1930-12-31 — Page 11

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TRADE REVIEW, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1930,

MOTOR TRADE DOES WELL

MOTOR TRANSPORT.

'BUSES DO VERY WELL

IN HONG KONG.

FUEL AND OIL.

CANDLES AND WAX.

REVIEW OF YEAR'S BUSINESS.

WHY AMERICAN CARS ARE FAVOURED.

One of the leading firms of motor dealers in the Colony," who are ngents for sovoral lines of American ears, inform us that in spite of the. One of the leading firms in the | unfavourable state of exchange, there was quite a big demand for Colony dealing with the above com- moditics kindly supplies the follow-these cars in 1930. Buyers from the ing report on the year's trade :—~

One of the biggest strides in the commercial motor trade in the Colony took the place when the 'bus services between Kennedy Town and Tai Hang, and Post Office and

Liquid Fuel:-The liquid fuel Happy Valky were inaugurated. These, of course, proved to be very trade in Hong Kong and up-ain successful and the Companies re-try has shown a slight decrease, the sponsible are indeed to be congratu- reason being the unfavourable state One the other of the exchange. lated upon their enterprise.

The buses on the former route are hand, the trade in South China operated by the Hong Kong and itself has increased somewhat, the Shinghai Hotels, Ltd., while the Kwangtung and Kwangsi provinces Hong Kong Tramways are respon-sharing the larger portion of this sible for the buses on the latter increase, despite the periodien! route. It might be mentioned that spells of political unrest. they also run a bus service from Taikoo to the Post Office, and this too has proved a success.,

ין

Good for British Trade, The introduction of the bus sor-

"vices in Hong Kong has benefited

British trade, all the vehicles on the road being British makes with the exception of perhaps two Stude baker conches which are on the Hong Kong Hotel-Repulse Bay run, Taking the Kennedy Town-Tai Hang service Arst: The buses on this route are invariably crowded especially at rush hours (that is in the mornings, lunch time and even ings), as for the greater part of their route, they are the only public vehicles (not including, motor car or taxis of course), which link on end of the town with the other. Another great advantage is, that whereas the people in Tai Hang had to wait a considerable time for

interior made the majority of pur. chnaes, but locally the sales lave been very encouraging.

The eight cylinder cars are getting firm hold on the market, and the chief reason for their popularity is their economy in running expensee and upkeep. An eight-cylinder car would do as many as nineteen' miles to the gallon and it le claimed that most American makes are very light on their tyre wear.

Bensine (Motor Spirit :-During. While the eight-cylinder vehicles | the year, the consumption in Hong are being pushed forward both in Kong and Canton, which are the the local market and up-country dis- main centres of this trade in South tricts, their six-cylinder" brothers" China, remained very much.. the also come in for a good deal of amo as it was last year." There was business. The main reason for the about a total of 6,500,000 gallons of popularity of American cars is that gasoline of all grades (aviation, they are cheap (as compared with motor, etc.) imported into the most British makes), powerful, and Colony during the current year and have a very nice appearance. The the increasing number of motor-new low streamline bodies appeal buses; private and public ears greatly to the Chinese owner, and (including lorries) keep up are the Chinese are the biggest buyers gular demand for motor spirit

here. despite the fact that the prices have gone up considerably since last December.

One fact has been very much in evidence, and that is there is no Regarding the South China area, really light (small) American car despite the political disturbances, in the local market. Saloon or road development is progressing very favourably and in Canton coach cars are very much in demand this is going ahead very rapidly, now and it has been noticed during all on modern lines. While the the past twelve months that more Maene Shekki road is not yet fully completed, the Kee Kwan Motor owner-drivers go in for this type of 'Bus Company have already started cars. That is because they can be a service over most of this rout left in the parking stands with This road is very well constructed

makes comfortable riding. parcels, etc., in them, and as almost a through trám to town before the As regards Fukien, owing to poli-everyone of them may be locked buses were put into service, theretical disturbances, what at first pro- from the outside, it is most con- is now a regular schedule of 'buses mised to be very rapid strides in

road development have now been veniant, particularly to lady motor- leaving the terminus near Ah King's checked indefinitely. The same iste. when they go out shopping, or Slipway every five minutes. The might be said of the coast ports, Hotel Company have further ex-though here, some progress is made tended their Blake Pier-University service by running buses now vid Quech's Road West in addition to thoss covering the Garden Road

arca.

