COPY.
Enclosure No. 4.
千
TRADE NOTES FOR THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31st, 1926.
Compiled from various sources by
the Secretary of
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
75
CANTON; The issue of circulars calling on all employees of
foreigners and foreign firms to cease work on December 29,
aroused some concern in Canton. it transpired that the
purpose was to form a new Union, to comprise all employees
of foreigners and foreign firms, and a parade was held to
celebrate the inauguration of the new organisation. Upinions
differ as to the possible outcome of this movement: whether
it portends further anti-foreign agitation or whether, when
the subscriptions have been collected the promoters will cease
their activities.
HONGKONG, CANTON & MACAO
STEAMBOAT CO., LTD. :- The temporary, skeleton crews which
maintained an anchor watch on the steamers of this company
whilst they were laid up in Hong Kong Harbour recently intimated
their desire to leave their employment. New crews were sought
through the usual Chinese intermediary with the result that
men, most of whom were members of the crews before June, 1925,
presented themselves at the Harbour Uffice for employment and
were engaged, so that the personnel of the ships' crews is
practically the same as before, and all are members of the
Seamen's Union in Canton. In some cases, the temporary men
also presented themselves with the others and were engaged,
having, it is assumed, made their peace with the Seamen's Union.
The boycott pickets were withdrawn on 18th December and
there is now no interference with cargo or passengers.
earnings of the Company have doubled since the 18th December,
but it will be same time before business will approach the
normal, as confidence has yet to be restored and the news that
The