Cement.
Production of cement was not resumed to any great extent until 1947, largely because of the ample supplies of imported stocks, but it has now reached approximately 50 per cent of its former capacity; limiting features in this industry are the high cost of limestone and the transport charges from China.
Rope Works.
was
The Hong Kong Rope Manufacturing Co., Ltd., established in 1883 and has since that time supplied the Admiralty and all leading shipping companies in the Far East with all grades of rope up to qualities specified by Admiralty requirements and with breaking strains equal to British Standard Specification and above. Other ropes of special construction up to a circumference of 16" have also been manufactured. Before the war, when over 200 hands were employed, the monthly output averaged over 600,000 lbs. During the Japanese occupation the factory and plant suffered severely from undermaintenance although it remained almost intact. At present the company is working at about half capacity, but this could be increased when the plant is fully rehabilitated if more settled conditions prevailed in China and other Far Eastern markets.
Other Industries.
Among the other industries which prospered during the year were food canning, rubber goods, hurricane lanterns (where a new process has been evolved) light metal wares, thermos flasks, hats and rattan ware. The button-making industry declined owing to competition from the U.S.A. and Italy, both of which are exporting plastic and bone buttons, to East and West Africa. Flashlight production was well maintained, in spite of continued difficulties over supplies, and Hong Kong manufactured flash- lights compare well with those manufactured anywhere else in the world. The associated industries, manufacture of torch batteries and bulbs, were less successful because of the un- certainty of the quality of the product. Foundries prospered owing to the difficulty of obtaining finished metal products from abroad and the extensive needs of the rehabilitation programme. It is significant in this connection that the local consumption. of coke was 500 tons per month compared with an average of 100 tons before the war.
On the whole, while there has been an improvement in industry in Hong Kong, the general level is not more and possibly much less than 50 per cent of pre-war capacity. A good foundation is being laid, but with the uncertain trend of costs and of world markets, the future remains obscure. There is justification for modified optimism.
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