October 2, 1909.]
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Having regard to the evidence before the Court, I am of opinion that I ought not to fix a higher standard than sixty grammes. The brandies, the subject matter of these three charges, are all very much below the standard which I have fixed.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT. The definition of "adulterated liquor" under defence that this was not a fair test owing to the the Liquor Licences Ordinance, 1898, is as slight alkalinity of the water used. The amount follows:-"Adulterated liquor' means any
of alkaline in Pokfulum water being only a grain liquor mixed or coloured to the prejudice of the in a gallon. On this question the defence called purchaser with any ingredient whatever or with Mr. Spurge, the analyst in A. S. Watson and water, either so as to increase its bulk and Co. He did not analyse the brandies, the subject measure or so as injuriously to affect the quality matter of the charge, but he analysed a sample of such liquor or to conceal its inferior quality, of Watson's A brandy. He stated that it was or any liquor which is not virtually of the a cheap brandy, but was guaranteed as the nature and quality demanded by the purchaser produce of the grape. He distilled two-thirds of or of the liquor which it is labelled as being or the quantity taken and the product of the dis- purporting to be, whether such adulterated tillation would contain all the ether and the liquor is injurious to health or not. Spirits alcohol. He divided the distillate into two shall not be considered adulterated if mixed equal parts. One he "broke down" with distill- with water only so as not to reduce the strength ed water and the other with alkaline water. more than twenty-five degrees below proof in the This alkaline water contained 20 grains of case of brandy, whisky, or rum, or more than carbonate of lime per gallon, which is the thirty degrees below proof in the case of gin."normal Kent water. In the distilled water It was proved in evidence that Inspector sample he found 91.50 grammes of ether, and in Gourlay asked for and purchased a bottle of the Kent water sample 65.68 grammes. brandy at each of the establishments owned by After dealing at considerable length with the defendants. At each place he poured the these questions, His Worship said contents of the bottle into three small bottles, and left one small bottle with each of the defendants sent another to the Government Analyst, and kept the third bottle himself. At each place he asked for brandy, and said he was going to have it analysed by the Government Analyst. At none of the places did he offer to divide the article into three parts, but divided the said article without making the offer. t the establishment of the defendant, Sophia Meyer, the article was sold in the ordinary brandy bottle. The bottle had a gold capsule, and at the top of the bottle was a white label with the words "Old Brandy" printed in blue. Under this label was another label, crescent in shape, with a gilt edge, and three golden stars in the middle of the crescent. Under this was a large white label with a gilt edge. Across the middle of this label were the following words "Eau de vic très vielle." Under this label was another small label, and the words "Eau de vie. Fine old brandy.* A dollar was paid for this bottle of brandy. At the Tai Sing shop the article
was also in
an ordinary brandy bottle. This bottle also had a gold capsule. A short distance from
the top of the bottle was a label, crescent in shape, and in the middle of this label were three golden stars, Under this label was a large white_label_with- the words "Extra superior old brandy. " Fifty cents was paid for this bottle of brandy. At the Chung Cheong compradore's shop, the article was also in the ordinary brandy bottle. On this bottle there was also the crescent label and
the three golden stars. There was also a large label with the words Fine old Cognac." Sixty-five cents was paid for this bottle of brandy.
After dealing with several points raised in the case, His Worship said :-
The next question I have to decide is whether the purchaser received the article demanded by him, namely, brandy. This involves an auswer to the question--- What is brandy? Brandy is a spirit derived from the juice of the grape or from wine. An analyst's opinion as to whether an article is or is not brandy is based on the fact whether the sample contains a sufficient quantity of ethers. In the manufacture of brandy water is always added to it in a greater or less quantity. This is known by the expression breaking down." Water due to its akalinity has undoubtedly the effect of reducing such ether value. The result of analysis as to the other value of a brandy is given in so many grammes of ethers per 100 litres of absolute alcohol present. Mr. Browne, Government Analyst, who was called as a witness for the prosecution, is of opinion that genuine brandy does not contain less than 80 grammes of ethers. The result of his analysis in the present three cases is as follows: Mrs. Meyer's brandy 21.16 grammes of ethers, Tai Sing's brandy 12.62 grammes, and Chung Cheong's brandy 40.48 grammes.
The question as to the amount of influence which water exercises in reducing the ether value of brandy is a matter of great controversy amongst analysts. Mr. Browne was of opinion that the alkali in water did not have a very serious effect on the ethers. He gave the result of certain experiments carried out by him. These experiments were made with two kinds of water, namely, Pokfulum water, and well water in which was added twice as much alkaline as there is in Pokfulum water. It was suggested by the
I therefore convict the three defendants under the Food and Drugs Ordinance, 1896. Each defendant will pay a fine of $50.
COMPANY MEETINGS.
HONGKONG COTTON SPINNING. WEAVING DYEING CO.
above company was held on Saturday morning The annual meeting of the shareholders in the
Jardine, Matheson and Co. at the offices of the general managers, Messrs. The Hon. Mr. W. J.
Gresson presided, and there were also present; Sir Paul Chater and Mr. J. W. C. Bonnar (members of the consulting committee), Messrs. A. Denison, E. Ormiston, E. Shaw, R. S. Piercy, W. Clarke, Lo Cheung Shui, Ho U Shang, Ming Kee, and Yuen Hop.
read the notice convening the meeting.
