Amongst the distinguished visitors were:—Mr. R. H. Clive, M. Charge d'Affaiires; Vice-Admi al Sir Alexander Duff, x.c..; Mr. E. F, Crowe, cate., H. M. Com:
Counsellor of Embassy, Mr. Archibald Rose, ¢.1.8., Commercial Secretary to Legation, Peking, Chairman of the Conference in Comittee; Mr. E. G. Jamieson, H:~M. Commer: Secretary to Legation, Hongkong; and Mr. J. T. Pratt, H. M. Consul-General, Tsinanfu.
Sir Everard Fraser, x.catc., H. M. Consul-General, Shanghai, and Hon. President of the Shangnai Chamber, was also present at the Conference, as were His Hoanur, Judge Skinner Turner, to whom the Association is indebted for the use of the Supreme Court, and the Crown Advocate, Mr. H. P. Wil-
Mr. A. W. Burkill, chairman of the Shanghai Chamber, was elected chairman of the Conference on the motion of Mr. P. H. Holyoak, seconded by Mr. E. W. Carter, while Mr. E, M. Gull, secretary to the Shanghai Chamber, was appointed secretary.
Mr. P. H. Holyoak," Hongkong, then moved the following resolution "That this Conference heartily welcomes H. M. Charge d'Affaires, Mr. R. H. Clive. and expresses its deep appreciation of his willingness to be present: and it also takes this opportunity of extending a very hearty welcome from the Association to H. '™M. Commander-in-Chief at the China Station. Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Duff. x.c.., and ex: dresses its appreciation of the interest shown in the—Associa. tion's affairs by so distinguished an officer."
DipLomacy axp THE Navy.
In doing so he said On the first occasion that this conference met, a year ago, it was honoured with the presence of that' distinguished representative of His Majesty's Government, Sir, John Jordan, who is now enjoying a well earned retirement, but whose unrivalled knowledge and ripe experience of China and Far Eastern affairs we all hope will not be! lost to the British nation, but will ill be used by the Foreign Office in an advisory capacity (applause). To-day we are glad to sce the fresh link then forged between our Lega. tion in Peking and the Associated ritish Chambers of Commerce in China and Hongkong, addeth to and strengthened by the presence of your Excellency, and cordially welcome this further evidence of the deep interest. which -our Minister and officials in Peking have always shown in British trade interests.
I do not think the value of the personal contact with our Legation thus established, and of the increasing knowledge of each other, can possibly be overestimated, nor can too high a tribute be paid to the success already achieved by the new system of "Commercial Secretaries" wherever established, a system which it is most desirable' should be extended at the earliest possible moment to the other important spheres, already advocated at last year's conference.
Wo are happy. too, in being able to welcome, I think for the first! time in this part of the world to' a business conference, so distin guished a representative of our Navy as Admiral Duff.
The connexion between the two is not so widely separated as appears on the surface, indeed, gentlemen, but for the heroic endurance as, well as the magnificent deeds our Navy all over the world, it is doubtful if this conference would he meeting to-day, (applause) and in saying this I do not for a moment disparage the victory won by our glorious army.
"Peace hath her Victories no_ less than war," and to-dav we rejoice in welcoming the White Ensign back to these waters where for many years its display has meant so ch to British interests in China.
I_ know that it is the ardent desire of all of our coast port settlements that, where it is possible, our "flag" may be shown more often by such visits as that' so recently paid by the China Sanadron to Hankow where the welcome given you, sir, niust have convinced you not only of their delight in seeing you all again in these waters after the strenuous! days that are gone, but of all that' the British flag has always stood for in the protection of life. property and fair trade, with equality of opportunity for all. in this part of the world. (applause).
Honcxone's Nesp or Winetess.
Representing Hongkong, as I have the honour to do, sir, I cannot help referring to one question which vitally interests Hongkong, but which none-the-less involves the whole of our interests in China.
I refer to the establishment of a powerful "wireless station," which can connect with India on the one hand and Honolulu on the other—which during peace times shall be available for commercial purposes.
I am aware that the ~"special commission" on this subject has recently advocated a station connecting with Singapore, but we feel, sir, that with the competition that must be faced in these days from nations already possessing infinitely more powerful stations, it is vital to imperial and national, as well as trade interests, that a really powerful station should be erected at the earliest possible moment at Hongkong and that to erect a less powerful station would be wanton waste of public money, as well as a betrayal of imperial interests.
Anything you can do, sir, to assist us in this matter, I can assure you will receive the un: animous backing of every Chamber of Commerce represented here. In the meantime, we hope the present wireless station on Stonecutters Island will at once be made available for commercial use and so assist in relieving the present serious cable delays which make trading so difficult and often impossible.
In conclusion, let me assure you that the words of the resolution are no mere figures of speech but sincerely represent our pleasure and keen satisfaction at your presence amongst us and our conviction that it will materially assist in producing the results for which this Conference has been called. (applause).
This resolution was unanimously approved.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.