1911-03-25 — Page 8

116

HONGKONG CHAMBER

Chairman's Speech:

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forward.

..

I

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

British trade with Japan.

SATURDAY MARCH

25

1611

$

:

liquor trade

In the meantime, I will confine borne to any part of Great Britain matter they have your fullest and The Chamber's Jubilee.. this opportunity of thanking hint OB COMMERCE. was introduced, that thom-myself to stating that so far as in neutral vessols,

heartiost support for the steps I must crave your indul on behalf of the members for the niittee took the mattor upstug the Committee is concerned no (b) That the absence of any taken in protosting against the gonco a fow minutes longer while troublo and caro ho has taken in 50TH ANNUAL MEETING, ly, and we are glad to be

opportunity has been missed for provision in the Decturation for present, proposed International | 1 refer to one miatter moro. This, producing it and congratulting report that the Ollicer sendoavouring to have a stop put provonting the conversion of agreement. (Applause)

gentlemen, as you are all'awaro, him on the result of lie work. Miscellaneous. ': is the fiftieth annual meeting of (Applauso). I represents "au Monday afternoon. the 50th toring the Government ultimately to this entirely unjustifiable, ac-morohant vessels into commerco

Since our last mooting an un-

our institution and I think that on enormous amount of labour annual meeting of tho Hongkong acceded to the request puttion on the part of the Kwong-destroyers on the high seas con-

tung Authorities. Numorqus tole-stitutos a valid reason for praying usually largo ummber of changes such an occasion some reference and resoarch, but hoiust General Chamber of Commerco

During the year copies of the grams and despatches have been is Majesty's Government to have taken place in our Commit should be made to the fact. In or have his reward in a sonso was held at the City Hall. Ilon. proposed new tariff with Jaunaddressed to H. M's Secretary decline to ratify the Declaration too, several old residents in Chins der to bring to your nolito somo of satisfaction at work, woll and in the gratoil' Mr. E. A. Howett (chairman) pro- were received from the Govern of State for. Foreign Affairs, thoor to proceed with the Naval Prize having left the Far East" for of tho earlier struggles of tho done

1 sided, and there were also present, mont, and the attention of the British Minister at Peking and Bill.

good," as the saying is. While Chambor, I have attempted very appreciation of all those who aro members of the Clumber, and the the London Chamber of Com (c) Thint the admission of the not admitting their departure has briefly in a small brochure to out- interested in the history of the Hon. Mr. 11. Keswick, I. W. O. public gonorally, was specially merco, while, as you all are already principle of destruction of nentral born for the good from our point line the history of the Hongkong Colony (Applause.) The pam- Bounar, H. A. Siebs, W. Logan, G. directed to the mattor. There is aware, the matter has been very prizes would be in the big at view, we at least can join in General Chamber of Commercs phlet shows that this Chambor 11. Modhurst, F. H. Armstrong, unquestionably much to which strongly takon up by the Hong-degree projudicial to the interest thanking them for valuable for the first fifty years of its oxfrom its earliest oxistence has Friesland, II. W. Robertson, N. J. exception might be taken on kong Government; wlio from the of this country.

services rendered to the Chumber}istonce. I would like to think that token an active and prominent Stabb (committee), i. Balloch, many points in this tariff, and we first has thoroughly supported the Those recommendations work and in expressing the hope that some, at all events, of you have part in all matiors affecting the Murray Stewart, J. Wilkio, A. trust the representations on the protests of the British merchants formally adopted by the Council they have many years of happy found time to glance over this wolfare of the Colony, many of Charlton, J. J.Loiria, J. W. Bolles, subject which we now understand concerned. I have had ropeatedly of the London Chamber of Com-leisure at Home before them aftor little pimplilot.

them, matters of high historic A. Forbes, W. A. Dowley, G. II. are being made to the Japanese to refer to the question on several morce on Litly November last their years of toil abroad. I Although I was under the imintorest, affecting not only, this White, W. G. Humphreys, W. C. Govortiment may result in con-occasions, and as I havopreviously In order to unko the position of would rotor specially to Mr. D. 1. pression was fairly well acquaint Colony but also international and Jack, F. Liob, D. K. Setna, F. P.siderable modification being mallo reminded you the whole history.M. Government plain in the Law, who has served as Vico-ed with the history of Hongkong, trade relations in the Far East Taluti, W. Andel, G. M. Young, to meet the requirements of of our Chamber is a record of mattor, correspondence boaring Chairman of the Chamber, to confess the study of the mass of generally. Wong Loung Ilim, C, S. Gabbay,