On Kowloon Side.

and

although very slowly,

visiting.

British "Baby" Cara. Lubricating Oil:-Sale of this

Regarding the British makes, the commodity is very much influenced by the fuel oil and motor mirit Baby Austin" is, perhaps, the trade, and like them, it has remain-most popular with the "Morris ed much the same as last year Minor" a close second. · This is despite the fact that exchange has because both of them are economical proved so unfavourable during the

Prices and yet thoroughly reliable. greater part of the year.

As there are no tram cara in Kowloon, the, chief means of trans have, naturally risen, but trade is initial outlay is not a great deal, port is by motor buses and during jogging steadily along, and our but the big saving lies with the the past year, much progress has informant says that there is every been made.

prospect of a brighter outlook running.

The Kai Tack Motor 'Bus Comduring the new year, providing the bigger cara can do only somewhere pany has a fleet of about 20 'buses

on the road. (they are all Dennis

exchange improves.

Paraffin Wax:-The chief demand

in the neighbourhood of 20-25 miles

for paraffin wax in Hong Kong to the gallon of petrol, one can The other and South China is for the manu-easily get ahout 40 miles from these

makes) and from reports they are

doing extremely well.

two companies have also had a facture of Joss candles. There is st" babies."!

The fall in the

MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE COLONY.

DETAILS OF CARS, CYCLES, AND LORRIES.

The following tables show the number of motor vehicles nctually licenced for use in Hong Kong, and Kowloon as {at November 30 (the latest figures available) :—

Private Cars........ Taxis and Public Cars ....... Commercial Vehicles Motor Cycles

PRIVATE VEHICLES,

Britisi

Alves "A.C. (Acedes)

Arrel Johnson..... Armstrong-Siddeley

Austin

Austin me Baylis Thomas Bean.

Calthorpe

Chyno Crossley Cubitt Galloway: Daimler a.W.K.

Hillman Humber

Jewctb..

Lagenda

Morris Cowley Morris Oxford

Reo

Roamer

1,083

274 432 437

American.

America la France

Bethelem

Brockway

Cadillio

2

Chevrolet

80.

Dodge

Federal

0

Ford

103

G.M.C.

25

Graham Bros.

Menominee

United

White

8

Fargo (ambulance)

3

Studebaker

Republic (privato 'buß)..... Overland

314

German.

Opel Stutz

Morris Minor

Rolls Royce Rover

Singer

Italian.

Standard ... Straker Squire Sunbeam Talbot .. .Triumph Trojan

16

Fiat

16

Vauxhall

Waverley Wolseley

Cadillac

• Cleveland

MOTOR CYCLES.

PIECE GOODS. TRADE DURING THE

YEAR.

CHEAP GRADES FIND READY BUYERS IN

HONG KONG.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS AND

FIGURES.

One of the largest importers of stocks kept during the last two piece goods in Hong Kong gave a sears have been very low. The pur- chase of woollens this season has Daily Press representativo some been more or less confined to lower very interesting views on the piece quality goods. 2 goods businces in Hong Kong. --Ho The cotton senson has been very also provided figures of the extent bad and difficult, and the demand.

for low grade stuff was such that's of business done between Hong certain importers felt they were not Kong and various countries. It in a position to handle such goods. will be seen from these figures that Price cuts by manufacturers have been considerable resulting in in-. Japanese picce goods, especially ferior goods being sent to Hong

cotton" piece" goods are far ahead | Kong. of all others, no less than €27,000,000 being spent here on Japaneso piece goods during the year 1930,

Denlors were not able on the whole to repeat orders for some of the higher quality goods that wars ordered in 1929. In many cases cer tain tradë marks could not be kept going.

