Directory_and_Chronicle_1879 — Page 324

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SHANGHAI.

that bribery doubtless works its effects in Shanghai as elsewhere in China, the organization and efficiency of this small force is highly creditable. In few places is life and property so secure.

The climate of Shanghai is generally allowed to be fairly healthy. The death rate amongst foreigners ashore and afloat had decreased from 34 per 1,000 in 1870 to 22.3 per 1,000 in 1875 and to 23 per 1,000 in 1876, a rate which compares favourably with that of large towns in England. It rose to 28.3 in 1877 owing to a partial outbreak of cholera. Of 85 deaths amongst foreigners during that year 16 were from this cause. If we exclude non-residents the rate was 19 per 1,000 in 1876 and 23 per 1,000 in 1877. The thermometer ranges from 25 deg. to 100 deg. Fahrenheit, the mean of several years having been 49 deg. in the six winter months and 76 deg. 1 min. in the summer. In the months of October and November there is generally dry, clear, and most lovely weather, equal to what can be found in any other part of the world; but when the winter has fairly set in the north-east winds are extremely cold and biting. The heat in the summer is sometimes excessive, but seldom lasts more than a few days at a time. An earthquake (ccurred in November, 1847, but this is the only one of which we have any record.

The streets of the English and French Settlements all run north and south and east and west, mostly for the whole length of both settlemen's, crossing each other at right angl s. Notwithstanding the soft nature of the soil they are now kept in remarkably good order, at least those near the river, the district chiefly occupied by Europeans. Owing to the nature of the ground, expensive piling is necessary before any foreign building can be erected, and all store Las to be brought from a long distance. The Soochow Creek, between the English Settlement and Hongkew is now crossed by five bridges, three of which are adapted for carriage traffic, and the French is connected with the other Settlements by eight bridges. There are several gool driving rads extending into the country, two leading to Sicawei, a distance of five and a half mil s, and one to Jessfield, by the banks of the Soochow Creek, for about seven miles. Another broad road, more recently con- structed, runs by the side of the river for six miles. It is intended to extend it ultimately to Woosung. Several other roads have been proposed, but although foreigners are prepared to pay high prices for the land the opposition of the officials has hitherto prevented their construction. At the time the Taipings approached Shanghai some reads for the passage of artillery were made by the British Military Authorities at the expense of the Chinese Government, one of them extending for seventeen miles into the country; but excepting those close to the Settlement they have now Leen turned into ploughed fields. An inland carriage road to Woosung was also made at the expense of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. and others, but it has now also been reduced to a narrow footpath.

Many foreign bou-es, nearly all of them with several acres of garden ground, have been erected near the outside roads, especially on that leading to the Bub- bling Well, which is the main outlet from the Settlement and from which most of the other roads branch off. This road and its extension to Sicawei is planted with trees on both sides, forming a fine avenue of over five miles in length. A small Lut well laid out and admirably kept Public Garden was formed about ten years ago on land recover d from the river in front of the British Consulate.

Immense suшs have been wasted in various attempts to drain the settlements, principally from the want of skilled direction; but the great difficulties in this matter, arising from the low lying and level nature of the grou d, have now been fairy overcome. The settlements are well provided with telegraphic fire alarms.

Many attempts have been made to inaugurate water works, which are very much needed, the supply of this necessary being at present obtained by bucke's from the river. It is unfit for cooking or drinking unless both boiled and filtered. A private Company have filtering works from which they supply the public at so much per bucket, but what is wanted is well filtered water from a pure source laid on at the houses. The d sire of the Municipal Councils to keep this work in their own hands and the heavy outlay required have hitherto prevented its being carried out.