1920-1930
391
1
(1.)-HISTORY.
PRINCIPAL EVENTS, TRADE AND INDUSTRIES, PUBLIC WORKS, LEGISLATION.
1841.
Captain Charles Elliot, R.N., administered from 26.1.1841 to 10.8.1841.
Principal Events.-H.K. is taken over (26/1) and Govt. administered by Capt. ELLIOT as Chief Superintendent of the Trade of Br. subjects in China in accordance with proclamation issued by him (29/1), which also declared that Chinese should be governed according to laws of China and others according to laws of Gr. Britain. 2nd proclamation (1/2) promised free exercise of religious rites, social customs and private rights. Br. and foreign merchants came from Macao to prospect (Feb.). Building commenced (March). Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. erected first substantial house and godowns at East Point. Military and naval establishments first located near West Point and mercantile centre at Wong Nei Cheong Valley but this proved too unhealthy. Chinese settled to W. of this valley in "the Canton Bazaar" and near site of later Central Market in "the Bazaar". About 2,000 Tan-ka or boat people came to Colony. In 1st issue of H.K. Govt. Gazette (1/5) Ch. Magistrate appointed and in 2nd issue (15/5) original census published. Proclamation of 7/6 declared H.K. a free port. At 1st sale of lands, subsequently disallowed, 33 marine lots aggregating about 9 acres sold for total annual rent of £3,032. Outbreak of malignant malarial fever in June, violent typhoons on 21-22 & 25-26/7 and destructive fire on 12/8 retarded progress of new Colony. Harbour Master, Clerk of Works, Colonial Surgeon and Land Officer appointed.