SZEMAO
茅思 Sz-má
Szemao, opened to the Tonkin frontier trade by the Gérard Convention of 1895 and to British trade by the Burmah Convention of 1896, is situated in the south-western part of the Province of Yunnan in latitude 22 deg. 47 min. 29 sec. N. and longitude 100 deg. 46 min. E. It is a sub-prefectual walled town built on gently rising ground overlooking a well-cultivated plain. The elevation is 4,700 feet above the sea-level, and the population is estimated to be about 10,000. The climate is moderate, the temperature rarely exceeding 80 degrees (Fahr.) during the summer, and seldom falling below 40 degrees in the winter months. The place is distant from both Yunnan-fu (the capital of the province) and Mengtsz 18 days, from the French Laos frontier 6 days, and from British territory about 12 days. It was opened in the early part of 1897, and so far has not fulfilled the expectation of its potential importance as a trading centre.
TRADE IN 1937
Owing chiefly to straitened financial conditions, the Szenao district witnessed a further trade depression. The value of direct imports fell from $857,000 to $423,000, direct exports showing, however, a slight increase in value from $414,911 to $466,126. With the exception of kerosene oil, which showed a substantial increase from 43,685 to 74,726 litres, there was a general decline in the import of such articles as artificial indigo paste, cotton piece goods, tusks and horns. Raw cotton suffered only a negligible decline. Of the principal direct exports, a further expansion was seen in the case of tea, camphor, and lead bars. Owing to the lack of modern transport facilities, sedan chairs, ponies, and pack animals still constitute the only available means of conveyance. During the year a total number of 38,764 pack-loads was passed at Szemao. Legal tender and provincial notes were put into circulation for the first time in June at the fixed rate of $1 legal tender $2 Futien Bank notes or $2 Yunnan silver.
AMERICAN
PRESBYTERIAN Kiulungkiang, Yunnan
DIRECTORY
MISSION CHINESE MARITIME CUSTOMS-
Mrs. Charles E. Park (Kiulungkiang) Dr. and Mrs. D. Chester Nelson (849, Humboldt St., Denver, Colorado)
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Thomas (1019,
Fairfield St., Scranton, Pa.)
Assistant-in-Charge-Shuen Te Ching Clerks Wu Chiang Tsung, Chan Chi
Chiu and Fan Chung Nga Tidewaiters-Chow Chuan Ping and
Wang En Chan
CHINESE POST OFFICE -
Postmaster-Yang Peng
L.
Canton
Ports