[
    {
        "id": 230013,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-032 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [1-4]",
        "page_number": 216,
        "title": "CO129-032 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [1-4]",
        "content_text": "2105\n\ni\n\n4.\n\non\n\nAmount paid for blasting, powder\n\n\"\n\nfor sundry services, £. 3. 16 8, Requisition No. 33 of 1849, completes the expenditure\n\naccount of Roads for construction, amounting in the whole to £. 175.8.7 for the year; but the sum of £.318.6 was disbursed for labour performed under old Contracts of the previous\n\nyear the Aberdeen and Stanley Road, the payment of which His Excellency\n\nwas\n\nobliged to defer.\n\nRepairs to Roads, (exclusive) of (convict labour), only amounted to £.9.12.8, Requisitions 3, 6, 8, and 27.\n\nThe Convict labour during\n\nthe\n\nyear\n\nconsisted in\n\nthe construction\n\nof a pathway from the Sea-beach to the Church and Government Offices,\n\nSundry works round the\n\nGovernment\n\nOffices.\n\nRepairs to Roads and Streets, and\n\nMiscellaneous Services. The pathway\n\nwas\n\non the side\n\nof the\n\nhill under the Murray Battery, and in side cutting, and filling; the section of the ground\n\nwas\n\nentirely\n\nirregular\n\nand steep; in some places\n\ncutting of 25 feet had to be made, and immediately adjoining\n\na\n\nhollow\n\nto be filled\n\nof an equal depth, this rendering the execution extremely\n\ndifficult and expensive;\n\nthe weather also being exceedingly dry during a portion of the working period, rendered the consolidation of the material almost impossible, thus several heavy slips\n\noccurred\n\nafter heavy\n\nrains;\n\nhowever the pathway\n\nis\n\ncompletely finished,\n\nthe embankments to the Queen's Road\n\nover, and a stone channel grassed\n\nmade in two portions which I hope will preserve it from excessive injury,",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-032 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [1-4].txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 245165,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "page_number": 244,
        "title": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "content_text": "# The Hongkong Government Gazette.\n\n## SEPTEMBER 11, 1858.\n\n27th August. In the morning before leaving Lingting, a Chinese who had been taken by the pirates some days before, came on board in one of our boats; his description of the atrocities committed by the Pirates was dreadful to hear. Mr. Caldwell, the Registrar General, on board of us, having gained information at Lingting that two Pirate Junks, with a cargo Junk of Cocoa-nuts, had only left on the 25th for Coulan Bay, a stronghold and favorite resort of the Pirates, we proceeded by the Ladrone Islands to Tylon, and anchored the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` at 5 P.M. on the south side in 4 fathoms water. I immediately proceeded in the `Plover` with all the Boats of the `Magicienne` armed, under Lieutenant Soady, and the boats of the `Inflexible` in tow of the `Algerine`, under Commander Brooker; landing the Marines under Lieutenant Tuson, R.M.A., with pinnace in charge of Lieutenant Hill, on the south side. Upon our opening Coulan Bay, we discovered a squadron of five piratical fighting Junks, with two captured cargo vessels. Upon our hearing them, they fired one gun, and ran their vessels aground, the crews jumping overboard and swimming ashore. The fire of the `Plover`, `Algerine`, and rocket-boats was admirable. Anchoring the Gun-boats in position at sunset, we took possession of the Pirate Junks mounting in all 62 Guns, the two cargo Junks being one laden with cocoa-nuts and the other with rice. We had to destroy the Cocoa-nut vessel (being on the rocks), but liberated the Rice Junk, putting on board of her the people found in the former, the united crews amounting to 24 men. At 10 P.M. I started with `Magicienne's` and `Inflexible's` first gigs, accompanied by Commander Brooker, Lieutenants Soady and Wynniatt, on a reconnoitering expedition. Up the Creek, we discovered and set fire to four Piratical fighting Junks, one of 12 guns, the others having had their guns removed; whilst destroying the Junks and some smaller vessels, occasional musket-shots were fired at us, which we returned. As we were burning the third Junk, great guns opened on us, at about 1,700 yards from inland, many of the shot reaching alongside the gigs at that distance. Favored by the moon (occasionally obscured), I determined to land; so with Commander Brooker, Lieutenants Soady and Wynniatt, and ten men, we pushed on as well as we could find our way guided by the spirited fire of the guns at the stockade, which continued until we got within pistol-shot, up to which time we had reserved our fire. Giving a volley, we pushed on; the enemy ran, ourselves being brought up for a minute or so by the entrance of the stockade being staked; clambering through mud, water, and over embankment, we got possession of the 14-Gun stockade, spiked the guns, destroyed the ammunition, fired volleys where at times we heard the enemy, and returned on board by 2 A.M., with no loss on our side. Although the shot came over our heads, the Pirates appeared to be firing at where the vessels were burning in the Creek, and not to be aware of our movements ashore, nor the smallness of our force, until we were close upon them. For, having to advance in single file, in a narrow pathway, several of the guns being placed so as to completely sweep away everything approaching, we would have required a considerable force to have attacked it in the day time, and I have little doubt that we should have sustained some loss. The guns were similar to those in the Piratical fighting Junks.\n\n28th August.-Lieutenants Sharpe and Bevan were employed getting the guns out of the Junks captured in Coulan Bay into deep water, and then setting the vessels on fire. Landing a large party under Commander Brooker, Lieutenant Soady, and Acting Mate Brabazon, I had 30 piratical fast-boats destroyed, and marched up to the stockade to destroy the guns more effectually and burn the houses in the vicinity; the same having been effected, all hands re-embarked and proceeded down to the ships, weighed and steamed down on the South side, to Sandy Bay, St John's Island. Mr. Caldwell going down on the North side, with `Plover` and `Algerine`, where all re-anchored by dark.\n\n29th August.