7
340
THE OPIUM DIVANS.
One of the most momentous questions which has of recent years been raised in connection with this Colony, is that relating, to the closing of the opium divans by order of the Home Go. vernment. The whole question has recently been so thoroughly dealt with in the Legislative Coun- cil, and by the local Press, that it is unneces- sary for me to here go into details, but in order to place on record among the Chamber of Com- inerce papers, for the use of future members, the more recent contributions to this discussion, we have considered it advisable to print as an annex to our report the two valuable documents bear ing on the question which have recently been laid on the table before the Legislative Council. Lrefer to Mr Clementi's memorandum of 12th June 1908, and that of His Excellency Sir F. Lugard, dated 18th October. 1908. So much | sentiment and partisanship has been unfortun- ately permitted to enter into the whole question of the opium trade with China that it is not | easy to obtain clear and unbiassed statements in the matter. These, however, are to be found in the memoranda I have just referred to and I am sure all the members of the Chamber of Commerce will agree that we are greatly indebted to His Excellency and Mr. Clementi for such valuable additions to the histor, of the opium question, and for the clear manner in which they have helped to demonstrate how greatly exaggerated are many of the ex-parte statements which have from time to time been made with regard to the opium trade, and the effect the use of the drug has on the Chinese nation as a whole. Once we are convinced that the Chinese Govern- ment and the Provincial Officials are really anxious to curtail, if they cannot altogether suppress, the use of opium, and are loyally carrying out their share of the bargain, we must perform our part, but I think we are probably all agreed that the action of the Home Govern- ment as to the arbitrary closing of the opium divans, in Hongkong, which was ordered by them without reference being made in the first place to the public opinion of the Colony as is usual under such circumstances, was an abuse of the position held by the Government towards a & Crown Colony. We trust therefore that the Chamber will approve of the protest made by the Committee against this arbitrary proceed- ing. We saw distinct danger in the giving up of the control of public opium smoking, while it appeared problematical that the closing of the divans would result in any appreciable decrease in the quantity of opium consumed in the Colony. The Secretary of State for the Colonies has recently assured us that the supposition that His Majesty's Government have acted with indifference to the views and interests of the inhabitants of Hongkong is entirely erroneous”, but we do feel that in this matter the true in terests of the Colony have indeed been sacrificed to the political needs of the Home Government. We considered we were justified in making the strongest possible protest against a hasty policy such as was foreshadowed by the first instructions on the subject. In this connection, to show we had reason for our apprehension, I would point out that the whole tenor of the debate in the House of Commons on the 6th May last, distinctly pointed to an immediate closing of all the divans in Hongkong. This was unquestionally the impression we received here, and appears to have been that conveyed to those present at the debate. More than one honourable member referred to this, while one supporter of the Government stated that "he gathered from the Under-Secretary of State that opium was immediately going in Ceylon and Hongkong, and they were in sight of the same 28 regards the Straits Settlements." Colonel Seely did not correct this view, nor did the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who closed the debate on behalf of the Government. Reference hav- ing been made in the earlier part of the debate to the closing of opium divans in certain Chinese Cities by the Imperial Government, Colonel Sealy stated that the day previous the following telegram had been despatched to the Governor of Hongkong: "H. M's. Government have decided that steps must be taken to close opium "dens in Hongkong as they recgnise that it is "essential in dealing with the opium question in "Hongkong that we must act up to the standard "set by the Chinese Government. That" the "Under-Secretary went on to add “is decisive ac-
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
[April 26, 1909.
such a date; for I would remind you Saint George has for many years been accepted as the Patron Saint of soldiers; as the embodiment of heroic patriotism.
"tion." As you are aware, the resolution which was ultimately passed by the House of Commons, was to the effect that HM. Government take steps to bring to a speedy close, the system of licensing opium deus now prevailing in some of
THE CHAMBER'S ACCOUNTS. our Crown Colonies, more particularly Hong- Turning to the accounts, the financial position kong, the Straits Settlements and Ceylon. In of the Chamber can hardly been considered satis view of the abovo it is difficult to under- factory, as for the past two years our expendi- stand why this Secretary of tate for the ture has very considerably exceeded our Colonies should have considered it neces- revenue. This matter is receiving our careful sary to animadvert upon the protest made consideration and we trust that by adopt- by unofficial members of the Council, as they had ing certain changes in the working of the nierely taken the Home Government at their office to considerably reduce our expenditure word. It is however satisfactory to be able to It is more than probable however that at the record that H. M. Government has so far real-end of the current year the committee may find ized the hardship caused to this Colony as to it advisable to recommend to the Chamber to promise to ask Parliament to give a substantial raise the subscription which was reduced in contribution towards making good to the Colony 1867. the direct loss of revenue resulting from mea- sures adopted under their instructions. It now remains with this community as a body to see that full and adequate compensation be accorded, the more so as we have already, as pointed out by His Excellency, suffered heavy loss through the action of the people at Home.
THE NEW QUARANTINE STATION. Another matter which has engaged the attention of your Committeo is the proposed regulation for the working of the now quarantine station at Laichikok. Here again the Government attempted to unduly tax shipping, by endeavour. ing to make the shipowner bear certain expenses in connection with the establishment which we considered should be charge on the general revenue of the Colony. After some correspond- ence it was decided to adopt a similar system of charges on shipping, as usually obtaining in the neighbouring ports.
