1909-03-19 — Page 3

GEO FENWICK & CO. LTD.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY

WOPIUM REFORM,

SAND

SUGGESTED CHANGES IN BRITISH MALAYA, COMMENTS ON RECENT COMMISSION, Correspondence regarding the repart, of the Commistion, appointed to, inquita late matters relating to the use of opium in the Straits Settlements.and the Federated Malay States cil mention, last week, was laid on the table at the Legislative Coun:

MARCH 19

Government, the steady and progressive discent and the Singapore Farmers 40 per cent. couragement of opium smoking, the Govern of their capitales have included in the Singa ment of the Colony must retala a free hand for pore rent received the same now outstanding the adoption of restrictive measures as the need and in process of payment arises; and the proposal of the Commissioners profit and do not think that it would be safe for them becomes apparaat and opportunity The Singapore Farm is not making large that caure The report of the Secretary for all of chandu sold at more than $2. If we appears to me the one best adapted to secure to estimate the revenue from fature Farms per Chiness Affairs will show the working of such obtained this sum the revanuo from a Farm a system as that suggested in Java and Cockle would be higher than from a Regie; the risk of Chine, and if Your Lordship concurs, will obstaing smaller sum would be less than the take steps to establish it here on the of risk that expenses of a Regle have been ander might fall seriously below those aow affected by the Farmers, Straits Times.

-1909.

48RMANY'S HOLD ON BORNEU.

105

REGISTERING FIRMS.

RESULT OF RECENT, INQUIRIES, BY BOARD OF TRADE

. From this it is socp that, in transmitting the the prescot Farm INGEN, WE estimated and than the risk thai Regle'sales' "and the Western world. With the honourable: foreign, coontries governing the registration

ANNUAL MEETING. The twentieth ordinary general meeting of, sharehaklers in Geo. Fenwick & Co, Ld was held inthe Hongkong Hotel at nood, fait Blators day, for the purpose of receiving the report of the directors, and electlog director and auditor Mr. GK. Haxton took the chair. There were John Andrew (general manager). J. Rodger, alsh prezent Mr. Percy Tester, (director) JR Farben, JM. hvidg, and J. D. Kinnaird." The general manager read the notice of thin meating

report and as memorandum by the Secretary- *** The Chairmgo' said Gentlemen-Tha re for Chiposa Affairs, whan by daputed to port and statement of accounts for 1998 having inquire into the Régis system in Java and bien la your bands for some days, I propose Dochin-China, Sir John Anderson, K.G.M.G., with your perminion to take them as road. Isset a covering despatch, on November 12, need scarcely say that your directors regret ex- 1908, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies tremely the unsatisfactory result if the com

and invited his attention to some of the most pany's operations during past year. The prominent and important facts elicited by the koen competition referred to at bur last meat laquiry, Reference is made to, the evils of ing has been even more in evidence during morphia, His Excellency stating that with the the period under review but in spite of this we claty who take to it in lieu of the opium pipe, were able 10: keep the works fairly well employ. crowded together in kongsi house or coolie lines or in cubicles in tenement houses in the tower, apart from its much greater cheapness and rare powerful effect, and there cannot be any doubt that at the present time in the Colony morphin is destroying for more men than opium.

He thought that the licence duty on opium shops should be increased, not only as a means of discouraging a number of small shops whose existence, and locality add to the difficulty of proper supervision, but also to furnish addition- inducements to the licence holders to see that the law la observed.

THE REVENUE"

BIG OPIUM SEIZURE,

DRUG IN SALT TURNIPS,

The Siam Free Prats of 26th ult. sayı There can be no disputing the fact that the focal Customs officials have for some time past displayed commendable-cleverness in bolding up ilicit importations, no matter what ruse

to be no end to the variety of methods

ed for the greater part of the time on . U obviously far more likely to spread rapidly; | were in a'position to take faster steps towardi iwas: adopted to get the stuff in. There seeme

which returned what must under the circum- stances be considered satisfactory profits. The 'great failing off is the number of outsido vessels. visiting the port during the year has had a motorfal effect is reducing our earnings, as it is to this class of vessel rather than the regular Tiners that we look for the bulk of our repairing work. During the year wo were forced into a legal controversy, by one of our

sub-contractors, as a result of which we were.

