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Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
10
Ping Shan (27/1) and Western Market (23/2). Volunteer Fire Brigade (23/1) and Chinese Fire Brigade (7/3) organized. Govt. Ho. completed. Villas and farms established at Pok Fu Lâm. Anglo-Chinese College closed at end of year.
Legislation.-Ord. No. 1 authorized recognition of Chinese wills in local courts.
1857.
Principal Events.-S.S.s Feima and Thistle captured by Chinese soldiers (Jan.). 400 Europeans poisoned with arsenic believed to have been introduced into bakery at instance of Chinese officials (15/1): great excitement caused thereby in H.K. and in England led to Lord ELGIN superseding Sir J. BOWRING as plenipotentiary in China and to "Arrow" war with that country, which was not however prosecuted during year owing to Ind. mutiny. France joined Gr. Br. and ultimatum issued to Viceroy (24/12). 32 cases of piracy between 1/11/56 and 15/2/57; afterwards decreased. Local educational movement at low ebb.
Trade & Industries.-Junk trade fell off owing to blockade of Canton River. New docks established at Aberdeen (June).
Public Works.-Three Police Stations erected. Praya scheme partly carried out. Town now lighted by 350 oil lamps (1/10). Central Police Station finished.
Legislation.-Three official and one unofficial members added to Leg. Council.
1858.
Principal Events.-Canton captured by allied forces (5/1) and administered till 21/10/61 by allied commissioners. War transferred to N. where Taku Forts captured (20/5) and Treaty of Tientsin signed (26/6) but not ratified. Public meeting (29/7) to discuss exodus of Chinese from and stoppage of supplies to H.K.