One Long Fight on the subjout was presented Mr. J. R. M. Smith, Mr. W. J. doenments which it has boon The annual report for the past G. Hogg, J. Owon Hughes, A. To show how in some directions against similar intorforeneo with mont (Miscellaneous No. 4,1910).kins.

to both Houses of Parlin- Gresson and to Mr. H. E. Tom- necessary recently to peruso has year is proof that our present Barretto, H. Schmidt, W., Darby,

brought home to mo more forcibly, Committeo are worthy of thoir T.F. Hough, W. Dickson, and the demands of the Japanese lawful trade by the Chineso Pro-This correspondence as hero

The membership than I had up to that timo pro- prodecossors. The subjects that A. M. Williams (secretary).

may seriously injure, if not vincial Authorities, on inter-

published was carried on be-of the Chamber, am glad to perly realised the enormous "ave been brought before them altogether destroy, contain lan- ference which continueing with tween the Foreign Office and say, has been slightly intronsed, amount of hard work, honest work, havo beon multifarious and of ches of business now in existence, pine has not infrequently been the following bodies: Pho Glas- while the finances show a dis- which has been devoted by so varied importance, but they have will here refer to the question of extended to other branches of our gow Chamber of Commerco, the tinctly improved condition. This many of our predecessors to the all been given careful and in- into Japanese territory which is tempts have been nipped in the Edinburgh Chamber of Com-thas careful supervision and wiss propriotary medicinos entoring trade. In pust yours, similar ale Leith Shipowners Society the is largely, if not entirely, due to problem which confronted them. telligant consideration and dealt. The result is to be seu to-day, with according to their merits and fully oxplained in a later part of hd through the prompt action of merce, the British Branch of the economy exercised by our Secret To-day the position of the Cham importance. On behalf of the the report,

tho. British Officials, either in Naval Longno, and the Belfast ry, Mr. Williams. The contam bor as an authority on such ques- members. I thank the Chairman, Canton or Peking..

Chamber of Commerce, who to-plated increase in the subscription. tions as fall within our provinco representing the various Commit sat aside for the prosent. There able, while the gether may be taken as well as thus, I mi glad to say, boen is, I fearlessly state, unimpeach lees more directly interested in is yet one other matter to which I will refor, but which has not the

apporod in our report:

You are all doubtless aware that for some timepist the Board of Trade and various ing of the Declaration would causosiness houses in all parts of soriously affect our supplies of time applied to the Government, great injury to our trade and most the world hive from time to It has been suggested, and 1-j food stuffs and raw materials for or to the Chamber, for inform-tion will meet with your cordial Lour Home mahufactories in timeation on certain matters with

ufwar. posal has been put forward that will not fightly give up the fight, ation should, I consider, convince through, Hongkong with our hope all those who possibly can

A careful perusal of the Declar- developing trade a standard form of contract and the monopoly still, Con- should be adopted. A sub-con- tinnes, the illegal taxes are still any person at this surrounding neighed so will be present. If this is tests maile by the Committee were mittee, composed of reprosent, being increased, in spite of "greement if ratified will far more matter was more or less left to the agreed to, arrangements will at ing, three new firms, the Chincso seriously affert Great Britain than Superintendent of Tnports and once bo made to hold the dinner Engineering and Mining Co. vornmont, and wo aro' assiïrest | inporting houses, was appointed, given to the British. Minister any Continental Power and will Exports who in his turn froignent-at any oarly dato, say, within two Mossrs. J. M. Alvos and Co. and bech sent to the Vicoroy to dis. i "pon us in the event of our being necessary information. The rosult far as possible to meet, the con been put forward, as members, continue the tax. The rosult of fortunately engaged in war fare with one of our neighbours. ried on is waited with interest, the, negotiations now being ear-

There are other points, particular for, as I lavo already stated, they the list of articles which it is principle at stake is more than proposed should be considered that of the fate of a single article contraband, of war, of commercs, however, valuable to which refaromeo might be made that particular commodity may ho, but this is hardly a fitting moment Declaration of London. for going fully into details, After a very careful consideration As you are aware, a most in- of the documents referred to, the portant agreement has recently Committee decided to telegraph been come to between Great Britain and other loading Powers to the London Chamber of Com- with regard to the voxed ques-

merce strongly endorsing and

Warfare. This agreement, known that we had asked flis Excolloney tion of the laws concerning Naval porting the finding of the Special Committee, and added

The Chairman in moving the counts said-entlemen,The adoption of the report and e report and acemats for the Cham her for the year 1910 have boon int your hands for some days, and · That very important measure, with your permission therefore the proposed trade marks Ordin wo will take them as road. Before ance, has again received furthor formally putting the resolution considontion during the year, now before the inepting, I will while owing to the construction make a few romarks as to the places by the Harbour Master more important unatters which upon certain regulations control have been dealt with by the ling the importation of naphtha Chamber during the past year, for motor use, au appeal to the Taking them serialin, the first Government was necessary with subject, in itself porhaps of not the result that this Intter question: how se groat moment, was the has bear satisfactorily settled, position taken up by the Harbour You will notice that with a view Master in putting his own con- to reducing the possibility of dis struction upon certain regulationsputes betwoon importers and controlling the carriage of Asiatic purchasets of pieco goods, a pro jasongers in vessols passing through this part.

