ΡΑΚΗΟΙ
海北 Pak-hoi
Pakhoi was opened to foreign trade in 1877 by the Chefoo Convention. It is situated on the Gulf of Tongking in long. E. 109 deg. 7 min. and lat. N. 21 deg. 29 min.
The Chinese town is situated on a peninsula, at the western extremity of which are a few low hills (Kuantao Head D %). It faces nearly due north, and in winter is much exposed to the force of the N.E. monsoon winds. These blow so hard
at times as to interfere materially with the shipment and discharge of cargo from steamers in the harbour, the anchorage for which is situated opposite the western end of the town and a mile and a half from the Custom House near the eastern end of the town.
Extending to the south and east is a plain which is level for many miles, although the country gradually rises towards the north. Attempts at cultivation have been made upon this plain immediately to the south of the town, but with varying success. Various roads intersect the country in the vicinity of the port and are utilized for bringing in some of the produce from the surrounding district. The carts in use for this purpose are heavy, unwieldy vehicles of an almost pre-historic type. They are drawn largely by oxen and have huge solid wooden wheels of the most primitive pattern, by which, needless to say, the roads are badly cut up in wet weather. During recent years an extensive road building programme has been carried out and are now motor connections between Pakhoi and Limchow (H), Tonkin, Kwangchow- wan, Kwangsi and the Canton Delta. Sportsmen will find the following game in the vicinity of Pakhoi: quails, snipe, partridges, wild pigeons, wild ducks, and some woodcocks and pheasants. The climate of the port during at least six months of the year is a trying one for Europeans, though the nights are, for the tropics, com- paratively cool. Accurate figures for the population of the town, as elsewhere in China, are difficult to obtain; but the number of inhabitants may perhaps be put at some 30,000 in normal times. In recent years, no foreign consuls or merchants have i resided at Pakhoi, and the only foreign residents have been a few Mission and Customs representatives. Fishing is one of the most important of the local industries, and a large number of vessels are employed in it.
TRADE IN 1938
At Pakhoi the year 1938 was one of difficulty and uncertainty, the trade of the port being much upset by the abnormal exchange resulting from the hostilities. A comparison of the statistics of trade with the preceding year shows direct foreign imports valued at $0.77 million as compared with $1.15 million; coastwise importations of Chinese goods, $2.86 million as against $2.92 million; direct exports to foreign countries, $2.55 million as against $1.57 million; and coastwise exportations of Chinese produce, $1.46 million as compared with $1.57 million. Pakhoi's trade, especially in imports, remains handicapped by its shallow harbour and lack of landing facilities. The import of mineral oils was insufficient to meet commercial demand, being handicapped by abnormal exchange and other charges. During 1938 the importation · of kerosene oil amounted to 446,003 litres only as compared with 2.2 million litres in 1937, many of the poorer population reveting to the use of vegetable oil as an illuminant. The import of gasolene also declined from 471,674 to 198,310 litres, with imports of lubricating oil showing a slight increase. The import of iron bars and similar construction materials was adversely affected by the continued hostilities. Increased imports of wheat flour-from 2,642 to 6,061 quintals-were due to the larger number of people taking refuge in the interior districts adjacent to Pakhoi. Owing to constant demand from Hongkong with its crowded population more pigs were exported from Pakhoi than ever before, exports numbering 40,073 head as against 28,563 head during 1937. Similarly, 22,843 head of poultry were exported to Hongkong
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