[ { "id": 222464, "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": "CO129-014 - Public Offices - 1845", "page_number": 122, "title": "CO129-014 - Public Offices - 1845", "content_text": "It is necessary to bring this to the attention of His Excellency, as I have done on several previous occasions, and to impress upon him the necessity to determine at what point the right of self-defence, and the duty of protecting the lives and property of Her Majesty's subjects, which we may be driven to exercise, by the inability of his Government to put down piracy, or to dispense with that assistance which is requisite to prevail over the respect which is undoubtedly due to the independence and rights of China; but rights and obligations are reciprocal.\n\nThe Colony is paralyzed by the armed vessels which infest and almost blockade the passage of the East, and may be said to be masters of the Lyemoon, the Capsingmoon, and other channels. Boats are attacked by native junks, and our vessels are comparatively paralyzed.\n\nTo harrow the passage of the East, and to be masters of the Lyemoon, the Capsingmoon, and other channels, is a delicate question. The right of the Chinese Government to the respect and abstinence in question must be altogether dependent on the fulfilment of its obligation to afford requisite protection.\n\nI have drawn this to the attention of His Excellency, as Sir Henry Pottinger had offered cooperation long ago, and it was refused.\n\n121\n\n...\n\nThe text appears to be discussing the issue of piracy in the waters around Hong Kong and the need for the Chinese Government to take action to protect British shipping and trade. The writer is arguing that the British have a right to self-defence and to protect their subjects, but that this right is reciprocal with the Chinese Government's obligation to provide protection.\n\nHowever, to follow the instructions to output only HTML using `` for paragraphs, the last paragraph should be removed as it contains a comment.\n\nIt is necessary to bring this to the attention of His Excellency, as I have done on several previous occasions, and to impress upon him the necessity to determine at what point the right of self-defence, and the duty of protecting the lives and property of Her Majesty's subjects, which we may be driven to exercise, by the inability of his Government to put down piracy, or to dispense with that assistance which is requisite to prevail over the respect which is undoubtedly due to the independence and rights of China; but rights and obligations are reciprocal.\n\nThe Colony is paralyzed by the armed vessels which infest and almost blockade the passage of the East, and may be said to be masters of the Lyemoon, the Capsingmoon, and other channels. Boats are attacked by native junks, and our vessels are comparatively paralyzed.\n\nTo harrow the passage of the East, and to be masters of the Lyemoon, the Capsingmoon, and other channels, is a delicate question. The right of the Chinese Government to the respect and abstinence in question must be altogether dependent on the fulfilment of its obligation to afford requisite protection.\n\nI have drawn this to the attention of His Excellency, as Sir Henry Pottinger had offered cooperation long ago, and it was refused.\n\n121", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-014 - Public Offices - 1845.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 224576, "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": "CO129-018 - Others - 1846", "page_number": 482, "title": "CO129-018 - Others - 1846", "content_text": "23\n\n475\n\n22\n\nREPORT ON\n\nnot leading to any place-surrounded by no trading or populous communities, with various commodities for barter-and disadvantageously situated at the most impoverished part of a coast-line of 2000 miles, and which, for half the year, is only readily accessible in one direction.\n\nSingapore is most advantageously placed at the southern point of the rich Malayan Peninsula, and at the entrance of the Straits of Malacca, which may be considered the high road between Eastern and Western Asia. It is surrounded by, or lies contiguous to, the most fertile, wealthy, and populous islands and countries in the world- Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Celebes, Macassar, Penang, Siam, Cochin China, Tonquin, Birmah, &c. The harbour of Singapore is capacious, perfectly sheltered, easy of access from every point of the compass, and never experiencing a tempest. The climate is very salubrious. The island is of great beauty and salubrity, with an undulating surface, and an area of 120,000 acres, all capable of tillage, and of which 20,000 acres are now under the luxuriant and profitable cultivation of sugar-cane, nutmegs, pepper, rice, betel-nut, gambier, cocoa-nuts, &c.