Directory_and_Chronicle_1934 — Page 542

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WEIHAIWEI

The chief Imports in 1932 were Rice, Sugar, Hemp, Skin and Gunny Bags from abroad and Wheat Flour, Cotton Yarn, Piece Goods, 3rd. quality Paper, Beancakes, Hard & Soft Timber from Chinese ports, mainly from Shanghai

The Government of Weihaiwei up to the date of rendition was administered by a Commissioner appointed under the Weihaiwei Order-in-Council of the 24th July, 1901, with powers similar to those of a Colonial Governor. Under this Order the Commissioner was empowered to make Ordinances for the administration of the territory. It is now administered by a High Commissioner appointed by the National Government of the Republic of China, who acts directly under the orders of the Executive Yuan at Nanking

Weihaiwei is now a fairly regular port of call for many China coasting steamers sailing northwards from Shanghai. The harbour is well lighted by two lighthouses. The climate of Weihaiwei is exceptionally good, and the winter, though cold, is dry and bracing. A land and building company formed in Shanghai, has erected several commodious European bungalows.. There is a large hotel on the mainland capable of accommodating over 100 people, and also a hotel on the Island with accommodation for 50 to 60. Both on the mainland and on the island good roads have been made by the local Government, and there are recreation parade grounds and golf courses in both places

The city of Weihaiwei (which lies on the mainland opposite the island of Liu Kung) is a walled town of about 2,000 inhabitants. The town is a poor one, and the greater portion of the enclosed area is not built on, but cultivated for vegetables. New roads and a Public Park have been constructed recently, and two of the four picturesque towngates have been demolished to admit carriages.

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No Customs duties were collected at Weihaiwei during the British régime In spite of the low taxation, the growing prosperity of the territory under British rule caused the public revenue to increase from about $2,000 in 1900 to about half a million dollars in 1930. But a Chinese Maritime Custom House has now been established. This and the establishment of other Central Government Revenue Collecting Depart- ments, such as the Salt Gabelle and the Wine and Tobacco Tax Bureau, has resulted in increased taxation accompanied by a diminution of the revenues available for local government. The Municipal Government is now dependent on a subsidy from the Central Government for balancing its budget. The curtailment of the commercial advantages dependent on what was practically a free port has reduced the volume of business and depressed land values. The system of Government is now more. elaborate and the number of officials has greatly increased since Rendition.

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TRADE IN 1932

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The port and territory of Weihaiwei has been efficiently administered since its restoration to China in October, 1930. The territory has been divided into eight districts and District Headmen and Village Head- men are duly elected and encourage to develope local self-government under Central control. Much attention has been devoted to the develop- ment of education and there are now in the Territory 189 primary schools for girls, & experimental schools, 1 middle school for boys, 1 middle school for girls and 1 normal school. New motor roads have been, opened up through the town and a few new mud roads constructed in the district. The existing metalled roads have been kept in quite passable repair, and it is possible to motor for some 58 miles thereon without cover- ing the same route twice. The whole of the district is policed in an exem- lary manner by the Public Safety Rureau, assisted by detachments of hsailors from the North-eastern Flotilla, and neither residents nor visitors could find fault with the administration as it is to-day. The Bank of Communi- cations and the National Industrial Bank of China have opened branches in the town an ice factory has, been established; a match factory and a rubber boot and shoe factory continue to operate and steps are being taken to encourage the silk industry locally. It is not expected, however, that Weihaiwei will develop into a trade centre of any great importance, as It has no hinterland of any consequence to serve; but there is no reason why money should not be invested successfully in local undertakings such as the

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