D 7
the Kowloon-Canton Railway laying in stocks as a protective measure against advancing prices due to shortage of tonnage.
Cotton Yarn and Cotton.—Once again there is a decrease of 8,511 tons due to general shortage of tonnage.
Flour.—The decrease of 4,069 tons is due to Chinese flour competition and high prices ruling for American and Canadian product, also shortage of tonnage and high freight.
Kerosene Oil.—There is an increase of 9,263 tons shown in bulk due to a greater demand from the various coast ports which are supplied from this port.
Liquid Fuel.—A decrease of 1,604 tons due to the scarcity of tank steamers.
Rice.—A decrease of 54,691 tons due to shortage of tonnage.
Timber.—A decrease of 17,319 tons chiefly accounted for by the stoppage of supplies of Oregon Pine through high rates of freight, Philippine Hardwood being used instead.
General Cargo.—The increase of 22,703 tons is due to a greater number of Dutch and American steamers now trading with this port.
11. The number and tonnage of ships of European type construction carrying cargo for import and transit, compared with 1916, was as follows:--
1916 1917 Increase Decrease No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. Steamers, 3,760 6,855,089 3,570 6,147,054 190 707,035 River Steamers, 4,669 2,583,229 4,131 2,416,387 538 166,842 Sailing Vessels, 1 75 1 75 Total, 8,430 9,438,393 7,702 8,563,516 728 873,877 Net Decrease........ 728 873,877