Streets Union are asking the Shanghai Municipal Council and the Commissioner of Customs to assist in relieving the situation.
The Labourers and Merchants Association has petitioned Pekin, requesting the President ant Cabinet to issue orders prohibiting smuggling for export and the hoarding of rice.
Cuinese Action.
At a meeting of the members of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon, when about 50 members were present, it was decided by the represent of the Rice Gull that the price of rice should be fixed at $14 (best quality), and a committee—was appointed to inquire into the stocks of rice at present in Shanghai, especially with reference to those in foreign godowns. The stock is believed to be about 300,000 piculs, while the daily consumption is estimated at 7,500 piculs, although it is recognized that these figures are of necessity only approximate.
It was suggested that telegrams should be sent tothe Peking Gov- tenance. ernment urging strict measures to be taken with regard to exports, and also asking for a grant in aid.
The sum of $43,000 was subseribed on the spot by the different banks and guilds to meet the present emergency.
Accusations oF Hoarpixé.
At the meeting of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce indirect charges that some of the members of the Chamber have been and are at present hoarding rice, in spite of the urgent need of the cereal, were made. One of the members proposed that any member who was or is at present hoarding rice should be asked to leave the meeting.
Proposals were put forward by various members, the chief of which was to demand that the Peking Government put an embargo on the export of rice. It was alleged that the Anfu Club had shipped rice to Japan under_ false '"'huchoos" (certificates of permission). Another proposal was' that the price of rice should be limited to a certain amount.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.