The situation became worse during the past two years. The number of kilns was further reduced to 54 which, however, had to suspend operation from time to time, owing to the shrinking market, This is amply reflected in Customs reports which show that the annual export has been steadily on the decline during the past ten years. While the total export for 1025 was 77,621 piculs, the figure dwindled to 35,271 pleuls'in 1034, it is generally agreed that the Chingtehchen porcelain industry would be doomed if no drastic improvements were immediately effected. Although sporadic efforts have been exerted by the Kiangsi authorities to revive the trade, no appreciable results have yet' been reaped. Central News,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.