Letter from Oriental Press (Philip L. Bickel) to Assistant Secretary, "Attention Assistant Secretary" Shanghai, October 15, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2617-2619) 

In accordance with the favoured interview of the other day accorded our Mr. Leashing, Manager of our Advertising Department, we beg herewith to confirm same in detail. We are desirous of getting sanction to erect in the International Concession a kiosque constructed similar in design to model which we left in your possession. You will not that the structure which we would erect is of very attractive design and same will be built entirely of concrete making an exceedingly desirable structure in every ways. 

As you understand the Kiosque is a structure whose exterior is designed and utilized for publicity purposes. These structures are used widely in all cities on the European Continent; undoubtedly some of the most beautiful cities of the World. There is not a question of a dout as to the fact that the Kiosque adds a great deal to the beauty of many of these Continental towns. We are certain that these structures would be an admirable addition to the appearance of the Model Settlement of Shanghai. 

We ask however at this time for permission from the Shanghai Municipal Council to erect only one Kiosque to be located if possible on the Bund opposite Nanking Road, or somewhere in this vicinity. In consideration of this favoured permission we will erect this structure at our expense. The interior of this structure which covers about 12 feet could be utilized by the Municipality as a police box, health officer's booth, or electricity department station. In short we are willing to have the Municipality use the interior of this structure for any purpose that may seem fit to them. 

We also suggest that the Kiosk would be an excellent advertising medium for the Municipal Electricity Department. For some time we have been attempting to cooperate with the Municipal Electricity Department by striving to secure orders from our clients for illuminated sign boards. We have always met with the objection that the cost of the current was too big an item. We have however not lost confidence in the fact that could we get a few of our clients lined up to take illuminated boards, we could readily convince all of them of the tremendous advertising value of these boards. We would turn over to the Electricity Department half of the illuminated spaces at the top of the Kiosque, whereby they would have a day and night publicity herald for their current in one of the best locations possible. This will show the advertiers locally what can be done with electric illuminations and greatly aid our cause at the same time giving the Electricity Department a new and unlimited source of revenue, as the amount of current used by say 100 illuminated boards can readily be imagined. We would add here that we are desirous of cooperating with your Electricity Department in this matter merely to see this form of advertising introduced in Shanghai, as we do not acquire any additional income from illuminated signs our clients paying for the current themselves. Also the Municipality can make use of one of the purposes either for the Electricity Department or the Health Department as might seem fit. 

In addition to the wonderful advertising possibility which the Municipality would obtain from giving permission for the erection to this one structure, we are willing to pay monthly rental of Tl. 25, for a period of say five years. At the end of this time the structure will be the property of the Municipality and will have brought in an income of Tl. 1.500  - without any investment on your part. In addition to this to estimate the enormous value of the publicity which the interests of the Municipality would secure would of course be impossible. 

We beg to assure you that all the advertising matter which with we will cover the spaces on this structure will be of the best taste and there will never be anything placed on the Kiosque of an objectionable nature. Our large and efficient staff of artists guarantee most attractive illustrations for all publicity messages which this structure will carry. We are firm in our belief that should you grant us this permission that the structure in question will be not only a most attractive but useful addition to the city of Shanghai. 

In making our request we would call your attention to the fact that the French Municipalité have just granted permission for the erection, in the principal throughfares of the French Concession, at Shanghai, of thirty kiosques and seven latrines. The structures are being erected free of charge by the party to whom the permission has been granted and the French Municipalité will reach a nice sum of money each year from this proposition. They realize the attractive and useful qualities of the structures and appreciate also the revenue which they will bring in. We trust that you will carefully consider our request for the erection of only one of these structrues. We are desirous of showing you what an addition in both beauty and usefulness this Kiosque will be to this model Settlement. 

Acting Commissioner of Public Works to Secretary - "Advertising Kiosks - Letter from Oriental Advertising Company Limited dated October 15th. Shanghai, October 21, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2623).

The Council has refused two applications to erect advertising Kiosks recently (vide Council's letter to Messrs. Atkinson & Dallas dated December 29th 1920 and letter to J. Beaudin dated 10th May 1921. In any case the Council's right to permit the erection of any structure on the Bund Foreshore, particularly one of a private nature, might questioned. Although the terms offered are atttractive, I recommend that the proposal be disapproved.  

