[ { "id": 224573, "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": 479, "title": "CO129-018 - Others - 1846", "content_text": "REPORT ON\n\nThe expense of establishments, the high rate of interest of money, and the want of trade, will, it is said, probably ere long compel the removal or breaking up of several of the small houses. There is scarcely a firm in the island but would, I understand, be glad to get back half the money they have expended in the colony, and retire from the place*. A sort of hallucination seems to have seized those who built houses here. They thought that Hong Kong would rapidly \"outrival Singapore,\" and become \"the Tyre or Carthage of the eastern hemisphere.\" Three years' residence, and the experience thence derived, have materially sobered some of their views. Unfortunately, the Government of the colony fostered the delusion respecting the colony. The leading Government officers bought land, built houses or bazars, which they rented out at high rates, and the public money was lavished in the most extraordinary manner, building up and pulling down temporary structures, making zig-zag bridle-paths over hills and mountains, and forming the \"Queen's Road,\" of from three to four miles long, on which about 180,000 dollars have been expended, but which is not passable for half the year.\n\n*\n\n56\n\nThe straggling settlement called \"Victoria,\" built along the \"Queen's Road,\" was dignified with the name of \"City\" and it was declared on the highest authority, that Hong Kong would contain a population equal to that of Ancient Rome.\" The Surveyor-General, in an official report to his relative Sir Henry Pottinger, of twenty-two pages, dated 6th July, 1843, proposed building an entirely new town or \"city\" in the Woonichung Valley, (which may be aptly called the \"Valley of Death,\") with a grand canal and many branch canals, &c. Two ranges of terraces of houses, &c.; courts of law, and various other offices; acclimatizing barracks; additions to the present government house, for the secretaries and personal staff of the Governor, isolated from all other buildings; a space of land to be reclaimed from the sea for a public landing-place, with an esplanade or public walk; a magnificent promenade of four miles, to be made on ground now covered by the sea, which was to be excluded by a sea wall, at a cost of 35 dollars per lineal yard, exclusive of filling in, &c.†; a circular road over hills and ravines round the entire island, &c., &c., adapted for carriages, and for moving troops with speed and facility to any part of the island, where they may happen to be required for the protection of the different villages! (these villages, be it remembered, containing nothing but a few hundreds of a thieving piratical population). I refer to the Government archives for full details of these and other most\n\n* \"The respectable Parsee firm whose extensive premises near Messrs. Dent and Co., are now nearly finished, have determined not to remove to Hong Kong; others, who contemplated settling here, have changed their minds and remain at Macao. Two English firms, within three months, have abandoned the island, confining their operations to Canton; and of the several new firms established within the past six months, none of them has even an office in Hong Kong. There is now positively less actual trade than we had two years ago, and the little that exists is decreasing.\"-(\"Friend of China,\" editorial article, Hong Kong, 18th June, 1845.)\n\n\"It is much to be feared that unless very different measures are speedily adopted, this colony, as a place of commerce, will be utterly ruined.”—(Ibid.)\n\n† 246,500 dollars.\n\n1\n\nHONG KONG,\n\n17\n\nridiculous projects, involving a vast expenditure of public money, which none but the wildest theorists, or self-interested persons, could have projected or entertained. On the 17th December, 1843, the Surveyor-General laid before Sir Henry Pottinger the elevation of a building for a Government office, &c., with a front of 360 feet in length, by 50 feet in depth, and which would probably cost £30,000 sterling. There seemed to be the greatest possible desire to spend a large part of the Chinese indemnity money on this wretched, barren, unhealthy and useless rock, which the whole wealth, talent, and energy of England would never render habitable, or creditable, as a colony, to the British name.* In illustration of the mode in which the public money was proposed to be spent, I give the following, which is a portion of the estimate of public works in Hong Kong for 1844, and which Sir Henry Pottinger transmitted to England for approval:-\n\nCompletion of Queen's-road from West Point to the East side of Woongnichung Valley\nDollars.\n28,000\n\nDitto to go-downs of Jardine and Co.\n\n15,000\n\nNew street formation in Victoria\n\n35,000\n\nSewers in Victoria\n\n100,000\n\nCarried forward\n\n178,000\n\n* No outlay of money would ever maintain roads in the island, even if it were supposed necessary to make roads over rotten granite and decayed sandstone mountains filled with huge boulder-stones. The \"Hong Kong Register\" of 13th May, 1845, thus describes the effect of one of the usual heavy rain-falls, which took place 7th May, 1845, and lasted only a few hours:-\"The damage was very great, both to the recently-formed roads and to many buildings in the course of erection; and had the violence of the rain continued an hour or two longer, many houses must have been undermined and destroyed. As it was, much individual inconvenience has been sustained. About 5 o'clock, the whole of the Queen's-road, from the entrance to the large bazaar to the market-place, was completely flooded, to the depth of from two to four feet. All the streets leading upwards to the hill served as feeders to this lake. In Peel-street, particularly, the torrent rushed along, bearing everything before it, and the street still resembles a dried-up watercourse, covered with stones and wrecks of buildings. The passages from the Queen's-road to the sea were all full. The one leading