2
of Chinese colonists has, according to Mr. Gröne, increased enormously during the past two years.
On leaving The Fakunen-Tiehling route runs east, bearing slightly south. Fakumen Plain a rather difficult pass, called Hung Ling, must be crossed. The country is then level, but there are numerous steep gullies, making the road difficult for laden carts. At a distance of 80 li from Fakumen, 10 li from Tichling, is the Liao River, which constitutes the real barrier to any extensive interchange of produce along the Fakumen and Tiehling road. The crossing takes place at a village, Ho Chia-hsin, where carts are kept waiting two or three days for their turn to cross in the single ferry-boat plying there. Laden carts must be unladen, and, as the banks are steep, accidents and damage to merchandize are of frequent occurrence.
Passenger traffic between Tiehling and Fakumen is considerable, whilst it is difficult and comparatively expensive to engage passenger carts between Hsinmintun and Fakumien. As the distance between Fakumen and Hsinmintun is 160 l, it is naturally cheaper and more convenient for passengers to prefer the Tichling route.
A small quantity of Japanese yarns and piece-goods and some oil reach Fakumen via Tiebling, but there is no export to speak of
The conclusion to be drawn from Mr. Gröne's report seems to be that, except as far as passengers are concerned, the proposed Fakumen-Hsinmintun extension is not a line that competes with the South Manchurian Railway. The produce that would be carried by the new line comes mainly from the country to the west of Fakumen, and, under present conditions, finds its outlet via Fakumen or Hsiu Shui Hotzu, and does not enter the Japanese sphere.
*
I inclose a rough sketch-map, showing the relative position and distances of the chief towns mentioned in this despatch.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
R. WILLIS.
Office or Individual.
Ferlign
1909
ай au'
ast Previous Paper.
70 76824
• Not reproduced.
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عة
1739---A. & E. W.- 20062/27---
25009-11-08.
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China Trade
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