July 80, 1898.
for absorbing another large section of South China should open the eyes of the British Government, if they are going to save any territory at all in the South to China, to the necessity of pressing for the construction of a British railway from Kowloon to Canton. The Chinese Government, likewise, should see that the building of such a railway with British capital is their best hope of retaining their hold on this portion of the Empire. An extension of this railway to Wuchow, or still further, would be a still more desirable thing, both for maintaining order and acting as a feeder to the traffic on the river. Events in this part of the world are proceeding with too great rapidity to allow the construction of this line to be delayed. Capital will not be wanting if the concession to build it is granted. Doubtless the local Bank would be ready to start and finance it at once, for it would be a profitable line.
A SHARK IN THE HARBOUR,
STARTLING OCCURRENCE, On Tuesday afternoon there was an exciting c currence at the Hongkong, Canton, and Macao Steamboat Company's Wharf as the steamer Honam came in from Canton. Many of our readers will no doubt have seen the fresh water fish brought down from Canton and how they are on the arrival of the steamer discharged into boats alongside by means of a shoot of netting into which they are lifted in baskets from the tanks. While this was going on yesterday one of the baskets with its contents fell overboard. In stantly a number of Chinese jumped into the water in pursuit of the fish, which are as a rule easily caught when they fall overboard owing to the salt water in a short time stupifying them. One of the pursuers had his eye on a fine specimen and had got within about four feet of it when a shark five feet long suddenly shot up in front of him, turned over on its back, seized the fish, devoured its prey, and dis- appeared again. The Chinese cried out "
Hai- yah, shark fish," and the Europeans who saw it say there is no doubt whatever that the creature was a flat-headed ground shark. From time to time reports have been made of sharks having been seen near Stonecutters and elsewhere on the outskirts of the harbour. Bat this is the first time that we have ever heard of one being seen close to the Praya. The Chinese yesterday afternoon exhibited no fear of the unusual visitor, but continued their pursuit of the stray freshwater fish.
To any bathers who may be alarmed by this authenticated instance of the appearance of a shark in the waters of the harbour we would recommend a perusal of A Plea for the Shark in the Spectator of the 14th May. The writer of that article says one of the most firmly held beliefs concerning sharks is that they prefer the flesh of man to any other food, whereas the fact is that the shark family, with few exceptions. are naturally eaters of offal, scavengers of the sea, and he records the fact that in many places visited by him, where sharks were the commonest of tish, black men were constantly swimming and diving without paying apparently any heed to the hungry monsters in their immediate vicinity. Notwithstanding the certificate of good character given by the Spectator, however, we would prefer not to have a shark for a neighbour while bathing.
MACAO AND INLAND NAVIGATION. |
The Macao Independente states that the Governor of the colony, Seulor Galbardo is using all his efforts with the Imperial Govern ment of China to bring about arrangements by which vessels may proceed direct from Macao to the Chinese ports recently opened to trade, apou payment at the Lappa Customs of the duties. Our contemporary says this would be a most important advantage to the trade of Macao, and that there is every hope that the Governor's efforts will be successful.
The following paragraph from the other Macao paper, the Echo Macaense, illustrates the disadvantage under which the colony labours at presentA steam-launch named the Pang- chin, intended to run between Macao and Sek. ki, has been lying at Macao for a number of days. She was advertised to leave at 1 p.m. on the 15th July, but was postponed at the last moment
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
on account of not being able to obtain the necessary papers. The interested parties went to Canton, hoping to obtain from the mandarins a pass authorising the launch to ply between Macao and Sek-ki with junks in tow, but nothing came of it. We understand that a syndicate formed with the object of running a line of launches between Macao and the ports of Kongmun, Sanai, and Tangsui en. deavoured to obtain the necessary licenses, but without success, because the regulations in force compel the launches first to go to Samshui, the nearest open port, and thus im- pose a useless voyage of four or five hours both going and returning; this requirment practi. cally precludes steam navigation between Macao and the nearer ports on the West River.
j
THE BAT:LE OF SALAMANCA,
THE KING'S OWN CELEBRATE THE
ANNIVERSARY.
E
105
within sight of his enemy. Wellington took the tide at the flood. Despatching a force, among them our division-the Fifth-to hold his head fast, he hurled the main body on Marmont's flank. The French, hopelessly strung out along the falley bed, were ruined. Marmont himself was knocked over by the first English cannon shot, and in forty minutes the battle was over. These forty minutes cost "The King's Own" an officer and ninety-six killed and wounded, but gained the Regiment the addition of Salamanca to its battle honours. In this campaign "The King's Own" was brigaded with the 30th, now the 1st East Lancashire Regiment, and the 10th, now the 1st South Lancashire Regiment. Both bat- talions of "The King's Own were present at Salamanca.
"7
35
THE HONGKONG, CANTON, AND MACAO STEAM-BOAT CO., LIMITED.
The following is the report of the Board of Directors to the ordinary half-yearly meeting of shareholders to be held at the office of the Company, on Tuesday, 2nd August, at noon:---
The Directors beg to submit to the share- holders the Report and Statement of Accounts for the half-year ending 30th June last.
After paying rauning expenses, salaries, pre- mia of insurance, repairs and all other out- goings, there remains, including $37,344.58 brought forward from last account, the sum of $115,165.16 at credit of Profit and Loss Account. From this amount, the Directors recommend that a dividend for the half-year of $1 per share, or $80,000, be paid to shareholders, and that the balance of $35,165.16 be carried forward to new account.
