1915-07-29 — Page 5

Supplement to the “China Mail.

CHINESE IMPERIAL MARITIME CUSTOMS.

EXTRACTS" FROM ANNUAL REPORTS.

Southern Coast Porta. ·

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We give below further_extracts from the reports of 1913 of the Commissioners of Customs dealing with the galient features of the trade at the ports during the year under review. These reporta are, of course, very belated, but they contain | nevertheless interesting indications of events in the various localities to which they refer.

July 29th, 1915.

revenue. Had it not been for the stations in both directions exhibits aja record flood, and withal a general counter-revolution in August, both re- most hopeful increase, the imports and expansion in the trade of the port, can venue and trade would have been in exports together showing an advance of ƒ only be characterised na remarkable. It eren a better position; for the corest so over Tie, 1,000,000. The total revenue is idle to speculate upon what would close at hand, and the rumours of des receipts_for_the year under review have been the value of the trade had it patch to this province of northern troope‡ amounted to HA. Tim: 283,022, which is, not been for the flood, which inflicted to quell the rebellion, naturally caused roughly speaking, a decline of some unteld hardship and loss upon thous merchants to be shy of concluding | Uk. Tis, 12,000 from last year's collec-nuda"of people; but, notwithstanding. forward contracts, and brought about a tion. The falling off in the opium duties this adverse influence, our figures est. temporary cessation of trade. With amounts to 1/4 275 54,652, which more ablish a record and ora a striking test. this exception, however, and in spite of than accounts for the above decline, and'; imcay to the soundness of the trade the annoyance caused locally by the proven that other guoda are comin in of the province and to its Triads, merchants have worked away to l the vacancy caused by the gradual powera of recuperation. The vulne of steadily and quietly throughout the extinction of the opiam trade. The the trade of the year amounted to year, and the majority, I am informed, import duties are the best since 1904, lk. T. 1,600,152, ngainst lík. Tie, are gratified with the profits that have| but the exports show a slight diminu- | 7,035,825 in 1912, and, apart from the rewarded labours. The total revenuetion-Smollett Campbell, Commissioner flood period, business was maintained during the year ameunted to k.TW. of Customs.

ata high level of activity. The political 2,310,055, the first time in the history Kongmoon-The year was so good situation of the district was satisfactory. Santuao. Pue allowance being of the port in which the two commercially that a new record for the and such as to inspire the confidence made for the ill elljet of political dis- million mark has been passed. To value of trade and revenue collection has essential to progressivo commerce, and turbaners on the traile of tea-the one this good result opium duties and likio | Leen established which will not easily with the exception of a few attacks br great staple of the port the result of the contributed an increase of over #k.Tl, be besten, though there is no apparent pirates on small craft up river this part year's operations cannot be regarded 114.000, import duties over Ilk Tls, reason why with a stable money market i of the province enjoyed peace and order. other than satisfactory. Credit 100,000, and const trade over #k:7, or a reformed currency, and the dreaded The establishment of a number of new revived, large quantities of merchandise 20,000, while export nåd tonnage dues scourge "piracy "—subdual, the trade alops and the enlargement of others mas were moveil, and if profits never are fell off to the extent of lik fls. 130,000 should not further increase very con be held to indicate that the city popula what they ought to bo on the and Hk. 7, 14,000 respectively. Transit siderably. The net value of the trade tion (said by many to have increasett merchants showing the people at large duen gained a little over 1⁄2 TL, 700.- coming under the control of the Maritime by nearly one-half during the last two no doubt reaped the benefit. Aided by ¦ W. G. Lay, Commissioner of Cratome, Customs.amcanted to HR. TI, 8,689 789, years) is more eager than ever to supply harvesta of quite unusual abundance. Canton Notwithstanding the pol- which is an increase of . Tis. itself with varions imported articles they are, perhaps, better off now than itical upheaval in July, which occasioned | 2,014,712 over the figures of 1012, com which it has learned to recognise as hasbeen the case for some years pust. renewed and severe fighting in the city prising #k, Tis, 6,841,140 for imports rendering existence more comfortable. Thanks to the enterprise of a well- and neighbourhood of Cauton, complete and H. T. 1,815,610 for exports. It is only to be expected, that enhanced known merchant who is interested in ly disorganising trade, and resulting in | The black tea trade has well mainmined prosperity, as shown by our statistica the local trade. Santuno itself at last stoppage of business for the time its upward tendency in 1913 the ex for the year under review, togerber with shoes some signs of development, and being, it is satisfactory to be able to port amounted to 13,771 piculs, on the influx of alficiale and well todo. it may be that the foreshore reclamation chronicle the highest revenue collection increase of 2,142 piculs over last year's merchi nis'consequent on the transfer of which he is now undertaking will prove on record-/k, Tix, 3,346,737. The figures. The total Maritime Customs the capital, Kreiden, and a general the first step towards the establishment figures, however, are in themselves some- revenue collection for 1913 amounted to i sprend of civilisation, should engender a of that direct steam communication of what misleading, and enggest greater [[k. Tl, 558,707, being an increase of desire to adopt a state of life similar to the north which has been repeatedly commercial prosperity than anal facts | Itk. Tls. 100 372 over the collection of that enjoyed in other parts of the Re- urge in these reports. The cultivation warrant. Owing to the strict and 1912, our previous record year. The public in closer touch with Western of the poppy in the surrounding districts energetic measures introduced, and net value of the foreign import trade i ideas. The recent additions to the feet is again being suppressed, and it was, steadily maintained, by the previous amounted to 8&. 77, 0,811,140, a gain of motor boata-there are 24 plying hcially reported that 1,540 mon of the administration here (which may be said of nearly Tis. 2,000,000 over that of regularly have made Nanning a very plant were routed up in the neighbour to have terminated on the arrival of 1912. The increase in opium of 189 large centre of motor boat traffic; but, hood of Fuan last season. Though it General Lung, who wasappointed Tutuh,picals is only responsible for a little over owing to competition with its concomit will no doubt continue to lurk in out-of-or Military Governor, of this province, one-fifth of the total gain, which shows ant cutting of prices, it is, perhaps, a the way spots, it seems that the spell of on Aug. 12 by Presidential mandatel that the improvement in the general little doubtful whether the profit has licence which followed the revolution is against opium smoking, the importation import trade has been most marked.heen quite commensurate with the now over.-G. Acheson, Acting Com of the drug into Canton from abroad H. E. Wolf, Commissioner of Customs, activity. With regur to the foure of missioner of Customs.

