- 16-
(ii).---Under Chinese Management.
Tin-During the year under review the volume of business transacted was large (about twice that of 1919) but, although the Sterling price was as high as £421 10. in the early part of the year and as low as £205 10. towards the close, there was little variation in local prices over the whole year owing entirely to the vagaries in exchange.
Imports and Exports for the year, in round figures, were:—
EXPORTS.
From Straits,....
To United Kingdom, 3,600 Tons.
IMPORTS.
300 Tons.
++
China,
100
[E]
United States,
5,300
+
++
Neth, Indies...
+
Yunnan,
300 ..10,100
•
J1
Sundry Ports,
300
11
Kwangei......
400
**
China,....... Japan,
2,900
1,500
13,600 Tons.
11,200 Tora
Rattan and Fibre Furniture. In sympathy with practically all lines, 1920 was a bad year for these commodities. The value of Rattan and Fibre Furniture exported was about half of 1919. Seagrass declined to about the same percentage whilst Rattan cors was worse, about 25% of 1919.
Native Tobacco-Only a very small business was transacted during 1920 with declining prices.
Leather and Hides.-These showed a considerable decline; most dealers have lost money and are holding fairly large stocks.
Ginger and Preserves. This trade was one of the worst daring 1920; exports decreased about 70% in comparison with 1919.
Soy. Only a small business was done and in small lots to regular centres-
Paper-Those interested in this line and who had stocks had a good year as prices rose about 25% in the beginning of this year, due to non-arrival of many orders. During the latter part of the year the market was plentifully stocked at lower prices, but, owing to exchange, local prices remained at the same high level with very little businesE.
Vermillion. Very little done and much less than 1919.
Lard. The anticipated demand for 1920 did not materialine and business was bad; a great falling off compared with 1010, although, at one time, the trade looked like reviving owing to heavy purchase from a new source.
Tinnad Goods-Trade was not as good as 1919.
Shamehoo and Vinegar.-The same remarka as above apply. Knitted Vests and Socks.-These industries are progressing and with the addition of improved machinery will, in time, practi- cally control the Eastern trade. A good business, considering the
- 17-
general slackness, was done; practically the same as in 1919 but the value for 1920 was about $2,500,000 as compared with $3,000,000 in 1919, the shrinkage being due to lower values.
(c.)-FISHERIES.
A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hongkong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which purauit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shauki wan, and also many in the New Territories, are largely dependent apon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is im ported from Cauton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.
(d)—FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE, AND BOTANT.
About 10,000 pine tree seedlings were planted on the bills in the vicinity of the Fanling Golf Course and 6,450 on Cheung Chán Island.
On the hills east of the Fanling Golf Course, pine trees were
sown in situ to produce 50,000 trees.
At Aberdeen, 5,960 pine tree seed sites were re-sown.
On the Fanling hills, 100 lbs. of pine tree seeds were sown broadcast, 50 fbs. on the upper part of the hills between Beacon Hill and Lion Rock on the south side, and 40 lbs, on the north side. Six and half pounds were sown on the new grassy banks of the Chinwan coastal pad
About 10,000 pine tree seedlings were raised in nurseries for planting in 1920.
Two thousand four hundred and fifty-five (2,455) broad-leaved trees were planted on the hills at Fanling, 3,493 on Cheung Chau Island, 718 bear the new Rokfulam Filter Beds, 800 on Chinwan Police Station Hill, 60 on Mount Gough, and 48 in Kowloon Tong Cemetery.
Two hundred and twenty (220) Ficus creepers were also planted in Kowloon Tong Cemetery, 64 near Sukanpo New Recreation Ground, and 135 on Findlay Road.
In Hongkong and Kowloon, 632 Bowering trees and shrubs were planted in the vicinity of roads."
Trees which had failed along the Taipo-Castle Peak Road were replaced by others.
Between Autan and Castle Peak, 1,450 Melaleuca were planted on the pide of the road which had been recently widened.
Sixty-three (63) broad-leaved trees were planted along the completed portion of the Frontier Road.
The Lok Ma Chow Road, which was completed in 1918, was planted up with 172 Candle-nut trees.
349
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.