Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
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Public Works.-Road from Victoria Gap to Pok Fu Lam (14 m.) laid out. Timber landing piers provided at Pottinger and Ice House Streets and Observation Place. Town Clock Tower (124 ft. high) erected by public subscription.
Legislation. Military Stores Ord. (No. 1) passed to stop supply of stores to Tai Ping rebels. Volunteer, P. O. and Police Ords. passed this year subsequently superseded. Ord. empowering barristers to act as their own solicitors repealed in 1871.
1863.
Principal Events.-Commission appointed to enquire into unsatisfactory working of Victoria Gaol. Chair coolies struck for nearly 3 months when brought under a licensing Ord. of this year. Piracy of "Bertha" near Stonecutters' Island (22/7). Sailors' Home at West Point opened (31/1). Drinking fountain erected opposite City Hall site.
Trade & Industries.-Fluctuations in value of Mexican dollar led to proposal to establish mint at H.K. and to make standard dollar and sub. coins based on it only legal tender. Messageries Maritimes mail steamers started (1/1) and regular steamer communication with Br. N. Borneo established (Dec.).
Public Works.-Reservoir (2,000,000 galls.) at Pok Fu Lam, connected by aqueduct with 2 tanks above City, completed; superseded in 1871. No. 4 Police Station constructed this year afterwards abolished and quarters built for Supt. Bot. and Afforest. Dep. superseded in 1892.
1864.
Principal Events.-Sir R. HART head of Ch. Imp. Maritime Customs (19/7). Tai Ping rebellion crushed by capture of Nanking (19/7). Wholesale deportation to Canton of professional beggars. Many "drain-gang"