Directory_and_Chronicle_1893

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HANKOW

irregular range of semi-detached low hills crosses a particularly level country on both sides of the main river in an east and west direction. Stationed on Pagoda Hill, Hanyang, a spectator looks down on almost as much water as land even when the rivers are low. At his feet sweeps the magnificent Yangtsze, nearly a mile in width; from the west and skirting the northern edge of the range of hills already mentioned, comes the river Han, narrow and canal like, to add its quota, and serving as one of the highways of the country; and to the north-west and north is an extensive treeless flat, so little elevated above the river that the scattered hamlets which dot its surface are without exception raised on mounds, probably artificial works of a now distant age. A stream or two traverses its farther part and flow into the main river. Carrying his eye to the right bank of the Yangtsze one sees enormous lakes and lagoons both to the north-west and south-east sides of the hills beyond the provincial city.

The port was opened to foreign trade in 1861. The British Settlement is located at the east end of the city, which joins, and is, together with the Race Course, included within the city walls, which are quite modern, having been built at the time of the Taiping Rebellion. It is well laid out, the roads being broad and all lined with well grown trees. The Bund, which is exactly half a mile in length, affords a very fine and pleasant promenade, and has an imposing appearance from the river. There are a large Roman Catholic and small Protestant and Greek churches, the latter a rather handsome structure built by the Russian residents. Several Brick Tea factories owned by Russians are located in the Settlement. A capital club, with tennis and racquet courts, bowling alley, billiard and reading rooms, library, &c. is kept up. A French Settlement was also fixed upon, but it has never been occupied. The river steamers go alongside hulks moored close to the shore; ocean stramers anchor in mid stream. The current is very strong in the river. The native city of Hankow presents no distinctive feature. Like all Chinese cities it is a crowded agglomeration of narrow lanes. The population of Hankow is estimated at 800,000.

Great expectations as regards trade were entertained respecting the opening of Hankow. Foreign commerce would, it was thought, be brought into immediate contact with the large internal population of China, and a port be established in the locality of the great tea producing districts. These expectations, however, have been but partially realised. Tea is, of course, the staple export, and it is at Hankow that the first steamers for home take in their cargoes. This trade, however, is now declining owing to the competition of Indian and Ceylon Teas. The total export of Tea from Hankow (including re-exports of Kiukiang tea) amounted in 1891 to 516,525 piculs, as compared with 510,518 piculs shipped in 1890. In 1891 Opium was imported to the extent of 738 piculs as against 738 piculs in 1890. It is computed that 70 per cent. of the opium used at this port is native grown drug; the import of the foreign article declines yearly. The trade under the transit pass system is larger at Hankow than at any other port; its value in 1891 was Tls. 5,207,528 as compared with Tls. 5,913,159 in 1890. The net value of the trade of the port in 1891 amounted to Tls. 38,485,145, and in 1890 to Tls. 36,405,599.

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