Overseas trade

Consul-tieneral at Canton did not Unfortunately in this case the view the matter in the same light he saw nothing illegal in the as his predecessors, stating that Vicoroy's proposals, and that so of our Empire. All these bodies tong is to difference was made strongly ported the London between native and foreign opium Chamber wurging that the ratify he would make no representations less ordered to do so by his on the subject to tlufVicoroy un- superior officers. The Provincial Authorities Imving now”.

Tasted Blood.

In this individual use the pro- favourably accepted by the Geatives of some of the leading the assurance of the Waiwapu

the future: Thoroason why I make special reference to the matter is this, that while "admitting Co- vernment regulations aro in the

greator majority of casos en force

the proposal.

Arbitration. The question of arbitration las recently inson before the. Com

7

with moderation and cuftmon-

mitice, and though not mentioned sense we have, however, fra line the report it is jelaps worth to time, and this unfortunately, of stating here that one of the ques lato years ospecially in the Depart-tions which it is desirable tho ment I am referring, foil incoming Committee should deal rulos insisted upon without the with is the drawing up of a form above-mentioned saving clauses.

of undertaking so that when I eld, if necessary, quote cases reference is made to the Chamber to prove my contention, but at both parties to the arbitration the moment it only appoBIS

should entor into an agreement to necessary to sfer to the fact that accept the award whon givón. an unreasonably strict adherence which live, heen considered by There are many other matters the Committee during the year! under roviow, but as these are

འ

view to

Growth and Prosperity of the Colony of Hongkong aro chiolly dua to the years of devoted and honourable labour of our fore-runners a dorotion and labour by which not only we but the whole of our Empire benefit. most sincerely trust the sugges approval and support, that this event be celebrated by dinner, and if this meets with ageoptaneo

was not altogether satisfactory vonionce of the majority of the and it has now been decided by members. This is an occasion, the Government to issue gentlemen, and I think we should business diretory for Hongkong, riso it. With these remarks, so that a marelant in some other gentlemen, I beg to propose tho, parts of the world who inny desire to enter into trade relations using of the report and accounts

Applituo.) with local firms here, by referring to this directory, can readily as certain those who are engaged in the particular branch of business in which he is interested.

The Government has placed the compiling of the first edition

as I believe the compilation of of this directory in the hands of our Secretary, Mr. Williams, and

The Seconder's Speech,

Committee and Secretary for the work they have done during the jaast year, and I have much ploa suro in seconding the adoption of presented. to report and accounts,

19

The motion was agreed to unanimously.

seconded by Mr. W. A. Dowley, the Committed wore re-elected. Borneo Company, the Bank Line, Tho, éloction of the China- Messrs. Bune and Roil and Mossre. Connell Brothers and Co, asmen hers of the Chamber was confirm

On the motion of Mr. A. Forbes,

d

The Chairman said that since

to commencement of the meet-

These were unanimously elected.

The Jubilee Dinner The Chairman: That concludes

the regular business of the moot ing, gentlemen. I will now refor: to the proposal to havo a com

momoration, dinnor to celobrate the 50th anniversary of the Cham- Mr. Balloch-Gentlemon, Iber. We hava 143 membors on

have been asked to second the our list, and we have had some- ndoption of the report and ac thing like 90 replies and nearly counts, and I do so with great 80 acceptancos. I think on the pleasure. I do not propose to strength of that it is suflicient to

in favour of the and comprehensive speech of our proposal and if that is 50. refer in dotail to the matters dealt show that the majority of hom with in the report or in tho able bers are

as "The Declaration of London, the Govornor Lo telegraph an ox. such a directory must assist in Chairman to which we have just wo propose to go on with tho

!

our Colony and has it the past all duly set forth in the report representativo' of His.Anjesty' Secretary of State for the Colonies. I trust you will all render such but I think I may say that no one have to bo coneidored by the in

1909," has boon signed by the pression of our opinion to the attracting business to ourColony listened with to much interost, dinner. The arrangements will

to the exact letter of the law may seriously affect the prosperity of

actually resulted in permanently diverting certain sections of trade from our harbour.

anxious Governor

a

#

hostilitiosat sea. That some such

add their voice

wars with Napoleon -1.

