1887-1903
COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
13
It is difficult, as yet, to say what impetus to mining in the Colony may be given by mineral discoveries in the new territory; and until mining experts and geological surveyors have made a careful examination of the territory, it will be difficult to speak with certainty on the subject of future prospects.
Manufactures and Industries.
The present prosperous state of the industry and manufactures of the Colony, especially of the City of Victoria, seems likely to continue. A survey of the industrial returns for the last five years shows an increase in the number of workmen employed in most of the colonial industries, and the growth in the number and variety of the manufactures themselves show that Chinamen are not too conservative to turn their capital and abilities into new directions. The chief industries are sugar refining, the manufacture of cement, paper, bamboo, and rattan ware, carving in wood and ivory, working in copper and iron, gold beating and the production of gold, silver, and sandal wood ware, furniture making, umbrella making, jinricksha making, and large industries connected with kerosene oil, cotton, and matches. But while most of these industries are subject to considerable fluctuations from year to year, chiefly on account of the absence of capital to enable the traders to tide over a period of sluggish business, one of the forms of industrial activity which seems to be uniformly and increasingly prosperous is ship and boat building, and especially the building of steam-launches, together with all the minor industries connected with docks and ship-yards, such as rope and sail-making.
The manufacture of cotton is a new industry, but one which may become one of the most important. The Hong Kong Cotton Spinning, Weaving, and Dyeing Company (Limited) commenced the erection of a large mill in 1898, which will provide for the working of 50,000 spindles. The building has now been completed, and 12,000 spindles are already at work. The engines and machinery have given full satisfaction, and the Chinese have shown much celerity and deftness in acquiring a knowledge of their work.
Some of the industries mentioned are carried on to a greater or less extent all over the Colony; many are confined to the City of Victoria; and there seems to be a tendency towards greater industrial activity in Kowloon. One industry—that of tanning—is practically confined to Kowloon.
Fisheries.
The number of fishing and other boats frequenting the harbour and bays of Hong Kong during the year under review may be roughly estimated at about 5,000. There are no means of ascertaining the proportions in which the different kinds of fish are caught, nor the quantities; and it is therefore impossible to give even an approximate value of the fishing industry.
Page 200
Page 201
1887-1903
COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
13
It is difficult, as yet, to say what impetus to mining in the Colony may be given by mineral discoveries in the new territory; and until mining experts and geological surveyors have made a careful examination of the territory, it will be difficult to speak with certainty on the subject of future prospects.
Manufactures and Industries.
The present prosperous state of the industry and manufactures of the Colony, especially of the City of Victoria, seems likely to continue. A A survey of the industrial returns for the last five years shows an increase in the number of workmen employed in most of the colonial industries, and the growth in the number and variety of the manufactures themselves show that Chinamen are not too conservative to turn their capital and abilities into new directions. The chief industries are sugar refining, the manufac- ture of cement, paper, bamboo, and rattan ware, carving in wood and ivory, working in copper and iron, gold beating and the pro- duction of gold, silver, and sandal wood ware, furniture making, umbrella making, jinricksha making, and large industries con- nected with kerosene oil, cotton, and matches. But while most of these industries are subject to considerable fluctuations from year to year, chiefly on account of the absence of capital to enable the traders to tide over a period of sluggish business, one of the forms of industrial activity which seems to be uniformly and increasingly prosperous is ship and boat building, and especially the building of steam-launches, together with all the minor industries connected with docks and ship-yards, such as rope and sail-making.
The manufacture of cotton is a new industry, but one which may become one of the most important. The Hong Kong Cotton Spinning, Weaving, and Dyeing Company (Limited) commenced the erection of a large mill in 1898, which will pro- vide for the working of 50,000 spindles. The building has now been completed, and 12,000 spindles are already at work. The engines and machinery have given full satisfaction, and the Chinese have shown much celerity and deftness in acquiring a knowledge of their work.
Some of the industries mentioned are carried on to a greater or less extent all over the Colony; many are confined to the City of Victoria; and there seems to be a tendency towards greater industrial activity in Kowloon. One industry-that of tanning is practically confined to Kowloon.
Fisheries.
The number of fishing and other boats frequenting the harbour and bays of Hong Kong during the year under review may be roughly estimated at about 5,000. There are no means of ascertaining the proportions in which the different kinds of fish are caught, nor the quantities; and it is therefore impossible to give even an approximate value of the fishing industry.
193
Page 200Page 201
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