1913-01-01 — Page 3

Page

KOWLOON DOCK BALL.

The annual ball given by the staff of the Hongkong and Whampoa Deck Com pany took place last night at the Kowloon Dock, and proved one of the most enjoy ahlo social events of the season. The ball

CANTON,

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1sr. 1913,

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

· CANTON, December 30th.

The Police Commissioner's intention

OPIUM.

is

TRADE BEVIEW: 1912,

Below we give a retrospect of the trade of the year 1911 the date of which have been gathered from authoritative cources.

EXCHANGE.

same way when it became known that India was in the market the price of

and in that case it will be interesting to see how the matter is received both by the opium merabants in Canton and the Bri-silver went up. tish merchants in India.

A NEW RAILWAY.

These pilferages are also long bristles, etc., and are causing ship- extended to other valuable goods, auch as waste silk, human hair, silks, extra pers serious loss and annoyance,

The total exports, during the year amount to approximately 75,000 cases of whole cassia and 80,000 bales of broken

MATTING.

about the same as for the corresponding | get hold of the gang of thieves, but the period in 1911. Dyed and coloured cot- Keneral opinion is that the pilferage takes tons are 10 per cent. less than 1911, and The attention of the Hongkong Chamber place in the cargo boste in Hongkong. imports of printed cottons are down by of Commerce has been drawn to this state. 25 per cent. compared with 1911. Native of affairs and strong measures should be taken by the Hongkong authorities to put dealers report that the year has been a stop to it. is especially popular with Scota, who like to altogether prevent the importation, distinct rise owing to the projected ing proved unsaleable except at heavy Exchange during the year showed a generally unprofitable, many goods hav to "bring in" the New Year with cou-selling and smoking of opium in every borrowings of China, bumper harvests in sacrifice. The trade in woollens has been siderable rejoicing, and the occasion gives shape and form after to-morrow opportunity for friends to meet and to causing a lot of thiscussion and indigna by the Indian Government to replenish long coats of worsted diagonals are now India, and the forced buying of silver fair. Those Chinese who formerly wore exchange the greetings of the season. As tion among opium dealers. They contend usual, the staff show their hospitality by that it is not within the power of the Pro. their reserve. Exchange fluctuated dur- sporting-European clothes, and with the caseia. · inviting as many friends as they can acvincial Government to enforce this and ing the year in sympathy with the

Trade in this commodity has been fairly commodate, and last night's gathering that treaties entered into by China are by progress of the loan negotiations, falling exception of a certain amount of rubbish

satisfactory, Whereas, exports of mat- was as large as any that has ever as such measures being broken. At present when the deadlock took place over the ordered by some dealers at the height of sembled in the "loft" to engage in the it looks as if the Government here is Six-Power Loan, and rising again when the European clothing boom, good are ting to the U.S.A. have decreased u

approximately amounted to only 200,000 pleasure of dancing. The occasion determined to enforce this prohibition, the Crep loan was negotiated. In the going into consumption fairly well,

Sundries-Under this heading excellent Europe has increased and

rolls, the export of mats and matting to amounts to Prices have -run business and enquiry was enjoyed during about 100,000 rolls. the first half of the year, but since that with little or no profit. Delays in ship- rather low, and have left manufacturers time the miscellaneous trade has been ping the contracts were of frequent oceur- extremely dull. The demand for Euro-rence owing to monetary and labour troubles in the producing districts. The pean articles of clothing caused in many straw crop having yielded more coarse casse excessive speculation, and dealers than fins straw, the latter is rather scarce. are still suffering from the effects of this. in consequence of which the superior Hats and caps were in good demand, but qualities, f. 116 wps, turn out coarse and can hardly stand comparison with the general trade in Lama braid, soap, these of previous years. Also long straw dyes, Birmingham and German wares, is scarce owing to increased demand for etc., etc., went on much as usual. Leather matting carpets of larger sizes. business has been good all through the year, and the imperts have greatly increased on account of the demand for The European style boots and shoes. Japanese are cutting more and more into the sundries trade and many of their productions are very creditable indeed, price considered. A feature of this trade is the apparent success of the big depart mental stores here and in Canton. These are rapidly increasing in number, and they constitute a useful medium, in that they create & demand for European articles and luxuries which the Chinese have hitherto not understood the use of

partakes of the nature of an “At Home," as the friends are entertained by the dock staff in the midst of their labours, and doubtless it was this sentiment which in fluenced the majority to decide against the proposal to hold the ball in the City Hall. One of the delights of the Dock Ball is that it involves for many an ex- cursion over the waters of the barbour, and the beauties of the sail through a phosphorescent pathway are a fitting pre- lude to the joys of Terpsichore.