through Chunam's Hong for hours presented the appearance of a rapid river, and many of the houses on each side were only saved from the flood by mud walls hastily raised. About 6 o'clock the rain moderated, but for some time after the road was quite impassable. A Coolie, attempting to ford the stream rushing down D'Aguilar-street, was borne off his feet, but saved himself by coming against the frame of a mat-shed. The drain lately formed could not nearly receive the supply of water, which committed great devastation, flooding a new house in its vicinity to the depth of nearly three feet, and carrying away some new walls. All the open drains in the upper streets have suffered; many are entirely destroyed, leaving scarcely a trace of the street. A stream from a distant watercourse flowed along the road above the bungalow occupied by the Attorney-General, and descending with great fury upon the roof of one of his out-offices, carried away a great part of it. In many places the Queen's road has been covered with soil, sand, &c., to the depth of more than two feet, and nearly all the cross-drains are choked up. The bridge at the Commissariat has been carried away, and that in the Wong-nai-chung has also disappeared. Several lives were lost by the fall of a house in which some Chinese resided; and it is said the stream at Pokfowlum burst upon a mat hut in which were a number of Coolies employed upon the new road; three saved themselves in a tree, but many more are missing, and supposed to be carried out to sea.\"\n\nA\n\nC\n\n472", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-018 - Others - 1846.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 226391, "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": "CO129-023 - Sir John Davis - 1848 [1-3]", "page_number": 101, "title": "CO129-023 - Sir John Davis - 1848 [1-3]", "content_text": "I did not inform the Committee. I must state that the reason for the answer attributed to him that I did. look in the face these great difficulties, instead of giving the thing up in despair, and that in four years never a by. appended the Mr. Martin, this place to much to any Paper from myself upon opium, indeed of any kind whatever. ary. any There is another assertion, that in Despatches to Her Majesty's Government I compared Hongkong to Carthage and Rome: but if I cannot at once be acquitted of such nonsense, the records of the Foreign and Colonial offices will both prove that not a syllable has ever been mentioned of Rome or Carthage, any Jericho.. wine that that of Babylon Mz Martin \"very much regrets that \"Sir John Davis did not more directly look in the face the very great difficulties he had \"to contend with (at Anughing) instead of \"endeavouring by a system of taxation and legislation to raise up the place to what \"was expected.\" It is a satisfaction to me that I have raised more than was expected; increased the Revenue to £31,078; diminished the expenditure (including Civil works) to £50,459; advanced the population to 25,872; and augmented the tonnage to 229,465 - exclusive of Chinese Junks - being reputed. pret-house, Hongkong has become a healthy Colony, the police is perfectly effective, many of the Chinese inhabitants are respectable, and a good road of 24 miles now completely surrounds the Island, much of it through granite rocks. I leave these palpable indications and elements of prosperity, far surpassing those of Singapore at the same period from its commencement, to confute Mr. Martin's hasty opinions committed to paper in 1841, a few weeks after his arrival...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-023 - Sir John Davis - 1848 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 226710, "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": "CO129-024 - Bonham - 1848 [3-6]", "page_number": 125, "title": "CO129-024 - Bonham - 1848 [3-6]", "content_text": "9.\n\n123\n\n8.\n\nfrom myself upon Opium, nor indeed of any kind whatsoever.\n\nanswer\n\nThere is\n\nany\n\nis another assertion, that in my Despatches to Her Majesty's Government,\n\ncompared Hongkong, to Carthage\n\nto Carthage and Rome; but if I cannot at once be acquitted of such\n\nthis, the records of the Foreign Colonial Offices will both prove that not\n\nnonsense as\n\nand\n\na\n\nov\n\nsyllable has ever been mentioned of Rome\n\nCarthage, any more than of Babylon o\n\nJericho\n\nSir John\n\n#\n\nMr. Martin very much regrets\n\nin the face the\n\nor\n\nthat\n\ndirectly look\n\nDavis did not more\n\n- very great difficulties he had to contend with (at Hongkong) instead of endeavouring by a system of taration and legislation to raise up the place to what was expected.\" It\n\nas\n\nsatisfaction to me that\n\nI did look in the face these great difficulties,\n\ninstead of giving the thing up in despair,\n\nI have raised the\n\nand that in four years\n\nwas eri\n\nexpected,\n\nplace to much more than\n\nthe Revenue to £81,078, diminishing\n\nincreasing\n\nthe Expenditure (including Civil Works) to £50,959, advancing the population to 23,872,\n\nChinese Junks\n\nand augmenting the Tonnage to 289,165, exclusive of\n\nFrom being a reputed pest-house, Hongkong has become a healthy Colony; the Police is perfectly\n\neffective; many of the Chinese inhabitants most respectable:\n\ngood road of 24 miles now\n\nand a\n\ncompletely surrounds the island, much of it cut through granite rocks. I leave these palpable indications and elements of prosperity, far\n\nthose of\n\nsurpassing\n\nSingapore at the\n\nsame\n\nperiod from it's commencement, to confute Mr. Martin's hasty opinions committed to paper in 1844, a few weeks after his arrival.\n\nThe following contradiction remarkable - Mr Martin first states, \"There is\n\nnot a respectable Chinese in the Island, and\n\nnever has been . \"\n\nAfter this, being asked if one\n\n\"office could get 'respectable Chinese' to take the", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-024 - Bonham - 1848 [3-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 228148, "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": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848", "page_number": 452, "title": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848", "content_text": "445\n\nR. M. Martin, Esq.