1923-07-26 — Page 1

The

Hongkong Telegraph

A BROADCAST FACT.

The only European Opticion

in the Colony 20

LAZARUS

18 Quens's Roan LUONTUAK. Z

a 12,T62

POUNDED 1841

HONGKONG SHIPPING CONTROL.

LENGTHY REPORT BY THE GOVERNMENT.

طوير

Reply to the Moller and Burkill Allegations.

INDEMNITY BILL CONTROVERSY.

"Vital

Shangbai; it has been decided to issue the report without further delay."

四拜诿 號六廿月七英港餐

#

sanotion after consultation with other departments of Hongkong interested in the matter. No ply has been received to that letter, and there the matter now stands.

Vessels Value...

vessels, and the point is made case".

Colonial Secretary to Messrs.

S

"

THURSDAY, JULY 26. 1923.

of

SINGLE COPY: 10 C

536 PER ANKUM

RECONDITIONED CARS.

The principal difference between a good Used Car and a bad Used Car is that you get one from one dealer and the other from another.

Remember, A used car is only as goed as the firm with which you deal.

Dodge Brothers 5-passenger Touring-$1,600.00

THE DRACON MOTOR CAR CO, LTD. For Demonstration Call Central 5950. Main Garage and Service Station." Wong Noi Chuna Road, Happy

erdment for the full value of the

ander,

The Government in reply quot,

from Charter Party. T 99 the [Government's undertaking

to accept all war riske.

refrees

TO-DAY.

On the 18th May, 1918, Messrs. M. Fletcher is still trailing the The Government has not ac-by the Government is placed copted the audited figures, referagainst the working expenses, Muller & Company, representing red herring re Imperial Govern- red to by Mr. Moller, and it is its the result is a very substantial the Wellowra's owners, wrote:ment and the Naval Commodore, Manapouri, Castlefield. oto, boing responsible may I experience that expert opinion of monthly loss. Unless the Govern- "ro as

aro prepared to very Wollowra. The parties concern-remind him that this also was the value of the subject matter-of ment

increase tho ed are anxious to know if in case a Government secret, and if he a claim varies very considerably substantially

bankruptcy or of any of these vessels are lost will look up a certain notice of acco ding as the claim is made remuneration by or against the Government. liquidation will be the inevitable through submarine or warlike Requisition and Control dated cause whilstunder Governmentre. 13th March, 1918, and headed The report then proceede as The following figures may be outcome."

quoted in this connection. The The Government has not requisition or Control, whether they Colonial Secretary's Office, follows:-

Various statements have been audited accounts in roset of ceived the 8.8. Patriot's audited will be fully covered by the Gay. Hongkong he will see that it made, la politions presented to the two vessels. gave $10,488 and Gures, but, whatever results

was signed by the Honourable. Legislative Council and else $26,920 as actual loses sustained, these show, Mr. C. R. Burkill

Claud Severn and stated that the Governor of Hongkong, etc., atc. where, regarding alleged lasers exclusive of interes, over the has at least the consolation that

Fader this document how does sustained by owners owing to the period 16th. April 1918, to hie firm received considerably

be make out that the actual re January, 1919 These more remuneration in respect Hongkong Government's Control 31st.

quisition was carried out by the | Commodore ?" The following correspondence vessels were owned by two one-of this ship when under Govern- ship Companies whose balancement Control than it had been

The Risks of War. tigare upon the point:-

On the 10th December, 1917, under the charter Messrs. Dascon, Looker, Dea-sheets in respect of the year 1st receiving

On the 18th July 1918, the Ship- the Solicitors for the Wollowra There was laid on the table of requisitioned. The Shipowners

at one cor, and Harsten to Colonial Phenary, 1918, to 31st. January. arranged by his firm. Messrs. A. The Legislative Council this after Protection, Association

Cammodoza 8.9. noon a lengthy report on Shipping time wished to be represented on Seerarary, 11th April, 1918-"We 1919, show:in the one case profit R. Burkill and Sons have not owners Protection Association, of Steamship Company, in which Control in Hongkong during 1917. the Shipping Control Committee, enclose herewith working ac for the year $384.045, remunera-presented aut claim for losses in which. Messrs. A. R. Burkill & Mr. Burkill wae interested, wrote Wallowrs. The above ship bas following questions: (1) y "Io 23. Signed by the Hon. Mr. but this request was refused for counts of the steamships Teletion to Directors and Auditor entred by the se. Patric or Sons were members, put the to the

Colonial the reason that the Committee inachus, Pheumpenh. Haimun. 38,424, and dividend of $378 per Wollowra.

