1891-07-15 — Page 6

L

THE HONGKONG ELECTRIC

COMPANY.

The second ordinary general meeting of shareholders: In this company was held at noon on the 11th fast. Mr. H. L. Dalrymple presided, and there wers present Means. J. Keswick, C.S. Sharpe, C. A. Ozarlo, J. F. C. da Rosa, R. Lyall, F. W. Cross, G. Fenwick, A. G. Stokes, W. Jacioon, Capt. Hamlin, S. 1. Danby, Mr. Wickham (manager), and the Secretary,

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1891.

in mid-

exported

advanced rates, $70 on Tratices and $50 on Filatures; but la November exchange again rose, and the year closed with irregular and slowly declining prices. *From May to the close of the only 265 pleuls ofre reels,were, sent to America, #galpst 9,800 piculs duing the same period in 1989; and the markets there and in Europe have been in a | disturbed state. The total foreign export was 17 534 piculs, a decrease of 1,849 plicula. Of Taatlers 1,200 bales and of Fliatures 3,000 bales were carried over, against stocks of 1,000 bales and go bales respectively at the beginning of the

As to ten, of Congea 2,500,000 lb, were sent,

There are no stocks.

to traffic within the next decade-opens new The Malay Feninızla (Pabang) Concession vistas of commercial routes of both the Atlantic Company has as yet produced nothing of any and the Pacific. No Asiatic country will pro-Importance at Sellasing, but good stone is now bably be more benefited by this new avente ready to be crushed, and it is hoped that next for maritime enterprise and expansion than year satisfactory results may be obtained. The Japan; nor should be overlooked, in this Meraban river, about half a mile distant from foreshadowing of widespread progress and development, over, the vast area of the Pacific, the old working, is the spot at which the stone referred to was discovered, and this locality, Including the opportunities afforded by the would appear at present to be the most promis namerous rich island groups in mid-ocean, the ing portion of the property of this Company,

Mr. Lewis Tames Fraser, of Tras, deserves commercial promise and simulating effects that will spring from the possibly not distant opening the Bighest credit for the manner in which he of the Siberian railway, now in process of con- has developed the tin mining resources of that struction by the Government of Rusele.

district. Ho has at present a considerable num-year. Bearing this picture in mind, a glance at a casual observer the great importance and inestim- plateau discovered by him, which is estimated against 3.320,000 lb. in 1889. First shipments chart of the Pacific will indicate to the most ber of Malays employed in working tin on a

as being at an elevation of 4.770 feet above the were made by the steamer sailing on the 29th able vaine of the Hawaiian Islands as a strategic level of the sea, probably one of the highest March. Prices were lower, the tens thin, though point and commercial centre. Situated North Pacific the group looks out on every hand working tin mines in the world. Mr. Fraser has showing fair quality. Buying was slow till considerable quantity of tin during October, when four crops, the supply being towards grand opportunities of trade, political the year, the one being both worked and amelted limited, were booked at.comparatively fall prices. #ggrandizement, and polyglot latercourse. Not to connect the great bases of commerce and in the usual native fashion. political power within the Pacific-by means of a telegraphic cable, with such a marked point of observation and opportunity, would be folly indeed for the coming statesmen as well as for the rising men of high commercial aims and great enterprises.

To doubt that such consummation will be ultimately reached, is to discredit the hitherto commercial courage, tireless purpose, and bust ness prescience of the Anglo-Saxon race, for starry ensign of the Great Repablic, or the pro hably Independent banner of Australia, the destinies of the Pacific lla, in good measure, In the hollow of the bands of the great kindred Feoples who, aside from the admirable quarter occupied by Japan, are limpregnably planted on the most commanding positions and resourceful countries of its vast shores, already giving a common language to the formulas of its com merce, and asserting dominant control of its political thought and action.

Exchange was a very important feature of the season, the sudden rise in silver in consequence of legislation in America, causing an advance in

rates of about to per cent, which, with occasional fluctantiors, was maintained throughout the first crop season, and later on was still further Increased.

in the fourth quarter to over 99,000 tons, owing, was over known befors, and could only be said wat beavy losses, and prices generally collapsed chiefly, to the rice steamers.

Over 5,000 foreign passengers were carried by as soon as the Russian orders were fairly well the Hongkong river steamers. The number of filled. Chinese, 1,703,197, was in excess of any of the 10 years. After the advent of the Xiangkwas (29th March) fares were lowered from St to $950 for frst class and from 50 cents to 10 cents for second class. The quarterly average mounted from about 200,000 to 300,000; but gradually decreased. The traffic with Macao and the coast ports, chiefly Shanghai, basi bof The second crop was small, the extremely low changed much in the course of year, ou Re prices pald for common first crops deterring TREASURK-IN Cur records for the last steamen 1' and many of those who had made years the imports from Hongkong have exceeded money on their early sales of fine tens being the exports Tis. 5,000,000. Much of that arrive, satisfied were disinclined to run further risk, ing is revenue remitted from other Rwanglong High prices were paid by some Russian buyers ports. Some of the exports to the coast ports for the better Ningebows although their quality were of coln from the Canton Mint Copper was bad, but for the Hankow district fens there cash and small sliver from the mint are circulat was little demand, and prices were low. Arrivals ing freely, and the demand is greater than the of Hankow second crop teas were only a little supply. the media makme more than one-third of what they were in 1889.