THE YARN LOTTERIES,
CHANGES ON THE COMMITTEE.
Several changes have as you know taken place during the year, in our committee. We have to regret the untimely death of our colles- ||gue, Mr. Broderson and the return home after many years service of our old friend Mr. Siebs. Mr. A. G. Wood who has also served for a considerable time in our committee has resigned on his leaving the East, as has also Mr. H. Keswick. To all these gentle- men the Chamber is much indebted for good work done in the interests of the Colony.
THE LATE MR. MURRAY BAIN.
At this hour yesterday, gentlemen, we were paying the last mark of respect to one of our oldest and best known residents. Mr. George Murray Bain, as we all know, has for many years, for more years than most of us have been in this world, been a prominent member of our com- munity. Representing an important section of the Fourth Estate throughout his long and It is a cause for much regret that during the honourable career, he consistently showed himself past year we have again been called upon to deal to be a courageous champion and a fearless | with the question of the issue of lottery tickets critic, working with all his ability to in connection with the sale of Japanese cotton further the interests of the Colony in which he yarn. The system is to our mind a most per-spent so largo a part of his life. In view of the nicious one, not only from a true business point almost unique position held by Mr. Murray of view, but as also being opposed to the gamb- Bain I think I am justified in thus referring to ❘ling laws of our country, and we trust that the our friend, and I venture therefore, on behalf of attitude taken up by the British Authorities and the Hongkong. General Chamber of Commerce the representations made on the subject will to offer our most heartfelt and respectful put a stop to this scheme once and for all. sympathy with the members of his family who are now mourning his loss. With these remarks I beg to propose the adoption of the report and accounts for the year 1908.
REUTER'S POLITICAL TELEGRAMS.
As you are all aware the arrangement by which the Chamber of Commerce had received and cir- culated Router's Political Telegrams to an end last Autumn, after baving been in force for upward of 30 years. The Committee much regret being obliged to take this step but the financial posi. tion of the Chamber did not justify our con- tinuing the service at a loss.
MILITARY TRAINING.
There are various other matters of considerable interest dealt with in our report but I will not detain you unduly by touching upon them all. There is however one more to which I think I should refer. That is the all important one of military training as raised by Sir Henry Berkeley in his letter of 16th July last. It has for many centuries past been an axiom among some of the most vigorous peoples of the world that all the youth of the country should learn to ride, and to shoot and to speak the truth. We accept it without question that our young men do speak the truth. Hongkong can hardly be called au ideal place in which to learn to ride, but there are excellent opportunities for learning to shoot, and I can only express the hope that younger section of the community, realizing their duty towards the Empire will take advantage of the very liberal provision made by the Government for the Volunteers and will show their appreciation of this, and a proper senso of duty by all going through an efficient course of training in the ranks of the Volunteer forte, so that should it unhappily occur their services were ever required they could feel they were prepared at a moment's notice to serve their country as all men should be able to do.
ST. GEORGE'S DAY.
I have just been reminded by the mention of the date in the notice that to-day 23rd April is the name day of my patron Saint, Saint George of England. It is possible that there are some present here to whom the name of Saint David or Saint Patrick or even that of Saint Andrew may appeal with greater forde, but speaking as a representative of the Senior Partner it appears to me that the remarks I have just made should have special significance through being made on
Mr. WHITE-I beg to second the motion, and in doing so I desire to congratulate the com- mittee on their work during the past year, and on their efforts in safeguarding the commercial and shipping interests of the Colony,
The motion was carried unanimously.
On the motion of Mr. BARRETT, seconded by Mr. Ross, the following members were elected to the committee for the ensuing year-Hon. Mr. A. E. Hewett, Mr. J. R. M. Smith, Hon. Mr. W. J. Gresson, Messrs. A. Babington, J. W. C. Bonnar, J. Bandow, D. R. Law, H. A. Siebs, E. Shellim and H. E. Tomkins.
The CHAIRMAN proposed, and Mr. Law seconded, that the Asiatic Petroleum Co., Ld, of London, and Mr. F. P. Talati be elected members of the Chamber.
The motion was carried.
The Chairman Thank you gentlemen. That is all the business of the meeting, I am much obliged for your attendance,
A German battleship, which. not so very long ago, was visiting Singapore, recently called at Labuan. The Resident, anxious to do all he could for the entertainment of the visitors, on one of the days, organised a shooting expedition which was a thorough success and very much enjoyed, albeit only one head of deer was shot. One of the officers, eager to possess some memento of the shoot, said he would much like to take away the quaint-looking hunting knife which he noticed was possessed by one of the Malay beaters. When his wish was interpreted, the Malay expressed his willingness to part with the knife, whereupon the officer offered him 83 for the trophy which was readily accepted by the beater who assured him, in answer to his earnest enquiries, that it was a genuine native article. The officer, much pleased, walked off with his knife, but to his amazement and to the Resident's ill-concealed amusement, on drawing the weapon from its sheath he observed inscribed on the blade" Made In Germany".- Straits Times.
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