-At daylight, having despatched the `Plover` and `Algerine` to search Samtong Bay, I proceeded with Mr. Caldwell and Commander Brooker, in `Magicienne's` and `Inflexible's` 1st gigs, to search the small rocks and coves in Sandy Bay, St John's Island; extreme end of one of the bays we came suddenly upon a piratical Junk of 10 guns, all on one broadside, and 38 men all at their guns, pointed for the entrance between the rocks. As he evidently intended disputing our entrance, and it would be impossible to board him on account of his being high and dry on the mud, I had the gig's crews landed on the rocks with their rifles. Upon our opening fire, the Pirates immediately fled, many being killed; on board we found two women, who had been prisoners for upwards of two months, whom we liberated. In the forenoon, seeing some junks to the Westward, I despatched Commander Brooker in the `Inflexible` with the Boats of the `Magicienne` under Lieutenant Soady to examine them, remaining at anchor in `Magicienne` to superintend getting the Pirate Junk out to where we were at anchor off Hawchuru Bluff. The `Plover` and `Algerine` came upon six Piratical Junks, upon which they made a spirited attack, doing much credit to Lieutenants Wynniatt and Arthur; after an exchange of shot for several minutes, the Pirates jumped overboard, upwards of 190 being killed or drowned, 36 taken alive, 22 people rescued, and 80 guns destroyed; the `Inflexible` with `Magicienne's` boats coming in very opportunely to prevent any escape, and to give a finishing stroke to an affair so ably executed by Lieutenant Wynniatt. For the particulars, I must refer you to the letter written by Lieutenant Wynniatt, enclosed herewith.\n\n30th August --At 4 P.M. hearing a gun fired from the Northward, I had the `Plover` ready with the `Magicienne's` Cutter under Lieutenant Soady, and `Inflexible's` Cutter under Lieutenant Bevan, and started at daybreak, with Mr. Caldwell and Commander Brooker after four vessels for the land.\n\nUpon our getting within gunshot, the crews of the two larger junks took to their boats and made for the shore, ourselves opening fire with musketry and great guns, destroying the greater part of them.\n\nThe vessels turned out to be one Pirate Junk mounting 5 guns, on board of which we found a Chinese woman, who had been made a prisoner with 7 men, some days before, near Macao; her vessel, the second large one, having been kept by the Pirates to form one of their squadron. The remaining two were fishing vessels, one with five men, the other with four on board, whom we liberated. The other two vessels I had taken into deep water, set fire to, and guns thrown overboard. The woman I had sent to the `Magicienne`.\n\nWeighing with the ships at 8 A.M., we proceeded to Wong Chow, where leaving the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` at anchor, I proceeded at P.M., with Mr. Caldwell in the `Plover`, taking in tow all the `Magicienne's` Boats under Lieut. Soady, Commander Brooker going in `Algerine` with `Inflexible's` Boats. Proceeding up for Tywoo shan, at 3 P.M., we discovered two Junks; and on giving chase, one lowered her sails and anchored, turning out to be our old friend the Rice junk, who had been again captured by another Pirate (the vessel ahead), who was sailing away with a good breeze, and pulling with all her oars to escape up to the Fort of Tywoo-shan. As soon as we came up within range, we opened fire, the Chinese villagers on shore following her up, so as to slaughter anyone attempting to escape by swimming from her. At 4.10 P.M., the Pirate opened fire upon us, and continued so doing until she was taken. The `Plover` having got within canister distance, did great execution, as did the `Algerine` and all the boats. Pushing off in the boats at 4.40, the Pirate still sailing and pulling, gave us a hard chase: my gig being light, consequently got within pistol-shot distance before the other boats could come up. I cannot speak too highly of Mr. Brabazon, Acting Mate, and Mr. S.G. Anstruther, Midshipman, who came with me, or of the whole Boat's Crew, as, out of nine men, eight were wounded by the Pirates; Mr. Brabazon with the two Marines keeping up a most effective fire with their rifles; Mr. Anstruther most gallantly jumped overboard after T. Mills, Ordinary, one of the gig's crew, who in consequence of a stinkpot having exploded upon him, had to jump overboard to save himself, but being unable to swim, was fast sinking, when Mr. Anstruther rescued him; Mr. Anstruther's strength was also exhausted when assistance came to him. At 5.30 P.M., the boats having come within canister distance, as well as the `Plover` and `Algerine`, the Pirate grounded in a sinking state; those on board of her not killed jumped overboard, the few escaping us being immediately slaughtered by the villagers ashore.\n\nOne Chinese, who had been taken prisoner by the Pirates and rescued by us, informed us that this junk was commanded by the Pirate Chief Cheeppoo, who was killed shortly before the vessel grounded; also that she mounted 9 guns, having a crew of upwards of 65 men, not one of whom escaped. The coolness displayed throughout the expedition since leaving Hongkong by all on board, the accuracy of the fire from the `Plover` and `Algerine`, also from the boats of `Magicienne` and `Inflexible`, do great credit to all on board; and I take this opportunity of recommending to your favorable notice, as I have done in my covering letter, particularly Commander Brooker, Lieut. J.C. Soady, Lieut. Wynniatt, Lieut. Arthur, Lieut. Bevan, Acting Mate Brabazon, Midshipman Anstruther. The conducting of the `Plover` and `Algerine` through such intricate channels reflects the greatest credit to Mr. John Phillips, Acting second Master, and Mr. H. Swainson, second Master.\n\nI enclose herewith a list of casualties, in which I am happy to say are none killed.\n\n31st August. Marching the various creeks, we found two junks with no guns on board, but as they answered the description given to Mr. Caldwell, I had them destroyed, meeting with no resistance with the exception of one gingall shot. Before high water, I had the `Plover` and `Algerine` placed in position before the battery of Tywoo-shan, in which were two heavy long guns besides smaller ones; sending a boat in under Lieut. Soady, to set fire to a large junk, which had been used as a Pirate, but whose guns had been removed, our firing of the previous day giving them timely warning. We remained opposed to the battery until the vessel was burnt to the water's edge; however, as no shot was fired, I did not feel myself authorized in acting in any way against it, although it is well understood that the Hakka tribe, living there always, give protection openly to the Pirates, the Mandarins never yet having been able to take the place, although they have tried with a large force; the Hakka tribe being in open rebellion against them. There being nothing more to complete the destruction of, I returned with the vessels and boats to where the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` were at anchor.