had dwindled to very low proportions: Samshui-In spite of the disturbed motor boat traffic to check to the growth Foochow The increase in the re- but advantage was taken of the general state of the country, owing to the de-of the movement is to be apprehended, venue over the 1012 collection is #k.ls, disorder brought about by what may be claration of independence of the Kwang-nad it seems likely that further facilities 93,592. Fuochow has thus contributed termed the second result- or, more tung province in July, the year under will be provided in the future. The per cent of the II. Tla, 4.000,000 correctly, the attempted reroll-men- review may be considered a fairly benefit of cheap travelling can hardly be which has been announced as the total tioned above, by the opium dealing satisfactory one us regards trade at this overrated but it is hoped that cheapress gain in the receipts of the Maritime and opium smoking community, with port. Imports have rado great strides, will not be carried to the point of dis Customs in 1913, as compared with the result that a temporary recrudescence and exports, though not quite reaching couraging enterprise.R. FO those of the previous years. This result of the trade at once became noticeable, the figures of the previous year, bave Hedgeland, Assistant-in-Charge. is the more satisfactory because the which had the effect of swelling the fairly held their own. The summer Kiungchow-The total collection outlook at the commencement of 1913 reverne collection to larger extent floods. lasting longer than usual, did for the year and unted to HE T. 256,344, was by no means brilliant. The spring than was anticipated. But after the some damage to the second rice crope, showing an increase of Hh. Ils. 29,789 rice crop was deficient, and there were present administration was firmly est but as the first crop was a good one the over the recipua. for 1012. This result on hand heavy stocks of unsold tea from ablished the prohibition measures were average worked out, ut 70 per cent must be considered eminently entis- the previous season's crop. Later on, gradually, but strictly and effectively, Silk, crops were good, and the market factory when it is remembered that duty however, although drought at one time reintroduced, and there are inlications considerably better than of late yeare, and fekin on opinm, which amounted in (July) theatened, the weather-that that the opium trade here during 1014 merchants and silkworm keepers moking 1912 to 174. 76,031, have fallen all-important feature in agricultural will show a considerable falling off as fait profits. The tond collection of UK, to HETI, 57,762. Compared with the Chian-became propitious. The second compared with the year under review, 77, 407,515, compared with the figures figures of the preceding rear, the in- rice crop was abundant while other and whether or not the general trade for 1912, shewa an increase of H. Tcrease is chiefly under the import. products of the soil for which Foochow will correspondingly advance with 3,505. To cope with the needs of the heading-Ilk. Tis. 129,690, as against is justly famous, oranges, olives and sufficient rapidity to obriate the pro-growing traffic a number of new shops Hk.T. 84,657. The export, coast seven the humble potato, produced bability of a diminished revenue collec- and inns, as will as a new coal depot, tatle, and tonnage dues headings also here" in vast quantities and excellent tion in consequence thereof is pro-and several native boat-building yarde, contributed to a certain extent. Transit quality, contributed largely to the blematical-F. W. Maze; Comatissione have been established during the year dues, on the other hand, suffered a small general well being. The timber trade of Customs.

