucks. Hansie Lingk arsenal at Shanghai and the officers and mop plainant supposed... He added that it was net poor people outside, the factories are earning | thrown.pp against the trucks are to be selected from among the certificated right for Europenes to hand Chinese over to beir lives by making match boxes, &c. If the students of the Naval college, at Nanking and policemen to be locked up and yel bot, appear work of the factories is suspended all this from the ships of the Faiyang, and NabyADY to provicate Hit Wonship, however, decided people will begtbrown out of employmant

JAPANESH TRADE,

A TURN OF THE TIDE.

Tokio, June 1 The trade returns for the last eleven days of May show so excess of exports over imports for the first time since January

The total volume of trade for the last five months is less than it was for the cormspood, lar päriod in 3007.-N. C. DENMER

AGED COOLIE KNOCKED DOWN BYG

A.CAR

injuries about the headl

semi-copicions condition Government Owing to the man's nga kis doubl