BLACKHEAD (3). Continuation.
GERMAN PIONEER MERCHANT
2.
"When the Kowloon peninsula commenced to be of importance to the Colony, the firm acquired what is now called Blackhead's Point (where the signal station is to-day). The work of levelling the steep slopes of the point and reclaiming from the sea was a considerable undertaking, but it now has paid itself and now, the firm contemplates further reclamation on the lines laid down by the Government. A new wharf is being erected which will afford accommodation for the vessels of the deepest draught. Steamers with cargoes of from seven to eight thousand tons of coal have already discharged their burdens there. A new pier with Differdingen piles has been constructed in place of the wooden one, which has served its day. (Holt's Wharf is now on the site.) To carry on their extensive harbour business Blackhead and Co. employ two steam launches and two motor launches. The firm is agent for the famous Daimler Launch, and besides, the two on the way they have a third in the course of completion. The firm's engineer Mr. Bauch is a skilled workman from the Daimler Factory, and is a specialist in motor launches. The firm with its fleet of coal barges, is practically independent of Chinese vol boats.
The Kiautschou business is also an extensive one. Since its inauguration it has been necessary to enlarge the premises and all the buildings occupied are the firm's own property. Mr. Behn who is in charge and who was recently admitted a partner of the northern section of the business, was formerly in Hongkong.
In Kiautschou, the firm trades under the business name of F. Schwarzkopf and Co.....
"A large part of the business of F. Blackhead & Co., of to-day in contrast with what it was on the 'chop' of fifty years ago, is the catering to foreign men-of-war that visit these waters particularly of the German, Austrian, Italian, and Russian navies.
In conclusion it may be stated that of the European firms in this particular line that existed when F. Blackhead & Co. first opened in this Colony, Messrs. McEwan, Frickel and Co. and Messrs. Lane Crawford and Co. are believed to be the only ones still to the fore. (Only Lane, Crawford's remain now.)
The last of the founder's family, Mr. F. Schwarzkopf had left the firm a few years after the above comment was written.
Up to the time of war breaking out there was still a flourishing business, but it then came to an end, and has not been restarted.
The firm's soap, chemical and disinfectant factory at Shaukiwan also shut down, and has never been reopened.
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