Advertisements on Municipal Roads, Footpaths, etc - Public Telephone Kiosks, J. Store - 150 Bubbling Well Road. 1934. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3270 (1609-1615). 

Letter from J. Store to S.M.C. Shanghai, February 22, 1934. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3270 (1610-1612). 

Shanghai City with its vast area and immense traffic seems to lack some organs, which to a certain degree would decrease the crowded traffic in the streets and lighten the correspondence between the citizens. 

We-stands, combined with public telephone-boots, are common in cities in Europe and America and are usually spread over the city. It is of importance that the telephone is within easy reach for the public anywhere. 

On public holidays, and at night-time and after office-hous, it is often very difficult for the greater part of a towns population (I refer to those who have no telephone) to be able to communicate for example with a doctor, in case of a suddent and serious illness. A fire or other accidents can also by telephone be quickly reported and dealth with, a theft or a robbery can be notified, a hire-car can be ordered, etc. 

The advantages, that anybody at any time can get stamps, newspapers or magazines, or can use a directory, etc., without having to go to far and lose time, are also evident. 

The population in Shanghai (the International Settlement - the French Concession) amounted in 1932 to : Cr. 1,444,000 Chinese and Cr. 53,000 Foreigners. In all : 1,497,000. At the same time the total numbers of telephone subscribers (main stations) in Shanghai amounted to Cr. 29,6000. Consequently an average of cr. 51 persons per telephone-line.

But very many of these telephones are office-telephones and closed on holidays and at night-time. I therefore herewith take the liberty to apply for concession of the sole right for caonstructing and managing of news-stands and public telephone-boots in Shanghai. The concession to last for a period of 30 (thirty) years, and with the right to be continued for other 30 years. 

I intend to place the stands combined with telephone-booths in open spaces or at junction streets, quais, railroad-stations, etc perfect from an esthetic point of view, eventually with a clock and arrangements for a traffic conductor on the roof if wanted by the traffic police. (p.2/2) Of course in all in compliance with the Municipal Council's decisions. Preliminary I suggest constructions at the following spaces (see list : 17 locations). (...) I am familiar with similar undertakins in Europe, especially in Scandinavia. 

I hope, Gentlemen, that you will consider my application in the light of a long wanted improvement for Shanghai and as such, grant my request.  

Commissioner of Public Works to Secretary - "Public Telephone Kiosks - Letter from J. Store dated February 22, 1934 - Ref. No. L3/8". Shanghai, February 27, 1934. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3270 (1613).

I am unable to recommend the granting of the concession applied for in this letter. 

A number of similar requests have been received in past years and have been refused principally on the grounds of added congestion to roads and footpaths. The application form the Modern Publicity Company in June 1932 for permission to erect illuminated advertising bus stops may be cited (Ref. No; 4784/2)

Commissioner of Police to Secretary - "Reference: Your endorsement No. L.3/8 of Feburary 26". Shanghai, March 9, 1934. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3270 (1614).

I do not recommend favourable consideration of the application. Any such erections as are proposed would add to the existing obstructions on footpaths, and would be objectionable from the traffic point of view. 

Letter to J. Store from Deputy Secretary. Shanghai, March 12, 1934. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3270 (1615).

I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 22, applying for grant to your self of a concession for the erection throughout the Settlement at street junctions or other public places of a combined news-stand and telephone-booth.