The population here since the inception of the troubles in this port has decreased by perhaps more than 50 per cent and by every vessel leaving Tsingtao, more go. The train service to Tsinanfu has been augmented and at present there are two trains running daily. The -parcel post service which was disrupted at the beginning of the month, has now been restored. The Social Bureau, under Commissioner F. T. Ley, has been taking steps to regulate the price of coal and arrange for facilities to increase local stocks which are running low, and the price for household quality is now controlled at $22 per ton—profiteering is not permitted and is punishable.
Residents are faced with a compamtively heavy refugee problem and the International Relief Committee is tackling. problem to the best of their abi es with public donations. There are over 5,000 destitute Chinese to be cared for—2,000 of these are workless Tsingtao mill hands and their families and the other 3,000 are mostly natives of Hopei who fled their homes during Officers and personnel of the U, S. S. Marblehead and H. M. S. Suffolk, under the auspices of the Paper Hunt Club. There were six races i There was a race for another for "snotties," one for officers, a relay race with teams of six a side and two others. The rig-outs of some of the jockeys were a joy for the eyes, and considering that some of the lads had only commenced learning to ride here, a few short weeks ago, it was surprising that mere were no stretcher cases.
Some of the boys exhibited resi rodeo skill in hanging on ani the public who were charged an entrance fee for the privilege of participating in the sweeps and betting, thoroughly enjoyed the fun and did not resent losing for the sweet cause of chant About $500 was realized for the Refugee Fund. The meet ended in a draw between the two competing ships, as each won three events and prizes in the shape of cups and shields were awarded to the winners
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.