1919-06-05 — Page 2

Page

THE

ACOUSTIGRAND

by

CHICKERING

BROS.

The only vertical piano combining the true principles of the best horizontal Construction and Tone character of

Grands.

Specially built for this climate and guaranteed.

S. Moutrie & Co.,

Limited,

SOLE AGENTS.

Ready-to-wear

WHITE GABERNETTE

29-4

TROUSERS

*(Unshrinkable)

London made, perfect la cut and workman- ship, well fitting

$11.50 per pair.

EVERY REQUISITE FOR TENNIS WEAR

MACKINTOSH

& CO., LTD.."

Men's Wear Specialists

16. DES VEUX ROAD.

Telephone 29.

[48

The "EL PALACIO" CIGARS

of distinction

Well-known for their flavour and aroma.

THE EGYPTIAN FAVOURITES

Theodore Yafladls'.

A. 6. Cousis & Co.'s

CIGARETTES.

Sale Agents:

HONGKONG DAILY FRIES, THURSDAY, JUNE 5TH, 191A

FOREIGN TRADE OF CHINA. REPORT OF THE MARITIME CUSTOMS FOR 1918.

In his report on the Foreign Trade of Chica during 1918, Mr. J. F. Viesen, Statistical, Secretary of the Maritime Customs, says?——

VALUE OF THADE.

Notwithstanding the extraordinary and grievous' drawbacks under which nearly

And during the same period fancy piece goods, such as cotton prints, tur key red cottons,, black, coloured and igured cotton italians, venetians, last ags, and poplins have been imported in that following quantities: 1914, 8.701,034 1916, pieces; 1813, 1,380,14 piesas; 1917, 5,011,596 pieces; 1918 1,345.144 pieces.

3,484,913

pieces;

lead to a change, long contemplated and RELIBY WORK, IN SOUTHERN

CHINA. desired by many, namely, the removal. to Shanghai of the tea business hitherto

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO“ done at Hankow, Kiukiang, and Foo

CO'S BENEFICENT SCHEME, chew. The market for all kinds of China tea would then centre in one place, which would undoubtedly be of advantage to all concerned,

TONNAGE,

Fesselships for military purpothe.

of

It is not generally known that the Bri- tish-American Tobacco Company has beca doing a great deal of benevolent work. recently, in the Heungshan and Kong- moon districts..

Since April the Chinese of these two- owing to the destruction of their rice and mulberry crops by the floods, and the hardships which they have been under- going would make The ghastly tale. It is Do exaggeration to say that hundreds have died during the past three months from whoor starvation in the two districts to which we have referred.

There was a further heavy decline of The Lainese consumption of yard was, much smaller than in 1915, the deercase tonnage entered and cleared. The total being due to trade having been hampered for the year was 30,347.708 tuns or by political unrest and by the insecurity 5.653,313 tons less than in 1917, British all mercantile transactions had to labour, foi trinsit due to robber bands "especially tonnage suffered the most, with a decrease districts have been suffering from famine in Szechwan. which is the chief market of 3664,848 tons; Chinese came next,, with or varns. However, prospects for 1919 reduction of 40113, due to the loss to the frequent comman deering are bright, as the markets throughout the country are bare of stocks, and the rural then the Russian, with

633,871 tops; the

an population, having made large profits on French, with 364,608 tons; the Norwegian, with there crops for several years, are only with 216,890. tans: the Portuguese..

139,088 tons; the Dutch, with 136,682 tons: waiting an opportunity to purchasa in

and the Danish, with 35,393 tons. On the large quantities.

other hand Japanese tonnage increased by 701,796 tons; American. by 80,768 tons; and Italian, by 13,984 tons.

the value of the direct foreign trade of China for 1918 was the highest on record, the total bagg Hk. The 1,040,778,118, 40 increase of Hk. Tls. 29,395,709 over that for 1917. Though this result was due to the universal advanced in

The cotton-spinning industry in China prices and in spite of extensive shrinkage has had another prosperous year, and ad- in the quantities of merchandise handied, ditional mills will be erected as soon as the necessary machinery is available from it yet serves as striking evidence of the abroad; this, however, is hardly likely to vigour and elasticity of China's trade.be supplied for some years. Further, it serves as an earbest of the development that may be looked for with the return of peace and normal condi- tions the World over,

Der.

SILVER AND EXCHANGE.

is. 13-16d. in 1917.

