390
.8
Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
COLONIAL REPORTS-ANNUAL.
scarcity of tonnage caused restricted importations and helped to bring about the high level of prices.
The political troubles in China had a depressing influence on trade, and with prices in some instances almost double pre-war days, the offtake was considerably reduced.
The Japanese and Shanghai Mills continued to extend their operations in the South as well as in other parts of China.
Rope-Making. The demand for Manila cordage was fairly good throughout the year and the total turnover showed a slight improvement on that of the previous twelve months but business in this commodity was greatly hampered by the high cost of raw material and difficulty of obtaining freight room even at enhanced rates.
Cement-Making. The demand continued good during the year 1917, although there were difficulties in obtaining freight room, and the high exchange adversely affected business with gold standard countries. Owing to the high price of raw materials it was necessary to raise selling prices, but in spite of this the turnover compares favourably with 1916.
Tin. The business in this commodity considerably increased in comparison with 1916, the demand from Europe and America being much greater. Imports from Yunnan in 1917 amounted to about 11,000 tons and from Kwangsi to about 200 tons, as against 3,000 tons and 1,000 tons respectively in 1916.
During the year about 200 tons were exported to Japan, 1,400 tons to Shanghai and other China coast ports, and 13,000 tons to Europe, Canada, and the United States of America.
Rattan and Fibre Furniture. The value of rattan and fibre furniture exported in 1917 declined to $200,000 from about $600,000, owing to the scarcity of tonnage and the enormous increase in freight rates. Materials for making up this furniture were, however, exported in larger quantities; rattan canes to the value of about $1,500,000, and grass and reed to the value of about $130,000 were shipped, as against $500,000 and $80,000 respectively in 1916.
Native Tobacco. The total quantity imported into the Colony was smaller than that in 1916, but prices were much better.
Tinned Goods. The volume of business done in 1917 was about the same as in 1916. The large increase in the cost of tinplates was counter-balanced by greater demands and by increase in the prices of the goods.
Samshu. The volume of business done in the year was about the same as in 1916.
Vinegar. The business was about the same as in 1916.
Knitted Vests and Socks. The value of business done was about the same as in 1916, though the quantities sold showed a decrease owing to enhanced cost of materials.
Leather and Hides. Business, most of which was done with Europe and America, showed an increase of about 30 per cent.
Ginger and Preserves. This business has further declined by about 50 per cent., as compared with 1916.
Soy. About 950 casks were exported in 1917, as compared with 4,100 casks in 1916.
Paper. Business in this article maintained the same level in 1917 as in 1916, though prices went up by about 33 per cent. Of the papers imported in the year, about one-third was of Japanese manufacture.