\n\nThe sugar made by Mr. Ballastier with a steam-engine, or by Mr. Montgomerie by water and cattle-mills, is equal in quality to the produce of the West Indies. The nutmeg-trees are already yielding abundantly; the black pepper produced during the past year amounted to 38,000 piculs (a picul 1331bs); the gambier to 85,000 piculs; and there are 10,000 cocoa-nut trees in full bearing. Live stock, bread, water, and delicious fruits and vegetables of every kind, and at moderate prices, are at all times ready for the shipping, who enjoy the advantage of a perfectly free port. Eighty-six miles of excellent roads have been completed, and extensive communications are in progress. Land is being sold in fee-simple at a minimum and maximum price of five to six rupees, or ten to twenty shillings per acre. Fifty thousand industrious and skilful inhabitants are spreading cultivation in every direction. Four companies of Sepoys constitute the sole military force of the island, which has not even a fort for its defence. The revenue in 1842 amounted to rupees 509,087, and the disbursements (including rupees 165,955 for troops, and rupees 49,789 for Bengal and Madras convicts), to rupees 494,029, leaving a surplus of income to the extent of rupees 15,083; and under the able management of the present Governor, Colonel Butterworth, it is one of the most lucrative possessions of the British Crown.\n\nThe remarkably eligible position of Singapore for a commercial emporium led to its establishment by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British colony in 1819, when there were but a few Malay fishermen on the island, who disputed with the tiger for their occupancy.\n\nIn 1821 the trade of the colony amounted to 1,000,000l. sterling, in 1824 to 3,000,000l. sterling, and last year, and indeed for several years the commerce of the island has averaged 5,600,000l. sterling per annum. This trade is carried on with many countries: with Great Britain, to the extent of 3,000,000 dollars; with Calcutta, 2,800,000 dollars; with Java, 1,500,000 dollars; with foreign Europe, North and South America, Madras, Bombay, Arabia, Ceylon, Penang, Malacca, Birmah, Siam, Cochin China, Manila; with Hainan, Formosa, and the whole coast of China; with Sumatra, Borneo, Rio, the Moluccas, Mauritius, Australasia, &c. Traders from all these places meet by common consent at a central mart close to the equator, and exchange the productions of Asia for those of Europe and America.\n\nThere are no Austrian, Prussian, Greek, Turk, &c., now in port; and six steam-vessels from Trieste, Malta, Alexandria, Constantinople, Smyrna, Athens, &c.\n\nfortifications. Why should Hong Kong require fortifications?\n\nHONG KONG.\n\nThe Straits' produce which the Chinese require are brought to Singapore by Malay or other coasting craft, who would not proceed to the northward; and the proprietors of the Chinese junks, with whom time is no object, and who go down the coast to the Eastern Archipelago with one monsoon, and return with the other, prefer the speculation with their varied cargoes, and the visiting of their countrymen at the different islands.\n\nBut sufficient has been stated to show that there is no analogy whatever between Hong Kong and Singapore, and that the geographical, territorial, and commercial advantages, which have contributed to the prosperity of Singapore, are totally and entirely wanting, and can never be created at Hong Kong*.\n\nFinancial point of view.-There is no apparent prospect of Hong Kong ever yielding any revenue adequate to more than a very small civil government. The limited size and rocky nature of the island,-the absence of agriculture, manufactures, or commerce,--and the fluctuating and predatory character of the population, forbid the hope of an income\n\n* Dr. Gutzlaff, in November 1844, wrote the following opinion on Hong Kong, which Governor Davis forwarded to Lord Aberdeen\n\n\"Hong Kong, with its fine harbour, has not yet proved a place of trade, on anticipations founded at the opening of the port on the previous flourishing condition of the floating colonies at Lintin, Kamsingmoon, and Kapsingmoon.