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“...4
CIIIXAX.
American, but especially the former, which came by rail from Siberia,
being conveyed by steamer to Chefoo and distributed thence in the
interior. American flour was imported in much smaller quantities,
both via Chefoo and Tsingtau ; while large quantities of rice were
Tmrchased in the Wuhu district, and conveyed by sea to the two ports
mentioned above.
These supplies pouring in on all sides, most of them being passed
free of customs and likin dues, proved to be more than ample, and very
soon relieved the tension ; prices began to resume their level, and
wealthy people in various districts, who had made endeavours to corner
the grain market, found themselves left with large stocks on their
hands, which they were only able to dispose of at a loss.
Trade depression.A serious famine was thus averted, and com-
parative peace and good order restored in the province; but the
partial failure of the crops nevertheless reacted very severely on
trade, which suffered further from the recent...”
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“...conveyance south.
Later on connection will doubtless be made for that purpose with the
southern section of the Tientsin-P'uk'ou Railway.
The project for linking up Wei-hsien, on the Chinan-Tsingtau line,
with Chefoo by rail has been definitely sanctioned, the gentry and
merchants of the districts to be traversed having been permitted
to raise funds for the purpose. It was originally intended that the-
line should be built exclusively by Chinese labour with Chinese capital,
but owing to the difficulty of raising funds the question of a foregn-
loan has recently been raised. A start is to be made with the eastern
section of the line from Chefoo to Huang-hsien, and the necessary
surveys have been taken in hand. The construction of such a lino
would undoubtedly be a great boon to Chefoo, which has long beer*
hampered in its competition with Tsingtau by the lack of railway com-
munication.
Tsingtau.
Mr. Consular-Agent Eckford reports as follows :
Net trade of the port.Business during the period...”
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“...about 10,000 packages.
Length of bundles.The controversy on this point was continued,
with the result that most of the goods now arriving are almost up to
required standards ; and if buyers will only exercise vigilance, this
grievance will, it is hoped, soon cease to exist.
Shantung"straws.This article has been exported somewhat freely,
its destination being Ningpo, where it is made up into hats. The
continuance of this trade will depend on the vagaries of fashion.
Chefoo.It is reported that the Chefoo native merchants have
organised a syndicate for the production of plait from straw grown
in that neighbourhood ; it is proposed to bring some families from
Pingtu and Shaho to teach plaiting. Samples have been shown here,
and the qualities appear to be satisfactory. No foreigners are allowed
to participate.
Wool.The figures show that a little business was done at the
end of the year. As only small quantities come on to the market
it has to be bought in the interior, at Chouts'un, where there...”
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“...being
2,951 and 2,994 cwts. respectively. Foreign firms have done little
or nothing in this line, owing to the native dealers not giving buyers-
the option of selecting their goods, as is done in Chefoo, where they
can pick and choose, and refuse the pieces not up to requirements.
Dates, black.These show a very large increase, this being due
to two reasons, the principal one being the facility of transport by
the railway and the other the very heavy crop this season. The usual
yield from one tree is about 1 picul, whereas this autumn the
average was 1-J- piculs (about 1-2 and 1-9 cwts. respectively).
Formerly the dates used to go by pack mule to Chefoo or to Kiao-
chow, but the cheaper and quicker transit by rail has had the effect
of diverting the trade to this port. Shipments were made from Chefoo-
by steamer and from Kiaochow by junk.
The abundant crop has also had the effect of cheapening prices,,
and this again has been a factor in bringing about larger shipments.
About one-half of the...”
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