The semi-annual general meeting of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce took place on the 27th ulto., the Hon. P. Ryrie in the chair.
Present—Messrs. Cordes, Karberg, Welsh, Byko, D. Sassoon, G. Sharp,' Kahn, Behre, Jensen, Gavey, MeDouall, Andre, The notice convening the meeting having been read, The Cuamwax suggested that the minutes of the last meeting might be taken read, and this being seconded by Mr. Pyke, was carried.
The Cuamorax said that in rising to propose the adoption of the report, he had fortunately very little to say. Nothing new had cropped up requiring the attention of the Chamber, and the Committee had been occupied entirely in going over the interesting correspondence carried on in various quarters, which is given in the report. The lighthouses we might look forward to having before long, after the letter read before the Council, from the Secretary of State. The Mildew Question remains very much as it was before. So far as he could gather, they had not come to any conclusion.at home any more than here. He did not know whether any member present had further information. Regarding the survey of the Const, the letters received at least abundantly proved that the sneers which the Northern papers used on the resolution which was brought forward, were unfounded, and that something was very much needed, it being only to be regretted that steps were not taken some years ago, which might have revented some of the disasters which we ocourred. With regard to telegram phic communication, he did not think he needed to say much, as the stoppages which had taken place were well known. A question had been raised whether the meetings of the Chamber should be yearly instead of half-yearly. A resolution on the subject could not be carried, as the necessary ten days' notice had not been given, but there was no reason why it should not be taken into consideration and discussed at this meeting, and brought forward at future day. The principal reason he heard urged for not having a half-yearly meeting, was that the time of members was much taken up and it was always possible to call the Chamber together when such appeared necessary. He thought for these reasons a yearly meeting was quite sufficient for the purposes of the Chamber. The financial position was pretty good; the Chamber's circular being more and more appreciated and many firms giving up their private circulars. With these remarks he proposed the adoption of the report.
This was seconded by Mr. Pyxe, and carried unanimously.
The- last General Meeting of the Chamber was held on the 27th January last, since which date the Committee lias been engaged in correspondence of a very interesting nature upon the various subjects with which they have dealt, This, together with their Report for the half-year, they have now the pleasure to place before the Members for their consideration.
Lighthouses at the Entrances to the Port. Agreeably to the resolution passed at the last meeting with reference to this subject, the Committee addressed a letter to the Colonial Secretary embodying the opinions then expressed with reference to the advisability of of State for the Colonies for a grant from the rect application being made to the Secretary Special Fund to cover the cost of this outlay, and replies have been received, (Appendix A), in which the Government expresses its dist approval, and refuses to sanction the approtion Of any monies from the Special Fund for that purpose.
Although no. official intimation has been given to the Community as to what progress has been made towards the accomplishment of these important works, it is pretty generally known that the Government of the Colony has decided upon building the following lighthouses; say, one principal light of the frst order, upon, prominent position on the southern face of the island, and one small light at each entrance to the harbour, and the Community may expect to see their construction commenced very shortly.
Mildewed Goods.—In compliance with the resolution upon this subject passed at the last General Meeting, a letter was addressed to the Chairman of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and although the question has been under discussion in England, no reply has as yet been received.
Survey of the Coast between this Port and Shanghai.—After a very careful consideration of this question, the Committee determined, that bolero drawing up and forwarding the Memorials suggested at the last regular Moeting, to' obtain more positive and reliable iaformation as to the actual requirements of a fresh survey, as well as the opinions of those who from their experience were well acquainted with the navigation of China Waters. In furtherance of this resolution, letters were addressed to Vice-Admiral Sir Charles F, Shadwell, x.c.n,, R.x., and Rear Admiral Thornton A. Jenkins, v.s.x., and a circular letter was sent to a number of the commanders of merchant steamers plying between this and the several Const Ports, and the result has been the receipt in reply of a most interesting series of letters, giving valuable and reliable information upon which to base the Memorials suggested. The Committee would especially" call attention to the letters of Admirals Shadwell and Jenkine and recommend that the Chamber should now address a Memorial to the British Admiralty, urging that the views of the Commander-in-Chief should be carried into effect; also that a similar Memorial should be sent to the Naval Department of the U. 8. Government, urging that the views which Admiral Jenkins has expressed upon the subject receive consideration, and that the two Governments should fake joint action in completing the sur. required. In conjunction with these, the various Chambers of Commerce would also be requested to use their influence with their several Governments in urging that, some action should be taken.
The Committee also addressed letter to Mr. D. M. Henderson, Chief Lighthouse Engineer, Imperial Muritime Customs, but
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.