1795, Croat

and appendix detailed referencs Government, and will, we under

All of us, residents in long assistance as may be in your sin fail to recognise that they are coming committee, and the first tothom does not appear necessary, stand, shortly bo sulmitted for kang, having of recent years power, it appealed to, to make both proof of the vitality of this point, of course, is to consider the Ono question, however, of very

discussion in Parliament, boford Most of us, though we have all great importanco mad which la boing ratified. This new inter- Naval Warfare means to neutral therefore as useful as possible.

had personal experience of what the book as comprehensive and Clinber and of hard and public-number of people for whom wo spirited work done by sur Chair can find room. Wo wish tonsko passed by Aden, would hardly constantly occupied our most national agreement is of far trade, must, I fool suro, bo united

The Late King,

man and Committee. That such cortain number of the leading fnvo considered there was inelearnost attention throughout the reaching effect, and if accopter in protesting against the terms I havo now said all that occurs is the ease is, I think, of the officials in the Colony, and lis in common between these two past ton months has been there will make great changes in neut of this Declaration. The food to so with regard to our report highest importance and benefit to Excellency, the Governor fing widely-sunderel ports, bit anewed attempt, this time so far, al trade should another war un- letter from the Port Trust of that unhappily, siccossful, by the happily break out between any of question is, of course, of the and accounts. There are, how this Colony. Trade is now ro signified his willingness to take greatest moment to the British ever, two other matters to which cognised as one of the most the elmir. Of course the dinner station has again raised the ques-Viceroy of Canton to establish the treat Powers, resulting in los, and under the circum reference must be made. Since dominating factors in domestic must be held to suit the conveni- tion of Harbour dues on ship monopoly for the sale of raw

ence of his Excellency, but I hope ping, by asking whether a rodur-

agreenient is required is, I think stand how II. 11. Government notable personages of ourage has

stances it seems difficult to under our lift meeting, one of the most and international polities.

What is of benolit to trade is in it will be held within the next opium tion in these might not inducoin Kwangtung and for lovying

universally admitted, but it would could come to the agreemont passed to his rest.

the main of benefit to the people; fortnight or three weeks at tho more vossola to call. Noodless to

appear that tho terms of the pre- they have. So long ago as our be our nationality what it may, tradle of a country whether in the I am very much obligod for state, the reply has been entirely $180 jer chost, and it is in of war-most seriously and parti

Asmembers of a British Colony, whatever, therefore, affects the latest. special tax which at present stands sent one will react-in the event sympathetic. Almost from tended shall be increased as the imcularly against all sea-borne Bri- this gostion arose, and it may the first mesting of our Chamber security for its free dowlopment thank you on behalf of myself think it is only fitting that at this nature of tariffs, trade routes or your attendance, gontlemen, and I first time, of the existence of our portations aro gradually reduced. tish trade.. The Committee of therefore bo worth while here after this sad event special rofer- f and expansión must be matter of and the committeo for the honour Chamber our predecessors havo urged

As you we aware, of late yours the Chamber of Commerco hay stating that in the Hongkong upon

successive Viceroys have con- ing had an opportunity of con- Britam, being at

ence should be made to the groat to gravost consideration to the you have done us in electing UB Government the desirability of

war with loss which has fallen upon us. Government of that country. again. I also take this oppor frosing shipping from all charges de similar and equally sidering, certain papers dealing France, declared foodstuffa carrion By the death of our lite holprod What is likely to be of benefit tunity of thanking, Mr. Dlloch whatsoever, and whenever (as huslegal efforts to interfere with the with the abject, fell constrained, on the high sens in neutral sovereign King Edward the

the reverse to trade can and you for the support you have happened from time to time) an opium trade under the pica of tri

shipping destined for a French British nation has sustained an best be judged, I think, from the given him, in the very kind re- rostricting smoking, but in reality or greedy in order to increase their revenues.

port to be contraband and thore irreparable loss and this loss has experience and opinions of those marks with reference to this little Trouser casting a rapacious eye This specius cree was in this to that of other: British Cham-fore liable to capturo. On pro- I feel sure been also if not to the engaged in it, and the best means book which I have got together, over the harbour has decided, in instance also at first advanced, bers of Canmore, in protosting United States of America; Den- whole of the civilized world. For experience and giving public ex-interosti (Applauso).

tests, however, being made by the fullest extent shared by the that they have of condensing their and which I thought would be of order to balance his books or 10 but has now been abandoned, and against the Declaration in its mark and Sweden, this was modi- vory many years, long before he pression to their united opinion is This was all the businessA. procure funds for public works, the Viceroy frankly admits that present form. The question has fed to cargoes lostinod for French came to the throne, and during his irough their Chamber of Cour to increase taxation the cry Its

lemoney now raised is to replace already been fully discussed both Naval or Military Stations.

all too brief reign, we know that erco. the loss caused by the stoppage of in the Homo papers and by our,

It seems strange that this his late Majesty did all in s The expressed opinions of licensed gambling.

