1910-01-01 — Page 3

TRADE REVIEW. 1909. Below we give a retrospect of the trade of the year 1909, the date of which have been gathered

from authoritative sources.

BICHANGE.

Broadly speaking, exchange, during the past year has been remarkably steady. Opening at 1/84 and rising in the first three weeks of January to 1/9 the rato gradually fell back to 1/82 by the end of February, which lovel obtained with bat small variations during March. April/May witnessed a steady rise to 1/9% and Jano a clow decline to 1/91. The middle of July saw a return of the year's opening rate, 18 and the variation be tween then and tho ond of September (which closed at` 1,9)

never more

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JANUARY 1ør, 1910.

¡the traumations. Our native dealers have not farol badly. Frions have been steadily ritiny

throughout the greater part of the year and the country demand has been responsive. On Juno 30th, 1908, there were in all India 241 mills working and in course of construction, of which Bombay Island alone claimed 86, running 2,736,483 spindles and 35,967 looms, and em- playing 101,535 lands daily.

COTION.

Receipts during the year amount to 26,441, bales, including some fairly large con- tract parcels for the local and Tonkin bills purchased in India. Sales in the local market aggregats 2,910 as against 6,820 bales in 1908 Prices hare ruled fairly steady throughout the greater part of the year, but at the close the violent fluctuations in the

balan

on the Continent, home markets were spoiled by bear sales which paralysed more legitimate

the local markat again, but, at present, prices are insignificant amount of chartering, mostly higher in Australiu than people here will pay, made up by fixtures of tonnage for copl business. A stronger tendency of prices on the American flour still retains premier position requirements. Then, from Saigon came news Japanes market at the end of November, on the local market, batthere has been a decided of expssive rains in several of the rice brought on by the covering of short sales there, decline in the year's importa into the Colony, districts, which, while not absolutely disastrous, had the same effect here, but activity did In 1908, 4,085,000 bags were imported, a decline militated against the abundant harvest ex- not last long. Nevertheless, a better feeling of 854,000 bags on the previous year, whereas pooted. From Bangkok camaa similar has ruled slaca, transactions have been the year just closed shows a falling off in the unfavourable report of too much rain and as o fairly brisk during December bath for Europe trade of 916,000 bags, the total imporis for 1909 coneertence a poor rics orop, so that very little and Amerion, and holders are confident thing 3,270,000. This deplorable state of affairs outside tonuage was required. Tho your opened in higher rates for the future. Sterling is due to the fact that the Shanghai traders in the North with things lively in consequence prices have not shown any large fluctuations have captured the local market, and although of an increased activity from the Yangise rice of the course of the year. They never during the year a large quantity of four has ports to the South. Jaunary closed with the reached the level of the starting point in been shipped to southern ports, the outlook for opening of the Saigon senson, charterers towards January. Native silk has been neglected this the trade in the coming year is by no means the middle of the month having commenced year owing to its poor winding, and as the bright,

operations for Hongkong, and securing tonnage dealors cosm unable to remisily this defect,

to the extent of some 330,000 pioals, white from Saigon to the Philippines a few steamers werO prospect of business in this class of silk

fized. Thorates obtained from Saigon to Hong to 15 cents according to capacity of vessel. Sinall chartering in cent freights from Moji to Hong- kong was tone at $1.50. Freights remained idle during February, those from the South in particnar being a searcs of disappointment, for a modern consting boats remained dison. gaged in places such as Bangkok, Saigon had

RICE.

than 4. The fate dropped to 1/8 towards the American cotton market and the high prices end of October and kopt about this lower love! now raling in India have almost checked the total yield of the seven crops is year, and the market closed weak, with a down kong were anything but brilliant, varying from 13. until early in December, when a gradual apportations, and the business for the coming ward movement sot in. On the lat we again year promises to be still smaller.

PIECE GOODS.

The year just closed has been one of the best the I'ieco Goods dento-hive exjoyed for many years. Although there have beeż no abnormal profits such as might accrue through speculation, still there has been a steady turnover at profitable rates of almost all elassen of goods. The large orders placed to words the close of 1908.and in the spring of this year went, with one or two exceptions,

look unfavourable. It is estimated that shont 57,500 bales filatus against 34,700 bales for 1908. Shipments for 1909 amount to 43,782 bales against 41,743 bales for 1908.

