A
THE CHINA MAIL, SEPTEMBER 17, 1939.
HONG KONG IN TWO WARS Reminiscences Of The Colony In Autumn, 1914
DIFFERENCES OF THEN AND
NOW
(By A Special Correspondent)
"THE HONG KONG of 1914 and that of to-day are
totally different, due to the Sino-Japanese dis-interesting pute and the uncertainty of Japan's attitude to- Co., Ltd. wards Britain.”
The speaker was one of Hong Kong's older residents, having first come here as far back as 1909.
Asked for highlights of the Great, $500,000, and concerts to raise money, War period as far as Hong Kong and the Colony's response to the call was concerned, he spoke at length was excellent in this direction. and very interestingly, and it is with regret that space does not allow. me to reproduce all he said.
MAN POWER
The assembling of the Colony's man Curiously enough, Britain declared power was somewhat delayed, at first war on Germany on a Sunday-it was only Volunteers receiving medical ex- a fortnight ago to-day that Britain amination and others who desired to again went to war with Germany-have a free "once over." Later the and my informant had spent that day examination was made compulsory and
in Macao.
The harbour was closed to all ship- ping immediately word was received that Britain was at war, and the Macao boat, due in at 9 p.m., was not allowed inside the harbour until
all 6 a.m. the next day, and
pas- sengers were closely examined the port authorities before they were allowed to come shore.
GOVERNOR'S DECISION
by
The local German community had many British friends and no official order was issued for their intern- ment. They were allowed to continue doing business, and there were few firms who did not have some dealing with them. Sir Henry May, Governor at the time, made a public announce- ment to the effect that Britain was at war with Germany, and not with individuals, as a result of which the local Germaans enjoyed complete free- dom, which, however, was rudely in-
of terrupted by the fall Antwerp, which was duly celebrated at
at which two German Club and young Germans, who had preferred a liquid rather than a solid. dinner, burned the British flag.
the
Word was immediately received by the Police, and within a very short period of time every German in the Colony was arrested.
now
SENT TO AUSTRALIA They were later sent to a prepared concentration camp on what is the Marina ground, Chatham Road, and it was here that a small section of the internees managed to dig tunnel which went under the barbed wire fence. One member actually escaped, but was caught after a very short spell of freedom.
con-
a
This episode caused stricter trol, but it was not long after that all the internees were sent to Aus- tralia, from where they were repatriat ed, and for several years Hong Kong did not have a single German re- sident:
Without any danger to the Colony, trade boomed, shipping and utilities benefiting most. Ice House Street was kept working at high pressure throughout the war period and money flowed freely. At the commencement of the war the local dollar was in the neighbourhood of 2/- and rose to 2/4 before 1918, when it rocketed sky high, my informant actually securing G$1.10 for HK$1.00!
GAMBLING IN MARK8 There was considerable gambling in marks and roubles, atid, here again, my informant had 3,000,000 roubles lodged with the Bank, and was issued with a bill for storage! Purchasing of dyes alsa, enabled several to make handsome profits, while a large num- ber of, periodicals enjoyed brief but remunerative existences.
Did the Colony contribute to En- glish war funds? Yes, there were immumerable charity sweeps, most
notable among which
was the St.
George's Day Seep, first prize of
In 1916 and 1917 men were sent Home,.slowly, what he had been told by to fight for King and Country, some | Evers. At the conclusion of the re- 200 answering the call, in addition to citation, he said, "Well, I pass, don't a very large Chinese Labour Corps I doc?" The doctor scratched his head, contingent. The Police Reserve were and. with a smile, said "I am afraid mobilised on the outbreak of war and
not.
You see the line I aşked you to they greatly alded in the attempt to read was one of dots and dashes."
the reduce the regular garrison to
Both McLeod and Evers saw ser-
minimum strength.
vice, the latter being killed in 1915, after rising from private to Captain In this connection there is a most in the field. McLeod was killed late
true story of two em-
in 1917. ployees of Messrs. A. S. Watson & Messrs: McLeod and Evers. Both desired to be sent Home for war service, but McLeod's very |short-sightedness was considered an unsurmountable obstacle for a suc- cessful medical test. Evers, however, had a remarkable memory, and it was his idea that he should go for the eye memorise test just before McLeod, the letters required to be read and inform McLeod. He passed his test without any difficulty and memorised the required letters. McLeod was given the letters and in the brief period he had at his disposal mem- orised them. When confronted by the medical officer he said his eyes were in good trim and, on being told to read the fifth line, proceeded to mouth,
A Store
THE OUTLOOK To-day, concluded my informant, the Colony has the jitters. What if to conclude a non- Japan decides aggression pact with Russia? asks the public. How long can Hong Kong hold out in the event of a blockade or in the face of an attack? You might well ask when is the mainland going island by to be joined with the bridge? ... Hong Kong is as safe .. Japan is going as the North Pole. to sit on the fence to watch events in Europe Hong Kong will have a stagnant business period of not more than three months and trade will then boom, but not to the extent that it did from 1914-1918, due to the Sino- Japanese hostilities.
Was Born...
September 16th to 25th, we're having a
SURPRISE BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATION
and we're
giving you Gifts
Five years ago, September 16th, China Emporium was established in Hong Kong. A different, distinctive store opened its door for business. Time has proved that you like this type of store . . . where the atmosphere is friendly and informal, the service courteous and efficient and where a high regard is held for quality and fashion.
Commencing from September 16th, we're having a surprise birthday commemoration and are giving you gifts in the form of Presentation Coupons. Staple wanted merchandise will be offered from our regular stock at prices you will in- stantly recognize as being VERY UNUSUAL.
We're not taking several pages of advertising to tell you about the birthday celebration. We're not even going to mention a single item of price in this advertisement. We would rather have you surprised. So come to-day, look for the very special birthday value in every department in our store. It's our birthday but you get the gifts!
As we plan for the future, we keep before us the business creed of China Emporium, the tradition of its founder- HONESTY, FRIENDSHIP, VISION, ADVANCEMENT. There is the answer that's why this is a different, dis- tinctive, alert and earnest store.
We're happy to be here
•
to be a part of Hong Kong. We're looking for you to-day, and whether or not you come to buy, we have a birthday gift for you.
CHINA. EMPORIUM,LTD.
One of Hong Kong's Predominating Stores”