372
7. The following Table shows the number and class of vessels arrived in the Colony in 1885 and 1886-
、Years. Steamers. Tons.
Sailing Vessels..
Tons.
Junks. Tons.
1885, 1886,
3,084 3,632,051 3,963 4,359,906
344. 234,658 288 211,390
23,674 1,797,222 22,971 1,752,868
Increase,
879 727,855
Decrease,..
56
23,268
703 44,354
8. These returns do not give more information than the number of vessels and their Registered tonnage whether with cargo or in ballast, so that the actual trade with the Colony is unknown.
9. Whether it is advisable that an Import and Export Office, similar to the one at Singapore, should be established at this Port is a question that the Chamber of Commerce might be disposed to consider. Such an Office would require quarters to be built, and a staff of proper Officers to perform the duties. It is a question of expense and whether such a Department, if created, would be to the advantage of the Mercantile Cominunity. It certainly would make known what we have hitherto been in ignorance of.
JUNKS.
•
10. The junk trade for the year, excluding that with villages in the locality, shows a decrease of 703 vessels and 44,354 tons. From the Coast of China and Formosa, it is 486 vessels and 12,355 tons, and from Macao 217 vessels and 31,999 tons. The trade in junks with Canton suffered some- what in July of last year, consequent on the additional taxation of imports and exports; but the trade is gradually resuming its former condition. The trade with Macao also dropped at the same time, consequent on the Chinese Government exacting taxes on cargoes to that place in junks, and the trade has improved but very little since, nothing but rice and coals being now conveyed in junks from Hongkong to that Settlement. This taxation has led to increased steam communication between Hongkong, Canton and Macao.
EMIGRATION.
11. There is an increase of 7,005 emigrants to various places during the year, the Straits Settlements showing an increase of 11,136, while there is a decrease of 3,854 Chinese to San Francisco. 2,690 Chinese left for various places in the Australian Colonies showing an increase of 343 on the previous year.
REGISTRY OF SHIPPING.
12. Nine vessels were registered during the year, and eight Certificates of Registry were cancelled.
MARINE MAGISTRATE'S COURT.
13. Fifty-eight Cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court during the
year.
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POSTS OF MASTERS, MATES AND, ENGINEERS UNDER
SECTION 15 OF ORDINANCE 8 OF 1879.
14. The following Table will show the number of Candidates who passed, and who failed in obtaining Certificates of Competency :
Masters,
First Mates,
Only Mates,
Second Mates,
GRADE.
PASSED.
FAILED.
6
13.
17
6
1
5
29
24
First Class Engineers,
11
Second Class Engineers,
20
4
31
5
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