Directory_and_Chronicle_1938 — Page 757

HANKOW

A355

The

abroad and paying duty at Hankow, is recorded under interport statistics. Due in most part to the snuggling in the North during the first half of 1936, the value of sugar imported declined to $2.5 million, showing a decrease of about $700,000, or some 22 per cent, compared with the figures for 1935. value of withdrawals from bond of kerosene oil amounted to $6.4 million against $5.2 million in the previous year. Heavy mportations of the latter had taken place, however, at the close of 1935, and actual sales are reported good on account of the increased purchasing power of the district resulting from abundant crops Piece goods declined on account of stocks being carried over from the previous year and through the use of native varieties in place of the foreign articles. An increase of some 20 per cent was recorded under dyes and pigments. Markets were disturbed, with consequent price-cutting, as a result of the sinuggling in the North. Railway materials arrived in large quantities, although a considerable decline took place under railway sleepers on completion of the construction of the Canton-Hankow Railway. Metals and machinery had a successful year on account of the good demand from railways as well as from rural districts for farming purposes. Weather conditions were generally favourable at the beginning of the year under review for al! crops, especially the 1935-36 winter wheat crop, which was reported to hav been exceptionally good both in quality and quantity. Coastwise shipment- amounted to 615,634 quintals, which was almost double that of the previous year. The drought which set in during the autumn caused damage to the autumn rice crop, which amounted about 70 per cent of normal yield. No importation of rice from abroad took place during 1936. The price of this cereal increased during October as a result of the political situation, but declined as conditions became normal. Favourable climatic conditions over the area which Hankow draws its supplies, together with the peaceful condi- tions, and stabilised currency, reflected a general increase in export commo- dities. Recorded shipments of wood oil were valued at $36.2 million against $18.8 million in the preceding year. A good demand came from both America and Europe, but the market was disturbed at certain periods as a result of rumours of a more extensive nse of substitute oils in America and the possi- bility of a Government monopoly. Egg products enjoyed a successful year both in quantities exported and prices received: a good demand came from abroad, especially Great Britain. The season for pigs' bristles opened with high prices and a good volume of buying on foreign account, more especially in the case of white bristles, most of which went to Japan. The figures recorded show a slight increase over 1935 totals. Demand was also good for pigs' intestines, although spasmodic on account of import restrictions in force in certain countries. Figures recorded show a slight decrease in weight but an increase in value. The export of tea declined and will continue to do so unless steps are taken to improve the manufacture of Hankow teas. The 1930 crop of white sesamum seed was unusually large, but the yellow seed was below normal: the total amount shipped recorded a slight increase in weight but an increase in value. Goat skins enjoyed a good year, and prices regis- tered a large increase: direct exports abroad fell off, but considerable ship- ments were recorded under interport movements, resulting in a net increase in value of $1,200,000. Nutgalls declined considerably: prices have consistently decreased during the last four years. A good demand for buffalo and cow hides, especially from Germany, resulted in an increase in value of more than 100 per cent over the figures of 1935. Broad beans improved both in quantity and quality. Shipments of ramie showed a satisfactory increase in quantity and value. A decline W23 recorded under iron and zinc ore, wolfram ore (tungsten), and antimony. The total tonnage entering and clearing under General Regulations amounted to 8.1 million tons, an increase over the previous year of some 636,000 tons. River shipping increased by some 428,000 tons. Chinese ocean shipping retained third place, having risen from seventh place during 1935. Channels throughout the district were normal up to September, but, with the rapid fall in the river, changes occurred in the