HONG KONG, 1902.
369
7
tons of cargo, of which 4,549,531 tons were discharged at Hong Kong. This does not include the number, tonnage or cargo of local trade junks, or steam launches.
These returns show a decided improvement upon those for 1901, when the Import trade was much depressed. This is a hopeful sign, especially as the further fall in silver exchange and the high values ruling on the home markets in certain staple commodities continued throughout the year to militate against the Import trade of the Colony.
It must not be forgotten that figures such as those given above are necessarily imperfect in the case of a free port. The returns depend for accuracy upon the information voluntarily afforded to the harbour master by the masters and agents of the vessels concerned, and their reliability cannot be tested as thoroughly as might be desired.
The total tonnage entering and clearing during the year amounted to 21,528,780 tons, being an increase, compared with 1901, of 2,203,396 tons, and 3,083,644 tons in excess of any previous year.
There were 51,542 arrivals of 10,783,502 tons, and 51,547 departures of 10,754,278 tons.
Of British ocean-going tonnage, 3,010,441 tons entered, and 3,005,148 tons cleared.
Of British river steamers, 1,775,960 tons entered, and 1,780,238 tons cleared.
Of foreign ocean-going tonnage, 3,273,817 tons entered, and 3,238,719 tons cleared.
Of foreign river steamers, 95,766 tons entered, and 95,909 tons cleared.
Of steam launches trading to ports outside the Colony, 97,607 tons entered, and 97,607 tons cleared.
Of junks in foreign trade, 1,613,875 tons entered, and 1,624,344 tons cleared.
Of junks in local trade, 916,016 tons entered, and 903,313 tons cleared.
Thus-
British ocean-going tonnage represented 27.94 Per cent. Foreign ocean-going 30.25 " river 16.52 " river 0.89 " Steam launches in foreign trade 0.91 " Junks 23.15 " local 15.04 " 8.45 " 100.00 "A 4