Actal stock is abont 5,500 bales against 2,000 bales at the same date in 1908.

CARDIA,

had the opening rate of the year, 1/8, and- since then-a-rise-to-19 Between the lowest rate of the year, 1/83, with silver 25%, and the highest rate, 192, against a silver quotation of 243, there was only a difference of 14d.

The rise in May was mainly due apeculation the part of the Indian bazaars, based on optimistic reports concerning orop prospects, but several other causes contributed. The increase of ex ports from the Far East and the dullucas in rapidly into consumption. The following figures large shipments arriving from the Interion / order to counterbalanco the effects of the daily tors from Moji to Hongkong resulted at

to

00

imports were of course important factors. As

against there stoadying influences there was always in view phenomenally heary stocks of silver both in Shanghai and Bombay, and, not withstanding the fulßlment of the hopes of those who reckoned on an increased demand for Indio, until early December Bombay still seemed overstocked. An increased off take since

showing the exports from the United Kingdom

ay prove of interest, For the 12 months ending Ootober, in millions of yards

1909 1908 1907 1906 Plain Cottous.... 105 51 65 76 Dyed

29-20 20 17 8 5 5 7 The most notable exception to the above

Printed

In the autumn a repetition of the orders placed the previous year seamed probable, but the abnormal rist in the price of cotton limited business so far na Fancies were concerned, and in staple piece goods practically killed it. Er change having remained on a comparatively low level to some former years has added to the difficulty caused by the high prices of raw material, and until some change in either or both of these factors takes place there is a prospect of very dull times.

The export of Saigon rice during the year showed a decided falling off on the previous word fondonoy. Of the old crop, for which orbital prices are demanded, there is only between 3,000 and 4,000 tous left. The now op, however, gives brighter prospects, for the ently grain has already made its appearance-in aome distzieta, and is expected to come in Reports of a fair-sized crop caused the freely during the present month. Some 50,000 market to open this season at rather low rates, tons have been settled for Earche, chiefy but, owing to speculation, prices were rapidly for February and April shipment, but Java forced up during the month of June. Demand buyers, after relieving the market of some from home having quietoned down during the 10,000 tons have declined to follow a small rise months of July, August and September, and in prices. The prices eased down, considerably in values rended somewhat and the market closes rising exchange and the general want of de: on the weak side, slacks in the Interior being mand and, as previously stated, the market estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 piouls. This a decidedly downward toniloney. The year's quality has been about the same me the total export of rice from Saigon last year was previous susun and still leaves much to be 631,208 bons, as against 759,595 tons for the desired. Total exports of whole and broken previous year. cassiu are estimated at about 60,000 piculs.

MATTING.

The matting business in 1909 has been any.

OPIUM.

gepare. What little cargo was moving in the Saigon Hongkong trade was readily booked at afght cants par pieul by vessels on the rus, but outside owndes willing to doso at such low rates

were not Coal char-

31.50, and from Majl to Canton at $2.20. Rates genorally for the month of March were far from satisfactory from the owners' point of view. The Saigon trailo remained singularly inactive, and several chartering orders for ¿mall sized steamers were promptly withdrawn on

advance on the standing rate of 13 cents. Coal owners making an attempt to obtain a slight

Bengal Opium-The Indian Government sold at auction in 1909 43,200 chests against 46,800 then has shown again Lidia's extraordinary remarks regarding clearances has been Whitething but remunerative from a maker's point cheats the previous year. Finctuations has tonnage from Japan to Hongsong was vary capacity for absorbing silver, and the year Shirtings, which are still in heavy stook and of view. Owing to the uncertainty which been very heavy, the lowest price touched being mads with a stock of only about 10,000 have doubtless been over-shipped during the prevailed in the United Statos during the first 900 for Patox sad the highest 81,620. bars in Bombay and the bazaars still buying past year.

