A456
SAMSHUI
甲
hostilities, voluntarily ceased to handle goods of Japanese origin, hitherto constitut- ing the bulk of Samshui's imports. During this month also a flood occurred with ̈ the calamitous consequences not experienced since 1915. Almost simultaneously with the above, commodity prices in Hongkong rose to an abnormally high level. The Japanese blockade was extended to the Kwangtung coast as from September, forcing all Chinese merchantmen trading regularly between Hongkong and Wuchow to suspend navigation, and, as a consequence, only five vessels, all of British nationality, were left on the run. On the 23rd September all entrances to the West River, with the exception of Bocca Tigris, were closed to shipping by the Canton military authorities, and on the 1st October even this outlet was barred. It was not until the 20th October that it was reopened, and then only to vessels drawing not more than 7 feet of water. Naturally all these obstructive elements reacted unfavourably on business and trade. The last two months of the year saw a gradual return of con- ditions to normal, and an appreciable advance in import trade resulted therefrom. While the district's first rice crop was reported good, the flood in August so devastated the countryside that paddy fields could not be tilled for the second crop. However, as supplies from other sources were plentiful, market prices for rice remained within reasonable limits. The importation of rice and paddy was 16,187 quintals as against 23,953 quintals in 1936. Direct exports abroad decreased markedly due principally to the high frieght charges operative on the Hongkong-Samshui-Wuchow steamers, which resulted in stage port exports being mostly conveyed by tow-boats to Canton and Kongmoon for ultimate exportation abroad. It thus ensued that black tea and cassia oil were the only two articles of importance among the exports for 1937. Steamer-borne interport cargo was insignificant, but tow-boats carrying native goods. are reported as having had a thriving business during the year. Shipping business on the West River was generally good, and the complete withdrawal of Chinese vessels of from the field of competition early in September made it possible for vessels of foreign nationality on the Hongkong-Wuchow run to realise handsome profits. Toward the end of the year traffic on the Canton-Samshui Railway was considerably reduced on account of repeated Japanese air raids, most of the passenger trade being absorbed by river steamers and inland waters craft. A reinforced concrete jetty, 735 feet (224 meters) long, was being built locally under the auspices of the Fourth Route Army Headquarters and is expected to be completed in the course of 1938. During the year a new bus road connecting Sainam, a town 3 miles from Samshui, and Lapao, on the North River, was constructed, formal opening having been arranged for the 1st January 1938. There was, however, no important industrial development in the district.
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關水三
CUSTOMS, CHINESE MARITIME
DIRECTORY
Acting Commissioner-Huo Chih Chien
Assistant-Chan I-kan
Assistant Tidesurveyor and Acting
Harbour Master-Ip Yau Cheong Examiners-Lui Fuk Tim, Chen Hsiao
Liang and Cheung Shui Fu
YAT KEE, Commission Agents-
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