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ID883
NameAdvertising Kiosks on pavements in the principal streets
TitleAdvertising kiosks: Atkinson & Dallas' application
Year1920
AuthorAtkinson & Dallas; Public Works Department, Shanghai Municipal Council (SMC)
CollectionShanghai Municipal Archives (SMA)
Sub collectionShanghai Municipal Council (SMC)
Reference NumberU1-14-3387 (2604-2610)
Description

Atkinson & Dallas, Limited - Advertising Kiosks on pavements in the principal streets. 1920. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2604-2610).


Letter from Atkinson & Dallas, Limited applying for permission and privilege for ten years to erect advertising kiosks on the sidewalk  in principal streets of the Settlement. Shanghai, December 7, 1920. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2605-2606).  

On behalf of a client we beg to apply to the Council for permission to erect 120 advertising Kiosks at certain points in the principal streets of the Settlement, as shown on the enclosed plan, which would of course be modified to suit the Council's views and in no case would any kiosks be erected in front of doorways or entrances. The kiosks would be built of reinforced concrete in two sizes, 2'-6" and 3'-6" across the base, and 11 feet high above the footpath. They will be made hollow and erected in one or two pieces, all work to be done at night so as not to interfere with the traffic. 

As you are not aware these kiosks are very popular on the Continent and have not been found to be any obstruction to traffic. An annual fee would be paid for the privilege of erecting these kiosks on the side malk and after a period of ten years the kiosks o become the property of the Council, who might then lease then for advertising or utilize them for some other purpose. 

(p.2/2) During the first ten years the Council to have the sole right to use the interior of the kiosks for any purpose they thought fit no doubt arrangements might be made with the Chinese Post Office to use many of them for letter boxes.
 
The structures would be designed to have a pleasing appaearance, the plan of course being sbject to the Council's approval. During the first tens years, the income the Council will derive from the Kiosks may not seem large, but it should be recollected that after ten years, when the kiosks belong to the Council, a substantial amount would be derived by the Council leasing them out. Although these kiosks may be considered an innovation in the Settlement, and prejudice may be aroused thereby, we trust the matter may be considered imparially as a step to bring Shanghai in line with Western cities.


Commissioner of Public Works to Secretary - "AVERTISEMENT KIOSKS - "Letter from Atkinson & Dallas, Limited - dated 7/12/20" - disapproving the application. Shanghai, December 11, 1920. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2608-2609) 

The only conceivable public use to which these kiosks could be put would be the utilization of the interior as a refuse bin where road sweapings and other debris could be stored until collection by the carts. Even for this purpose they are not altogether suitable. The annual fee that the applicants would be able to pay would be almost negligible considering the importance ot the concession and Tls. 5000 per annum was mentioned unofficially as a basis for negotiation. 
The objection to the scheme are obvious, the most important being 
1. Inartistic appearance. 
2. Rest of the footpaths are so narrow that pedestrians would have to step into the carriageways to pass. 
3. Although the applicants state that kiosks would not be erected in front of house entrances in the case of Chinese streets, most of the property consists of open shops and the tenants would undoubtedly complain. 
4. The land occupied by public roads javing been acquired for public use (p.2/2) it is possible that an action brought against the Council by a property owner for obstruction, would be sucessful inview of the fact that thesekiossks are not in any sense a public necessity.

Acting Secretary to Atkinson & Dallas, Limited - rejecting their application. Shanghai, December 29, 1920. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2610).  

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of December 7, containing certain proposals that a number of kiosks be erected in the streets for advertising purposes. In reply thereto, I am directed to inform you that after having given this matter careful consideration the Council is averse thereto. 

KeywordsInternational Settlement ; kiosk ; transnational ; aesthetics ; outdoor advertising ; traffic obstruction ; safety ;
URLhttp://madspace.org/Archives/?ID=894
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