LAPPA TRADE REPORT,FOR THE YEAR 1901.


　　1°. LOCAL.—The total value of the junk trade passing the Lappa Stations during 1900 constituted a record year, amounting to Hk.Tls. 14,606,412, or an increase of Hk.Tls. 1,033,343 as compared with the figures of 1900. An examination of the statistics will show that this increase is entirely due to the growth of the Export and of the Native Import trade, which show advances, in round numbers, of Hk.Tls. 606,000 and Hk.Tls. 744,000 respectively. The above total is exclusive of that portion borne by the regular trading junks plying between Hongkong and Macao, which aggregated Hk.Tls. 3,923,534—made up of Imports from Hongkong, Hk.Tls.2,654,280, and Exports from Macao, Hk.Tls. 1,269,254, an increase of Hk.Tls.211,676 over the Imports of 1900, and a decrease of Hk.Tls. 602,539 under the Exports of 1900, the net decrease in this trade being Hk.Tls. 390,863. As the total Exports passing the Lappa Stations show an increase of over Hk.Tls. 600,000, we must conclude that, owing to quicker despatch and more prompt delivery, the carriage of certain commodities has been transferred from Native junks to Foreign steamers. Although the total value of the trade is the highest ever recorded at Lappa, it must not be lost sight of that the figures for 1901 include statistics that previous to the end of 1899 (when the Changchow Station was closed) would have appeared in the Kowloon Customs Returns. The trade then passing the Changchow Station averaged, at the least, Hk.Tls. 2,000,000 a year, so, after deducting that amount, the Lappa statistics for 1901 represent nothing to boast of. Trade in Foreign goods, compared with the values of 1900, actually shows a decrease, principally due to the falling off in the importation of Opium, Piece Goods, and Rice. Certain districts in the neighbourhood of the newly opened French port, Kwangchowwan, which formerly drew supplies from Macao, have now almost ceased doing so. Direct steamers from Hongkong to that place take considerable quantities of Opium and other Foreign goods, which trade, of course, no longer comes under the cognizance of the Lappa Customs. Piracy, too, is having a deterrent effect on the junk traffic ,as it brings in an element of uncertainty. Arms smuggling, from both Hongkong and Macao, was very rife in past years, and it seems almost a just retribution that now the insecurity resulting from this nefarious trade should affect indirectly Foreign commerce.
　　2°. REVENUE.—The total collection of the year amounted to Tls. 378,606, against Tls. 367,069 the year before—an increase of Tls.11,537. Duty and Likin on Opium amounted to Hk.Tls.177,433, against Hk.Tls. 194,212 in 1900 and Hk.Tls. 264,643 in 1899. Since 1895 we have not had such a small Opium collection, and this is undoubtedly due to smuggling from Kwangchowwan. In the General Cargo Duties there is a substantial increase of Hk.Tls. 18,306, and in General Likin, of Tls. 10,562. The Ching-fei collection, levied mostly on Foreign goods, shows a small decrease, of Tls. 552. The prohibition against the export abroad of Rice and Paddy (in force since 1898) was withdrawn by the Chinese authorities in March last, and the collection of the Granary Tax on exportation resumed by the Lappa Customs.
　　3°. FOREIGN TRADE—(a.) Imports.—The total value of the Foreign Import trade for1901 amounted to Hk.Tls. 3,625,890, as against Hk.Tls. 3,943,202 for 1900, showing a decrease of Hk.Tls. 317,312. This decrease is more than accounted for by the falling off in the value of importations of Opium, Cotton and Woollen Goods, and Foreign Rice: Opium decreased by Hk.Tls. 96,600; Cotton and Woollen Goods, by Hk.Tls. 46,800; and Rice, by almost Hk.Tls. 370,000. Some other articles, especially Metals and certain Sundries, have considerable increases in value. Cotton Piece Goods show a decline in the quantity imported under nearly every heading, the most noticeable being in Shirtings, which receded from 35,200 pieces in 1900 to 21,500 pieces in 1901. T-Cloths also show a decrease, of over 2,000 pieces, and Japanese Cotton Flannel, of over 1,000 pieces. The once large trade in Piece Goods that entered China through Macao and the Lappa Stations has, since the opening of the West River to steam navigation, dwindled to comparatively insignificant figures. In 1897 the number of pieces reported was over 245,000, while for 1901 the number was less than 72,000 pieces. Indian Cotton Yarn presents a slight increase over the importation of 1900, but a conspicuous decline as compared with the totals in the years 1899 and 1898. The quantity of Woollen Goods imported is of little importance and merits no special attention, except that English Camlets show a small increase, while the other headings show small decreases. The trade in Metals was brisk throughout the year and nearly every heading shows an increase. Nail-rod Iron increased from 6,000 piculs in 1900 