Copy of Minute of Works Committee Meeting - Held on Thurday the 10th November 1921 - "Advertisement Kiosks". Shanghai, November 10, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2624).

Letter from the Oriental Press asking permission to erect a kiosk, if possible on the Bund, with adverse reports by the Police & Works Departments. The Assistant Secretary states that he has suggested discussion of the matter in committee as it may well be that such structures, properly controlled, might be of value. In discussing the matter it is noted first that such structures could not be permitted on the Bund. Members record the view that while there may be no inherent objection in principle to such a structure, in practice it might not be possible to approve their erection on the score of traffic obstruction. Whilst disapproving the application to erect the suggested kiosk on the Bund, should the applicants desire to suggest an alternative site members would be prepared to consider the matter again. 

Assistant Secretary - to Oriental Press - rejecting the application on the grounds of increased traffic congestion. Shanghai, November 25, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2620)

I am directed to refer to your letter of October 15, relative to the erection of a kiosk, in accordance with the design and model submitted, on the Bund in the vicinity of the Nanking Road. 

In reply thereto I am to state that the Council has given careful consideration to your request, but is unable to accede thereto, as such a structure would almost inevitably cause traffic congestion. 

I am to add that whilst the erection of this structure on such a site as that referred to above, would be precluded from consideration for the reasons stated, should you desire to submit for consideration other sites which might be suitable to your purpose, and would not be open to objection from the traffic point of view, the Council would be willing to consider the matter again.

Letter from Oriental Advertising Company Limited to Assistant Secretary - "Attention Assistant Secretary". Shanghai, November 26, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2621).

We are in receipt of your favour of the 23 rd instant in reply to our letter of October 15th. We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind consideration of your request for the erection of a Kiosk in accordance with the design and model submitted for your approval. 

As we note that you have certain objections to allowing us to place same on the Bund near Nanking Road and inform us that if we would make suggestions as to other locations which we could use that you would give it your further favoured consideration, we beg to ask that we be allowed to erect this Kiosk at some spot inside the Public Gardens on the Bund. If this is not suitable we would be willing to accept a location in one of the other parks. Failing which we beg to enclose herewith diagrams of several locations that would be suitable to us. 

Of course you will understand that the terms under which we make this application will be the same as per our letter of October 15th 1921.

In our opinion our structure might be of great use to the Police Department as a Police Box in the Public Gardens. A telephone could be connected with this Kiosk and thus increase the convenience of the structure. In closing we would again thank you for your cooperation in this matter and trust that you will favourably consider the location that we have suggested. 

Acting Commissioner of Public Works to Secretary - "Advertising Kiosks - Letter from Oriental Advertising Company Limited dated November 26, 1921". Shanghai, November 30, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2622).  

I consider that any form of advertising kiosks would be unsightly in any of the public parks and should not be permitted. As regards the three other sites suggested, I have the following comments to make. 

(1) Junction of Seward Road and Broadway. The footpath is too narrow at this point, and the kiosk would be immediately in front of the main entrance to the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank (Hongkew Branch) and I accordingly recommend if for disapproval. 
(2) Near entrance to Public Recreating Ground. This might be permitted possibly although it would be preferable to place it in the recess at the junction of the New World and the end of the boundary wall of the Public Recreation ground (shown A on sketch). 
(3) Junction of Avenue and Thibet road. The Council have only recently acquired the land for the road widening at this corner at considerable expense, and I consider that the new footpath should not be allowed to be obstructed by a Kiosk.

Copy of Minute of Works Committee Meeting - Held on Tuesday the 13th December 1921 - "Advertisement Kiosks". Shanghai, December 13, 1921. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2625-2626). 

Further letter from the Oriental Press with Works Department report is next considered and after some discussion members record an opinion favourable to permission being granted for a kiosk to be reerected near the Public Recreation Ground on the small reentrant of pavement next the New World, but not in the position indicated by the applicants, which they consider would encroach too much on the main pathway.  

Reference is made to the possibility that the owners for the New World might object and it is recorded that as a condition precedent to the granting of the permit the acquiescement of the adjoining owners will be necessary.