the event of a vessel being damag been requisitioned by the Admir A.G.M. Fletcher,

The Douglas Steamship Comed or lost through any act of war alty" and they proceeded to ask Secretary and Ex-Chairman had been chosen as an independ- Brisbane, Wollowra, Castlefield, $50 are: and in the other casa

year $214,265, pany's accounts show that that on the part of an enemy raider, for certain information. of the

Messrs. Burkill's steamer Pat- Requirements ent body having no connection and Patrior. From a perusal of prelit for the Committee, Shipping Control with the requisitioned shins. All ench working accounts it will be remuneration to Directors and Company was able to pay what compensation or Committer, it comprises twenty through the report it is emphasis seen thar, when the remuneration Auditor $1.446, and dividend of dividend of 12, and a bonus of would an owner be liable to re-riot was requisitioned under the printed pages, and its most striked that the Shipping Controller in proposed to be paid by the Gov. 190.50 per $50 share, the capital 10% in respect of the rear ending ceive from the Government ? following letter addressed separ ing feature is a detailed reply to London would not permit rethunernment is placed against the being $40.000 and the steer the 30th June, 1913, and 8(2) "Does war risk insurance as ately to each owner:-"H.M. allegations made eration to be appreciably higher working expenses, the result is a being written down to $20,000 in dividend of 12 and a horus of covered by the Government in- Dockyard. With reference to the the recent

6% in respect of the following clude loss or damage to a vessel Colonial Secretary dated 13th.. against the Hongkong Govern- or lower than that of competing very substantial lots in each each case.

With regard to Mr. Moller's ment by Mr. E Moller and Mr.

ships, his audited accounts, which year, with dus provision for de occasioned by an enemy raider March, 1918, 1 am directed by the C. R. Burkill in Shanghai. The that the Hongkong Government

writing in addition.

your vessel is requisitioned and instrance?** report is prefaced by a statement did not have a free hand in the Dracon, Looker, Deacon, & Har have not been accepted by the Preciation, reserve, and under and would owners receive the full Commodore to inform you that

ston, 15th April, 1918. "I may Government, show loss sustained

On the other hand there may be On the 23rd July, the Govern will be brought under the Houg that "the general settlement with matter.

Regarding the question of in state; however that this Govern- by owner exclusive of interest,

the quoted the case of one versal ment replied: Referring to Kong Liner Requisition Scheme. he owners is all but complete,

iz refpeet

your letter of the 18th July, I am On the 19th April, 1918, Salici- and, in view at the wide publicity surance against war risks, thement is unable to accept the $42,359- which has been given to certain report points out that although fi ures which you have put before Manapouri, and $19,134 in respect which was 20 crank that crews statements made recently in the risks were slight, the insur.ir. In the "care of the S.S. T. le- of the Casl field. Mr. Moller were reluctant to go to sea ia her, dir-cted to invite your attention tore. definitely stating that they злов rates were high. As to machue for instance tlie owner's has not made any claim for loss and it was unlikely that her to Sections 11 and 12 of my cir- represented the owners of the s.s.. The insurance would be renewed. New cular letter of the 13th March, Manapouri, Castlefield. Wallowre, freights rates, the Government commission is reckoned upon the in re-pect of the Wollwra decided that it had no option bu sum of $45,907; whereas it would total of the two claims ie $61.493, decks were required to obviate which read as follows (11) and Fario wrote: Hongkong The report goes into the history to charge the then market rates, in fact, "under the calculation against which there is a debt due claims on account of sea water The Government will accept all Shipping. Control Scheme. Oar of the Imperial Government's and it strictly adhered to the given, be payable on a sum of by Mr. Maller to the Hongkong spoiling the cargo, and on every war rieke (vide Clause 19 of Char clients are at present unsware scheme for the requisitioning policy that in deciding upon the $58,800. Depreciation is allowed Government in the sum of $44,512, trip ballast bad to be purchased, ter Party T. 99) bat, where it has under what legislative authority Almost as the ship when light was liable been your preotice to facur this the above Scheme is being carried of British stoamers of the various uses for which shipe were for upon a value of $600,000, or exclusiva of interest. Indian and Far Eastern required, any consideration of roughly £90,000 whereas, apart the whole of this debt is duo, not to capsize, while the ballast had expense in the past, you are out and would be grateful forsome The Government replied:-"As the question in respect of Mr. Moller's ships, to be taken out to make room for authorised, for the present, to enlightement on the subject." finer services, and then refers to profit inust be kept entirely in the altogether from

whether or no depreciation is but in respect of a sum paid in cargo. In this case, e consider continue the expenditure on Gov- the appointment by the Hong-background.

