Directory_and_Chronicle_1901 — Page 754

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

WUCHOW-FU

297

returning as necessity arose to Wuchow. Things stood this way at the commencement of the present dynasty, but in 1665 the seat of provincial government was transferred to Kweilin, and Wuchow reverted to the status of an ordinary prefectural city. In the autumn of 1857 it fell, after a siege of 100 days, into the hands of the Boat Rebels, who, availing themselves of the anarchy caused by the Taipings, appear to have harried this and the neighbouring province for many years. The city was, however, retaken two years later. Since then the course of events in Wuchow has not been marked by anything noteworthy, except the occurrence of a large fire about the middle of the year 1894, which consumed the greater portion of the business quarter of the city. But all the houses destroyed have been rebuilt, and the only trace of the catastrophe is that furnished by the superior look of the new buildings.

As regards trade, Wuchow bids fair to be a place of importance. It is situated at the head of navigation from the sea and just below where the West River and Fuho rapids commence. It is thus of necessity a port of transhipment and, as such, a centre to which business will converge. On reference to the Customs returns it will be seen that a good beginning has been made. The import of foreign goods is already considerable and will continue to increase as new districts are opened up by means of the transit pass. In short the present of Wuchow as a treaty port gives every promise of a prosperous future. In 1900 owing to Chinese restrictions on trade the foreign shipping companies at Hongkong withdrew all their steamers plying on the West River. The port was opened on the 4th June, 1897. The net value of the trade coming under the cognisance of the Foreign Customs during 1899 was Tls. 6,123,242, against Tls. 4,221,758 in 1898.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1901 — Page 754

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