-
13
-
116
launched against the cost of living, until a steady flow of supplies is assured.
78.
The coal and firewood situation has been far from satisfactory during the period under review. Power stations were at one time run on seized fire- wood stocks, but, whereas only one shipload of fire- wood has yet been imported against contracts made in Borneo, the coal situation has temporarily improved with imports from Chingwang tao, Hongay and Japan. It has been possible to make available a certain quantity of industrial purposes, and it is hoped to recommence the production of gas in the near future. These sources are, however, very precarious and no regular supply has yet been ensured.
TRANSPORT.
79.
All private motor transport left by the Japanese is still requisitioned and this is the only motor transport available to Civil Affairs or to the public utility companies. There is no prospect of derequisitioning of vehicles until C.A.S. transport has begun to arrive in considerable quantities. Efforts are being made to recover requisitioned transport formerly lent to the Services.
80.
The transport of foodstuffs by water necessitated the bringing into commission of all small vessels capable of sailing in Hong Kong waters. Some
of these were ex-Japanese craft which, under the terms of the surrender agreement, will shortly be handed over to the Chinese Government. In the meantime they are being used for the immediate food transport require- ments of the Colony.
INDUSTRY.
81.
The rehabilitation of the heavier industries such as dockyards and iron foundries which suffered varying degrees of war damage is still in its early stages and largely hampered by lack of materials. certain amount of dockyard work, is, however, being carried out.
82.
A
Factories cannot restart on an economic basis until raw materials can be imported. Steps are being taken to secure these, while in the meantime the re- quisitioning of stocks of raw materials in the Colony has permitted the restart on a small scale of the following industries: Soap, Rattan Ware, Tanneries, Flour and Rice Mills, Building Lime, Matches, Paint, Rubber and Canvas Shoes, Boatbuilding and Nails. soon as raw materials are available, expansion should be rapid.
TRADE.
AS
83.
The re-opening of the Colony to trade, subject for the present to import and exchange control, was announced late in November. All encouragement is being given to merchants to resume trade on as wide and free a basis as possible, but it is too early for this policy to have had any appreciable effect on the Colony's economy.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.