Directory_and_Chronicle_1939

KIUKIANG

A341

During 1921 a system of drainage of approved foreign style was initiated. Pinhingchow now comprises either in or adjacent to it the following prominent buildings: the railway station and godowns, the electric-light power-house, the Yü Sung Match Factory, the Kiuhsing Spinning and Weaving Company's factory, and a large fourstoried hotel.

TRADE IN 1937

The port of Kiukiang, by its geographical position, removed some distance up river from Shanghai and yet not in close touch with Hankow, was naturally much affected by the outbreak of hostilities and the erection of booms in the Yangtze River at Kiangyin and Matung. Nevertheless, owing to the general prosperity of the first months of the year and the diversion of trade from the recently completed Chekiang- Kiangsi Railway, the trade statistics recorded show, with the exception of direct exports, which are a minor item, increases as follows: direct foreign imports, $5.5 million as conipared with $4.2 million in 1936; coastwise importations of Chinese produce, $26.6 million as against $24.8 million; direct export to foreign countries, $1,075 as compared with $79,530; and coastwise exportations of Chinese produce, $51.7 million as compared with $32 million. Imports of kerosene oil declined from 20,273,419 to 16,239,416 litres, with the import ef gasolene showing a marked advance from 7,060,351 to 11,490,966 litres. Of sugar, the import was 47,523 quintals as against 45,190 quintals, 22,412 quintals coming from Java, 16,661 quintals from Japan, and 8,399 quintals from Hongkong. There was a large increase in the export of rice, which amounted to 2,228,518 quintals as compared with 1,837, 54 quintals during the previous year. Beans, however, fell from 285,289 to 103,676 quintals. Exports of melon seed and sesamum seed also declined, with an improvemont in the export of wheat from 8,348 to 22,460 quintals. Black tea showed a slight improvement from 3,714 to 4,329 quintals; tea leaf, unfired, from 1,632 to 2,923 quintals; green tea, from 3,412 to 6,791 quintals; while tea, other kinds, fell from 6,238 to 3,654 quintals. Wolfram ore (tungsten) increased greatly, 84,950 quintals valued at $21.7 million being exported through Kiukiang as against 8,982 quintals only valued at $1.2 million during 1936. Less than $1 million worth of chinaware was shipped, the quantity being 17,490 quintals valued at $787,344 only.

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