March 6, 1905.]
in many districts in China to be one of the most remunerative forms of agriculture. The reform of the currency in China as a first step towards the establishment of a gold basis was specially dealt with at our last annual meeting. The committee has since then again addressed the Chambers of Commerce ia Shanghai and Tientsin on the subject, and for a second time a joint memorial from the thres Chambers has been sent to the Members of the Diplomatic Body at Peking. Although no movement has as yet been set in motion by the Chinese Government towards carrying out this much needed reform, the importance of the question is we know fully realised by the foreign Ministers in Peking, who will no doubt lose no fitting opportunity for urging upon the Chinese the great benefit which must accrue to the Empire by bringing about the desired change. | In my last annual address I referred to the Fiscal question which has so agitated the minds of many of our leading statesmen and trailers in all parts of the Empire; much has been said and written on this all important subject during the past twelve months, but it is difficult to forecast what may transpire in the immediate future. Whatever our personal views may be we must all agree that it is one of the most important questions to British Imperial trade which has arisen of recent years, and as you will have seen therefore it is proposed later on to ask you to pass a resolution dealing with this matter. Another question which has engaged the attention of the Committee is that of the construction of a new and more spacious harbour of refuge for the small craft of the port which is so urgantly needed. Some correspondence has passed
our
last
between the Government and this Chamber on the subject and it is satisfactory to learn that the importance of the speedy construction of such a refuge is fully recognised by the Authorities. We understand the Government very rightly consider that when the work is undertaken it shall be of sufficient magnitude to meet all possible requirements of the port for many years to come. Unfortunately, in order to ffect this, a very large sum of money will have to be expended and in view of the many public works now under construction, we understand the Government has decided to postpone for a time constructing the new refuge. Under the circumstances, the Committee cannot but concur with the decision arrived at. At meeting I was glad to be able to state that the Government, agreeing to the repeated requests of the Chamber, had decided to introduce a bill for the purpose of regulating the pilots of this Colony "by licence. The bill, as ultimately passed, appeared to be entirely satisfactory, and the Committee trusted that their end would thus be attained, that is to say, incompetent men would be prevented from assuming the post of pilots and that the old standard of pilots would be maintained. This is not the case, for, as you will see from the report, the actual result of the working of the Pilots Ordinance proved far different from what had been anticipated, the consequence being that we are pow provided with a too limited pilot service, composed almost entirely of Englishmen who, even with the small num- ber licensed, already complain that they cannot make a living and are agitating for an increase to the fees. Now the navigable difficulties of Hongkong harbour are small, and the services in a pilot are really only required to give of the masters of vessels certain local information as to currents more particularly when steamer is
at being placed a wharf or dock. There is no need for a highly paid European service. Under these circumstances the existence of a white pilot service is unnecessary, entailing as it must an unneeded expense on the shipping trade of the Colony. Under the new system the shipping companies also had reason to complain that they were deprived of the services of men whom they know and trust, while a deserving body of men were prevented from following their avocation. It is of course obvious that a Chinaman of the class which furnishes pilots cannot be expected o pass highly technical examinations, and it was supposed therefore that the same consideration would be shown them in passing their respective examinations as is now extended to the licensed engineers and steersmen of tugs who, as we know, could not pass
a
|
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
course.
1
the test set to men of the same class in home waters. Since the closing of the report the Committee have addressed the Government on the subject, and it is very satisfactory to be able to report that the views expressed by the Committee have been endorsed by the Govern- ment. The correspondence on the subject will be published for general information in duo With regard to the vexel and much discussed question of barriers in the Canton River, it is gratifying to be able to report that lately the work of removal has been vigorously taken in hand by the Coast Inspector of the Chinese Maritime Customs, acting on behalf of the Imperial Government, and it is pleasing to learn that the work is progressing as rapidly as could be expected. Our banks are due to those numerous officials, both on the British and Chinese side, whose representations have at last brought about this satisfactory state of affairs.
In consequence of the views so strongly expressed at our last meeting with regard to the imperative necessity for an early construction of the long dreamed of Kowloo to Canton railway. the Committee specially addressed the Officer Administering the Government and the British Minister at Peking, from both of whom sympathetic replies were received. As yon all recollect. Sir Henry Blake in his farewell address to the Colony specially dwelt in the importance of this question, and after his departure the matter was strongly taken up by the Acting Governor, Mr. May; while since his arrival in the Colony His Excellency the Governor has given special attention to the matter. The question of the Kowloon-Canton railway has consequently for some time past been the subject of negotiations between the Colonial Office on behalf of the Government of this Colony, and the British-Chinese Corpora- tion, and it is understood to have proceeded so far towards settlement that the discussion with the Chinese Government provided for by the fifth paragraph of the Convention of 9th June In the meantime 1898 will shortly be opened. the Government here have been considering the route to be taken by the line within British territory which, in conjunction with a complete road system, will best d volop that territory. I have already referred to the dislocation of, and losses entailed upon, our trade in these waters by the war which still unhappily drags Situated as we are so close to the scene of action, and being so closely interested in every turn of affairs it is perhaps only fitting that before I close I should refer to the question again. While we must join with the whole civilized world in deploring the appalling loss of life and suffering which this war has entailed, we cannot but thrill with admiration at the intense patriotism and splendid heroism which has been equally displayed by the forces of both combatants. In this I think we may look for comfort. for surely we may be permitted to be- lieve that that respect which all brave mon must earn on the field for a courageous and
on.
