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respectively are demanded. Of the two (VIII) is the better, as it has a river frontage, and is not so shut in as (VII); but both require to be raised some 2 or 3 feet. Seeing, however, that the principal objects in crussing the river would be to obtain a healthy site, and one quite beyond the reach of floods, I would strongly advise the purchase of a piece of land in front of (X). The range of bills on which it is situatedis about 200 feet high, and runs down into the angle formed by the two river banks, so that it would be difficult to find a more commanding position.
The recommendations in favour of building there are: complete immunity from all malarial poisoning, extreme coolness in summer, a charming outlook over both rivers, and, what is most important of all, very low initial cost of purchase.
The drawbacks, on the other hand, are:-
1. Distance from the custom-house and steamers, as it is presumed the latter will not abandon their present ground (distance from Customs two-thirds of a-mile, from steamers one-third of a mile).
2. Enhanced cost of building, estimated at 60 per cent, over ordinary rates, in order to cover coolie hire conveying material to the bill-top.
3. The necessity of building a road and contriving some means by which to haul
up water.
bare.
4. An outlay on trees to shelter the buildings, the bill-top at present being quite
As
As regards objection 1, it will be necessary to keep a gig, for when the river is in flood the small local sumpans cannot stem the tide, and are by no means safe. regards objection 2, it has to be borne in mind that building on this side would involve filling in and raising of ground to a greater or less extent, and I think that when the greatly increased initial cost of purchase and the expense of such operations are taken into account, it will be found that the balance is considerably in favour of the hill- site.
The cost of 3 and 4 would fall jointly on all holders of ground on the hill, and as the Commissioner of Customs contemplates building a residence there, would be divided up amongst at least three parties. It is, moreover, likely that, were a foreign settlement established there, it would not be impossible to induce the officials and gentry of the town to reconstruct the bridge of boats which anciently spanned the Fu River. Thus the difficulty of access would be almost entirely removed, except during the summer months, when the whole business quarter and the main street are under water, and the only means of going about on this side is a sampan. Could one he absolutely certain that the bridge of boats would be re-established, and kept in an efficient state of repair, Jardine, Matheson, and Co. would be prepared to give up the idea of occupying their land near the Yu-ti Temple, and would move across the Fu River, provided they could get the Customs to go
with them.
In the absence of a bridge the custom-house must remain on this side, but (11) is nearly a mile away from the centre of business, and although merchants would, of course, be compelled to go there, and having once got there Jardine, Matheson, and Co.'s office would be next door, yet both that firm and the Commissioner feel that they would be disadvantageously situated.
The best position for a custom-house under existing conditons would undoubtedly be either on (III) or on the foreshore west of the first creek; but were the bridge built, and the custom-house located on (VII) or (VIII), the Chinese merchant would suffer no inconvenience, and in many instances be nearer thereto than if it were placed anywhere else.
This I venture to think is a fair statement of the arguments for and against the hill site, and personally I am distinctly in favour thereof. Sufficient data have, however, been given for the formation of an independent judgment.
I have only to add that, should it be approved, no time should be lost in acquiring land and and commencing to build.
My present abode is a pavilion in front of the main hall of the temple, 35 feet loug by 15 wide. Ten feet thereof have been divided off by a wooden partition to constiture a bedrooms, and the rest is office, dining, and sitting room. The servants are housed in mat sheds on an open terrace alongside.
The whole front is open, having ten wooden venetians to keep out sun and rain, and 17 feet at the back are in the usual style of Chinese buildings of this class, the lower half boards, and the upper half ornamental opeu woodwork. Squalls, accompanied by driving rain, uccessitate the closing of all venetians, and one has to sit in complete darkness until the wind ceases and the rain descends vertically.
The height of the pavilion is 15 ft. 6 in., and it is paved with brick. It can there-
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fore be easily imagined how difficult it will be to render it habitable in the winter, which I am told is inore severe than in Canton, and the cold of which is likely to prove more penetrating.
All the front and open woodwork at the back, 3 ft. 10 in. high, will have to be boarded up, and at least three windows, corresponding to the present height of the venetians (6 ft. 3 in.), inserted in the boarding of the former. Even then it will be airy and draughty in the extreme, and a stove of the largest size will be required to keep it reasonably warm.
Whatever means are adopted, it will be necessary to make the best of things, as no other quarters are available, and one will have to put up with the present one until a Consulate is built.
J. W. JAMIESON, Acting Consul.
Wuchow, September 28, 1897.
(Signed)
Inclosure 3 in No. 1.
Sketch Map
[Not printed.]
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