Newchwang, Dec. 22.
It was only the other day that I wrote to you about the appointment of the engineers for the Liao River Conservancy and now I have to inform you of the ead news the tragic death of Mr. T. Arai, the engineer for the Upper River, in a collision between the passenger and a goods train near Kai-yuan at 7.30 am. yesterday. Mr. Arai only arrived here on Novem ber 1, but by his pleasing, quiet manner and evident desire to make a success of his work had made a most agreeable impression on all who had met him. He and Mr.
Fawcett attended a luncheon on Saturday to meet the Newchwang members of the Conservancy Board, and Mr. Arai left by rail for Chengchiatun that night on a tour of inspection. having purposely postponed his departure one day in order to be present at the small function. He was accompanied by his Chinese interpreter and a Chinese surveyor, the latter two were together in a compart. ment behind the engineer and all were asleep when the accident hap-nondod; the last escaped with a few braises and says that the other two were apparently killed instantaneously, Mr. Arai by a splinter through the eyo while the other was seemingly crushed. Mr. Arai's family desires the body to be sent, to Japan for cremation.
This is the third sad event that has happened in our sniall community during the month. first the death of Mrs. Blowey, wife of our popular Tarbour Master, then the death from influenza of Mr. Taads. who represented New: chwang at the Chambers of Com: mere meeting in Shanghai, and now this tragedy.
There is a great deal of floating in the river. but we do not expect it to set, until the next neap tides towards the end of the month-TI hear there is a scheme on foot to make a railway to Fuchow Bay hour 50 miles or less away, so cargo may be shipped throughout the winter. The neighbour. hood of Puchow Bay is an important salt-producing district and the salt is brought hero throughout. the s steamer. T ils vet but T will send them to you shortly.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.