It is stated that a movement is at pre- sent afoot to construct a railway called the Wai Chin line from Pok Lo in the Wai Chow prefecture to Yau Ping in the Chiu Chow prefecture, a distance of about 275 miles. Chan Kwing Ming's name is mentioned in connection with the scheme, and it is understood that he is organising the matter. If this line is built it will not only be very convenient, for com- munication will be a great help toward rooting out robbers, etc., from the pro- vince, ak it will enable soldiers to be moved about quickly, while the possibility of its being connected with the Kowloon and the Yuct Hon Railways is also talked about. 825,000,000 of capital is wanted, and it is proposed to sane 8 shares. The whole matter has been put before the Pro- vincial Governor and will be submitted to the Board of Communications in Peking.. More of this matter will very likely be heard within the next few days.

The following tables may he useful to many readers for purposes of reference:

Exchange for 1912

Highest. Lowest.

1/11

Jana July Angust September Octoter November December

January February March April May

201

1/11

2/.

2/ 0

1/10 1/11 1714 1/11

2/03

1/1

20&

21.01

1/114 21.0+

2/1

3/4

Br Silver for 1912,

Highest

January

26

Lowest 251

February

276

263

March

27.

April

28

281

261 2611 274

28 fr

28

27t

201

27-1

29-

201

299

29

***

29年 293

2812 28)

May

June

Ju'y August Septembr October November December

METALS.

The past year has been a period of con- stantly advancing prices, brought about partly through labour troubles and ad- vanced transport rates, but also through a genuine demand for consumption, which filled the order books of the works many months ahead. Local operators felt for some time reluctant to fill their require. ments at rates which were considerably higher than what they were accustomed to while the more important dealers realized pay in former years, but after a little. the trend of events in the producing centres and a very important business prices allowed the buyers to reap the full took place. The steadily advancing benefit of their vontures and, generally speaking, the more enterprising dealers and importers have every reason to be satisfied with the business transacted.

Nominal quotations for the more in- portant articles compare as follows:

31/18/11. 31/12/12

9. d.

Beautiful as the hallroom usually is, it looked cren better last night. The scheme of decoration revealed no little ertistic taste, and the manner in which it was carried out was highly creditable. One side was banked with greenery, above which rose arches of evergreens, similar archos being placed on the opposite side of the hall.` Curtains draped over the windows imparted an aspect of comfort to the interior, while bands of red, white and blue cloth at the top of the ball gave a fine dach of colour to the scheme. The brilliant effect was considerably enhanced by the myriads of vari-coloured electric bulbs, which shone from the masses of greenery at the sides of the hall and from the festoons stretching across the ceiling. The place of honour was given to the representation of the Dock flag, which was picked out with vari-coloured lights, and to the dates "1868" and "1812," which indicated the age of this great enterprise to a great extent towards Shameen, but in prices, kept dragging on until the ing, the Chinese put up their rates, owing Copper The band was embowered amid palms on after a time it was got under control and a platform near the entrance, and the confined to the building in which it broke latter part of June, when a brisk demand to an improved demand after a long Fin dances were indicated by electric illu-out. This entire building was, however, set in from the interior. Finding them- period of quietness, and March became Yellow metal.

one of the most active months of the year. elves without any stocks in band to cope Stocks declining rapidly and the Chinese compelled to enter the market in a body, being desirous to realise, low rates were doubtedly due to the severe competition

minations. Much credit for the em-

PIRE IN THE BAL EWAN.

A fire broke out on Saturday about mid-day in a shop in Sap Sam Po in the Western Suburbs of the City. There was a good North wind blowing, and it looked

INDIAN YARN.

SILK,

The trade for the year may be said to

During the first two months of the year have been a fair average one, as compared under review business remained restricted with recent years. The year commenced and prices declined, whilst exchange rose Silver with a dullish market, and a hand-to-gradually until the T.T. rate on February Quicksilver at one time as if the fire would spread mouth business, with occasional sagging 13th reached 2/-. Upon exchange declin- Nailroda

completely destroyed. The cause of the

bellishment of the hall should be accorded fire is not knowİL Mr. D. Keith, who made himself respon- sible for this work, and Mr. F. C. Coleman, who introduced the lovely elce- tric light effects, is also deserving of praise for the outcome of his efforts,

The supper was served in the recreation room, where a large horse-shoe tablo was the outstanding feature of the arrange inents. The other arrangements for the comfort and entertainment of the guests was all that could be désired:

SHAMKEN.

