1887-1903
COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
Coal.
227
13
Japan imports of coal supply practically all the local market, both for steamer and manufacturing uses. Cardiff coal is imported almost solely for Admiralty use.
Matches.
These goods are now imported entirely from Japan; a few local companies also make for this market.
Metals.
The principal demand in this market is for Belgian iron, owing to its cheapness; only small quantities of British are imported in comparison with Belgian. Americans will doubtless be very soon severe competitors for this trade, the facilities they have for manufacturing allowing them to import their metals as cheaply as from Belgium.
Wire Nails.
These goods up till two years ago were imported entirely from Germany, now the trade is almost entirely done from the United States, their nails being fully as good as, and cheaper than, the German article.
Miscellaneous articles, including hardware of all kinds, glass, cutlery, beer, cotton hosiery, and woollen goods, come almost entirely from Germany, although America is now starting the importation of such also.
(B.) MINES, MANUFACTURES, AND FISHERIES.
There are no mines in the Colony.
The principal manufactures are:-
Two large sugar refineries, the products of which are exported to almost every part of the world. No figures are available to show their present position, but they are in a flourishing condition.
A rope manufactory, which entirely supplies the local market and does a large export business. The rope is made from the best Manila hemp.
A cement factory, with a branch for the manufacture of bricks and drain pipes. The cement of this company has practically ousted the British manufactured article from the local market,