# FACTORIES AND WORKSHOPS
(Table XXIX).
39. The year 1934 did not see the hoped-for improvement in business which seemed likely at the end of 1933. The general trade depression continued unabated and severely affected the local manufacturers. The hosiery and knitting trades were particularly hard hit and several large and well-established firms engaged in the manufacture of these classes of goods were compelled to close down. High tariffs in neighbouring countries continue to be the chief cause of loss of business and the appreciation of the silver dollar vis-à-vis sterling and gold which was steadily maintained throughout the year has not improved matters. The heavy industries such as shipbuilding and engineering also suffered from lack of business, but on the other hand many smaller industries such as those involving the manufacture of felt hats, sweets, electric torches and dry batteries, joss-sticks, etc., appeared to be flourishing. The printing and book making industries and the rubber shoe trade also had a fair measure of prosperity and new factories were continually being opened to replace others forced out of business.
In spite of the depression the number of factories in the Colony continues to increase and during the year no less than 130 new factories were opened as against 80 which closed down. Several well established firms have extended or rebuilt their factory premises to conform with modern industrial conditions and it may be said that as a whole the industries of the Colony are well equipped to secure their share of the revival of trade when it occurs. During the year a detailed survey of the industries of the Colony was made in connection with the Economic Commission and resulted in the collection and tabulation of much valuable information.
40. The employment of children under 16 years of age has practically ceased in organised industries and is not likely to recur: Chinese factory owners have now realized that the employment of small children in factories is not essential and is economically unsound.
41. Legislation.-No further factory legislation was introduced during the year. The working of the Factories and Workshops Ordinance, which came into force on 1st March, 1933, has proceeded smoothly and has resulted in a considerable improvement in general factory conditions. Factory owners have as a rule been found willing to carry out such requirements as have been considered necessary in order to safeguard their employees or their factory premises and in some cases major alterations and reconstructions have been effected in order to comply with the provisions of the Ordinance. At the end of the year there were 550 factories and workshops registered under the Ordinance and subject to regular visits of inspection.
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FACTORIES AND WORKSHOPS.
(Table XXIX).
39. The year 1934 did not see the hoped-for improvement in business which seemed likely at the end of 1933. The general trade depression continued unabated and severely affected the local manufacturers. The hosiery and knitting trades were particularly hard hit and several large and well-established firms engaged in the manufacture of these classes of goods were compelled to close down. High tariffs in neighbouring coun- tries continue to be the chief cause of loss of business and the appreciation of the silver dollar vis-à-vis sterling and gold which was steadily maintained throughout the year has not improved matters. The heavy industries such as shipbuilding and engineering also suffered from lack of business, but on the other hand many smaller industries such as those involving the manu- facture of felt hats, sweets, electric torches and dry batteries, joss-sticks, etc., appeared to be flourishing. The printing and book making industries and the rubber shoe trade also had a fair measure of prosperity and new factories were continually being opened to replace others forced out of business.
In spite of the depression the number of factories in the Colony con- tinues to increase and during the year no less than 130 new factories were opened as against 80 which closed down. Several well established firms have extended or rebuilt their factory premises to conform with modern industrial conditions and it may be said that as a whole the industries of the Colony are well equipped to secure their share of the revival of trade when it occurs. During the year a detailed survey of the industries. of the Colony was made in connection with the Economic Com- mission and resulted in the collection and tabulation of much valuable information.
40. The employment of children under 16 years of age has practically ceased in organised industries and is not likely to recur: Chinese factory owners have now realized that the employment of small children in factories is not essential and is economically unsound.
41. Legislation.-No further factory legislation was intro- duced during the year. The working of the Factories and Work- shops Ordinance, which came into force on 1st March, 1933, has proceeded smoothly and has resulted in a considerable im- provement in general factory conditions. Factory owners have as a rule been found willing to carry out such requirements as have been considered necessary in order to safeguard their employees or their factory premises and in some cases major alterations and reconstructions have been effected in order to comply with the provisions of the Ordinance. At the end of the year there were 550 factories and workshops registered under the Ordinance and subject to regular visits of inspection.
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