1929-12-31 — Page 2

NEW YEAR HAMPERS

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1929.

We beg to notify Customers that Assorted Hampers suitable for the Festive Season may be obtained from us at the following Reduced Rates -

No. 1 HAMPER—$42,

1 Qt. Moet & Chandon Dry Imperial, 1 Qt. Superb Tawny Port..

1 Pt. Blackberry Brandy. 1 Pt. D.O.M.

Champagne 2 Qta. St. Julien Claret.

1 Qt. Martell's XXX Brandy, 2 Qts. King George IV Gold Label

or Perfection Whisky.

1 Qt. Old Brown Sherry, Black Beal

1 Qt. Puritan Old Tom or Dry Gin. 1 Qt. Burgundy, Burgoyna's.

1. Phial Pomeranzen Bitters.

No. 2 HAMPER-$38.

Qt. Guillemart Champagne. P. D.O.M.

1 Qt. Burgoyne's Burgundy.

1 Qt. Martell's XXX Brandy.

2 Q. King George IV Gold Label

+

2 Qta Tawny Dry Part. B.Qta. St. Julien Claret.

1 Qt. Puritan Old Tom or Dry Grin

1 Qt. Vino de Pasto Sherry.

1 Phial Pomeranten Bitters.]

or Ferfection Whisky.!

No. 3

HAMPER-$33.

1 Qt. Burgoyne's Burgundy.

1 Pt. Peppermint G.F.

1 Pt. D.O.M.

2 Qts. Superior Rich Old Fort.

2 Qta. King George IV Gold Label

or Perfection Whisky.

1 Qt. Engrand's XXX Brandy.

1 Qt. Amontillado Sherry.

1 Qt. Puritan Old Tom or Dry Gin. 2 Qts. Medos Claret,

1 Phial Pomeranzen Bitters.

Other Hampers made up to suit Customer's requirements.

GANDE, PRICE & CO., LTD.

TEL C. No. 135.

Bon! as the

French say,

Bon!

h

Bon!

Bon!

"CHICHIBU MARU”

"TATSUTA MARU"

Three Mighty

"ASAMA MARU"

Vessels

Those Giant Companions Set the Pacific Standard

Maiden Voyages Spring 1933

"CHKHIBU MARU

Kobe April 1, Yokohama April 4

"TATSUTA MARU

Hongkong April 14, Shanghai April 18 15 22. Yokohama

Following the famous "Asame Maru" on the popular route to America ris Honolulu

N.Y.K. THE SILK EXPRESS

RADIO

Hong Kong

SETS & ACCESSORIES

OF

LATEST PRODUCTIONS

INSPECTION CORDIALLY INVITED

THE WING ON CO.,

LTD.

THANK GOODNESS

LAR INSORED

This might be your house!. "Insure your residence against Fire

with

THE GENERAL ACCIDENT FIRE AND LIFE ASSURANCE CORP., LTD. For information apply.

AGENTS I

J. H. BACKHOUSE, LTD.

TEL. No. 1783.

14, OHATER ROAD,

|

HONG KONG TRADE

IN 1929.

COTTON GOODS..

It may not be generally known that there are several factories in Hong Kong manufacturing cotton singlets and socks.

One manufacturer who had statis tics before him stated that the singlets and socks manufactured locally are of such good quality, and can be sold at such a low price, that they are cutting out all foreign competition in these lines.

During the year, according to this merchant, several million dol- lars' worth of business must have been done, as there is a great demand for socks from Java and the Philippines, with the Straits running close as one of the heaviest buyers. The labouring classes in these places. find Hong Kong socke very cheap and, being machine- made, well finished. In these terri tories, previous to the appearance · of the Hong Kong socks, imported cotton "goods have been expensive, and beyond the means of many of the labouring class.

The durability of these cocks is a great point in their favour. Recently India has come into the market, and towards the close of the year further substantial orders have been received.

SILK GOODS.