\n\n18 May 1847.\n\n[ 8 ]\n\nprevent the English merchants carrying on the trade. That treaty, I believe, is not known at the Foreign Office; I obtained it at the India House.\n\n3971. Was Mr. Crawfurd agent at the time it was made?-Mr. Crawfurd was agent.\n\n3972. Was it between the King of Siam and the East India Company?— Yes. But it is held valid by the Crown of England.\n\n3973. Would not it go to the Board of Control, under Mr. Pitt's Act?—Yes, the Board of Control, certainly. There is a treaty between the United States of America and Siam on the 3d of March 1843, which is an excellent treaty, and is in operation. A considerable trade is now carrying on under it. I will hand in a copy of this treaty. (The same was delivered in. Vide Appendix.)\n\n3974. Do the Americans carry on any trade with Siam now?-They do, and are endeavouring to do so with Cochin China; and there is a large supply of sugars, &c. to be obtained in those countries.\n\n3975. Have you any remarks to make upon the trade between Singapore and China?—I have some Returns prepared of the trade between Singapore and China for 10 years; it is an increasing traffic.\n\n3976. What does it consist of principally-In what is termed Straits' produce, which consists of rattans, rice, drugs, dried fish, birds' nests, and various commodities. These Returns have been prepared for me by the Governor of Singapore, which will illustrate the trade of China and Singapore; they contain both the values and the quantities. (The same were delivered in. Vide Appendix.) I obtained from the collector of customs at Bombay the official Returns of the trade between China, Bengal, and Bombay, giving the quantities and the values. These are the official Returns transmitted to me by the collector of customs at Calcutta and Bombay. (The same were delivered in. Vide Appendix.)\n\n3977. Is the cotton trade increasing now from India to China?-The cotton trade has diminished. The Americans have been pushing the trade in raw cotton from the United States.\n\n3978. Is that an increasing trade-It has fallen off the last year; but for several years it had been slowly increasing. The quantity of cotton twist that goes to China diminishes very much the importation of raw cotton from India.\n\n3979. The quantity of cotton twist imported into China increases ?—Yes.\n\n3980. From whence?-From England and from the United States.\n\n3981. The supply of China itself, of raw cotton, and cotton twist, for its manufactures, is insufficient I should think so; the importations have increased very largely.\n\n3982. Do not they grow very fine cotton there -Yes; but insufficient for the population. In the northern districts of China, the people are clad in sheep skins or cotton quilt.\n\n3983. Have you any means of judging of the extent to which we might push the trade in woollens with China?-If we had stations to the northward, they would be advantageous for that purpose. In the southern districts the people are clothed in cotton.\n\n3984. Does not Shang-hai, by opening more communication with the north of China, enable us to send our woollens to the northward?-Yes; but not so well as if we had a station at Tientzin, the port of Pekin,\n\n3985. Would not the Chinese object to our coming so near the capital?- The Tartar government might object to that, but there is in some of the Chinese statesmen a desire to cultivate relations with England.\n\n3986. Have you prepared a report upon the tea trade?-I have prepared and submitted to Her Majesty's Government a report on the tea trade. On proceeding to China, it was stated to me, that any information which I could collect, and any reports which I could make, would be acceptable to Her Majesty's Government, and I prepared this Report and this Table, a copy of which beg to lay before the Committee. (The same were delivered in. Vide Appendix.) I should state that I have the misfortune to differ from the opinions which have been promulgated before this Committee with reference to the reduction of the duty. The evidence of that Table is to demonstrate that the tea consumption has increased in this country irrespectively of the duty levied by the Government. In the last five years there has been an increase of 10,000,000 of pounds, therefore, showing that it is not the rate of duty which impedes the consumption. If the Government could afford to give up a portion\n\nof\n\n[ 9 ]\n\nof the 5,000,000 l. of duty levied upon tea, it would be an experiment; but I do not believe it would reduce the price of tea, or benefit the commerce of the country.\n\nR. M. Martin, Esq.\n\n18 May 1847.\n\n3987. Would it not increase the consumption of tea?--I do not think it would. I think tea is a very peculiar article as to its consumption; that it is out of the category of sugar and other commodities, and that mere cheapness of price will not cause an increased consumption. I am prepared to offer evidence to show that in different countries in Europe, where tea at one time was largely consumed, yet though no duty was levied, the consumption entirely fell off.\n\nIn the United States\n\n3988. Owing to what causes?-Change of taste. latterly there has been no duty, and the consumption of tea has not increased in any proportion whatever; and therefore the duty, which must be maintained by the Government for its revenue, may as well be levied on tea as on other commodities. I, for one, would rather see the people of this country possessed of the means of obtaining malt liquor free than tea cheap; it would be more beneficial to the working classes to have beer cheap than to have very cheap tea. I consider the excessive use of tea injurious. In the case of our factory population living on vegetable diet, the using tea largely produces a very deleterious effect upon them.