866
CHANGSHA
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. A most gratifying feature throughout this critical period was the extremely friendly, not to say courteous, attitude shown to foreigners.
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 introduced before long to take the place of steamers during the winter. A short section of the Canton-Hankow railway, from Changsha to Chuchow-about 30 miles-was opened to traffic on 10th September, 1911. Work on the Changsha-Yochow-Hankow seetion of the Canton-Hankow railway is progressing favourably and is practically completed up to Changsha. Unfortunately the running of heavy trains full of Northern soldiers to quell the present (1917) rebellion in Hunan has greatly damaged the line, and extensive repairs will probably be necessary before it can safely be opened to general traffic. Owing to financial and other difficulties due to the European War no further work on the railway is being undertaken, at this end, south of Chuchow. 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 mauagement, 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. Unti however, modern machinery is applied, railway communication extended, and capita 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.
ANDERSEN, MEYER & Co., Ltd.
A. H. Campbell, manager A. E. Ferris
DIRECTORY
ASIATIC PETROLEUMCO.(NORTHCHINA),LTD.
N. V. Cooke, local manager
A. J. Daniels
I. F. Drysdale, travelling inspector Miss Moran, stenographer
W. H. Timbrell, installation mangr.
AD Ying-song-kung-way BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
N. V. Cooke, hon. sec.
BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO Co.
Taikoo 古太
BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE (John Swire &
Sons, Ltd.), Merchants
A. H. Hatherly, signs per pro.
Agencies
China Navigation Co., Ltd. Taikoo Sugar Refining Co., Ltd.. Taikoo Dockyard & Engineering Co: of Hongkong, Ltd., Agents for J. I. Thornycroft & Co., Ltd.
Ocean Steam Ship Co., Ltd. China Mutual S. N. Co., Ltd. London & Lancashire Fire Insurance
Co., Ltd.
Orient Insurance Co., Ld.
Royal Exchange Assce. Corporation British Traders Insurance Co., Ld.
Guardian Assurance Co., Ld.
Union Insce. Society of Canton, Ltd. British & Foreign Marine Insurance
Co., Ltd.
Standard Marine Insce. Co., Ld.
Sea Insurance Co., Ld.
COLLEGE OF YALE IN CHINA, THE
L. Arnold, PH.B,
J. R. B. Branch, M.D.
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