| 1 |
 |
“...but it is very doubtful if
American producers will long enjoy this monopoly. There seems
no reason why, now that shipments are made direct from Pacific
ports, Canada should not obtain a share of the trade ; and the
Japanese themselves are already erecting mills in various parts
of Manchuria to grind the native grain and put it on the market.
In appearance it is undoubtedly inferior to the American ; but, at
the same time, it is said to make a flour possessed of those glutinous
qualities dear to the Chinese palate. Moreover, the mills them-
selves are in close proximity to the great Manchurian wheat belt and
that means cheapness in price. In addition there are, further north,
within Russian spheres of influence, the Harbin and other mills,
which may yet enter into competition, in the remoter parts of
Manchuria at least, with the imported article....”
|
|
| 2 |
 |
“...her hands, she should endeavour
to deflect from Newchwang the trade in a commodity in which she
herself is so greatly interested, the more so as she can offer producers
facilities for continuous shipments throughout the year, whereas the
other port is, owing to the freezing of the Liao River, to all intents
Snd purposes closed throughout the winter months. It may easily
be surmised too that, when the railway is in full working order, this
trade will increase in volume.
At present the bean cake mills in use throughout Manchuria
are of Chinese design, ancient and primitive, worked by hand, and
with limited capacity of output; but it is believed that the Mitsui
Bussan Kwaisha are contemplating the erection in Tairen of a mill
furnished with hydraulic machinery of a new and improved type.
If the experiment proves successful it will undoubtedly mean a
complete revolution in the present methods of manufacture.
A glance at the tables attached to this report will show that for
the moment the three...”
|
|
