1914-08-27 — Page 8

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

His Excellency and Piracy

Prevention.

A meeting of the Legislativo Council was hold this afternoon in the Council Chamber.

There wore prosont:-, E. the Governor, Sir Henry May, K.O.M.G.

His Excellency Major General F. H. Kelly, D.B.

The Hon. Colonial Secretary, Mr. U. Severa.

The Hon. Secretary for Chinese Affairs, Mr. E. R. Hallifax.

The Hon. Attorney General, Mr. J. H. Komp.

The Hon. Colonial Treasurer, Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe,

The Hon. Director of Public Works, Mr. A. F. Churchill,

The Bon. Capt. Sapt, of Police, Mr. C. Mellvaine Messer,

The Hon. Mr. E. A. .Hewett, O. M. G.

The Hon. Mtr, D. Landale. The Hon. Mr. B. E.. Pollock, K. C.

The Hon. Mr. Wei Yük, O.M,G. The Hon. Mr. Lau Chu-pak, Mr. M. J. Broon, Clerk of the Councile.

Financial.

The following minutes were referred to the Finance Com. mittee:

A sum of $2,567,67 in aid of the vote Military Expenditure, B. Volunteers, other charges, camp expense.

A sum of $4,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, extraordinary, New Territories, miscellaneous, miscellaneous works.

Prevention of Disease. On the motion of the Hon. Colonial Secretary, the following Amendment of By-laws made, under Section #16 of the Public. Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1003, by the Sanitary Board, was approved:-

THE HONG KONG TELEGRAPH.

the portions of the building damaged by such removal, including the limewaahing of any exposed surface and the rebuilding of any neces sary wall in materiale approv. ed by the Board, but no com pensation shall be payable for any loss of rent or de- terioration in the value of the property occasional or alleged to be occasioned by the operation of these By-laws. In any case in which the amount claimed for compen gation exceeds $250 aD appeal shall li from. the decision of the Board ag to the amount of the com⚫ pensation to the Governor in- Council whose decision there. on shall be final and don clusive, provided however that no such appeal shall lie unless notice thereof shall have been given to the Clerk of Councils within fourteen days from the date upon. which the appellant shall have been notified by the Board of any such decision as aforesaid. The Board shall decide in each

case whether the compens- ation, if any, isto be paid to the owner or to the coupier, and payment in acerdance with. the decision o the Board shall bar any further claim to compensation by owner or occupier, provided that no- thing in these By-laws shall affect the rights of the owners or occupiara inter se as to the ultimate apportionment of of any compensation awarded. The provision of thie By-law. shall apply to the premises in any district in respect of which a special general cleansing and disinfection has been directed by the! Board since the 31st day of March, 1912, or shall The By-laws rolating" to the

hereafter be directed." Prevention and Mitigation of Disinfection of Infected Premises. Epidemic, Contagious or In- i The following amendment of fectious Disensa rasde undor Sec- By-laws, made under Section 10 tion 16 of the Public Health and of the Public Health and Build- Buildings Ordinance, 1903, (Oringe Ordinance, 1903, by the dinance No. 1 of 1003), and Sanitary Board, was adopted, on published in the Gazette of the the motion of the Hon. Colonial 4th December, 1908, and page Secretary: 477 of the Regulation of Hong. kong, 1910, as amended by the Law Revision Ordinance, 1912, (Ordinance No. 1 of 1912), and by the By-law made by the Sanit ary Board on the 11th June, 1912, approved by the Legislative Council on the 13th June, 1918; and pablished in the Gazette of the 14th June, 1912, (Notification No. 204), are hereby further amended by the repeal of By-law No. 2 and by the substitution therefore of the following:-

2. The Board may declare any epidemic, endemic, con- tagious or infectious disease to exist in any district or districts, and may direct that in such district or districts or any portion thereof a special general cleansing and dis- infection of the premises shall be carried out under the direction of any officer of the. Sanitary Department and to the satisfaction of the Medical Officer of Health. Such cleansing and disinfection may include the removal or destruction or both of any lath and plaster or other hollow partition wall, or any partition, screen, panelling, wainscotting skirting, stair-lining, ceiling or other similar structure or any fittings or any portion of such wall, struotuce or fitting, if in the opinion of the Medical Officer of Health such removaland destruction are necessary. Compensation for such removal or destruc- tion shall be given by the Board, unless it is proved on behalf of the Board that the wall, structure or fitting re moved or destroyed had been. unlawfully erected or main- tained. Such compensation shall be calculated so as to cover the cost of making good

The By-lawa relating to the Disinfection of Infected Premises made under Section 10 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, (Ordinance No. of 1008), and published in the Gazelle of the 4th December, 1908, and at pages 169 of the Regulations of Hongkong, 1910, as amended by the By-law made by the Sanitary Board on the 11th June, 1912, approved by the Legislative Council on the 13th June, 1913, and published in the Guzette of the 14th June, 1912, (Notification No. 203), and by the. Final Revision Ordinance, 1912, (Ordinance No. 13 of 1012), aro hereby farther amended by the repeal of By-law No. 3 and by the substitution therefor of the following:-

J.