EFFECTS OF OPIUM,

His Excellency proceedi-The opinion 707 that opium smoking in excest is not in. dulged in to any considerable extent amongst deal, is borne pat, by the evidence adduced be fare him.

expressed by the Commission in paragraph

In conclusion he reminded his Lordship that any measures for diminishing the consumption of opium would seriously affect the revenue of the Colony, and he hoped that, on the termication of the existing Farm when they discouraging the use of opioin the resultin loss of revenue would be followed by a car responding reduction of their Military Con tribution.

In acknowledging the thespatch and enclosure Lord Crewo wrote:-1 approve the steps which giving affect to such of the recommendations you have taken, or have in contemplation, for

as can be acted upon in present circumstances; and I recognise that it would not be feasible to the Commissioners until the expiry of the existing farm at the end of the present year. It would also be desirable that you and His Majesty's Government should first be in possession of the views and recommendations of the International Conference at Shanghai from which much valuable assistance may be anticipated.

tried to get opium illegally into the country When the sa, Pongtong arrived from Swatow on the 24th, amongst her cargo she had $1 jars is baskets of salt turnips consigned to Nguang Losg," Bangkok. Today the Customs in salt turnips was the latest crazo, and probed fute Spectors delded to see what particular flavour in

compelled to submit to a'lous of some SIG the communities with which we have had to take action with regard to the main proposal of bags that had once been used for. Austration

Had your directors: not had every ensfidence in the security of our position in this matter, a compromist might have bean effected on better terms, but we had, taken every precaution ta

It, confirms also to some extent the con- have the correctness of our attitude regarding clusion which I have formed after careful per -points in dispute verified by our legal advisersonal inquiry of smokers, in the course of and had no reason whatever io. abticipate an repeated visits to the opium divans in Singa adverse judgment. The company's launches, pore, that so long as a man is well nourished machiadry and property have been maintained opium smoking is comparatively harmless, and In ab efficient state of rentfr during the year that it is when, as it has a tendency to do in and very effort has been made to reduce the the coolie class the indulgence trenches on the cost of administration to a minimum con. margin for food, that the deterioration, caused sistent with efficiency. With a return of that by epiam smoking begins. While saying that prosperity to the Colony which can scarcely oplum smoking to the extent indulged to by be much longer delayed we may hopputo the working or coolle class is comparatively retrieva in some mersure the losses which-we-barmless, I refer of course only to the physical have unfortunately been called upon to meet and mental effects of the indulgence, I do "during the past year. Owing to the continu not think any one will maintalú that for so ance of the depression in the land and, pro large a proportion of the working class to

•perty market we have been unable to sell or speed from one-third to a hill of their carnings lease any portion of our property and we are in what is at best a useless indulgence, is from still therefore heavily bandicapped with in- en economic point of view otherwise than Merest pa mortgage, crown rent and taxes. wasteful and pernicious. During the year Mr. P. Tester was invited to, foin the board of directors and accepted. He now retires in accordance with the articles of Association but offers himself for re-election. I may mention that owing to the unsatisfactory reiult of the year's working your directors have again walved their customary fees. Be fore proposing the adoption of the report, and accounts 1 shall be pleased to auswer to the beat of my ability any questions relating to the

business of the meeting.

SMUGGLING..

I shall therefore defer any further expression of opinion, ca the documents now before me, but I may say

once that I have read with close attention and with great interest the admirable report of the Commission. His Lordship concluded by eulogising the work of the Commissioners and asked that the mem- bers be conveyed his warm appreciation of their services."

OPIUM-REGIE.

these jars. in six jan they found underaanth a good top layer of salt turnips small door, but now beld opium pills carefully tied up in them. Altogether. 1744 tamlungs of pills ware found, which would be over 5,000 Ticals' worth. Salt tarnjp by the way is only, worth

WHERE ARE THE DRITisu suira?"-

ing deeply on the problems of the Far East is That Germany looking ahead and reason.