\n\n\"The whole state of things is now, however, materially and radically changed. The violent prohibitions against opium have ceased to be carried into effect, and the smuggling vessels are now everywhere scattered on the coast. Every raw and manufactured article may be bought, nearly as cheap as at Hong Kong, at any of the four emporiums; what should therefore induce the Chinese to fetch them from a distant mart? The Chuc Chew race of mariners and merchants have not yet made this island their abode, and unless they commence in earnest, the motley group now inhabiting our shores will never rise beyond the sphere of pedlars.\n\nIn the same ratio as the northern trade expands, the limits of the southern will be more and more narrowed; and unless matters are replaced in their former state-which is perhaps beyond the range of possibility-we cannot expect that Hong Kong will become a large emporium. Its only chance is, that troubles might arise at Canton, and the commerce be carried on here for security sake: local advantages that can in the smallest degree compete with Chusan, Hong Kong does not possess. sacrifice of human life will be enormous, and the public expenditure in the same If the climate continues as it has hitherto been, the proportion, without any solid advantage.\"\n\nThe \"Overland Friend of China,\" of 31st December, 1845, says that a \"native who has been in the colony from its earliest days, has brought all his property, consisting of sixty houses, into the market. Other natives are desirous to sell, and leave the island.\"", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-018 - Others - 1846.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 228761, "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": "CO129-029 - Bonham - 1849 [4-7]", "page_number": 77, "title": "CO129-029 - Bonham - 1849 [4-7]", "content_text": "Hongkong Police!\n\nPracies reported to Police since 1th January, 1849.\n\nReturn of Piracies\n\n \n Date\n Description of Boat robbed.\n Port\n Name of Owner.\n Roperty stolen.\n betrinated value! in Dollars.\n and Boarded.\n Remarks\n \n \n 3 Jan:\n Pull away boat.\n \n \n $6, blothing, Silver Ornaments.\n 12\n \n \n \n \n 1 Jan :\n Cargo boat sailing frome\n 770.368\n How ye hop.\n Opium, clothing, money, rice, guns, &c.\n 200\n \n \n \n \n 7 Jan :\n Large fishing boat.\n (Chinese Port)\n Chun Y king sing hoy,\n Clothing, money, guns.\n 44\n \n \n \n \n 15 Jan :\n Small fishing boat\n Hongkong.\n Lo Aling.\n Money, clothing, &C.\n \n \n \n \n \n 15 Jan:\n Small fishing boat\n Hongkong.\n Ly kong yook.\n Clothing, money, anchors, &c.\n 7.3837\n \n \n \n \n 8 Feb.\n Passage boat-\n \n Cheong wing hing\n Hongkong blothing, provisions,\n \n \n rrear 13th\n \n \n \n Jardine's point by armed men from a small boat.\n \n \n \n \n \n A man afterwards appt. committed for trial and acquitted.\n \n \n \n fired from 2 fishing boats; several of the crew wounded.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Boarded near Kut ta moon by a number of armed, men from a large fishing boat\n \n \n \n 20\n \n \n \n \n \n Boarded in the Ly hee moon by 12 armed men from a pull-away boat\n \n \n \n 50\n \n \n \n \n \n Boardats near Green Seland by from a pull away Boat:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attacked near Stone cutters' Seland by 10 armed from a sampun.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bourded near Green Island by eight men from a pull away bont.\n \n \n \n 3\n \n \n \n \n \n Boarded near bupting moon by 20 armed, men from a fast bout. One of the crew wounded.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Boarded in Capsingmoon from two large boats by arnied mene who drove For Creuse.\" \"Spanish mail agent.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 19 San :\n Kishing sampan\n Hongkong.\n Ho Alcord.\n Fish\n \n \n \n \n \n 5 F40 :\n Wood trading boat\n Hongkong.\n Chun Alaro.\n Clothing, silver ornaments money, the\n 40 200\n \n \n \n \n 20 March.\n Lorcha Nr. 33.\n \n M. Marques.\n Clothing, money, books,\n 1,000\n \n \n \n \n 17 March\n Fishing Junk\n Chinese Port\n Chun yout tye\n blothing, bedding, &fe.\n 50\n of taken away.\n \n \n \n 26 March\n Fishing boat:\n Hongkong.\n \n None?\n \n \n \n \n \n 2 April.\n Passage boat\n \n Ma. 135\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2 April\n Trading junk.\n \n Koong tat by Enghoty\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2 April\n Salt junk.