It is a matter to be regretted that the British half of the year as to what new rate of duty The Indian Government have been out of the

would result from the tariff revisions, matting Authorities have failed to hoop the Chinese importers refrained from usual large forward Government to the promises given by them contracts, drawing their immediate require- to place restriction in the way of the meats from stocks available in America trade in foreign opium, in ccnsideration Consequently, to keep the business going the of the definite steps taken by the British manufacturers had to rednes their prices Government to reduce the export of the drag considembly, especially for Tungkan mattings, o China. The result is that the trade is which daring the latter part of the year reached periodically disorganized to the detriment of an extrapoly low level, almost noprecedented, the Fritish merchants who purchase the opiuma After the U.S. Congress had fixed a uniform direct from the Government of India. rate of duty of 34 gold conts por yard for all qualities, a good demand sprang up for the superior 116 warps grade, for which considerable contracts, amounting to about 20,000 rolls were put through at advmoing prices. the total turnover for the year amount to 380,000: rolls only, against about 500,000 rolls in provious years, as after the duty difficulty had been settled the

market all the year, but their stocks have been reduced somewhat, and the Gold Standard Reserve Fund has been brought back to a more normal, position. As already stated, there has been a large increase in exports from the For East, notably in boons from Manchuria. The Continent has also been purchasing silver recently, which has had a steadying effect on the market. Thus in various ways the steadiness which, as was said at the outset, lios beau the most noticeable feature of the year, was misiu- tained in spite of an over-incrossing output of the white metal from the highly productive Canadian mining district of Cobalt.

TARN.

SUNDRIES.

Whilst business was very fair during the early part of the year the latter half has been father dull. In many lines, such as hosiery, dealers overbought in 1908 with the result that stocks accumulated and are still heavy. The low exchange has had a very depressing effect, partionlarly on those articles more in the nature of luxurs than necessities. Failures, korever, have been comparatively few, showing an absenco of the speculative element which in many recent years has been so evident.

The advanced prices of so many raw materials, such as cotton, wool, and rubber, have naturally had an adverse effect on new business, and daring the rest few monthe few important orders have been placed.

SILE.

WAS

Yot

SEMBON

Malwa. This description likewise participates in the annual reduction of 10 per cent. The lowest price for the new drag being $1,71 and the highest $1,400 per pioul.

PersianThe quantity allowed into China during the year was 1,000 picule. The price at the close of the year was 81,225 per pical."

COAL.

There has ben only very little change.

made for 1910 show lower rates than these for between this year and 1908 in the Coal Market, the prices ruling slightly lower. Contracta 1939, and all the principal consumers have had all their requirements for the coming year provided for..

The following is a general

creasing actual argagments in Chins. The tos for odraneed to. alley of in coming season will probably see much higher prices, as at the present low rates manufas turore are losing money heavily. The straw crops were fairly good ne regards quality, but owing raview for the year: to a typhoon having badly damaged the second"

rep during the months of September, October here during the year under review, this being Japanese Coala-About 925,000 tons arrived

and November, there is at present a scarcity

femer tono ruling in the froight market, April oponed with a distinctly

owing to an increased demand for tonnage both in the South and North, and the change for the better was maintained throughout the month, The Saigon Hongkong market rose to 17 cents, but relaxed under the iutinenes of a worker rice market to 15 and 162 cents, as which overal boats were placed. From Saigon to Singapore the rate was about 17 cents, while farther charters resulted from Nowchwang to Canton up to 30 cents per picul. From Wuha to Bwatow and Canton tonnage was eagerly inquired after, the rate ruling at 22 and 23 cents. Coal froights remained firm, with tonnngs scares, the rate from Moji to Hong- kong being $1.80 per ton. May was ushered in with quite a number of charters concluded. Business in the South was rather lifeless, but the Northern trade quite made up for the deficiency. Owing to the shortage of tonnage, rates of freight from Yangtze ports and New.

offering from Saigon, but with the legal rie chwang increased by 30 por. cont on the previous month. The month closed with few cargoes. merket showing signs of improvement, there was renewed chartering from Saigon to the Philippines on the basis of 24 and 27 cents according to quantity, and coal freights from

market sharing a decidedly feeble attitude, and Japan maled firm with more demand for tonnage, June, unfortunately, closed with the freight-

