664693-1887-Harbour-Master-s-Annual-Report-for-1886 — Page 2

732 SUPPLEMENT TO THE HONGKONG GOVT GAZETTE OF 2ND JULY, 1887.

Continent of Europe, the trade is about the same in British vessels, while there is an increase of 37 vessels and 63,515 tons in foreign ships. From Great Britain, there is an increase of 12 vessels and 19,189 tons in British vessels, and no difference in the arrivals of foreign vessels from that Country.

7. The following Table shows the number and class of vessels arrived in the Colony in 1885 and 1886-

Years.

Steamers.

Sailing Tons.

Tous.

Junks. Tons.

Vessels,

1885, 1886,

3,084 3,632,051 344 234,658 3,963 4,359,906 288 211,390

28,674 1,797,222 22,971 1,752,868

Increase,

879 727,855

Decrease,...

56

23,268

703 44,354

8. These returns do not give more information than the number of vessels and their Registered tonnage whether with

cargo or

in ballast, so that the actual trade with the Colony is unknown. 9. Whether it is advisable that an Import and Export Office, similar to the one at Singapore, should be established at this Port is a question that the Chamber of Commerce might be disposed to consider. Such an Office would require quarters to be built, and a staff of proper Officers to perform the duties. It is a question of expense and whether such a Department, if created, would be to the advantage of the Mercantile Community. It certainly would make known what we have hitherto been in ignorance of.

JUNKS.

10. The junk trade for the year, excluding that with villages in the locality, shows a decrease of 703 vessels and 44,354 tons. From the Coast of China and Formosa, it is 486 vessels and 12,355 tons, and from Macao 217 vessels and 31,999 tons. The trade in junks with Canton suffered some- what in July of last year, consequent on the additional taxation of imports and exports; but the trade is gradually resuming its former condition. The trade with Macao also dropped at the same time, consequent on the Chinese Government exacting taxes on cargoes to that place in junks, and the trade has improved but very little since, nothing but rice and coals being now conveyed in junks from Hongkong to that Settlement. This taxation has led to increased steam communication between Hongkong, Canton and Macao.

EMIGRATION.

11. There is an increase of 7,005 emigrants to various places during the year, the Straits Settlements showing an increase of 11,136, while there is a decrease of 3,854 Chinese to San Francisco. 2,690 Chinese left for various places in the. Australian Colonies showing an increase of 343 on the previous year.

REGISTRY OF SHIPPING.

12. Nine vessels were registered during the year, and eight Certificates of Registry were cancelled.

MARINE MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

13. Fifty-eight Cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court during the year.

EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POSTS OF MASTERS, MATES AND ENGINEERS UNDER SECTION 15 OF ORDINANCE 8 OF 1879.

14. The following Table will show the number of Candidates who passed, and who failed in obtaining Certificates of Competency:-

Masters, First Mates, Only Mates,

Second Mates,

GRADE.

PASSED.

FAILED.

5

67-6

17

རེ་

13

6

24

First Class Engineers,

11

Second Class Engineers,

20

4

31