Not only is a serious blow you are probably fairly well acheen abandoned by the Great most cordial feelings between therefore, carry great weight, and week under the inspiens of the local Press, and therefore most of humano-policy should now have pewor to promote the best and Chambors of Commerce must, been stuck at a valuable branch quainted with the outlines of the Powers. I have dealt fully with Great Britain and all other nations, so govoramont that refused to give Volunteer Associations of the is in the long run calculated to of our trade, but there is a wider question. I may, however, state this question, gentlemos, as I feel so many representatives of whom then its most corious considera. Settlement and the Chinese City, re-act against the prosperity of I and more important principle in that the London Chamber of wo should speak in no uncertain have elected to make their homes on would be entitled to the Shanglani, to consider the forma the Colony. I am glad therefore volved, viz., whether a local Chin. Commerce on receiving the text voice on so important a matter. in the British Isles or other confidence of them whose interests tion of a National Volunteer of the opportunity thus offered us, ose official is to be permitted for of the Declaration appoint We all, or nearly all, have had tons of our Empire. We folt that were placed in its hands. It is then Association with the object of by our adjacent brother depon the purpose of raising additional special committee under the doney of the Crown to reiterato ravenusto ignore any or all treat. Clairmanship of Lord-Des-- experience of what took our loss was theirs also, and no of the highest importanes that the organising Volunteer torpain al

ies which have been made with borough to fully consider the place during the

more striking expression of un-representatives of a Chamber of parts of the Empire to support The next matter of importance Foreign Powers and impose such mattor. The conclusions and ro-

yorsul sympathy with us could Commerce should be mon capable the Government. Several hun- dealt with in the report is that of restrictiousand imposts on foroign commendations of this committeo of Japan, first, with China, and have been shown than that which of guaging the true requirements dreds of people were present, in portain old outablished firms being, trade as may suit him,

were as follows:-

later with Russia, while some of was witnessed hore on the 20th of trade and of discriminating cluding the lady doctor, Chang refused, and without any of

That the Declaration of London us can remember. the difficulties May last, when the whole Colony

Chuh-kun, and a number of planation being offered, tho

should not be ratified in its pre- which arose in regard to noutral united in mourning the loss of

female modical students. After right already granted to many of all treaty obligations. An onor-sout form or he made effective by trado during the war between Sovereign and in paying their and what is of merely individual the leaders of the moveanont had olliers, chiefly nativo wino mos mass of correspondence the passing of the Naval Prize Franco and China. We can con- last tributo of ropects to his mo- and passing interest. I have no addressed the meeting, painting merchants, to having their bearing on the question is now in Bill now before Parliament. sequently speak of our direct ox-mory. It is links like this that hesitation in saying, gentlemen, out the danger China was in at own bonded ware houses. This the hands of the Committee, but (a) That the effect of the De-perienco and can realize perhaps bind.us together and remind us that wo in Hongkong are so repre- present and emphasizing, the im- appeared to be so detrimental to it has been considered advisable claration is to alter the law of even more fully than people that though we may be of differ sented. During the past work 'portance of the people being pro the trade and so opposed to the not to publish this until the whole nations as hitherto maintained in further from the actual soone of out nationality, and kindly rivals our Chainusu has issued in pan- parod to defend their country, it promises made by his Excellency untter, which is now under disa manner entirely unprecedented war what these hindrances to in trade, wo are indeed friends philot form a history of this Chain was resolved that a National whon this most unpopular moncussion between the two Govern- and to expose to capture or deli trade mean. The Committos trust and brothers, fellow residents her during the fifty yours of its Volunteer Association beer- sure dealing with tha

ments, has been Qually settled. I barate destruction food supplies therefore, gentlemen, that in this under the some flag.

existence, and I would like to tako gonised,

always been the same: put up the light duos. The policy is un- Hound, and as Iliavo omphatically stated on more than one occasion

those statements.

In Defiance

Recent Wars

between

what is vital ·

THE CHINESE VOLUN- TEER MOVEMENT. A mooting was held on Sanday