Soochow, Jan. 3.
With 80 per cent. of Soochow's passengers and freight traffic moving by water, the long drought is beginning to be serious. The low water mark will soon reach the level of 12 years ago, when the water reached its lowest in 30 years. The government, so-called, could so easily dredge the canals, if it was willing to use some of the money it takes from the people. Not two per cent. of the canal mileage needs dredging, only short sections, but these sections are at the most important points. In addition to the low water, there is the danger of a freeze over in this intensely cold weather. A few still nights will lock the canals with ice and also many of the lakes.
The new electric light company, since Sunday. night, December 31, hasbeen having a very fine lighting display, with a beautiful arch on the main street (Hua Road) outside the Changmen. No one knows just what is the situation with the old lighting company. Three years ago, the old company, through the anti-Japanese boycott, was almost put out of business, but since the old company lost the street lighting franchise, it seems to have taken a new lease of life. The new lighting company is giving very efficient service and, it is said, will soon give a day current.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.