Page:Twentieth Century Impressions of Hongkong, Shanghai, and other Treaty Ports of China.djvu/239

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TWENTIETH CENTURY IMPRESSIONS OF HONGKONG, SHANGHAI, ETC.
231

a locally subscribed capital of $1,000,000. It is a purely Chinese undertaking, with a branch at Shanghai and agencies throughout China and the Straits Settlements. The present directors are Messrs. Kwan Kai, Tang Lai Pun, Yu To Sang, Wong Chung Leong, and Choi Fuk Sang. The secretary is Mr. Ng Sau Sang, who has occupied the position since the formation of the Company. He was born in the Colony, was educated at the Penang Free School, and has served on the committee of the Tung Wah Hospital. The assistant secretary is Mr. Yu Chok Sang. The headquarters of the Company are at No. 9, Des Voeux Road West.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR VIEWS OF WANG HING'S PREMISES.

THE I ON MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.

This company, which, as its name implies, effects only marine and fire insurances, was floated in 1899 with a capital of $1,000,000, the whole of the money being subscribed by Chinese. During the ten years of its existence it has established an extensive connection and a good reputation both amongst the Chinese of the Colony and in the ports of China. It has agencies in the Straits Settlements. Australia, America, Philippine Islands, Japan, Cochin China, and the Treaty ports of China. The directors of the Company are Messrs. Tso Yuk-shan (chairman), Li Shou-hin, Ku Fai-shan, Li Wai-ü, Fong Sin-ting, Wong Chok-king, and Li Pok-kwan. Mr. Chan Shü-ming, who is the permanent secretary, manages the business of the firm; Mr. W. Cheuk-man, who is the assistant secretary, takes charge of the foreign affairs of the Company; and Mr. Chan Ngoklim is chief accountant. Messrs. Deacon, Looker & Deacon are the solicitors of the Company, whose head office is at Nos. 24 and 26, Bonham Strand West, Hongkong.

THE YAN ON MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.

This is another of the purely Chinese insurance companies that have been floated during recent years. It was formed in 1901 with a capital of $1,000,000, the whole of the money being subscribed locally. The head office is at No. 303, Des Voeux Road Central, and there are agencies in most of the largest Chinese, Japanese, European, American, and Australian seaports. The management is vested in a board of six directors, and one of the promoters of the undertaking. The permanent secretary is Mr. Chan Yüt Ngam, a native of Canton, who has been connected with business in the Colony for many years. He is assisted by Mr. Chung Chi Nam, whose proficiency in English has proved of great service.

C. AH YING & CO.

Among the provision and coal merchants, stevedores, and general storekeepers of Hongkong, Messrs. C. Ah Ying & Co., Nos. 22 and 23, Connaught Road Central, hold a recognised position. They are navy and military contractors, ship and family compradores. His Majesty's ship canteen tenants, contractors, wholesale dealers in cigars, tobacco, &c. In partnership with a few friends, the firm was established by Mr. Chan Ah Ying at Weihaiwei. The headquarters were removed to Hongkong in 1897, and since that time other branches have been started in Shanghai and Singapore. The agents in England are Messrs. Wm. Miller & Co., Portsmouth. The firm's cable address is "Ah Ying," and the A.B.C. code, fifth edition, is used. The manager and part proprietor of the business, Mr. C. Ah Ying, started business in a small way, and, by honest endeavour and steady application, has achieved a considerable measure of prosperity. A native of Hongkong, he acted as mess-man to many of Her Majesty's ships on the China station in 1881, and from every naval officer with whom he came into contact he received cordial testimonials as to his trustworthiness and business ability. He is now a landed proprietor and a member of all the leading clubs. He married a daughter of Mr. Ng Chak San, and has eight children—four sons and four daughters.