Directory_and_Chronicle_1928 — Page 848

ΡΑΚΗΟΙ

海北 Pak-hoi

Pakhoi was opened to foreign trade by the Chefoo Convention in 1877. It is situated on the Gulf of Tongking in long. E. 109 deg. 7 min. and lat. N. 21 deg. 29 min. The British Consul hoisted his flag on the 1st May, 1877, and a French Consulate was established in December, 1887.

Pakhoi is the port for the important cities of Limchow (H) and Yamchow (k), whence considerable quantities of cargo of foreign origin (e.g., piece goods, etc.) were formerly distributed over the country lying between the West River and the seaboard. Since the opening of the West River to steam navigation, however, a con- siderable part of the trade has been diverted to that route and Pakhoi's commerce has suffered in consequence. The value of trade of the port in 1926 was Hk. Tls. 2,398,803, as compared with Hk. Tls. 4,453,663 in 1925, Hk. Tls. 5,021,801 in 1924, and Hk. Tls. 5,738,483 in 1923. The prosperity of the port has decreased steadily since 1888, and there would seem to be little likelihood of very much improvement so long as the area which the port supplies and from which it draws its exports remains as confined as at present.

The Chinese town is situated on a peninsula, at the western extremity of which are a few low hills (Kuantao Head DJ). It faces nearly due nortli, and in winter is much exposed to the force of the N.E. monsoon winds. These blow so hard at times as to interfere materially with the shipment and discharge of cargo from steamers in the harbour, the anchorage for which is situated opposite the western end of the town and a mile and a half from the Custom House at the eastern end of the town. The foreign residences are situated on slightly higher ground to the south of the town.

Extending to the south and east is a plain which is level for many miles, although the country gradually rises towards the north. Attempts at cultivation have been made upon this plain immediately to the south of the town, but with varying success. Very rough cart roads intersect the country in the vicinity of the port and are utilized for bringing in some of the produce from the surrounding district. The carts in use for this purpose are heavy, unwieldy vehicles of an almost pre-historic type. They are drawn largely by oxen and have huge solid wooden wheels of the most primitive pattern, by which, needless to say, the roads are badly cut up in wet weather. There is a motor service between Pakhoi and Limchow (HE), and Pakhoi and Namhong (). Sportsmen will find the following game in the vicinity of Pakhoi: quails, snipe, partridges, wild pigeons, wild ducks, and some woodcocks and pheasants. Tigers can still be found in the hills, some 25 miles to the N.E. of Limehow. Good cross-country riding is obtainable. The Pakhoi-Limehow motor-road is being kept in an excellent condition, and the pleasure of cycling and motor-cycling is afforded. The climate of the port during at least six months of the year is a trying one for Europeans, and as a result of the want of proper sanitary arrangements-pigs are the principal scavengers-epidemics in the Chinese town are frequent. Accurate figures for the population of the town, as elsewhere in China, are difficult to obtain, but the number of inhabitants may perhaps be put at some 35,000. Fishing is the main—in fact, practically the only-local industry, and a large number of vessels are employed in it. The people of Pakhoi and surrounding district are inclined to "enough for to-day's needs and never mind to-morrow" rather than to activity, com- mercial or otherwise, and are poor in consequence. The independent and rather turbulent spirit so prevalent throughout the "Four Lower Prefectures" (4F), in one of which (Limchow) the port is situated, is a good deal in evidence at times and there has been, so far, only a feeble response to educational effort.

No railway construction has yet been commenced in the district, and there seems to be little likelihood of any of the projected undertakings assuming shape in the immediate future.