Directory_and_Chronicle_1920

TAINAN, TAKOW AND ANPING

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The import trade is mainly in the hands of Japanese firms, the only item still in the hands of foreigners being kerosene. The Government has given every encourage- ment to the Sugar industry, and many large modern mills have been erected during the past few years. Of the six staple industries of Formosa, namely, Tea, Opium, Camphor, Salt, Sugar and Rice, three-Opium, Camphor and Salt-have been monopo- lised by the Formosan Government, which now derives three-fourths of its ordinary revenue from these sources. Formerly, the trade in Opium and Camphor in this district was in the hands of the foreign merchants at Anping and Takow, and amounted before the Japanese occupation to nearly £250,000 per annum. Since the creation of the monopolies the merchants have thus been deprived of a large propor- tion of their income. They feel the hardship, particularly in the case of the Camphor trade, which was originated and developed in this district entirely by their capital and enterprise, for the loss of which they have received no equivalent.

Takow is a port twenty-four miles to the southward of Anping. There is an excellent harbour there which can cope with the export of all products of the south, but as the southern districts are developing at such a rapid rate, it is felt that other ports will be necessary. The first portion of the harbour reconstruction was completed in March, 1913. At that time the quay, 2,880 ft. long, was able to berth seven steamers with ease, and a 100-ton crane has been installed to deal with cargo. Apart from berths at the quay, moorings for three steamers in the harbour are provided. At low water the depth is 24ft., with 30ft. at the entrance, which is now 36ft. wide. Steamers of 18ft. draft and up to any tonnage can enter the harbour. The last stand against the Japanese was made at Tainan, Takow and Anping by Liu-Yung-fu, the Black Flag General. Takow was bombarded on the 15th October, 1895, and the resistance collapsed without any serious fighting. Tainan and Anping were occupied on the 21st October. Foreign shipping is now confined to a small number of steamers per annum carrying oil and machinery. The Japanese Govern. ment grants a subsidy of Yen 61,028 to the Osaka Shosen Kaisha for a fortnightly service between Anping and Hongkong via Amoy and Swatow. For direct steamers from Japan to the southern ports, a subsidy of Yen 124,800 is paid to the same company, as well as Yen 143,825 for a service of steamers round the coast of Formosa throughout the year. The Government Railway now runs day and night trains between Keelung and Takow, the length of which line is approximately 246 miles. There is a branch line from Taihoku to Tamsui as well as many private light railways running inland from the main line, tapping the country districts. The chief of these is the Arisan Railway (lately acquired by the Government). This line taps the valuable timber forests on Mount Arisan, and is notable for its gradients and the number of tunnels along the route. Many of the private lines are owned by Sugar Companies who, in addition to transporting their materials, also carry passengers and goods

The extensive reclamations and improvements made during recent years have diverted the shipping trade from Anping almost entirely to Takow, which is now be- coming a most important place. During 1918 exports from there to Japan amounted to Yen 59,275,749, and imports to 15,436,777, whilst to foreign countries the respective figures were Yen 7,392,431 and 10,138,251. Practically all the sugar business passes through the port, making it an important shipping centre. At present there is ac- commodation for six large steamers at the quay, and further extensions are now in course of construction, in addition to the work that is going on with a view to making an Router harbour.

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