Directory_and_Chronicle_1932 — Page 575

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

CHEFOO

519

guidance of the local military authorities. The evasion of the higher Customs duties, inaugurated on the 1st February, by the importation of large stocks intended for Chefoo and its hinterland via Weihaiwei, then a free port, was the main contributory cause, of a decline of foreign imports and, with the rendition of that port and the establishment there of a Maritime Customs office on the 9th October, trade began to revert to its normal channels. There is an ever-increasing trend for cotton piece goods manufactured in China to gain place over their foreign competitors, the most remarkable increases being in shirtings and sheetings and in cotton yarn. Vermicelli continues to grow in popularity, and each year there is a larger demand from abroad. A somewhat belated demand from abroad for groundnuts in shell could not be supplied in full owing to stocks being already requisitioned for the local oil mills, but, nevertheless, exports show a healthy increase. Drawn-thread work increased remarkably from Hk. Tls. 369,445 in 1929 to Hk. Tls. 689,337, and this trade would very quickly assume still larger dimensions were it not for the slipshod and careless methods of the workers. Hair-nets continued to regain their popularity. The slump in silver greatly assisted the pongee market, 50- yard and 30-yard silks were in good demand, but the failure of the makers to improve quality and to turn out goods as required by the foreign markets re- tarded business. White mulberry silks were all that could be desired in quality, in colour, and even in wearing, but, with the purchase cost of cocoons, the sell- ing price proved too high for makers to compete with similar goods woven in competitive countries. Refined salt increased remarkably, due to the abroga- tion of the Yangtze restrictions and non-competition of the northern refineries on account of the political situation. The utility of the Mole Wharf, opened to traffic in August 1926, is evident in the yearly increase in the number of ships berthing at the wharf, and an increase of 68 per cent. is shown in the tonnage of coasting vessels using it. It is hoped that the plans to provide increased berthing facilities will eventually be realised, and thereby offer further induce ment to steamers to use the Mole Wharf. The equipment, etc., of the Inter- national Committee, which has done such good work during the last 21 years in civic improvements in what is known as Section I of the city, was handed over in November, under pressure from the authorities, to the chief of police, who was instructed to take over the work of roads, sanitation, etc. No pro- posals have yet been advanced as to how funds, which have hitherto been raised by voluntary subscription, will be obtained for this most important work, but it is hoped that some scheme will soon be evolved. The Kung-an Chü con- tinued its good work in the remainder of the city, and Chefoo is rapidly becoming a good clean town.

The net value of the trade of the port for 1930 was Hk. Tls. 30,882,320, as compared with Hk. Tls. 28,765,001 in 1929, Hk. Tls. 28,340,872 in 1928, Hk. Tls. 31,086,194 in 1927, and Hk. Tls. 34,335,785 in 1926.

Chefoo is two days' journey from Shanghai, and communication is maintained by the Indo-China Steam Navigation Co., the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Co., the China Navigation Co. and the Dairen Kishen Kaisha. Chefoo is an important port of call for large numbers of regular line and tramp steamers, being in the line of communication between Indian, South China, Japanese, Korean and Manchurian ports and the ports in the north. During the season from March to December as many as 20 to 30 steamers per day often enter and clear the port.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1932 — Page 575

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