a proper charge, it is customary to error by the Government to able sum due to the Government ment account, whether in the to the question of legal authority. kong Government, in May, 1917,

The Profits.

take the value, for purposes of de Mesara. Moller (Hongkos Ltd. was remitted ex gratia. In two form of premium or call in respect the ships bave been requisitioned of the Vital Requirements Com müftee. It is shown that in The report status-"The Hong-preciation, as the purchase price on account cargo carrice in the other instances special ciroum of Policies on hull and mechi on behalf of, and under instruc atraces led to remission of nery, including the continuance tions from, His Majesty's Govern- of any excess value insurance meat, who have instructed this October of that year, the Secre-korg Control Scheme resulted plae renewals less the amount al S.B. Patriot.

net profit of ready written off. Without going| As regards the Castlefield, certain payments due. Ary of State suggested a scheme financially in a

The Hongkong Government hitherto maintained by you, on Government to superintend their For the requisitioning of vessels $2231,204. The total expenditure further into detail, it may be Messrs. Moller & Co. with the

belonging to shipping companies exclusive of war risk insuranor stated generally that the accounts, approval of the Shipping Control has throughout maintained the the understanding that you will management. In these circums registered in India, Straits Settle. amounted to $6.387, a somewhat as presented by you, ara not Committeo, let the ship on a position that the majority of its hold the Government absolved tances this Government must

Cputinued on Paye 7,) rents and Hongkong, which, striking figure when it is remem drawn up in accordance with the most advantageus charter for controlled vassals were old and from liability in respect of the tet correspondence, the Rong-bered that it represents the entire customary practice of shipping twelve calendar months from out of date, with excessive coal amount for which insurance waS This Government December, 1918. The charterer consumption and heavy repair effected under insurance policies; kong Government acc pted" with cost of controlling seventeen, companies. Bome besitation.".

ships with detailed examination will, however, closely watch the failed to take the vessel up, the bills, and that therefore the but when any policy on a vesasl of all their trading accounts, for working of the requisition scheme, Attorney General of Hongkong owners, being remunerated at the lapses it should not be renewed, Old Vessels Controlled.

the best part of a year. Many and I am to assure you that the joined with the Castlefield Steam-same rate as competitors operat. (12.) If the war risk insurance Reference is also made to the brokerage fee for hegotiating in rests of the owners will receive ship Company as plaintiffs in an ing more modern and up-to-date above authorised is vitiated by action against the charterer, ships, were in this respect at a your obedience to Admiralty in visit to Hongkong early in single charter amounted to its sympathetic consideration." 3918 of Colonot Thomech, vastly greater sum, and, if the With regard to the value of judgment was obtained in a very decided disadvantage; although structions, other than those of the 8.8. large sum, and it is understood the owners of Hongkong control. local navigation, or by your obed- Shipping Adviser to the Indian immense amount of work done $600,000 placed upon Government and Agent of the had been charged for according to Celemachus, at the time when that the matter was finally settled led vessels did not pay income tax iance to instructions of the con- Wak about to come on payment of between $300,000 (or excena profita duty. The Hong-trol Commitee, the Government Shipping Controller in charge of the spacious ideas as 1ò remunera sho

control, it may. be and $400,000. The Hongkongkong Government cannot how will indemnify you against the All lines with headquarters in the tion in the shipping business the under".

Clause 19 of Admiralty Charter Far East, for the purpose of in- prevalent, the profits would have mentioned that in "1916, when Government made no claim in ever agree that the owners lost consequences, augurating a scheme of local; been most materially reduced." large profits were being made and respect of the sum which would money, and it suggests that, in

owners at Party T. 99, which is referred to there was no control, the value of have been due to it up to the the minds of some' shipping control. This scheme A Rejected Proposal.

the ship was given for probate end of January, when its control toast, there has been a confusion above, reade se follows:-The was prepared and was subsequent- ly operated, in accordance with In 1920, the Imperial Indemnity purposee in the sum of $185,000 terminated, but it did rely upon of thought between losses supriske of war which are taken by definite instructions from the Act was passed, it being laid down The sterling equivalents on the Mr. Molier's debt being paid out posedly incurred and profits anti-the Admiralty are those risks conditions which would be excluded from an Shipping Controller in London. that its provisions might apply to pertinent dates were approximate of that money. Even if Mr. Moller cipated from war

had discharged this debt. he which were not received.