British North Borneo, writes the Standard of brought home almost daily to as dwellers la

RETURNS FROM BR

BRITISH, POSEKSSIONS. Empire correspondent at Sandakan. Perhaps the British Government at the instance of the Huglishmen at Home will be surprised to hear

In June, 1905, reports were asked for by that this British Protectorate depends entirely regulations in force in British colonies and Board of Trade as the subject of the laws and on Germany for its communication with Europe possessions, la India, and in the various exception of one steamer, thu Mausong of of commercial firms, with especial reference Lasers, Jardine, Matheson und Co., of London, we also depend entirely or Germany, for all required to register the names of all responsible to the question whether such firms are outlet to the East and China. Germany and partners and of parsons who are authorised to only German, shippers control our freights, sign and act on their behalf, says the British The ses junction for British North Borneo, Tie Review, These reports have now been where passengers, malls, and merchandise received-and-from-the-replies it appears that leave ar join the msid"; Far Eastera" route, D

all the foreign countries concerned have Singapore. Between Singapore and British Boned all the carrying trade is in the hands legislated on the subject with the exception exception-mentioned-above, the same great quiring ma to razister in British India, and of the North German Lloyd, and, with the one

of Abyssinia, that there is no law in forco re- that the following colonies have no legislation company carry our very considerable cargoes to Hongkong'S CAPABILITIES.

on the subject-Barbadnes, Bermuda, British SANDAKAN'S

Central Africa, British Guiana, British Hond

Fiji, Gambia, Gibraltar, Hongkong, Labuan, duras, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, East Africa, Portectorate, Falkland Islands, Somaliland, Southern Nigeria, Southam Leaward Islands, St. Helena, Sierra Leone, Rhodesia, Straits Settlements, the Transvaal Bahamas states that the only act in forehe Trinidad and Uganda. The Governor of the that colony dealing with the subject is an obsolete act of the year 1861-an act to limited liability-and that it does not appear authorise the formation of partnerships with that any firm has ever registered under its pro- visions,

to

-AUSTRALIA AND CANADA

about 2 Ticali a jar. The whole consignment Davy, within four days' steam of Hongkong. to Australia the laws of the various tistas

was seized and the Customs officials now wish to hear from Mr. “Nguang Long.".

BUSINESS IN SINGAPORE.

BRITISH BLACKNESS AND GERMAN ENTERPRISE.

VIEWS OF A DANISH COMMISSIONER.

OPIUM IN INDU-CHINA NOTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMISSION.

have a general similarity, whito differing to detail. Partnerships and persons trading alone under a firm game are required to register be fore commencing business, and changes in the constitution of a firm must be duly registerad within a fixed time. Registration is necessary on change of the firm in name, and in South Australia re-registration is necessary every five years. The territory of Papua has adopted its laws in this connection from Queensland, but apparently these laws only apply to companies. In Canada the law varies in the different pro

aloon ueder & firm-osmo ato required to register vinces. Trading partnerships are required to register except in Manitoba, Parsons trading except in Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The time within which registration must be effected varies. In New Brunswick, for instance, firms must register before commencing business; in Ontario with- in six months after commencement of business. Declarations are generally required to be filed on change of partnership or firm-name, or dis- solution of partnership. In the case of axira provincial corporations in Quebec the registra

registration of limited partnerships exist in tion of powers of attorney given to non-part

most of the provinces. In the Cape of Good are is also required. Laws providing for the

llope, Jamaica, Newfoundland, and New Zea land, legislation provides only for the registra case of Jamaica a return must be made to the tion of limited partnerships, except that in the stamp Commissioner showing the names and addresses af all partners in banks, their places of business, names of public officers, &c.

her ships to take over this inter-Beitish pott Germany. spared no money when she seat trade, adds the correspondent, and she spares no money in maintaining bar ships now the has got it. And why does Germany take money is, a British Protectorate? It is be: so much interest (and laveit so much Cause Germany realises the tart commercial passibilities of this island, and is not afraid invest money in secuting the monopoly of carrying trade that is rapidly increasing strategic importance of a cyclone-proof har It is because Germany knows, the tremendous bour, large enough to hold the entire German Such is Sandakan. With filtean miles of deep, land-locked bay, no barbour but Sydney can approach it. Its narrow entrance is com manded by an island that has much of the appearance and,“ if fortified, could have all the impregnability, of Gibraltar. Kudat 46 the north, lying. In a bay within bay, could swallow up the Port of London. Jesselton, to the west, has shelter for a fleet. Cowle Harbour, to the east, and Labuan, to the west, have vast and working coalfields, A Dane, sent out by his Government to the Yes, Germany 'looks ahead. She is preparing Far East to study trade conditions and the

for 'aventualities in the Far East, and what Mr. W. D. Barnes in his report upon the singapore, where, what struck him most was commercial outlook, has been taking notes at

may take place in the Pacific in the days soon. opium-régies in the Netherlands Indies and the fierce competition between. British and England stands aside, and allows ber rivals to lo come. It is difficult to understand why French Indo-China, with especial reference to Germans to the advantage of the latter. His harvest rewards that Englishmen have worked the applicability of a similar system in British experiences he sets forth in a letter from Sin-for in days gone by with so much labour, and Malaya, wrote that he visited Batavia and Sai-gapore, published in the Banover Courier. He bought with so great a price,” That the consumption of opium by the god to study the working of the opium-Régie had been at Singapore eight, years ago, and individual depends on his means is abondant in both places and more especially the manu- ly clear from the evidence, "aud of course it.

