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General. The decrease here of 47,562 tons is small, only amounting to 2%. This of course as in the preceding year is due entirely to the war and the small amount of goods being exported from European countries.
EXPORTS.
An increase is shown in Exports of 79,793 tons or 3%. This again is principally local, as trade has been particularly brisk between Hongkong, the Straits and India. Coast Ports have also had a large share of attention. But although an increase is shown for the year, export trade is still far below the average of 1913.
Transit Cargo.—The decrease in Transit Cargo which was very marked in 1914 has continued to decrease to a still greater extent this year, and the same reason must undoubtedly be given for it, viz., the falling off in large Ocean Vessels visiting the Port both from European and American ports.
Emigration and Immigration.
Sixty-eight thousand two hundred and seventy-five (68,275) emigrants left Hongkong for various places during the year 1915 (76,296 in 1914).
Of these, 46,588 were carried in British ships, and 21,687 in Foreign ships.
Statement of Number of Emigrants to Straits Settlements, 1909 to 1915, compared with Total Chinese Emigration.
No. of Emigrants to Straits Settlements. Total No. of Emigrants. 1909, 48,016 77,430 1910, 76,705 111,058 1911, 100,906 135,565 1912, 84,024 122,657 1913, 102,353 142,759 1914, 44,974 76,296 1915, 41,278 68,275One hundred and nine thousand seven hundred and fifty-three (109,753) returning emigrants are reported to have been brought to Hongkong from the several places to which they had emigrated either from this Colony or from Coast Ports, as against 168,827 in 1914. Of these 82,057 arrived in British ships, and 27,696 in Foreign ships.
(b.)-INDUSTRIES.
(i.)-Under European Management.
Engineering and Shipbuilding.-The figures are as follows for the years 1914 and 1915 :-