\n Hongkong.\n Chomp tat sing.\n Passengers' effects, money, clothes, &c\n 500\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lum kow shaw.\n Chinese Pat Salt, money, clothing &c.\n 300\n \n Lam shuy enoosi - two men\n \n \n \n The pirate boats lying outside. Aberdien Bay chased the fishing boat in and fired two guns.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bourdid. from tive large Boats\n \n \n \n 1:00\n the Capsing inson.\n One of the crew wounded.\n \n \n \n Boarded from twe fishing boats in Capsingmoon.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Boarded in the Capsingmoon from two large fishing boats - 2 of the crew carried off.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n(signed) C. May.\n\nFruc\n\nSolomal Secretari .\n\nSuperSt. of Police...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-029 - Bonham - 1849 [4-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 233230, "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": "CO129-042 - Sir Bonham - 1853 [1-6]", "page_number": 137, "title": "CO129-042 - Sir Bonham - 1853 [1-6]", "content_text": "Despatch 128 571853.\n\nEnclosure N/ in\n\nReturn of Reports of Piracies Committed from 16th March 1849, to 12th April, 1853.\n\nIn 6502 53\n\nList of Piracies communicated by the Commandant of Cowloong to the Chief Magistrate of Police.\n\n \n Date\n Locality\n Nature of Piracy\n \n \n 1851. Dec. 25.\n Capringmoon passage.\n A large sea-going junk attacked by two vessels containing more than 50 men - 2 seamen killed and 2 wounded; the junk, clothing, and cargo taken away, and the rest of the crew made prisoners.\n \n \n 1851 Dec. 27.\n The west coast of Lema island.\n \n \n \n 1852 Jan. 6.\n Lyemoon passage.\n A large sea-going junk attacked by Pirates, the cargo plundered, and 4 of the crew were made prisoners.\n \n \n 1852 Jan. 7.\n Mook moon.\n A large sea-going junk attacked by three piratical lor vessels; Low Ahhock killed, many wounded, the cargo plundered.\n \n \n 1852 June 29.\n For ning.\n A small junk attacked by 2 piratical lor vessels; money, clothing and other property plundered, and 3 of the crew made captives.\n \n \n 1852 July 1.\n The great lyvere.\n A boat attacked by a large salt junk; 4 of the crew and 4 women made prisoners, and the boat and property taken away.\n \n \n \n Lema island.\n 2 fishing boats chased by 2 piratical lor vessels; one escaped, the other was taken, together with her crew and property.\n \n\n1", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-042 - Sir Bonham - 1853 [1-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 235176, "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": "CO129-047 - Sir Bowring and Lieut Governor Caine - 1854 [8-12]", "page_number": 215, "title": "CO129-047 - Sir Bowring and Lieut Governor Caine - 1854 [8-12]", "content_text": "me\n\nat Hougtong.\n\nOctober, 1854.\n\nDeclared before this 16th day of\n\n(Signed) Thomas. Watkins.\n\nHarbour Master, and\n\nMarine Magistrate.\n\n(True Copy.)\n\nColonial Secretary.\n\nCopy\n\nThe humble petition\n\n212\n\nof Wong\n\nHoong and others Masters of\n\nVessels.\n\nSheweth,\n\nThat in consequence\n\nof the unsafe state of the Waters\n\nof ... they pray\n\nthat a Steamer may\n\nbe despatched to apprehend the pirates and give peace to traders\n\nThat your petitioners are Masters of Boats trading regularly\n\nto and fro, from Hong Kong with Cargo and\n\ncarrying passengers\n\nand that in consequence of the number of pirates which infest the neighbouring waters about Capsingmoon, Castlepeak bay, Tungku, Shekue, Boutin, and the point of Soutão, stopping...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-047 - Sir Bowring and Lieut Governor Caine - 1854 [8-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 259900, "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": "CO129-100 - Sir Robinson - 1864 [9]", "page_number": 108, "title": "CO129-100 - Sir Robinson - 1864 [9]", "content_text": "10\n\n11\n\nnecessary to retain them for any other object; and I go further and assert most confidently that it would unquestionably be more to the advantage of the Colony that they should be withdrawn, than that any such contribution as that fixed by the Duke of Newcastle should be enforced. His Grace proposes that the Colony should pay in aid of the maintenance of 1000 men in total idleness, as far as the Colony is concerned, a sum equal to £20 per man or £20,000 per annum, to be raised to a higher rate on a future occasion.