A designation which takes us back to the old convent at Wanchai is Holy Infant Lane, branching off from St. Francis Yard. This is likely to disappear in time, for the old houses which formerly fronted on this lane have since been pulled down.
We find a recollection of the old firm of Russell and Company, merged in Shewan, Tomes and Company of to-day, in Kee Cheong Street, a private lane running parallel to Forbes Street (close to Belchers Street, at West Point). Kee Cheong is the Chinese name for the old firm, and Forbes was one of the partners.
Below Lyttelton Road we find Basilea, a private terrace of several houses, with property belonging to the Church Missionary Trust Association. The name recalls the old Basel Mission, which had its headquarters in this area.
A name which might confuse the casual observer is Marsh Road, on the Freya Bast. This is not an indication that marshy land existed thereabouts, but is called after the Hon. Mr. W. H. Marsh, a former Government official, who administered the Colony for a period in 1877. Somewhat similar confusion might arise over Mason's Lane, running from Wyndham Street to Zetland Street - this has nothing to do with professional masons, but obviously refers to the members of the Masonic order.
Prince's Terrace, between Shelley and Peel Streets, we may assume was named (like Queen's Gardens, for example) as tribute to the Royal family, and Royal visits to the Colony.
A name destined to pass out of local commemoration is Reinacker Street, now known as Mui Fong Street. It was named perhaps after an old resident, who for a time held the post of Chief Clerk to the Treasurer and was later (about 1887) acting Treasurer, but departed from the Colony somewhat hurriedly and under a cloud.
Salt Fish Street, obviously, needs no elaboration; Schooner Street, branching off Ship Street, recalls the old shipping days and the Wanchai seafront; Spring Garden Lane nearby, we have already noted, is the survival of a period when springs and gardens, and fashionable dwellings, were to be found there.
Sugar Street recalls the old refinery at East Point; and Ta Tit Hong (vernacular for Blacksmith's Lane) near Jardine's Bazaar, indicates the original settlement of these useful tradesmen, especially in request for ship repairs and so forth in the old days. It must not be confused with Tit Hong (Iron House) Lane, in the central city, off Jubilee Street; which, as already noted in a previous article, recalls the old premises of the P. & O. Company, still termed by the Chinese "Tit Hong".
Peter Street, at Connaught Road West, recalls the old water tank and "watering place" - evidently a spot for ships to take water marked on the old plans of the city.
In coming to Wing Lok Street, it might be noted, that this was many years ago Bowring's Praya. When the Western Praya came to be built, the place became an inland thoroughfare, and the name was changed no doubt in order, also, to prevent confusion with Bowrington at Happy Valley. The name recalls, of course, a former Governor of the Colony.
This brings us to the conclusion of our rough survey of the city roadways, and it is hoped has enabled several historical names to be given their proper consideration.