OPIUM-(a.) Foreign-The quantity fím | The third crop was also very small, that of ported was 11,872 picula-455 picais less than Hankow teas being lear than half of the ylald in 1889. The average Canton market values of 1889 while that from the Kinklang districts picul, as shown in our returns, was 15, 146 in showed a very great decrease. The quality of 1890 and 712. 475 in 1889 In Hongkong, at the latter was poor, but the Hankow teas, though the begining of the year, Paton was quoted at disappointing, as a whole were preferable to last

Very little was bought for Russia. $500 to 8517.50 per chest at the end, at 101800 %. 3481.50; Benares, $515 and $470 per chest! There were no re-exports of foreign origin to Malwa, 8520 and 8500 per chest. Stocks foreign countries during 1890,

Coast Trade. The total value of exports to in Hongkong rose from 7,843 piquisto

decrease of Tis declining prices forced down, and stocks still

in leaf accumulating. The cause Asiigned by those 17.843,095 in 1889, 8,

2016 tea70,196 plculs accounted for Tis. 1,026,2181 Interested is the increasing competition of native 1,435.481 Of this the decrease

and although the brick tea to Shanghai and oplum

(3.) Native-Yet, when careful inquiries are Tientsin, for Rustis overland, was only 400 picula the decrease in value was sumed, the largest estimates are only some 1,600 TIs. 300,374. But against this may be noted made as to the quantity of native oplan con less in quantity, plculs for the whole province. Probably the an increase in tablet and log tea of 4,520 picule, valued at Hk. Ti 52,390. The decrease in the amount is greater than in known, or stated, as seven kinds are said to be in use, under the value of brick tes is said to have been caused.

The Chairman said-Gentlemen, with your permission we will take as read the report and accounts to 30th April last, which have been in report attached gives you a clear statement of your possession some little time. Your engineer the progress in the erection of the company's works and machinery, and I think considering the shest time the company has been to

1st December last active work-since that the accounts may be considered mtis. factory, and I hope in the current twelve months we may see our operations extended both a to public and private lighting. the The additional land acquired from Government at the upset price to the eastward of our original lot has been partially utilised for the constraction of a water tank, and on another portion of it it has been decided to erect The site is a good one and we have deemed it in the quarters for the European staff. Interests of the company to have the working staff on the premises. There will still be space to whether under the imperial flag of England, the expired on the 27th April' last, a further exten- | ing steady at the advanced rates to the end of the 8.957: plcuis. -- Apparently the trade is slow), | Chinese ports: was Tia. 16,406,614, against Tis admit of considerable extension of the com- pany's works, should this at a future dite be found necessary, In any case we con sidered it advisable to secure this adjacent land, With regard to the accounts, I would mention that since they were made up we have received payment of $4,000 on account of the unpaid calls outstanding on April soth last, which will leave about $3,600 still to come in. Before moving the adoption of the report and accounts. I shall be pleased to answer any question y

you may desire

The Projom and Sungel Dua Samantan Com- pany, Limited, has done conscientious work on the Punjab concession, with, I regret to report, but poor results. On the Suogel Dus conces slon considerable tin mining operations were commenced, but have since been abandoned, owing to the great mortality among the coolles. Prospecting operations are now belas carried on there on a greatly reduced scale. The time for prospecting &c. allowed to this Company baving sion of three years was granted with sanction of His Excellency the Governor.

The Malay Prospecting Company has done some prospecting work at Raab with encourag, log results, but the other tracts of land, contain ing in the numerous concessions held by the Company, are lying idle, no efforts being made to ascertain what resources they may contain.