Friday, July 22nd, was the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca, in which the King's Own took part. Consequently the band and drummers of the regiment celebrated the auni- versary by giving a military tatoo on the cricket ground. The affair attracted a large number of people, who thoroughly appreciated the pro- gramme gone through. H. E. Major-General Black was among those present. The follow- ing was the programme-8.15 p.m., Des criptive piece, Turkish Patrol." Band; characteristic dance, "Darkers' Dreams," Drummers; "Reminiscences of all Nations," Band; gallop. "Dash," Drummers; descrip- tive piece, "Voyage in a Troopship." Band. Synopsis, Reminiscences of all Nations ":- England, "Hearts of Oak;" China, “Sin-Fa," "Yenhua-lin Ksiang;" Germany, "Watch by the Rhine," Ireland, St. Patrick was a Gentle- man" Austria, "The Hymn."
Hungarian March" France, The Marseillaise; Russia, "The Hymn; America, Yankee Doodle;" Scotland,
"Auld Robin Gray" Spain, "The Cachuca;" Italy, "Garribaldi's Hymu;" Turkey, "Imperial March;" England, Conquering Hero." Voyage in a Troopship:-"The Soldier's Tear," "Bos'uns Whistle,' Farewell to Ports- mouth Town," The Anchor's Way," "Wet Sheet and flowing Sea," "Storm," "A Prayer," "Santa Lucia," We'll Rant and we'll Roar," "Tom Bowling." The White On the 25th January, the Powan came into Squall," Hornpipe." Conquering Hero." collision with the China Merchants' Steamship Tattoo (9.30 p.m.) First Post-English March, Company's steamer Kuanglee causing consider-
Engligh Songs;" Irish March, "Tara's Halls;"able damage to both vessels. Scotch March, Cock o' the North (Messrs McEwen and Burgess); Welsh March, "Men of Harlech;" Evening Hymn," Abide with Me National Anthem, "God Save the Queen," Last Post.
"
[1
+
41
"
The amount of tonnage engaged on the Can- ton River during the six months under review has been far in excess of the actual requirements of the trade; low rates both for passage and freight have consequently prevailed, which, taking into consideration the fact that the high price of coal still continues, sufficiently account for the falling off from the steamers' earnings.
The usual docking and repairs necessitated by the Government regulations have been effected during the half-year, and the steamers are all in good running order.
In accordance with the Articles of Associa tion Mr. N. A. Siebs and Mr. C. Beurmann retire from the Board of Directors by rotation, and, being eligible, offer themselves for re- election.
Mr. F. Henderson being absent, the Directors invited Mr. J. H. Cox to audit the accounts in his stead. Messrs. A. O'D. Gourdin and F. Henderson offer themselves for re-election at this meeting.
*
E. R. BELILIOS,
Chairman.
The extent of the Company's liability in connection with this accident has not yet been ascertained as the matter is now under litigation. A portion of the loss will be recoverable from underwriters, and the balance, whatever it may be, will be Attached to the programine were the follow-provided from the Depreciation and Insurance ing particulars of Salamanca-1812 was an
Fund. eventful year for the Euglish army fighting in the Peninsular. Abandoning his defensive works at Torres Vedras, Wellington had fol- lowed up the French and was driving them backwards slowly on France. Each step was marked by a glorious victory, to which The King's Own gave their help. Thus before St. George's day of 1812 Ciudad Rodrigo" and "Badajoz "had been gained for the colours. After a short rest, during which the opposing outposts fratornised over Spanish wine in the most kindly fashion the French, to whose de- feats the jealousy of their generals had contri- buted more than is nsually allowed, commenced in July to manoeuvre to turn Wellington's right flank. To effect this, however, their Commander, Marshal Marmont, had to pass his a my across the broad and deep river Guareva- a very hazardous task but one to which Mar. mont and his troops were equal, aided by a little Spanish treachery. Wellington was out. generalled, and our troops were out-marched. The passage was successfully madent Salamanca. Here the night of the 21st July found the two armies confronting each other. "Wellington," says Napier, was very uneasy this night." With ordinary skill Marmont, whose army had now shown itself better marchers than his own, must now reach Lisbon, when be-Wellington |-must fall back, and lose all he had gained. Fortunately for us. Marmont was one of those generals whose genius does not shine on the battle field, and on the 22nd July he committed the cardinal sin of attempting a flank march
54
Hongkong, 25th July, 1898. 30th June, 1898.
ASSETS,
Value of 4 steamers and (hs of Fatshan Value of 2 steam-launches Value of wharves, bulks, moorings, &c... Value of properties at Wuchow & Konykun. Value of lighters Sun Lee and Wo Lee Value of coal, stores and spare gear Value of furniture Value of shares in public companies
Value of hinese bonds..
Property foreclosed
Loans on mortgage Fixed deposit with the Hongkong & Shang-
bai Banking orporation Cash with the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank-
ing Corporation Premium on insurance policies unexpired Interest accrued to date...
Instalment paid account new tow boats and
lighters for West River trade Sundry debtors
$
812,250.00
60,000.00
31,442.00
8.315.27
14,500.00
15,021.16
750.00
313,477.23.
1,034.48
8,000.00.
649,700.00
22,344.36
17,050.06 0,269.63
990.80
13,750.00 19,417.79
81,987,318.47
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