5
—
12
1915.
Taikoo Dockyard and Eng. Co., Ld...... 3 vessels of 2,780 grows tous nad 1,400 L.H.P. Hongkong & Whampew Dock Co., Inh.
2,488
3.240
Macdonald & Co., ....
Kwong Fook Cheong,
Ah King.
13
33 30 30
70 12 197
-
Total...
23 versele of 5,361 gross tons and 4,909 I.H.P.
1914.
Taikon Dockyard and Eng. Co., Ld.............. A vessels of 7,166 gross tons and 4,970 I.H.P. longkong & Whampon Dock Co., Inch, 12
W. S. Bailey & Co., ...
Macdonald & Co.....
Tung Hing Long...
D
11
וז
150
3,172 1,264
4,810
1,031
+1
42
70
110
th
LI
140
130
116
Kwong Tuck Cheng,
700
28
Kwong llip Lung Co., Ld., Kwong Lee,
3
557
135
Total,
Kwong Sing Loong,..........
Kwong Hop Loong.
Ah King...
H
210
1,450
34
1,200
280
59 vessels of 13,420 grown tous and 14,345 I.H.J.
The large decrease in the gross tonnage is due to the war, but it will be noticed that there is a small increase in the average ton- mage of the vessels constructed from 224 to 233 tons each.
Sugar Refinerier.—The year 1915 was one of very high prices throughout, governed by the inflated level of raws. Consumption of refineda in consequence was naturally restricted, particularly in the China markets where substantial reductions were found necess- ury towards the end of the year. Japanese and Java competition was experienced, but not quite so acutely as formerly, total imports from Java showing a marked falling off.
It may be noted that, during the latter half of the year, the local Refineries took a larger share than usual in supplying British India and Persian Gulf markets with the highest quality of refined crystals.
Cotton Spinning For the reasons stated in last year's report, the machinery of the local mill has now all been transferred to Shanghai, where the business ie making satisfactory progress under the better cotton spinning conditions that apply there.
As regarde Cotton Yarn, though marked by violent fluctuations in prices, the year was a fairly profitable oue, both to foreign im- porters and to native dealers. At the close of last year the market was bad with the majority of the native dealers. As the Chinese New Year approached, however, matters inpoved owing to arrangements with importers which contributed in no small degree to the more sound trade conditions which obtained during the rest of the year.
Below is appended a table of Arrivals, Sales, and Deliverica which shows that while the sales for the current year are about the same as those of 1914, the deliveries show an encouraging improvement :-
Arrivals.
Sales. -
Deliveries,
Comparative prices, 108,
159,000
105,000
177,000
$ 90-$105
20%..
$115-8130
**
- 13
A special feature of the year just closing is that Japanese yarn No, 20 las entirely driven out this count of Bombay yarn from the local market, so much so that during the past three months not s single bale of Indian 2. has been negotiated in the local market
Rope.-Fair prices and a brisk demand have been the features of this market for the greater part of 1915 but latterly values of Manila hemp have risen rapidly and by the end of the year showed an advance of about 20 per cent. all round.
Prices of cordage have advanced in unisou but it is feared that the increased cost will result in a reduced demand and a smaller business in the coming year.
Cement. There was a good demand throughout the year and had it been possible to obtain the usual supplies of limestone from Canton a much larger business could have been done. Prices have been well maintained in spite of the competition of inferior brands but export business has been greatly handicapped by scarcity of tonnage and high rates of freight. A large demand arose from Australia, owing no doubt to German supplies being cut off, but the business seems to have been overdone and collapsed very quickly.
(il.)—Under Chinese Management,
Tin. There are only five refineries operating. Imports from Yunnan amounted to about 7,000 tons and from Kwangsi to about 1,00K) tona.
One thousand (1,000) tons were exported to Japan, 800 tons to Shanghai, and 5,700 tons to Europe and America.
There was also a small export business done with China Coast Ports.
Rattan and Fibre Furniture.—The business in chair export han declined about 50 per cent. in comparison with the preceding year on account of the war and high rates of freight. Business in sea grese and hemp bas also fallen off considerably.
Native Tobacco. The output for the year under review has been well maintained and its use for the manufacture of cigarettes has increased by about 30 per cent.
Tinned Goods. The market has been lese active and business has fallen off 20 per cent. in comparison with the preceding year.
Samahu. The Superintendent of Imports and Exports reports that considerable increase as compared with the second half of last year has taken place in local production, while imports for local consumption have slightly declined.
Vinegar.—The businesa has remained the same as in the pre- ceding year.
424