In Sempan, Mr. Becher, who purchased the original concession from the Ungku Temeng

The first shipments of scented capers went on the 15th May. Prices for all better grades were lower, and teas, generally, were of good quality and strength, but, in many cases, disappointing in make and with large admixture of dust Buying went on quietly til July, when favourable news of first arrivals caused requirements to be filled at firm to slightly advanced quotations: and again, In September, on assurance of a abort supply, a large trade was done, demand continu. season. Only 7,000,000 lb. were exported, against 6,200,000 lb. in 1889; and 8,220,000 lb. delivered in England, against 8,936.10 lb. Unsold stacks are only 3,coa baxes. Of scented orange p-koes 840.000 lb. went forward, against 800,000 lb. 1500 1980. All arrivals race, against 1.859,555 Ib. in 1889. All arrivals have been sold,

Apparently better grades were again sent, as, notwithstanding the lower prices, the average value was over Tls. 18 a plcul, against Tis. 13 in

the new Battery-Tex, were roughly, equivalent to 11 per cent, against 29 per cent. in 1889. The export in 1888 was 94,000 plcula; In 1889, 78,000 pleuls; in 1890, 64,000 plcols.

|

In a lesser degine the Bonin Islands must also goog, commenced work on a small scale in 1889 and Tls, 11 in 1888, On this increased names of Kwelchow, Yünnan, Szechwan, Kausub, by the supply during the past few years having i Mr. Cross asked whether the directors in.be regarded as an important point in the PAugust, but no results of importance have yet value the total Government charges, including | Honac, Shensl, and Shansi, from which pro exceeded the demand, for, as remarked above,

to put.

tended to extend the operations of the Electric Company in the direction of repairs of electric plant on board ships in the harbour, or to go in for electric lighting at all in connection with the shipping trade. There was a great field for them In that line, and he thought the company should undertake repairs and general work in connec ..tion with electric machinery on ships. He knew something of electric lighting work, and he

thought the company would arrive at a point

sometime beyond which they could not expect to increase, except very gradually; so that they should look out for some fresh branch which would increase year by year and add to the prosperity of the company.

The Chairman said that the matter had not under consideration for some time. They were quite prepared to take up the branch suggested, and intended to push itvigorously. There certainly was a very great field for them, and it would no doubt bring the Company Into a prosperous and paying condition. The matter was certainly not last sight of

as a telegraphie station and coal depot in the coming day of cable extension and increased commercial activity,

The distance from Port Lloyd of the Bentos to the entrance of Yokohama Bay is some 500 miles. On that line the Tuscarora mada 14 soundings-only 9, of which were in depths greater than 500 fathoms. The deepest cast was bad in 1435 fathoms-21 statute miles-the single depth beyond 2coo fathoms, found on that

Une

The laying of a cable to Port Lloyd from Cape King or its immediate vicially would therefore be so easy matter.

been obtained.

The Liang Concession, purchased by E. A. Watson from the Ungku Muda, is known to contain some of the richest tin deposits In the State of Pahang. It is now being worked by s few natives who receive advances from Mr. Watson's agents and sell their ore at the fixed

price.

í

The Pahang Corporation in Kuantan is now doing good and vigorous work, as also are its two sub-companies, but the former alone has as yet exported tin,

Only some 178,000 rolls of matting passed this office, against over 219 000 rolls in 1889. The figures are, however, not complete, as large quantities are exported by junk from the manu- facturing districts to Hongkong. The value certificated by the Consul for the United States

inces they are supposed to come. The prices range from $200 to $450 a pical for crude, and from $500 to $600 a picul for bolled, according to quality and the market.

MISCELLANEOUS.The total value of the net. Imports, about Tis. 31,000,000, has been much the same as for 1838 and 1889. Exports of local origin, over Tis. 17,000,000, are less than in 1889 by Tia. 1,300,000. The total net trade, Tls.

year. 38,000,000, is over Tls. 1,000,000 less than last

HANXOW.

the enhanced value of the paper rouble has enabled many people to buy leaf tea, which is preferred. There were decreases in several other Items, the principal being beancake, 243,512 pleals; beans, 403,038 piculs millet, 30,387 picule; antgalls, 7,377 picula; bean oll 7,559 pleuls; sesamum seed oll 49.915 plenis sesamum seed, 35.834 pienis. On the other hand, there was a large increase in rice-380,596 ' Ningpo by loreha, and satisfactory increases in pleats of which a great quantity went to coal, 11,542 picals / native cloth, 2,617 picols ;.. Kypsum. 55.628 plculs; hemp, 9.781 pleals; cow and buffalo hides, 11,702 picula; Ironare, 5,521 plculs; and prepared tobacco, 25.153 plcula the last worthy of note. On the whole (always excluding tea), the export business of the year was a large and a good one.

been lost sight of by the directors, who had had it found to be irregular and the contour of the importance has as yet been obtained. The North Mattia tariff; but, on the other band, during the Viceroy, Chang Chib-tung, of a cotton factory part of native and foreign goods brought here:

As there were no further questions or remarks, the Chairman proposed, Mr. Stokes seconded, and it was agreed unanimously, that the report and accounts as published be adopted,

Mr. Fenwick proposed, Mr. A. G. Stokes seconded, and it was agreed that the rellring director, Mr. Keswick and Mr. A. P. Stokes, be re-elected

The Chaisman proposed, 'Mr. Jackson seconded, and it was agreed that the auditors, Mr. Gresham Stewart and Mr. Mcintyre, be re-elected,

This concluded the business of the meeting

THE TRANS-PACIFIC CABLE.