to 6,500 piculs in 1901;Bar Iron, from 2,300 to 4,400 piculs; Iron Wire, from 1,400 to 1,800 piculs; and Old Iron, from 15,700 to 18,800 piculs. Unclassed Ironware also increased, by over 1,200 piculs, and Lead in Pigs, by over 500 piculs. Among Sundries, Betel-nuts advanced from 5,600 piculs in 1900 to 6,900 piculs in 1901, and Indian Raw Cotton, from 5,100 to 8,500 piculs; but the latter article still remains far under the quantities formerly imported. American Flour continues showing a yearly advance, the importation for 1901 being 27,400 piculs, against 22,800 piculs for 1900. There was a slight improvement in Japan Matches, the figures being 118,600 gross, against 112,700 gross for the previous year. It does not seem there is any chance of the large importations of former years, before the West River was opened, ever being attained again. In 1896 the amount was over 764,000 gross, and in 1897, over 394,000 gross. The arrivals of American Kerosene Oil totalled 1,334,700 gallons, which show a decline of 88,900 gallons when compared with the record established in 1900.The importation of Russian Oil was nil, leaving a deficit of 85,400 gallons; but this loss, as well as the one noted in American Oil, was more than accounted for by the stride forward made by Sumatra Oil—the figures being 412,600 gallons, against 131,000 gallons in 1900. The net gain in the total arrivals of Kerosene Oil therefore amounts to 107,300 gallons, or 10,730 cases. Owing to fairly good crops throughout the province and consequent low prices for the Native article, the importation of Foreign Rice fell from 600,000 piculs in 1900 to 463,000 piculs for the year under review. At the same time and for the same reasons, Foreign Paddy decreased from 55,100 to 3,800 piculs. The value of Foreign Timber imported jumped from Hk.Tls. 30,500 for the previous year to Hk.Tls. 72,600 for 1901.
　　(b.) Exports.— The total value of the Export trade during 1901 amounted to Hk.Tls. 6,246,617, against a value of Hk.Tls. 5,640,729 in 1900 and Hk.Tls. 6,173,279 in 1899. The year can properly be called a record one with regard to this branch of the trade, which, generally speaking, shows a decided improvement. In spite of a shortage in the rain supply, the absence of typhoons has caused good harvests to be reaped. The export of Sugar is the largest we have had since 1893. The items showing the biggest increases were: Trimmed and Untrimmed Palm-leaf Fans, advanced from 38,500,000 pieces in 1900 to 41,300,000 pieces; Mats (Tea, Sugar, etc.), from 15,000,000 to 25,500,000 pieces; Samshu, from 26,700 to 37,500 piculs; Brown Sugar, from 109,600 to 137,400 piculs; and White Sugar, from 1,900 to 3,500 piculs. Smaller increases are noted in the following: Ground-nut Oil, from 600 piculs in 1900 to 1,700 piculs; 1st Quality Paper, from 1,400 to 1,700 piculs; 2nd Quality Paper, from 12,000 to 16,000 piculs; and Leaf Tobacco, from 30,300 to 36,400 piculs. In the Provision line, the export of Fresh and Salted Eggs increased from 9,209,000 pieces in 1900 to 10,075,000 pieces; Poultry, from 91,600 to 118,600 head; Fresh Fruit, from 52,700 to 57,500 piculs; Cocoa-nuts, from 411,600 to 868,500 pieces; and Fresh Vegetables, from 6,600 to 7,600 piculs. For building purposes, 4,365,000 Bricks and Tiles and 8,200 piculs of Lime were sent to Hongkong and Macao, against 2,071,000 pieces and 2,200 piculs respectively in 1900. On the other hand, Raw and Wild Silk and Silk Piece Goods show decreases, which are, however, counteracted to a certain extent by slight increases in Silk Cocoons and Refuse Silk. Black Tea also decreased—" Fired," rather heavily, from 20,400 to 14,800 piculs, and "Unfired," from 7,900 to 5,700 piculs. Silk and Cotton Shoes fell from 118,700 to 114,200 pairs; and the value of Timber shows a decline of Hk.Tls. 95,800, the chief losses coming under Hard-wood Planks and Unclassed Hard-wood, Hard-wood Beams showing an increase.
　　(c.) Re-exports.—Nil.
　　4°. COAST TRADE.—(a.) Original Shipments Coastwise.—No remarks.
　　(b.) Reshipments Coastwise.—Nil.
　　(c.) Coastwise Arrivals.—The total value of Native Imports for 1901 amounted to Hk.Tls. 4,733,905, against Hk.Tls. 3,989, 138 in 1900 and Hk.Tls. 3,920,609 in 1899. There has consequently been a considerable advance in the volume of this branch of trade. The principal article of Native import—Salt Fish—increased from 226,900 piculs in 1900 to 248,200 piculs; Ground-nut Oil, from 78,800 to 112,400 piculs; Ground-nut Cake, from 9,100 to 20,700 piculs; Fresh Fruit, from 30,000 to 34,700 piculs; Hemp, from 8,400 to 12,000 piculs; Soy and Sauce, from 16,300 to 18,100 piculs; Brown Sugar, from 16,800 to 33,000 piculs; White Sugar, from 10,500 to 22,700 piculs; Native Cloth and Nankeens, from 3,000 to 3,600 piculs; and Dried Prawns, from 1,700 to 2,700 piculs. Bran, which in 1900 had a total importation of 209,800 piculs, dropped to 200,800 piculs, and Refuse Prawns also dropped from 23,500 to 16,900 piculs. Medicines decreased from a value of Hk.Tls. 146,500 to Hk.Tls. 128,100; Old Clothing, from Hk.Tls. 148,900 to Hk.Tls.108,400; and Silk Piece Goods, from Hk.Tls. 78,800 to Hk.Tls. 67,700.
