Directory_and_Chronicle_1916 — Page 1043

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

CHANGSHA

947

of construction will soon be completed. An up-to-date electric light plant has been in- stalled and is working under the management of a foreign engineer, the Chinese, especially shops, availing themselves more and more of this way of lighting. The value of the trade for 1914 was Tls. 24,570,562 as against Tls. 23,719,762 in 1913, Tls. 22,038,368 - in 1912, Tls. 17,690,355 for 1911 and Tls. 13,090,030 for 1910. These figures show a steady though gratifying increase which augurs well for the future prosperity of the port. Owing to its comparatively close vicinity to Wuchang, the cradle of the revolution, the city of Changsha quickly passed over into the hands of the New Party. This change was effected without practically any bloodshed, only the heads of the more important officials, refusing to join the republicans, being sacrificed on the altar of Anti-Manchuism. The Governor, however, managed to escape in the nick of time. After having overcome the few first difficulties in the form of serious disunion between the leaders and representa- tives of the various parties, the new Government seems to be fairly firmly established in Changsha and the whole province. A most gratifying feature throughout this critical period has been the extremely friendly, not to say courteous, attitude shown to foreigners. Still, not knowing what the course of events may be and not to run any unnecessary risks, all foreigners in Pinghsiang, many missionaries in out-stations and most foreign women and children, as well as many men in Changsha, left for Shanghai.

The low level of the river during the winter months preventing the regular steamers from plying for nearly three months is an obstacle to trade. From the records it would appear that there is now more water over the shallows than was formerly the- case, probably owing to the largely increased launch traffic preventing the accumulation of silt, therefore it is not improbable that a regular towing system will be introducerli before long to take the place of steamers during the winter. A short section of the Canton-Hankow railway, from Changsha to Chüchow-about 30 miles--was opened to traffic on 10th September, 1911. The export of coal and coke is becoming an important feature in the trade of the district. The coke, which is said to be of excellent quality, is used almost exclusively by the Hanyang Iron Works; the coal is finding an extending market for bunker use. The colliery is under excellent management, and the supply is said to be almost limitless.

With its fertile plains, mountains seamed with mineral wealth, and its sturdy population, there would seem to be a brilliant future before this province. Until, however, modern machinery is applied, railway communication extended, and capital introduced, no great expansion can be anticipated. The climate of Changsha is excellent. There is no great heat here, the summer is short, and there is no malaria, the poisonous mosquito not existing here. When the railway is open the scenery traversed will make. this journey the most popular in China.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1916 — Page 1043

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