"Sino."-"The Chinese name Chiok Chu dates back some 158 years or more, when Hongkong and its adjacent islands were the haunt of Chinese pirates, just as Big Bay and Mirs Bay are now frequented by these freebooters. The writer happened to have a recent conversation with one of the oldest Chinese residents, who incidentally is owner of some property in Stanley. From this old gentleman it is learned that ten years ago he bought some land from the Chan family in Stanley and the property deeds, secured from this old family, showed that Stanley was occupied by Chinese settlers exactly 159 years ago, long before the British arrival. Chinese residents who come from the Chan family of Stanley are Messrs. Chan Yau-fook, Chan Yau-luk and Chan Po-shan, formerly, for many years, a Chinese Civil servant attached to the Central Police department. It is seen therefore that if the name Chiok Chu was used 159 years ago, it could not have been derived from the picturesque uniform of the early British soldiers. Both characters of Chiok Chu have their own Chinese meaning. 'Red Pillars' convey more sense than such meaningless names as Shaukiwan, Tung Lo Wan, Hongkong Kai, or Mongkok.
(Unfortunately, the reason for the name "Red Pillars" is still unexplained.)
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