1909-11-12 — Page 11

The Opium Trade.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 1000

courage "bulls,” and antara security, demand

a sufficient deposit from speculators of straw, If after the provision of the margin people still chose to rush in headlong, with optim fever in their brain thay do so deliberately and at their porti

A CHINESE VIEW.

{

PASHIONABLE WEDDING NË

IN: HONGKONG.

"ARMSTRONG-HUMPHREYS."

THE KINGS BIRTHDAY.

CELEBRATIONS POSTPONED.

8th Inst.

DEATH OF MR. H. G. CALIBRUP,

BODY FOUND AT MOUNT "KELLET.

6th fast. The news of the death of Mr. H. G. Calthrop, barrister-at-law, "was received with no little ragret by the whole community this moming It appears that shortly before eight o'clock last night, the deceased was on his way to dine out at Mount Kellet, and was met at about this time by Detective Sergeant Watt, who saw the deceased in his wonind apparently hearty con ditiua. As far as we have been able to as certalo, the deceased was never able to dine at all, and if this is true, then it is not too bold to surmise that Detective-Sergesat Wait was one soon him alive. of the last persons if not the last person to have

ABNORMAL RISE IN- PRICES,

Ar is generally known, the birthday calabra. A very pretty wedding was solemnized OPIUM IMPORTERS IN CONFERENCE.

at St. John's Cathedral last Saturday after lions in honour of His Majesty the King which noon, the contracting parties being Cap were to be held tomorrow have been post-, 6th lost. Yet third source was tapped by our tain J. H, W. Armstrong, of the Hongkong poned till the 35th last in order that they may Speculating on China's sincerity in the at-representative in order to present the views of Volunteer Corps (Honorary A. D. C. to Hot clash with the funeral obsequies of the late tempt to eradicate the opium babit within the those engaged in the trade from a variety of E the Governor) and Miss Dora Ham Express Dowager of China which take place Empire and the consequential reduction of standpoints. The aspect of the question which phreys, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Gon the 9th fast. It is therefore announced that the area under poppy cultivation to Chips, affected Chinese dealers most is the last which Humphreys. There was large gather Taerday will not be regarded as a public holl ̧* Chinese dealing in the ding have created such was raised. The native gentleman' is our author- ing present, including His Excellency the day. The following is an official statement

an absormal condition as regards the price Ity for stating that there are not more than Goveropr, members of both Services and on the subject i „of opium' that- no parallel can be found for six Chinese firms or bongs dealing in opium representatives of the Hongkong Volunteer

Government House, Nov. 8. 'the present state of affairs. Yesterday ·Patna in Hongkong. He corroborates our earlier in Corps to witness the ceremony. The Rt. Rev. formation that they have all been fortunate in Lord Bishop of Victoria, who was assisted by

With reference to the notice promulgated in opium (now) attained the highest figure yet recorded, viz., the enormous value of $1,625 per buying the drag from first band at prices which the Revs. F. T. Johnson and A. B. Thombill, consequence of confirmatory instructions from Gazette Extraordinary of this date, issued la chest, High as the price has reached, it would provide a handsome proft for them. The officiated. The service was fully choral. The the Secretary of State that the celebration of not have been so conspicuous had it not got up danger, however, lles la the fact that the smal bride, who was given away by her father, His Majesty's birthday is postponed till Novem-williams came across the body of the deceased

Later in the evening. Dr. G. H. L. Fit to that level as it did by leaps and hounds. In ler dealers who, in their turn, bought from locked charming in a white creation of rich bar the 15th in consequence of the funeral lying on the roadside at., Mount Kellet and the first week of August it stood at $955; & the Chinere merchants might not be as favour-ivory satin, trimmed with silver and orange obsequies of H.1.M. the late Empress Dow The hypothetic blossom spraya.

She wore a tulle veil of ager of China, which takes place sa Novem and had the body removed to Matilda Hospital. communicated at once to the proper quarters preciation was established during the following Case Was presented