EXTRA

HONGKONG, THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1914,

ture, or

'Not.

by

tion may, with the approval he of the Medical Officer of been said before--that there was other passengers. Thirdly it was

did not think it bad; and made inaccessible to the CONTRABAND OF WAR.is per so contraban !. At the Health, be done in whole orn very urgent necessity to take absolutely necessary that officers

West African Conference in 1884 in part by the inmates or by overy precaution against piracy on whom was the responsibilty of

the Russian representative pro persons engaged by them. n. board certain ocean-going saving the ship and the lives on What is Contraband and what is contraband articles, but the tested against its inclusion among Aud further if in the opinion steamers trading out of this port. trarted to their care,to bave a of the Medical Officer of They would remember the steam-chance they had to be protected by

Russian Government included it Health it is necessary for the ship Childar, a large steamer, grilles or barbed wire preventing

ia their declaration as tó contra- thorough purifcation and pirated shortly after leaving here. people clambering up on to the

band on the outbreak of the di-infection of spol premises Now the piracy of this steamer upper deck. He trusted the when local commercial and ship. British foreign office replied to an At a moment like the present Russo-Japanese war. In 1898 the to take down any lath and was an accident. They knew that modifications he had made would ping interests are plaster or other hollow parti- the object of the pirates was one satisfy those who criticised the concerned in the

so gravely enquiry of the Newport Chamber tion wall or any partition,f the Douglas steamers, and they rogulations,

momentous of Commerce on the position of screen, panelling, wainscott-did not carry out their object

crisis in Europe the question as coal that: "Whether in any ing, skirting, staitlining,ceil- because the pirate leader who was the exemptions as stated in the tate contraband of war has is not contraband of war, is

Hie Excellency bon dealt with to what does or does not consti- particular case

doal is on ing or other similar struc-ontrusted with the money with roport on the matter;

any fittings or which to buy each member of the The Hon. Mr. Howeit said the tance, and in view of the early termination of the Prize court

assumed an immediate impor a matter prima facie for the de any portion of such wail, pirate ging a parenge, either Chamber of Comments was pre- possibility that commodities on the captor's nationality, and so structure or fitting the Medi embezzled or equandered the pared to accept that so long as, if their way to or from Ceylon from long assuch decision, when given, cal Officer of Health shall money before the time when it was found that the conditione Europe or elsewhere may run risk does not conflict with woll eatab forthwith have the sans he had to pay for the tickets, and were too onerous or impractical, of seizure by vesssia of a belliger-lished principles of international taken down, and if he can not having enough to pay for that they could have them recon eat power encountered on the law, H. M.'s Government will not siders their removal from the passt, 98, they took a cheaper line sidered. premises or the destruction by the Chiidar. That was why

high seas a brief review of the be prepared to take exosption ibereof or both necessary in the Douglas ateamer escaped. tee on the Bill, and afterwards, in not dome amiss. "Law of contra ostions of the law and usage of

The Council went into commit present law of contraband will thereto."

The practical appli the interests of the public They also knew the gang who had Council, the Bill was carried. health he shall forthwith its haunts in Bine Bay, near Mira A

band" is an expression which contraband in the Russo-Japanese cause the same to be removed Bay, was so disappointed by the

though in general use is to a War of 1904-5, however, from the premises or destroy small booty, that they determined JAPAN AND THE WAR, when at war with each other are reform in these " well-established certain extent a misnomer. Nations brought out vividly the need of ed or both. Snob destruct on still bigher game and selected ion shall be carried out with one of the B. & S. Blue fannel

only too prone to become a law an principles." The Japanese re Startling Development. such precautions and in such steamers ranning between Hong-

to themselves, and such general qulatione gave rise to no serious manner as he may deem kong and Shanghai, and no doubt

Tokyo, Angust 9. understandings as it is possible difficulties. Those issued proper, and compensation they would have attempted to requested Japan to take common only likely to go by the board. much controversy between the It is reported that England to arrive at in times of peace are Russis, on the other hand, led to for such removal or des do so if

the vigilant Hong action with her for the protection This ever present potentiality British Government and that of truction shall be given by kong Police had not discovered of mutual interests, whereupou a having been duly noted, it may Russia, in connection with the the Board unless it is their whereabouts and enlisted Council of Ministers was held be said that according to current latter's pretension to class coal, proved од behalf of the aid of the Chinese authorities and military movements were practice contraband of war is of rice, provisions, forage, horses the Board that the wall, With their assistance they succeed decided upon. structure or fitting removed ed in bringing back the principal

