1904-1919
HONG KONG, 1917.
387
5
Beans.-A decrease of 1,106 tons is shown which is due to general shortage of tonnage.
Coal.-There is an increase of 208,154 tons over the last year which is due to local and Canton manufacturing concerns and also the Kowloon-Canton railway laying in stocks as protective measure against advancing prices due to shortage of tonnage.
Cotton Yarn and Cotton.-Once again there is a decrease of 8,511 tons due to general shortage of tonnage.
Flour.-The decrease of 4,069 tons is due to Chinese flour competition and high prices ruling for American and Canadian product, also shortage of tonnage and high freight.
Kerosene Oil.-There is an increase of 9,263 tons shown in bulk due to a greater demand from the various coast ports which are supplied from this port.
Liquid Fuel. A decrease of 1,604 tons due to the scarcity of tank steamers.
Rice. A decrease of 54,691 tons due to shortage of tonnage.
Timber. A decrease of 17,319 tons chiefly accounted for by the stoppage of Oregon pine through high rates of freight, Philippine hardwood being used instead.
Opium.-The imports and exports of certified opium during the year are as follows:-
Imports Export Malwa. Patna. Benares. Total. Chests. Chests. Chests. Chests. Chests. 7 81 103 40 224Of these, however, the imports all came from Shanghai, and of the total export of 224 chests, 186 went to Shanghai.
Seven hundred and forty (740) chests of Persian opium were imported during the year and 745 chests were exported to Formosa.
Nine hundred and ten (910) chests of uncertified Indian opium were imported: 410 chests by the Government monopoly, and the remaining 500 chests for the Macao opium farmer.
General Cargo.-The increase of 22,703 tons is due to a greater number of Dutch and American steamers now trading with this port. EXPORTS.
The corresponding figures relating to ships of European type of construction, exporting cargo and shipping bunker coal are as follows:-
1916. 1917. Increase. Decrease. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. Steamers 3,758 6,873,003 3,571 6,139,214 187 733,789 River Steamers.. 4,666 2,583,019 4,153 2,415,846 513 167,173 Sailing Vessels 1 75 1 75 Total.. 8,245 9,456,097 7,724 8,555,060 701 901,037 Net Decrease 701 901,037