ECZEMA BEYOND

SPECIALIST'S AID

Said He Never Saw a Child's Head in Such a State-Lanced It but Did No Good— Body Covered, Too', -Scratched Till Blood Ban Grateful Mother Praises -

CUTICURA'S COMPLETE

AND ECONOMICAL CURE

*Cuticura is the only thing, that oured my daughter when she had suf- fered with oczoma for eix months. She is now turned five years. It started with her cars and it spread all over her body. She need to scratch Bergelt till the blood ran down her fingers. I tried everything for it but nothing did any good. We hark spent, pounds on her. first with one thing, then another. I took her to two doctors and they gaYO me ointment and lotions but still it went worse, I called a nurse in, one day, to see what she thought about her, for I was tired of seeing her with her head all bandaged up, as she was a

omplete mase of running sores.

The nurse took her to a specialist in Manchester and he mid he had never seen a child's bead in such a stato bo-, fore he landed it. He gave us a lotion to dress it with but it didn't scem to get a bit better with all the pains wo spent on hor. I read of the Cuticura Remedies and declared. I would try them and I am thankful I did per- savers with them for, before I had used the fixt lot, I saw a great difference in her. I had five sets of the Cuticura Remedies and she was oured before I used them all. I use the Cuticura Soap now end shall always stick to it as long as I can. Her hair is growing_beaut- fully now. Cuticura Soap, Cutleura Ointmont and Cuticura Pula cured her.) when all else failed. I only wish I had tried them sooner. I can mfely say they are the cheapest and best that you can get for any 'skin dleeaso. I shall be pleased to recommend Cuticurs to all suffering from any skin troubles sa I have great faith in it. Mr. S. Astles, 5. Castle Terrace, Meadow Bank: Wint- ford, Cheshire, Eng., July & and Aug.. 27, 1908."

* Campjeta Exprsal and Internal Treatment Yar

· Every Blumourof infants, Children and adulte cons slets of Cuticum doap to Cleares the skin, Cutleure Ointment to Hes) the Bkin and Cuticums Resolvent Pels to Purify the Blood. A sinthe Bol often Duras Bold throughout the world. Depot: London, 27. Charterhoum Hg.: Paris, &, Tie de la Paix: AULIN Ha. B. Towns & Co., Nyduny, Bn. Ahlen, Lennon, Ltd, Expe Town, etc.; U.S.A.. Potter Drug & Chess.

Fost-tree, from London depot, liberal sample of Cultura and 32-page book on dimams of the affe

54-22

LOCAL SPORT.

NEW YEAR FIXTURES.

FOOTBALL.

Army . Navy.

H.K.F.O. Ground, 4 p.m.

Referee, Mr. A. Gregory, H K.F.C.

TRAJIJ.

Army Beasley (B.G.A.); Waits (R:G.A) and Ruler (Buffs); Walker (B.G..A), Barton (R.E.) and Dave (Buffs); Brown (R.B.) and Brewster (Buffs); Tayler (Buffs), Barker

H&v (K.A.); Rose (Mon.), Brown (Whiting) (Buffs) and Nash (R. G.A.).

Fleming (KA.); Reid (K.A.); Sallivan (Whit- ing) and Taylorson (Mon), -

Navy:-Tugwell (H.A.) Endi (Mon.) and

The year opened with little demand both from of fine straw suitable for high grades and about 75,000 tons more than the previous year, owners found it necessary to lay np a number and Richardson (8,4.); Anderson (Hard) and

