45.
9
589
have been imported, and sold at remunerating prices.
Salt has been imported in greater quantities than at any of the preceding years, amounting, according to the returns of the salt-weigher, which are always less than the actual quantity, to 297,050 piculs in 524 junks. The largest quantity imported in a single month was 41,150 piculs, the smallest 13,000; the junks have varied from 31 to 52 per month. By far the most extensive exporters are the Pwan yu boats. The demand for this article is likely to increase on account of the large fisheries in the neighbouring year. Peas, which become every year more numerous, and the great difference between the prices here and in the interior, have commenced to attract the Fokien junks. Though they were in the first instance beaten out of the market by very low prices, they have again ventured to compete with the salt manufactures in the neighbourhood.
A greater number of the port junks visited this harbour in the past year than at any previous period. A few of them sold sundry articles imported from the north for Chinese consumption, whilst others bought opium and calicoes, the staple articles of exportation, with ready money. This trade has of late most materially increased, yet the transactions are secret, and to obtain the true returns is impossible. Few vessels, however, anchor here without buying something, and as there are about 80 junks averaging per month, the total sum of money laid out cannot be inconsiderable.
The only produce of our island, granite slabs, freighted 477 large boats. Insignificant as this commodity may appear, it nevertheless gives employ to more than 1000 people, whose perseverance and ...