17 SEPTEMBER 1937, Page 38

BANKING IN JAPAN.

Though the economic conditions in Japan must be strained, and especially the finances of the Government, by war expenditure, it is not surprising to find that banking profits continue to be satisfactory, and the statement of the Yokohama Specie Bank for the first half of the current year is a good one; the net profits compare favourably with the same period of last year, and after again placing 1,750,c00 Yen to the Reserve Fund, the Directors are able to maintain the dividend of ro per cent. per annum, with a somewhat larger carry forward than a year ago. This further sum placed to the Reserve brings that Fund up to 134,4003000 Yen, which is more than 34,000,000 Yen greater