Whether lifa was already extinct when the month, to be followed by a sharp rise in the buyers' inability to take delivery of their cargo

and carried a beautiful bouquet of while ation that there will not be a public holi. next fortnight when Paton was quoted 51,250 when the time strives, in which case rather flowers, the work of Mr. G. A. Caldwell. The day on November the pth, and that the parade

body was discovered we are not in a position per chest on 15th October. On the 16th it. It than face the music they would vanish and bridesmaids were the Misses Joyce and Dorothy of troops, and the Official Birthday Dinner and

to fell," 2018 to $1,300 and by the end of the mooth con leave the merchants, compradores and In Holyoak, who wors dresses of primross satin Ball at Government House will be postponed tracts were closed at $1,400. November open. dias importers, successively, to their own

trimmed with chiffon and lace fiabus and | to November the zith. ed with a jump to $100 to $1,500, followed by a devices. For that reason be was not op: carried craslor with bunches of flowers tied with Iall during the next two days when the posed to the margin proposition" bat would quotation receded very slightly to $1,4921. rathet argue in favour of its adoption. "There are and primrose ribboos. Masters Iver

and Mervyn Jones-Hughes acted as pages und || "On the 4th inst. it took another spurt to is one indication," the long-robed gentleman were attired in primrose silk and corduroy sults $1,570, but the maximum was attained said in fluent Eglish, "and that is the index with lace collars and cuffs and carried stick yesterday when the Sgure stood at $1,635 of the commercial barometer to which I would with bunches of primrose and manvs ribbons. at the close of the market. So that within call your attention,"

Captain G. G. Wood, of the Hongkong Volan. three weeks the disparity in current quotations

teer Corps, acted an best man. After the cer was ons of about $400.

mony, the Officer and men present crossed their swords beneath which the happy pair passed.

month later it was $1,055; abou: the same ap. ↑ ably situated an, the intter; the amallar ¦ worked floss silk and an orange blossom wreath. | ber, the 9th, it is notified for general jaform-

...

"What is it?"

"Our local rate of Interest, "Three weeks ago money was procurable at 4 and 5 %, to-day you have to pay as high as nine per cent, in Hongkong and twelve at Shanghai, This fact tells its own tale."

Chinese opium, at the same time, rose in like ratio. From Tls. 32 per 100 taels' weight it went

• up to Tis, 68 yesterday, according to one firm of merchants, and Tis. 63 according to another,

This unprecedented ras led to inquiries ba Speaking of Bhanghal brought to the Chinese log initiated by a representative of the Hong gebileman's mlad the disparity in opium koug Telegraph for what appeared to the unprices. At the Northern market Patna was initiated as an unhealthy state of affairs that quoted to-day at about $1,500 as compared may, at any moment, bring about a partia with the 51,625 of Hongkong. And he con commercial cataclysm in the Colony, and cluded with the question, suggested after con- which it should be the endeavour of all siderable argument, "Do you still hold that having the guardianship of the Colony' the advancement in price followed the law of tradal interests to avert. When approach supply and demand p ed this forenooa a gentleman unusually well informed on the subject stated, as his opinion, that the price of Indian oplom had

of gone up in keeping with the advance native article. "Reports," he said, "had recent- ly gone about that poppy cultivation had been stopped in Yunnan."In Szechuan, as we know, the Government successfully carried out their anti-poppy cultivation campaign-and Sze chuan, was far the most important province in China as regards production of native opium.

The nett proceeds of the Ministering Child Again, from Shantung, rumours have reached

ran's League Bazaar held last Saturday, the here that no land is put under the poppy. Such 30th October, amount to $1,300-sum exceed. being the belief, which has got hold of dealing that of last your by $300. They will be ers and consumers, the limited supply of divided amongst the following charities for Chinese oplum began to soar up in price, and children. the Indian commodity-which is the only other substitute (even though'more costly at (bat)--- has followed suit."

ibe

Do you mean to say, then, that the Chinese reports are reliable and the element of specula. tion does not enter into the question at all2!!

There is gambling also; but the speculation Is,based upon reports which the Chinese ballave :to be true.”

The gentleman interviewed proceeded to ex. plain that the gambling theory should be dis counted on the face of the fact that delivery has also kept pace with the rise in 'values." "A mormal fair delivery in Bangkong, before the excitement set in, may be taken at from '350 to 400 chosts a week. ́ ́ This (week it road to

550 chests. Shanghai has delivered more than the usual quantity,"

What guarantee have you got that buyers are not stocking for higher prices to sell ulti mately to to"andiliti,, who, in turn, turs

the opium over to consumers at still higher prices and consequently greater profit?", wAK the next question.

With paper and pencil in band our inform aoi, after a paure, said: "All the Chinese have In their hands is a supply for a or 3 months' consumption, including the quantity contracted for and "to arrivo."

He furthermore expressed as his belief, based on information, that the Chinere have been selling to the interior as they closed their bargains in Hongkong. Their purchasing price would average about $1,300 per chest and they. consequently, according to this authority, were operating with a safe and ample margin of $400, Asked, finally, whether he did not consider the present position an unhealthy ons and the uture fraught with gloomy possibilities, the gentleman declared that he had no reason for pessimism, although he admitted that quota fions to-day were possibly Stoo more per chest ́than what it should be,

AI

For the answer we turn to our readers who are thoroughly conversant with the trade and who may throw additional light on the question of the bour that is exercising a very important. section of the basiness community in Hong kong.

