1920-1930
95
485
Steamer Solviken (20/7). Inauguration of the new Short-wave Commercial Wireless Service between Hong Kong and Manila (23/7). Settlement of the Boycott of the Hong Kong, Canton and Macao Steamboat Co. (6/8). Typhoon of twelve hours' duration (20/5). Piracy of s.s. Yat Shing (29/8). Strike Settlement of the China Navigation Company (7/9). Official Visit of the Governor of Macao (24/9). Departure of H.E. the Governor on two months' holiday to Japan and North China (5/10). Piracy of the Steam Launch Wo Fat Shing in the Hong Kong Harbour (12/10). Piracy of s.s. Irene (26/10). Return of H.E. the Governor (2/12). The New Territories Agriculture Show (7/12). Official Visit of Rear-Admiral Stotz, the new Commander-in-Chief of the French Naval Forces in Asiatic Waters (21/12).
Trade & Industry.-Exchange remained steady during the year between 1/11d. and 2/03d. After the lifting of the boycott in October 1926 there was a considerable renewal of trade. At the end of 1926 the situation was quite healthy and since then business has progressed steadily although unsettled condition in China restricted the volume of orders. The piece goods business was satisfactory and clearances were well maintained. There was a general advance of prices. In double knitting and hosiery yarns the market was excellent but fresh business was becoming difficult owing to the increase in prices. The trade in Indian Yarn narrowed down to the sale of a few chops. An improvement will not come until the demand from China exceeds the production of the mills in the North. A steady business was done in rice with overseas markets. The consumption demand for sugar was not up to expectations and this, together with an increased estimate of over 1 million tons in the European Beet crop for 1927/28, caused prices to recede considerably. In the earlier part of the year there was a brisk demand for the United Kingdom for soy. Business in wood oil was more active than in 1926 on account of short supply.