1931 Chinese National Railways Statistical Report | Ministry of Railways Nanking | Republican China Railway History
This original 1931 Statistics of Chinese National Railways is an exceptionally scarce official publication issued by the Ministry of Railways in Nanking during the Republican era. Produced in English for government, diplomatic and commercial use, it documents the finances, operations and development of China's national railway system during one of the most consequential years in modern Chinese history. Published in the aftermath of the 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria, it provides a remarkable contemporary record of the country's transportation infrastructure and economic administration.
Compiled by the Division of Statistics, Department of General Affairs, Ministry of Railways, the report documents the operation and financial performance of the Chinese National Railways for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The report contains detailed narrative summaries together with extensive statistical tables covering railway operations, revenues, expenses, investment assets, balance sheets, passenger and freight traffic, operating ratios, profits, liabilities and the performance of individual railway systems throughout China. It provides an invaluable snapshot of China's railway network during a pivotal period marked by political upheaval and the Japanese occupation of Manchuria.
Printed in English, this report was intended for official and administrative use and would have been produced in comparatively small numbers. It remains an important primary source for researchers of Republican China, transportation history, railway economics and East Asian economic development.
Contents
- Title page
- Contents
- Preface
- 36 pages of text
- 32 pages of statistical tables
Measurements
- 9 3/4 inches x 12 3/4 inches
Condition
The paper covers are heavily worn and fragile, with numerous edge tears, chips, losses and old tape repairs. The sewn binding remains present despite the deterioration of the covers. The interior is complete and remains intact, with the title page, contents, preface, 36 pages of text and 32 pages of statistical tables present. Pages show age toning, occasional creasing and handling wear consistent with use, but are generally clean, fully legible and suitable for research.
An increasingly scarce official publication documenting the administration and finances of the Chinese National Railways immediately following one of the most significant years in modern Chinese history. It offers valuable primary-source material for collectors of Republican China, railway history, economic history and government publications, as well as institutional libraries and researchers.