Norwich bulletin., 1911-01-04
FAR EASTERN NEWS.

On November 12. the directors of the FOrmosan Sugar Manufa curing company took steps to increase the capital of $6,00O,000 to s12,o00,000
 The old British plantation and trad ing firm. E. F. Forsayth. on the island of Ralum, in the South Sea archipela- go. has been bought by a group of German South Sea firms.
 The army advisory board al Peking is taking steps toward the making of complete survey of the Chinese em- pire both for military and general purposes. At present nothing of the sort exists. It is probable that con- siderable foreign talent would be en- gagged for such an enterprise.
 French interests have approached the authorities of the province of Kwangsi with a view to obtaining a concession for the building of railways from Lungchow, Manning. Kwelin and other places to connect with the An nam railways. It is reported in the native press that the kwangsi author ities. do not view the proposals with favor.
 The Chinese merchants and traders in Deli, Dutch East Indies, have start ed something new in organized mutual help. They have established an asso- ciation for safeguarding Chinese com- mercial interest there The aim is to encourage Chinese enterprise in that quarter, and to offer rewards, bestow distinction, and give certificates to Chinese who come into prominence in that line.
 The Asahi states that Lever Broth CTS have arranged to establish com pany in Japan, in conformity with the commercial code, with a capital of s750.000. and intend to produce s2,G00.- GOO worth of goods yearly. TaIlow will be imported from Australia. bean oil from Manchuria (through the San-tai company of Darien a branch of the Mitsui), and caustic soda from Eng land and America.
 Increasing use of foreign clothing in Korea is having a direct effect upon the countrys imports, and the cutting off of the Korean topknot is stimulat ing imports of foreign headWear. The imports of foreign hats into Korea in 1907 Amounted to S,4S1 dozen, valued at $25,Iz0. There were imported in 1908, 13.425 dozen. valued at s34,513, and last year 15,600 dozen valued at $500. The increase is said to be greater than ever this year.
 Five large steamers are now being built for Japanese steamship and other companies One of 5000 and another of 5000 tons has been ordered from foreign yard for the Mitsui com pany, two of 5000 tong are being built al the Mitsu Bishi and Kawasaki yards for the N Y. K. American line. and one of the Tenvo type at the Mitsu Bishi yard for the Toyo Risen kaisha. The total tonnage of the Japanese steamers at present is 1,200 GOO, hold ing sixth place among the fleet ton mage in the world.
 Currency troubles continue in China. Since the coinage of the copper 1-cent pieces the quantity of cash" has be- come smaller and consequently higher in exchange value. causing a great deal of distress among peddlers. hawk CTS, and betty traders. In some coun- try districts the people saw a cent in halves, and each piece passes cur rent for cash. In some places a cent piece can only be exchanged for cash, and among the very poor this Is a serious matter. Such troubles in the aggregate have great effect upon general trade conditions.
 Plans are being made for the widen ing of the gauge of the railway be- tween Tokyo and Shimonoseki, 704 miles: estimated cost s115. 5.000, 900. The premier. the Marquis Katsura. states that it is not the intention of the gov