MANY CONTRACTS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 423, 6 January 1933, Page 7

MANY CONTRACTS

: 1 |building manchukuo PLANS FOR ERECTIONS SHOW JAPANESE' AIM AT PERMANENCY INTENSE ACTIVITY Changchun (Manchuria), Dec. 30. Contracts have been let for more j than 300 buildings in this capital of , the new State of Manchukuo, accord- } ing to the Manchukuo Foreign Office. I About half of these buildings are in'tended for the use of the new Go- | vernment. | Building activity is so intense that residents who are absent for a few ■ weeks do not recognise Changchun when they return. More than 100 buildings have been completed during the past few months. The buildings are substaxitial, in spite of the i haste with which they are bedng coni structed, and give evidence of the Japanese intention to make Changchun the permanent seat of Government in Manchuria. The housing shortage is certain to continue for some time, however, as Changchun's buildings are sufficient to accommodate only about one-third of the rapidly increasing population. The existing hotels put 20 to 40 guests in former reception'rooms. The treat of attack by Chinese "volunteers" has compelled the Japanese military to run Changchun into a fortress-like town. At every important intersection and entrance to the city solid block-houses have been ereeted, iri which Japanese garrisons reside. Machine-guns and light field pieces are set up before every large building. The Japanese are prepared for any sort of surprise attack. But the harvesting of the autumn crops has eased the tension in Changchun. Surprise attacks are less likely during the winter. Although the winters are cold here, the Manchukuo officials declare building activity will continue without a break.