RIBAT present trafic difficulties anghai, Apr. 15. which may be largely attributed to the congested state of the Settlement and French Concession should be given serious attention by the sneral public was brought out in both of the speeches given the annual general meeting of the Automobile Club for China held yesterday afternoon in the offices of Messrs. Beck & Swant 17 The Bund. Mr. 11, Tiefenbacher who presided at the meeting said in his speech The continuance of Sino-Japanese hostilities and the consequent restric-tons imposed rendered touring in the terior of China impracticable, and lst considerable areas of the prov jinces adjacent to Shanghai are Tonger the scene of hostilities, the restrictions imposed regarding inland travel make it impossible to take motor ears outside Treaty Port areas, except for special business. reasons, for which military permits are neces sary. In addition to the restrictions T have mentioned, it is known that most of the motor roads have suffered considerably during the past 18 months and extensive repair work will be necessary before motoring, in comfort will be possible over the majority of these roads, At such time as the areas adjacent to Shanghai are thrown open for motoring the club will find it necessary to carry out a considerable amount of survey work with the Toast possible delay in order that a report may be rendered to members ss\t0 the condition of roads, bridges Jand overnight accommoda lub sccnstonally receives, informa tion from those who have been permitted to travel in the interior since the fighting went further afield, and the view is unanimously held' that Jonce the roads are opened to free passage of trafic, with a minimum of Festrietions, there will be a quick return of confidence amongst The Chi hose and, with thal, resumption of Jaormal routine.
TraMe Conditions Deteriorated 'Turning to Shanghai, 1 regret to state that tremie conditions in the tnternational Settlement and' French Concession have deteriorated considerably within the past year of 80. 'This is due almost solely to the congestion which has resulted from the fe losing of areas. such as Chapel, Yangtszepoo, Wayside, Nantao and the Native' City for' a prolonged period, Whilst a return to these areas by former Chinese residents is now being encouraged by the Japane exe authorities, 1 fear that until existing restrictions are removed there can be no real return of con fidence amongst the Chinés<; and a eneral exodus of the surplus popu. Tation from the Settlement and Concession areas cannot, therefore, expected in the immediate future, 30 that congestion may continue "for sore time.
in the circumstances, 1 feel that the question of curtail number of leensed 1 she again be taken up, ax careful obser-Yalion has shown' that the "number fof unoccupied rickshaws on the roads enormously in recent these Vehicles constitute on account of the dual police control returned to the attack some months, Tater after my own. ear had been struck by a driver coming out of the Brookside "Apartments, abd on this occasion the secretaries were able 10 inform me that the French authoriies had promised action, and that Parking plates were being made, That was over a. year ayo, and nol: hiiing "has happened. Anyone here has only to drive along Ave. Halt to see the futility of the present system, parking, which T'may say is now worse than ever, as ears are parked fon both sides of the road, leaving nly room for one ear ata time the narrow lane thus left.
"The speed at which trucks are driven is a disgrace, Hire ear drivers re nearly as bad. It only needs one set of brakes to snap and a. grim tragedy will occur. Ave. Edward. VIL
this "connection.
Foch are to be expecially
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