Directory_and_Chronicle_1935 — Page 512

A130

LUNGKOW

Han, but the events in Jehol, coupled with the frequency with which Japanese destroyers visited Lungkow, caused a revival of the previous year's fears of a Japanese invasion taking place through the port and district. Under instructions from the Provincial Government full preparations to resist such a landing were again made, and this inevitably re-created feelings of apprehension throughout the country-side that were not allayed until after the conclusion of the truce of Tangku. These fears having proved groundless once more, the favourable conditions engendered by the unification of military command, referred to above, began to have their effect on business, and this was reflected in the increases returned for all sections of trade, namely direct foreign imports, direct exports to foreign countries, and exports of Chinese produce coastwise? Much embarrassment was caused to legitimate importers, however, by the wholesale nature of the smuggling operations carried on along the coast between Chefoo and Chentzekow, and the closing down during the year of 55 out of the 400 shops in Lungkow owing to financial difficulties is attributed largely to the competition of illicit trade. The emergence in the port's import statistics of nearly 21,000 catties of artificial silk yarn, wholly contributed from seizures made by the Customs preventive staff, may be pointed to as one illustration of what is going on in the matter of illegitimate importations. Another example may be seen in the almost complete stoppage of regular sugar arrivals, quite three quarters of the importations recorded in the statistics being Customs seizures. All export staples did remarkably well as regards shipment figures: vermicelli, straw hats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and Chinese (Brush) pens. Vermicelli is the mainstay of the export trade, but the increased shipments did not bring much prosperity to the port owing to a fall in Hongkong prices from $ 24 per picul at the beginning of the year to $15 at the close. The revenue of the port increased remarkably, being more than double that of the previous year due partly to the increase in trade, partly to additional junk stations placed under control of the Lungkow office, and partly to the higher import tariff rates in force. Of the total collection of 1.3 million dollars, nearly 13 per cent. represented import duties on Customs seizures.

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DIRECTORY

BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO (CHINA), LTD.

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CUSTOMS, CHINESE MARITIME

Acting Deputy Com'sr.-Li Tung-wha Assistants-Yu Chen Jee and Chen

Shan-yi

Clerks Wu Te Yoa, Wang Yien Ling, Lin Yi, Wong Tsu-yi, Chu Shu Cheng, Wang Kai Nai, Lee Po Chi i and Ku Tze Dien

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yuan, Kuan Yung-ling

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Lin, Shih Hsueh Pin Tidewaiters-Liu Tso Kai, Yang King Lyon, Wang Ting Tung, Yu Chuan Chieh, Chou Teh Cheng, Kuo Pao Chen, Li Hsiu Ling, Wang Teh En, Yang Tze Yung, Cheng Jui, Liu Deh Hin, Pi Jen Pu, Wang Chao Han, Yoh Chao I

ROMAN CATHOLIC. MISSION'S DISPENSARY

Rev. L. M. Frederic -