MINISTERIng childrEN'S

LEAGUE.

Victoria Home and Orphanage Kow-

toon ****** Hildesheim Mission Blind School..... Baxter Mission School Italian Convent French Convent repre Diocesan Girls School Berlin Foundling House. London Missionary Society Training

Home for Girls. ating Hongkong Cot in the M. C. L. Home

$ 360 ca 360,00 100.00 100.00 65.00 $0.00 $0.00

50.00 50.00

The Garden Party at Readquarters House on the King's Birthday is postponed to the 15th November.

་ ༎

occurrence are naturally shrouded in mystery The real circumstances attending the sad

beso due to laternal injury resulting, on but the assumption is that death must have

dccōkul of the darkonos prevailing, from a fall aown the hillsida.

419

NOIRS BY TER WAY.

A CURIOUS, "ANOMALY,

-It is said that man reap what they sow, but the other day this dictum was turned toplys turvy, as it ware, by a ramarkable colocidance, none the less amonishing becausa Government had a hand in it. A case. cropped, ne befor the Mafusterial ken where it was discovered. that a certain ryot sowed a field, with paddy and the explanation fofthcoming was that both the farmers had paid rent for some libas for the same place of ground, and, of course, the Government gladly accepted the double contribution. The Magistrate was called upon to decide to which party the ground really be longed but not having the wisdom of Solo mon, he did not attempt, a soluțieputha by the absence of a sarver of the piece of difficulty being rendered still more discal land in the Government plan. I fancy one did not cut the Gordiat koot by adopting thin would be tempted to ask why the Magistrata same method: as that of, Solomon of old in the cake of the two women claiming the same child-offering an equal portiènto each claim. the lay mind to stap where angale fear to tread. not. But it would be too presumptuous for

THE C. S," IN A NEW ROLE, AN The other day we had the pleasure of seeing Commodore Lyan parched 'on the back of a circus pony but last Saturday, our genial, Co....... ipial Secretary want ons better and, acted, as Le auctioneer, and, what is more, went about the work as if bora to the job. The way be bred his persuasive powers was most fas He did not use the broad Igeh

The late Mr. Horace George Calthrop was born on the 7th June, 1853, and received his education at Felstead School and Gonville and Cains College, Cambridge. He obtained the dagres of B. A. (Low Tripos) in 1888 and was a student of the fanar Temple in August markable. of the same year. He earned the Combrogue, but the plain unadulterated English In mos Law scholarship in February, 1890, which he expatiated upon the merits of the articles would have made the most confirmed, and was called to the Bar' on June 10,

miner delve deep into his pockets. -' And the 1891, and admitted to practise as barrister and solicitor in the Gold Coast Colony in March, result of the sale at the M... bazaar can be 1901, and in October, 1924, he was admitted topelt in one word--success, the Hongkong Bar, where he practised his

ADRIPT FOR THREE: DAYS, -

ON MOTOR-LAUNCH at Mercy of SEA, Drifting in a gasoline launch from Monday evening until Thursday evening, part of the lime being blown out towards the China Sea so Afterwards, a reception was held at the far, that only the tops of the Zambales mons. Volunteer Drill Hall, which was beautifully tains were visible, was the experience of Henry decorated with flags, banting and chaste selec. Becker of Manila in making a trip from this tions of flowers and evergreens. At the entrance port to Dagupan in the gasoline launch La to the Drill Hall from the Parade Ground Undon this week, reports the Manila Times of couple of cannon had been placed on each 30th ult. side of the gate. The scene was picturesque Mr. Becker left Manila on Monday (or Daga-honourable-profession-with-ability and distina----The following conversation-in-said-to-have- and the general effect charming. The portrait pass and expected to make Dagupan in 30

taken place, on the Peak tram last week be of His Majesty the King, surrounded, with hours. His engine broke down and it was im-

The funeral took place at Happy Valley this tween two Yankee travellers but the reader afternoon..

should take it with some reserva 200 fagi, occupied a prominent position. Lieut. possible to maksitronany longer. In this dilem- Col. Chapman, Commandant, Hongkong Volunma with but few provisions and little water the tear Corps, proposed the health of the bride launch began to drift towards the open sen. and bridegroom in a happy speech. The toast was heartily honoured.

and handsome and included gifts from The wedding presents were both numerous His Excellency the Governor, Messrs. Butter field, and Swire's office staff, Officers and Ser- geants, Hongkong Volunteer Corps, members of No. 3 Company, Hongkong Volunteer Art!! lory (of which Captain Armstrong Is Officer Commanding) and the clergy, organist sad cholt of St. John's Cathedral. The wedding cake was from Baryguards, London, and, following traditional custom, was cut by the bride with the bridegroom's sword.

