405
The representative of the chief of these firms (the Un-Fat Kong), has given information that two years ago his house employed five (5) steamers running between this port and Bangkok, whereas now they run seven (7) steamers. This increase is believed to correspond to and to represent a general increase of trade between Hongkong and Siam.
Up to 1889 the greater portion of the exports to Siam consisted of spirits, manufactured for the most part at Shek Lung and other places on the mainland of China, and brought to Hongkong only to be reshipped. From 1878 to 1882 the annual amount thus exported is estimated to have been about Toodoo jars, each jar containing between two and three gallons, and costing, according to quality, from 75 cents of a Mexican dollar to one Mexican dollar and a half.
* Equivalent in English money at the present rate of exchange, to about 27/8¾ to 150/5¼.