Directory_and_Chronicle_1930

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MENGTSZ AND YUNNANFU

1910, and two months later the whole line-470 kilometres-was opened to passenger and goods traffic. A branch office of the Mengtsz Customs was opened at Yunnanfu on 20th April, 1910. Mêngtsz is now only 8 hours by rail from the Tonkin berder and 22 hours from the coast. The Ko-Pi Railway, constructed practically single handed by Mr. D. Niflis, a capable and energetic French engineer, was completed and through traffic from Mengtsz and Pishihchai to Kochiu started in 1921. The railway is miniature and travelling space cramped, but the time saved as compared with travelling in the time-honoured chair is of great importance. The British Consul has pointed out that not least of the benefits which the Annam-Yunnan line should confer would be the provision of sanatoria for Indo-China, even, may be, for Singapore, Bangkok and Hongkong. If for 20 years, he says, the Chinese peasant could be checked in his ravages-there has been ruthless destruction of timber-the lake region of Yunnan would become a terrestrial paradise. Since 1900, rents, wages, and the cost of living for natives and foreigners alike have risen greatly. During the last few years the Chinese Post Office has pushed its way into the interior, and the south-east of Yunnan is now covered with a network of lines and nearly every town has its establishment. Mengtsz, Yunnanfu and Amichow possess electric light installations, and in 1920 wireless telegraphy was instituted in Yunnanfu by Commandant Peri, of the French Army, messages being received from Lyons and Manila. There is now a similar installation at Mengtsz.

BANQUE DE L'INDO-CHINE

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