The honeymoon in' to be spent in Shanghal and up the Yaugises to Paking.

BULLION

Messrs. Sámuel Montaga & Co.'s circular, dated October 14, contains the following —

Gold. The arrivals of bar gold were $700,000 in amount, and were bought for France, and Germany on the basis of 778. 3od. poz. sta The demand for the latter place was still strong when the supplies were exhausted.

Tuesday evening the cutter Scoxí passed by, and Mr. Becker made every effort to attract the attention of these on board, even setting fire to a bucket of gasoline, but the vessel paised by and left him alone to drift to sea and starvation

All day Wednesday he drifted, first toward the sea and then back with the tide toward land. Finally be arranged some cloth into a small sail and with this and an on-shore breese managed to work in close enough to the land so that he was sighted and picked up by one of the Yangee boats and towed into Subic on Thursday afternoon,

NANNING IN 1908.

A YEAR'S REVIEW OF THADE. Mr. T. D. Moorhead, acting Commissioner of Customs, reviews the trade of Nanning dur ing the past year as follows :—

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tion.

THE ABFKAY BETWEEN JAPAN- HSH AND CORABN COOLIBS AT CHEMOLPO.

"

at Olterbaw Surrey .................... 105.00 served for India, whence orders came more the year and breathed into the officials a spirit | crowd of labourers of the Eungsin-Chong as.

$1,300.00

Mrs. May (President of the M. C. L.) wishes

A larger amount than usual had to be re freely than for some time past, owing doubtless to the prosperous outlook of that country.

The following withdrawals have been made from the Bank:

OVERHEARD ON THE PEAK TRAM,

First passenger-“Say, Bill, while about it, did you hear that you

kong being unable to burn out,Hong-

Second passenger" No, what's it ?"" First diito I struck it at a minstrel show out in Connecticut. You see, sil the countries. of the world ware hurled into Hades by way of experiment, and, of course, they warn all burat to cinders in a jiffy. But when it came to Hongkong

Second ditto (impatiently)-"What happened to Hongkong?

First ditte" Nothing. It was too green to burn."

THE COMING BALL. Invitations are out for the coming event of the season—the St. Andrew's Ball-and the fortunate guests of the sons of Scotia who have made Hongkong their home are already await- ing with keen anticipatory delight the joyous festival, when the memory of Scotland's patrón saint will be perpetuated in the same tight royal style as of yore. The swallow-tail, mouldy with disuso, is being fished out from wardrobes by all and sundry, and provided the Colony is not hurled into immediate bankruptcy, by an order from the Secretary of State Calling upon the local authorities to stop the drink trafic (Scotchmen, plaase pote) the City Hall on November goth should be full of those who lore.to trip the light fantastic ton.

The Sioul Prett gives the following sccount of an incideat recorded in a recent cable Chamulpo reposts another disturbance, which occurred there on Thursday between some one thousand labourers of the Eungsin-Chong and qebuadred and fifty labourers of the Japanese and Coreau Labour Úsion. As already reported the state of things has not been very quiet since the recent organisation of the latter, the former regarding it as an enemy, likely to take away a considerable portion of the work which it has monopolised for many years. On Tuesday there took place a disturbance between some mon of the rival upions and things, looked | ominousenough for the future. Owing tono de- | mand for labour, Wednesday passed without trouble, but on the morning of Thursday a ship with a cargo of rice and coal on board esteredthe The political condition of the district durlog pori and the fanding of the freight was ontrust- the your was particularly quiet. Two things ed to the saw antoo. Prior to setting to work principally contributed to this result; a boun the union requested police protection in con tepus harvest of rice-of primary importance to sideration of the reelessness shows by the rival the wall-being of the locality and the presence union and four policemen were dispatched to of the Governor, who spent here a good deal of the pier,' where, they found a large and noisy of watchfulness and activity. In a word, it is a sembled. Under these circumstances the work long time since local conditions were so friend- eflanding the freight was not commenced, but

A STARTLING DIRTH-RÅTE, by to trade. Let allowance be made for the the men of both unians stood apart glaring at

One day in the present year of grace; Manila's specially to thank Mrs. Eves (M. C. L. Secretary

fact that the returns of the previous year cover- each other for about two hours. About to a.m. population was increased by the entry of 11 for Kowloon) Mis. Greason (Secretary for Oct. 7, £200,000 in sovereigns for Constaned a period of sise months only, and it will yet the policemen asked the men of the Japanese children, into the world. What has Hong Victoria-) and Miss Eryar (Secretary for Peak)

tinopia.

