WEIHAIWEI
A127
The former leased territory, which lies in lat. 37 deg. 30 min. N., long. 120 deg. 10 min. E., comprises the Island of Liu Kung, all the islands in the Bay of Weihaiwei, and a belt of land 10 English miles wide along the entire coastline, and consists of ranges of rugged mountains and rocky hills up to 1,500 feet high, dividing the plains into valleys and river beds. The island of Liu Kung, once barren and nearly treeless but now verdant and picturesque as the result of a system of afforestation inaugurated in 1910, is formed by a backbone of hills rising to some 500 feet. The hillsides on the main- land, of which Port Edward is the chief port, are either barren rock or planted with dwarf pine and scrub oak trees. The valleys are mostly undulating country full of gullies and mountain river-beds; the streams are all torrential and choke up the valleys with sand and debris from the hills. During three-quarters of the year these river-beds are dry. All the hills are terraced for cultivation as far as possible. The total area of the territory is about 285 square miles.
The strata of the mountains are metamorphic, consisting of beds of quartzite, gneiss, crystalline, and limestone, cut across by dykes of volcanic rock and granite. Gold is found in the territory and has been worked by the Chinese, and silver, tin, lead, and iron are said to exist. Good building-stone and a rich non-hydraulic limestone are found. The territory contains some 360 villages, and the population was estimated in 1931 at 195,000 There are five small market towns, where fairs are held every five days.
The majority of the Chinese inhabitants are either fishermen or farmers, and are a peaceful, law-abiding folk.
The Government of Weihaiwei up to the date of rendition was administered by a Commissioner appointed under the Weihaiwei Order-in-Council of the 24th July, 1902, with powers similar to those of a Colonial Governor. Under this Order the Commissioner was empowered to make Ordinances for the administration of the territory. It is now administered by a High Commissioner appointed by the Government, who acts directly under the orders of the Executive Yuan,
Weihaiwei is now a fairly regular port of call for many China coasting steamers sailing northwards from Shanghai. The harbour is well lighted by two lighthouses. The climate of Weihaiwei is exceptionally good, and the winter, though cold, is dry and bracing. A land and building company formed in Shanghai, has erected several commodious European bungalows. There are two large hotels on the mainland capable of accommodating over 100 people, and also a hotel on the Island with accommodation for 50 to 60. Both on the mainland and on the island good roads have been made by the local Government, and there are recreation parade grounds and golf courses in both places.
The city of Weihaiwei (which lies on the mainland opposite the island of Liù Kung) is a walled town of about 2,000 inhabitants. The town is a poor one, and the greater portion of the enclosed area is not built on, but cultivated for vegetables. New roads and a Public Park have been constructed recently, and two of the four picturesque towngates have been demolished to admit carriages.
No Customs duties were collected at Weihaiwei during the British régime. In spite of the low taxation, the growing prosperity of the territory under British rule caused the public revenue to increase from about $2,000 in 1900 to about half a million dollars in 1930. But a Chinese Maritime Custom House has now been established. This and the establishment of other Central Government Revenue Collecting Depart- ments, such as the Salt Gabelle and the Wine and Tobacco Tax Bureau, has resulted in increased taxation accompanied by a diminution of the revenues available for local government. The curtailment of the commercial advantages dependent on what was practically a free port has reduced the volume of business and depressed land values. The system of Government is now more elaborate and the number of officials has greatly increased since Rendition.
TRADE IN 1939
At Weihaiwei trade during the year was characterised by its vitality in the face of relentless obstruction. Gradual proscription of the national currency, exchange control, the introduction of a monopoly over local cargo-boats, higher coastal freight rates, poor crops, naval restrictions on junk trade, sharp and repeated advances in commodity prices with attendant lowering purchasing power of the people, and a severe typhoon all contributed to the difficulties with which trade had to contend. Offsetting such influences and stimulating trade were the