\n\n3989. Have you any other observations to offer upon our trade with China? -Not beyond this; that it would be exceedingly advisable for Her Majesty's Government to dispatch a mission to China for the purpose of obtaining a modification of the treaty, perfect freedom of intercourse, and the opening of other ports to the northward.\n\n3990. And you believe that such an attempt would be successful?—I believe that if properly conducted it would be highly beneficial, and would be met with a feeling, if not of very cordial amity, yet at least of a desire to hold friendly intercourse with us.\n\n3991. Sir G. Staunton] Do you consider that the present decay of trade at Hong Kong arises from unavoidable circumstances, or that there is any change of system which the Government could adopt that might restore it to a state of prosperity ?—I have no desire to avoid giving an answer to that question, inasmuch as I think there have been strong expressions against the existing mode of government in Hong Kong. I believe that the Honourable Baronet who is at the head of Her Majesty's government in China, is a gentleman of great intelligence, of good business habits, and not indisposed to carry out the most beneficial measures for the interest both of the government he represents, and of the community over whom he presides; I think the difficulties that have arisen have been difficulties arising rather from the nature of the place, than from the measures adopted. I very much regret that Sir John Davis did not more directly look in the face the very great difficulties which he had to contend with, instead of endeavouring by a system of taxation and legislation to raise up the place to what was expected. I think it has been unfortunate for himself, and has caused a great deal of the disappointment that has ensued. I entertain for Sir John Davis in many regards a respect, and though I had the misfortune to differ with him upon the question of opium, and was compelled to resign my position in Her Majesty's service because I was refused by him six months' leave of absence, I think Sir John Davis under other circumstances would have made a good governor.\n\n3992. Supposing that in raising the present revenue he acted under instructions from home, you do not see how a similar revenue could be raised in any other manner more satisfactorily to the colony-Had the Governor used his discretion in representing that it was not possible to raise a revenue without diminishing the commerce or injuring the merchants in their endeavours to make the place more available for trade, I think he would have exercised a sound discretion. It was an endeavour to realize the representations which had been made. For instance, Her Majesty's Government were informed that Hong Kong would be the Carthage of the east. In another communication they were informed that it would have a population equal to ancient Rome. On another occasion, Governor Davis informed Lord Stanley that he believed Hong Kong would ultimately supersede Canton; and the constant endeavour to realize those expectations led to a continued system of taxation, an unfortunate desire for legislation, and an unnecessarily expensive system of government.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 228152, "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": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848", "page_number": 456, "title": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848", "content_text": "Board\n\nof\n\nTrade\n\nIB\n\nAppendix.\n\nReport on the\n\nIsland of Hong Kong,\n\n[16]\n\nliterally true that after 3 years' uninterrupted settlement, there is not one respectable Chinese inhabitant on the island. One man of reputed wealth, named Chinam, who had been engaged in the opium trade, came to Hong Kong, built a good house and freighted a ship. He soon returned to Canton, and died there of a fever and cold, contracted at Hong Kong. It was understood, however, that had he lived he would have been prohibited returning to Hong Kong, the policy of the mandarins on the adjacent coast being to prevent all respectable Chinese from settling at Hong Kong, and in consequence of the hold which they possess on their families and relatives, this can be done most effectually; at the same time I believe that they encourage and promote the deportation of every thief, pirate, and idle or worthless vagabond from the main land to Hong Kong.\n\n\"It\n\nThe Rev. Dr. Gutzlaff, who has been engaged in making the recent census appended to this Report, referring to the fishermen, who formed the greater part of the population of the island on our arrival, says \"They are a roving set of beings, floating on the wide face of the ocean with their families, and committing depredations whenever it can be done with impunity.\" \"The stone-cutters have been working here for many years before our arrival; the majority of these men are unprincipled. They cannot be considered as domesticated, and are in the habit of going and coming, according to the state of trade.\" \"The most numerous class who have since our arrival fixed themselves on the island, are from Whampoa; many of them are of the worst character, and ready to commit any atrocity.\" The capital of the shopkeepers is very small; the most of them live from hand to mouth, and lead a life of expedients without principle and self control.\" is very natural that depraved, idle, and bad characters from the adjacent main and islands should flock to the colony where some money can be made.\" Dr. Gutzlaff, whose prepossessions are strongly in favour of the Chinese, concludes this portion of the memorandum with which he has favoured me, as follows: \"The moral standard of the people congregated in this place (Hong Kong) is of the lowest description.\" This observation is fully borne out by the numerous murders, piracies, burglaries, and robberies of every description which have taken place during the last three years, and with almost perfect impunity; for the Chinese are formed into secret societies for the mutual protection of villains, and no man dare inform against another. At this moment (July 1844) the European inhabitants are obliged to sleep with loaded pistols under their pillows, frequently to turn out of their beds at midnight to protect their lives and property from gangs of armed robbers, who are ready to sacrifice a few of their number if they can obtain a large plunder.