no uncommon thing for the thermometer to fall to 15 or 20 degrees, the air is dry and bracing, thus enabling the cold to be borne easily. The barometer averages 30 inches during the winter months. Strong southerly breezes, accompanied by dust, are the characteristics of the spring, which is the most unpleasant part of the year. The summer is not hot, and there is an absence of humidity. The average maximum readings for June, July, and August are 78·9°, 83·6°, and 82·1°. The average rainfall is 22 inches, two-thirds of which occur between June and September.
Newchwang's future is open to vast possibilities. The ice-bound state of the river for four months of the year, and its treacherous bed constitute grave dangers to the port's welfare, which are accentuated by the opening of Chinwangtao and Dalny to international trade. But, on the other hand, the port is very fortunately situated in regard to railways, for it is served by the Imperial Railways of North China and by the South Manchuria Railway, the former on the right and the latter on the left bank of the Yalu River. The South Manchuria Railway Company have decided to extend their line into the business portion of the port with the result that in a short time the facilities for dealing with cargo destined for the interior will be very greatly increased. Both the above-mentioned railway systems are in direct communication with Mukden, the Japanese line proceeding northwards from Mukden to Chang Chun or Kuan Chen Tze, where it meets the Russian railway system, thus making a connection by rail between this port and Calais.
Such is Newchwang of to-day, the premier gateway to the three great Manchurian provinces.
BUSH BROTHERS.
To those who reside in North China, the firm of Bush Bros., is almost a household name. Established in 1861, the firm can claim to be the pioneers of British trade in Manchuria. The founder, Henry E. Bush, who was the first agent in Yokohama for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, has now retired to live in comfort at Blackheath, and the task of conducting a gigantic business has been thrown on the shoulders of his eldest son, Mr. Harry A. Bush.
Even at the present day, when many large British companies are operating up and down the China coast, this business, carried on entirely by one man, more than retains its place. Besides holding valuable agencies, such, for example, as those for the Pacific Mail, Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company; International Sleeping Car Company; Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, and Ransomes, Sims, & Jefferies (Ipswich), the firm are the managers of the Yuen Lai Bean Mill (and their interest in bean mills claims much of their time), and are one of the largest, if not the largest, importers of piece goods to Manchuria. During the recent war they undertook a considerable portion of the transport of the Japanese Army.
It is to the keen foresight of Mr. Harry A. Bush and his assistants that Britain's foothold in Manchurian mining matters is due. The Cathay Mines, though still in their infancy, promise to be one of the finest and most prosperous workings in existence.
Mr. Harry A. Hush was born at Shanghai in 1865, and was educated at Bognor College and at Cheltenham. In 1868 he entered his father's firm in Newchwang, and in 1883 was taken into partnership. He was awarded gold medals by Field Marshal Oyama and Baron Kodoma for services rendered to Japan during the Russo-Japanese War. He is fond of sport, especially racing and skating, and is a member of the Thatched House Club, London.
BANDINEL & CO.
An extensive business as import and export merchants and shipping agents is carried on by this firm, which was established in 1881, by Mr. William Bandinel. Among the agencies held by the firm are those of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, the Norddeutscher Lloyd, the Hamburg-Amerika Linie, and other steamship companies, besides several of the more prominent insurance companies. Mr. F. W. Farmer, who took over the business in 1907, has resided in Newchwang practically all his life, and is Consul for the Netherlands, and Vice-Consul for Norway.
