To the Editor of the "Nonru-Cmiva Dany News"
S1n,—Might I ask you to insert the following protest in your paper regarding the sweeping assertion of "ruinous rates? re the leader entitled "In search Health on the China Coast" as published by a Shanghai evening paper on the 16th inst. and which is apt to mislead the general public in Shanghai and outports.
Weihaiwei being one of the three) resorts mentioned as competing with Chefoo for popularity, I wish to state that a rate of $6 or $7 per day, the! average rate at summer resalts, with a reduction on a month's stay, is not a "ruinous rate" and compares more than favourably with those charged in Shanghai, I sey "more than favourably," owing to the fact that few people realise the expense of importing servants, goods, etc. and that local supplies are double the Shanghai pric:
If very low rates are required, then! table accommorlation anil service to correspond are uccrsanry, i.e., the plai and cheapest food and local se: who are quite ignorant of hotel work, a proceeding which all fair-minded people will admit could not give satisfaction, Regarding the requirements for an ideal summer resort" where Shanghai mentioned in the leaders's numbered it seems to me th: paragraphs, Itis cool enough for people to boar the sun during the day, the thermometer registering at the present moment, 2 p.m. only 78, and this in the middle of July, and not only one, but some nights two blankets, are necessary at night.
2. Weihaiwei is easily reached, as two steamship companies have their steamers calling in here regularly. Visitors are not troubled here with any inconvenience, such as travelling to health resorts in Japan, and several other places entail, such as train, ricshas, and chairs, after they leave the steamer.
The hotel boat, with its attendant, meets all steamers to bring visitors to the hotel and luggage ashore.
3. There are both hills and sea, good walks, good roads for bicycling, and goo.t bathing. Those in search of renewed health, combined wich rest and quietness, find such here where as all affirm the climate is perfect.
Tam aware that being the Manager of this hotel, I lay mssclf open to the accusation' of praisiay Woilaiwei for business purposes.
It is not so; mike this protest re rates in justificstio of those whom the writer of the leadv- in rationed condemns as " Blood-Sucking Hotel Keepers.
Thanking you in anticipation for in-sorting the above, Lam, ete.
Ivo. A. W. Lovrei.o, Manager, " King's Hotel, Ld.
Weihaiwei, 2ist July.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.