CHANGSHA
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communication with the outside world, but only by means of a river proverbially difficult of navigation because of the innumerable rapids which obstruct its course. This new
extension of the road was commenced with a contribution of gold $200,000 from the American Red Cross, in relief of the grievous famine which befel the province through the drought, which was prolonged throughout the summer of 1921 and caused the death by starvation of thousands of the people of the districts to the west of Paoking.
TRADE IN 1929
The hopes entertained at Changsha for a general expansion of trade in 1929 were realised to a partial extent only. Anxiety due to the trend of political events in February and March, lack of shipping facilities and the partial failure of the rice crop combined to restrict trading activities. The embargo imposed on the export of rice in November 1928 remained in force throughout the year and accounts for the loss of probably some 8 million Haikwan taels in the value of the trade of the port. The boycott of goods of Japanese origin was, to a large extent, maintained throughout the year and was prosecuted in a more intensive form from October onwards, Japanese piece goods in particular suffering severely. The Hunan Cotton Mill had a highly successful year, work being carried on at full pressure. The return of public confidence coupled with the demand for good quality fabrics and modern articles generally, made for unprecedented expansion in the import trade of the port, which increased by 11 per cent. above the highest previous figures. In piece goods, especially, very large increases are seen, English and, to a lesser extent, American varieties profiting at the expense of Japanese products. Importations of white sugar advanced by over 140 per cent. The decrease in the value of aniline dyes imported was not unexpected, in view of the large quantities rushed in by merchants in the previous year in order to escape the payment of the heavier taxation scheduled to become operative in 1929. The value of machinery imported was more than three times that of the previous year, while the 100 per cent. increase in the value of electrical materials and fittings illustrates the extent to which modern lighting is being resorted to in Changsha and other cities in this progressive province. Among exports, broad beans, tea oil, leaf tobacco, wood oil, and black tea show remarkable increases.
The export of coal and coke is becoming an important feature in the trade of the district. The coke, which is said to be of excellent quality, is used almost exclusively by the Hanyang Iron Works; the coal is finding an extending market for bunker use. The colliery is under excellent management, and the supply is said to be almost limitless.
With its fertile plains, mountains seamed with mineral wealth and clothed with timber, there would seem to be a brilliant future before this province. Until, however, modern machinery is applied, railway communication extended, and capital intro- duced, no great expansion can be anticipated. The climate of Changsha is excellent; there is no great heat, the summer is short, and there is no malaria, the mosquito which propagates the malaria germ not existing here. The first census of Changsha ever taken was was carried out by order of the provincial government in January 1929 and the population of the city, returned at over 600,000 persons, is estimated to be more than double the figure of 25 years ago. Work on street improvements made good progress, and the new Chungshan road, upon completion, should bear comparison with any of Hankow's or Shanghai's most modern thoroughfares.
The volume of trade passing through the Changsha Custom House for the year 1929 was Hk. Tls. 37,877,340, as compared with Hk. Tls. 38,695,810 in 1928, Hk. Tls. 22,460,892 in 1927, Hk. Tls. 38,001,617 in 1926, Hk. Tls. 32,801,262 in 1925, and Hk. Tls. 37,594,654 in 1924.