BUILDINGS (2) Continuation.
So &
The tall building in Stanley Street to the westward, was erected by Watson's for the wholesale and manufacturing department.
"The building at present occupied by Tak Cheong the tailors was erected by Sayle and Co., drapers and outfitters. Next door was Gaupp's the jeweller's shop; and upstairs N. Mody and Co., The China Emporium now occupies the site of the old Chinese Club but the large shops below were formerly occupied by Falconer's the jewellers, and others with residences upstairs. The building that housed the Travellers Hotel to the westward still stands, but premises adjoining, in which were the offices and dwellings of the Pacific Mail S.S. Co., have undergone alteration.
"Lok Hing's premises belonged to and were occupied by Lane Crawford and Co. To the westward were European buildings right up to the corner of Pottinger Street. Next to Lane Crawford's were the offices of the solicitors Wotton and Deacon, also a millinery establishment, owned by Miss Roase, and Macewen and Frickel's store. Wm Powell and Co., Armstrong's Auction rooms and other premises, the Victoria Hall belonging to the late Mr. Dorabjee faced on Queen's Road and the Praya (now Des Voeux Road) and the whole intervening length of Pottinger Street. And ye gods, the charges for a room and meals were from $2 a day and up and the menu was lengthy and first class. And en passant, the Hongkong Hotel charges were then not much higher; rooms from $2 and up, breakfast and tiffin 50 cents per meal and dinner (about 22 courses or more) 75 cents. Gee! These were the good old days eh?
"And will it cause heartburnings to know that one could travel to Yokohama and return first cabin for the modest sum of $75.
"In dealing with the old post office buildings, where China Building now is, 'Towndwellers' (7-7-33) mentions the Post Office Treasury (upstairs), Supreme Court and Land Office. The last named he said, gave place to Watkins dispensary. But he does not mention the old Hongkong Theatre. This stood between Watkins (forerunner of the Queen's Dispensary now in Des Voeux Road) and the official buildings. The Queen's Theatre took in both the Hongkong Theatre and Watkins. Also 'Towndweller' does not say if the Pedder Street part of that old building, up to the lane was also the Post Office.