\n\n1st September. Proceeded with Gun-Boats in tow to Mamee, when sending for the Mandarin, I handed over to him 22 Pirates for his disposal.\n\n2d September-Proceeded to St John's Island, searching the nooks and corners, finding nothing.\n\n3d September.-Proceeded at 4 A.M. for Tylon Island, where, at 11 A.M. anchoring the `Magicienne` and `Inflexible` on the south side, I started with Commander Brooker and Mr. Caldwell in `Plover` and `Algerine` with ships' boats to Coulan Bay. Finding I had been too lenient on the former occasion of visiting this place, in sparing the houses and many boats, as the accounts given by prisoners taken from Pirates, and from all parties enquired of, agreed that every person and article thereat were piratical, and had been for some years, also from Mr. Caldwell's previous knowledge; and as the Mandarin authorities had long since denounced it as such, I desired Commander Brooker to land with his division of boats and with those under Lieut. Soady, to search well the different lots of houses about the creek, to burn and destroy everything that he could find; which he most ably executed, having which only a few gingall shot fired at his party, which was returned, without any loss on our side, the Pirates having 4 or 5 killed. The houses were nothing more than magazines of powder and ammunition, explosions after explosions taking place. Seven more guns were discovered and destroyed, cargoes of Betel-nut and other pirated stores set fire to, as were also two piratical Fighting Junks with guns removed, 1 Cargo Junk, and about 40 Boats nearly all Fast-boats. With the `Plover` I started in chase of a Fast-boat pulling sixteen Oars, which we did not get possession of until after the crew had got ashore. She was well armed and provisioned, mounted a 6 pounder in the stern. Two other Piratical Fast-boats were likewise discovered and set fire to. The destruction of their favorite stronghold with loss of powder and Ammunition will I trust prevent the Pirates fitting out any vessels of consequence for Piratical purposes for some time.\n\n4th September-Proceeded by Kypong Islands, Sammoon and Ling-ting, where we now are.\n\n## H.M.S. “Magicienne,” off Lingting Island, 4th September, 1858.\n\n**NICHOLAS VANSITTART, Captain.**\n\n## Return of Piratical War Junks, &c., captured by H.M.'s Ships \"Magicienne,” “Inflexible,” “Plover,” and \"Algerine,\" on the undermentioned dates, with the number of Cargo Junks and Prisoners retaken from the Pirates, and Casualties in the crews of H.M's Ships.\n\n| DATE | PLACE | Piratical War Junks damaged and burnt | CAPTURED OR DESTROYED | Pirates killed or drowned | Prisoners taken alive | Recaptured from Pirates | Remarks |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1858 |  |  | Piratical War Junks | Guns spiked or sunk into deep water | Cargo Junks rescued |  |  |\n| Aug. 26 | Lingting Islands, | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |\n|  | Culan Bay,..... | 9 | 30 | 74 |  | 27 | Under the Pirate Chief Momema. Upwards of 120 Pirates on this Island. An armed stockade of 14 guns was captured and destroyed by a night attack. |\n| 28 |  |  |  |  |  | 25 |  |\n| 29 | St John's Island, | 1 | 10 |  |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Kowkung-hung. The crews of the Piratical War Junks escaped to shore; many killed. |\n|  | Off Hawcheun Bluff, | 6 | 80 | 36 | 190 | 22 | Under the Pirate Chief Lowcumfat. |\n| 30 | St John's, | 1 | 9 |  |  | 3 |  |\n|  | Teywoo-shan....... | 1 | 12 | 65 |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Yaongkong-poo, |\n| 31 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Tunghai. |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Under the Pirate Chief Cheepoo, who was killed in the affair. This vessel offered resistance for upwards of an hour, wounding with stinkpots, gingalls, &c., 8 of the 9 men in `Magicienne's` Captain's Gig. |\n| Sept. 4 | Coulan, | 2 | 7 |  |  |  | Recaptured-the same liberated at Coulan. Guns removed-Pirates warned by the fight of the previous evening. |\n| Totals, |  | 22 | 148 | 74 | 255 | 78 |  |\n\n**NICHOLAS VANSITTART, Captain.**\n\n## H.M.'S GUN-BOAT Plover, SANDY BAY, 29th August, 1858.\n\nTo have the honour to acquaint you, that in obedience to your orders, I proceeded with the `Plover` and `Algerine` to Samtong Bay where nothing was met with beyond a few fishing and trading boats, but from whom I gained information of pirates having been there on the previous evening, but had left during the night in the direction of Gunjavar Channel; upon which I considered I should not be departing from my instructions in following them up, which I did, searching the whole of the western shore of Hawchen Island, without seeing anything suspicious until we arrived at Hawcheun Bluff, when we suddenly opened fire on six piratical Junks standing in line towards the shore, which from their appearance as to tonnage and cut of sails, quite agreed with the information we had received at Samtong. As we approached within gun shot, fire was opened immediately on both sides, Lieutenant Arthur in the `Algerine` taking the right extreme of the line, while the `Plover` took the left, to prevent their reaching the shore, firing continually on both sides for many minutes, when the men jumped overboard from the Junks and made for the shore, a few escaping in their small boats, leaving us in possession of the Junks, which were as speedily as possible anchored, guns thrown overboard, and set fire to, in which we were very much assisted by the joining of the `Inflexible` and `Magicienne's` boats under Lieutenant Soady, as every assistance was given by Commander Brooker in destroying the Junks, which being completed in obedience to instructions from Commander Brooker I proceeded with the `Algerine`, to examine Namoa Harbour and the channel leading between the Islands of Hawcheun, Wasp, Cricket, and Dipachou, when I rejoined the `Magicienne`. I am happy to say that the captures were effected without a single man being wounded on our side, though the fire at times was heavy. As far as I am able to learn, upwards of eighty guns were destroyed.\n\nIn conclusion, I beg to bring to your notice, the very cordial co-operation I received from Lieutenant Arthur in the `Algerine`, and the brisk and accurate fire kept up by the Gun-boats reflects the highest credit on both men and officers.\n\nI further think it my duty to bring to your notice Mr. John Phillips, Second Master of the `Plover`, who conducted the vessels through most intricate channels in a manner which showed great judgment and ability. The Interpreter sent by Mr. Caldwell, Registrar General, proved of great value in obtaining information and making himself generally useful.\n\nHoping that our proceedings will meet with your approval,\n\nI have, &c., &c.,\n\nTo Captain N. VANSITTART, C.B.,\n\nH.M.'s Ship `Magicienne`.\n\n**True Copies,**\n\nH. F. HANCE.\n\n**ROBERT WYNNIATT, Lieutenant Commanding.**",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 245400,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "page_number": 479,