In the Tennis Singles Championship Mr. G. Kitching plays the winner of the match between Mr. H. F. Baker and Mr. B. Comrie in the final; while in the Hong Cup the winners of the tie between Butterfield & Swire and the Electric Light Co. play the winners of T. E. Griffith and Deacon & Co.

LEAGUË CRICKET.

with the demand, the Chinese dealers were

as a result of which prices rose rapidly and continued advancing throughout, July and well on into the second half of August. It was during this period that the high water mark of the year was reached, prices having then advanced 810 per bale, as compared with the low values prevailing just before the rush, while the business effected in these two months was fully one-third, if not more, of the entire business of the whole year. The total business for the year is estimated at B180,000 bales,

The service of launches was most ade- qaste and by nine o'clock dancing was in

The following have beer selected to play full swing. The floor was in good condi- tion, and the excellent music supplied by for the Hongkong Cricket Club the band of the K.O.Y.L.L. added to the League team against the Hongkong Cric pleasure of the evening. Messrs. D. ket Club "A" team on Saturday next, Keith and K, R. Macaskill acted as the 4th January, play to commence at M.C.'s, and proved most assiduous in the 2 p.m. on the Club ground: R. Hancook discharge of the duties of the position (Capt.) A A Claxton, S. H. Dodwell, The programme, which consisted of 21 E. A. dances, embraced a good selection of Scottish dances, and it hardly needs to be said that they were gone through with great zest.

ments

Fowler, H. Hancock, Rev. Hastings, A, O. Lang, M. M. Maas, §. 6. Moore, J. W. S. Jelfie, and R. P.

Thursfield.

THE BACON CURING INDUSTRY.

showing that the advance above referred Appended is a comparison of values, to has since been lost:

31st Dec., 1911. 31st Dec., 1912, No. 20 8140/150

8138/148 No-10T25/132 120/130

On the whole, the year may be said to have been more profitable to the foreign importers than to the dealers. So far as the local industry under this head is con- cerned, a feature of the year has been the keen interest which of late is being shown by the Chiness dealers in the product of

the local will, which bugurs well for the future of this Company.

PIECE GOODS, SUNDRIES, ETC.

Lead

3.

251

25/-43

В ཤྭ་༥

BR

€ 15 0

7 13 0

18 17 8

10 15

.63 1 3

76 2

10

205 0 0

HEROSINE

ུམ་ནས

Prices in South China have been low in comparison with previous years, 11-

INTIMATIONS.

DIXON'S

DOUBLE

DIAMOND

PORT.

It is as

"Try it for yourself. delightful to the taste as it is beneficial to health."

SOLE AGENTS:

H. RUTTONJEE

& SON,

Wine and Spirit Merchants.

Chs. J. Gaupp & Co.,

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS,

CHATER ROAD.

CHRONOMETER-MAKERS,

WATCHMAKERS.

JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS

FINE

DIAMOND

JEWELLERY

accepted, especially for 11/13 deniers, between the two importing companies, which were obtainable at about the same and also to an extent to the high exchange price as 13/15 deniers. The prospects of prevailing, During the last three months there has, however, heen a small advance, an advance in exchange induced some which can be accounted for vande Chinese speculatore early in April to sell enormous increase in freight rates in the new season's silk at about 825 below the United States, which are now about 70 rates obtainable for silk of sixth crop, per cent, higher than a year ago, with- date for which has been unanimously the same as during 1911, but about 20 and since the beginning of the season, the Prospects of still further advances in freights. The consumption of oil is about adopted as the 1st May, first cost prices per cent. less than 1910, which was the have remained fairly steady with but largest year. Notwithstanding the re- small fluctuations. Owing to the conduced buying power of the natives conse quent upon the unsettled conditions in tinual rise in rates of exchange, the many

the interior, the first six months of 1912 attempts of the Chinese to obtain higher compared very favourably with a similar tion from May to September in long have not been up to expectations, and this ENGLISH, AMERICAN rates, have been in vain. The consumap period of 1911, but the last six months reels for Europe was quite good, but the undoubtedly due to the stringency of the money market in the interior, and the troubles in the Balkans hampered the re-difficulty of transportation by means of gular demand. The uneasiness and un-native junks on account of piracy, etc. GOLD. certainty prevailing in America owing to The forcing of unredeemable paper money the Presidential Elections interfered with upon dealers in the Canton territory has seriously affected the kerosine trade. Short reels Should conditions improve it is anti- ENGLISH MOUNTED CHINESE JADE business to a great extent. for America were neglected from April cipated the year 1913 will show till September, but encouraged by the improvement of 25/40 per cent over 1912.

