Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT
The large vessels which arrived in summer from Canton to go to Teintsin, and brought the large quantity of piece-goods formerly reported, were originally Fokien craft, and chartered by Shantung and other merchants. At present, the prices of our cotton manufactures at Shanghao do not much differ in price from those of Hong-Kong, and, on account of the large importation, the speculation will not probably be repeated.
The cargoes were intended for Northern China and Mongolia, to make covers for the sheep-skins and cotton-wadded jackets of the peasantry, the exclusive dress of the peasantry and poorer classes in winter, as the cheapest stuff procurable.
We have also had a few junks from Ningpo and Fuh-choo, on their way to Canton, and vice versa; some direct from Formosa, though belonging to Fokien; and very few from Amoy and Hwuy-an.
Many have poor cargoes, and do not buy much; but there is always some trade; though always exclusively confined to Chinese living here.
So long as no custom-house exists, it is impossible to obtain accurate returns. The above was collected from the natives on board their own vessels; and the writer has frequently, with his own eyes, seen the export and import cargoes.
He is anxious to investigate the subject in all its bearings; and if there happens any favourable change, he will not fail to report the same, after having duly investigated the matter in all its bearings.
(Signed)
Victoria, 6th January, 1846.
CHARLES GUTZLAFF,
Chinese Secretary.
(True Copy)
FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
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Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT
The large vessels which arrived in summer from Canton to go to Teintsin, and brought tho largo quantity of piece-goods formerly reported, were originally Fokien craft, and chartered by Shantung and other merchants. At present, the prices of our cotton manufactures at Shanghao do not much differ in price from those of Hong-Kong, and, on account of the largo importa tion, the speculation will not probably be repeated.
The cargoes were intended for Northern China and Mongolia, to make covers for the sheep- skins and cotton-wadded jackets of the peasantry, the exclusive dress of the peasantry and poorer classes in winter, as the cheapest stuff procurable.
We have also had a few junks from Ningpo and Fuh-choo, on their way to Canton, and vice versû; some direct from Formosa, thoughi belonging to Fokien; and very few from Amoy and Hwuy-an.
Many have poor cargoes, and do not buy much; but there is always some trade; though always exclusively confined to Chinese living here.
So long as no custom-house exists, it is impossible to obtain accurate returns. The above was collected from the natives on board their own vessels; and the writer has frequently, with bis own eyes, seen the export and import cargoes.
He is anxious to investigate the subject in all its bearings; and if there happens any favourable change, he will not fail to report the same, after having duly investigated the matter in all its bearings.
(Signed)
Victoria, 6th January, 1846.
CHARLES GUTZLAFF,
Chinese Secretary.
(True Copy)
FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
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