We are sorry to lear that the cement works at Tangshan have been closed, and the gentleman in charge, after having just renewed his engagement for a second Uiree years, is about leaving for the howe-lind. The ostensible cause of the closure of this article munch needed is China, ie inability important industry and producer of an
to pay expenses. The clay ix good, and the cement is of excellent quality, but it can be imported, they say," at less cost than it can be produced on the ground. A few facts will elucidate the matter.
THE REASON Wily, This venture was started only a few years ago. Of course, it required considerable outlay to place'the plant, and begin the mantfactute. But. the result justified the experiment in quality, quantity, and cost of production. Last year there was expended for kilns and storage facilities over TIs. 40,000, "which placed the cancer good footing, able to meet: all prospective demands of production. This year, with no outlay for buildings or plant, the expenditures have fallen less than 'Tls. 3,000 below those of last year, i.e. they amount to almost Tls. 40,000. It was not for phut, not for labour, not for material. Probably there can' be little difference of opinion in regard to where this 40,000 ounces of silver has found a resting-place. Further, the gentleman in charge, before advising the present management to close the works unless they could reduce their expenses, offered to take entire control and management, and guarantee 10% on the investment. This means, that with an honest management, these works can produce good cement as cheaply as it can be imported, and realise about 30% on. the investment out of which to meet waste, wear, incidental and running expenses, and By, a dividend of 10% to the shareholders.
jut this did not appear to meet the views of the management, and so the works are closed as a testimony againat them.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.