( 16 )
The increase of piracy on the West River is a serious hindrance to the advancement of our trade. The Chinese Government seem to be unable to cope with it, and the time is coming when this question must be taken up if our trade is not to be strangled. It is at present one of the most important factors in the future condition of the trade of this Colony with the West River.
The Public Works undertaken during the year have been extensive, and are expected to be of permanent value. The Praya Reclamation is still being proceeded with, and is adding to the beauty as well as to the value of the city of Victoria. It is hoped that before long it will be possible to commence the construction of the new General Post Office, which has for long been one of the most pressing needs of the Colony.
Rents, wages, and the price of food have for some time past been on a rapid increase. The wages of coolies are about seven or eight dollars a month, and of house-servants twelve to twenty, whereas in Canton the same class of servants can still be hired for six dollars and seven dollars respectively.
The climate of Hongkong for five months in the year is very good, though the temperature is rather subject to sudden fluctuations. The summer months are trying to Europeans owing to the damp heat.
It does not appear that there are very many available openings for white labour; and it would not be advisable to emigrate to this Colony without some definite prospect of employment.
Openings for the investment of capital, if we except trade investments, have perhaps hitherto been rather restricted; but in view of the development of the Kowloon Extension there will probably be openings for capital in the future.
The social condition of the Colony is fairly satisfactory. No complaint can be made of the attendance of the Chinese at the numerous schools which exist primarily for their benefit, and all the pupils seem anxious to acquire a good working knowledge of the English language.
The year 1898 was marked by the retirement of my predecessor, Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, G.C.M.G., who is to be congratulated on the amelioration in the general condition of the Colony during his administration of the Government. He left the Colony in February, 1898, and from that date until my arrival towards the close of the year the Government was administered by Major-General WINSLOE BLACK, who, in his capacity as General Officer Commanding the Forces, reached the limit of his term of office at the same time. He was succeeded in his military command by Major-General Gascoigne, C.M.G., who arrived in the Colony on Christmas Day. During a great part of the year, the Colonial Secretary, Mr. J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., was absent from his post and his place was taken, as Acting Colonial Secretary, by Mr. T. SERCOMBE SMITH. The only other change of importance in the public service of the Colony consisted in the resignation of Mr. H. E. WODEHOUSE, C.M.G., after a long and meritorious service in various offices in the Civil Service.
I arrived in Hongkong on the 25th November and assumed the administration of the Government. I am informed on what I consider excellent authority that the commercial condition of the Colony was never more satisfactory. The value of property is steadily increasing, and of the companies quoted in the weekly Share Lists more than 80% of the shares are quoted above par. As to the ultimate results of the political events in the Far East during the year 1898 may be as regards the trade of this Colony I know too little at present to forecast, but I see no ground for apprehension that Hongkong will not continue to enjoy in the future the prosperity that the energy of her merchants has won for her in the present.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
Henry Arthur Blake,
Governor.
No.
2774
899
Previous Paper.
16
31-193-2000-32-4S
Subsequent Paper
Coe
2026
HONG KONG
N29823 2 9 8 2 3
(Subject.)
C. Q.
521
DESPATCH.
29323
30 OCT 9
Jubilee Commemoration Works.
The Marine works are being proceeded with; explaining Reasons why the road round the Island has not yet been commenced:
(Minutes.)
Sir W. Hamilton
I think this and GR1178/1922/32(III) (the flank in di 13316/9 should be referred) should be refined to the C.D., to report whether there is any objection to the road.
Sands
on military
30/10
[See also Mr. Sercombe Smith's letter annexed.]
Sa
The far end is not pledged to complete the work within a specified time.
Refer to C.D.C.
Gu
30/10
( 16 )
The increase of piracy on the West River is a serious hindrance to the advancement of our trake The Chinese Government seem to be unable to cope with it, and the time is coming when this
quest tion must be taken up if our trade is not to be strangled. It is at present one of the most importan factors in the future condition of the trade of this Colony with the West River.
The Public Works undertaken during the year have been extensive, and are expectal to be permanent value. The Praya Reclamation is still being proceeded with, and is adding to the bo as well as to the value of the city of Victoria. It is hoped that before long it will be possible commence the construction of the new General Post Office, which has for long been one of the m pressing needs of the Colony.
The wage
Rents, wages, and the price of food have for some time past been on a rapid increase. of coolies are about seven or eight dollars a month, and of house-servants twelve to twenty, whereas in Canton the same class of servants can still be hired for six dollars and seven dollars respectively.
The climate of Hongkong for five months in the year is very good, though the temperature rather subject to sudden fluctuations. The summer months are trying to Europeans owing to the damp heat.
It does not uppear that there are very many available openings for white labour; and it would not be advisable to emigrate to this Colony without some definite prospect of employment
Openings for the investment of capital, if we except trade investments, have perhaps hitherto hea rather restricted; but in view of the development of the Kowloon Extension there will probably is openings for capital in the future.
The social condition of the Colony is fairly satisfactory. No complaint can be made of the attendance of the Chinese at the numerous schools which exist primarily for their benefit, and all tid pupils seem anxious to acquire a good working knowledge of the English language.
The year 1898 was marke 1 by the retirement of my predecessor, Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, G.C.M.G who is to be congratulated on the amelioration in the general condition of the Colony during li adininistration of the Government. He left the Colony in February, 1898, and from that date until my arrival towards the close of the year the Government was administere 1 by Major-froneral Winsove BLACK, who, in his capacity as General Officer Commanding the Forces, reached the limit of his temp of office at the same time. He was succeeded in his military command by Major-General Gascoigna C.ML.G., who arrived in the Colony on Christmas Day. During a great part of the year, the Colonial Secretary, Mr. J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., was absent from his post and his place was taken, asi Acting Colonial Secretary, by Mr. T. SERCOMBE SMITH. The only other change of importance in the public service of the Colony consisted in the resignation of Mr. H. E. WoDEHOUSE, C.M.G., after a bag). and meritorious service in various offices in the Civil Service.
ment.
I arrived in Hongkong on the 25th November and assumed the administration of the Govern I am informed on what I consider excellent authority that the commercial condition of the Colony was never more satisfactory. The value of property is steadily increasing, and of the com panies quoted in the weekly Share Lists more than 80% of the shares are quoted above par. the ultimate results of the political events in the Far East during the year 1898 may be as regards tes trade of this Colony I know too little at present to forecast, but I see no gronad for apprehension tha Hongkong will not continue to enjoy in the future the prosperity that the energy of her merchats has won for her in the present.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
Steny, Asst be
Governor.
No.
2774
899
vious Paper.
16
31-193-2000)-32-4S
quent Paper
Coe
2026
HONG KONG
N29823 2 9 8 2 3
(Subject.)
C. Q.
521
DESPATCH.
29323
30 CT 9
Jubile Commemoration Works.
The Marsing sustitute is being proceeded
with explain's Reasons
why the road round been commenced:
the Island has hot yet
(Minutes.)
Sii W. Hamilton
I think this and
this
13814/8) (the flank in di 13316/9
faker should be mended) should be refined to the C.D., to report whate there is any objection to the rog
Sands
год
on militan
30/10
[See also Mh. Sexcombe Smith's letter
annexed.]
Sa
The far an not pledged to
island
complete the
wither
wad round
specified time.
Refer &CDC.
Gu
-༥. ༢
aus 30/10
[1.0.]
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