Directory_and_Chronicle_1929 — Page 997

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

NANNING

甯南 Nan-ning

An Imperial Edict issued in 1899 authorised the voluntary opening of Nanning as a Trade Mart, but it was not until 1st January, 1907, that the port was formally opened to foreign trade. Nanning is a "Fu" city and is situated on the left bank of the Yu- kiang, the most important tributary flowing into the West River from the south, and is 368 miles above Wuchow and 213 miles below Lungchow. It lies in the centre of a wide and fertile plain at a sharp bend of the river, which here describes nearly two-thirds of the arc of a circle and, according to the report of the West River Survey of 1915, is some 400 feet above mean sea-level. The climate is healthy, the temperature in the height of summer seldom exceeding 90 degrees (F.) and in tlie winter not falling below 40. Nanning is the capital city of the Province of Kwangsi and the seat of the highest Civil and Military officials. About one mile south of the walled city is the area which has been set apart as the Commercial Settlement, in which are situated the foreign merchants' business offices and residences, the Customs Estab- lishment, and the Settlement sub-Post Office. The Settlement was purchased out of Provincial public funds, and the laying out of roads, constructing and repairing the bund, and the maintenance of law and order within its boundaries are in the hands of a Board presided over by the Superintendent of Customs. Land within the Settlement cannot be purchased, but may be leased for a period of 30 years, and on expiry the lease may be renewed for another period of 30 years. Foreigners desiring to lease land within the Settlement must make their application through their Consul.

Next to Wuchow, Nanning is the most important port in the Province. With regard to public improvements the 1926 Trade Report for Nanning stated: "Road construction under trained direction is being pushed forward energetically by the Kwangsi Department of Public Works. Nanning motor-cars are now driven miles across the hills into the country over roads solidly constructed according to modern technical requirements. The road improvements now in progress are designed, not only to develop the surrounding districts, but ultimately to connect distant parts of the province and to open up new outlets to river, sea and frontier. Part of the southern suburb of Nanning has been transformed by the creation of a picturesque park and of a new and spacious public recreation ground. These playgrounds of the people are highly appreciated, and at times of celebration are visited and enjoyed by thousands of Chinese residents.'

The net value of the trade of the port in 1927 was Hk. Tls. 7,120,762, as compared with Hk. Tls. 6,644,572, in 1926, Hk. Tls. 4,048,492 in 1925, Hk. Tls. 6,623,436 in 1924, and Hk. Tls. 5,736,508 in 1923. The province abounds in natural wealth, both mineral and agricultural, and, given a continued period of peace and security within its borders and along its wonderful waterways and through the neighbouring province of Kwang- tung to the sea, great advances in prosperity would speedily ensue.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1929 — Page 997

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