\n\nThis state of things was long ago predicted. In the Canton Register of 23d February 1841 it was stated, Hong Kong will be the resort and rendezvous of all the Chinese smugglers; opium smoking shops and gambling houses will soon spread; to those haunts will flock all the discontented and bad spirits of the empire; the island will be surrounded by Shameens, and become a Gehenna of the waters.\"\n\nThree years have completely fulfilled this prediction, and neither time nor circumstances will now ever alter the character of the place. No Chinese of the humbler class will ever bring their wives and children to the colony. He must be sanguinely visionary who expects that Hong Kong will ever contain a numerous and respectable Chinese population. And, as regards the present inhabitants, (if a migratory race who are constantly changing deserve that epithet), their diminution by one-half would be satisfactory, for then a control by registration might be exercised, and life and property be rendered in some degree secure. The daring character of the population and its worthlessness for all useful civil purposes in the formation of a colony, will be seen in the following incident.\n\nOn 27th September 1843, the Honourable Major Caine, the chief magistrate, issued a proclamation for pulling down some mat sheds which harboured a gang of ruffians who were nightly engaged in plundering the town. In the beginning of October 1843, the Chinese robbers posted a counter proclamation on the gate of No. 1 Market-place, in the chief thoroughfare, declaring that if they left the island themselves they would \"compel others to do so, taking with them their merchandise and property, and warning people to be cautious how they ventured out after dark, lest they meet with some unexpected harm.\" At the same time the Government coal depots were set on fire; the mat barracks of the 41st Regiment, and the Market-place No. 1, were attempted to be burned; and at noon a number of Chinamen, armed with knives, entered the market, threatened all around, wounded a European policeman, and then walked away unmolested. The number of prisoners in the gaol of Hong Kong averaged, during 1843-44, from 60 to 90 a month; nearly every prisoner was Chinese, and the crimes with which they were charged were invariably piracy, murder, burglary, robbery, &c. There has been no diminution of crime; the number of prisoners in the jail have increased, and the nightly robberies are as frequent, if not more so, than they were three years ago. The shopkeepers do not remain more than a few months on the island, when another set takes their place. There is, in fact, a continual shifting of a Bedouin sort of population, whose migratory, predatory, gambling, and dissolute habits utterly unfit them for continuous industry, and render them not only useless, but highly injurious subjects in the attempt to form a new colony.\n\nThere cannot be said to be any other coloured race in the colony; a few Lascars seek employment in ships. The European inhabitants, independent of those in the employ of government, consist of the members of about 12 mercantile houses and their clerks, together with several European shopkeepers. A few persons have arrived here from New South Wales, to try and better their fortune, many of whom would be glad to return thither.\n\n[17]\n\nAppendix.\n\nReport on the\n\nIsland of Hong Kong.\n\nThe principal mercantile firms are those engaged in the opium trade, who have removed thither from Macao, as a safer position for an opium depot, and which they frankly admit is the only trade Hong Kong will ever possess. The opium belonging to the two principal firms is not, however, lodged on shore, it is kept in receiving ships, the \"Hormanjee Bomanjee,\" belonging to Jardine, Matheson & Co., and the \"John Barry,\" belonging to Dent & Co. Even the money in use by those firms is not entrusted on shore, but is kept in the receiving ships. These firms, and the three or four others partially engaged in the opium trade, carry on this business in Hong Kong. The tea trade is carried on distinctly at Canton, by members of the firms resident there. Excepting the six firms engaged in the opium trade, the other six houses are small, and are principally agents for manufacturers, &c. in Great Britain. The expense of establishments, the high rate of interest of money, and the want of trade, will, it is said, probably ere long compel the removal or breaking-up of several of the small houses. There is scarcely a firm in the island but would, I understand, be glad to get back half the money they have expended in the colony, and retire from the place. A sort of hallucination seems to have seized those who built houses here; they thought that Hong Kong would \"rapidly out-rival Singapore, and become the Tyre or Carthage of the Eastern hemisphere.\" Three years' residence, and the experience thence derived, have materially sobered some of their views. Unfortunately the government of the colony fostered the delusion respecting the colony. The leading government officers bought land, built houses or bazaars, which they rented out at high rates, and the public money was lavished in the most extraordinary manner, building up and pulling down temporary structures, making zig-zag bridle paths over hills and mountains, and forming the Queen's-road of three to four miles long, on which about 180,000 dollars have been expended, but which is not passable for half the year. The straggling settlement called Victoria, built along the Queen's-road, was dignified with the name of city, and it was declared on the highest authority that Hong Kong would contain a population \"equal to that of ancient Rome.