The fact that both in quantities anc in value a number of China's most Important export commodities have increased appreciably shows that fame interior districts are. probably beginning to bene by the. higher commodity prices now obtaining and by the better demand from abroad, Lits true that the purchasing power of the people remains deplorably low but improved conditions in some parts have counter-balanced the deterioration in others such as the flood ridden areas, Considerable development continues take place in regard to railways and the government is determined 10 push ahead with the plans for bulld-Ing mew lines in Central China, The formation of an. influential Chinese Railway Bondholders" Committow London and subsequent exchange views regarding the outstanding rally way debts will we trust lead satisfactory settlement, regards the actual financial position of the Government, no. complete statement has been published covering a date tater than June 19%, Dut the Salt Revenues are reported to have improved in 1035, thotigh It doubtful 1¢ the central authorities have benefited thereby. The Customs Fevenuo declined. §19° millions Tas year, leaving only a small stuplus available for the Government, but It nust In fairness be pointed cut that this was largely due to the average higher rate of exchange which adversely affected the conversion of the Customs Gold Unit into local dollars, With the rates fixed as-at present the dollar Income ought to. improve this year if Imports do not fall elf, Sir P. Maze Wratsed The situation as regards the Customs offices in North China has been ominous but Sir Frederick Maze has, 8 usual, shown great tact in deal with the matter and'so prevented interference with the existing administration, We hope that both sides will take a realistic view of" the Position and that the integelty: of (ho. Chinese*Maritime Customs will be observed at all costs. Sir Frederick Maze deserves the confidence and sup= port of all concerned, It ix of Me terest to note that according to official statements issued by the financial authorities in' Manchoukwo. the latter are selling aside each year a sum of money equivalent to their quota of the foreign loan and Me demnity services, which was formerly paid by the Cuistoms ofoes In the Manchurian ports, On the subject of the trade and Falute prospects of Manchoukuo there ists a considerable diversity improvements been effected jon, but" unquestionably many
there during th past four years, Last year the harvest was good, and though the area under the cultivation of crops was much below the average of mer years the higher prices obtain Wwe been of bennet to the farmers; as a result of this as well ax of monetary stability and of Less dis turbed conditions in the mare Important rural districts, the general trend has been better,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.