　　5°. INLAND TRANSIT.—Nil.
　　6°. SHIPPING.—The number of junks entered and cleared at the Lappa Stations during 1901 was 16,601, representing a tonnage of 966,717 tons—an increase of 1,073 vessels and 49,602 tons over the shipping of 1900. The tonnage is the highest recorded since 1894. Of the junks reported during the year under review, 15,539, of 834,516 tons, were to and from Chinese ports; 1,001, of 129,401 tons, to and from Hongkong; 52, of 1,346 tons, to and from Kwangchowwan; and 9, of 1,454 tons, to and from Annam. Steamers bound up the West River numbered 1,571,and bound down, 1,576—605 taking the Motomoon, or Broadway, route, and2,542 the Wangmoon route. The two Portuguese steamers, Waon and Taiping, kept up a regular service between Macao and Samshui, and made 595 trips during the year. The value of the cargo carried by them amounted to about a quarter of a million taels.
　　7°. PASSENGER TRAFFIC.—The number of passengers in junks noted at the Lappa Stations during 1901 was 116,798 inwards and 111,967 outwards, an increase of 19,300 and 14,838 respectively. In addition to the above, the Portuguese steamers Waon and Taiping carried 16,868 inwards and 16,179 outwards.
　　8°. TREASURE.—No movements of Treasure were reported during the year.
　　9°. OPIUM.—(a.) Foreign.—The quantity of Raw Opium paying Duty and Likin at Lappa during 1901 was 1,611 piculs, showing a decline of 154 piculs as compared with the quantity in 1900, and a decline of 793 piculs as compared with that of 1899. This total was made up exclusively of Patna Opium. The quantity shown in the Lappa statistics is 1,409piculs, which represents the amount passing our Stations in Native junks. In addition to the above, the Macao-Samshui steamers carried to Kongmoon and Kumchuk 190 piculs, and there were 12 piculs which paid Duty and Likin on the last day of the year but did not enter China. The districts that rely entirely on Macao for their supply of Opium continue to show slight increases over the figures of preceding years, while those that can obtain the drug from Kwangchowwan continue to show decreases. In the latter connexion it may be noted, for example, that Hoiping (閞平) shows a decrease of 151 piculs; Yeungkong (陽江), of 36 piculs; Kochow-fu (高州府), of 44 piculs; and Luichow-fu, (雷州府), of 19 piculs—the combined decreases amounting to 250 piculs. In 1900 the decreases noted in the districts in the neighbourhood of Kwangchowwan amounted to 650 piculs. Adding the above decreases, we find a total of 900 piculs below the consumption of 1899. According to Hongkong statistics of Opium shipped during 1901, no less than 812 chests, the equivalent of 974 piculs, were declared for export to Kwangchowwan. That all the declared exports actually reach the latter place the Customs has very good reason to doubt, as one launch was seized last May while in the act of dumping Opium along the China coast before reaching that place. The Macao Opium farmer received during the year 2,936 chests of Opium. Out of this quantity his reputed boilings down for local consumption amounted to 1,042 piculs—200 piculs in excess of what was boiled down in 1900,and he reported as shipped to American and Australian ports 2,478 piculs.
　　(b.) Native.—No Native Opium passed the Lappa Stations during 1901. The 6 catties which appear in our Returns are the result of an unsuccessful attempt to smuggle past one of our Stations.
　　10°. MISCELLANEOUS.—The usual visitation to Macao of the plague began in April and continued till the end of July. The disease was very virulent for a while and attacked many Chinese, but Foreigners escaped entirely. The neighbouring villages take no precautions whatever against the introduction of the disease. In the colony of Macao itself improvements seem to be the order of the day. Old in sanitary houses are being pulled down and replaced by up-to-date buildings. New roads are continually being opened, and the bund of the inner harbour is being considerably widened. The finances of Macao must be in a flourishing condition to allow all this extra expenditure. In 1901 12 merchant steamers, after taking in Prepared Opium, cleared from the outer roadstead—7 for San Francisco and 5 for Australian ports.
　　The net value of the year's trade was as follows:—
  Hk.Tls.
Foreign Imports ............ 3,625,890
Native " ..................... 4,733,905
" Exports .................... 6,246,617
Hongkong to Macao Junk Trade ....... 2,654,280
Macao to Hongkong " "............ 1,269,254
—————-

TOTAL ...... Hk.Tls.

 18,529,946
  ═════

　　 　　                              FRANCIS A. CARL,
　　                                    Commissioner of Customs.


　　LAPPA, 15th February 1902.