To the Editor of the "Nontu-Cuixa Dany News"
Sm=—To the residents of Shanghai the high rent issue is vital. Oficial and municipal authorities are silent the subject and suMclent attention 1s not paid to it in the Press, Yet the situation must be known and many" in responsible positions are believed to be sympathetic with their employees as they naturally must be. They are not able to speak Out because of the interlocking effect of Interests here. And employees have to, mind their step, specially in these hard days when read and butter is definitely bread and butter.
Times are not likely to improve for the foreigner. The standard of living must come down, if only because of Russian and Japanese com petition, Even taipans are economizing—perhaps, in some cases, more than their salaried staffs. Professions suffer from unpaid bills for services rendered. The Shanghai Municipal Council may have to embark on another economy campaign. Without being pessimistic over the' tutu al, we should, T think, that the "good old days" have gone for the time being, at any rate. Very few people in future will be able to pay $100 a month rent and balance their budgets, The only reason for living in a congested Settlement has been lack of safety and want of public tility services, Fortunately these. factors are." becoming less of a boon tu landlords yearly. And a good thing, tov. for they have been unduly ex: plaited during the last twenty years Land companies should be able. to bulld modern houses outside the Settlement on cheap land and charge rent within the means of the average purse. This alone would force Settlement landlords to change their polley of preferring to have empty houses sooner than reduce Fentals all round. At the moment the vicious circle is this: people in $00. bourse are looking for $250 houses the present tenants of which are looking. for $150 houses and so on, until you ud the inhabitant of can ill affront or could better employ. Already "taipans" are beginning to take serious note of the men and women who arrive at office tired from" over-night revelry. Juniors will do well to remember that there is plenty of excuse these days, with-'Out providing others. for "letting out™ employees.
Shanghai foreigners who have to make a living sooner or later will be brought to realize that work must be their first consideration, not play and dissipation. Those who are willing to work will get and hold the jobs: the remainder will be compelled to. go, accompanied by little else than regrets.
Perhaps on perusal of my card you will allow me'to sign this letter Shanghai, Apr. 1.
Atso a TarPax,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.