be abundantly plein that the clear forecast in and Corean Labour Union whether they in kong to say to that? Of course, no one Mrs. Lyons; the Misses Loureiro, Mrs, Seth, 9. 340,000 in sovereigns for Egypt.

the report for 1907 has been, amply verified. tended to commence work or not. To this they can for ons moment dispute Manila's fecundi the Misses Raich and the other Jadias who

9, 100,000 in sovereigns for Constan- The net value of the trade was Hk. Tis. repiled in the affirmative and propared to com-ty, but what would local Benedicts do If the gave efficient and roady help, as well as the

tinople,

3.399,000, or more than double the previous mance work. Some seven labourers of the same thing were to happen in Hongkong 7. Following firms and others who rendered gene

year's figure. The value of the net total foreign anion want to the pier for work, when with a 5,000 in sovereigns for Natal.

WANTED ACCOMMODATION, PROVA, rous and valuable assistance to the Bazaar-

20,000 in sovereigns for Roumania. imports amounted to Hk. Tl.1721,000, against a wild yell several hundred labourers of the

At the annual" mesting of Justices” of the Meurs. Lane Crawford & Co., for their large ,12, contribution to the Sweet Stall (ably prasided

30,000 in sovereigns for Guayaquil,BE Tis: 739,000; native produce, to Bk. Tis. rival walon rushed to the pier and a scene of M. 13, 20,000 in sovereigns for Colombo. 357,000, against Hk. Tis. 81,000; and exports, great confusion ensued. The policemen on Peace held at the Magistracy last Friday, the aver by Miss Loureiro) Weismann for Cakes, making a molt efflux of £805,000 dating the to Hik. Tls. 1,320,000, against Hk. Tis, 723,000, the spot ware absolutely powerless to pacify accommodation provided for those present was ices and sweets, Rettosjee, W. G. Humphreys week,

These are the not results of the first completa the disturbance and some ten policemen hur conspicuous by its absence. One of tha & Oo,,-Agents for Cadbury-Kelly and Walsh Silver. There is no need to emphasize the rear of trade, and they are satisfactory results. riedly came to the rescue. Stift so fierce and tlemen was heard to make the dismal remarks

-Messrs. Robinson for leading piano-Hong importance of recent news from the Cobalt dis While further, though more gradual, expansion menacing was the attitude of the man of the "I'll have to go into the dock!" Co., Colonel Chapman and other Officers Hong. On who last all the crockery-The Dairy Farmtrict of Canada....

may be looked for, yet, unless improvements Eungsin-Chong that they were obliged to un-squeezed themselves lato all sorts of queer The La Rose Consolidated, which has been can be effected in the Wuchow Nanning watershesthe their swords and defend themselves positions and tried to look happy. It bas kong Volunteer Corps for loan of ground and hall one of the principal mines of this region, an- way and a railway be laid to the west coast, the against their attack. Ultimately the tumult been suggested that as many Justices should Mr. Tatcher for the loau of plants and palms, pounces that No. io vein, which was responsible inherent capabilities of this mast cannot, be was quelled with great difficulty. Some thirty attend these licensing meetings as possible Commander Acton add the signaliner be so for 200,000 az, in the last fiscal year, has been effectively evoked.

ringleaders of the Eangsin Chong, including but it would be interesting to know what would kindly lent-the Press for advertising at struck 84 feet below the tunnel lavel, and, not The Inspector General, in response to His its president, were arrested Happily there happen if the entire body of Justices were to reduced rater-Mr. Wolle and Mr. Mac only so, but the vela at this point has widened, Excellency the Governor's ardent desire to im- were no serious casualties on either side. troop into the miniatura Court-room one of Ewen of the Public Works Department, who and the value of the assay increased from a prove navigation and foster trade, detached,

there fine days; i dare not suggest an answer. supervised the arranging of the ground width of five inches and an assay of 3,000 oz. to early in November, the Deputy Coast Inspector ZI-KAWKI OBSERVATORY.