RAVEN UZ. The total collection for 191s was Hk.

But if converted

The silver value of the cotton.goods im- ported fell from Hk Tls. 158,930,287 in 1912 to Hk. Tls. 151,380,423, yet that re presents an nereus in sterling of £3,098.271.

labour

EXPORTS."

TO:

cargo

When the pitiable state of these people was brought to the notice of the British- American Tobacco Co. no time was lost in devising measures for rélief, and large stocks of rice were at once purchased in Hongkong and despatched to the stricken

ател

}

ton weight or measurement, but freights across the Pacific were slack, owing to uncertainty as to United States Govern culty of obtaining import licences. ment Import Regulations and the diff

In March there was a rush on pear on

impart receipt of advice that would be refused after the 15th of the month.

After that date freights were raised to G.860 per

ton

for general cargo and the uncertainty owing to con- tinual changes being made in the Ameri- can Import Regulations caused stagna- tion in trade. In July this was accent- really eme so worked that baly the

FREIGHT. The dearth of steamers experienced in 1817 continued, and there was only one first

A reporter of the Daily Press, who had sailing of British vessels in the

The

a chat yesterday with Mr. S. Mayes, of month of the year;

situation became

the British-American Tobace Company, worse alter the British Government. re-

saw a photograph of the rice district at quistioned tonnage for special cargo on the 31st January, so that merchants were Sui-lam, in the Beungshan District. It is a striking, if somewhat nesroful, & memorable visit The Metalm--Metals rose from a value of unable to obtain space for Japanese souvenir of

lines was 1,200 per ton pet for general pinched, emaciated faces of the men, women and children tell a sad inls of Marseilles. Silver prices were high throughout the Ts. 25,137,741 to Hk. Tls. 37,637,111. of any description. The rate by

cargo and 1,000s. for cereals

the year and varied from 1d. to 40d. The

These rates were practically prohibitive, struggle for existence. Catton Goods-There was a set-back in

and demand rate of exchange for the Shang-

no relief was available even after the

are distributing 4,700 piculs of Armistice,

as the British Government rice in Sui-lam and 3,800 picals in Sun hai taal ranged from da. id. In January the export of locally manufactured cotton This was not due to В

continued to control shipping, while wi, said Mr. May, among p to 38 84d, in September, after which it piece guods.

continued Japanissa vessels were few and far beproximately 18,000 people... dropped away again to 38, itd. in Decem- diminished output from the mills but to

This must mean of tween. Freight rates to America at the

a great deal of The average exchange value of the the larger demand in China caused by

per

work,"

ventured the reporter anikwan tack was 56.3 2-16d., da again.t the smaller arrivals and high price beginning of the year were at G.S

foreign tabrics, as already noted under

We were greatly helped by the elders Imports.

Whether China can become

of the villages, who are very grate. ful for "the work we are doing. The a large exporter of cotton goods may be open to fis. 38,45,045, as compared with H. over hucation, but it does not seem

to predict, in view of the

elders have done a great deal for the people, and they cannot do more, because, Fla-38 18,429, in litt. of a devred into land in Chich, that the domestic pro

onto whatever to the Hunt Two Sears licences rents for

past duct must ultimately oust the foreign,

When I weat to Sui-lam for the frat Exports of cotton yarn were about equal

time, in connection with our scheme, the in quantity but of twice the value com

elders gave me a grandi reception and Pared with the previous year.

Haws Burton-The Chinese cotton crop

presented me with a gold medal, a of 1918 was excellent and probably the

souvenir. They are burvested. largest ever

The quantity

see our

exported us

3,7,7, showing an increase of 439,1 picuts and Hk. 119. 17,851,475 cargo offered to keep the rates up to as regards G.860 until September, when competition over the Lotam or 19172

Unice by outside steamers from Strong prices, they have ruted high.. As stated above the value of the direct tunately, the practice of watering still pelfed the Trans-Pacife Bureau foreign trade in 1818 was Kk. The continuas, but Chinese mill-owners have Long to lower rates to G.350. The issue 1,040,776,113, the highest on record and coine to realise the

also of improving the

resulted in cargo from Shanghai dwindl ing almost to vanishing point. After the quality, and growth of Chinese cotton. 1917. Reduced to sterling at the average Their Association pas undertaken to fin- igning of the Armistice there was a rates of exchange for the two years~-~

reduction to G.240, “but in spite which is further ance the work af improvement, 45.3 13-16d for 1917 and 35. 37-16d. fox to be carried out by the Professor of of this little cargo offered, the restric 1918 the figures work out to £218,573,277 griculture at Nanking University, with tions not having been withdrawn at the

end of the year. for 1917 and £275,100,977 for 1918, yield-

assistance

American expert. of an an The total export of both domes ing an increase in sterling of £38,527,700.