facture of chandu in the Government factories been very great, Eight years back, British found that, in the interval, the changes had follows that the readiest and most effective, as

there. He confiaes himself to the considera-

mercantile houses held the predominance, and,. well as the most natural method of reducing tion of the difficulties which would be ex- consumption is to enchance the price. One of perienced in establishing the system la Britis

out of every ten ships in the harbour, sover the difficulties in the way of such a course has Malays, of the best methods of obviating such

would be sure to fly the British flag. But now already been referred to, namely, that it would difficulties and of those points in the experi British one out in the harbour, but it also fias the German flag is not only crowding the at once stimulate the use of murphia as a subseace and practice of the Netherlands Indies proudly over large and five godowns.on, the titate. This other principal difficulty is tha im and French Todo-China which would be of sea front. German names in large-bized gilt petus that would be given to smuggling. The value in British Malaya. He gives a short, print strike the eye at the doors of many busi- evidence shows what is indeed weil known, that description of the present working of the Régie

ness-premises. the amount of smuggling from the Native in each country, then discusses the differences "The motion was carried unanimously..

States into the Colony and vice verza is insigni- between their conditions and local ones and On the motion of Mr. Irving, secauded by Monly place from which there is smuggling worth discussion of the best manner of introducing ficant and can easily be dealt with, and that the deals with details concerning cach Régio in a Forbes, Mr. Percy Tester was re-elected a speaking of is China The price of chandu is directer

and working.a Régie in British Malaya, Tauch Mr. 1. Rodger proposed the re-election of Swatow and Amoy is less than one-third of the ing first on the Régie in Netherlands India and Mr. H. Percy Smith as auditor.

price in Singapore, and the proton schungsfrei that the most noticeable difference between French fade-China be points out regarding the Mr, Irving seconded...

a tahil-ana and one-third ounce of chaudu la Carried.

more than two dollars, say, 5/ sterling. Thesa

our conditions and there obtaining in the facts are sufficient to show at once how large Netherlands Indies, is that it is the Javanese disparity, between the prices at which opium are the profits.. Its obvious that so long as this and not the Chinese who are the Régie's best customers. In Java the Chinese "coolie" does is sold in China and the price at which it is not exist, all Chinese being traders or at the sold here, continues to exist, smuggling from lowest, sistants in shops or working in a few China is bound to take place, and that unless special occupations such as cabinet-making, the price is raised in China to something apadthemajority of the Chinese returned na such cise established there on the lines of the Im. proximate to the price here and an efficient ex in the Census are Java-boro: The Java-born

BARRED FROM PUBLIC SERVICE. perial Customs to central the native grown

Chicaman is even less of a Chinaman.than is the

Opium smoking is very common in Upper opism, our efforts to restrain and reduce the evil the Chinese consumption is comparatively very Malacca baba," Henets forth facts showing that

Tonkin and Laos which lie on the Chinese frontier and into which the drug is imported will present almost insuperable difficulties. of opium smoking amongst the Chinese here small, and says that, whereas in the Colony no

from Yuupan, in Western China. The Com- chandu is sold in less quantities than 3 bun

missioners are agreed as to the evil results of and persons trading under a firm-name. In Natal registration is necessary for firms feararstly hope that some arrangement on packets, in Java the sales in quantities of less

LOOK ON THIS PICTURE.

excessive opium smoking, and as regards the Powers of attorney held for the purpose of this point may be effected at the forthcoming than 2 huoi farm searly 82 per cent, of the The Briton drives to his office in the fore-benefits of measures taken to root out the transacting the business of firms by persons from Chinh is as futile as prohibition bere, un- conference at Shanghai,. Prohibition of export total sales. As to opium consumers in French noon, in a dog-cart, with pipe in his mouth, and babit. But, they are agafest the idea of other shad partours must also be registered. less the price in China is raised to the same ports of a Commission to study the opium office, be remalos as short a time as possible-