        "title": "CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12]",
        "content_text": "not receding a length of 250 feet or up to the present line of a catch water drain as now existing,\n\nMurney Battery. Here the original difficulty presents itself as reported in my letter referred to. I am of opinion that any additional works which will tend in the remotest degree to impede the circulation of air to the Government offices (which is already placed at too low a level with respect to the Battery) must be excessively injurious, and unless the necessity for an extension of the work is of paramount importance and can in no way be dispensed with, the proposed service should be executed in a manner to do as little damage as possible to the Building and grounds adjoining.\n\nThe Commanding Royal Engineer agrees with me that the least objectionable mode of effecting the object is to confine the ground running parallel with the path from the Battery to the Citadel, of no greater depth than 5 feet, to the pathway going North from the Government office, joining the first-named path. That the additional work shall not be carried in the rear and the Plot formed at the lowest practicable level.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-069 - Sir Bowring - 1858 [5-12].txt",
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        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 311461,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-197 - Governor Hennessy - 1882 [1-2]",
        "page_number": 482,
        "title": "CO129-197 - Governor Hennessy - 1882 [1-2]",
        "content_text": "# CHINCHCE \n\n## NOTE \n\nAll applications for Building sites on Kowloon Peninsula where situated, East, land hands, situate for Qué Pasta, Persevata, Signad Stakeya, Batteries for to me referred to the Colonel Office Commanding for disposal being quoted.\n\n## REFERENCE \n\n| Item | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| Ches |  |\n| Limi |  |\n| LIGHT | Roads |\n|  | Waterways |\n|  | Water supply to Town |\n| W.D.Property |  |\n|  | Existing Batteries |\n|  | Proposed |\n| Do | Redoubts |\n| D | Outposts |\n| D2 | Signal Stations |\n|  | Pathways of Communication |\n| D | Sub-Marine Mining Fields |\n|  | Telegraph Stations |\n|  | Villages & Buildings |\n|  | LEVELS |\n|  | LIGHTHOUSES |\n\nRange of 10\" R.M.L. Gun shewn as 3000Yards\n\n| Distance | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2500 | 9\" |\n| 2000 | 7\" |\n|  | 0° |\n|  | B |\n\n## HONG KONG \n\nTo Accompany Report of Defence Committee.\n\n### Proposed Batteries \n\n| Location | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| Central |  |\n| Tine Island |  |\n| Kontoon West | Better Battery |\n| Cast | Deep Kaver |\n| Hound Island |  |\n| TYTAM |  |\n| Mint Bay |  |\n| Stanley |  |\n\n487 \n\n`393-1` \n`40035` \nAustinson \nDenn for Inidad \n\n## LIGHT HOUSES \n\nSport Amider \nSlope stand",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-197 - Governor Hennessy - 1882 [1-2].txt",
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        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 333419,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 241,
        "title": "CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "Our staff at present consists of:\n\n1 Superintendent.\n\n1 Assistant Superintendent.\n\n1 Do.\n\n1 Clerk.\n\n1 Engineer.\n\n1 Assistant Engineer.\n\n2 Engine Drivers, Chinese.\n\n3 Do., Europeans.\n\n2 Assistant Engine Drivers, Europeans.\n\n6 Stokers.\n\n1 Overseer of Water Works.\n\n1 Inspector of Dangerous Goods.\n\n1 Chinese Assistant Do.\n\n2 Foremen.\n\n4 Assistant Foremen.\n\n17 Firemen, Europeans.\n\n46 Do., Chinese.\n\n30 Do., Market Coolies.\n\n10 Chinese Contingent.\n\n15 Watchmen.\n\nFloating Engine.\n\n1 Assistant Foreman and Engine Driver.\n\n1 Chinese Engine Driver.\n\n1 Stoker.\n\n2 Seamen.\n\nSince the post of second Assistant Superintendent has been abolished and the joint appointment of Assistant Superintendent and Engineer has been made, a greater responsibility has fallen on the Acting Assistant Engineer, as the Engineer in his dual capacity is frequently called away to the scene of the fire, and must leave the Engines in charge of the next in command.\n\nLooking to the increased duties that devolve upon the Engineer and his Assistant, who now have to keep in an efficient state six steam engines and nine manuals, I consider the remuneration, which was voted at a time when there were only two steam engines, is somewhat inadequate to the increased duties and responsibilities.\n\nAt the Annual General Inspection in November last, a new feature was introduced in the form of competition at Fire drills for prizes, which acted as a stimulus to the members of the Brigades and gave them greater interest in their work; and amongst the Chinese particularly, this has resulted in bringing to the front some really valuable firemen. As an instance of the efficiency of the Brigades, I may mention that at the recent fire which occurred in Bonham Strand on a Sunday afternoon, within the space of a few minutes of the alarm being sounded, thirteen powerful jets of water were playing upon the burning houses.\n\nAt first sight our Brigade appears to be not only adequate as regards machinery, but also numerically, but when it is borne in mind that not more than half of the Europeans are available at any one fire, and that the hilly configuration of the Colony often requires two engines to do the work of one in order to reach the elevation required, it will be seen that the Brigade is under, rather than over, the necessary strength for a growing Colony like Hongkong.