tic and -wild raw silk was 124,954 picals, valued at H Tis. 74,687,995, os com- pared with 125,830 picuis and Hk. Tls. 19,148,603 in 1917.

terms of gold at the average rate for the year of 5, 7-16d to the Haikwan tael, as against 4a, 3 13-16d in 1917, there wna gain pounting to £1,369,237. And se the principal part of the Customs revenue is absorbed in the service of loans and other gold payments abroad, the Chinese

Government was actually a large gainer rik. s. 2004, pleuts, vatued at uated by the rise in exchange, but enough

on the year's outturn when changed into gold,

FOREIGN TRADE. J

doing

their best to people beneft." What is your system i

The rice is stored by the elders at

Sui-lam and Sun-wai, and tickets, ench buted among those people who, by their perforated into ten sections, are distri appearance, are starving. Each of the

store for 3 cattles "of rice, so that each" ticket is

is worth 30 catties. "And the price?

HE Tha 28,325,700 above the total for the abuse and docemity of checking of entiteis new regulations in October perforated portions, is, exchanged at the..

IMPORTS.

L

TREASURE

The imports of treasure in 1918 were: silver, H. Tls. 36,124,000; gold, Hk. Tis. 1,228,000; and the exports were silver, H. T. 12,629,000 gold, Hk. Tls 2,282,000. While in 1917 the movement of bullion showed a net export of gold and

are giving the rice at what amounts to five cents of Hongkong money per cattie; that is, we are losing about 2 cents од

every cattie. The British American Tobacco Co. will be about $10,000 out of pocket on the scheme. such large quantities of rice

it at k

in

WDB,

When we purchased we got. reduced rate, owing to the which we were buying.

be for important event in the history of

besides, a great deal of tree labour put the silk trade was the formation of the

in by those people who International Committee for the Im-

was the case in 1918, when full provement. of Sericulture in China, which the raverse was the suit. The 12,136,000, we were doing. Our rappreciated what Was brought about mainly through the there was a net import of both metals-

long will it continue."" instrumentality of Mr. King Julia, a

Silver "I do not think it will be necessary prominent silk merchant, who has been aggregating Hk. Tis. 22,142,000.

contributed a net import of Hk. Tis.for us to distribute any more rice after for some years, on his own initiative,

the end of this month If nothing un-

How

tht Government to profit by the purchase engaged in improving the quality of Chi-23,000,000, of which Hk. Tis. 15,000, toward happens, the rice crop, which will

TARIFF REVISION,

now

One thin has just been'

gathered within the next three weeks, Even will be a very satisfactory one

conditions are improving slightly. the mulberry gathered.

I must mention, Tobacco Company had to expend about that is that the British-American 860,000 in order to lose the $10,000. The latter 5gure could have been borne by the united efforts of the elders of the two districts, but they could not have- obtained the 800,000 with which to meet. the original expenditure for rice." ·

Opium. After the importation of In dian opium had ceased, from the last April, 1917, the unsold stock of the im- ported drug remaining in bond amount ed to 1.200 cheata This the Chinese Government ultimately decided to pur chase with the intention of destroying is and thereby removing once for all the last vestige of a terribly banoful trade. Many proposals were brought and pressed upon or to utilise the opiam by presentation tese silk. He enlisted the assistance of came from America, but gold shipments to hospitals the world over and for other the foreign chambers of commerce and of left a net export of Hk. Tis. 1,000,000. charitable medicinal purposes. But Pre the Foreign Silk Association, the Chinese BX; orts of silver to India fell off, from sident Hau Shih-chang, representing the Chamber of Commerce having already tik. Tis. 29,683,000 in 1817 to Hk. Tls. supported him. Through the united 2,310,000. Almost all of the gold and best national sentiment and conviction as to the malevolent danger and temptation Is. 4,000 monthly, was granted by the ed went to Hongkong, and whatever re. eforts of these bodies a subsidy of H nearly three-fourths of the silver-export- prosented by the continued existence of

