HKG-CAR1904-1919

232

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Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941

COLONIAL REPORTS- ANNUAL.

The average tonnage of individual ocean vessels entering the port has increased from 2,495.1 tons to 2,575.7 tons. That of British ships has increased from 2,633.5 tons to 2,713.4 tons, while that of foreign ships has increased from 2,365.7 tons to 2,457 tons.

During the past 20 years, the average tonnage of ocean vessels has increased from 1,155.9 tons to 1,969.2 tons.

The average tonnage of river steamers entered during the year has increased from 584.9 tons to 585.1 tons. That of British river steamers has increased from 599 tons to 602.5 tons, and that of foreign river steamers has decreased from 518 tons to 515.1 tons.

A comparison between the years 1911 and 1912 is given in the following table :-

Class of Vessels 1911 1912 Increase Decrease No. Tonnage No. Tonnage No. Tonnage No. Tonnage British ocean-going 3,907 7,589,995 3,966 7,779,070 49 189,975 Foreign ocean-going 4,180 7,917,640 4,367 8,592,320 187 674,680 British river steamers 6,871 4,116,736 6,968 4,197,744 97 81,008 Foreign river steamers 1,423 736,057 1,788 894,349 365 158,292 Steamships under 60 tons (foreign trade) 3,263 130,092 3,931 150,612 668 20,520 Junks (foreign trade) 25,334 2,572,588 25,593 2,654,275 259 81,687 Total (foreign trade) 44,978 23,063,108 46,603 24,269,270 1,625 1,206,162 Steam launches plying in waters of the Colony 461,984 411,000 50,984 Junks (local trade) 36,608 2,184,054 30,056 1,856,473 6,552 327,581 Grand Total 26,179,152 26,735,149 1,625 1,206,162 555,997 54,921

Including 13,980 conservancy and dust boats of 818,292 tons.

This table shows an increase in British ocean shipping of 49 ships, of 189,975 tons, or of 1.25 per cent. in numbers and of 2.49 per cent. in tonnage. This is due to improved trade, high freights, and a greater demand for tonnage. The advent of the British India Steamship Company's vessels to the Colony is also a factor.

British river steamers have increased by 97 ships, of 81,008 tons, or 1.41 per cent. in numbers and 1.97 per cent. in tonnage. This is explained by the increased number of trips made by the Steamships "Wing On" and "Wing Hon," the former having made 320 more trips than she did in 1911, and the latter 212. River steamers generally have run more frequently.

Foreign ocean vessels show an increase of 187 ships, of 674,680 tons, or 4.47 per cent. in numbers and 8.5 per cent. in tonnage.