THE SIMPLE LIFE. * Miss Elia Rowe, and Mrs. Worthington and the ton, to thirteen inches and 4,000 oz. Is with a staff of foreign surveying assistants to Captain Baird who so kindly provided enter-short, this one vein, hitherto good for 20,000 make an examination of critical places. & taiaments during the afternoo

oz, a year, will tum out over four times this flying survey was in the first instance made of amount.

the rivar, and, later, attention was focussed on We have received from the Director of Zika, The indication thus conveyed, that far from the most principal obstractions, more partica-wei Observatory, Father L. Frog, the fol. pelezing out, Cobalt mining may improve at larly on two formidable rapids, the Ta-lan lowing notes for publication. In addition to depth, opens up a prospect of such enhanced and the Pan-t'an, of both of which a thorough the signat given by the time-ball at noon, the production that, should it take place in other examination has now bean made and the ne exact Übina-Coast time le given, erary night by parts of the mining area, demand could not cessary elementary data obtained for formu. the extinction of the four white lights of the possibly keep pace, and the price of silverlating proposals. Any scheme of amelioration time-signal Tower on the French Band.

The lights are shown about a minutes before would have to pay the penalty,

the first extinction.

·A CURIOUS ACTION.

STONES IN A QUARRY WERE MARKED WITH TAR,

Before Mr. Justice Gompertz in the Sommary Court last Monday, Yik Tai Kung Sze and the Sza Hing Tong brought an action against the Shun Li firm of sica doaters, of 14, Temple Street, Yau-ms-th, to recover the sum of Sega so as to $52.50 being the value of twenty-five blocks of granito damaged by the defendants by painting certain Obinese characters thereon in tar and the balance of $100 for damages for unlawful trespass on the plaintiffs' premises and interference with their business.

Mr. F. Bị L. Bowley (from the Crown Soli- citor's office) appeared for the plaintiffs and Ing's office) was for the defendant. Mr. P. Sydenham Dixon (from Mr. R. A. Hard.

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*

13 9%

But it must be noted that the usual effect of falling prices on production would not ensue in this case, for assays are so very high that silver might fall to a nominal figure before such mining would cease to be payable.

The present appearance of the market does not beget confidence.

The book' position of the China Banks has been somewhat reduced on this sido, but part of the reduction has been transferred pract cally to the Indian position.

On the other hand, China has been with drawing some silver from the Bombay market, Meanwhile, it is impossible to regard the large stock financed in London and Bombay by the Indian speculators as a "bull” point.

We do not infer that we are at the present moment on the verge of any important move meat, but we cannot ignore these signs which render such a costlugency possible. Ualossa very large absorption of Bombay stocks take place before long, any wholesale transfer of accumulations from London to Bombay will not relieve the general situation.

TIME SIGNAL SERVICE.

•h, m, Time of the Est extinction....8.59 0.9

20d

......8 56 DÓ 1 3rd

857 0.0 8 58.0.0 ........8 59 0.0

M

*

5th 6th

0.0

would likely be concerned primarily with the Ta-t'an, and the task of tackling a rapid of such magnitude must entail large expenditure and would probably have to be approached slowly and gradually. In any case, for a long time to come expansion of trade through trans- port developments will take place on the lines marked out by the enterprise of Mesis. Banker & Co., who have demonstrated pretty conclu- sirely that the suliable type of vessel for the carrying trade is after the pattern of their planeer motor-boat. This firm in the course of August placed on the Wuchow-Nanning ran an additional. boat of like type to the original, bat of increased horse power and carrying | wai Obs, by electric apparatus.// capacity. Both vessels have been plying re- gularly and, having proved unequal to coping with the cargo which their satisfactory service hes rendered available, are to be reinforced by, a third craft under construction. Another firm is following suit and is about to place on the run a similar class of vessel,

In case of error or failure, a red light is shown, or preferably the two white lamps of the Yard-arm are lighted op, during a few seconds to annul the wrong signal,

A PESSIMISTIC VIEW, Pursuing our inquiries further the déxt per- sos, whose opinion on the opium trade is of es- pecial value and no less authoritative than that of the gentleman whose viewsarerecorded above, rogarded the situation with far less optimism.. As a matter of fact, he vouchsafed the import. ant information to the member of our staff that yesterday, representatives of the leading firms of importers in Hongkong met le solemn con. clave and deliberated at langth on the subject upon which we sought enlightenment. might have been expected, opinions wato al variance by members of the conference and, therefore, no common line of action could bé agreed upon. In fact, there was no unanimity of views, but the ground for the confict could not, or would not be asserted for publication. As the question of deliveries enters materially in the consideration of so perplexing & pro blem, it was asked if there was any man. ue of accounting for the larger outlet this