ordinary English policy of waTİDE Later, Colonel Thomson supplied any of the Crown Colonies, busty £92,500 and £19,000.

insurance by the following, or would still have had a most sub

The 8.8. "Wollow ra."

similar, but not, more extensive. the Government with a list of the Colonies were invited to con-

clause: Warranted free of cap-Page 4 thirteen steamers which were to sider the alternative of local legis-

On the 7th June, 1923, at a The Government is unaware be requisitioned, these being lation. The Hongkang overo

ture, seizure, and, détention and mostly old and out-of-date vessels ment in September, 1921, in-moeting of the shareholders of of the subsequent history of Mr North China Daily News, under the consequences thereaf, or of arrival of the 8.8.

Indemnity Bill Messrs. Maller & Co., (Shanghai), Moller's three ships: except that date the 21st June, 1923, Mr. Burny attempt thereal, piracy ex- Page 4. The report statea that "hot one of troduced

Was opposed by the Ltd., held at Shanghai, Mr. E it is informed, though it cannot them was suitable for full requisi- which tion for Imperial purposes, and owners and it was then deciled Moller referred. In the Hong-vouch for the fact, that the 88 kill, wrote: "The most amusing cepted, and also from all conse Dewar's famous "White Label"

feature of this is that while the several of them would perhaps not to proceed further with the kong Government's "unjustifiablėj Wollowra was sold for a much Hongkong Government were ap.quences of hostilities or warlike whisky is stocked by Watson's.-

operations, bother before or Page 6 not have been running at all, had matter until the return of Mt scheme, which in its pitilessness larger sum than the original parently carrying auch war risk, after declaration of war. Such A special production entitled Fletcher who had conducted all and relentlessness is quite un-purchase price; but it is unable they kept the secret so well that risks are taken by the Admiral: "Good Women" is being screened the negotiations with the owners | paralleled—a scheme, which to find any evidence in support of shipowners were not informed that

steamer, if she be totally lost, at and 12. In February and March, 1918. On the return of Mr. Fletchering into liquidation a modest up of Messrs. Moller & Co. any Government servant in Hong the time of such loss, or, if she Anderson's have received telegrams were exchanged bein 1951, a proposal that half of Shanghai Shipping Company (Shanghai) Limited is in any kong to produce any document be injured on the ascertained large shipment of new music.— tween the Hongkong Government the money held by the Govern which has had is Red Anchor way due to the Hongkong showing that the owners of the e.. value of such injury. Should a Page 3 ad the Colonial Office and it was ment should be returned to the fag firing over these Chinese Control Scheme..

Leah Baird is sppearing at the Wollowra were notified that the dispute arise ne to the value of Bally arranged that the requisiowoere was put before the Unoff waters for over half a century." The Case of the Patriot," bat was covered for a specified the steamer the same shall be Coronet Theatre in "Don't Doubt Honing should be done by the icial members of the Legislative Mr. Moller did not make it clear

Your Wife"-Page:12. The 8.8. Patriot was owned by Bum under a Government war risk

has The Independence Commodare in the name of the Council. The owners were warned:

to what company be referred; it

This reply relates of course | Imperial Government, but that that in any event it was impro was not Mesara. Moller & Co. Messrs. A.R. Burkill and Sons, and policy or any other war righ Bottled as laid down in clause 31, the Hanzkong Government must bable that the Imperial Govern (hanghai), Ltd., as that company at the time when she came under policy.

only to ships under Government also arrived with cargo-Page 4: ccept full responsibility for the ment would be able to accept was incorporated in 1918. Lloyd's the Hongkong Control Scheme My Burkill had proviously said requisition under the scheme faid

LISTEN. financial result of the scheme, the proposal, but the U official Register of Shipping for the year she was on time charter for that we received no Government down in the abova circular letter.

As the owners knew exactly по Hongkong Government members rejected it on the ground immediately before the outbreak period of five years ending in policy for war risk, sad iosuring

email their rights and the Government's Don't say you cannot afford propored that the profit, if any, that all British shipping having of war does not include Mesars 1921, at a rate of $12,000 a this

abilities in respect of war risk; to advertise! A few dollars spent after payment of local expenser, been frosted alike, it would be Moller in the list of abipowners, month. With regard to this Messre, cost oven though our

namely that their ships were ebould go to the Imperial Governunfair to discriminate in favour and it appears from subsequent Burklil's agents wrote to the were not in the danger zone."

