TIENTSIN
567
A feature of Tientsin which arrests the attention of visitors is the open-air storage of cargo on the British and French Bunds, which have thus become in effect a "general godown." A great deal of confusion and congestion formerly existed from this practice, but the British Municipality has since elaborated an excellent scheme whereby the Bund is divided into numbered steamer-sections and storage-spaces, and the roadway is now kept clear of cargo. The result has more than justified expecta- tions, and the orderly storage of goods in marked-off spaces not only allows a proper control to be kept over all such cargo but has facilitated communications by kecping the carriage-way clear of obstructions.
The Racecourse is situated about 3 miles to the west of the Gordon Hall and comprises a very valuable property to which about 350 mow of land have recently been added. New betting buildings of reinforced concrete, which surpass anything of the description in the Far East, were constructed in 1921.
TRADE
Following are the comparative trade statistics for the years 1927, 1928 and 1929:-
Imports:-
Foreign (net) Native (net)
Exports
...
1927 Hk. Tls. 128,492,918
...
...
...
...
76,849,196 119,997,109
...
325,339,223
1928 Hk. Tls.
136,121,064
98,469,955
113,659,636
348,250,655
1929 Hk. Tls. 145,095,553
82,250,857
108,284,739
342,631,149
Value of trade of Port
The following extract is taken from a revue of the trade of Tientsin for the year 1929 by Mr. H. D. Hilliard, the statistical secretary of the Chinese Maritime Customs:-
The crippling effect of inadequate transportation facilities and high taxation was only too evident at Tientsin, particularly with regard to rail-borne goods. A large part of the rolling-stock normally available, which been removed during 1928, was not returned, and the defective state of the tracks continued to prove a serious handicap. Surtaxes of various kinds were enforced on all the northern lines during the greater part of the year and were only abolished after protracted negotiations. In addition, famine conditions-the outcome of prolonged civil war and brigandage and continued drought-prevailed for many months in numerous districts of Shensi, Honan, and Kansu. Nevertheless, the total value of imports from foreign countries again constitutes a record, but is due to the low silver exchange and to the large importations of flour and Indian cotton, the result of local distress and crop failure. At the same time the importation of rice from abroad shows a decrease of 3 million taels, which is remarkable in that there was no corresponding increase in the native product to make good the deficiency. No fewer than 810 motor-trucks were imported, and the total value of motor vehicles and parts doubled. The majority of the trucks were destined for Shansi, in which province a definite policy of reconstruction is being followed. Amongst other imports, artificial silk, of which the locally woven fabrics show a variety in both design and colour, continues to expand, and the demand for this article is likely to increase more and more in future years. Exports to foreign countries approximated in value to the previous year's record, but it is probable that the comparative state of peace which prevailed in the immediate neighbourhood of Tientsin tended to divert to this port trade which would normally have passed through other and less fortunate outlets. Exports of raw cotton and sheep's wool declined in value by over 11 million taels, which was only partially offset by increased shipments of egg products, bristles, furs, camels' wool, and cement. The new American tariff regulations have necessarily had some influence in lowering or steadying the price of Chinese wool. Exports of treasure exceeded imports by some 3 million taels. This fact is remarkable in that silver is usually imported in large quantities to finance exports, and is another indication of the stagnation of trade in inland markets. In addition, large stocks of dollars remain stored in the local banks. After negotiations lasting some months, the agreement for the rendition of the Belgian Concession was concluded on the 31st August. On the 24th October a Japanese destroyer passed through the International Bridge and anchored off the Japanese Bund, demonstrating the desirability of Japanese shipping using this section of the harbour, which is included in the proposed scheme for the extension of the harbour limits. An analysis of conditions, as viewed from the standpoint of the Native Customs, does little to
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