two kinds: (1) absolute or an- and cotton with arma, ammunition, It is believed that on the 6th conditional contraband, i.e., mat explosives, etc., as absolute con- or destroyed had been un ringleaders in that conspiracy. inst. the German Government eriala of direct application in traband. On June 1st, 1904, Lord lawfully erected or maintain. But he would also like to em-communicated with Japan, urging naval or military armaments; Lansdowne expressed the surprise od. Such compensation shall phasise one other point. The the latter to observe strict and (2) conditional contraband, with which the British Govern- be calculated so as to cover police had established beyond neutrality, Gormany stated that consisting of articles which are fit ment learnt that rice and pro- the cost of making good the any manner of doubt that in all military action on the part of for but not necessarily of direct visions wore to be treated se portions of the building these recent piracies which had Japan in the Far East would application to, hostile uses. There unconditionally contratanda damaged by auch removal, given them so much trouble, the result in the despatch of fleets by in much difference of opinion step which they regarded as including the limewashing of fast one of which, the Tai On, the United States to protect her among international jurists ant inconsistent with the law and any exposed surface and the led to such a deplorable loss of interests in China, thereby states, however, as to the specific practice of nations." They fur- robuilding of any necessary life, that each one had been car-involving the Far East in the war. materials and articles which may thermore "felt themselves bound wall in materials approved by ried out with the Chinese craw on The responsibility for such a rightfully be declared by bellig.. to reserve their rights by also the Board, but no compensa- the ship. Now in the Tai On development would rest with erents to belong to either class. protesting against the doctrine tion shall be payable for any case, army Wera conveyed Japan. loss of rent or deterioration on board by Chinese from the

There is also disagreement as, to that it is for the belligerent to in the valuo

the belligerent right where the decide what articles are as a of the engine-room staff, revolvers and

immediate destination is a neutral matter of course, and without property occasioned or other arms, and therefore the

but the ultimate an enemy port. reference to other considerations, alleged to

be occasion- precaution which the Hongkong

An attempt was made at the to be dealt with as contraband of ed by the operativa of these Police took in searching passen. By-lawa. In any case in gers, nullified that. But they could

Second Bague Conference to come war, regardless of the well- which the amount claimed not shadow every single member from the United States Govern points of difference. The British nor would the British Govern In reply to a communication to an agreement on the chief established rights of neutrals"; for componeation "exceeds of the Chinese crew of the river ment the Japanese Government delegates were instructed even to ment consider itself bound to $250 an appeal shall lie and ocean-going steamers always stated that Japan would observe abandon the principle of contra recognize as valid the decision of from the decision of the coming and going. Board as to the amount of

strict neutrality so long as the band of war altogether, subject any Prize court which violated the compensation

Whilst the ship was in port the Far East is not involved in the only to the exclusion by blockade these rights. The protesta of to the

mattor was impossible. There- war, but in the latter event would of neutral trade from enemy ports, Great Britain led to the reference. Governor-in-Council whose fore it came decision thereon shall be the only real safeguard against Britain.

to this, that take common action with Great In the alternative they were to of the subject by the Russian do their utmost to restrict the Government to a departmental final and conclusive provided piracy, the only real means of however thst vo such appeal

Another report states that a definition of contraband within committee, with the resale that shall lie unless notice thereof protecting the lives and the pro- proposal by the United States the narrowest possible limits, on October 22nd, 1904, a rectify. shall have been given to the party on the ship entrusted Government, to reinforce the and to obtain exemption of ing notice was issned declaring

Etaff to those in command, was for the American Asiatio Squadron, to food Clerk of Councils within officers to defend the vessel guard against disturbances in the places other than beleagured for a warlike object, including: destined for that articles capable of serving fourteen days from the date upon which the appellant against the attacks of pirates who Far East, had its origin in a fortresses and of raw materiale rice food stuff, should. shall have been notified by

have embarked with the passen communication made by Germany required for peaceful industry. be considered contraband of the Board of any such de gera, and, to enable the officers to to the United States.

Though the discussions at the war, if they are destined for the cision as aforesaid.

put up an effective defence, it was Some time ago China requested conference did not result in any government of the belligerent absolutely necessary first of all to Japan to observe strict neutrality convention, except on the subject power or its adminstration or its bebind grilles, the bulk of the critical she appealed to the United the leading maritime states that ports; or for the segregate, as far as possible, but on the situation becoming of mails, it was agreed among navy or its fortresses or its naval Chineso passengers. In the second States for assistance to protect an attempt should be made to thereof; and in cases where they place it was absolutely necessary her territorial integrity.