Imports amounts to 227,108 bales Inst year az against 210,275 on the previous year, showing an increase of 16,823 bales, with aggregate 120,002 kolor, sungainst 151,243 in 2009, slow ing a decrease of 12,552 bales. This decrease may be partly attributed to the absence of any material demand during the last two months, owing to very high prices demanded by holders, and partly to the increasing competition of Japanese and Chinese yarn, as also of Japanere cheap cloth in the consuming districts. The year opened with a very slack demand and only paltry business was effected in January, almost the whole of the month being takon up with the settlement of accounts and the festivities of Europe and America, but holders being confident the China New Year. On resumption of busi of higher rates preferred to carry stocks over the Chinese New Year rather than sell at low prices ness in February considerable settlements were made, and with occasional assistance from The remaining stocks of the previous season hay Shanghai the enquiry continued more or lessing been estimated and the export of silk proving native til the end of March, when prices showed to be considerably larger than the valuations of an appreciation of 31 to 87 per bale, and nearly the 1939 crops had lod bayers to anticipate 31,000 bales passed into consumption, exchange purchasers in the first quarter of the year on India finctuating between Rs. 130 and Rs, showed reluctance to operate, with the result 132. During the greater part of April the that the market during that period ruled quiet market remained quiet, but at the end of the and values went down 830 to $40 per pienl. month another brisk demand from the country Prices, however, of extra graded, which were set in, lasting with but little intermission till tearse and in good demand from Europe, held the end of June, resulting in a further advance their own. There was more enquiry during

casequently prices are rather high. It may be mentioned, too, that about 100,000 bundles of coarse straw

were exported

to Japan.

MATS AND CARPETS.

period under review and total settlements aro es The market has been fairly active during the timated at about 80,000 rells, mostly for Europe, Franes and England took about 60,000 rolle, whereas exports to the Netherlands alone amount to about 20,000 rolls, which means a considerable increase as compared with only

a few years ago.

METALS.

The Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, as in previous years,

takes the lead, their importations aisanting to of boats. The general tone of the freight about 500,000 tons, out of which 75,000 tons went market contiuned feeble in July, with rates to Canton. The Mitsu Bishi Goshi Kwaisha of freight below the profitable mark. The continue to rank second, their total arrivals month closed with the Saigon-Hongkong during the year reaching 125,000 tons. The rale standing at 11 cente por pical, while balance has come to different coal importers, a couple of sxtures between Saigon and the the most important of whom are Messrs. Bradley Philippines were effected at 23 and 24 cents & Co. and Messrs. Ataka & Co.

according to quantity. August passed with the market in a very deplorable stato, with few fixtures effected and very slight prospects of a

all round remained the same, the only slight change for Us better. In September freights

improvemont being in coal. Fixtures were con oluded from Wakamatsu to Hongkong at $1.90;

Hongus, to Hongkong and Canton at 31.50 and i $1.60. A strong demand was apparent in the Australian Coals. About 46,500 tons arrived market in October, but it was solely attributable during the year, all of which was for consumers, to the scarcity of tonnage that numerous in-

fallen off. The strike as wired by Router in The demand for this coal locally has considerably quiries, especially from the North, could not be the latter part of the year did not at all affect ebb, and it was apparent that no material filled locally, The Saigon market was at a low this market. As per-telegram received during revival of business could be locked for until next

Cardiff Coals and Patent Fuel, ~The quantity that reached the Colony aggregates about 48,000 20,000 tons discharged here and some 15,000 tons, out of which the Admiralty had some

toas passed through bound North. Several all arrivals amounting is all to 5,000 tons

for Vladispostock and/or Japan. 12000. toas passed through Hongkong bound

of $1 to $3 per bale in price and sales of over the latter part of March and activity set in st zaled or a fairly low lovel, which brought about yeat into the hands of the local dealers, Some from the same port to Canton at $2.45; from

Values during 1909 have with few exceptions increased busiucas. Consumption kept pace with the heavier arrivals, so that on the whole importers, as well as native dealers, have reason. to be well satisfied with their transactions.

The lowest point was reached in August, and from that time forward a gradual advance get in, which seems to indicate a healthy develop ment of the home marketa. This movement was easily followed here.

Prices are still somewhat below normal. Ra- porta from home speak of a better tendency, which is expected to find its expression in higher rates all round. Price compare as follows:-

30/12/08. $ d.

0 0 22

£ 0.

30/12/09.

d.

8. 90

9 14

6

6 .5

0 245

0

14 2.6 14 7 6

the month the strike has now ended.

Kaiping Coal-During the year under review, the Chinese Engineering and Mining Co., Ld., oposed a branch office in this port and imported some: 52,000 trus, out of which 21,000 tons went to Canton. an

Hongay Coal-There arrived about 85,000 tons, half of which was for Canton, the balance for local industries.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Second Division. Saturday, 1st January,

93rd Coy, B. O, C..

