1887-1903
HONG KONG.
REPORT
ON THE
261
NEW TERRITORY AT HONG KONG.
SIR,
GOVERNOR SIR H. A. BLAKE to Mr. CHAMBERLAIN.
Government House, Hong Kong,
February 19, 1900. I HAVE the honour to forward for your information a report which by my direction has been prepared by Mr. Stewart Lockhart, Colonial Secretary, showing the result up to the present of the operations of the various departments in the New Territory. Mr. Lockhart's report shows very clearly the difficulties with which we have had to contend and their satisfactory solution. The work of arranging the districts and sub-districts, with their committees, was carried out by Mr. Lockhart with conspicuous energy and ability. It involved much physical labour and required the exercise of tact and discretion. In this arrangement of districts Mr. Lockhart was ably assisted by Mr. Ts'oi, the first Chinese Clerk.
2. Much of the satisfactory feeling now being shown by the people is due to the sense of security induced by the police arrangements and personal exertions of Mr. May, the Captain Superintendent of Police, whose vigorous action against the disturbance of the peace by land and sea has brought quiet and protection to a community hitherto subject to frequent attacks from gangs of armed robbers and pirates.
3. Since Mr. Lockhart's return to Hong Kong in July the work of the New Territory has been carried on by Messrs. Messer, Kemp, and Hallifax, three cadets who are carrying out their instructions in a most satisfactory manner.
4. It remains to be seen to what extent the New Territory can be developed. Much depends upon the possibility of producing succulent grasses or trees of commercial value upon the hill slopes. If the former, there is no reason why a very valuable cattle-breeding industry should not develop. Mr. Ford is about to try some experiments with camphor trees and vines. Either could be a valuable addition to the resources of the colony. No systematic examination of the territory for minerals has yet been made. Silver exists in Lantau Island, where some years ago a considerable sum was expended on a silver mine by a Chinese syndicate. Kaolin of good quality is found on the mainland, and examination of the rocks that replace the granite in various districts may result in the discovery of payable mines.
5. It will be necessary to complete the main road through Tai-po-hui to the frontier. This and the completion of the police stations and quarters for the staff at Tai-po-hui are the only public works that I contemplate at present. Later on it will be necessary to make practicable roads between Tai-po-hui and Deep Bay and Castle Peak Bay. The existing roads are not even bridle-paths, being mere footpaths zigzagging over the narrow divisions between the paddy fields.