The Secretary (Mr. W. M. Fleining) having
The CHAIRMAN said:~Gentlemen, the report and accounts having been in your hands for them as read. The result of the working some days, I propose with your approval to take
account for the year shows a prófit of $25,731.62 as against $23,356.30 for the previous year the production for 1908/1909 being increased to 12,539 bales, from 7,977 bales in 1907/08. The balance at profit and loss account now stands at after writing off furniture account, $3,209.49, $29,306.51, and your directors recommend that the balance, $26,297.02, be carried forward to the credit of the present year's account. The small stack of yarn unsold on 31st July taking-over price. The stock of cotton was has now been disposed of at above the valued at a kafe figure and the cotton mar- ket has since advanced.
299
direct business with the nearer coast ports, such as Swatow, Amoy and Foochow. The im- mediate outlook cannot be considered as favour- able, the abnormally high price of the raw material making it extremely difficult to effect sales of yarn at profit, while it is necessary to buy cotton in order to secure supplies to keep the mill running. Before asking you to pass the report and accounts, I shall be pleased to answer any questions concerning them
There being no questions, the report was adopted on the motion of the CHAIRMAN, seconded by SIR PAUL CHATER.
Mr. ORMISTON moved and Mr. A. DENISON seconded the motion that Sir Paul Chater and Mr. J. W. C. Bonnar be re-elected to the consulting committee.
Mr. Hutton Potts was re-elected auditor on the motion of Mr. Lo SHEUNG SHUI, seconded by Mr. PIERCY,
The CHAIRMAN-That is all the business, gentlemen. Thank you for your attendance.
WILLIAM POWELL AND COMPANY.
The eighth ordinary meeting of shareholders in the above company was held at the company's office on Saturday. Mr. G. C. Moxon presided and there were also present: Messrs E. H...... Hinds, P. H. Smith, J. M. Wong, Mauricio and Mr. Harry Eyre (Manager).
The notice convening the meeting having been read,
The CHAIRMAN said:-Gentlemen,-I will with your permission follow the usual custom and take the reports and accounts now before you as read. The balance of profit at credit of working account 23 which, I think, in view of the depressed state of you will see is $8,235.56 against $2.021.64 last year,
business and the huge rent we now have to pay may be considered fairly satisfactory. Your board would have greatly liked to recommend a dividend, but after much consideration they mind the possibility have decided it wiser not to do so, having in the general dullness
of new competition, that seois to have become chronic, and the desirability of keeping down the indebtedness to the com-
bankers. pany's
It is mended that $580.86 should be written off therefore recom-
has been written off this item since 1905, and as forward. I would here point out that nothing furniture and fixtures and to carry the balance
a large portion of our present fittings may not be suitable for new premises we consider this a favourable opportunity to make provision for
same.
been looked for this year, but I regret to say A revival in the trade of the Colony has
that in common with other local businesses of
However, shareholders have this satisfaction: our character hopes have not materialized. they have a clean stock and up-to-date, all book debts as appearing in the account are good, and there is still a balance of old stock left valued at $15,000, which will be gradually realized. So far as working ox- activity in the yarn market in Shanghai, the they have been reduced to the minimum compat-
In view of the
peuses are concerned, I am of the opinion result of the year's working must be consideredible with efficiency and no stone is left unturned that the local market has by no means advanced as disappointing, but it must be remembered pari passu with the rise in the north. We have again experienced considerable difficulty in securing an adequate supply of labour, and there has also been a very noticeable falling off in the physical condition of those seeking employment, so much so that it was found necessary to order to attract a better class of workpeople, increase the scale of wages by about 12% in An improvement has been observed during the last two months and the mill is now in full working. The general managers, finding that extra European supervision was absolutely necessary for efficient working, engaged a com- petent spinning master in Lancashire and he arrived in the Colony in April last. I regret to say the health of the Mill Manager, Mr Alfred Shaw, broke down in the Spring to such an extent sick leave, and during his absence Mr. P. S. that he had to be sent to Europe on a year's
Jameson has been acting as Mill Manager. The increase in European supervision has already proved undoubtedly efficacious in improving our production. Arrangements have been made by which the number of local buyers is increased, and steps have also been taken to increase the
i
to keep up sales. Our chief trouble is that we are saddled with an old lease which compels us and is a severe handicap. This will cease about to pay rent out of all proportion to our turnover eighteen months hence, and the question of a saving in this direction is having the very earnest consideration of your board.
We undoubtedly get our full share of such business condition of the company I see not reason why as is going, and in view of the, present sound ·
we should not prosper and ere long be in a position to resume the payment of regular dividends. Before proposing the adoption of the report and accounts I shall have pleasure in replying to any questions that you may wish to the best of my ability.
There being no questions, the report was adopted on the motion of the CHAIRMAN, seconded by Mr. WONG.
Mr. WONG proposed the re-election of Messrs. Hinds and Moxon as directors. Mr. MAURICIO seconded and the motion was agreed to.
On the motion of Mr. HINDS, seconded by Mr. Er E, Mr. H. Percy Smith was re-elected anditor.
The CHAIRMAN That is all the business, gentlemen.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.