Directory_and_Chronicle_1933 — Page 586

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JO

DO* "CHEFOO"

SUP

ཇཱ་

in the late autumn and through the winter, and the roadstead gives but an uncomfort able, though safe anchorage for steamers. In 1909 nearly two months were lost to trade through stress of weather. The Netherlands Harbour Works Co. started the construction of a breakwater in 1915. Further harbour improvement works were completed in 1921, the new breakwaten, mole and quay being formally inaugurated on September 14th, 1921. The breakwater is 2,600 feet long, the height from the base of the foundation mound to the top of the parapet is 514 feet, and the width of the base of the foundation mound ranges froin 117 feet to 133 feet. A railway track has been laid over the mole In Septemilier, 1921, great damage was done to the Bund along the east beach by a storm of unusual violence accompanied by spring tides.

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It was always intended that the Chefoo-Huanghsien-Weihsien railway should proceed pari passu with the break water. The outbreak of war, however, brought negotiations to a standstilt. Another pressing need in Chefoo is a good water supply. The Chefoo-Weihsien motor road was opened to traffic in 1923 and, although very unsatisfactorily metalled, is nevertheless very popular.

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An enterprise was established a few years ago by a wine company of sub- stantial standing; the soil of the locality lends itself to such an industry. Chefoo is noted for its large and increasing fruit-growing industry, supplying Shanghai, Vladivostock, Kobe and other Eastern ports with foreign fruits, which grow well with care and attention in that part of Shantung- the native fruit-growers having received foreign, instruction so that which was at first a hobby is now a paying industry. Other very important industries are the manufacture of foreign silk and hand-made silk laces, which in the hands of foreigners promise to assume large proportions. Silk thread and silk twist are largely made, and exported from here to France and America. Chefoo uses a large percentage of the cocoons from Korea and Manchuria that come to China. The port was connected in 1900 by telegraph cables with Tientsin, Port Arthur, Weihaiwei, Tsingtao and Shanghai.

TRADE IN 1931

The value of the whole trade of the port of Chefoo amounted in 1931 to approximately 49.1 million Haikwan taels, as against 30.9 millions in 1930. The remarkable 60 per cent. increase is believed to be attributable to the divergence of trade from the neighbouring port of Weihaiwei, which, during the time that it was leased to the British Government, was a free port whose status was doubtless taken advantage of for bassing goods through into the interior of the province to the detriment of the larger and otherwise more convenient ports of Chefoo and Tsingtao, where, duty, would have been levi- able. The total value of the foreign import trade - direct and coastwise- shows an increase of 3.8 million taels over the 1930 figures; the value of direct foreign imports increased by 2.8 million taels; and the value of direct exports abroad increased by 3.4 million taels. The local drawn-thread work industry had a particularly prosperous year, and the output of the lace and trimmings industry increased, but the demand for hair-nets was disappoint- ing, and exports declined. The market for pongees was satisfactory, and exports increased from 8,076 piculs in 1930 to 9,343 piculs in the year under review. There was a distinct increase in the number and tonnage of shipping visiting the port, and, in common with other coastal ports, the Chefoo Cus- toms assumed control of the junk trade early in the year, 19 junk stations in all being taken over in the district. The motor roads in the vicinity, of Chefoo are still devoid of metalling, and traffic on them is often interrupted for this reason after heavy rainfalls. Much remains to be done to develop the system of roads in the modern parts of Shantung to tap the silk, tobacco; coal, and other products of these districts. Given a sufficient development of roads and reasonable safety for transport thereon, there are plenty of com- modities, both inwards and outwards, to support a motor-truck service. The Harbour Commission is studying the question of the needed extension of berthing facilities, but no concrete proposals will be put forward until a sufficiency of funds is assured.

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