\n\nThe supply of water from the new Water-works (in course of construction) will materially assist in extinguishing fires in the upper levels of the Colony, and also in the early stages of all fires, if my suggestion with regard to telephonic communication is adopted. But the value of water mains must not be over-estimated, as in a case similar to that in Bonham Strand (referred to before) it would be impossible to concentrate such a body of water at any one given point from hydrants as could be obtained by steam Engines, and the superiority of salt water over fresh, for extinguishing fires is universally acknowledged.\n\nI cannot close this report without mentioning the able assistance I have had during the past year from the Officers of the Brigade. I may specially mention Mr. WAGNER, who has been acting as Engineer and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. RAE, the chief foreman, and Mr. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant Engineer. These officers have devoted a great deal of time and attention to their respective duties and the present efficiency of the Brigade is in a great measure due to their untiring exertions.\n\nWe are greatly indebted to the Captain Superintendent of Police for the excellent order kept by his force at the various fires. The systematic working of the Brigade, and absence of malicious injury to hose and larceny of Government property, is greatly owing to the vigilance of the Police.\n\nSubjoined is a tabulated form showing the number of alarms of Fires, and estimated damage for the past year.\n\nThe Honourable F. STEWART, LL.D.,\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nActing Colonial Secretary,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.\n\nYour obedient Servant,\n\nJOHN S. BREWER,\n\nActing Superintendent Fire Brigade.\n\nDate.\n\nYEAR 1886.\n\nRETURN OF FIRES AND ALARMS OCCURRED DURING THE\n\n  \n    Date\n    Time\n    Situation of Fire\n    Cause\n    No. of Buildings destroyed\n    Wholly\n    Partly\n    REMARKS\n  \n  \n    1 January\n    ...\n    A stack of grass at the back of Joss house at Shaukiwán\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    Some thousands of young fir trees were destroyed.\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    A bed curtain in No. 42, Circular Pathway\n    Carelessness with a lighted cigar\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    A number of Chinese\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Grass on hillside West of Mount Davis\n    Unknown\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney of No. 27, Gage Street\n    Sparks from the Engine House\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Praya Central, Blackhead & Co.'s Store\n    Carelessness with matches\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Saw dust in No. 21, Pound Lane\n    Unknown\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Near Shaukiwán Market\n    Accidental when cooking\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    Burning Incense\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Grass above Tai-tam-tuk Water-Works\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    13\n    ...\n    Grass on the hillside at Mount Davis\n    ...\n    ...\n    66\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    A stack of grass at Shaukiwán\n    ...\n    ...\n    35\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    A matshed at Coffee Plantation\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    19\n    ...\n    Trap door No. 297, Queen's Road Central\n    ...\n    1\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    A bed curtain and beddings in No. 41, East Street\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Matshed at Hungbòm Docks\n    ...\n    1\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    26\n    ...\n    Cook-house No. 61, Praya West\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    30\n    ...\n    A stack of grass at Taikoktsui\n    Unknown\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Grass on the hill near Parsee Point\n    Do.\n    ...\n    ...\n    17\n    ...\n  \n  \n    31\n    ...\n    Chimney of No. 4, Blue Buildings\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    19 February 2\n    ...\n    No. 186, Hollywood Road, (Po Lok Theatre)\n    ...\n    Whole Block\n    02\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Matshed at No. 2, Gap Street\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    5\n    ...\n    Stack of grass at Quarry Bay\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Wooden partition at No. 49, Wear Street\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney at No. 1, Seymour Terrace\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Stack of grass at Shankiwán\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Matsheds at Naval Yard, Kaulung\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney at No. 11, Cochrane Street\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Grass on the hill at Mount Davis\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney at No. 3, Taipingsbán Streer\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Matsheds at Belchers Battery\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    10\n    ...\n    No. 3, Wing Fung Street\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    No. 8, Wai Tak Lanė\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney at No. 5 Station\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Staircase of No. 149, Queen's Road West\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    No. 84, Queen's Road East\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    No. 116, Praya West\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Mosquito curtain in No. 266, Queen's Road West\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Wooden partition at Gilman Bazaar\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney of No. 235, Queen's Road Central\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    No. 56, Market Street\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    ...\n    ...\n    Chimney at Iongkong Club\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    6\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    13\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    11\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    21\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    April\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n  \n  \n    6\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    ...\n    35\n    'ZZ\n    ...",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3].txt",
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    {
