45. There were exceptional movements of Treasure during the year: imports totalled $386.4 millions, and exports $395.2 millions; largely consisting of Chinese silver dollars and silver subsidiary coin.
46. Despite the large increase in the trade of the Colony during 1937 there was a decreased movement of vessels entering and leaving the port, arrivals totalling 15,898 as compared with 18,202 in 1936, and sailings 15,890 as compared with 18,716. The decrease was mainly due to fewer coasting movements on account of the Sino-Japanese hostilities in the latter part of the year.
47. In order to estimate with greater accuracy the increase or decrease in the actual volume of the trade of the Colony, than is possible by a statement of value only, an index figure was constructed taking the year 1931 as a base. For the purposes of this index number some 185 articles were selected, including the commonest which could be enumerated by quantity. The comparison is given below:-
By Quantity By Value 1931 100 1932 92.3 84.6 1933 89.1 67.9 1934 74.8 56.4 1935 78.1 57.0 1936 84.2 61.8 1937 119.7 83.619th April, 1938.
E. W. HAMILTON,
Superintendent, Imports & Exports.