'A company of Russians have caused a great deal of curiosity to people of thie quish county Nords- of Uhineso and seem to be nub very few
quite unfamiliar to the customs of the natives save, perhaps, that of wine drinking. The ' purpose of their inland to make a few dollars by selling cloth. They have not made much of a turnover, for Jcompeting with the Chinese in this line of business, is far from an leasy proposition, It is safe to say that an the! province of Chekiang opium grow-Ing has been rigidly suppressed. There is however, without doubt, serious recrudescence of the use of the drug and an extensive being transacted in secret. There is scarcely a market of any ize but what opium may be Vought. A short time ago a quantity of the drug ¥as being secretly conveyed through the city. The military were soon on the track Jof these clandestine traders who ihave received some ugly treatment Jat their hands, Heavy fines have eon imposed and a beating in the bargain.
A large, quantity of ea has n purchased with, the penalty fees, and is being distributed to the poor, to help them over ithe now year, PRORCTED HYDKOMANE SERVIER, There is talk of swinging into
the quick passage of passengers ular nae the hydroplane for lup and down the Chien Tang River.
'A. short time ago another. suc-Jcossful trial was made. From Hangchow to Chuchow the distance can be covered in about six lor seven hours as compared with edi the old-style sailing boat tray ling, when some six or seven days Jara required.
The present " Express boat" is a great improvement on the uncertain cargo boat, for the com-Pany guarantee to transport passengers a stage per day—about 100 ti, An electric lighting plant has! been established in the town of Shuenan, A young man, who has received soma practical' training the works at Woosang, is head of the company. The is good p. land is very popular with th Keepers. The same company will fran the light of the busy market }Of Kiangkeo, some seven miles distant from Shuenan, on the Hucichow river. One electric light Jeompany hae been promoted wenchow and operations are commence carly in the new year. The machinery has been supplied from Germany.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.