The following communication has been ad dressed to the Japan Haraid by Admiral Belknap, and will be read with interest by all engaged in commerce throughout the East:

CHINA'S COMMERCE.

CANTON.

Mention has already been made of the Pahang Exploration and Development Company, Limited, Between Port Lloyd and Honolulu, 39 sound- with reference to its timber concession. As Ings were made, the deepest being, in 3487 regards its mineral concessions some prospecting fathoms or 33 statute miles. The depths were has been carried on, but no results of any great ocean bed anything but the plateau-like bed of Pahang Concession has been prospected during the Atlantic where the cables connecting Europe the year,and is reported, by those who have visited with North America are laid. Indeed the it, to be one of the finest properties in Patang, existence of six submarine mountains was It is situated on the borders of Kelantan, belog disclosed varying in height from 7000 feet to within a day's walk of Pulai, where 600 Chine 8,600 feet. As the distance between the sound-men have settled, and where rich alluvial gold fngs, however, was from 40 to 100 miles or more, has been worked by them for many yeats.

The Companies not spacially mentioned are it is believed that the acclivities of these cleva. flans are so gentle that no serious obstraction to chiefly engaged in prospecting, but large tracte the successful laying of a cable would result from of land have been practically abandoned, no such Irregularity of the ocean bed in that region. efforts being made by the concessionaires to The routes from Honolulu either to San whom they belong to ascertain or test the value Diego, or to San Francico, present no special of their property, difficulties. On both lines, with the exception of one submarine elevation found on each route, the descent of the ocean bed from the coast of California to the Hawaiian Islands is gentle and regular, and the bottom most favorable for the reception of the cable. The deepest water found on the San Diego line was 3654 fathoms ; on the Of the three great causes that have affected San Francisco line 3115 fathoms-both depths the trade of the year, writes Commissioner close to the islands, or some 3co miles onlyWoodruff in his report for 1890, one-though from Maul of that group.

not local-is so important that it may be mentioned at the outset. The fluctuations In the relative values of silver and gold have been excessive Exchange (elegraphic transfer), beginning at 31. 1d, and never falling below 35. old, rose at first haltingly, at the end rapidly-to 3s. 9fd. In August, sank to 35. 31d. in November, and rose again to 31, 4ld, at the close of the year..

A second cause has been the changes in preventiva expenses, was contemplated by the provincial suitorities at the end of May, but never enforced, and had no permanent effort on trade. Early in June the existing Kerosene Farm was authorised to collect an additional amount (Hal-fang ching fel) to provide funds for sea const defences, and new farms were established to collect a similar tax; on cotton and cotton Tara but the thres farms were abolished, and the collection, at lower rates, was instead trans- ferred to the Kowloon and Lapps Customs and to the fikin office at Canton. In August another tax (7'al-p'as: ching-fel, or Battery tax) on almost all articles but those shore named was

The money recently appropriated by Congress for the farther work on these routes will be expended by the U. S. Hydrographic Office In making a supplementary survey. Soundings will be made between the positions or stations of the Tuscarora surveys; the shorter intervals wil thus determine more closely and perfectly the contour of the ocean bed, preparatory to the Actual laying of the cable.

The San Francisco line will doubtless be

was one-third greater than in the former year, Orders came in early, before the rise in exchange, by which, therefore, the trade was not much affected, and in time also to fill them without haste, thus avoiding pressure on the local labour market and consequent strikes. Japan now sends about 40,000 rolls a years to the United States. The competition is not felt, except in damasks, has been put on the free list in the McKinley the year it was found that the duty locally pal in the Tungkun district was incorrectly levied. The drought has damaged the charged, and the tariff rate has since been later and better cuttings of straw.

of fire- crackers, the total 40,500 picula-shows | falling off of 11,coo plculs; but, as with matting, our figures are not complete. The chief mer chants have been for some time objecting to do business under the present collector of the Battery Tax, who is a rival, The duty in the United States has been increased. Sugar of all kinds was much in excess of 1889. Cassia lignca has further declined, the transfer of the steamers' share of the trade to the junks being nestly complete. One cargo, chiefly tea and refuse silk, valued all at Tl. 35,000, was shipped by steamer to London all the rest, valued at Tis. 14,850,000, was sent to Hongkong for distribution. The Consul for the United States. Mr. Seymour, kladly informs me that, of the total export by steamer and Junk, goods valued at nearly $5,000,000 were certified to that country in 1890, against a little over $4,000,000 and $3,000,000 respectively in 1889 and 1888. The quantities, however, have pro- bably not increased equally with the values.

The total value of the foreign goods re-exported to foreign countries, including Hongkong, was only Tis. 33,000.. From the character and amounts of the items they are apparently articles and not a regular traffic.