The figures provided" also shows that the demand for Italian, French and German piece goods has grown.

Continental goods, it was found, wero quickly taken up by dealers, . The reason why the trade in Italian but British goods experienced a and Continental goods is on the curtain amount of delay. Bookings incrense, according to our inform- wero slow at the commencement of aut, is that the Chinese want the year but there has been some te purchase cheap goods owing to kind of a rush towards the end of the reduced buying power of the the sonson with, the result that country. They are not looking for several big orders were placed with nhend and consequently find that Italian manufacturers in order to inferior quality is no hindrance to obtain cheap qualities and rapid trade.

delivery. Some orders for goods to The ascendency of Japaneso piece arrive in Hong Kong between goods in China and in Hong Kong, January and February were placed which is so marked in 1030, is due, only this month. Brisk business for according to this businesa man, to next year is not anticipated as there the close proximity of Japan to the has been a distinct absence of book- Chinese market. The Japanese had ings for 1931, this being due to the the advantage of being able to drop in the value of the Hong Kong change their goods at short notice stocks are low there are no signs of dollar. For the moment, although

whereas a European firm wishing

to do the same would take at least any rush of orders and it is not aix months over the process. If a anticipated that: there will be may mark does not sell well in the improvement before: Chinese New

Year. market, it is quickly withdrawn and another more attractive or ne ceptable one is put in its place.

As regards the volume of business done in 1930 it would appear that some firms have actually done moro busines this year than in 1990, although this is not applicable to

As regards British piece goods, the most popular item in Hong Kong is the shadow striped poplin. So great is the demand that no fewer than 2,000 cases have been ordered during the year.

British,

540

A.J.S. Ariel

..103

4

American.

Ascot Pullin

1

Auburn Buick

Brough Superior

2

B.S.A...

04

D

Cotton

2

Chandler

Douglas

Chevrolet

58

Excelsior

Chrysler

42

Francis Barnett

10

Humber

4

De Soto

30-

Jamies

3

Matchless

Dodge

35

14

Erskine

73

New Hudson

3

Norton

Essex

57

10

Falcon Knight

P. & M.

1

Kadee

1

Fargo

2

Ford

Raleigh

The figure poplin line is now all dealers in piece goods. Certain-a-days practically conaned ly there have been more buyers at Japanese manufacturers who have woollón piece goods this year than wiped out all competitors. for the last two years, and this is same remarks apply to artificial attributable to the fact that the silk..

to

The

Graham Paige

B

Royal Enfiel

Hudson

13

Radgo

Hupmobile

11

Sunbeam

5

Triumph

78

PIECE GOODS IMPORTS FOR 1930.

Morgan (3 wheeler) ..............

2

315

British goods-Cotton

$6,000,000

Woollen

5,500,000

Italian goods Woollen

3,000,000

French and German-Woollen...

1,500,000

Japanese goods-Cotton

27,000,000

Goods due to arrive in Hong Kong by January

ar February, 1931

7,000,000

Jowett

Jortan

La Salle

Pontiac

Republic

*

The

Láncoln Locomobile .Marmon

Marguette

American.

0

Nash

Oakland Oldsmobile

10

Overland

30

Ace..... Henderson Harley Davidson Indian

Whereas some of the.

Packard

Paige

109

Pirren Arrow

Plymouth

COTTON YARN.

German.

Roosevelt

Rugby

-D.W.K.

Puch

H.M.W.

Star

LARGE BUSINESS IN FOR- WARD CARGOES.

Steven Knight

5

Studebaker

Belgian.

Willys, Knight

107

Gillet F.N.

2

Italian.

Fint

117

French.

