The Origins of Airmail in China & Hong Kong 1919-1922

As regards passenger traffic, the prospects are more favourable, and there can be little doubt that as soon as the public were satisfied that the new services were safe and reliable, they would receive plenty of patronage provided that the fares were not altogether disproportionate to the cost of rail and steamer transport. The enclosed statement showing the distances from Shanghai by rail, river or sea of some of the principal cities and ports in China, the approximate time required at present for the journey and the approximate cost (First class rail and steamship fares) may serve as an indication of the possibilities in this direction. TRAVELLING FROM SHANGHAI Shanghai – 1,000,000 Chinese and 25,000 foreigners. To Population Distance in Miles Time Cost in $ Vehicle Chingkaing 200,000 150 4 hrs. 48 mins. 8.80 Train Nanking 270,000 193 6 hrs. 15 mins. 8.80 Train Wuhu 130,000 250 2 days 25.00 Steamer Tatung 60,000 323 3 days 12 hrs. 47.00 Steamer Anking (Nganking) 500,000 360 2 days 18 hrs. 35.00 Steamer Kiukiang 36,000 458 3 days 45.00 Steamer Nanchang 250,000 488 3 days 12 hrs. 50.00 Steamer 1 change Hankow, Wuchang & Hanyang 1,150,000 600 4 days 50.00 Steamer Changsha 500,000 700 6 days 80.00 Steamer 1 change Shasi 80,000 889 Ichang 40,000 1,000 7 days 95.00 Steamer 1 change Chungking 300,000 1,400 12 days 210.00 Steamer 2 changes Chengtu 500,000 1,460 14 days 210.80 Steamer 2 changes Yunnanfu Via Hongkong 50,000 10 days 2 Steamers 1 Train

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