\n\nIf the Troops were withdrawn and supposing even the existing local forces were found insufficient, which I think myself unlikely, the contribution named would pay for an addition of 600 men and Officers to the local police force who could be at all times employed in the Service of the Colony. I am desirous to press this question as to the necessity or otherwise of the Troops for the security of the European Inhabitants as forcibly as I can upon the Duke of Newcastle's consideration, because upon it depends the justice or injustice of His Grace's proposal—and if my opinion is not thought conclusive, I would suggest that those of the Executive Council, the Judges, the Magistrates, the Officers of Police, and the Chamber of Commerce should also be taken upon the subject.\n\nI have not overlooked the argument used by you in the 6th paragraph of your Despatch that Hongkong cost the Imperial Exchequer no less a sum than £273,000 for its Civil Establishment during the first 14 years of its existence as a Colony, and that this large expense to the mother country would of itself be sufficient to impose on the Colony the obligation of a substantial contribution from local funds towards the cost of the Military defence of local interests. I entirely admit the justice of calling on all Colonies to contribute as far as they can towards the cost of the Military defence of local interests, but as I have before explained I do not consider Her Majesty's Troops are stationed in Hongkong for any such object: and the cost to the mother country of establishing the Colony imposes no obligation on the latter to meet a payment now which is not justly due. Besides, it must be remembered that the Colony was established not for purposes of colonization or for the advantage of future Colonists, but solely because it was considered it would be a convenience to the mother country on political and military grounds as well as a useful adjunct to the China Trade—and the value of the Colony as a political and military position has been abundantly proved by the result. I believe the possession of Hongkong with its naval and military Establishments, small although they were as a basis for assembling and organizing the last expedition alone saved the Government far more than the sum named by you as the cost to the mother country of bringing the Colony through its first years of infancy. This will be easily understood by any one who watched the proceedings of our allies who had no permanent establishments nearer than Marseilles and who made that the base of their operations and attempted to organise there their expeditionary Force, and to send it direct and complete from thence to the scene of its intended operations.\n\nThe exceptional character of Hongkong as a Watch Tower keeping guard as it were over national interests with which it has only but a slight and remote connection has been fully conceded by high Authorities who have looked into the subject.\n\nIn 1847, a Committee of the House of Commons reported:—\n\n\"Nor do we think it right that the burden of maintaining that which is rather a post for general influence and the protection of the general trade in the China Seas than a Colony in the ordinary sense should be thrown in any great degree on the Merchants or other persons who may be resident upon it.\" This opinion had reference to the cost of maintaining the Civil Government, how much more forcibly then would the reasoning have applied to the maintenance of the actual garrison itself.\n\nI find too in the \"Report of the Committee on expense of Military Defences in the Colonies\" (1860), that Hongkong although not specifically named is evidently by the context included amongst the \"Military Posts in which garrisons are maintained for objects altogether independent of and distinct from the defence of the particular countries in which they are situated,\" and the Committee were of opinion that as these garrisons \"are maintained without reference to the wants and wishes of the Inhabitants they should be dealt with exceptionally and not included in any general Scheme of Colonial contribution.\"\n\nMr. Elliot in dissenting from this opinion and contending that as regards Military Posts \"there would be no injustice in accepting a contribution from such of these places as contain prosperous communities so long as the amount falls short of the cost of the number of the Troops which they would require for their own purposes,\" proceeds when dealing specifically with the case of Hongkong to observe that he supposes the garrison there \"will always be within the limit of the amount deemed indispensable for general national objects.