SILK SHAWLS-Dealere generally report a good year's business in ready-made silk goods, and the fear which was entertained some time back that the export of shawls would be very much diminished. due to the appearance in some of the principal consuming centres of the popular Haori coats, manufac- tured in Japan, was happily not well-founded. In comparison with shawls, the Haori coats are cheaper in price and better in appearance, but in spite of these advantages statistics kept by those in the purchasing centres show that the shawl' has not been put out of the market; in fact, the demand is now

La great RS ever, consequently local exporters of chawls report n'] good year.

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It is interesting to add that the Canton embroidery which "appears on these silk shawls is considered the best in the world, and cannot he copied by other manufacturers. This is the chief export in ready- made silk from Canton.

FOR THE NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES

SEE THAT

GJOHAMPAGNE HEIDSIEOK & CO'S

DRY MONOPOLE

CHAMPAGNE

IS ORDERED

GIVE

YOUR

GUESTS THE

BEST.

Agents:

W. R. LOXLEY & CO.

Tel. 2533.

TRADE STATISTICS.

SOME INTERESTING FIGURES.

As no official statistics are com- piled regarding imports and ex- ports into and from Hong Kong, it is not possible to get accurate in- farmation relating to the Colony's foreign trade during 1929. The following figures, however, are be- lieved to be approximately correct, and give an idea of the chief im port lines and countries of origin:

Japan Britain

Coarse Blankets.

$600,000

Italy

Britain

Blankets.

Knitting 'Wool.

Britain

$350,000

$600,000

Bedspreads.

Japan

Fait Hats,

Japan

Italian

Britain

America

82,300,000

$300,000 $150,000 $00,000 $50,000

Enamel Ware.

America

Germany

Sweden

350,000 70,000 30,000 $100,000 $300,000

Toilet Goods.

France

America

· Britain äen

$900,000 $50,000 $40,000

Hardware.

Germany Britain

América France

$500,000 $900,000 $300,000 $100,000

Builders' Hardware,

Britain

America

Germany

Belgium

$5,000,000 .82,000,000 $500,000 $600,000

Window Glass.

Belgium

$250,000

Plate Glass.

$100,000 $100,000 $150,000

Britain Germany Belgium

PERFUMERY AND TOILET REQUISITES.

SANDALWOOD.

VERY LEAN YEAR FOR DEALERS.

HUGE STOCKS ON HAND.

ELECTRICAL GOODS AND

FITTINGS..

FIRE-CRACKERS.

EXPORTS UP BUT PRICES DOWN.

The Chinese are growing daily more electrically-minded" Dar ing the past few years an increas

So long as the "Glorious Fourth" ingly large business has been done locally by the agents of the larger is celebrated in the United States, Dealers in sandalwood are faced European and American combines and the New Year in Java during with a very dificult problem, as at in Hong Kong, and the fact that April, there will be a brisk busi- the close of the year they find the China Light and Power Co. is ness in the export of fire-crackers. themselves left with huge stocks on planning an intensive scheme of Exports to Java and the United their hands, with prices going down development in connection with the States during 1999 show an appre- due to absence of demand and to linking-up by cable of the villages ciable increase over the preceding keen competition for what little in the New Territories indicates year, although values have not in business that is offering.

that asturation point is by no creased in proportion to turnover. Most of the This was in a large part due to Throughout the first six months means in sight yet.

was slack, appliances and fittings. imported severe competition, which forced of the year business there being very little demand. A into the Colony are for domestic both manufacturers and exporters slight improvement, was noticed by use, although those few factories in to lower their prices almost to the the end of June and during July, which heavy machinery requires to lovel of cost. However, due to de- but the fighting in North China be driven favour electric power for cline in exchange and freight at a time when the bulk of the business and along the banks of the Yang reasons of economy.

was already booked, merchants taze about this time put a stop to

have been rewarded to some extent. The fact that sales were much

Apart from radio sets and parts, all business with this district. This no serious competition is experi- OY French was very bad for sandalwood deal. enced from German ers

as the Yangtsze porte are the sources by British and American greater in quantity is clear evidence largest consumers of sandalwood. Clearances locally fell off consider ably, and very little improvement

firms who, of course, domthate the market, the biggest Anglo-American combines being quick to seize every

in the trade has been noticed since. opportunity of advertising their

From the dealer's point of view, goods among the Chiness. the year has not only been unpro- fitable, but a loss has had to be met by some firms, as the falling off in demand has led to serious reactions in Hankow and Shanghai, several firms being compelled to close down. As these firms usually

obtain their supplies from Hong Kong dealers on credit, it can be seen how severely the Colony's

sandalwood trade has been hit.

