We want rain badly both for the supply up to the end of September inches, or more than 28 inches below the average, with apparently slender chance of making it up. Last year, it is true, we The community have been somewhat, en aback by the resignation of the Re R. F. Cobbold, M.A., of the Chaplaincy of St. Jon's Cathedral, which has just been received from Enghd, whither the rev. gentleman went on leave some time ago. Mr. Cobbold gives six months' notice of his intention, and is coming out again to put in that time and arrange for his successor to take oer charge. Mr. Cobbold has now held the position for quite a number of years, and during his chaplaincy has done much for the improvement of the Cathedral as well as for the welfare of his flock. He is also popular at social gatherings.
The Legislative Council met en Thursday afternoon, when after some preliminary business, including the first reading of a Bill to repeal enactments which have ceased to be in force or have become unnecessary (Mr. Pollock is weeding the Statute Book). the Colonial Secre-moved the second reading of the Fstes. This was seconded by the Coloial Treasurer, and carried. After some other business had been transacted, the Finance Committee met and considered and passed the several votes. It was announced, in the course of discussion on the votes under the head of Public Works, that BLE. the Governor had appointed a Commission to inquire into the working of the Public Works Department and ascertain whether the staff is sufficient to discharge the manifold duties accruing to it.
Two more Military Bands for Hongkong.
Tae British transport Muttra, which ived here on Wednesday night, the 9th inst., from Calcutta, with details for the Indian regiments in this garrison, brought the bands of the 2nd Bengal Light Infantry ith Infantry, Hyd Contin gent. 'The details consisted of two officers and 100 men of the Hyderabad Contingent and two officers and 150 men of the Second Bengal Light Infantry, including the bands. Bath regiments' had fallen' considerably below their Proper strength, Wo now (including the Volunteer Band) no less than five military bands in the Colony.
Union Insurance Society of Canton, Ld.
The annual meeting of shareholders of this prosperous Company 20th inst., port and dividend, the majority of those interested expressed their satisfaction thereat by their non-attendance. The Chairman, in proposing the adoption of the report and accounts, which were passed i ¥. congratulated the meeting ut results attained and the sound position of the society, but warned them that, although the account for 1901 looked healthy, there was no very lange increase in premium receipts and they must not expect another increase of $3 in the dividend. The retiring directors and the auditors were then re-elected.
Naval Intellic ence, The movements amo: during the past week hi of little interest. The British cruiser Are-inst. from Shanghai, the British gunboat Firebrand came down from Canton on the 10th inst., and the United States monitor Monadnock from Shanghai on the 11th inst. The departures have been even fewer, con sisting only of the British battleship Albion, which left on the Sth inst. for Weihaiwei, and of the British sloop Rosario, on the 10th inst., for the same destination.
The Sale of "Boa Vista" Hotel.
Theat from Macao that the recently announced sale of Boa Vista Hotel in that Colony to the French Government is not. yet completed, the Macao Government not being willing to ratify and register the purchase. I can well understand there would be objections on the part of the Portuguese authorities to allow another Power to acquire a conspicuous position like Boa Vista, commanding views over nearly the whole city by another Government.
Eleven Rebels Beheaded in Kuangtung, News was received here at the German Basel Mission on the 5th inst. from Mr. Schultz, the head of the Mission chou, to the effect that an outstation in the Hsingning district had been burnt down. The motive preacher who occupied the station made his escape. Schultz further were gathering in force at Taipeng threatening Kiayingchon, and that the people were panic-stricken and preparing for fight. The magistrate, who had only been two months in office, was passive and doing absolutely nothing to de-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.