Directory_and_Chronicle_1931 — Page 1003

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

HANGCHOW

TRADE IN 1929

927

Mr. H. W. Hilliard writes of Hangchow, that like most places in Chekiang pro- vince, it enjoyed another complete year of peace in 1929. Thanks to the efficient administration of the provincial government, order was well maintained and various projects were put into operation. But for a disastrous famine caused by drought, flood, gale, and locusts, the year would have been regarded with complete satisfaction. In the spring rain was very scarce, which seriously affected the tea crop. Wheat,. however, benefited by the dry weather, and a fairly good harvest was garnered, but, on account of protracted drought, launches plying between this port and Shanghai had to depart from their usual route, the shoals at Shihmen still proving a serious impedi- ment to navigation in spite of the efforts made by the Chekiang Conservancy Bureau. Rain fell incessantly in July and August, causing the Ch'ient ang River to overflow its banks. Young rice-plants were uprooted, and the loss of property and cattle was by no means small. The net value of foreign imports showed a small increase over the figures of the preceding year.

Raw cotton, which had ceased entirely to appear in the Hangchow Customs Returns, was imported in fair quantities for use in the cotton. mills. In the case of certain articles, such as cigarettes and coal, it has been found cheaper to ship under likin documents than through the Customs. Locally manu- factured matches were in fair demand, as evidenced by large importations of chlorate of potash. The demand from Russia for black tea showed signs of revival, but was soon checked by the Chinese Eastern Railway dispute. Green tea for subsequent transhipment abroad at Shanghai well maintained the previous year's figures, Rape seed, for which Kashing is the exporting centre, rose from 31,000 to 106,000 piculs owing to a favourable demand from Japan. Cotton mills worked full time, and freedom from labour troubles induced customers to place regular orders. Due to lack of demand from abroad, the skin trade proved dull. An exhibition of national pro- ducts, styled the West Lake Exhibition, was opened in Hangchow after elaborate preparations and was closed on the 10th October. The exhibition attracted large crowds of visitors and, by demonstrating the flourishing state of national products, was invaluable. Two more important roads were opened to traffic, one to Changhsing and the other to Mokanshan. The establishment of a long-distance telephone service con- necting Hangchow with many important cities in both Chekiang and Kiangsu is much appreciated by the public. Four disastrous fires occurred in the business part of the city, and some hundreds of buildings were razed to the ground.

The net value of the trade of the port (recorded by the Maritime Customs) in 1929 was Hk. Tls. 28,445,000, as compared with Hk. Tls. 26,189,297 in 1928, and Hk. Tls. 25,634,554 in 1927.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1931 — Page 1003

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