        "id": 360076,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4]",
        "page_number": 272,
        "title": "CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4]",
        "content_text": "# Court Proceedings\n\nMr. Deacon—Were there any near this place where you say you saw the men? (To his Worship). Of course, your Worship, we were there; we are not in the least disputing that,\n\nWitness—I saw one notice near them. Mr. Deacon—What does it say? Witness—That no one is to pass without permission of the commanding officer.\n\nMr. Deacon—I believe the road from the village is open!\n\nWitness—Yes, but there are notice boards there.\n\nMr. Deacon—How many?\n\nWitness—There is one in the road leading from the end of the village, and--\n\nMr. Deacon—What does that say? Have you read it yourself?\n\nWitness—Yes. It says that no one is to pass excepting those holding passes from the commanding officer.\n\nMr. Deacon—That is at the foot of the hill? Witness—Yes, and there is another at the top of the hill near the cross.\n\nMr. Deacon—What does that say? Witness—War Department Property.\" Mr. Deacon—Anything else? Witness—Nothing else.\n\nMr. Deacon—Is there not a notice at the junction saying that people are not to go through, but to turn back, or something of that sort?\n\nWitness—I cannot say.\n\nMr. Deacon—Just think, because the other witness told us there was.\n\nWitness—I do not know. There are a good many notices and I have not read them all.\n\nPrivate Khan, of the Hongkong Regiment, said—I was on duty at Kowloon near the sea at 11 a.m. on Sunday. I saw the three defendants on the top of a hill looking all about with an opera glass, and also looking towards Lyemoon. They looked at different places, and were in a prohibited area, about one hundred or two hundred paces from the fort.\n\nNo questions were asked by Mr. Deacon.\n\nWalter William Blades—I am master gunner in the Royal Artillery. Outside Kowloon Dock battery there is a board with a notice to the effect that admission to the defences is only granted by permission of the General Officer Commanding and that any information gained is to be considered confidential. There is another notice board at the junction of the three roads just below the Kowloon Institute. That notice says that trespassers will be prosecuted. There is also another notice about twenty yards higher up in similar terms as the first one. There is no actual defence at the junction of the three roads. Kowloon East battery is nearly a hundred yards from that junction; this is the nearest battery, and is on the left.\n\nMr. Deacon—How do you describe a field work?\n\nWitness—A military defence.\n\nMr. Deacon—You know the hill side; would you call that a field work in your military technical language?\n\nWitness—There is no work there at all.\n\nMr. Deacon—That is what I wanted to know. I believe the road is entirely open with the exception of the notices.\n\nWitness—Yes.\n\nMr. Deacon—Nothing to stop anybody? Witness—Nothing, only the notice board.\n\nMr. Deacon—The section of the act says \"No person shall enter any barrier, field work, or fortification.\" Do you say the hillside was a field work?\n\nWitness—Yes.\n\nMr. Deacon—Why?\n\nWitness—Because there is a bridge over a gully or zullah.\n\nMr. Deacon—But that is not of necessity a field work.\n\nWitness—Yes, it is part of the defence. Mr. Deacon—It is a pathway.\n\nWitness—Yes, it's a bridge.\n\nMr. Deacon—But if the bridge wasn't there you would have to jump over the nullah. Why call that a field work?\n\nWitness—Because it is part of the fortifications.\n\nMr. Deacon—(To his Worship)—Of course we were there, your Worship, and I am going to tell you why presently. (To Witness). You would call this a field work simply because the bridge is there?\n\nWitness—The bridge is part of the fortifications.\n\nMr. Deacon—Would you call the junction of the roads a field work?\n\nWitness—No, I would not.\n\nInspector Butcher—I am in charge of the Kowloon Police District. About 12.20 p.m. on the 16th inst, defendants were brought to the Yaumati Station and charged with trespassing on the field works at Hunghom. I ordered them to be searched. On the second defendant was found a pair of field glasses; on the third defendant this pocket book containing two sketches. One sketch is marked “Lyemoon”; the other bears no name. I told them they would be charged with sketching and being in possession of sketching materials.\n\nThis concluded the evidence, and Hon. Commander Hastings asked for a remand in order to prove what a field work is.\n\nMr. Deacon—I certainly oppose very strongly any remand. The police have had ample time, I submit, to get everything together, and the ship wants to go away this afternoon.\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—I should like to say there has not been ample time, but I wrote to the General's A.D.C. only last night, and he arrived here at 10.30 this morning.\n\nMr. Deacon—I do not wish to take the slightest technical objection here.\n\nHis Worship—How long will it be necessary to remand the case for? I will take it at two o'clock this afternoon if you like.\n\nMr. Deacon—I do not know whether this evidence is simply to prove what a field work is! His Worship—Is that so, Captain Hastings? Hon. Commander Hastings—Yes, to prove this is a field work.\n\nMr. Deacon—If that is all, I'll technically admit it at once.\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—All the documents here are in Russian, with the exception of one sketch, and we can make neither top nor tail of that. There are a lot of printed things and manuscript.\n\nMr. Deacon—Defendants say they are all private documents.\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—Oh, of course, all private documents!\n\nMr. Deacon—You can have them translated. Hon. Commander Hastings—That is our difficulty as there is no one to translate them.\n\nMr. Deacon—Mr. Michaelsen will translate them.\n\nMr. Michaelsen—No, I cannot.\n\nMr. Deacon—If your Worship wishes to have them translated there is somebody in Court who can translate them.\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—Oh, I don't think it's necessary.\n\nMr. Deacon—But we prefer you to have the whole thing out.\n\nMr. Michaelsen—There is no objection at all. Hon. Commander Hastings—As Mr. Deacon admits the defendants were in the field work I don't ask for a remand.\n\nHis Worship—Yes, he admits. Have you any more evidence to call?\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—I would like to prove what this sketch is.\n\nMr. Deacon—I think I will admit anything if you will give it to me.\n\nHis Worship—We want you to admit what that is a sketch of.\n\nMr. Deacon—I should like to see it if I might. The sketch was handed to Mr. Deacon who said—That is Lyemoon.\n\nHis Worship—The forts? Mr. Deacon—Yes.\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—And the elevation; how did they get that?\n\nThis sketch was handed to the defendants who, through Mr. Michaelsen, said the sketch was the bearings taken by the sun.\n\nHon. Commander Hastings—... \n\n## Page 270",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 360629,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-272 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [5-9]",
