Directory_and_Chronicle_1938 — Page 813

FOOCHOW

A409

throughout the year. The premium on the Hong Kong dollar, which stood at 8.5 per cent at the beginning of the year increased to 10.13 per cent on the 29th February, and thereafter fell steadily to 3.75 per cent on the 31st December. Commencing in September, the service maintained by the China National Aviation Corporation between Shanghai, Wenchow, Foochow, Amoy, Swatow, and Canton was changed from twice to three times weekly. Early in November, as the result of arrangement with the Hong Kong Government, the service was extended to that port. Direct telegraph communication is maintained between Foochow, Shanghai, Amoy, and Canton by land lines. There is also direct radio-telegraph service between Foochow, Nanking, Tien- tsin, Hong Kong and Manila. The long-distance telephone system is constantly being

extended.

KULIANG AND SHARP PEAK

鼓嶺 Ku Liang

JI Chuan Shih (Sharp Peak)

A refuge from the heat of summer at Foochow can be gained by a ride of half an hour by car and two hours by chair to the top of Kuliang, i.e., “Drum Pass," which is a mountain resort situated about nine miles east of Foochow. The thermometer indicates an average of 10 degrees cooler on the mountain than it is in Foochow; the nights are always cool and blankets are a necessity for comfort. Dr. Rennie was the first to build a house of foreign design at Kuliang in 1886. Now there are upwards of one hundred such houses, and every summer between four and five-hundred persons, chiefly missionaries, are in residence on the mountain. According to the Admiralty Chart, Kushan the last summit ou the ridge reaches a height of 2,900 feet. Kuliang itself is from 2,000 to 2,500 feet high. Nearly five miles of stone paved roads about three feet in width have been made under the supervision of a Public Improvement Committee, now called the Kuliang Council, appointed by the residents, the necessary funds being provided by voluntary contribution. The greatest charm of Kuliang are the mountain walks, and there are many interesting places within easy walking distance. A Chinese Post Office and a Telegraph Office are opened at Kuliang every year from the middle of June to the middle of September, and daily mail connection with Foo- chow is maintained. In 1934, Kuliang was connected with Foochow by telephone. There are many private tennis courts and seven public courts on the mountain, also a swimming pool, as well as mountain streams where swimming can be enjoyed. Sharp Peak an Island at the entrance of the Min River about 30 miles from Foochow, also, affords a seaside and bathing resort which is much appreciated by Foochow residents. The American missions and the Anglican Mission each have sanatoria there. It is also the place of landing of the E. E. A. & C. Telegraph Co.'s cables.