The most striking feature of the trade of this port during 1890, says Acting. Deputy Com, missioner Abbott, was the large profit made by those merchants who confined their attention to, first crop teas; and the most noteworthy occurrences, the establishment by His Excellency at Wachang and of an fron foundry at Hanyang The gross value of the trade was Tls T15. 42,945,359 in 1888; and the net value, Tis, 47,499,347, agalost Tis. 46,716,247 in 1989 and 36,405,599, against Tis. 37,610,893 in 1889 and Tls. 35,590,882 in 1888.

Reshipments Coastwise consist for the most for ultimate reshipment to chang, produce intended for Shanghai, and of Kluklang teas re- failing a market here, for sale on native account. exported to Shangbai for shipment abroad at,

The net Import of the principal foreign goods. shows a satisfactory Increase a compared with The revenue shows a total decrease as com, 1889, excepting in metals and woollens. The pared with that of 1889 of Tis, 155.230.4.5.0. chief cotton plece goods increased by 173.737 There was a decrease in the export duties of pieces, English cotton yarn Increased by 197 Tha. 159,391.1.5.7, due principally to the piculs, and Indian, to times, by 51,297 picultj. decrease in the shipments of tea'te Shanghat matchen, by 13,370 gross; kerosene oil, by on native account; la the coast trade 805,070 gallone; pepper, by 1,327 plcule; sea- duties of Tie. 7.138.3.9.8, due partly to a weed, by 29.058 plculs, brown sugar, by 7,885 decrease in the balance of coast trade, duties picule; and white sugar, by gosda pleuts. Nall deposited and partly to a smaller cargoes rad iron decreased by 3,480 picuis; tip, in slabi, of native produce brought by lorchas; nor plculs; and lead, in pigs by 10,426 pićala opium Import duties of Tis. 5,807.4.4.5, In The import of woollens was about the same a oplum export duties of The. 108.95.6; and In in 1889. In native goods, the most noteworthy plum likin of Tls. 15.486.5.0.0. Increases are Item is the decrease in the import of raw cotton, shown in import duties (exclusive, of opium), al by 81,27a plouis, to counterbalance the increase Tls. 224.5.0.7, partly due to an increased Impor in foreign cotton yarn. Brown sugar also de tation of Japanese coal in tonrage dues of created by 9561 picals and white sugar by Tls. 661.9.0.0; and in inward transit of Tis.10,8ço piculs, but this was more than made up 31,815.4.8.9, the last, a most satisfactory Increase, for by the increase in the foreign article, Rice polating to a larger inward transit business fell off by 13.032 picula. Silke plece goods during the year. Je ne legge ki tememory Increased by 271⁄2 piculs, -

to the great depths met at certain localities of adopted, not only because of the greater im-taxation. An additional charge on opium, for occasionally returned la the course of business of trade with foreign countries direct, 'abows an: Szechwan have found that it is a saving to buy

Referring to the editorial in your issue of the 25th fast, concerning the proposed submarine cable across the Pacific, I beg to say that while the Tuscarora survey made in 1874 did not promise feasibility for the Northern route, owing the ocean, on the route taken, I submitted the opiolos to the Government of the United States at the conclusion' of that survey, that a more Northerly line of soundings would probably develop a route of depth sufficiently moderate for the purpose in question. Such route would kirt closely the Eastern coasts of Dal Nippon and Yesso, the Karlle group and the peninsula of Kamschatka to Cape Kaslo! In lat, of about 54.30' N.-thenee Eastward to Atton, the North westernmost faland of the Aleutian chain- whence the route Eastward, along that chain and across the Gulf of Alaska to Puget Sound Is all plain sailing, easy and practicable.

I do not understand that there is insurmount able difficulty attendant upon the successful laying of a telegraphic cable in depths of 4000 fathoms or 4600 fathoms and more, but to grapple and raise a cable for repairs at those great depths would tax the skill and ingenuity of the seaman and engineer to the utmost, as all will recognize, who have ever had occasion, to haul back from great depths any weight, howso ever light. When the fact is recalled that the pressure increases a ton per square inch- approximately stated-for every mile of descent, the enormous strain and· friction upon wire or rope and appliances, working in four and five miles depths, wil be more strikingly apprebonded.

The point selected for the midway station of this Northern line was Glory of Russia Bay, Tanaga Island, a harbor of easy access, good anchoring depth, safe, capacious, and with sandy beach, and, fresh water in abundance close st hand, ✓

But commercially and financially considered, investment by such line would probably never pay and the likelihood of a cable being laid across that region of the Pacific is doubtless yery remote-aulers indeed, unexpected political developments demand telegraphic communica

portance of that city as a commercial centre, but also owing to the fact of shorter distance as com pared with the route to San Diego.

