1920-1930
$5
475
Chamber of Commerce report on Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice's Report respecting Harbour Improvements (21/11). Piracy of the s.s. Kango near Hong Kong (5/12). Dr. Sun Yat Sen and the Customs Revenues International Naval demonstration at Canton. U.S.A., Great Britain, France, Japan, Portugal, and Italy represented (6/12).
Trade & Industry.-Exchange opened at 2/3 and touched 2/4 at end of March; then dropped during July and August to 2/23 and for remainder of year varied between 2/34 and 2/34. In raw cotton and yarn prices showed a steady advance. Prices rose considerably in the latter part of the year as the industry in Japan was disorganized by the earthquake. Business in piece goods was fairly prosperous for Importers and Dealers. In woollens business was brighter than in 1922. The Canton silk trade began badly owing to political complications, but prices rose as foreign demand grew stronger. Trade with France was adversely affected by the Franc exchange. Fair business was done in Sundries but on low profit. Demand from the United States, South America, &c. for rice was extremely poor, it being cheaper for them to place their orders direct with Saigon shippers. There was wide fluctuation in raw sugar prices owing to heavy speculation. Business in soy and ground nuts, bristles, and feathers was dull but the demand for wood oil was brisk. Fair business was done in metals but the market for Yunnan tin was quiet, though an improvement set in towards the end of the year.
Public Works.-1. COMPLETED :-(a) Quarters for senior and subordinate staff at Homestead Site and Leighton Hill: Maternity Block at Victoria Hospital; new offices for Public Works Department; Police Stations at Yaumati, Mongkoktsui, Shatin and Castle Peak (block house). (b) Tytam Gap to Shek O Road: Stubbs Road up to Jardines Corner; Wanchai Gap to Middle Gap Road. (c) 18" main from Albany