Military Ground, st 2.30 p.m.

Referee, Sapper Heigh.

A Coy, v M. R. C.

Causeway Bay Üroud, at 4.00 p.m.

Referee, Sapper Scarlett.

Monday, 3rd January.

L. R. C. v. 87 Coy. R.G.A.

Military Ground, at 2.30 p.m.

Refereo, Q. M, S. Barnfather, RE,

CRICKET.

H. K. C. C. v. United Services.

Club Ground,

To-day at 10 ani, and Monday at 10 a.m. Watson's C. C. u. Craigengower C. C.

To-day at 11 am.

TEAMS.

H. K. C. C.-W. C. D. Turner, T. E. Pearce, R. E. O. Bird, R. E. H. Olive, B. O. Hutchison, A. C. E. Elborough, H. D, Sharpiu, A. H. Young, A. A. Claxton, J. Hall, and W.

year's crop was put on the market. Actual charters took place only in connection with the Philippines business, a few fixtures being offec ted on the basis of 25,000 piculs at 25 cents, 35,000 piculs at 21 cents, and 40,00 pienls at 20 cents. Coal tonnage was practically not procurable, and several suitable vessels were taken upon time charter for special business. November opened with employment offering at low ratis, but many inquiries in different dire tions remained unfilled in consequence of tonnage to suit requirements. There was a weakness in Noble, R.N.; Lient. Pelly, R.N.; Flag. Northern freights, but fixtures for coal looked Lieut. Mullineux, R.N.; Captain Mayhew, more promising. There was an improvement in

35,000 balas. Under ordinary circumstances the beginning of April, but quotations remained sales and prices would have shown a considerable almost unchanged on account of the good pros increase but for the sharp rise in silver during pests of the first erop. A slight movement in May and June, which not only curtalled the American market towards the end of this business but shooked the upward tendency of month was of but short duration. Prises, which the market. In July the rising tendonsy in had strengthered somewhat conjointly with a exchange gave place to a weaker tone, and rise in exoliange, were, in vier of the poor simultaneous rumours of a short cotton crop quality of the stock on hand, found too high by Americs encouraged dealers to reappear in the buyers. Quotations recoded a little in May market in great force. Buying was now re- and again transactions became more lively. sumed with more or less vigour throughout Rumours of a probable record crop in Japan and July and the greater part of August, when oloowhere suddenly made buyers cautious, and exchange showed signs of an advance and a prices weakened about 830 to 240 per pical. In temporary depression was caused in the market, Jrime the high prices which were paid in Japan -lasting throughout September. On the whole, and Europe for escoons caused buyers to give however, the third quarter came to a close with more attention to Canton silk, and the market a satisfactory experience, the gain in values was particularly active during the second half amounting in some instances to 35 per bale, over of this month, rates advancing by $3 to $40. 40,000 bales changing haude, while prospects A good run of business was maintained in July, ahead appeared mesuraging. October set, in due chiefy to a keen demand for corso sizes with a strong general enquiry consequent on from Europe. Important contracts were book

Labuan Ceal-Only one remol with about the violent fnctuations in the American cotton, ed for delivery during the following meaths,

3,000 tons arrived during the year and the coal and about 22,000 bales changed hands, prices Stocks being much reduced, spinners were

dons not find ready buyers. showing a further advance of $1 to $3 per tale; insited by the fair prospects of business to buy

Sebalik Coal-Three steamers with about Business during the last two mouths has up cocoons in the country in spite of their

6,400 tons reached this port and the coal found dwindled to a minimum, owing to almost dearness A revival of the demand from

ready buyers. These were naad for trials and probibitory prices now ruling, and the year.