When once cable communication is established between North America and the Hawallis Islands, extension to other points in the Pacific will surely follow.

Australia, now sending her European maila across the Continent of America, already clamors for direct telegraphic touch with the United States and the Dominion of Canada. In connec. tion with her neighbour and sister colony, New Zealand, she is fast becoming such a giant in Lacrease of population, growth of worlth, and fervor of political aspiration and demand, that she will be apt to get what she wants, or know the reasons to the contrary.

The preliminary survey for a cable line to Brisbane from Honolulu via the Phoenix and Fiji Groups, has already been made. This was done in 1876, by Captain J. N. Miller, U.S.N., then in command of the Tuscarora. The deepest water found in the roy soundings made was 3448 fathoms, so that that route may be deemed to be practicable,

Yokohama, June 29th, 1891,

MINING PROSPECTS IN PAHANG.

In his Report for 1890 Mr. Clifford, British Resident at Pahang, writes:

established, on the lines of the Police tax diy. continued on the 24th October 1889. As a rule it is collected by associations of the merchants in the trades taxed, but in some instances by outsiders, or by the Customs and fikis authorities. Abroad, one of our chief markets, the United States, has greatly changed its rates of duty. "The third cause has been the weather. The first crop of rice was a good one, being reckoned so per cent of a full crop but slik suffered from foods, and then from drought. The latter also affected tea, scenting flower, and some of the minor crops; while autumn rice, on the higher land, felt it so severely that there was only a do per cent, yield.

Original Shipment's Construite.-The exports to the three northern ports were valued at Tls. 1,110,000, an increase of The, 300,000; to the central ports, Tis. 1,500,000, about the same as last year; and to the southern ports, Tis. 2,000. In addition to these direct shipments here is an exchange through Hongkong. The goods sent are, in the main, the manufactured articles for which the Cantonese have a deserved reputation among their countrymen.

Reshipment Coastwirs. The total value of the Foreign Re-exports was Tls. 80,000; of Native goods, Tiz. 5,000. The former were chlefly southern products-betel-nuts, cori sharks' fins, and the Hite.

FOREIGN TRADE.—(a.) Imports.—There are The inward transit business during the year but two items in this table of our returns, visi,was highly satisfactory. The decreases are coal (from Japan, 2,714 piculs, against 1,007 fow, while some of the increases are very marked, picals in 1889) and machineryerde glede notably cotton yarn, by 50,5or plculs (4,360 picals (6.) Exports, Tea, practically our only article English and 46,241 plculs Indian). The people of increase in black of 5,548 picals and in dust of the yarn ready for weaving American kerasons 353 Picula as compared with 1889; but it is to all increased by $57,125 gallons, whlie Russlan an increase in the re-exports that this is due.decreased by 72,370 gallons, giving a net increase Daring 1890 the quantly of black tea exported of 484,755 gallons. Sugar increased by 13,463 was 156,570 picule, against 157,718 picat Is piculs, 60,690 passes were issued, against 1889, a decrease of 1,139 pleals y and the 47,033 in 1889, 1 quantity re-exported was 95,267 picals, against 68,58 picals in 1889, an increase of 6,687. picols, shown thus in more detail

The tonnage employed during 1890, a com pared with 1889, was 1890, steamers, 1,116,878 tons; sailing vessels, To England, exports, 30,169, piculs, plus re119,102 tons | total, 1,226,980 tons, exports, 51,110 piculs, a decrease of 39,040 plculs. 1889, steamers, 976,949 tons; salling vessels,

To Russia, exports, 116,410 plculs plus 104 104,023 tons : total, 1,080,971 tons,

Ten dust shows an Increase in exports of 413 exports, 44,157 picais, an increase of 44,528 plenis, picals and in: re-exports of 3,091 picule, all which went to England,

