Immense Popularity Among Chinese: Possibility of Large Annual Loans: Opium and Finance in the Far West row Our Ows Tunghsien, Sze,, Oct. 81.
Our small city. continues to go Beacefully about its business while Tumours or reports of trouble, all about, fill the air. Just now, it would seem that the chief business of those who have any money at all is the forming of "huei" or, investment associations, and attending the annual _business gatherings of such societies. the Absence of trustworthy banks these "huei" offer about the only reliable opportunity,.for those who cannot engage in" buying and selling, to invest their money profitably, The plan of these associations may vary considerably, but generally speaking, the one who draws the privilege of using the society's money each year pays an interest of 12-0r 19 per cent. He probably has to put up good security for the loan, such as certified land deeds." Very likely he will then invest in other land which should bring him'in a larger return than hig interest on the loan. Many an thus able to got a start Jand holding which is, as yet, the safest investment in this locality.
The annual meeting of the "huei" means a feast, probably a holiday, and forms a part of the social system which takes the place of other forms of amusement or entertainment more common in the countries. Very often huei" also have the element of endowment of some charity or temple, a portion of the principal and its interest being allotted to th beneficiary.
Some participate in a great many wei." I know of one man who attends such a gathering almost, every day during the last three months of the year. These three months are therefore unfavourable times for inviting guests, for there is almost sure to be several of the invited company who cannot come owing to a "huei" meeting. No wonder that when the New Year arrives and most of these "huei" ceased, there is srtainment of one's Sriends and acquaintances,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.