Indo-China, Mr. Barnes states that in the re- a aun bat porjecting over his neck. In the making it a crime to smoke the drug and Re-registration is necessary on change of firm poist practically as the price here and the question the probable number of opium-two things, the club and sport, are of bigh im- what smoke. The only remedy they reship or in place of business must be registered. consider it to be unjust to punish officials name, and all changes in constitution or owner manufacture and tató, placed under, effective smokers in Cochin-China is given as 70,000 portance to him. When still carly, between opium under restriction. The restrictions are commend is to put the consumption of Annamites and.15,000 Chinese. The average and 5 p.m., the office in but, unless the King's

Provisions also exist for the registration of Chinese individual consumption, is estimated, birthday, or some similar event gives opponu for the various countries, as from 54 to 38 nities for closing the whole day. After office pium; forbidding the sale of opium by-pro- however, usual for principals granting powers a slow increase in the price of manufactured ration of firms exist in Northern Nigeria; it is, limited partnerships. No provisions for regis all per annum (say ivi, chi per diem) as hours, the Britan goes bome where he dogs ducist saics of opium to be limited to the attorney to notify the Government." against a far smaller individual consumption his lawn tennis ar driving suit with all speed. shops; and, the gradual closing of public by other races.

Then he goes into sport with an energy and opium abops, beginning with those in the small ensure him a bright future. At dinner time he briven in schools, Anti-opium placards and Activity which, if thrown into business, would towns. Besides this, anti-opium teaching should puts ona neat and roomy flannel suit, or, shok- Pers in public places are expected to take ing dress. Afterwards he spends the last hours wood effect. Finally, all smokers should be of the day in the enjoyment of a glass of whisky shut out of the public service, soda in the society of like-minded companions who all think themselves far above bothering about daily business cares.

There were na questions. The Chairman moved the adoption of the re-PS -port and accounts,

Mr. Kinnaird seconded.

The Chairman-That is all the business of the meeting, gentlemen. Thank you for your alfondance.

**** NETHERION” HOMEWARD

BOUND, * *

The burned out-oil steamer Netherton, which has been lying off Tanjong Rhu over two years, and has been sold to a home purchaser, is to be towed to England by the tug Thames, which arrived from Rotterdam yesterday with the Dutch tanker Drente ib, tow, says the Straite. Times of 6th inst. The Thauses belongs to the International Tug Co. of Rotterdam and bas a crew of twelve men, the agents bere being Mesars, Guthrie and Co. She will wait here till the Netherton has been prepared for the voyage. Temporary quarters are being con. structed on board for the crew, which arrived waek ago and is quartered at the Sailors' Home panding the completion of the work.

SINGAPORE'S UNDESIRABLES,

control.

Another important difference between our

ALCOHOL AS. SUBSTITUTE, If that cannot be done, and the manufacture and stle of morphia also placed under strict contral, whatever efforts we make to restrict the use of opium by more complete Government control, or raising the price, or other repressive messmes, we shall only succeed in displacing conditions and those in the Netherlands Indies the legitimate supply in favour of the illegiti.and in Indo-China lies in the total consumption mata supply, to the advantage of the chandu manufacturers of Swatow and Ainuy and the purveyors of morphia. With an extended coast line such as we have and a host of fishing boats and small trading craft, the case with which a valuable consigament of chando can be conceal.

on board a steamer and smuggled ashore wilkout detection is not the only difficulty. It| is also easy to reabsfer chandu (ropi the Chipa steamer af sen belare-it comes within our waters."| This is believed with good tensou to be done frequently now, and once the chandu is ashore

is practically impossible to trace it.

of chandu and in the amount which must there- fore be prepared in a Régio Factory. The ap proximate fotal consumption of chandu in Bri tish Malaya last year was 8,600,000 tshils and ib all Netberlands ladies within the Rézie, in 1997, it was 1,068,577 tahils.

The Regie sales in Indo-China in 1997 were 3,170,673 (ahils.

GERMANS WINNING.

German energy is pashing British competi- tors out, so an onlooker would say. But our Dane sees further, and say that tue Germans have won. The British, for the most part, clear rivals easily take their place. Several old gut without making a fight and their German established British firms have failed, and he avers that, even a prominent shipping company shows signs of flinching,

REPLACING LOST REVENUE BY A LOTTERY, that of Indo-China appointed an Opium Com

Like the Straits Settlements government, mission which took evidence at Saigon, to in quire into the extent of the consumption of the in the Colony, the best way to stop opium smoking, and the devising of ways and means to replace the loss of revenue that would result from a suppression policy.