alcug the banks of the river, giving the decline, falling from UkTls. 8,802 to is also said to have done well; but, of! Kowloon ---The total net inlue of port quite a busy appearance. At, 176.77». 8,603 The Native Customs course, until some system of re-afforest-the trade pussing through the stations of Sainam one more, silk factory and many collection also shows un increase, rising, ation is evolved, there can be little cause this district by junk and rail was small shops for machines-made cloth &c. from Ik Tix 14,186 to Hk.Th. 18.035, to exult over the enhanced export 7. 18,355,931, as compared with were opened. Towards the end of the This increase, however, is mainly due figures.

The foreign export of tea 1. 40,018,781 in 1912, showing a year un electric light plant was erected to the inauguration of a revised tariff, although restricted us to quantity be increase of approximately 203 per cent.at Fatshan. The installation seems to which was introduced in October. In cacse of the competition of Java-grown The value of the trade carried by junk be highly appreciated, and quite August the Asiatic Petroleam Company leaf, has had one all-re-leersing virtue was Uk. Tl. 47,376,272. Import trade number of shops, &c., are now lit by e tablished its own agency, under the it has brought some profit to the ex-by jonk shows and increase of more than electricity.-A. Schmidt, Deputy Commanagement of "Mr. A. Ledebcer, and porter. Local industries working with 7, 8,000,00 over the figures for 1912, missioner of Customs, t pete in November the Standard Oil Com foreign machinery, such as the saw T. 3,500,000 of which are accounted

Wachow-The Wuchow merchants pany followed a like coume, having mills and the Electric Light Company, for by the enormous increase in the im-in general express satisfaction with the for its munager Mr. JH. Bulmer. are understood to have had a good portation of rice, Rice bran further results of the year's trade, in spite of a Previously both companies had been year.-Paul H. King, Commissioner of accounts for nearly 7s. 2,000,000 The considerable amount of stringency in the represented by Chin-se.-S. J. Hanisch, Customes