Chinese Government, the services of an mains there may virtually be regarded the drug, was firmly resolved upon its expert from Indo-China were engaged for purposes of trade as still remaining total destruction. And this measure was and schools established at six stations in in China. consummated in the early days of the eur Kiangsu and Chekiang That no further

Fost be realised

from rent year, when, under the most meticul time was to be may

An event during the year of impart. ous precautions against tampering, the the statement that upwards of 90 per whole of the remaining stock, which had cent of the cocoons at present used for ance to the Chinese Government and the cost the Chinese Government 24,000,000 breeding are more or less affected with mercantile community alike was the revi disease; that the worms are insufficiently sion of the Customs. Import Tariff. In tsels, was burnt in specially constructed led and are piled up in very narrow the autumn of 1917 the Treaty Powers rough hewn, sawn, and manufactured. incinerators. This, as an act intended solely for the moral and physical welfare rooms, the seeds never being selected; agreed to have the tariff revised and In some cases duty rates have been more of the nation to guard it against a de: and that a great number of them die from brought up to an effective 5 per cent.”j than,, doubled; in others they have been grading vice, was one of the most noble & still greater number of them proteing During the first days of January 1918 lowered, so it is hard to estimate has nem a commission, compared of Chinese and much China will gain by the revision and costly of its kind in history, compari

or faulty ing with the abolition of slavery by Consequently the weight in cocoous ield foreign delegates, assembled at Shanghai Probably the total increase of revenue a the British Government throughout it od by the breeders is very poor consider under the presidency of Mr. Tseng Shu- be derived from goods which paid specific colonies. During the year under reviewing the number of worms raised. At the chi to ravise the tariff. It was found, duties ander the 1902 tariff will be from there were imported at Dairen and Tsing stations already established by Mr. Ting however, that though all the Powers in- 30 to 33 per cent.; but under that, tariff tau 333 piculs of opium, valued at Hk Ju-lin excellent results have been obtain terested had agreed in principle to the about 20 per cent. of the goods imported Tls -520,000. This is an evil feature in ed., weight of only 3.60 piouls of raising of the tariff to an effective 5 per paid ad ratorem duties if these control, and it is welcome news that the raw silk, as compared with 5.50 to 8 to bow this principle was to be carried of duty will be derived from them, and in piculs from cocoons Taised in the ordin-out, or, in other words, ne to which years cases where ad valorem duties have been Japanese Government intends to put anary taphazard way."

wers to be taken as the standard for der changed into specific duties, there will be end to the harmful traffic.

This reform in silk culture has been termining the values of goods and the a loss of revenue, for the values of goods Cotton Goods-The trade in cotton

arged, for the past 30 years, and now that rates of duty to be paid on them. This in the years 1912-18-on which the new piece goods was conducted under adverse the initial difficulties in the way have question had been reserved for the deci- tariff ie basfd-ware lower than they conditions throughout the year. It is been overcome, there seems to be good sion of the Wai-chi Pu and the foreign now are. The net gain in import duties unnecessary to dwell on the shortage of hope that great strides will be made Ministers in Peking. The delegates in which China will make by the new tariff supplies caused by the continuance of the that China's silk industry may be placed Shanghai had no authority to discuss it may, therefore, be estimated at 26 per war, the disturbed state of China, and in a position to meet the puries. The Pending its decision in Peking the Tariff cent. In 1917 China collected 18 million the scarcity of money, for these condi- competition from other couik is fully Revision Commission turned its atten- taels in import duties. tions had already become established in superior quality of Chinese anisot tion to the drawing up of a provisional volume of trade she should gain abou

established and universally recognised; 1917. The rise in exchange naturally only remains to secure an increase of tariff, to be put into force immediately million taels a year by the revision of the assisted the piece goods trade; on the other hand, it checked the export of quantity by the adoption of scientific and to remain in force until the new ar

culture, The fact that Cantonese silk tariff came into operation. But it was Chinese produce needed to cover the cost merchants have made inquiries concern found impossible to reconcile conflicting Railway development all over China of imports. But the prime cost of goods ing the work of the Committee indicates views on the subject of the values on has been completely halted by the exhaus ia Europe, and America in some cases that steps will also be taken to improve which it should be based, and the intro- tion of the treasury, due mainly to the five times as great as before the war the southern

weak,

THE HONGKONG CIGAR STORE the trade of the two ports under Japanese cocoons is required to gield 1 picul of cont, no agreement had been reached as continue to pay, ad valorem, to se goods

Tel. 181.

