Directory_and_Chronicle_1934

A458

ΑΜΟΥ

other native of the district who amassed great wealth in Java, à contract was signed in 1922 with the Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Co. for the installation of a complete new telephone system. Bunding, drainage, jetties, roads, recreation grounds and similar public works, are in progress, many of the main streets have been widened and concrete paved, and a fine public garden has been laid out, with facilities for all forms. of sport, including a football ground, running track, and hard tennis courts. Reclamation work (filling in without bunding) was started in 1922 to the north of the city and the Amoy Dock.

Amoy has an up to date waterworks system, in excellent running order, operating by the Amoy Waterworks Co.

Built in 1923 the reservoirs are capable of holding 400,000,000 gallons of water, enough for one years consumption. In addition the Company are proceeding with a scheme to supply water to Kulangsu, whichi at present relies upon wells for its supply Pipes have already been laid throughout the island but the system is not in operation.

TRADE IN 1932

The main factors affecting trade at Amoy during the year were the continued inertness of foreign markets, the anti-Japanese boycott, a communist invasion of the port's hinterland, and the lack of prosperity amongst Chinese emigrants in the Straits. Settlements and Netherlands India. These factors naturally affected both imports... and exports.

The decline in the value of direct foreign imports was not very serious, from 25 million Haikwan taels in 1931 to 24.3 million taels. To balance this decrease, the output of the local industries was greatly increased, and larger importations of Shanghai and Swatow cotton piece goods were made. English articles largely replaced Japanese in the better qualities, this being particularly so in the case of plain dyed drills and jeans.

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Direct exports to abroad declined in value from 3.1 million taels to 2.2 million taels. This section of trade almost entirely consists of supplies of canned vegetables, medicines, soy, vermicelli, and joss paper for Chinese emigrants overseas, and, accordingly, depends to a large extent on the purchasing power of these settlers.

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