business in rice, besides being a large exporter of general Chinese products to Europe, Africa, and all parts of North and South America. Mr. Soares, who recently retired from active participation in the affairs of the firm, owns valuable blocks of land in the island and in the neighbouring peninsula of Kowloon. In addition to its own business, which is now conducted by Mr. A. M. L. Soares, the only son of the founder, the firm represents the interests of several Macao capitalists.
GEO. P. LAMMERT.
CRUZ, BASTO & CO.
This firm was founded some four years ago by Mr. A. M. da Cruz and Mr. J. M. F. Basto, who were joined later by Mr. A. D. Barretto. All three partners were men of experience in the Colony, and they were not long in working up an extensive connection as importers and exporters and especially as flour merchants. At the present time they are one of the largest importers in the Colony of Australian flour, which has become an important item in the local market during the past few years. Australian butter and dairy products are imported, the firm being in touch with some of the leading distributing houses in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The firm deal also in American flour and general merchandise. A branch of the business is situated at Canton, where Chinese silks are bought direct from the weavers, together with matting and other products of South China. Messrs. Cruz, Basto & Co., are one of the leading dealers in the camphor trade of the Colony, bringing the produce from the Fokien Province, and disposing of large quantities locally, besides shipping it in bulk to India. The head offices are in Prince's Buildings, Hongkong.
V. P. MUSSO & CO.
Messrs. V. P. Musso & Co. have a large connection, both locally and in Europe, as general agents, importers, and exporters. For many years they held a contract for supplies to the Italian Navy in the Far East. The firm was established twenty-five years ago by Mr. D. Musso, an Italian gentleman, who for many years, right up to the time of his death, was one of the well-known merchants of the Colony, and held a prominent position in the local community as Consul-General for Italy. A handsome monument to his memory has been erected in the Catholic Cemetery at Happy Valley. For a time his widow carried on the business, but latterly his three sons, Messrs. V. P., L. A. and F. P. Musso have entered into it as partners. They are popular in commercial circles and are well known in the field of sport. The business manager of the firm in Hongkong is Mr. L. Borello.
L. M. ALVARES & CO.
A popular delicacy at home is the preserved ginger imported largely from China. The Hing Loong ginger factory in Canton is noted for producing some of the finest qualities, the export of which is controlled by Messrs. L. M. Alvares & Co., of No. 8a, Des Voeux Road, Hongkong. The ginger is prepared by a secret process suggested by Mr. Alvares. Another important business in which Messrs. Alvares & Co. are engaged is the export of feathers, which are purchased in China and cleaned in the firm's own factory at Kowloon—the only establishment of its kind in the Colony—equipped with the latest machinery, and housed in a building specially designed to meet the exacting requirements of the Sanitary Board. The firm do a considerable and important business with Europe and America, and have an excellent reputation as experts in the selection of Chinese produce. The business was established in 1896 by Mr. L. M. Alvares, the present managing partner, who was educated at St. Joseph's College, Hongkong. In 1903 he took Mr. J. M. Alves into partnership.
JORGE & CO.
Messrs. Jorge & Co., of No. 5, Zetland Street, carry on the business of general merchants, importers, and exporters. They deal largely in China produce, and make a speciality of ginseng, in the selection of which Mr. F. J. V. Jorge, the proprietor and founder, is an acknowledged expert. As a tribute to Mr. Jorge's ability in this direction it may be mentioned that the firm is the only foreign house in the ginseng trade in the Colony. The import business is largely in piece goods, which are disposed of amongst the Chinese. The firm has extensive trading relationships with leading houses throughout Europe and America, and important connections with the Philippines and Formosa. Mr. Jorge was for many years connected with the old firm of Messrs. Russell & Co., and when that house was discontinued he assisted in the promotion of the present large business of Messrs. Shewan, Tomes & Co. Seven years