America had been predicted long previously for tow, dus no doubt to the steady rate of exchange. the reports given soum favourable. closes almost lifeless with a meagre stook of August or September. However, time passed Notwithstanding the general depression in other

Dairon Coal-Some 17,250 tons arrived 14,000 bilar to be carried forward. In the away and expectations prored gee vowumption has increased by ten to fiftending tim sound of the year and most of beginning of the year beat No.-10 were sold at Transactions for this country have since per sont and if conditions improve it in expected, mine went for Canton. $109 and No. 28 at $130. They are now quoted been only spasmodio and of little import that 1910 will show a better record. The in

Bundries. Four stemmers with 4,700 tons at $125 and 6145, respectively, exchango en inco.

obtained This fact and also the record produc?orease in consumption în certainly due to the Taurage cost reached here on their way to India fluctuating between Re, 128 and Ration in Japan haze dominated the silk trade at efforts of the importers in placing their oil on Canton, about 8,600 tons of Haiphong coal 133 throughout the greater part of the year. large, including our market. Holders in Japan male at far distant interior poials and in in- als passed through for Canton, and some 8,200 Although sales during the year show no im have always remained free mollers, even at teresting merobantis to carry stocks.

also renched here from Kebao, Jalk-of which provement over those of the previous twelve decreasing rates, whilst at Canton spinners,

wint for Canton and half boda North.

TONNAGE,

Silver Quicksilvor Nailrec's Lead Bpelter

23 2 Copper

66 10

0 62..30 Tellow Metal... 0 63 0 0 k

KEROSENE OIL AND PETROLEUM. The market has been exceedingly steady in 1909 in comparison with past years and the fuctuations in prices have been comparatively

FLOUR

During the year very little Australian flour

Pulo Laut.-Fire steamors with about 18,000 tona arrived during the year and found ready Chinese buyera.

Manning,

United Services-Captain Beasley, Lieut.

the rates for December as far as the South.M.LI Rev. Maundrell, N. Captain is concerned, but the Northern market was in a Baird, Baffs, Lieut. Green, Buffs; Captain few months very discouraging unless something and Lient. Liepason, 13th Rajputs. state of stagnation with prospects for the next Garnett, R.G.A., Lion Bagnall, R.GA, unforeseen eccurred. Several boats have been chartered for March this year on account of an

Watson's:-James, Spittles, H. Rapp, Spurge, anticipated scarcity of tonnage. The year Bobins. Taylor, Suiter, Phillips, Williams, anticipated that freights, while slowly tending closos with signs of a better market, but is Ellis, Adams and Craik. upward, will drag alag

bain

unsettled way. There will probably be occa On Monday, 3rd January, a match will be aional sparts, when botter rates will be played on Craigengewer Ground between teams representing "Hongkong Boys" and "The LATEST STEAMER MOVEMENTS. Rest," commencing at 2 pm.

The C. & M. str. Bubi left Manila on the 31st ulk, at 5 p.m., and is dus here on or abent

LEAGUE CRICKET. the 3rd Inst

The str. Glenrarn left Singapors on the 30th

Police v. E.E.

months, the trade as a whole, so far as Hongkong oving to the high cost of the silk from the 5 has arrived in the market. Good prices inhe year just closed, like its two predecessors, ult., and is due here on or about the 6th instant

is concerned, has been remunerative. With 6th and 7th crops, have been reluctant to dispose cheap cotton, steadier silver, and incessans of their stock at figures meaning a heavy loss rise of prices throughout the greater part of the to them. Stagnation of business and the want year, more than covering prices have been, ob of money forced thorn, however, to reduor quota

Australia and the demand in England are now not a very active one for the freight. doubt responsible, with the result that American market in the East. As far as the South was flour at cheaper prices and lower freights has concerned, the situation might be termed displaced Australian here. There has, however, dead calm, while Northern busses gradually

The C.P.R. str. Monteagle left Vancouver for Hongkong via ususi ports of call on the 29th allimo p.m.

The CPE. str. Empress of China arrived

left again at 7 am, to-day for Kobe, where she

tained, and if invoice costs are any guide to tions in October and November, but this failed been a bamper orop in Australis, and it is hoped, became more and more dismal, with rates at Yokohama at 3 p.m. on the 31st ultimo, and results the profits are more or less considerable to bring back the demand. Although ecossump. and commensurate with the extent and value of tion of silk piece goods was reported satisfactory the Commonwealth tour will find its way into further receding. The rear opened with an is due to arrive at 7 a.m, to-morrow.

Happy Valley, 2 p.m.

SPORTS

Children's Sports at Kowloon to-day at 230. B. O.C. Sports and inauguration of Club House on Monday, 3 p.m.