In proposing a resolution of this nature, it is not possible to do 20 without a feeling of deep regret and more than a touch of senti-
We do regret that wise policy dictates, the closing down of fan old established British store, that for so many years has onowrably served the public, not only of Shanghai but of many other places, including the coast: ports. "The" predecessors of the company began business in October, 1877, in one of Mr. Cornelius Thorne's houses at the corner of Ningpo and Kiangse Roads, and, business increased, four houses were ultimately occupied and a large godown at the bach. In the early nineties, it became apparent Toad was to be business thoroughfare, but the problem to find a suitable place for a foreign departmental store was not solved Messrs. A. 8. Watson & Ca. moved from 24 Nanking Road, where part of the Bxea Building now stands, to premises at the corner of Nanking and Szechuen Roads, until recently' occupied by that Company. No. 24 Nanking Road was then. enlarged and T. Weeks & Ca. moved in in April, 1894, and remained there until ' these' buildings, "comprising. three shops, were erected in 1809- 1900, when we occupied the corner shop! "where our" general and ropery departments are located now. Weeks & Company, was incorporated. as a company Timited by shares under the Companies Ordinances (Hongkong) on January 17, 1902, In August, 1003, this site, B.C. Lot No. 52, and buildings were bought by the company, and, during "the years following," we gradually extended the business until we occupied all the three original shops.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.