[China; Western Australia] Andrew, John editor.

First issue of Hankow Daily News [with] Supplement.

Hankow China: 1906. The first issue of the English language newspaper published March 15, 1906, for the important treaty port of Hankow, situated on the Yangtze River. With contemporary note at upper left margin, "My dear Margaret, keep this paper as a memo. It is the first ever published here, Gertrude". Many advertisements including an importer of West Australian wood, with a separate large broadside listing sailings and advertisements for steamship lines.

The newspaper was founded by John Andrew, a well known merchant on the China coast, and Otto Marx. It famously covered the First Chinese Revolution of October 1911. This first issue of the newspaper was published during the foreign concessions period of the city's history. In a notice to subscribers, the editor explains the delays in publishing the first issue, including the fact that new type and a large printing press had to be ordered from England. He promises that the newspaper will include the latest Reuters telegrams, including the French and German ones. The paper will also collect news from "native sources in the Yangtze Valley" including missionaries. Special attention will be given to shipping, with lists of sailings printed. The paper advocates one international settlement under one municipal council, but doubts the likelihood of its happening. At the time there were 5 foreign concessions: Britain (1862 - 1917), France (est. 1886), Russia (est. 1886), Germany (est. 1895) and Japan (est. 1898).

The front page with many advertisements, including quite prominently Elie Bouchard, at the Wan Shun Timber Depot, Importers of Western Australian hardwood, karri and jarrah: the Astor House Hotel, storekeeper and wine merchant in the French Concession, E. L. Mondon Ltd; Singer Sewing Machine Co. Second page with advertisements for banks and insurance companies, auctions and help wanted. The back page includes the Terminus Hotel, F. Venturi importer of Italian products; Pharmacie Centrale (French concession); Albert Roeper "Artistic House Painter" with the ad copy in German, French and English; ads for French Roederer cognac and champagne; tailors; the Hankow Printing Office; a German engine & iron works; and the closing date for mails under the Chinese Imperial Post Office.

With the broadside Supplement printed on the same date, listing the sailings in and out of the port along with vessels entering customs house and vessels cleared customs house. Advertisements for a variety of steamship lines including the Indo China Steam Navigation Co.; Canadian Pacific Co. Royal Mail Line; and Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co.

Folio, 15 1/2 x 21 1/2". 4pp. Original fold at center with some small cracks not affecting the text; a bit toned above the fold front page. The broadside Supplement bright and clean. Not recorded in OCLC. Very good condition. Item #22790

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