133
1923.
1913.
CLASS OF VESSEL.
NUMBER.
TONNAGE.
NUMBER.
TONNAGE.
Ocean-going
vessels
including
steamers of the coaster class
12,637
25,894,058
8,889
17,722,168
River Steamers
7,899
6,356,080
8,404
5,027,963
Steamships under 60 Tons (Foreign
trade)
4,811
142,392
4,574
189,003
Junks (Foreign trade).............
24,553
2,619,003
25,653 2,882,518
PERCENTAGE
CLASS OF VESSEL.
INCREASE IN
PERCENTAGE DECREASE IN
DAILY AVERAGE NUMBERS ENTER-
ING & CLEARING.
No.
TONNAGE.
No. TONNAGE,
1923.
1913.
Ocean-going vessels in- culding steamers of the coaster class.....
42.2
46.1
River Steamers
26.4
6
34.6
24.4
21.7
23.0
Steamships under 60
Tons (Foreign trade)..
5.2
Junks (Foreign trade)
24.7
13.2
12.5
4.2
9.2
67.3
70.3
It is of interest to note, in regard to the junks engaged in foreign trade, entering and clearing at ports in the Colony, that of the tonnages recorded for the various years, during the period 1867 to 1923, the maximum tonnage was 3,700,000 tons approximate in 1883 and the minimum, 2,400,000 tons in 1911 (the year of the revolution in China), the tonnage recorded for the year 1867 being 2,700,000 tons. Thus the tonnage of junks engaged in foreign trade has been practically constant between the years 1867 and 1923. In the period 1913 to 1923 there has been a slight decrease on the average size of Juuks.
Although the foregoing tables shew the increase or decrease in the numbers and tonnage of vessels and in this respect are instructive, it is not possible to deduce from such information as is published the requirements in regard to wharfage necessary to accommodate the shipping recorded. The daily average number of vessels of the ocean- going and coaster classes which entered the port during 1923 was about 173 whilst the daily average number of these vessels in port was 91. It is anticipated that the provision of additional berthage will reduce the latter figure but it is unlikely that it will ever be be much below 70.
FREE STORAGE.
A very important factor in the consideration of the extent of wharfage required is the length of time which consignees are granted "free occupancy" of transit sheds or open space for their goods. In Hongkong the period of "free storage" is 7 days whereas in the United Kingdom and in most foreign ports, the time is limited from 48 to 72 hours. To a great extent the period of "free occupancy determines the quay and shed accom- modation which has to be provided and thus the capital to be spent and the charges
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