        "page_number": 120,
        "title": "CO129-272 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [5-9]",
        "content_text": "## William Brown sworn states\nI am actg. Bombardier in the RA. I am stationed at Stone Cutters Island. On the 2nd inst I was in charge of Stone Cutters Regimental guard at 2:45 pm. I was in the Guard room at that time. Last witness was on the sentry outside. The guard room is at the front of the west battery. Next witness called my attention to two men coming up from the N. Shore. Defendants are the men. When I first saw them they were about two feet from the verandah on the pathway. The path defendants were on leads to the South Shore battery. The path to the west is a few yards off. One defendant was carrying the box in both hands. I asked defendants if they knew that they were not allowed on the land. They said they did not know. I took the defendants away, sending for the Actg. Sergt. Major, Mr. Dennys. Defendants were dressed in dark trousers, white jackets, & Chinese cotton caps. I don't remember seeing anything on the bands on the caps. One was yet blue band, the other was a dark band. I state positively there was a band. I don't know the slang (badge shown witness) stitched on the caps. I did not at any time see the fort from which defendant landed nor the Quarter master. Defendants said they were Officers from the German mail steamer, one said he was the captain & the other that he was the doctor. I saw the box was a photo camera. The doctor was carrying it openly. There is a notice board on the path leading from the beach; there are boards along the beach. The soldiers living on the island have about there a six-oared boat on the beach. I saw no forks by the boat. The Notice board prohibits access to the works. Defendants have to pass that board on the path they came up. They spoke English.\n\n## Alfred Druth sworn states\nI am a Sergeant stationed at Stone Cutters Island on the afternoon of the 2nd inst. At 2:46 pm, I was sent for by last witness who was in No 1 Barrack room European quarters. I went to the Guard room. The barracks are from the Guard room about 40 yards. The path runs down to the beach between the Barracks and the Guard room. In the Guard room, I saw the two defendants. There was a detective camera there, that is the case in box. I sent Gunner... in boat. I did not interfere with it. I sent to the East end of the island for the Police Sergeant. At last, a Policeman came. I could not get him to understand English, so I went to the Police at Kowloon, detaining defendants with Mr. Dennys. Defendants were dressed in black trousers, white jackets & wore peaked caps. The caps had a badge with an Eagle on it. (Badge shown witness). I asked defendants no questions. I detained the defendants till 4 pm when I handed them to the Police Sergeant.\n\nI did not go to the beach. There is no sentry posted on the North side shore. We have a six...\n\nPage 120\nPage 121",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-272 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [5-9].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 362891,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-275 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [1-5]",
        "page_number": 407,
        "title": "CO129-275 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [1-5]",
        "content_text": "403\n\n(6)\n\nCONDITION OF THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT OFFICES.\n\n7. The Committee has obtained from the Director of Public Works the following information respecting the present Government Offices and the suitability of their accommodation for the departments located in them.\n\n8. Government Offices, St. John's Place. The present building was erected in 1848 at an approximate cost of £14,393 and is situated about 100 feet above sea level, approached by Battery Pathway leading off Queen's Road at Ice House St.\n\nThe building consists of two floors, each containing thirteen rooms, and has a massive verandah on the western side.\n\nThe ground floor is occupied by the Public Works Department and the upper floor by the Council Chamber, Colonial Secretary's Department, and the Local Auditor.\n\nThe building is in a substantial state of repair and it is not anticipated that any exceptionally heavy expenditure will be necessary in the near future in order to maintain it in such a condition.\n\nThe accommodation provided for the Council Chamber, Colonial Secretary and Local Auditor appears adequate, but that provided on the ground floor for the Public Works Department is inadequate and badly arranged for the requirements of that department. The rooms are too small and insufficiently lighted.\n\n9. The Supreme Court buildings consist of a two-storied building, the upper floor being devoted to the Courts, Registry and subsidiary offices, and the ground floor to the Land Office and Registrar General's Department.\n\nThe site on which they stand was obtained in 1847 from Messrs. Dent & Co. for the sum of £5,000, being then occupied by what were known as the \"Exchange Buildings.\"\n\nIn 1848 certain alterations were made to the Exchange Buildings at a cost of £1,000 to render them fit for the purposes of a Court House.\n\nIn 1864 accommodation for the Registrar General's Department was provided in the north-east corner of the ground floor, but being found insufficient for the requirements of the department additions were carried out at a cost of $4,300.\n\nIn 1883 the Land Office, which had previously been attached to the Public Works Department, was transferred to this building.\n\nFrom the foregoing account it will be seen that the buildings originally purchased in 1847 for the purpose of a Court House have undergone several extensive alterations and additions. The offices are now badly arranged, crowded on the site and ill ventilated, while those on the ground floor are also badly lighted.