\"\n\nI entirely agree with Mr. Elliott that even a military Post maintained for Imperial purposes, \"may fairly be asked to contribute if able a moderate quota towards the expense of Troops which are indispensable to its internal security,\" but I have already explained (1) that in my opinion the Troops are not indispensable for the security of Hongkong, and (2) that even if this opinion should be erroneous, the quota asked is the reverse of moderate.\n\nAnd lastly I find the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Colonial Military Expenditure (1861) have included Hongkong in the class of \"Military Garrisons, Naval Stations, Convict Depôts, maintained chiefly for objects of Imperial Policy\"—\"the responsibility and main cost of the defence of which properly devolve on the Imperial Government.\"\n\nBut while for the reasons I have given I do not think Hongkong can with justice be called on for the contribution demanded, there is an expenditure borne at present by the Imperial Government which is unquestionably for Colonial purposes and which I have always intended to recommend should be assumed by the Colony as soon as ever as it is in a position to do so. I allude to the Police of the Hongkong waters and the approaches to them—a duty which as far as it is performed at all at present falls entirely on the Imperial Government. Pirates literally swarm amongst the Islands, Creeks, and Rivers in the neighbourhood and prey, to an extent which would scarcely be credited, upon the local traffic of the Colony conducted by Chinese in Chinese craft. Lately they have become so bad that most daring and successful attacks have been made even upon British and Foreign vessels within sight of the harbour. All our daily supplies are water borne and I was assured shortly before leaving the Colony that, a species of black mail was levied upon all the supplies from the mainland. The Admiral has always given what assistance he could consistently with the demands of an extensive station to meet this evil of which he has been fully aware, and after each report of Piracy a Gun-boat is generally sent to cruise about for some days—and one I observe is now stationed off Stone Cutters Island entirely for local purposes. But some more regular and systematic service is required to suppress altogether this great and growing evil, and I consider that for some years one or perhaps even two Gun boats should be kept perpetually cruising about the Macao Passage, the mouth of the Canton River, the Capsingmoon and Lyemoon Passages, and the more immediate Waters of the Colony. I would earnestly recommend therefore that as soon as ever the Colony is in a position to meet the expense, it be allowed to fit out and man one or more Gun boats for this service and that the Imperial Government be relieved altogether of the charge of the Police of the Hongkong Waters—a duty strictly Colonial, but which even in the inefficient way in which it is necessarily performed at present, is a considerable charge upon the Imperial Exchequer.\n\nI have only to add that if the Colony undertakes the preservation of internal order and security, as well as the Police of its own waters, and the Imperial Government reduce the Garrison within the limits of the amount deemed indispensable for general national objects there will exist no fair grounds that I can see for asking for any contribution from the Colony in aid of Military Expenditure in China.\n\nSir F. Rogers, Bart., &c., &c., &c.\n\nhave, &c.\n\n(Signed) HERCULES G. R. ROBINSON.\n\nP.S.—Since writing the foregoing the China Mail has come in from which I extract two items of intelligence bearing on the topics referred to in the letter. Exchange in Hongkong has in consequence of the scarcity of Mexican dollars reached 5/04, in other words Mexican dollars issued by the Imperial Government in payment of Naval, Military, Consular and Diplomatic Services at 4/2 cost in Hongkong 5/04—thus involving a loss of 21 per cent, at least 12 per cent of which would be saved by a Mint in Hongkong. I annex a notice also of a case of Piracy outside the Harbour of Hongkong and may mention that four or five such reports often appear weekly in the Police Reports.\n\n(Signed) H. G. R. R.