-83-
98
be an employee earning twice as much money. He no doubt hopes that in time he will be able so to develop his busi- noss and thus become rich. The founding of businesses on a "shoestring" shows both faith and initiative but has serious defects unless adequately controlled.
395.
(iii) RUBBER INDUSTRY.
Over forty factories engaged in making rubber goods of various kinds are registered with the Department of Labour, the majority of the works being situated in Kowloon. Unfortunately the rising tempo of war prepara- tions in various parts of the world has had serious re- percussions on the price of smoked rubber sheets and latex. Difficulties have been mounting steadily since the outbreak of the war in Korea. The almost prohibitive cost of rubber coupled with reduced overseas demand for finished products has compelled most factories to slow down their activities or to suspend work altogether although there are now signs of sume revival.
396. The rubber industry in Hong Kong has a long history and in the past has played a major roll in the industrial life of the Colony. In 1949 the export of rub- ber footwear, to which more than half of the capacity of the industry is devoted, exceeded 13 million dollars constituting over 18% of total exports. The bulk of locally produced rubber footwear was exported to Britian and British possessions but before the recent change of Govern- ment in China there was an active market in South China.
397. The demand from Britain and British possessions is said to have declined recently because rubber prices have soared so steeply and market prices have not kept pace with the increase. Some firms are alleged to have disposed of their stocks of raw rubber in the market as by so doing they were able to secure greater returns than by continuing production.
398.
There is evidence of spasmodic collective bargain- ing in this industry but wage rates tend to be somewhat lower than in the textile industry. The majority of the more skilled women workers, however, seem to earn about
3 a day in the larger undertakings.
399.
This is certainly an industry which, in more normal times, might warrant the imposition of a Trade Board, but the provisions of food etc. as part of wages considerably complicate matters and a survey of wage rates seem to be indicated when once again rubber prices are more normal and the industry reasonably active.
400.
(iv) BUTTON MAKING
Thirteen button making factories employing over
The materials used 600 workers are now in operation. include ivory, nuts, cocoanut shells, sea sheels, and bone.
401.
Wage rates are calculated on monthly rates,
There seems to be no wage daily rates and piece rates.