JEWELLERY. demand setting in in October, the filature owners deckled to spin short reels for the United States in the hope that the market

would improve after the Election. Their hopes have, however, not been realised, as stocks have increased during the last four months and prices have fallen consider ably during the last few weeks of the

CASSIA

FLOUR.

sn

A SPECIALITT.

AND · SWISS.

GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES.

SILVER BRACELET

WATCHES.

kong for the year 1912 have been the The imports of American flour to Hong- largest on record, amounting, to 6,694,654 MAPPIN & WEBB'S

OF

SILVERWARE,

OUTLERY and

PRINCES PLATE.

Just before midnight an adjournment was made for supper, which was served by the Station Hotel. Mr. R. M. Dyer,

bags valued roughly at $12 million dollars the general manager, presided, and was Mr. Loudon M. Douglas, F.RS.E., Of Sutherland Edinburgh, Scotland, Technical Advisor

Hongkong currency. supported by Mr. R.

The imports from and Mr. S. H. Dodwell, and others in-on Bacon Curing, the Meat Industry, and

Australia amounted to 28,400 bags valued These totals give a grand terested in shipping and engineering on the Bacon Curing Industry writes:--

Modern Dairy Practice, in a memorandum Picte Goods-The year just drawing

at 261,000. The toast of "The King" having been

to a close may be regarded in most

aggregate of 5,722,954 bags, the total Three years ago 1 issued a memorandum

valuation of which is estimated at given from the chair, Mr. Richardson indicating the then unfortunate condition respects as an "average" one.. There year. Present stocks amount to 6,000 $12,063,000. A comparison with previous proposed the "Hongkong and Whampoa of the Bacon Curing Industry of the have been one or two failures only bales. The exports during 1012 amount years shows that in 1903 5,517,884 bags Dock Company," to which Mr. Dyer United Kingdom, and it was shown that amongst the native dealers in Hongkong, to 29,200 bales for Europe and 13,400 bales were imported, but from that year the

a great opportunity existed for the responded and proposed the toast of "The development of Swine Husbandry and and & few in Canton. Dealers report for America, as against 27,830 bales for quantities varied and were much lower Guests," which was acknowledged by Mr. Bacon Curing in this country. The warn that since the revolution they have con- Europe and 14,800 bales for America dur- until in 1911, when a record was establish- ed, the figures reaching 5,628,314 bags, Bradwell. Mr. G. T. Lloyd pro-ing then issued was not appreciated by tinually experienced the greatest difficul- ing the preceding year.

this record being eclipsed by the 1912 posed the toast of "The Ladies," and Mr. the agriculturists of Great Britain, butty in collecting amounts due to them by

imports by 196,640 bags. Compared with This commodity during the period 1010 the incress during 1012 is, of course, D. Keith made an appropriate reply to take advantage of the situation. As a

many foreign countries at once proccoded their up-country and coast port

under review has been handled more than much greater, being represented by was marked by the switching of 1912 into since then sprang up in different coun- European importers have been in any Chinese dealers as well as foreign firms, 81.90 per bag to 82.25, and heavy losses During supper the passing of the old year consequence, now bacon factories have customers, and consequently payments to ever on a speculative basis on the part of 500,000 bags. The prices in Hongkong have fluctuated during the year from 1913, the occasion being marked with tries in Europe, notably in Russia, and casca considerably delayed. At the there has also been a very great develop-

and trade on the wholy apparently has to the importers have been the rule all applause and the exchange of the comment in bacon curing in China and the moment we understand there is a much been anything but a profitable one. Athrough the year. Early in 1912, with OUR pliments of the season Dancing con- Far East all with a view to supplying larger amount owing in this respect than number of more or lass reliable now the prospects of larger requirements on tinued until beyond two o'clock. The the British markets. But, notwithstand in previous years. In Canton this state dealere have entered the field and inter-dealers bought heavily and many specula STUDY

the settlement of the troubles in China, committes responsible for the arrangeing the increase in the sources of supply of affairs is particularly accentuated. Chinese gambling has been going on on a tors came into the market, but several

were--Mesars. D. A. Purvis the shortage still continues and there in (chairman), W. Stewart thon."secretary) till the, same necessity for British Business in the early part of the year was large scale, Prices were fairly well main- of them were overtaken by disaster as agriculturists to organise bacon curing considerably bolstered up by the war tained during the earlier part of the year, they were unable to take delivery of the J. Sunith (hon. treasurer), W. G. Browell, establishments throughout the United requirements of the Canton Military but dropped down in May, June and July large lots which had been contracted for. D. Keith, W. M. Johnston, K. R.Kingdom. The available figures are