a spital Increase of 146,000 tons,

British river steamers increased by 108,654 tous, and Chinese river, steamer by a1,847 tops. German river steamers decreased by 10,152 tons. The value of the Imports from the northern ports was over Tis, 3,000,000, an increased of The tea trade with Russia is increasing Of sailing vessals, American forchas, show a Th. 600,000; from the central ports, T15,6000,000, annually, while it is decreasing with Engina decrease of 2,603 tons. One German torcha and a decrease of nearly Tls. 700,000. The leading This is accounted for by the fact that whereas one American forcha were transferred to Chinese, Bems were beans, silk and its products, and in former years tea was shipped first to Chinese forchas show an increase of 13,701 tons, wheat, Probably these imports (which are thus England and thence to Rumia, the ten dealer and funks, under special pass, a decrease of 4,438 in excess of our exports coastwise), our exports in Rusia now have their teas shipped direct tosse Boy Ben MAMA WAND to Hongkong (which are in excess of the Imports, from China. The trade with Russia ould have. There were four direct steamers for London, from that place), and Hongkong's exports to been a very large one in 1890. If the supply of against six in 1889 The Moyuns, the first the coast ports are parts of the same circle of niftable kinds had equalled the demand. Only steamer away, was despatched on the 25th May, exchanges. The increased trade with the the better class of teas can now be sold in Russia at a freight of, 42 a,ton, against £4 in 1651. The northers posts apparently indicates returning at a profit, as the demand ther than undergone intenon and Glengarry followed on the 29th prosperity, all three ports showing gains, but complete change. Between 1877 and 1888 and 31st May respectivaly, at et for. ton The total collection óf revanus, Th. Newchwang the most The loss with the central the exchange of the Russian paper rouble was inally, the Glamorganstirs on the 10th 339,409.3.1.1, le Tls. 69.000 less than in 1889, posts is chiefly in silk, etc. (a short crop), very low good team were therefore dear, and the June, for to 1197 ton For Odessa In which year it was Tls, 110,000 less than medicines, and rice. Of the latter, less than mass of the people could only afford to direct, eight steamers three British and fiva la 1888. There was an increase the first 400,000 pleuls had been Imported up to the end purchase inferior kinds. Since 1888, however, Russian-loaded on; private terms, against two As in former years, a report on the mass of half of the year, and decrease in the last two of September; then, in consequence of the short the Russian paper rouble has steadily risen, British and fous Russian In 1889, exceeding the Pahang is to all intents and purposes, equivalent quarters. The loss is divided nearly equally second crop, 1,200,000 pleuls were sent to us in and has now reached a point unknown for the departures of any previous year, bu

Inwards, 578 foreign and 73,531 - · native to a report, on the various mining concessions between the opium levies and export duties, the three months, the rush testing the capacity of past 5 years, Tea, with other foreign goods, which practically cover all the available aur duty on imports other than oplum exceeding cargo-boats and godowns. There has also became cheaper, and the mass of the people passengers, have been reported. No record is very considerably the other years of the last ten. understand, been a considerable increase, for the insediately took to buying a better quality, Zept of outward passengers, for, as a rule, they ferous and stanalferous territory in the State.

Although vast tracts of country bold under The duties being mainly specific, changes in the year, of foreign rice coming by junk. Martin, which,i in spite of having cost higher prices do not take tickets beforehand, but pay the fare INLAND TRANSIT-(a) Inwarde.—Arrange out here, realised large profits: On the whole on board, and it is only after the steamer has these concessions still remain absolutely un- quantities rather than in the values are Indicated. touched, and though other tracts of almost equal Imports, generally (excluding eplam), have ments for the issue of passes were made in 1883. the quailty of the 1890 teas, was aussi left that they are counted. S extent have only been prospected in a most increased considerably. Piece goods, both cotton In 1883, two were issued for kerosene in 1887, although there was a comparative absence of the cursory and inadequate manner, still more solid and woollen, show marked gain as does yarn, 7 for cotton thread and sugar; and in 1888, 4 for: tarry flavour to generally present in 1888 and results have been obtained during the year chiefly Indian. The increase is generally a true thread, etc. In 1890 there were 79 passes, 1889. The best teas of the season were the As regards the proposed line for a cable from under review than has previously boon the case. gains and not a transfer to Kowloon and Lappa covering 10,040 plouls of Indian yarn, besides Keemans, which word of really fine quality and Yokohama: to the west coast of the United In fact, this year may be regarded as the first in in the yarn, trade there have been special sundries, destined for places in Kwangtung, much superior to the Ningaliwa. Not being States, via the Bonia and Hawaiian Islands, which Pahang has been proved by Europeans to troubles connected with long credits and inferior Kwangs, and Klangsi. The revival is attributed wanted for Russis, these tead sold cheaply, say consider it not only practicable but certain that contain mineral resources in any way sufficient quality; over 20 per cent. was forwarded under to the new taxes and a dread that if prices at the 212-8 tot Tis, so per picul under, che, prices of

to justify the reputation of a rich mineral-bearing transit pass. Among sundries, dour and matches destinations in the interior are not kept down 1889 The Yangistungsere of fine cu = cable will be leid by that route in the not country which I has obtained among the have increased. Of the large Impostation of there will be competition by way of Haiphong.

and sold up to Tis, 38 per pleul for the best chops, distant future,m

natives of the Malay Peninsula.!

kerosene into this district, nearly all comes by

· (8) Outwards-Arrangements were made in Kokews were also good, ss, were some of the The peoples who look upon the vast watery of

The mine at Raub, which is the property of junk, so does not appear in our returns. All but 1883, but, me passes were issued until 1886, Oanfas, but Chowsawkals were distinctly bad the Pacifio as their commercial home and the Raub Australian Syndicate, leads the way at some Tis, 50,000 worth of the goods came from when there were 13, for cassis lignes and Sun The tea season opened on the th May, but dominion, are shout entering upon an epoch of the foremost gold mine in Pakaag, and though Hongkong.pol

