A124
LUNGKOW
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men-of-war and seaplanes; large exodus of population, Chinese and Japanese; closing-down of banks and shops and general uncertainty, were the obstacles with which the port's trade had to contend during the later half of the year following the outbreak of Sino-Japanese hostilities. Further difficulties were created by the complete suspension of shipping resulting from the rigid enforce- ment of the blockade by the Japanese Navy in September. Money was tight, remittances were difficult if not impossible to effect, communications were inter- rupted and prices for foodstuffs and daily necessities soared.
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Fortunately, trade and revenue conditions during the first half-year were very satisfactory and saved the year's figures from making a too poor showing. The value statistics, in so far as recorded by the Customs, were as following : direct foreign imports $1.7 million as against $2 million in the previous year; coastwise importation of Chinese merchandise, $4.4 million as against $5.5 million; direct exports to foreign countries, the same as in 1936, i.e., $2.6 million; and coastwise exportations of Chinese merchandise, $2.8 million as against $3 million. With the exception of sulphate of ammonia, which, due to brisk demand in the spring, rose from 35,545 quintals in 1936 to 49,470 quintals, all other staple imports declined: sugar, 4,506 quintals as against 4,552 quintals in 1936; kero- sene oil, 658,000 litres as against 1.2 million litres; Antung timber, 5,760 cubic metres as against 21,416 cubic metres; and Fushun coal, 10,155 metric tons as against 28,720 metric tons. Coastwise importations of such Chinese produce as wheat flour, rice, beancake, coal, and wild raw silk also showed decreases. Of staple exports, shipments of vermicelli to Hongkong receded from 53,060 quintals in 1936 to 51,122 quintals. Coastwise exportations of this mainstay of Lungkow's trade also show a quantitative decrease of 29 per cent below the previous year's record. Wootung wood logs and straw hats were the only exports abroad to do well during the year; live cattle, fresh fruits, groundnut oil, Chinese pens, fresh vegetables and joss sticks all falling off. The Ling Lung Gold Mine, with its machinery valued at G.U. 200,000, as well as a number of bridges along the Chefoo-Weihsien motor road were destroyed in November and December when the garrison troops, for strategic reasons, evacuated from the Shantung peninsula. The difficulties under which Lungkow trade laboured during 1937 are reflected in the heavy drop of 21 per cent in the revenue collection below the 1936 figure. It may safely be surmised that the losses incurred by the mercantile community must have been greater than the decrease in revenue collection indicates. Of the total collection, 3 per cent was contributed by seizures and 18 per cent by the 13 Maritime Customs stations under Lungkow control.
CUSTOMS, CHINESE MARITIME—
DIRECTORY
Acting Deputy Commissioner-S.
Momikura
Acting Deputy Commissioner
Chung Wei-chung Clerks Seng Siu Ching, Yu Ching Yep, Huang Wei-kung, Tien Chih-yung, Lee Po Chi, Feng Shih and Yen Hsu Tidesurveyor-W. B. Bird Tidewaiters-Chou Teh Cheng, Liu Chen-min, Chuan Tseng Whe,
Wang Teh En, Chin Deh Chang, Yang Tze Yung, Cheng Jui, Liu Deh Hin, Pi Jen Pu, Lee Tung Sheng, Wang Chao Han, Yoh Chao I, Ding Djen Deh, Shih Shueh Han and Chao Yung Chu'an
ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION'S DISPENSARY
Rev. L. M. Frederic
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