\"\n\nThe Surveyor-general, in an official report to Sir Henry Pottinger, of 22 pages, dated 6 July 1843, proposed building an entirely new town or city, in the Woonichung Valley (which may be aptly called the valley of death), with a grand canal and many branch canals, &c. &c.; two ranges of terraces of houses, &c. &c.; courts of law and various other offices; acclimating barracks; additions to the present government house, for the secretaries and personal staff of the Governor, isolated from all other buildings; a space of land to be reclaimed from the sea for a public landing place, with an esplanade or public walk; a magnificent promenade of four miles to be made on ground now covered by the sea, which was to be excluded by a sea wall, at a cost of 35 dollars per lineal yard, exclusive of filling in, &c.; a circular road over hills and ravines, round the entire island, &c. &c., adapted for carriages, and for moving troops with speed and facility to any part of the island where they may happen to be required for the protection of the different villages. (These villages, be it remembered, containing nothing but a few hundreds of a thieving, piratical population.) I refer to the Government archives for full details of these and other most ridiculous projects, involving a vast expenditure of public money, which none but the wildest theorists or self-interested persons could have projected or entertained.\n\nOn 17th December 1843, the Surveyor-general laid before Sir H. Pottinger the elevation of a building for a government office, &c. with a front of 360 feet in length, by 50 feet in depth, and which would probably cost 30,000l. sterling. There seemed to be the greatest possible desire to spend a large part of the Chinese indemnity money on this wretched, barren, unhealthy, and useless rock, which the whole wealth, energy, and talent of England would never render habitable, or creditable as a colony to the British name.\n\nIn illustration of the mode in which the public money was proposed to be spent, I give the following, which is a portion of the estimate of public works in Hong Kong, for 1844, and which Sir H. Pottinger transmitted to England for approval:\n\nCompletion of Queen's-road from West Point to the east side of Wong-nichung Valley\n\nDitto, to godowns of Jardine & Co. New street formation in Victoria\n\nSewers in Victoria\n\n-\n\n-\n\nValue of houses to be removed from Upper Bazaar and other places Drainage of Woonichung Valley\n\nBridle path to Saiwan\n\nNew church\n\n-\n\nGovernment house, with suitable office, &c. House for Judge\n\nDitto, for Advocate-general\n\n28,000 dollars.\n\n15,000\n\n35,000\n\n\"\"\n\n100,000\n\n·\n\n25,000\n\n7,000\n\n3,000\n\n+\n\n35,000 \"}\n\n70,000 \"\n\n24,000 +1\n\n20,000\n\nE\n\nHouse\n\nSouth", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 230903, "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": "CO129-034 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [9-12]", "page_number": 324, "title": "CO129-034 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [9-12]", "content_text": "\"another Carthage with a population equal to that of Ancient Rome.\" It was \n\nand I believe as later \n\nafter \n\nthe Treaty Sir John Davis stake & his opinion in a \n\nexport to his Government, that this Colony must supersede Canton as the seat of trade in the south of China. It was after the Treaty or rather from June \n\n1844 (date of the first land sale) to \n\nthe end of 1844 that the \n\n& \n\nof the day \n\nle secure a \n\na great object Merchants was \n\nberth in the future centres \n\nof British trade with China. It was nearly five years after the Treaty that one of our leading houses built the \n\nHongkong Exchange shore the merchants of both Countries were to congregate; while merchants of either \n\nonce entered its doors in \n\npursuit of trade, and that it was \n\nfirst \n\nConverted). \n\nChristian Church and \n\nCourt of Justice, \n\ninte a \n\nint \n\nforcible \n\nComun \n\nentary \n\nfinally \n\nis in itself a \n\nI on the precipitate judgement, and general misapprehension of the altered position of the settlement; \n\nmanifeste d \n\n1 \n\nE \n\nmanifestros throughout. Even \n\nYour Excellency's \n\nsome live \n\nnot teanting \n\nI believe there were not team \n\ncertain enthusiasts who endeavoured to impress you \n\nwith their own wild notions \n\nof the high destinies of the colony, \n\nthat it on \n\nto \n\nassure \n\nremoval of this \n\nRequired \n\nonly se \n\nand \n\nthat restriction, and the \n\npractices of the same which marked \n\nyour \n\nit per saltum into \n\nIt is freely foretty \n\nExcellency \n\nMore Arber \n\nCon \n\ncongenial legislation \n\nformer jule, to raise \n\nanother Singapore. It is well known however that Your viewed the difficulty very \n\nthat while \n\nDoberly, despair of the Colony \n\nyou \n\nmach \n\ndid not \n\nor under rate its value. \n\nas an essential outport to our general \n\ncommerce in these waters, and an excellent position for political establishment, you came to the conclusion that its original \n\nvastly \n\nprospects were to. \n\naltered; and that \n\nFuch as remained to it must now \n\nb \n\nmatter of slow and gradual development; \n\nup on the naturels decay of \n\ndepending more \n\nOntain", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-034 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 230905, "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": "CO129-034 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [9-12]", "page_number": 326, "title": "CO129-034 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [9-12]", "content_text": "American trade with England to centre on Lands End or one of the Scilly Islands, while every port between Liverpool and London is open direct to American shipping.\n\nBut the Sponsors of Hongkong must have expected this or nothing. They must have expected the best produce of China to be brought down here, stored, prepared and shipped here, after being bartered for British manufactures or the yield of British India.