1920-1930
77
467
by about 50%. During the latter half of the year business was slack and the year closed with fairly large stocks in the Colony. As a result of the rise in Exchange large orders for woollens were placed in Bradford early in the year, though prices were abnormally high, and even when the dollar began to decline orders were placed in the hope of a recovery in exchange. The expected recovery did not materialize and the year closed leaving importers with stocks of high priced goods on which heavy losses had to be faced. The Sundries trade was not a good one chiefly as a result of the high prices prevailing early in the year. Strikes in the United Kingdom interfered to a considerable extent with deliveries. Motor car sales were good during the latter half of the year. There was no business in opium; there were now only a few chests in the Colony which were left on the hands of former opium merchants. The kerosene trade generally was normal, though some large dealers suffered losses through looting and incendiarism during the fighting in the interior. Business was quiet in the metal market. Japanese buyers, having greatly over-bought, disposed of their surplus stocks at very low prices, and firms that could finance it bought up much of this stock and stored it. There was, therefore, practically no purchasing in foreign markets. Little business was done in Yunnan Tin, Bristles, Ginger, Feathers, and Cassia Oil. A good business was done in Aniseed Oil. Exports of Human Hair approximated 7.051 piculs, valued at £163,429. Exports of Mats and Matting amounted to about £507,360. The total of shipping entered and cleared amounted to 683,497 vessels of 40,122,527 tons, an increase of 34,329 vessels and 4,507,358 tons over 1919.
Public Works.-Central Police Station and Harbour Office extensions completed. In Kowloon a Fire Brigade Station was completed. The erection of several houses for Government Officers was commenced. A road commencing at Morrison Gap Road and terminat-