The report, which has just been published, will not quite satisfy anti-opium faxdists; A summarised the report on the 3rd inst., says Haiphong newspaper-Annam Tonkin which that according to the Commission, opium smoking is uncommon among Europeans in

*

the Colony. As to the natives it is unknowa In commenting upon the German capture-almost among the cultivator class. Among the and releation of Far Eastern steamer libes, the well-to-do classes there are not many opium writer points out that the success is due to smokers. It is, however, prevalent among the perseverance, no matter at what cost, provided Chinese section of the population, but not to rivals are driven out of the field. At Singapore such an extent as in China. the Getmans, so he says, win through industry, energy, determination, and enterprising spirit. that the Far East is theirs. Our Dace drawa a The British stand still, and foucy, all the same, striking comparison between the British and the Germans hare, which runs thus

LOTTERY SUGGESTED. The Commission found it difficult to recom- mend substitutes for the opium revenue, which The moral drawn is that the flannel type.of yields yearly about six millions of francs. It Briton, as the Dace puts it, should reflect would not be advisable to tecrease the land seriously whether it is worth while through self-assessment, the poll tax or the taxes on salt. conceit and from love of clubs and sport, tot and spirits. Any fresh taxation should mercial field, formerly their own, by Gormons allow themselves to be ousted from the com- fall on the Chinese section of the com. and Chinese.

munity who pay the opium ravenue iD the shape of heavier, customs duties on articles they consume. This merely applies to the shrinkage of revenue arising from restrict- ng opium consumption. A probibition policy calls, for more far-going measures such as in creasing the taxes on tobacco and petroleum, The Commissioners shrink from recommend

in a style of those conducted in Europe. stead of it, they advise the staring of a lottery

AND ON THIS ONE1.

CEYLON AND OTHERS,

registration of powers of attorney. In the Gold Const partnerships and persons trading alone la Caylon provision exists for the optional

under a firm-name must register both originst place. Malia required commercial partnerships ly and on the occasion of a change taking

wall as all changes which may take place. en nom collectif to register full particulars as Provisions are also made for registrations of which is founded on the old French commer commandite firms. The law of Mauritius, cistcode, may be summarised in the same forms as those used in the case of Malta,

of

In the Orange River Colony there is no regular system of registration, but persona en. fessions are required to take out licences, which gaged in a large number of traday and pro- contain among other particulars the names of the partners and the Erra-name. In the Say chelles the old French code of commerce is in force as in Mauritius. As regards the Windward. Islands, no legislation on the subject exists, eitheria Grenada or St. Vincent, but in St. Lucia: partåerships are required to register, and po partner is deemed to have left the partnership until a new declaration is filed to that effect

FROZEN CHINESE PIGŠ.

A NEW FOOD BUPPLY..

It will be remembered "that attention was drawa recently to the increasing number of departees from Saigon who were being dumped down on the Colony, with the consent of the local administration. "Is response to sundry respresentations it was officially, announced that the new arrivals were not really brigandst but revolutionaries' who were a superior class to the average Chinese coolie. We than remark ed that the authorities will have to bear in mind the serious risks involved in the assimilation of this!superior' class with the normal labour lng population. The trouble that we had apprehended has already manifested itself, According to par Contemporary, the Straits Times, the police have now made twenty-one arrests in conection with the gang robberies in the Jurong district. Most of those 'arrested That alcohol would to some extent take the prove to be revolutionary deponees from Sai- place of opium in the event of stringent mes- ges, and the permission of the local authorities, sutes for the reduction of the latter, is, as the for the immigration of these charaters is Commissioners say, not improbable. There is likely to be modified materially in the near already a considerable consumption not only of future, Beveral of the accused were found 10 tamshp.but also of European beer and spirits while the number of steamers which reach easily. Despite intense beat, mosquitoes and jag the establishment of a gambling-farm. In pork will develop in the early fature, & Sea L havaTMin their possession tickets for which and also of wine amongst the well-to-do; but i they paid $5 each, which are to be redeemed do not consider that it is likely to reach serious at Stoo each when the revolutionery party proportions, as opium is rather an alternative comes into power in China, This is said jo be to tobicco than to alcohol. one of the favourite, methods of the tionlats for raising funds. In the face of these As to the question of the sale of opium in disquieting facts, it is to be hoped that the brothels, His Excellency wrote thess Governmeal of t the Straite Boulements will see places are not licensed such sale is of course Its way to taking a firm stand against be forlifegal, and prior to receiving the evidence ther continuance of the immigration of these taken by the Commission' the officers of the andesirables into the Colopy and subsequently Protectorate believed that to sales did take drifting fate the F.M.S. The principle of an place there, but that the visitors sent out for the open-door policy it an excellent one to theory, opium they required to a licensed opium shop or but its application has been found disastrous it carried it with them. That impression is proved Its practical application. The Ordinance dealing by the evidence to have been wrong and that with the admission of aliens into the Colony oplum is sold in these places by the keepers or stands in need of drastic amendment. The their servants. Successful prosecations on this