3 passes were issued ; and since then, none. following day, when the keerest competition at present time, being good and cheap. It is com great and varied development, growth and | as yet it has only produced about 1,500 Dunca Duding the first four months dealers in air-dries, from Kwangsi and Kwangtung. In 1887) gozeral buying did not commence until the The Stechwan oplein is most in favour at the prosperity

of gold, it has given sufficient indications to were occupied in the delivery of the heavy con

SHIPPING. The tonnage was greater than in once began amongst buyers fór Russia,, prices pated that 70 per cent of the opium now used: Japan, on the North West of this great ocean, encourage the belief that it is likely to become & tracts placed in re-reals for "Aruerics at the end any of the last 10 years. Taking the entries being most irregular and generally extremely here is native. Reliable statistics of its quantity

dally growing-In-Importance among the nccessful and remunerative mine,dis

different kinda for sale with the appraimala pations and enlarging her maritime horizon; to In Bentong, good work has been done, un f1889 The demand for Europe was moderate

Hongkong and Macao privileged river steamers Ningchowaningofalarelined re

retail price per pical Yunnan, Tit.344) Kwel the South West a great nation-Australia- mined worked by Chinese labour belug opened and prices declined Trailed to the extent of 488,349 tons) only for ease la calculating, the high up to Tito per pical being, paid for cannot be obtained, but the following are the

$sa per pleul, Filatures $50 to $go per picul

supplied 75 per cent (1,138,116 tons), 6 per The season was most remarkable throughout

chow, le 435 Szechwan, Tis. 3049bénst, kat arising, destined" Roonith her sister or canled on at both Chamang and From The new seasons opened in Misy, with light cent, being British and fa per cent Chinese; the inarket, however, was entirely covered by The 378; Honan, Tia: 2491 Hupel, Tit, all of Country New Zealand-to domlitate commer considerable quantity of tin ore having been cially and politically the greater part, if not all, of exported chance enchanging socios of old silics and lower rates than at fast there were seven steamers, against six the year the demand for Russia, which proved very large the last named very little is produced, for it in de

The Kichan Company's gold mine at Bukit year's openings but reports of short crope, locally before, the China Merchants Steam Navigation for suitable kinds and lar fe excess of very strong and the demand is limited. Polynesia; to the North East the transcontinen.

and at Shanghel; soon tended to an adratice, Company's steamship Klangiwan having been supply had hardly commenced before quotations coupled with the enormous natural resources of towards the end of the year, on one occasion 53 that region, are stimulating with tireless energy ounces of gold being ebrained from 43 lbs. of the twothe trade was demoralised, and, although Foreign ocean-going steamer supplied 15 per impossible to get Mingchows, belts any pretence Chiu, has gone late liquidation in consequence and marvellous power the growth and wealth of quarts Pockets of this nature cannot, of course an idealnice of $15 to 320 was obtained in July: cent, divided between the British and German to quality, under about Cia, zo, per picul chef Torres matained by the failure of a large tan populations, already great, all along the West be expected to rocur frequently, but there still the market again took downward turn, and in flags Chinese steamers supplied, additionally, Counts of the United States and of the Dominion seem grounds for belleving that good paying September prices stood $30 to $33 below opening under 6 per cent, sailing vessels under a per of Canada, while the digging of the canal across stone exists in that locality in considerable rates," namang hare pent, The quarterly average of sea-going vessels, the Kathnius of Nicaragua-likely to be opened "quantities,

Kürlet exchange and steady inquiry oxes more 1 batween 10,000 and 60,000 tons, was invested

tion by that ronte...::

[

1

Foreign plum steadily decreasing, the imports is 1600 having been 20 per cent, less. than in 1889, 37 per cent, less than in 1833, and 46 per cent, lest, than in 1887--the result of the competition of native opium, especially of Kwel and much cheaper. The approximate retail chow which resembles the foreign' drug in taste, prices of the foreign deug are old Malwa, Tis. 717) new Malwa, Tls, 640; Patna, Tie 416; new bolled Pama, Tla 1,168; old bolled Faiza, The 1600

tal railways,'and trans-Pacific steamship "lines" Slams produced some extraordinarily rich stone which the rise in exchange/opposed at Between j'put en'tka Hongkong line on the 29th March; | advanced with unparalleled rapidity until:itėwas in One wal-known, native bank, the Yuna Fêng

bigasat price paid was Tim. 65, for the crack chop Feechings: Amivalt were rapid, but stocks never accumulated, Beveral kinds of tea which were not required for Russia wore cheaper than

bong in Henen which they have not been able to make up and a few small failures are reported but of the whole the year was much better ons all round for the native merchants than 180ge