Hangchow, May 7.
The rice question is ata critical stage- It is announced by the authorities in charge of the surplus granaries that there are only about enough bushels to last for a month. The Chamber of Commercs is requested to treat, through the Governor, with Kiang-ssu to allow rice to be bought at reduced rates from the neighbour ing province, as the condition of the poor is serious.
'A. branch mint is reported as opened pending the arrival of the Directors from Peking.
In order to meet the summer cross river traffic two new launches are now in course of construction. The engines, which are from Shanghai, will arrive in a few days. Ricsha stands on both banks of the river are proportionately increased in number, so visitors are promised greater comfort in transit.
The ath class train from Shanghai yesterday broke down at Chang-an, and for some hours blocked the way; but, with creditable rapidity the mischief in the engine chimney was put right and the journey was continued.
A Dutch silk-merchant, accompanied by two Chinese experts has been making the rounds of the silk factories and shops, and con-forring with the leading merchants. Ho has also visited Kashing, Wuchow and other of the silk-producing centres in the province.
An English night-school has opened in the Tse-pao Yang.
'A photographic society has been organized amongst educationists and lawyers by the Rev. Robert Fitch. Under his expert leadership classes have been held, and on Saturday last an expedition was made to the West Lake large island where the pupils availed themselves of the mature ex: perience of the teacher and under is able instruction many (we hope!) good pictures were secured.
Owrxe to the strong attitude adopted by the police and troops in Peking, 'Traitors' Day" passed off without any serious incident. The proposed special celebration did not take place. though some enterprising students assembled in the Central Garden. years with the Chinese Labour Corps. Mr. Nich was heartily welcomed for his father's sake. His father, the late Governor of Kiang-ssu, was a Provincial Governor here in Soochow 20 years ago during the stormy days of the Boxer movement; and it is largely due to his protection that the lives of many foreigners and Chinese christians in this province were spared.
The speakers seemed to arouse much enthusiasm in their audience, which was composed of members of the Chamber of Commerce, and the leading men of the city.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.