torates

revola-

THE FARM SYSTEM,

1

+ .. SERIOUS UNDERTAKING, ducing a Regle loto British Inlays would be It is clear, he says, that our task in latre. far more serious than that which the Dutch and Fresh Governments have undertaken. As regards smuggling also our conditions are Turn we now to the young German, Early in mare unfavourable than those is the Nether the morning he sits in his office where he takes laods indies and indo-China. In the Nether-off his white cost, and works, the whole day in lands Indies there is a strong Customs Service his shirt sleeves-for the sake of moving about Java from China is very small

ather tropical inconveniences," he works with to cope satisfactorily with smuggling in Ton. The Briton uses a good deal of his working Io Indo-Chinn the French fiod it impossible fron strength of will unceasingly all the long, quin and Laos which border on the opium-power in tennis and football, At the very time growing districts of China, In Cochin-China, when the German is still la office bard at work Annam and Cambodia, however, where smug

on letters and business documents-to-be des- gling can only be carried on by sea, they are vary well equipped for dealing with it

patched to Hamburg or Berliò. In the oven- iog, when anyone taking a walle through the

it is a hundred to one that the premises town sees the windows of no office lighted up. occupied by Germans. The British business promises on the opposite side of the street, are sure to be in darkness all the time.

A.SIDELIGHT.

in British Malaya is must first he decided If it is decided to introduce an Opium-Regie where to commence the introduction. In my opinion none of the States of, the Federated Malay Staics are suitable, because in all of them, conditions to complicated by the neces sity for raising the retail price of cheedu and thus greatly reducing consumption. Further, in ander to minimise risk of failure the Regis should, In the first instance, be introduced in

LOJE MONEY.

But

JAVA SUGAR.

PROTEST AGAINST CARGO' LANDED IN AUSTRALIA.

Melbourne was drawn to the arrival in Brisbane from Java, by the steamer Le Mairo, of 500 The attention of the Customs Department at

Singapore, January 4 Hope rupe high among Chinese dealers and breeders of pigs that a great trade in frozen

When the news arrived from London that Sir Thomas Sutherland, and announced at a general meeting of the company's shareholders fist the directors planned to bring Chinese pigs over to England during the coming year in the reinions. gerating chambers of their liners, excitament set in among the shippers and dealers.

here, and the announcement bas bad to be Within a few days applications for refrigera tion-space poured in to the company's offices issued that no more space le available.

also in anticipation of the greater pressure to early stage, while the coat of transporting The price of pork is mounting even at this swine by rail, steamer, or road has gone up come with this line of freight,

tons of the black-growo sugar, and to the fact

by white fabour. In such a case drawback that it would probably be used for jam-making

would be allowed, and with the cheaper price in competition with sugar grown in Australia

paid for sugar grown by badly paid coloured labour the competition, it was urged, would be

There is, in fact, a great prospect of success for the enterprise: The Chinaman is one of very unfair.

the best pig saisers in the world, just as he is

visible space of time a huge area will be open one of the best all-round cultivators gif the scik the eastern half of the Empire, so that within a Railways are spreading slowly,; fazliko, over

to rapid traffic, Canton may become the Chi cage of the Oriest. developments of trade are firmly convinced that Chinose merchants with an eye for the future.