It was sinted by the plaintiffs that the action week than that described as "a normal

arose out of a small quarry, known as No. 7 fair clearance." "You," replied the merchant Quarry, situated between the Cosmopolitan. spoken to. "It must not be forgotten that the Duck and Sham-shui po, In 1907. Kwong buyers who are so eager to get their clearances Xik entered into parinenship with Li Ping for this week are those who bought at low prices the purpose of carrylug on the work under the and are clearing between $200 and $300 bet Dams of Yik Tal Kung Sra. The system of chest. It is an entirely different story when it working quarries was by the lesson to sub-let comes to clear carga at $1,600 par chost sop

smaller areas to quarrymen, L., stonecutters, on posing the market value in the meantime had the condition ibarthey will cut as much stone as dropped $300 to $400.. It is no small con-

they can or like provided they complied with the sideration when an aggregate of 1,000 chests order of the Director of Public Works. Out of enters into the calculation. The prospect can, the total price of the stone cut, the lessee took not be contemplated with equanimity,"

17 per cent, and the balance went to the stone. This gloomy possibility induced another cultura. Proceeding, Mr. Bowley stated that in question: "A repetition of the yard collapse of the 7th moon of this year, an order was receiv-300,000 has been shipped, and this total looks 1906 will therefore be within the bounds of whated from a firm in Canton to cut and deliver cer- likely to be much exceeded. may happen?

tain stone. Those stónas wern of various size and A shipment of £50,000 has been made from Precisely so. And what is worse, failure of shape and were designed for certain purposes in Bombay, and 1,000 from San Francisco,

connection with the construction of some build both for the Far East. opium dealer will-ding with them others In lines of business wholly unconnected with them ings. On a certain date, one of the partners in The paragraph in last week's ballion letter and also those dependent upon the latter. In the See Hing Tong sleeping partner was in regard to, the circulation of foreign bank sach an event the consequences must be one of four men who visited the quarry. He had paper in China, which amanated from Chinese seriously deplored as the Colony's stagnation in

no share in the mkusgement, his share in the sources, la considered to relate to that of trada cannot afford to receive yet another blow Capital having been overdrawn. Shortly after British Banks. before confidence is entirely restored."..

wards, inscriptions in Chiness were found The quotations to-day for cash and a mos. painted in tar on certain of these stones. Almost are respectively 1 3/16d, below these quoted appalled by the experience that when local the whole of the face of one of these was cover-week ago. ed with the following Chlause inscription:→→ "Quotations for bar silver p, ox, std.

These stones have been cut by the Sze Hing Oct. 8, 23, 11/165 cash. 231d 2 mon Bank Rale Tong and assigned to the Shua" Li No

4 per cent, 9,13 11/16d caib. 23fd a mos. Bar Gold p. oz. std. 775, 1od,

For that reason our informant regretted the Lailure of an agreement at yesterday's confer ence which had been reported to him,"

*

man

Forced fending would be resented by the Indian Bazaars, and naturally this will is-act on the price.

A substantial shipment is being made by the Bombay steamer at the time of writing, over

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The signals are worked directly from Zi-ka.

57; VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIET F.

FURTHER DONATIONS.

The committee of the Socisty of St. Vincent de Paul beg to acknowledge with thanks the following further donations to the fand:

Mrs. A. S. Gomės summian........ $15.00. Mr. and Mr. J. M. E. Machado... Mr. A. F. J. Soares,..................... Mr. D. Dombles 35.00 Mrs. E. E. da Silva.........................................................

30.00 Mrs. A. M. L. Soares.20,00 Mr. J. M. Alves muidupes

25.00 25,00

20,00

Mr. and Mrs. Alvarò A. Alvas iera 15.00 Without seeking to make invidious distinc.

gen

Others

A Society lady out in Frisco has lately evinced an abnormal craze for athletica. Every morning, as reguleres clockwork, she has been from her home at a brisk pace out of sheer joy covering a distance of from four to five miles of living. She has startled Society by her prow ess, who are said to have turned green with envy. What's the world coming to?

A PIDOIM POEM.

The other day, I fished ost from among s scrap-heap of old papare the following effusion, mouldy with the dust of ages. It is from 'thể Baltimore Bun and will, I think, bear reproduc»- tion. It is my follows :-

7.

Alle ime you my face once waltey,

Wid wally long pigtail down lilm back, Sailorsan he come adiore, makey plenty lightet,

Pally wally mucky bard mukoć fane Blazic,

Long time plenty work sampan cocile

--Yangtase river, way down Shanghai, Me taikes lot pidgia, too muchas loslos,

Allee sama plcity lady no like C.L

Lady cocky wally good, the key chow chow.

Shell way up topside house j Cooky little pussy cat and little boy-won,

Wally good pot-slew, bolly wid da monie. Alles same pork pig, my likea chow-chon,. * Too muchee bit, ño muchee small, 2000) Topsida dark sky, dowa czine Ghong Mow,

Humakey staly pig and chow chow sil,- Eoglary Consul welly much he talkog.