During the past year many huge blocks of Chinese flate, both old and new, have been wired and electric light fittings installed. As far as can be gathered, it would appear that the usual types and makes of 32-50.c.p. lamps are equally

popular bere.

Japanese electric-fans seem to enjoy a popular male both in Euro- pean and Chinese circles, the keen ly competitive prices making an especial appeal to the Chinese.

Refrigerators.

SHANGHAI SILK.-This line is ex- ported in great quantity from Shanghai, but some of this business comes through Hong Kong, and emall quantities are exported from this port. Shanghai milk, it is understood, is much in demand and is a strong rival to Japanese silk,.

Owing to the uncertain political which is very much favoured in

situation in China it is difficult to Europe and America. The Shang-

make any forecast as to the pros- hai silk, according to dealers, costs

peets of this trade for next year. The old-fashined ice-boxes are more, and has not the finish of Japanese silk, but is in demand

Dealers, in view of the heavy stock fast disappearing, and electric re- because of its durability, buyers being impressed by its lasting

Keen competition has been and in the Colony and the possible fall frigerators are claiming public at qualities.

ia being experienced between in price in consequence, are only tention. Indeed, the representative CANTON CREPE SILK-The world British, American, and German buying just what is necessary for of ons well-known electrical firm

manufacturers of perfumes, denti- the time being. This "hand-to demand for this class of silk istrices, and toilet requisites gen- mouth" policy is doing the business stated recently that the sale of slackening, and although it was rails. Intensive advertising dur. no good, and it would seem that domestic refrigerators during the once very much in evidence, during ing the past year has seen the ower prices must come in before summer of 1929 represented aver the last two years business in this market well stocked with German local stocks can be cleared. line has been gradually diminishing,

one-half of the firm's total busi- West Australian sandalwood was, For this year a very lean turnover perfumes, while American shaving- is recorded, the chief consumer" boomed to a remarkable extent. soaps and soap substitutes have

quoted at 323 toward the end ofness, quite a number of orders hay being the United States.

Local dealers, however, regard this the year and South Australian ating been received from outports.

about $21. The prices for these at In addition to domestic re- SILE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG-as being a mere temporary craze, Hong Kong's consumption of silk the sale of such preparations being the beginning of the year were frigerating appliances, contracts is high, and shopkeepers have done strictly limited to European resi- about $25 and 823 respectively,

a roaring trade, but in view of very dents. Complaint is made that the keen competition, and the number British manufacturers do not make

ness is handled here. Once again

the

PAPER UMBRELLAS:

•

enap-

of gradual improvement in this trade, and those who like to look forward as to the prospects for future years believe there is every indication of a continuation of ac- tive business in this promising article.

PRESERVED GINGER.

Hong Kong is one of the main diatributing centres in Chins for preserved ginger, the annual busi- aces of the Colony in this line. easily exceeding half-a-million dol lar. Large quantities of the plant are grown in the New Territories, but by far the major portion of the total prepared and preserved in the Colony is imported from the coun- try districts around Canton.

The year 1928 started off poorly in this particular line. For one thing, the political situation in the South was growing more tense, and trade was naturally adversely affected.

Again, the end of the preceding year saw & glut of Chinese ginger in the American and European markets, and a consequent alump in prices followed. With heavy stocks left on their hands, some. firms abroad who and placed large-

orders with local concerns, in order

have been carried out in connection to ease their threatened losses, with the installation of electric re- found fault with deliveries and frigerating plant during 1920 in two complained of deterioration and large hotels, and it is believed that consignments were not up to there will be scope for further busi- usual standards. nesa in this direction in the near future.

ous one..

