Paper by Capt. von Heidenstam Before Chinese and American Engineers Captain H. von Heidenstam, engineer-in-chief of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board, gave a paper on Wednesday to the Chinese and American engineers who are meeting in convention here, on the subject of harbour development in Shanghai.
In the course of his lecture Capt. von Heidenstam sketched the position of Shanghai as a link in the present and future transportation system of China and in relation to the general trade routes on the Pacific. He gave a short resume of the development of the harbour of Shanghai, as far as it has pro-eyeded and sketched in bold outlines the problem of future development. He described the investigations made by the Conservancy Board and the proposals submitted by the Committee of Expert Engineers, called by the Conser-fancy Board last October.
Capt. von Heidenstam went over the main points of the expert's report which had been put forward for the consideration of the Chinese Government and all the interests concerned. He then described the detailed means proposed to deal with the approaches and with the harbour proper and gave interesting data as to the various technical alternatives which had had to be considered for the solution of the problem, such as a new outlet to the Huangpu; a port de vitesse on the Hangchow Bay or elsewhere in the vicinity, connected with Shanghai; and the creation of locked harbour basins. He also exhibited and explained a number of fine drawings and plans.
Finally he touched upon the difficulties of realizing the ideal solution in any port development. In the case of Shanghai, while at least from certain points of view and certainly in regard to general navigational improvement of the approaches and harbour, the report of the committee might be considered as the best possible solution there undoubtedly were difficulties in the way. One difficulty was the question of public wharves in re lation to private enterprise.
Another difficulty, specific for China, was the fact that so far the ranks of the population did not realize the importance of transoceanic trade in relation to the general prosperity of the country, and its inhabitants. "Vavigare necess"' uvust be impressed in letters of fire on the mind of all those who had the welfare of Chinw at heart, and were in such " position as to be able to influence its future development. For all these must be made clear that it was necessary to create modern deep water harbours with all modern appliances for rapid handling of cargo. This must be cone, not indiscriminately here and there, as suggested by individual concession hunters and concession profiteers. but according to a well conceived, national system in which a few main ports must figure prominently. If this be not done, China would in respect to its trade remain largely dependent on foreign centres. On account of present conditions, these port improvements for ocean traffic could not very well be made without the help and in ce-operation with foreign interests, but ultimately these harbours which had been constructed alony the Chinese coast would benefit the Chinese merchant fleet and would be the decisive factor for China itself to conduct its trade with \distant countries.
Tne Mopern CxINnesp ENGINEER.
In this respect it seemed to him that the modern educated Chinese engineer, who had seen the transportation systems in Western countries working and the wonderful activities of the ports of London, New York, San Francisco, has great mission to fulfil. These ports had become great by a combination of private enterprise and public ce-operation in the form of harbour boards or trusts, and on lines suchas had been proposed for Shang: hai.
By influencing the opinion of the leaders of his country, the modern Chinese engineer could assist towards a proper solution of the problems of communications, on land, by water and air. These should be given a very conspicuous place on a constructive programme for the development of China, 11 the formulation, as well as realization of which the Chinese engineer was destined and should be prepared to play an important part.
'Tus trustees. of the Sethna Cricket Prize Fund (Capt. E.' 1. M. Barrett, Mr. G. M. Billings and Mr. T. Wallace) have award ed the prize for players under years of age, for season 192], to Cumine, Shanghai Public School. He played in five matches, made a total score of 147 runs, was not out on one occasion, and had an average of 36.8. He was also a good bowler and keen fielder. The object of this prize is to encourage young cricketers in Shanghai and is given yearly for all round play.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.