\n\n105.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-100 - Sir Robinson - 1864 [9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 303323, "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": "CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878", "page_number": 322, "title": "CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878", "content_text": "11650\n\n311\n\n**British Government**\n\nAs a flagrant instance of this arbitrary exercise of power on the part of the Chinese officials your petitioners respectfully beg to bring to your notice the following case: –\n\nMr. Hesse, a merchant of this colony, some time ago sold to the Chun Loong, Chinese hong of Hong Kong, a quantity of gunpowder in kegs and cases. Of this merchandise about 100 cases & 200 kegs were under the Government regulations shipped on board the junk `Mwook Jak to` (registered M: 503) for conveyance to Macao. The `Mwook Jak to` received from the Harbour-Master's Department the proper usual clearance for that port, and on the 20th of November last set sail for her destination carrying with her a letter from the shippers, the said Chun Loong hong, to their friends in Macao to receive the gunpowder without question.\n\nWhen the `Kwok Jak to` arrived at the Capsingmoon pass she was boarded by officials of the Chinese Customs, who upon searching her and finding that she had such gunpowder on board directed her master to take the vessel back to Hong Kong and there discharge the gunpowder, adding that a refusal to comply with such order would entail the seizure and confiscation of the vessel, and the arrest and conveyance to Canton of her crew. This order enforced by such threat was obeyed. The vessel returned to Hong Kong and the gun-", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 366010, "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": "CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3]", "page_number": 345, "title": "CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3]", "content_text": "## WEATHER-FORECASTS AND STORM-WARNINGS ISSUED FROM THE HONGKONG OBSERVATORY.\n\nA knowledge of typhoons and their paths is often required when you have to decide whether to remain at your moorings or to slip your cable and run; for instance, a vessel between Hongkong and Swatow in an anchorage sheltered against N and E winds will be safe while a typhoon is moving from E to W across the China Sea, but should the centre move northwards, the vessel might be thrown on a lee shore when the wind backs through W to S.\n\nA steamer at anchor, when a typhoon is approaching, should get up steam, and a sailer should, if possible, take down the top masts as soon as it blows a fresh breeze in the squalls. With reference to a sailing vessel, the time when to begin striking the top masts must, of course, depend upon the extent to which she is undermanned. Striking the masts increases the rolling. A sheltered anchorage must be selected, and when the centre passes very near, the berth may have to be changed to avoid being thrown on a lee shore.\n\n### METEOROLOGICAL SIGNALS.\n\nMeteorological Signals are hoisted on the Mast beside the Time-Ball at Kowloon Point for the information of Masters of Vessels leaving the Port. They do not imply that bad weather is expected in the Colony itself.\n\n| Signal | Meaning |\n| --- | --- |\n| **A DRUM** | Indicates a Typhoon to the East of the Colony. |\n| **A BALL** | Indicates a Typhoon to the West of the Colony. |\n| **A CONE, Point Upwards** | Indicates a Typhoon to the North of the Colony. |\n| **A CONE, Point Downwards** | Indicates a Typhoon to the South of the Colony. |\n\nRED SIGNALS indicate that the Centre is believed to be more than 300 miles away from the Colony. BLACK SIGNALS indicate that the Centre is believed to be less than 300 miles away from the Colony.\n\n### NIGHT SIGNALS.\n\n* **TWO LANTERNS Hoisted Vertically** indicate bad weather in the Colony and that the wind is expected to veer.\n* **TWO LANTERNS Hoisted Horizontally** indicate bad weather in the Colony and that the wind is expected to back.\n\nThe Signals are repeated on the Flagstaff of the Godown Company at Kowloon, and also, by day only, at the Harbour Office and on H. M.'s Receiving Ship.\n\n## LOCAL STORM-WARNINGS.\n\nThe Colony itself is warned of approaching Typhoons by means of the **TYPHOON-GUN** placed at the foot of the Mast, which is fired whenever a strong gale of wind is expected to blow here.