generous foe will in due time form a solid foun dation for a genuine friendship between these who now are ranged against each other, and that the feeling thus engen lered will more surely than anything else result in a lasting peace in the Far East, bringing in its train prosperity not only to those now actually engaged in the present conflict, but to all who for whatever reason, desire the peaceful development of the trade of this part of the world. Since our last meeting our new Governor has taken office and hus already given many indications that among other matters engaging his earnest attention he has at heart the true progress of the trade of this Colony. His Excellency's recent utterances on that all important subject, the education of the rising generation of our population, are alone sufficient evidence of this, while the Committee of the Chamber have
already had evidences in other directions, of the interest His Excellency takes in trading matters. As we know, however, from past experience, it is not always possible for the officials of a Crown Colony and the business community to look at all questions from the same point of view. Much, however, can be done to further those interests for which after all we are all working in common, viz: the advancement and prosperity of our Colony, by a ready interchange of ideas and opinions. Something to this effect was said by His Excellency on his arrival when taking the oath of office. I trust, therefore, I
147
may be permitted to take advantage of this occasion, and in the name of the Hongkong General (hamber of ommerce to assure His Excellency that we will heartily co-operate in any steps taken to advance the prosperity of our Colony. I fear I have detained you somewhat but there are still a few matters of more per- gonal interest to which I would refer.
Our
Vice-Chairman, Mr. D. R. Law, has left us on a visit home. The Chamber is indebted to Mr. Law for much good work done in spite of the very great calls upon his time made by his own affairs (app'ause). Another friend to whom we have had to say farewell is Mr. R. C. Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox was, as you know, for several years our secret- ary, and later rendered equally valuable assist. ance to our Association as a member of the
Committee. We should all join in thanking Mr. Wilcox for services so willingly rendered in the interests of our Chamber, and I am certain all hope that he may have many years before him in which to enjoy with his family in his native land the happy results of his industry and ability (applause). With Mr. Wilcox's departure I regret to say the name of Messrs Turner & Co. disappears from our list of members a name, I you, which is among the oldest on would remind our books, and one which in past years has been so frequently connected with the work of the As you will have seen, we have been obliged through the altered conditions of affairs in the Colony to vacate our offices in this build- ing and seek fresh lodging. Although the change has much facilitated the work of the Chamber, we must all feel a certain amount of regret at leaving premises where the Chamber of Commerce has been located since its inception. and where so much good work has been done by our predecessors.
Chamber.
com.
Mr. MEDHURST in seconding the motion said: I have pleasure in congratulating the mittee on the successful results of their labours during the past year. The Chairman, in his very able speech, has so fully covered the ground that it leaves but little to add. I would, however, like to say that I am glad the Government has recognised the importance of constructing a new harbour of refuge, and trust they will 8:0 their way to commence this very necessary work at an early dats. The Pilots Ordinance is one that materially affects the shipping trade of the port, and it is satisfactory to note that the further representations of the committee have the consideration of the authorities. It is also gratifying to notice the great interes taken by His Excellency the Governor in that scheme this Colony, which is of such vital importance nmely, the construction of a railway from may now rest Kowloon to Canton, and we satisfied that this matter will not be shelved. With these few words I beg to second the adoption of the report and accounts.—Carried.
FISCAL POLICY.
The CHAIRMAN read a resolution with re-
gard to the Fiscal Question, as follows:-
*
That the Committee be authorised to write "to the Government requesting that before “entering into any arrangements with the "United Kingdom, India, or the Colonies. "which may affect freedom of action in trade matters within the limits of this Colony, His Excellency the Gvernor will be good enough to direct that details of any proposed legislation be fo.warded to "the Chamber of Commerce, as represent- "ing the Commercial Community, in order "that the Community at large, or that section of it which may be affected by the "proposed agreement, or agreements, may be given an opportunity of expressing their views on the subject."
LE
44
64
"
•
He
said:
resolution In bringing the before the meeting, it was merely to ask members to endorse what had already been to Government · on the matter. written For a very considerable time past the Fiscal Policy has been a most burning questiou In an important business in Home politics. community like Hongkong, the Chamber of Commerce should be afforded every possible opportunity of expressing their opinion on this question before any legislation is carried out. It may possibly be urged that we are somewhat premature, but at the next general election at Home, the Fiscal Question may form one of the most important planks ou the new platform, therefore we had better express our views now
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