450
Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
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against 37,300 in 1913, and Exports to America 16,967 bales as against 18,800. The export of Cassia Oil was spasmodic all through the year. Prices averaged about $155 per picul for 70/75 per cent., $165 per picul for 75/80 per cent., $175 per picul for 80/85 per cent. Matting and mats exported to America fell off by about one-third in comparison with the preceding year. Kerosine consumption increased. The flour import for the year from America was 3,516,420 bags and from Canada 423,334, making a total of 3,939,754, a decrease of 1,286,769 in the previous year. Australian shipments were small. The demand for Canadian flour continued to increase. The demand for rice from America, South Africa and Canada almost doubled itself. The importation of Indian Opium entirely stopped. Stocks of certified opium in Hong Kong and Shanghai amounted to 7,500 chests. The formation of an opium combine gave the importers an opportunity of clearing holdings before the trade was abolished. Prices ranged as follows:--Patna New $5,975-9,325, Patna Old $5,750-9,200, Benares New $5,800-9,050, Benares Old $5,575-9,150, Malwa $5,550-9,150. The total Shipping entered and cleared amounted to 517,439 vessels of 36,756,951 tons, an increase over 1913 of 27,211 vessels but a decrease of 986,031 net register tons.
Public Works.-The following buildings were completed during the year :-New Magistracy (with the exception of certain internal fittings), Subordinate Officers' Quarters at Breezy Point and Mount Parish in Victoria and adjoining King's Park, Kowloon, stables for Sanitary Department adjoining No. 1 Police Station, two underground trough closets, one in Pottinger Street and the other in D'Aguilar Street, a urinal at Happy Valley, additions to the Printing Office, Victoria Gaol, and additions and alterations to the Hung Hom Police Station. The following new roads were completed during the year-the first portion of the road on North face of the Victoria Peak commencing from Victoria Gap and the road to give access to the lots situated on the ridge