This compelled importers to carry during Macaskill, W. J, Rattey, and H, H. Scott, indeed very alarming, In comparing the Authorities, but the immediate consc and by October and November reached an

the long hot summer excessive stocks THE EYE two periods from January to November, quence was a good deal of undue almost unprecedented low level. This which have only lately been moved out of 1011, and from January to November, speculation in sloths suitable for military heavy decline-selected Cassia in cases godowa at an average of at least 20 per 1012, the pig products imported into the purposes, for which demand is now very dropped from 818 to $14 and selected cent below cost Imports during the last United Kingdom were as follows:--

few months have again been quite large, poor. Clearances have been fair during the broken Cassia in bales from 818 to $10.50 and the godowns are now well filled, but Period from 1/1/13 Period from 2/1/11

year especially in view of the disturbed per pieul-is no doubt due to a great ex- the demand is not particularly brisk. to 0/11/12.

to 11/11/11.

state of the country generally, but there tent to inter-Chinese speculation and Some record cargoes have arrived in the is still a goodly amount of uncleared partly also to monetary difficulties of year under review and have taxed the capacity of the port to handle them. stock in the godowns. Grey Goods have some dealers here and of the holders in Indeed, it is doubtful if any port in the these columns have been fully justified, which is a steady decline. We find been an erratic market. During the the interior, large stocks having been world could have surpassed the achieve and we have no hesitation in saying that also that in the United States, with its greater part of the year there has been & held up by them. The quality leaves stillment of Hongkong in doing so. the show put up by the Court Cards is 50,000,000 pigs, there is a great shortage very good demand for the better qualities much to be desired, and the quills so they handle the cargo that arrived on the s.5. clean, clever, and witty. There are but as against last year, in what is called the of 10 lb. Grey Shirtings, but on the other coloured and badly or not at all scraped lighters, and from lighters to godowns in Minnesota amounting to over 500,000 baga arrive from the country are dark of four in one bottom, to discharge into seven artistes, but their brilliant in- Western Packing Area, which includes dividual attainments stoply compensate Chicago. The shortage over the year as hand the business in 8b grey shirtinge The standard of selected broken Cassin 7 days, only working day time, is a compared with the similar period a year has been sadly neglected. Drills sold well has also been lowered considerably. A performance of which Hongkong may ago amounts to 1,810,000 pigs. Repeated encores testified to the appre- That there is a future for Swing Hus- during the early part of the year. White disappointing feature of this year's busi justly be proud, especially when it is remembered that it took fourteen days to ciation of the audience, and during the bandry and Bacon Curing in the United shirtings have been dealt in much as usual, ness has been the very heavy and frequent load the cargo into the same ship at next three nights humper houses should Kingdom cannot be denied, as we pay to but we should imagine in reduced quanti-thefts of cassia buds and also of selected Seattle. The crops in North Chinn overseas nations £25,000,000 or thereby ties. The latest agures from Home show cassia, committed either on board the are reported this year to be fav gladden the hearts of the management.

every year for pig products, a large pro- that the 1913 imports into Hongkong up to river steamers or during transit in Hong ourable, so that they are not likely A complete change of programmo is portion of which could quite well be

to call on us at this end for much announced for each evening.

produced in this country.

end of October of greys and whites are Į kong. It has so far been impossible to

(Continued on page 8.)-

THE COURT CARDS.

A good house greeted the initial per- formance of this talented Company at the Theatre Royal last night. The preli minary notices which have appeared in

for their numerical deficiency.

Cwts. 4,059,084 802,728

194,226

Charts.

4,219,945 848,822 206,921

To

and its anatomy and our long experience in correcting defective vision enable us to tell beyond doubt if your eyes will be benefited by wearing glasses.

Our method of testing is scientific and courate. If you do not need glasses we will tell you so. If you do need glasser. we can supply and fit them at extremely moderate prices.

MAKE CERTAIN. WE WILL TELL YOU.

CLARK & CO.

SCIENTIFIC

BLOGS.

OPTICIANS

CHATER

RD

HONGKONG