\n\nHow did they expect the islands to become a grand emporium of Eastern Asia, another Carthage destined to supersede Canton? In brief, they must have expected the silk of Soochow to be brought here, carted here for the opium of Bengal and Malwa; and the teas of the Bohea hills for the products of the looms of Lancashire and Yorkshire.\n\nElse there was no shadow of ground for their predictions! There was this or nothing to carry out the magnificent promises staked upon the settlement.\n\nI respectfully put it to Your Excellency, whether you ever conceived it possible that the silks and teas could have been brought down to this place, or even to Chusan, or to any outside settlement we had taken up; or in short, that they could have been sent out of the country under circumstances entrusted to the rudest boatmen that ever stemmed a tide.\n\nThe idea that the native grower or native merchant would risk sending their goods to such a colony is preposterous; and in further associating the fate of Christian with Hongkong, and viewing it as shut out from all share in the China trade equally with Hongkong, I maintain that the very same difficulties which cut off the trade from Hongkong under the Treaty of Nanking must have equally cut it off.\n\nPage 320\n\n \n\nwas removed and the content was reflowed accordingly. The text was also formatted into proper paragraphs. Some minor spacing issues were corrected. The original word count and order were preserved exactly. \n\nThe final output is in HTML format using for paragraphs. No markdown or code fences were included.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-034 - Sir Bonham - 1850 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 367958, "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": "CO129-285 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [9-10]", "page_number": 367, "title": "CO129-285 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [9-10]", "content_text": "360 \n\n4. We have in the present instance only a repetition of history. The Government in 1843 likewise nursed the intention of granting leases for only 75 years, and this afforded cause for real grievance which was ultimately brought before Parliament in 1847.\n\n5. If at that period a 75-year lease did not seem acceptable, it is much less so at the present time. Business has assumed such enormous proportions in this great Emporium of trade, that larger and larger buildings are being erected to meet all the requirements of a daily growing trade, and these extensive buildings mean increased assessment which forms, I believe, the surest and the largest source of the Colony's revenue. Any other form of lease would tend, in my opinion, to resist it.\n\n6. Therefore, a city which has grown into a veritable Carthage of the Eastern Hemisphere under this most acceptable form of land tenure should not be allowed to leave its progress checked by any tentative effort at inaugurating a change, the result of which may be doubtful of success.\n\n7. Liberal provisions should be made in the interests of tenants at the expiration of leases, in the event of the proposed change becoming an accomplished fact.\n\nI have, &c.,\n\n(sa.) J.A. Carvalho.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-285 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [9-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 378566, "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": "CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900", "page_number": 380, "title": "CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900", "content_text": "# JANUARY, 1900.\n\n## INTENDED DEPARTURES\n\n## OF THE MAIL STEAMERS OF THE\n**(PASSAGE DEPARTMENT.**\n\n373\n\n**Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company.**\n\nSTEAMERS.\n\nTaking Passengers for the following Ports.\n\n| LEAVE LONDON | LEAVE MARSEILLES | LEAVE VENICE | LEAVE BRINDISI |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n\n\"USIRIS,\" J. PAINE, R.N.R. | Noon Thursday Jan. 4 | 10 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 10 | | Evening Sunday Jan. 14\nFrom Brindisi to Port Said, connecting at Port Said with S.S. Arabia for Bombay.\n\n\"ARABIA,\" I. PARFITT, R.N.R. | | Friday Jan. 5 | | \nGibraltar, Marseilles, Port Said, Ismailia, Aden and Bombay.\n\n\"LAARAT\" C. L. W. FEUD. | | | | Jan. 11\n\n\"ISIS,\" C. H. WATKINS, R.N.R. | | | | Jan. 11\nFrom Brindisi to Port Said, connecting at Port Said with S.S. Britannia for Bombay, Colombo, Straits, China, Japan and Australasia.\n\n\"BRITANNIA,\" VL. SEYMOUR. | | Jan. 12 | | Jan. 16\nGibraltar, Marseilles, Port Said, Ismailia, Aden, Colombo and Australia; connecting at Aden with S.S. Carthage for Bombay, and at Colombo with S.S. Coromandel for Straits, China and Japan.\n\n\"JAVA,\" 16. W. GORDON, R.N.R. | | Jan. 13 | | Jan. 17\nMalta, Port Said, Ismailia, Aden, Colombo and Calcutta.\n\n\"THAMES,\" LA L. VALENTINI. | | | Jan. 16 | Jan. 18\nFrom Brindisi to Port Said, connecting at Port Said with S.S. Caledonia for Bombay.\n\n\"OSIRIS\" PAINE, R.N.. | | Jan. 19 | | Jan. 24\nFrom Venice to Brindisi, Alexandria and Port Said, connecting at Port Said with S.S. Caledonia for Bombay.\n\n\"LEDONIA,\" E IL CORDON. | | Jan. 20 | | Jan. 25\nGibraltar, Marseilles, Port Said, Ismailia, Aden and Bombay.\n\n\"ASSAYE,\" GW. F. BROWNE. | | | | Jan. 25\n\n\"ISIS,\" WATKINS, R.N.R. | | Feb. 1 | | Feb. 5\nFrom Brindisi to Port Said, connecting at Port Said with S.S. India for Bombay, Colombo, Straits, China, Japan and Australasia.\n\n\"INDIA,\" D.C.WORCESTER, R.N.R. | | Feb. 2 | | Feb. 7\nGibraltar, Marseilles, Port Said, Ismailia. Aden, Colombo and Australia; connecting at Aden with S.S. Arabia for Bombay, and at Colombo with S.S. Parramatta for Straits, China and Japan.\n\n\"HANGHAL\" F. C. A. LYON, R.N.K. | | | | Feb. 1\nMalta, The Straits, China and Japan.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 455202, "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": "CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8]", "page_number": 595, "title": "CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8]", "content_text": "# PORTS AND HARBOURS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE: \n\n## Question 13. State additional particulars necessary to show the existing and contemplated capacity of the port \n### (a) in general, \n### (b) for the accommodation of vessels of large size and deep draught.