value of the export trade by junk re money market that would not have ex-deting Commissioner of Oustoms, Amoy. The rear 1013 may be looked ained practically unchanged: The isted but for the hindrances, political Pakhoi-A glance at the statistics. upon as one average prosperity for the value of the trade carried by ruil amount and commercial, briefly detailed in the of trade for the year 1913 might perhaps port of Anny. The rice crops have led to 1k. T. 979,653, showing a total following resume. During the first half convey the impression that this port been plentiful, and the prices of rice increase of some H.Ths. 134,000, which of the year the briakness of trade in had not suffered greatly from the unusually low, down to $1 per pical. is entirely accounted for by the import foreign imports more than counteracted attempt to overthrow the existing Re- The prosperous state of agriculture in trade, a slight decline being manifested the regrettable decrease in Chinese publican Government, but close the surrounding districts was further id the export trade for the year. As experts. The autumn drought of 1912 scrutiny of the first two quarters borne out by the enormous demand for regards the "local" trade of Hongkong, continued till near the end of April, statistics would reveal the fact that at bean cuke and other fertilisers, the trade the year under review cannot be said to and the resultant scarcity of rice caused the moment of the outbreak trade was in the former commodity demanding have been satisfactory. The importations an inflow of the annam-grown cereal on making a splendid effort towards re- more tonnage from the North than was of tour into Hongkong during 1913 the Canton market, the import of which covery from the havoc wrought by the readly available. The main feature of amounted to 0,176,023 haga-more than in June was also necessary in Kwangsi. resolution. By this is not meant that the the year's statistics has been a anteriul 500,000 less than in the previous year. Piece goods merchants, however, did port was resorting to its earlier com decrenas both in values and revenue, The quantity arriving from America well, notwithstanding the difficulties mercial status, but that the revival in due to opinm, which was, however, totalled 4,774,620 bags, the residue they had to contend with owing to a trade which had set in during the latter made good to a great extent, by being produced by Australia and Canada,rarcity of this staple means of exchange; days of 1912 continued in a marked developments in general trade. InThe importation of four from Canada and bad it not been for the Caawn decree, and became more pronounced local industries, the good rults made breaks new ground, as the extensive émeute in August, there is little doubt during the earlier half of the succeeding by the Any Tinning Company af grain felds around Calgary, which are that, imports would have continued to year. The interval of comparative Kulangan, which is said to bave paid a producing large quantities of wheat, are dividend of 35 per cent, for 1913, bare now finding their markels in the East given rise to the establishment of arival instead of Europe. What is very notice on the other side of the harbour in the table is the incrense is the shipbuilding shape of the China Canning Company, trade during the year Nine vossele, a purely Chinese enterprise, started with a total gress tonnage of 2,301 tons, towards the end of 1913, with a capital were launched by the llongkong and motor tug, built with a view to towings of intercourse with the inland arts and of $100,000, half of which is paid up. Whampoa Dock Company, and 11 up barges laden with oil. There is no the cater world, as compared with the The articles canoed-for consumption vessels, with a total gross tonnage of doubt that if this first venture shonk collection for 1912, the total revenne. of Chinese Jising abroad-ure chielly 5,860 tous, by the Taikoo Dockyard and prve successful other boats will be built, Uk: Tx. 103.517, sbows a falling off of fish, fruit, and vegetulics. The year Engineering Company..which also had the keromne oil trade is bound to in early 10 per cent. That this decrease. 1913 also witnessed the establishment the screw steamers and two steel crease by leaps and bounds. The net was not greater is chiefly due to Lhe" of two electric light companies on the lighters on band at the close of the year. value of the trade coming under the recovery of the import trade during the Amoy and Kulangsu sides respectively, E. Gordon Lowder Commisioner of cognisance of the Maritime Custom first half of the year. The duty derived aniquated to Hk. Tv. 13,008,049, und of from this brunch of revenue improved both of which were in full function Customs hy the end of the year: The Amoy Lappa-The trade in the Lappa that under the Native Customs to it. almost k is 16,000, and tounege Changchow Railway again made no district showed nounusual features dur- Tit. 13,486,440, thus making the totalines and transit dues both show higher progress towards its goal owing to lacking the year 1913. It business was not net value of the trade controlled by the figures. Although export duty revered of funds, the sharesbollers-all Chinese remarkably quick, it is at least satisfac Wuchow Customs. The 24,494,960 || I/k. T4, 2,500, it is to duty and Lexin having definitely tied up their purgatory to be able to record that it was well-unfortunately well below that of 1015, of opium, which fell over 11k. T. 25,000, strings. T T H Ferguson Com up to the average of the preceding year. It is, however, satisfactory to note that that the decline is to be attributed, the missioner of Customes. As was to be expected, the decline in the decrease is all under junk-borne art toas recorded being approximately Swatow-In spite of gloomy for the import of Indian opium continued, trade, which modern and increased Hk T. 11,000 Everything considered, ecasts, 1913 has proved the record year and was responsible for a further re-machinery tonnage is slowly but surely however, it may be a matter of genuine for revenue and imports, though an un-duction in the revenue figures. The ousting. J. W. Loureing, Acting Co satisfaction that the decrrade was not fortunate decrease has to be noted in funds formerly invested in the opium missioner of Custom Chervier, 31, Bloorhead, Gommissioner exports. All classes of truports made traffic appear to hire bean devoted to Nanning. During the past year we of Customs. an excellent showing, with uprum as the trade in ordinary commodities, the bave been through a period of ex- best contributor to the increase in value of the general cargo passing cur ceptional activity. A year that be seen

figure prominently throughout the year. tranquillity which Bad elapsed since the The kertsone oil trade with Nunning in revolution had served to restore con- greatly hampered owing to want of rapid,fidence, and signs of general improve de transit, an attempt to remedy thement were apparent when rubellion is being made by a well-known local inrst forth, again disking business. inerchant, who is having a powerful and occasioning a temporary suspension