The Chinese written language is a great hindrance to direct dealings between Chinese traders and merchants and manufacturers in foreign countries; another obstacle is lack of confidence by shippers overseas due to the product of many regrettable experiences. The substantial British and foreign firms in Hong Kong, with their branches in the Treaty Ports of China, serve a definitely useful purpose in acting as intermediaries between Chinese and overseas traders. Owing to the hindrances to commerce resulting from the language difficulty and the lack of education of the proprietors of native manufactories, it would be impossible for firms abroad to do business direct. As a rule, letters would not be answered, and, even if contact were established, there would be no means of ensuring deliveries in accordance with sample. It is in this matter, especially, that the foreign exporters protect the interests of buyers abroad. Enquiries as to the South China market should be addressed to the General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong.
V. Communications.
SHIPPING.
The total Shipping entering and clearing Ports in the Colony during the year 1928 amounted to 300,316 vessels of 44,883,765 tons, which compared with the figures of 1927 shows an increase of 1,609 vessels and an increase of 756,604 tons.
Of the above, 52,278 vessels of 37,640,694 tons were engaged in Foreign Trade, as compared with 51,289 vessels of 36,834,014 tons in 1927.
There was an increase in British Ocean-going shipping: 652 vessels of 1,132,261 tons.
Foreign Ocean-going vessels show an increase of 603 vessels and an increase of 61,970 tons.
British River Steamers show a decrease of 932 vessels and a decrease of 530,341 tons. This decrease is due to the following vessels not running owing to fire, shipwreck, and other causes: S.S. "Sui Tai", "Kochow", "Anjou", "Paul Beau", and "Charles Hardouin".
Foreign River Steamers show an increase of 70 vessels and a decrease of 18,855 tons.
In Steamships not exceeding 60 tons employed in Foreign Trade, there is an increase of 651 vessels with an increase in tonnage of 7,669 tons.