M (1) Z
The year 1938 was quite outstanding in the industrial life of the Colony, the general improvement which set in in 1937 being well maintained. Hostilities in China caused many industrialists to turn their eyes to the Colony with a view to establishing themselves here. Consequently, industries hitherto unknown in the Colony have come into being, for instance, the manufacture of war necessities such as gas masks, metal helmets, spades, and entrenching tools, uniforms, water bottles, the assembling of field telephones, portable military transmitting and receiving sets, etc. Other new industries are the manufacture of bicycles and tricycles, tabloid medicines, nails, postage stamps, bank notes, and coupons, toothbrushes, and pearl buttons. Many Shanghai workers were brought into the Colony for these trades, especially for printing, this finer art being peculiar to the northern Chinese. The output of electric hand-torches, dry batteries, rubber boots and shoes, cotton and silk goods, etc., mostly for Empire and overseas markets, was well maintained. The manufacture of electric torch bulbs was practically brought to a standstill as bulbs made in Shanghai were imported at a much lower price than that for which the local manufacturers could produce them.
Many new factory-type premises have been erected, and plans for more are in preparation. The general prosperity in some trades and pressure exerted by the health authorities and the factory inspectorate have resulted in the removal of some factories from the tenement-house premises which they formerly occupied to new modern factory-type buildings. But the conversion of tenement houses into factories still remains a disquieting feature of the industrialization of the Colony, especially in view of the acute housing shortage due to the influx of refugees from China.
It is estimated that about 55,000 workers of both sexes were employed in the various industries. There was a good demand for skilled and unskilled male labour in the heavy industries. Female workers too were in demand, especially in the cigarette-making, spinning, and weaving factories.
Prosecutions. During the year, there were 45 prosecutions, including 23 for the offence of employing females and young persons during prohibited hours, and 19 for the offence of operating an unregistered factory. Many surprise visits were made at night by the inspectorate.
Accidents. The total number of accidents reported was 141, of which 14 were fatal. Ten of the fatal accidents occurred in shipyards. Please see Table XV.
Registration. 199 new certificates of registration were issued during the year, bringing the total of registered factories and workshops up to 829.
13. ANNEXE.
A report by the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon is shown as an annexe.
R. R. TODD,
Chairman, Urban Council.
11th March, 1939.