\n\n### NOTICE BOARDS.\n\nNotice Boards placed at the Eastern Extension, Australasia and China Telegraph Company's Offices, Observations made at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are exhibited shortly after 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Peddar's Wharf, at the Harbour Office, and at the Office of the Kowloon Godown Company. Weather-forecasts and Storm-warnings are exhibited daily about 11 a.m., and also at other hours, and at night, whenever necessary while Typhoons are raging in the Far East. The China Coast Meteorological Register is exhibited about Noon (Sundays and Government holidays excepted).\n\n## THE LAW OF STORMS.\n\nFurther information concerning the weather to be expected while signals are hoisted, and sailing directions, are given in \"The Law of Storms in the Eastern Seas.\"\n\nShipmasters may obtain by telegraph the latest information as to weather at any station reporting to the Hongkong Observatory by payment for a reply of at least ten words (2.6, twelve words including the address). Application may also be made for similar information to be telegraphed on some future specified day.\n\nWith reference to typhoon anchorages in China, beginning with Hainan, we have Backli bay (19° 41' N. 108° 39′ E.) with shelter against winds between NNE. and S. only. It is not a very good labour, and the natives are not to be trusted. In southern Hainan, we have Yulinkan bay 18° 12', ... Ga bay (18° 13', 109° 34′) may also be used. Manin harbour (19° 57', 109° 52') can be used when the centre is to the north of Hainan. Hunghom bay (20° 17', 110° 23′) is shallow and is not often used, except when no better place is within reach. Hui-ling-san (21° 34′, 111° 47') and Nan'ao bay (21° 35', 112° 34') are available between Hainan and Hongkong. Near Hongkong is the excellent harbour by Saint John's Island (21° 40', 112° 42'), which is commonly used. Vessels of great draught anchor to the S. of the position given. Tongku harbour (22° 35′, 113° 55') is used in case of typhoons crossing the China Sea. It offers no shelter against W. winds. This is at the mouth of the Canton River. Higher up the river, ships anchor under the Bogue forts, although typhoon centres pass that spot, but then it does not blow so hard as out at sea, when the centre is inland. Capsingmoon pass to the W. of Mahwan is shelter against typhoons, but Chingwan bay (22° 49' 114° 96') is one of the best harbours in China. In consequence, it is too crowded during a typhoon. To the NW. of Stonecutter's Island (22° 20' 114° 8') launches find shelter. Tytam bay to the SE. of Hongkong is an excellent harbour. Deep bay (22° 47', 114° 16') gives better shelter than Kors bay (22° 48', 114° 13'), but some vessels prefer the latter as the storm-signals can be seen from these. A position between Taipintong and the Channel Rocks makes the best anchorage. Mirs bay (22° 38', 114° 27′) under Pengchau offers shelter to vessels bound for Hongkong from a northern direction. Between Mirs bay and Swatow, there are no very good typhoon harbours, but shelter may be found against NE. winds. By Namoa Island (23° 28', 116° 57') is excellent anchorage. Tongsan bay (23° 47', 117° 35′) is much used, and also Amoy harbour. Making harbour (23° 32', 118° ...) by the Pescadores is excellent. In Pilquan harbour (24° 10′, 120° 31') there is good shelter from NE. winds to vessels under 15 feet draught. The Haitan Straits (25° 26', 119° 44′) are very ... There are several anchorages round Chusan. In Luzon, there is an anchorage at the entrance to Manila bay, N. of Corregidor Island (14° 25', 120° 33'). On the S. coast of Mindoro, we have Garza bay (12° 13′, 121° 11′).\n\nWhen the red drum is hoisted, the weather is generally fine in Hongkong, and settled fine if the typhoon moves northward, so that this signal does not by any means imply bad weather here. Steamers bound for northern, western or southern ports should then lose no time in starting, as they may expect more or less fine weather. Those bound for the Philippines should take precautions to avoid cyclones as explained above. Sailing vessels bound for western or southern parts should lose no time in starting, but those that are bound for the north or east ought to remain in the harbour awaiting information, should the wind be westerly here at the time, as they may expect to fall in with calms or contrary breezes after starting, even ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]