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(x)
DRINKS
101
420.
There are 12 factories producing beverages in- cluding one distilling rice wine and one brewery.
421.
The soft drink section of the industry tends to be seasonal in character as the demand increases appreciably during the hot summer months.
In
422.
Wages are generally assessed on a monthly basis and may be said to be slightly above average levels. the largest estblishment, Messrs. Watson & Co. Ltd., working conditions are excellent in all respect. The women and men on unskilled routine work are paid a flat rate of 120 a month plus a "no complaints honus." The extent of the bonus depends enti rly on good inspection work. The staff is increased appreciably in the summer and the best of the workers are retained during the winter. None of the unskilled staff is regarded as employed in a permanent capacity and all sign an undertaking to this effect.
423.
The work is popular and the firm has no diffic- ulty in recruiting all the workers they need.
424
(xi) CLASS INDUSTRY
Working
There are 17 registered glass workers. conditions in the industry are comparatively unattractive. Skilled glass workers appear to be paid fairly well, but unskilled workers seem to average $35 $40 a month plus food. There is no collective bargaining and terms and conditions of employment appear to be settled by individual negotiation between the worker and his employer. Present conditions in industry generally are such that the unskilled worker has practically no bargaining power whatever."
425.
(xii) PUBLIC UTILITIES.
The generation of electrical power is in the hands of two private companies. The Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd. operating in Victoria and the China Light & Power Co. Ltd. covering. Kowloon and the New Territories. Domestic gas is supplied by the Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd. The bus, tramway ferry and telephone services are also in the hands of private companies. Conditions of employment and wage rates in all these undertakings are excellent.
426.
Water supply and Railway Service are a Government responsibility as is broadcasting from Radio Hong Kong.