An elaborate shipping programme has been drawn up by the Ministry of Communications, according to telegrams received by the local press from Nanking and confirmed in Chinese shipping circles.
Several periods have been set apart from the completion of the Programme, which is expected to Jextend over a number of years.
In the first period, it is proposed to spend not less than $50,000,000 to improve the present shipping services and to construct new vessels. Twelve new boats will be built for the Yangtze services, eight, Jof which will be placed on service. between Shanghai and Hankow, two between Hunan and Ichang' and. two between Ichang and Szechuan, Six will be built for the north China service and ten for the southern coast run, whilst two will placed between China and the Philippine Islands, the Dutch East Indies and the Straits Settlements.
Interviewed in connection with the matter, a leading Chinese shipping merchant informed a representative of the "North China Daily News" that the Chiaotungpu had taken the matter up seriously, various schemes for} the improvement: of Ci shipping having been under considera {tion for some time. The Ministry proposed to do everything possible} to assist the Chinese shipping cor panies and to make up for the time which had been lost so far as.
China's navigation rights were concerned. China is so backward her shipping, said our informant, that the trade is seriously menaced, In this connection, it is of inter-fest to note that' the National Coastguard Bureau of the Ministry. of Navy is contemplating the inauguration of an efficient const-guard and lifeboat service and, towards this end, a petition has. been sent to the' Administrative Yuan, suggesting that a portion of the Boxer Indemnity Funds should: bbe earmarked for the construction of x 1,000-ton and two 800 ton vessels and a number of lifeboats: for use in the rescue of crews vessels which sre wrecked, catch' fire or fall into the hands of] irates, The proposal is being favourably) considered, it is sai
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