China Advertising Company, Advertising Kiosks, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2611-2614). 

Letter from China Advertising Company to S.M.C. - applying for permission to erect small kiosks on public roads for bill posting and advertisements. Shanghai, May 10, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2611-2612).

On behalf of the "China Advertising Company", société anynome française, I have the honour to request the exclusive right to erect on the public roads of the International Settlement small kiosks for bill posting and any other advertisements. 

Their size and form and their places for erection should be submitted to the approval of the Municipal Council. These stands similar to those existing in the great capitals of Europe, would be built in a way that the traffic and esthetic would not be interfered with. They would comprise a shelter, where mongers (exchange dealers, newspaper-sellers etc...) could during the day exercise their small trade and on all the sides a place for commercial advertisements, which during the night would be made luminous. Part of these should be reserverd for official announcements and informations of great utility, such as telephone numbers of Police Stations, Fire Brigade Station, Hospitals, etc.... 

A telephone apparatus should be fixed inside and would be permanently at the disposal of the Officers of the Police Force, who at the same time could find a shelter there, in case of need.

These kiosks would of course be removed as soon as requested by the authorities and expenses be supported by the Company. The latter suggests to pay a monthly taxe of Tls. .10 for each kiosks. 

(p.2/2) I draw your attention that the proposed taxe would not be the sole income of this exploitation. In fact, without quoting he conveniences exposed herebefore, the dealers or mongers installed in these shops would themselves be taxes according to their trade. Furthermore this way of advertising would be more effective and prefereable to thebill posting on the houses which is no doubt ugly. At the same time the Co which I represent request the authorization & the exclusive right to erect advertising boards of a model approved by the Municipal Council, on the various piece of waste grounds, the property of the Council, and special tax should be paid for, according to area occupied. After these proposals will have been examined and if the same meet the agreement of the Council. I will request to kindly allow me to discuss the above scheme which the Department concerned in view of to draft an agreement on the bases you will decide upon.  

Commissioner of Public Works to Secretary - "AVERTISEMENT KIOSKS - "Letter from J. Beudin dated 10/5/21" - rejecting the application. Shanghai, May 13, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2613).

With reference to the erection of advertisement kiosks, I suggest a reply on the same lines as that given to Messrs. Atkinson & Dallas Ltd. Who made a similar request in December last year (see Report R/20/964 - 11/12/20). Regarding the second privilege asked for, as the Council owns comparatively little enveloped land in populated districts, where advertising would be profitable, I do not think this request need be considered.  

Acting Secretary to J. Beudin - rejecting their application. Shanghai, May 21, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2614).

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 10, requesting the Council's permission for the erection of Advertising Kiosks in the public streets and for the exclusive right to erect advertising boards on the Council's surplus land. In reply thereto, I am directed to inform you that after having given that matter careful consideration, the Council regrets that alike on the score of precedent and for considerations of traffic congestion, the Council is unable to entertain the suggestion.