CURIOS.

af shops increasing almost daily, sufficient use of advertising, the margin of profit is very small. The annual turnover in

Gradually, however, the situation Shanghai silk.finds a ready market Colony of perfumery and toilet re-

in the foreign and China marketu here, and Japanese silk also inquisitca amounts to nearly half-a-

Exporters of paper umbrelins re-

became easier, and new orders much in demand, particularly one million dollars and formed no incon-

began to come in. Business reach variety which is sold among the siderable percentage of the Colony's port a very good year, as the de-

éd normal figures about the middle Chinese under the name of In-trade. Of this, practically 70 per mand for these comes from every

of the year, and has continued to dian" sile, but which in fact hae cent. is conducted with British firms, part of the world, and practically

improve. nothing to do with India.

25 per cent, with American, and the all supplies available are

ped" up.

In comparison with prices pre- remainder with Japanese concerns.

- Contrary to expectations, the CHEFOO PONGEZ SILK.-In com: Local druggists state that, while and good designs find a ready mar have come down in value, but good drought did not seriously affect the

These umbrellas are attractive,vailing a few years ago, curios parison with former years, Hong British goods (LFO undoubtedly Kong's export of Chefoo pongee superior in quality, the advertising kot everywhere. While no authen shops-s well as those solely in-

business is reported and local quantity or the quality of the year's crop. The farmers, "how- has grown. The Colony competer campaigns conducted by German tie figures are available, it is be

ever, in the hopes that à pour crop with Shanghai in the export of manufacturers places British good lieved the business done during terested in export trade have and scarcity of the root might ponges silk, but traders are of the at a disadvantage in the Chinese 1020 must have been double that generally found the year a proper possibly ace consequent soaring opinion that the bulk of this busi- market, BS effective advertising of former years.

There is a great demand, it ap- A natural increase in price follow in prices, conserved their stocks. One objection to the paper um- exporters have to contend with generally makes an irresistable ap keen. Japanese 'competition, as the/ Feal to the Chinese mind. There brella in some European countries pears, for cloisonne ware, glass ed, $22 per cad being demanded.

is an increasingly large demand

In the smell, which is inseparable ware, silk lampshades done in by the farmer. large output of Fuji ei in one among the Chinese for cod-liver oil from the peculiar quality of the oriental fashion, lacquer and ivory "Fortunately, however, the major- reason why the sale of pongee silk and malt extracta, Chinese medical polish and varnish used. Attempts wares, cheap bone carvings, and ity of the bigger preservers in

not increasing in consuming practitioners being more prone of by manufacturers to produce silk jade trinkets.

Hong Kong had sufficient stocks in late to prescribe these preparations shades, fowered and shaped like The export of these articles to hand to enable them to checkmate CHINESE EXBROIDERY The dein tubercular cases. So far, almost paper dimbrellas, have resulted in Europe and America is sufficient to this move. mand for old embroidery seems to the entire control of the market for a very good response from purches provide quite a few firms with all In a very short time, the prices have fallen of unaccountably this this commodity is held by British ing contres, but the price is twice their business.

charged by the farmers for the raw that of the ordinary paper um- Local dealers report a very sur- | root dropped until, at the end of year, and very little business is interests. reported. This is difficult to under- According to statements made by brellas, although there is no change cessful year on the sales point the year, the standard price was stand, as traders and dealers in some of the leading Hong Kong whatever in the frames. The new of view, and although margins in approximately $18.70 per cask of this lino cannot trace any competi-stores, the perfumery trade has method, however, does away with some cases have been cut down to high grade root, t tion, but nevertheless business is shown an increase of at least 10 the small, and it will be interesting a minimum to come to busines, not brink, and old embroidery seems per cent, over that of the preceding to watch the demand for paper yet the large turnover is encerrng to be losing its appeal to possible year and this upward movement it and gilk umbrella during the ing, as it is considered to be the

likely to continue.

coming year.

largest on record since 1925.

is centres.

It is satisfactory to note that the demand abroad for preserved gin ger from Hong Kong shows a slight tendency to increase,