\n\nTheir general condition is such that a heavy expenditure on repairs will be necessary in the course of a few years if their occupation is to be continued.\n\nThe present accommodation is quite inadequate to meet the requirements of the Court and Registry, particularly the latter. By a recent arrangement the portion of the building previously occupied by the Attorney General and the Crown Solicitor has been placed at the disposal of the Postal Department, and offices have been rented elsewhere for those officers.\n\nPost Office and Treasury.--The buildings, which had been erected in 1846, for a house for the Registrar General, on the site of the present Post Office and Treasury, and subsequently altered for the purpose of serving as a Post Office, were in 1864 found to be quite inadequate to meet the requirements of the Postal Department, it was therefore decided to pull them down and erect a new Post Office.\n\n(7)\n\nThe present main buildings, which were completed in 1867 with certain additions and alterations carried out in 1884 and 1885, consist of a ground floor and basement occupied by the Post Office and an upper floor occupied by the Treasury Department.\n\nThe Post Office is badly lighted and ill ventilated and the Treasury Offices are inconveniently arranged.\n\nThe present buildings are about thirty years old and though the walls are still sound the renewal of the internal fittings and woodwork throughout will shortly necessitate a considerable expenditure if the occupation of the building is continued. The accommodation in the Post Office, in spite of the recent arrangement by which the offices of Attorney General and Crown Solicitor have been placed at the disposal of the department, is so cramped that there is not sufficient room to sort two heavy mails at the same time, while the space devoted to the business of the Parcels Post is insufficient to secure the safe custody of parcels. In fact, the requirements of the Colony have entirely out-grown the accommodation at present available.\n\nFor the Treasury a Strong Room and a Stamp Room are required, also a large room, easily accessible to the public, for accountants and cashiers, and better accommodation for the clerks are greatly needed.\n\n11. Harbour Office.--The present building consisting of two stories, erected in 1874, is in a fair state of repair, but the accommodation afforded is not equal to the present requirements.\n\nOn the completion of the New Reclamation Works now in progress the site will no longer have a sea frontage and the buildings do not admit of further extension within the limits of the present site.\n\nHaving carefully considered the structural condition and the accommodation provided by the present Government Offices, and in view of the great difficulty of finding suitable accommodation for the several departments during the execution of such extensive repairs as most of these offices will shortly require, we consider it very desirable that the construction of new offices should be proceeded with at the earliest possible date.\n\nTHE DESIRABILITY OF LOCATING THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS UNDER ONE ROOF.\n\n12. It is desirable for many reasons that the several Government Offices should be situated close together, if possible under one roof, as much loss of time and inconvenience to the public would be thereby obviated, and business greatly facilitated.\n\nWere it not for the fact that the present offices at St. John's Place are in a good structural condition, are suitably and conveniently situated for the meeting of Council, and the accommodation afforded for the Colonial Secretary's Department appears adequate, we should recommend that in any project for the erection of new buildings accommodation should be provided for that department.\n\n13. The following statement shows the approximate accommodation at present provided, and what appears to be required for the Court House, Treasury, Registrar General, Post Office, and Public Works:\n\n  \n    \n    Present\n    Required\n  \n  \n    Court House,\n    Sq.ft. 12,300\n    sq. ft. 21,000\n  \n  \n    Registrar General,\n    2,460\n    5,000\n  \n  \n    Post Office,\n    3,100\n    6,000\n  \n  \n    Public Works,\n    5,000\n    11,000\n  \n  \n    Treasury,\n    7,000\n    14,000\n  \n\nPage 403 appears three times at top, three times at bottom.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-275 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [1-5].txt",
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    {
        "id": 386451,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12]",
        "page_number": 531,
        "title": "CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12]",
        "content_text": "## Colonial Government and Dock Company Negotiations\n\nColonial Government cables and the Joint Telegraph Companies' cables all landed on the foreshore immediately East of the Dock Company's existing premises and that the question of the expediency of laying out a new cable reserve and taking up and relaying the cables would have to be considered.\n\nOn the 9th November 1900, General Gascoigne agreed to the request made in a letter of the 25th October from the Director of Public Works that a further area, in addition to that shown on the plan enclosed in the General Officer Commanding's letter of the 15th September, be handed over to the Colonial Government.\n\nOn the 6th November, Mr. Gillies proposed the following terms: \n1. ten cents premium a square foot; \n2. lease for a period of 999 years; \n3. Crown rent to be $800 an acre; \n4. construction within 5 years of a new dock capable of containing the largest vessels of Her Majesty's Navy.\n\nBut the Dock Company objected to the Government claim for right of prior entry at all times, adding that \"in the case of the last lock constructed and for this special purpose, the Government made a free grant to the Dock Company of £25,000. This concession will expire in 1905, and should the Admiralty be desirous of renewing the same, including the proposed new docks, the Directors are willing to enter into negotiations for continuing to the ships of Her Majesty's Navy the right of prior entry to all the docks and slips owned by the Company.\" \n\nThe Company agreed to make a suitable pier for military purposes in such a position as might thereafter be decided on, and to make a new piece of road joining on to the old pathway which led to the East Battery.\n\nMr. Gillies",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12].txt",
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