The Board shall decide in each case whether the compensa tion, if any, is to be paid to the owner or to the occupier, and payment in accordance: with the decision of the Board sball bar any further claim to compensation by owner or occupier, provided that noth ing in these By-laws shall affect the rights of owners or

Japan consulted Great Britain and the Japanees Government decided to fulfil the obligation of the Alliance, but not to take aggressive action.

the songers, and, thirdly, it made by Germany to Japan were to prevent accase to baggage by It is reported that the propossis wae absolutely necessary to more important" and urgent than defer the badge in such a those by the United States, and ay at the handful of men, it was Germany's attitude that the two or three officers on duty, prompted Japan's decision. occupiers inter se na to the gated by two of three guards, could hold their own against ultimate apportionment of

a determined attack. That policy any compensation awarded.

succeeded admirably in the case The provision of this By-law of the Tai On, but unfortunately shall apply to all premises the pirates set fire to the vessel. which become infected after

the 31st day of March, 1912,

Nevertheless, although they

TO-DAY'S ADVERTISEMENT.

NOTICE.

and

purveyors

codify the law of naval war

were addressed to private in- establishment of an international bo considered as contraband of generally, in connection with the dividuals these articles should not

prize. Meanwhile, on the subject war. Trade between neutrals bas of mails, important articles were a prima facie right to go on, in adopted which figure in the spite of war, without molestation. "Convention on restrictions in But if the ultimate destination of the right of capture. They are goods, though shipped first to a as follows: Art. 1: The postal neatral port, is enemy's territory, correspondence of neutrals or then, according to the doctrine belligerents, whatever its official of"continuous voyages, the or private character may be, goods may be treated as if they found on the high seas on board had been shipped to the enemy's "The Food Committee is pre- neutral or enemy ahip, ia territory direct. It is to be inviolable. If the ship is detained, recalled that during the South (1) Enquiries from residents in the correspondence is forwarded African War Great Britain and the Colony who are experiencing by the captor with the least Germany were engaged in a con any difficulty in obtaining food possible delay. These provisions troversy over the refusal of the stuffs at the maximum prices do not apply, in case of violation latter to recognize the existence of quoted in the lists of food stuffs of blockade, to correspondence any rule beat could interfere with Gazette of 22nd August 1914, or from a blockaded port. Art, 2-agreement was ultimately arrived published in the Government destined for or proceeding trade between neutrals. An who may wish for information The inviolability of postal cor- at during the exhaustive discus- concerning the retail prices of articles of food not enumerated respondence dues not exempt a aion of the subject at the Confer- in the lists; and

neutral mail ship from the laws once of London in 1898-09, on the (2) Any complaints from re- and customs of maritimo war as laws and customs of naval war. atdents in the Colony who are to neutral merchant ships in Times of Ceylon. being charged more than the general. The ship, however, may maximum prices published. All not be searched except when addressed to the Secretary of The only with as much consideration Food Committee, The Treasury, and expedition as possible. As Wigwan and YMCA. Tennis enquiries or complaints should be absolutely necessary, and then General Post Office Building

regards coal there is no essential Clubs, which was postponed from difference between the position of last week, will be played for ooal to feed ships and that of Saturday on the Wigwam courts provisions to feed men. Neither commencing at 4.30

"3. All infected premises shall forthwith after the removal therefrom of the infected person or animal of the dead body be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected to the satia- faotion of the Medical Officer of Health, and if in the opinion of the Medical Officer of Health it is necessary in the interests of the public

or shall herenfrer become deplored the loss of life that pared to considor:- infected. health, the per as residing.

ensued, be thought one and all of them were heartily glad in such building or part of a

Piracy Precautions, that those men put up that building shall" oo detained Council resumed the committee fight and that the

pirates therein or shall be removed stage on the Bill entitled An were taught to such building or vessels Ordinance to amend the law they would not readily forget. a lesson that As the Board may direct and relating to the observance of pro- Therefore they would see the there be isolated and kept cautions against Piracy. reasons why they were unable to under supervision until such His Excellancy said before they accept many of the suggestions time as they may, in the proceaded to committee opinion of tho said Medical thought it would ho ucofal if he sengers alone was not a suflicient

he made. The searching of pas Officer of Health or other menade a few observatione re the safeguard. It was absolutely dical officer in charge of such Chamber of Commerce letter necessary to grille off a largonum buildings or vessels be safely which had been printed. Their her of passengers, especially the released; and it shall not be conclusions had been arrived at third-class passengers. It was lawful for any person to and were also painted. Now 4 absolutely necessary that the re-occupy any such building great point had been made by baggage of those passenger or part of a building until it the Chamber of Commerce about abould be, he thought, either has been thoroughly cleansed the inability to carry out those in the grille or and disinfected as aforesaid, regulations by coasting steamers. baggago not in the grille any such Such cleansing and disinfecHe would like to say publicly-space should be partitioned off

FRAMFELD, CA WOLFE, V Treasury bedd

Chairman Food Committee. Hongkong, 27th August, 1914.

Tennis Match. The tennis match between tha

p.m.