Advertising Signs - Gasoline Filling Stations. Asiatic Petroleum Company - Application refused. 1935. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3268 (1309-1317).

Letter from Asiatic Petroleum Company to Commissioner of Public Works - "Signs for "Shell" Service Stations". Shanghai, October 16, 1935. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3268 (1310).  

We are desirous of erecting in different parts of the Settlement shop signs constructed of metal sheet, porcelain enamelled and to dimensions as per attached sketches in duplicate.
One sketch shows the type we would fix to walls 8'-0" above and 3'-3" over the pathways, the other is of similar design but fixed on a post, which can be either of angle iron as shown or tubular.
Before placing the work in hand and making formal application for permits, we would like to have yoru confirmation that there would be no objection on your part to the erection of these signs to the sizes and in the manner show on our sketches.

Letter to Asiatic Petroleum Company from Commissioner of Public Works - "Advertising Signs - Gasoline Filling Stations". Shanghai, November 2, 1935. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-14-3268 (1317).

In reply to your letter dated the 16th ult., I beg to inform you that the proposed signs which you desre to erect at various gasoline filling stations do not comply with the Council's Regulations.
The Regulations governing the erection of fixed signs call for a clear headroom of not less that 11 feet from the level of the footpath and a projection of not more that 3 feet from the building line.
There will be no objection to the issue of permits for these signs providing that the Council's Regulations are complied with.