Reamers will be built for the frozen pork trade as access to the interior is made easy special; to Europe, e

long lists of banished undesirables, which fro-account have now been made both in Singapore one Settlement only and its operations gradual quently appear in the Government, Gaxelte, ate and Penang, and the Protectorate has sent a ly extended. test vividly enough the unsatisfactory result of circular to all known keepers of brothels re- the policy of the Imperial Government, which minding them of the provisions of the law and meats, Penang would probably be more suit. Mr. Barnes suggests that of the two Settle ladiscriminately admits into all the con-self-stating that it will be rigorously enforced. I hope able than Singapore, and advises the establish government Colonies, Possessions.and Protec that this will be sufficient to effect an improvement of a permanent opium factory in Singa

every alion

n who can by any stretch of ment in this respect, and that further legislation pors on the site of the Tia Tock Seng bos- the imagination be described as a political ve will not be required. I may add that the Farmers pital. fagon It is indeed a well founded claim of have promptly sent in a demand for a reduction the British, Government that the Imperial of their rent on the ground that their sales haveIf-may-be-presumed that a factory bers -Palast safe asylum for all victims of largely fallen off owing to this action of the

political poisecution. Bot when these Government, interesting patriots combine a large quantum vi vulgar common law crimes of Incendiarism, mordar and robbery, it will be admitted, by eved the man in the strest, that the time has arrived when the tide of undesirable Immigra tion should be stemmed. The recently report editate of the Totenham outrages should "aarya as an object lesson and as a useful ward ing to our administrators all round, that the open-door policy, 10 fax, en tha, admission of Alfons is concerned has been carried too far, with disastrous results. Park Plannin wilber

The Sourabaya Hemiılıblad mys that this is true enough of Germans at all Far Eastern porte. The German undoubtedly works much longer and knows better than the Briton to adapt himself to circumstances. whether his work is of superior quality to Mr. Lockyer, Assistant Comptroller of the

to any case, leaving dog-carts and flannel black or white, labour so far as import duty was that of the Briton in apother question-opi. Custome Department, explained that the tariff nions on this point are widely, at variance. made no difference between sugar grown by suite out of consideration, the German seis concerned, the only difference being between higher living requirements and is a costly kind cane and beat sugar. We cantot, he added, of labour. Generally speaking, the expenses consider whether sugar or any other articia is. of German firms are farger than those of British grown or made by white or other labour. The could turn out chandu at 97-7 cents per tabil, Germans have not oualed the British from the ment to the effect that this shipment represents ones This partially explains the fact why the Colonial Sugar Refloing Co. has made a state- Tarding to the recommendation for Govern 100,000 tahils and packing-it ready for sale.

and that the monthly cost of manufacturing Far East altogether, a mess action the Governor polated gut that the would have been $472,000, The gross recolpis drawn somewhat on his imagination is painting traliae production. The statement causes no fow with a view to the formation of syedicates

only's portion of its importations, which were malt objection to his mind to the existing from the sale of 100,000 tails of chandu would bis picture of the decline of the Briton in the need for alarm, as black grown edgar is oof in the hope of anticipating European enterprita

[It is evident that our Danish friend has made necessary owing to the shortage of Aus Farm system is that when the Farm is let for be $300,000, and the net receipts after deduct East Commput is needless, though it might getting any preference. The shipment con in the same direction-Fall Mill Gassting cl

To this end they are conferring together oven three years the conditions as regards, opium ing expanses would thus amount to $194,150.be observed that some Britishers are in the niste of raw capo sugar which, it is said, is not smoking are fixed for that period, and any As we are now receiving $135,000 a monthly habit of slogging into their work while their produced by white labour outside; action on the part of the Government to distant for the Opium Farm it is clear that we cost hangs behind the door, and that when This sugar will the company says, bo rosa courage the use of opium Immediately gave should lose money by adopting a Regte system they have faished the day's business they get od in its own factories, and this, it is argued, "Australia. rise to sin exiggerated claim for compensation during the present Farm period,

2 AWAY at full spend some even in rickshas-to is preferable to importing Felned sugar. We from the Farmer

it is obvious, he says, that, to give effect to, and Penang a great deal more than the Farms spirit of sport, keeping themselves fit and fol age the importation of sugar from abroad unlave 1904 w received both la Slagapore the playing fields and there outer fally into the bave too many interests, in Australia to encours what do the settled policy of His „Mafouty'd I wern worth. The Penady Farmers toxt 80 par 1 form for further groggle-Straits Times, 1 (tle aboqlutely unosenaryo

Tan Korean Milliary Telegraphi wire, mores than 1,500 miles in length, which has been put up by the Korean Goy

Resident-General, and it is decided to die thje of 250,000 yes, has been taken over, by the at an expense

"wire for publiq"communications