24 MARCH 1933, Page 32

* * * * EASTERN BANKING.

The annual report of the Chartered Bank of India, Aus- tralia and China for the year ending December 31st last is in all respects a satisfactory one. The net profits amounted to £454,499, after making full provision for bad and doubtful debts, this figure comparing with /381,787 in the previous year. The balance-sheet, too, shows a considerable expansion of resources, for the Deposits have increased by about /5,000,000 and the Cash by nearly £3,000,000, while there was a rise of Over /4,000,000 in Government and other Securities. On the other hand, diminished trade is reflected in a shrinkage of nearly 15,000,000 under the head of Loans and Discounts.