The ss. Wollowra was requiel fully covered in 's value which judiciously in ment, subject to the lattor of ships which had been conditions of the Register that the Shipowners' Protection Assccia guaranteeing the Colony against troiled in Hongkong. The Hong ships which were named by M. tion under date the 11th April, tioned on the 30th November. would be settled by agreement, publicity shortens the distance heavy loss, but the Shipping Con- kong Government, the report Moller to his shareholders were 1918-8 S. Patriot. Owing to 1917, under Admiralty Charter or, failing agreement, by arbitra, between you and success. zoller was unable to accept this states, had no alternative but to acquired at various dates after the above vessel coming under Party T.99, in which it was stated tion, and on appeal by the Courts, Government Contral on or about that the Government assumed it did not occur to the Govern proposal. It was laid down that pass the Indemnity Bill, which war bogen.

ment to notify them individually Important firm require reliable the Imperial Government was became law by the unanimous In particular connection with the 15th April, 1918, according to liability for war risk.

In a circular letter, addressed as to the precies manner in which compradore.-Page 4

Bcglish engineering superia- fo no way interested in the fin- vote of the Legislative Council in the Hongkong Control Scheme the proposed control rates the ancial arrangements or their re- August. 1922.

three steamer will be earning $15,010 under date the 13th March, 1918, the risk was being carried, Do Mr. Moller mentioned.

which in this to owners or agents of all the tailed information wee open to tendent is open for engagement. sults fxcept to see that remuner- In March, 1923, a letter was vessels only, the s.s. Manapuri, per mouth,

8.8. any one who might enquire: A-Page 4 ition of Colonial registered sent by the Government to the Castlefield; and Wollowra, and ho pirticular case is an improvement steamers, including the

in A notice concerning a Bill of essels is not appreciably higher shipowners solicitors, stating stated that "the audited figures in the earning capacity of the Wollowre, it was stated: The similar practice obtained

Moutrie ́s are shewing a DOW br lower than that of competing that the Secretary of State could covering the running of the steamer'; and on this very same Government will accept all respect of vessels under Imperial Lading appears on Page 4 versets registered and owned in not eae his way to recommend steamers under control in most date, the 11th April, Mesara. war risks (vide clause 19 of requisition.RELEAS

Those who have not yet seen the United Kingdom."

that the Indemnity Ordinance, Casne slowed a severe loss." The Burkill's solicitors wrate to the Charter Party T. 99) but, The Government received notaodel Victrola-Page 6.

the great Nicola should book sosta The report thon refers at length in so far as it concerned Government has received state Colonial Secretary stating where it has been been your claims for a refund in reepeof of the operation of the scheme the shipping control of Hongkong, ments of alleged losses in respect We enclose herewith working practice to lacur this expense in war risk expenditure incurred by d some of the uses to which should not receive the Royal of six of the seventeen steamers accounts of the S.3. Telemachus, past, you are authorised, for the owners, por did soy owner state at the Star Theatre to-night-

Phoumpark, Haimun, Brisbane, present, to continue this expendi that he was insuring against war Page 19

Particulara of forthcoming he vesseln were put, Although Assent, and it was intimated that controlled.

auction sales are given on Page 4 the scheme was proving satis the Secretary of State dealred that Moller's remarks were Wollowre, Manapouri, Castle-ure on Government account."

Requisitioning Authority.

OE Warren & Company. Lid. factory, the tonnage was not the owders be warned that generally supported by Mr. C. R fisid, and Patriot. From As in his letter to the North uficient to mest require anyoońcassian. which the Burkill, who said that he could perusal of such working accounts China Daily News Mr. Burkill

Mr. Burkill wroto also Fury advertise latest sanitary ther as the Honourable Mr. A. G. bathroom equipment. Bago 4. mente, and vessels outside Hongkong Government might confirm them from personal, ex-it will be seen that when the quoted this circular letter, he had the Hongkong Registry were wish to suggest would require his perience.

remuneration proposed to be paid presumably read it

it not been for the war."

The Financial Aspect,

The

80

The Moller Allegations. stantial sum in hand.

In a letter addred to the

Closing Exchange 29. 2, 11/16d. Burometer 2 p.m. 29:51. Temperature 2 p.m. 86. Humidity 2 p.m. 77. High Tide 9:43 pm Lo Water 33 pm.

Lighting Up-Time. 7.07 p.m.

News in Today's New Advertisements."

Wanted --English steno typist.

Consignees are notified of the "Hanerio.”—

on behalf of the Government.jos bad the effect of driv-ithe allegation that the winding war risk was covered, and I defy 15 on The ascertained value of the at the World. Theatre-Pages 4.

Tisk WAS

boats

common-senso