CO. LTD..

THE

Hotel Mansions.

[697

CORONET

June 5th, 1919,

at 5.15 and 9.15 pm.

L'AST NIGHT

A

THE ROMANCE

OF

TARZAN

PRICES

5.15 p.m.-81 & 60 cts.. 9.15, p.m. 82 & $1,00

JJ

Booking at EOBINSON'S.

1125

the

Bilk

BD

BAILWAYE

CIVIL

WAR

On the same

"י

with the addition of enormous freights, Ten-The ten trade of China in 1818 duction of a provisional tariff fell excessive demands for expenditure grow is sufficient to account for, the decrease was the most calamitous on record to both through. In June the foreign Ministering out of the civil war. What is worse in consultation with the Wai-chiao Fu is that the existing lines are not main. in imports from Western countries, while) Chinese and European dealers. most of the Japanese lines also show losses experienced by teamen in 1917 and reached the decision that the values of tained in as efficient state, but have licen of production in Japan and shortage of banks resulted in low prices up-country, taken as a basis for the revised tariff and equipment and service that shipment at heavy decreases, due to the increased cost the very small advances made by: Chinese goods for the years 1912-16 should be allowed to deteriorste so scandalousl

and the low prices caused abort supplies

that the revised tariff should only remain cargo is subjected to intolerable delays, shipping. Chinese dealers in piece goods leaf of part of the first crop and in force till two years after the conclu- while the passenger trains on some of the proceeded very cautiously with their practically the whole of the later crops sion of the war. The basis of valuation main lines are in such a condition that a operations and, with the diminished buai was either left unpicked or used for Chi- having been settled, the Commission be journey in them has been aptly decribed nese handled, did very well, exchange acco consumption. The total crop for gan its discussions on the subject in July as a nightmare. having been in their favour; but the im export in 1918 was about 180,000 piculs, and ended its labours in December, when porters had to contend with the impons compared with 200,000 piculs in 1917 and the revised tariff was unanimously adopt- The year opened with the country bility of obtaining replacing prices for 330,000 piculs in 1018, but the supplies their goods Towards the end of the year were more than adequate to the demanded by the members of the Commission, divided into two hostile sections: South

the mili large business began with Siberis, 850,000 piculs remain unsold in March, subject to the approval of their respective against North. That is to say,

Governments. The classification of goods tary and political leaders were so divid- mostly in goods for summer, ps, such as prints and white shirtings During the beginnings of modern improved methods same as in the 1902 tariff. The most im totally unconcerned, save in so far es It is encouraging to learn of the early in the revised tariff is generally much the ed the vast body of the nation were past five years the imports of the prin- of er ue portant alidrations are the following: they were made direct anfferers by the cipal plain cottons, namely, grey - and

market

Among these are an experi-(1) the duty on cotton yarn varies with operations and.

internecine strife has Been and T-cloths, have been as follows:-

terribly costly in ing under the auspices of the Board of shirtings and sheetings with more than

property, and happiness, in detrimental resi 1936 1913, 1916 1017. 1918

the ingehow Tea Planta 110 threads to the square inch pay more to industry and trade, and in loading Pia Piace. Pleca, Pics, estate to adopt manufacture by machin to the inch, (3) iron and steel (excepting tive increment to the public debd. But

the country

with a a huge and unproduc Brilak 10,672, 20 7,981, 470 8,451 377 4,741 3ery and the Ching Model Tes. Estate tool steel) pay the same duty, (4) the China's recuperates tapacity is prover

71.6100, Limited, which also uses improved Other kinds 117,900 11113307 methode The greatly altered conditions classification of paper has been entirely bial. Given a fair chance under ver brought about by the war and by the changed, (5) timber has been divided into government, and the counter and nation Təbsi 19,355,-93 14,145,813 13,20/2,572 12,5'6,483 19,621,20clipas of Kussia may not improbably " (Continued as fist of next column) **** will again flouriali?

white shirtings, sheetings, drilli, jeans mental and testing farm in Anhwei work the count of the yarn, (2) heavy grey Barent forces imations of the belli

Pisces.

AmerÍCAR. L0300 Japanese 305 ATUTÁR KERK 1,068, 7007498

Agaumerich is the first Chinese duty than those with 110 threads or less)

human