Further conditions would have to be attached to the granting of the easements embodying in particular a clause limiting the permit to a definite period of one year and thereafter making removal of the structure compulsory on three month's notice, as also conditions that the advertisements to be displayed would be approved by the Council and on failure of the under-taking or non user of the structure it should become the Council's property. 

Members do not approve the other sites suggested by the applicants but in dealing with the suggested site at the corner of Avenue and Thibet Roads, it is noted that possibly a much better site from all points of view would be the large traffic island at the junction of the the Peking and Thibet Roads. Mr. Harpur in suggesting this site observes that from the applicants point of view the maximum amount of display could be obtained whilst from the Council's view a minimum amount of obstruction could be obtained. 

Members record the opinion that in replying to the applicants this site might be suggested to the applicants. In this connexion members are inclined to the view that with the Council's suggestion as to the alternative site, it would be as well to refuse sanction of the applicants request as to the site next to the Public Recreation Ground, but after consideration it is decided not to do this, members taking the view that this site would provide an opportunity for observing the actual effect of such a structure in a road frequented both by the foreigner and Chinese population. 

The Assistant Secretary observes that in fact the Committee need not feel that it must accede to the request of the applicants as the suggestion is entirely novel and has been strongly vetoed heretofore. Mr. Lambe observes that conditions are changing rapidly and that the mere novelty of the suggestion should not cause it to be rejected, particulary in the present case where some direct use to the Council might result as the applicants offer the interior of the structure for Municipal use and it could be used as a Police Box or for some other purpose. In recording their decision members direct that the views of the Police Department be obtained on the matter before action is taken. 

Commissioner of Police to Secretary - "Advertising Kiosks". Shanghai, January 5, 1922. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2627-2628).

The proposed site in the re-etrant of the pavement next to the New World just east of the Recreation Club gateway is quite unsuitable, as a kiosk erected there would block the entrance to a passage on the west side of the New World Building which serves as an emergency exist in case of fire, and would also interfere with the removal of night soil by the vacuum pump. 

There is no present objection to a site on the other or west side of the Recreation Club gateway abutting on the racecourse creek. 

In regard to a possible site at the Thibet and Peking Roads junction, I regret I cannot recommand any as being suitable. I have the strongest objection to a kiosk being erected on any part of a footpath or roadway which is used as a thoroughfare. The only other possible site in this neighborhood is on the circular island near the middle of the junction. This however, is objectionable for two reasons: firstly because the island provides a necessary and much used refuge for pedestrians and secondly because it would have to be removed altogether when the proposed railless tram service comes into operation.  

Copy of Minute of Works Committee Meeting - Held on Tuesday the 24th January 1922 - "Advertising Kiosks". Shanghai, January 24, 1922. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2629).

This matter is further discussed and the most recent report by the Commissioner of Police thereon is read to the meeting. Having regard to the views expressed by the Commissioner of Police and following Mr. Lyman's observation that particular care should be exercised to avoid any action which may further increase the already overcongested state of the roads in the Central District, members record their opinion that the application should be refused.  

Commissioner of Police to Assistant Secretary - "Advertising Kiosks".  Shanghai, January 27, 1922. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2630).

In reference to your report of January 5 on this matter would kindly inform me whether you could suggest any site which would in your mind be suitable at the same time likely to prove acceptable to the applicants.  

Assistant Secretary -to Oriental Press - rejecting the application on the grounds of increased traffic congestion. Shanghai, February 11, 1922. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2631).

I am directed to refer to the recent correspondence which has taken place between yourselves and the Council on the matter of the erection of advertising kiosks in the Settlement. The Council has gone very fully into this question and after considering in detail the potential sites suggested, it is regretted that your request cannot be acceded to.

For you information, I am to add that a prominent factor in the Council's deliberations was the undoubted impediment which would be caused to free movement of traffic in the already over congested district in which you suggest that the structures might be placed.  

Extract from the Municipal Gazette March 23rd 1922 - Advertising Kiosks - Oriental Press - Page 91. Shanghai, March 23, 1922. Source : SMA (SMC): U1-14-3387 (2632).