Furces up blm speccatel, makes look ass, Chop-chop poilceman welly muchos walkos

• Chong Mow runase no catchonks.

O CASUAL CRITIC,

SIR HENRY BLAKE.

FORMER HONGKONG GOVERNOR AS AUTHOR

Sir H.A.. Blake, formerly Governor of Hong-

Greater charpness and rapidity of transport are obviously the most patent factors in pro- moting exchange, and a point or two only need be noted here in illustration of the oblique and wholesome influence of these craft beyond. the sphere of their immediate concerns. They bave rendered it very difficult for anyone to el tablish locally a temporary monopoly to certain classes of goods. Again, they have been lo strumental in effecting a marked redaction in the rate of interest. Several years ago the instions by establishing comparisons, it should be kong, has ensayed the impossible task of write terest charged an icans amounted to 8 per cent, added that the committee of ladies who, by ing a very small book on the very large qubject

active per half-mooth, or 191 per caut. a year. In their

work and generous help, of China (A. and G. Black, pp. VĒL 153, $0.001). 1907 the rate was officially forbidden to exceed have made the bazaar the success it was, it has the merit of being readable, though it and to does not, of course, fall the promise of its 3 per cent. per half month. During the year represents quite thing names under review the average rate was x per cent. these also acknowledgments are due, Those title. The author touches lightly on the aster per half-months. This change, though in part indies in many cases, besides being responnals of Chinese life, contrast the elaborate due to the liberal accommodation granted by sible for the collection of quite a large number bureaucracy and the inancurdy of wealth, the official bank in the course of the year to of presents which were exhibited at the sumer emphasizes the industry of the people and rande génerous donations in money and, but for position of women and the vased question approved applicants for loans, w ona stalin last Sunday evening, have likewise | their skill in agriculture, and discusier the whose charitable help, the large number of the of opiam smoking. In bis last two chapters ka poor dependent upon the Society would not be gives a lively description of Hongkong and its in the position of receiving the assistance they popular costoms and amaremunte. "Sir H. A. now do. Included in the number of those | Blake readily admits, that he has not had the ladies who so generously collaborated with opportunity of studying China his impressions the committee of the Socisty in their self- of travel up the West River suggest, Bowen, imposed labour of love are the following that he could have made a long book widy Masdamas A. G. Romano, J.J. Leiria, A. J Interesting Mr. Monimer Maopes Illustratos Rosario, Miss J, la, da 9. Alves, J. M. Graça, the text with a number of Crayon skatche D. A. Cordalco, P. M. N. da Silva, Miss O.; Agorek and with alzinen attractive colou Noronha, E. Rocks, F: Gomes, Ed]; Figueira plates Chisa is the colourist's pand do L Noronha, H. M. Basto, J. M. Noranke, Mr. Maupes is at his very best BizTed Vit: Laji Lopia), The Yaz, V.O, de tares sepecially the street scamer

1.

banks were excessiva in their demands mer chants telegraphed to Wuchow and procured the necessary funds in three to four days by che of the motor-boats. One singular fact of cardinal significance to the nascent trade should 1,33 11/16d cash, 331d a mos. French be mentioned prote Gold Coin p, ox. 76, 41d. 3 Bed The likin yoke on the neck of Nanning is in #12, 3311/160 cash. 331d a mos. German all consciencR AB SSŁY OBH ; as regards foreign

- Gold Goin ji ose Pós didesn

imports, they are allowed not merely to enter 131:33 9/152 casti. $314 a mos. U.S.A.the city but to circulate throughout the prs Gold Coin på px. 768/ájdal

facture without having to submit to the pay 147,339/160 cash, asfi a mos, nominal ment of a single cash, whathar, in respect of a Bridents was called and jodgusest for 577:39 | Avelaze for the wake, 23940, cash; 23,208 3 puklu or of trimalt dass, or of any other forms of

via ostered for the pislatidic,

THE OBJECT OF THE CONFERENCE (!

secure the enforcement by im Is allowed to buy them secretly. Purchas Was to porters of a stipulation that a safe marginers seen by Government will be prose- in cash be deposited for every contract cated and punished.". It was explained by bareafter, entered luto in order to protect Mr. Bowley that this action on the part of the the sellers, and ensure the bons fides of the defendant was wholly unauthorised. bayars. The suggesties for the stipulation play defended by the bitter lessons taught during and sizes the stocking yarn crisis, three years ago. “ Those favouring the margin wputation point to the practice in rogas now

The defence contended that plaintiffs-had- assigned the interest in the guarry to lbs" de Sandrot. The stones were marked, była foki of the defendant under instructions of Bhan Ll.

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