Rood year and as Kowloon is over present fairly good demand in Some very nice models have been forging ahead, both in residential Canton, Amoy and Swatow districts quarters and shops the motor 'bus for wax which is used chiefly by seen on the road and the closed trade ought to continue to flourish. native manufacturers of foreign baby-types are getting to be ex

.But here we must add that the style candles. possibilities are that as from to exchange caused an increase in the tremely popular. While one did not morrow, the, companies, both in price but in spite of this the desco very many Chinese ladies at the en-wheel a few years ago, it is no un- Hong Kong and in the mainland, mand for wax has been

ernment's campaign against Jost

will find an increase in their "run.couraging. The Nationalist Gov-common sight now to see a Chinese ning expenses."

For the past worship (they have imposed heavy mother taking her little ones 'out twelve months, they have had their taxes on all artigles used in the for a spin in an "Austin 7" or gasoline; comparatively cheap, as manufacture of Joss candles and they were protected by a contract. But this contract expires to-day and Paper sacrifices) has not proved very successful. It would appear

increased. From one source, it is

in

minds of the masses that although

Morris Minor."

The Singer junior is also being as there is no likelihood of it being that religious observances which introduced to the local market, renewed, owing to the unfavourable state of oxchange, the companies have prevailed from the time and while maintaining the essential will find their expenses considerably morial have such a firm hold on the qualities of the "baby car," this learned that some of the companies they may not be allowed to worship partientor one is also very roomy, niny increase their fares. There has public, they will no doubt, con as it is slightly longer than the

tinue to do so in private, and it other two "infants." already been an increase the

will be a very long time before the fares of the Kowloon Companies measures adopted by the Govern The reason why the bigger types last July) to meet the taxes on ment against this form of worship of British cars are not so popular patrol and seating accommodation, A tax of $10 per annum was in will make themselves felt and cause as tho American makes is that most posed on such sent on every 'busa, decline in this trade. and as most of these vehicles have room for twenty-five to thirty pas sengers, this tax, of course, is rather a atrain on them.

buyers are reluctant to pay out a vory big sum. True, the British Regarding prices of native pro ducts used in the manufacture of cars are known to last much longer, Jose candles, these have been rather but na ons of the leading dealers. high. It is doubtful, however, a shop, only the following facts are informed us, when a buyer goes into whether any appreciable quantity considered by him was used with perhaps the exception of the high grade ceremonial candles (used either at weddings cr mourning) which may not give out vice, and these have proved very smoke but at the same time must popular indeed, owing to their bara steadily. smooth running, large size and

Other Means of Transport, Early in the year, a new feet of taxis (Chevrolet) were put on ser

general comfort. One thing very Paraffin Wax Candles:In sym-

1-A reasonably low initiat out- 15 lay,

2-A nice looking car, and 3.-Consumption of about 18-20

m.p.g.

Now this is where the American

much in their favour is that they pathy with the prices for parafie makes store over British cars. The climb very well-it appears to be wax, the prices of paraffin wax first thing that would strike a pros- no strain on them to go up most of candles have also gone up and pective buyer is the heavy price of although there is no distinct in British car (comparatively, of Hong Kong's hills.

crease on the quantity consumed course). Then in appearance, the A large number of public cars ply last year, the demand errtainly has British car is not always as nice for hire and in most cases their not gone down. This in no small as the American one, and lastly, charges aro fairly reasonable, though the tout nuisance is sure is due, to the troop move although the British car may not monta. in Chinese territory-troops be so heavy in gasoline consump still very much in evidence, especi scem to require large quantities of tion, the American one is invariably ally at nights when one can hardly candles. Another cause for the moro powerful, and these are the pass by their stands in Chater good demand may be the defective, points that chiefly influence the Road, Status Square and other electric light service. Importers of mind of the layman." places without being naked whether foreign manufactured candles still Taking everything into considera- want to Catchee motor cart", meet with consideration competition tion, the motor industry in 1930 you

30" the Tacar Despite the fact the the genera is fast ousting all other forms of candies. transport with the exception of types. are sold; under falso: trade trade outlook is far from bright in perhaps the tram-car. The latest mark, which are most misleading to the immediate future, however, our addition to the, commercial the poorer classes of Chiness people informer is very optimistic that 1831 vehicles is a motor hearse which who cannot distinguish between will bring with ita train very much was recently brought into use by genuine trade marks and infring, better business for motor dealera, both locally and in the up-country, ments. Mesare. Brown Jones & Co

Slutz Templar

Amilcar Citroen

·De Dion

: Peugoet

Renault Salmson Mathie

Sezairre Berwick

22

Hanomag Horch, Opel

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, LORRIES AND TRUCKS.

