856
REISS, MASSEY & CO.
Several old firms of Hongkong have been referred to in the course of these articles on the history of the Colony, and there are several more whose origin goes back to the earliest years of British occupation, or even before that period. It is not every firm, however, which has kept all its records, and it is obvious that some of these, which would be valuable nowadays, must have been destroyed at a time when they were considered of little interest. Again, in the course of removal, and in a climate which is not kind to perishable things, documents and books rapidly decay. Yet there are old associations and names which it is the duty of the historian to recall, and if and when a complete, well-documented history of Hongkong comes to be written, as much as possible of the records of these mercantile pioneers will be required. It is intended to deal briefly to-day with two further old firms, whose history is bound up with the progress of the Colony from practically its earliest period.
Reiss, Massey and Company, Ltd., have their roots in the old Hongkong days, for the founders of the firm started business at Canton when the foreign "factories" were still the vogue, though destined to come to an end within a few years. Reiss Brothers, which had been founded in Manchester in 1818, opened a branch at Canton in 1846, on the site of the famous factory of the Honourable East India Company, whose charter had expired in 1834. The branch of this old Manchester firm was established under the name of Reiss and Company. The second China War, which came with the burning of the foreign factories, and the eventual occupation of Canton and establishment of Shameen, saw the company reorganised, in 1862, in the newly-formed British Settlement there, the old premises being in a state of ruins after the uprising and subsequent hostilities, which lasted from 1857 to 1861.
The business conducted by the firm again prospered, and the opening of a branch in Hongkong became necessary. This was established in 1864: and in due course branches were started in other treaty ports.
It might be noted that the original Reiss and Company at Canton was a Swiss firm. In 1847-48, according to an old record, their address was the "New English Factory," the head of the firm being Mr. M. Sichel, and his resident assistant Mr. Thomas Everard. The firm had at that time a representation in Hongkong, their local agents being Holliday, Wise and Co. In 1861 the taipan was Mr. A. Fincham, with H.H. Severs as an assistant, as well as J.B. Hallam as tea inspector, a post recalling the active tea-trading days which are now a matter of history.
Mr. Severs appears, however, to have started on his own when the firm commenced operating in Hongkong, for in 1864, we find Severs and Co. in Queen's Road, with Henry H. Severs and Albert Severs as principals.
The old company prospered in Hongkong, passing through various vicissitudes successfully, until 1923, when the firm was liquidated, but immediately taken over under arrangement by Hollosk, Massey and Co., the old name being happily resumed in the subsequent formation of the present firm of Reiss, Massey and Co., Ltd.
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