Directory_and_Chronicle_1940

WUCHOW

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$26.4 million; and coastwise exports of Chinese goods, $5.6 million as compared with 6.5 million. The importation of metals and metalware fell off considerably as little onstruction work, except the building of roads and the strengthening of bridges on roads already constructed, was undertaken. Oils, both lubricating and motor, Registered an increased from 320,161 litres in 1937 tô 768,640 litres in the year under eview, the greater portion of these oils being for consumption in Hunan and Kweichow provinces formerly supplied via the Yangtze River. Exports abroad of wood oil showed a decline in quantity from 108,175 to 63,175 quintals. Only 10,584 uintals of manganese ore were exported as against 513,860 quintals in 1937, arge quantities of manganese powder being consumed 1cally in the manufacture of lashlight torches, an industry which was greatly developed during the past two years. Of wolfram ore (tungsten), 14,169 quintals were exported as compared with 15,457 quintals during 1937. Restrictions were imposed on movements of antimony, export only being permitted under permit. There was some decline in the export of in ingots from 22,000 to 18,673 quintals. The export of live pigs and poultry declined owing to the closure of tlie West River, while only about one-third of the preceding year's total of cassia lignea was exported to Hongkong. Ten oil exports Increased from 23,011 to 55,274 quintals. No rice was imported, the province of wangsi being independent of foreign supplies with the provincial surplus being exported to Kwangtung. Only vessels under the British flag plied between Hongkong and Wuchow, these ceasing to run after the fall of Canton in October. Since the establishment of branch offices of the Central Bank of China and the Bank of China in the early part of the year the use of national legal tender has greatly

ncreased and no new local bank-notes have been issued.

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Early in the year exchange ruled at St. $106 or Local $212 Ho gkong $100; ater on the price of the Hongkong dollar rose, and in October Hongkong $100 = St. $207.50 or Local $415, while by the end of the year Hongkon $100 St. $175 or Local

$350.

The construction of the Hsiang Kuei Rail way, of a total length of 545 kilometres, connecting Hengchow in Hunan with Kweilin in Kwangsi, was completed early in September. During the year the China National Aviation Corporation kept up a regular service.

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