Directory_and_Chronicle_1940 — Page 784

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in Amoy, whence they were shipped to the foreign markets. Now no Formosan tea is "settled" in Amoy, and with Keelung still unimproved to any considerable extent quite 50 per cent. of the Formosan product is being shipped direct to America from Kee- lung. The foreign tea merchant at Amoy has practically lost his occupation, and we are witnessing the fulfilment of the prediction that "the row of quaint, rambling, old hongs on the Amoy side, and many picturesque residences on Kulangsu will be offering for the occupation of the wealthy returned emigrant or the missionary school." A University has been established at Amoy in a fine range of buildings with ample playing grounds, funds for the purpose having been provided by a native of the district who made his fortune in British Malaya; and thanks to the civic patriotism of an- other native of the district whio amassed great wealth in Java, a contract was signed in 1922 with the Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Co. for the installation of a complete new telephone system. Bunding, drainage, jetties, roads, recreation grounds and similar public works, are in progress, many of the main streets have been widened and concrete paved, and a fine public garden has been laid out with facilities for all forms of sport, including a football ground, running track, and hard tennis courts. Reclamation work (filling in without bunding) was started in 1922 to the north of the city and the Amoy Dock. A solid stone bund has been completed along the whole

waterfront of Amoy.

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Amoy has an up to date waterworks system, in excellent running order, operated by the Amoy Waterworks Co.

Built in 1923 the reservoirs are capable of holding 400,000,000 gallons of water, enough for one year's consumption. The Company have now provided Kulangsu with water. The water is carried over from Amoy to Kulangsu in boats and pumped to reservoirs on the high points of the Island. The quality of water supplied compares very favourably with any supply in the Far East and is extensively used by visiting steamships.

TRADE IN 1938

At the port of Amoy the year under review was far from normal, the troubles of the times being naturally reflected in the trade of the port.. In addition to the general adverse factors arising from

from the Sino-Japanese hostilities, the district became actually involved in the conflict. During the early part of the year trade had shown signs of recovery from the slump in the latter months of 1937; imports were heavier and the export trade continued to improve. Though the port was frequently menaced, it was not until the 10th, May that Japanese forces opened an attack on Amoy Island and quickly occupied it. Practically the entire population evacuated, some to the main- land but the majority to the adjoining small island of Kulangsu. The few foreign vessels that called did so solely to maintain their schedules and to carry away refugees. For a period of two months the hinterland was cut off and the port isolated. Fortunately, towards the end of August confidence was in some measure restored, and on the 1st, September the Customs, having been forced to evacuate to Kulangsu, returned to the Amoy side and assumed charge over all shipping. Routes gradually reopened, and although Amoy, for the time being, lost much of its importance as a distributing centre, trade still continued.

The trade statistics of the port reflect the general position, direct foreign imports being valued at $9.1 million as compared with $13 million during 1937; coastwise importations of Chinese produce at $8.8 million as against $17.8 million; direct exports to foreign countries at $3.2 million as against $4.6 million; and coastwise exports of Chinese goods at $4.5 million as com- pared with $2.3 million. The bulk of foreign imports in their order of importance consisted of sulphate of ammonia, of which 154,984 quintals only were imported as against 332,900 quintals in 1937, which the hinterland cut off is understandable. Under petroleum products there were decreases under all items with the exception of paraffin wax, which gained slightly due to the demand for native-made candles consequent on high kerosene prices. There was a marked decline in the import of gasoline from 3.9 million litres due

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