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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

Products are largely for local consumption, but considerable quantities are exported to South-East Asia.

Sugar Refining. The Colony's largest sugar refinery was estab- lished in 1884. High grade refined crystals, and granulated and soft sugars are produced from imported raw sugar. Specialities are the making of half cubes, icing, castor and soft brown sugar, and golden syrup in colourful retail packings for domestic use.

Tobacco Manufactures. The cigarette industry uses modern machinery, much of it automatic, and Hong Kong-made cigarettes are comparable in quality with any in the world. Packaging material of a high standard is also made locally. The export of cigarettes to China has virtually ceased since 1949, and the bulk of the industry's output is now consumed locally, but some exports are made to Macau and the Pacific Islands.

Footwear. The Hong Kong rubber boot and shoe industry has been established since 1932, the range of products including Wellington boots, plimsolls, beach, sports and house shoes and slippers, mainly for export to traditional markets in the United Kingdom and Canada.

Good-quality leather footwear is also manufactured for local demand and export, principally to Malaya.

Leather and Travel Goods. Suitcases, travelling bags, trunks and handbags, and all varieties of leatherware are manufactured in the Colony. Both imported and locally tanned hides and skins are used in production.

Cement. The cement needs of the Colony's constantly expanding building industry are met in large measure by the products of one large establishment. All raw materials, apart from some clay and iron ore, are imported.

Cordage, Rope and Twine. The requirements of shipping using the port gave rise early to the rope industry, which is one of the oldest established in Hong Kong. All types of ropes and hawsers are manufactured from imported Manila hemp.

Plasticware. A very wide variety of small articles is produced and locally-made dies and moulds are used. The latter are of a high standard of workmanship and are now exported to manu- facturers in other parts of the world. Several of the larger establish- ments have installed fully up-to-date equipment. Tooth brushes,

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