Guy

Trench. Monet Goyen 3 Favor

PUBLIC VEHICLES: TAXIS AND CARS.

SHANGHAI YARN PROVES

POPULAR.

During the year under review,

THE SILK BUSINESS,

PROSPEROUS YEAR FOR EXPORTERS.

TURNOVER REPORTED

SATISFACTORY,

The business in silk for the year

there has been brisk business in has been better than in 1020 and cotton yarns, but the consumption retailers locally report that owing. in South China has been mainly con- to the fact that silk was cheaper a fined to Shangai varn and a notice very good quantity was exported, able falling off in orders for Bombay principally to South and East Africa and to Americs. The low value of yarn was évident everywhere."

the Hong Kong dollar assisted ex- porters materially in developing a big business overseas.

The prin cipal lines exported were Pongee and Chefoo silks and Canton shawls, There was keen competitión dur- hai yarn a favourable countering the year which resulted in a Owing, to unsettled political condi

The mills in Shanghai are report. ed to have made a fairly good profit for the year and this is attributed, according to a local firm dealing in yarna, to the fact that dealers have made the forward buying of Shang-

tions some buyers bought forward slight price cut all round, but this heavily and the price of cotton yarn was more than made up for by the went quite high this year, due prin cipally to speculation,

A big business with Yunnan wis High-priced Indian silk, was diff put through during the latter part cult to sell, but the cheaper and of the year and this is believed to more showy Japanese silk found be due to the fact that importers

took in as much stock as possible ready market. Beauty in silk, irre in order to avoid the now taxation |spective of durability, is the demandi which will be put into force in of the moment. Price, of course, Yunnan in January.oynat med pr

In July and August owing to the

22 drop in price of forward cargoes,

must be cheap.

Linen and Grass Cloth. Japanese yarn, in which a fairly There was great demand for big business is done in Hong Kong, linen and grass dropped correspondingly, but this

cloth but owing to

was followed by heavy buying ac- the high exchange manufacturers in companied by a general improve Canton found it difficult to import ment in rates, Shanghai and

Japanese yarns were handled large. the linen piecegoods from Britain ly in Hong Kong, accounting for so that the finished product wo almost 95 per cent, of the trade. dificult to obtain in Hong Kong Bombay yarna were, therefore, very Merchants who export the finished much neglected...

The highest price of No. 10 Shang, linen and grass cloth were unable hai yarn (per balp of 40 pegs was to pay more for the cloth they had figure during the year, this quality the business in these lines was ex- could be obtained between $100/170,

No. 20 Shanghai ya wavered botremely restricted. As soon as ex tween 8105 as the lowest figurs per change improves slightly a big busi. bale of 40 pegs and $220 when the ness in linen zid, grans cloth is demand was at its highest,

anticipated.

British

Clyno Hillman

10

Minervs

Morris

Rugby

Singer

American.

British.

Albion

Austin (1 ambulance):

·Bean 4. Cubitt Dennis

Buick, Chandler,. Chevrolet Chrysler

30

Dodge

Erakine

3 A

Ееех

Hallford Merryweather (fire"

Jowett

Ford Hudson

Morris Standard Valean.. Rolls-Royce (fire engine Billing Stevens (fire

Nash ...

Oakland

·Oldsmobile

10

Packard

Pontine

Studebaker.

12

Willys Knight

115

249

Leyland. Thornycraft Trojan

*Overland:

big demand,