81
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Colton-Liverpool Cotton in January was quoted at 20
2017.
per lb, for spot and during the end of the month it receded a few points and steadily declined until about the end of March it was quoted at 15-86d. for ready and 13-61d. for forward. It then rose steadily with very few set-backs, until the end of July when it was quoted at 21-444. for spot, 21-71d. and 21-974. for September/October respectively. It again declined and during September it touched as low as 17·60d, for spot. After reaching this point it again firmed up and steady advanced to 27.50d. at which it was quoted at the end of the year.
The year opened with Exchange at 3/4. It declined slowly until by the beginning of March it reached 3,0. It then reacted and has steadily risen with a few fluctuations until T/Ts. on London were quoted at 4/10).
at the close of the year
Trading has been rendered somewhat difficult by the various alterations in the value of the Rupee which in January was equivalent to 1/6 and rose at the end of the year to 2/5.
Rope Making-The demand for Manilla Cordage was fairly good but the total turnover showed a falling off from that of the previous twelve months. The high rates of exchange and freight which ruled throughout the year affected considerably our exports to gold standard countries.
Cement Manufacture. The demand continued good during the year and tonnage was more plentiful. The high exchange again interfered to a very large extent with exports to gold standard countries. On the whole the turnover compared favourably with the last three years.
(ii.)—Under Chinese Management.
Tin. This trade showed a decrease as compared with that in 1918. Imports from Yunnan during the year amounted to about 6,800 tons and from Kwangsi to about 200 tons as against 12,500 tons and 200 tons respectively in 1918. From Java 320 tons were imported and from the Straits 2,000 tons.
During the year about 250 tons were exported to Japan, 4,200 tons to Shanghai and other China Coast Ports, and 900 tons to Europe, Canada, and the United States of America.
Rattan and Fibre Furniture.-During 1919 the value of rattan and fibre furniture exported from this port incrated from $10,000 to $380,000. The value of Rattan Canes exported was about $200,000 and that of Rattan Core and Seagrass was $400,000 and $80,000 respectively.
Native Tobacco.--This trade was a little better than that in 1918.
Tinned Goods. The volume of business done during the year showed a slight increase over that done in 1918.
Samshu. The volume of business was about the same as that Vinegar.
in 1918.
Knatted Vesis and Socks-The volume of business increased by 10%. and prices went up about 5%
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Leather and Hides.--The trade in these articles showed a slight increase.
Ginger and Preserves.-There was a falling off of about 40% in this trade.
Soy. During 1919 this trade showed a marked improvment, the total exports having increased to 4,400 casks from 400 casks. This was due to the improvement of shipping conditions.
Paper--Owing to large imports from America, prices in 1919 went down about 10%. Imports from Japan declined about 20% and the total imports into this port by about 604-
Vermilion. This trade was about the same as that in 1918. Lard. This trade showed a great increase in 1919 as the result of great demand from Europe and South America.
(c) FISHERIES.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hongkong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shuaki- wan, and also many of the New Territories, are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is imported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.
(d)-FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE, AND BOTANY.
About 16,000 pine tree seedlings were planted on the hills in the vicinity of the Fanling Golf Course and 6,450 on Cheung Chau Island.
On the hills east of the Fanling Golf Course, pine trees were sown in situ to produce 50,000 trees.
At Aberdeen, 5,960 pine tree seed sites were re-sown.
On the Fanling hills, 100 lbs. of pine tree seeds were sown broadcast, 50 lbs. on the upper part of the hills between Beacon Hill and Lion Rock on the south side, and 40 lbs. on the north side. Six and half pounds were sown on the new grassy banks of the Chinwan coastal road.
About 9,000 pine tree seedlings were raised in nurseries for planting
in 1920.
Two thousand four hundred and fifty-five (2,455) broad-leaved trees were planted on the hills at Fanting, 3,493 on Cheung Chau Island, 718 near the new Pokfulam Filter Beds, 800 on Chinwan Police Station Hill, 60 on Mount Gough, and 48 in Kowloon Tong Cemetery
Two hundred and twenty (220) Ficus creepers were also planted in Kowloon Tong Cemetery, 64 near Sukunpo New Recreation Ground, and 135 on Findlay Road.
In Hongkong and Kowloon, 632 flowering trees and shrubs were planted in the vicinity of roads.
Trees which had failed along the Taipo-Castle Peak Road were replaced by others.
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