\n\n(Note. In answer to this question brief details should be given of important schemes of improvement now in progress or in contemplation, and of their estimated cost, in so far as they have not been given in reply to Question 11.)\n\n## AUSTRALIA.\n\n### Adelaide.\nSanction has been given for the construction of an additional 800 ft. of wharf at Port Adelaide (Outer Harbour) dredged to 33 ft. (L.W.O.S.T.). This work is estimated to cost £176,000.\n\n### Brisbane.\nA scheme for a large basin to be excavated behind the Hamilton training wall, about 3 to 4 miles from the Custom House in Brisbane, together with a river quay capable of taking 50 vessels of 500 ft. long or a proportionate number of larger and smaller vessels has been prepared and is being proceeded with. The cost will approach £1,500,000, to be spread over a number of years as the accommodation is required. It can be also further extended at a subsequent period. The basin can be excavated to any required depth; 28 ft. (L.W.O.S.T.) is proposed in the first instance. The river below the basin will be developed to correspond in depth. It is considered that if 30 ft. (L.W.O.S.T.) is obtained throughout the river during the next ten years all requirements will be met. With 35 ft. in the barthage, and 30 ft. in channel vessels drawing up to 34 feet can be accommodated. The basin will be able to take vessels 1,000 ft. in length.\n\n### Fremantle.\nThe present intention is to deepen the entrance channel and harbour to a depth 36 ft. below lowest low water. The Government have approved of this work being commenced from the entrance to approximately the harbour from what is known as \"Mail Boat jetty.\" Associated with this is the removal of \"The Knuckle\" abreast of the old dock site and \"ball mouthing\" the entrance to the south of the sea end of the North Mole. It will take approximately two years to complete the work after commencing. The estimated cost is £400,000. There are in course of construction 1,550 lineal feet of wharf, and shortly an additional 1,200 ft. will be commenced. It is, however, intended to remove the Mail Boat jetty already alluded to, and the net increase of wharf length will be 1,990 ft. The estimated cost of the complete extension scheme is £650,000.\n\n### Hobart.\nThe port's capacity is almost unlimited. It is well sheltered and approachable by ships of 40 ft. draught at any state of the tide at all weathers.\n\n### Melbourne.\nDredging operations are in progress to provide 33 ft. (L.W.O.S.T) at the Railway Pier, Port Melbourne, for a length of 1,500 ft.\n\n### Sydney.\nA scheme laid down by the Harbour Commissioners embraces the remodelling of Darling Harbour, and an extensive wharfage scheme in Johnston's, Blackwattle, and Rozelle Bays, which are in the heart of the extending city. The whole scheme will probably take 10 years to complete and is estimated to cost £8,500,000. The new wharf frontage, when completed, will be about 41,600 ft.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 481565, "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": "CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919", "page_number": 297, "title": "CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919", "content_text": "I venture in any case to hope that, whether this country takes any steps or not to put a stop to the smuggling of morphia and cocaine into China, it will be found possible to impose such restrictive measures on our own manufacturers as will prevent their having any share in the traffic.\n\nI have, &c.,\n\nCONYNGHAM GREENE.\n\nForeign\n\n1919\n\n14th April.\n\nLast previous Paper,\n\nGenr 18438.\n\nHONG KONG\n\nRES\n\n22875\n\n2 2 8 7 5 RE 15 APR 19\n\nEstablishment of branch of Bank of China in Hongkong\n\nEnquires whether Sir J. Jordan views that diplomatic representations should be made to Chinese Govt.\n\nORG she and copy despatch Peking.\n\nLon 200\n\nWas Lou To 23138\n\nMr Collins\n\nFor\n\nAnod. Shayiq\n\nNext subsequent Paper.\n\nTrans 23138\n\nWe schon maggested to F.C. (S0947) that they should ask Sir J. Jordan for his views as to desirability or otherwise of making diplomatic representations to Chinese Govt regarding the proposed establishment of Bank of China, bank on i H.K. of branch\n\nWhen Lo 10 itativi of further action letter (23138), of establishing barthage theve a branch in H.K.\n\nLater (616556).\n\n? Ack this a send Ition copy of Tazz 1 + with ref to 61655 (20104b.) Wt, 30876-21. 50m. 11/18. D&B. G. 132/41.\n\nof to 61655 + preson correof.\n\nLis\n\n \nPage 4\n\n...\n\nPage ...\n\n \nbecomes \nPage 4\n\n...\n\nPage ...\n\nis rewritten as \n\nI venture in any case to hope that, whether this country takes any steps or not to put a stop to the smuggling of morphia and cocaine into China, it will be found possible to impose such restrictive measures on our own manufacturers as will prevent their having any share in the traffic.\n\nI have, &c.,\nCONYNGHAM GREENE.\n\nForeign\n1919\n14th April.\nLast previous Paper,\nGenr18438.\n\nHONG KONG\nRES\n22875\n2 2 8 7 5 RE 15 APR 19\n\nEstablishment of branch of Bank of China in Hongkong\nEnquires whether Sir J. Jordan views that diplomatic representations should be made to Chinese Govt.\n\nORG she and copy despatch Peking.\nLon200\n\nWas Lou To23138\nMr Collins\nFor\nAnod. Shayiq\nNext subsequent Paper.\nTrans23138\n\nWe schon maggested to F.C.(S0947) that they should ask Sir J. Jordan for his views as to desirability or otherwise of making diplomatic representations to Chinese Govt regarding the proposed establishment of Bank of China, bank on i H.K. of branch\n\nWhen Lo10 itativi of further action letter(23138), of establishing barthage theve a branch in H.K.\n\nLater(616556).\n? Ack this a send Ition copy of Tazz1 + with ref to61655(20104b.) Wt, 30876-21. 50m. 11/18. D&B. G.132/41.\n\nof to61655 + preson correof.\n\nLis\n\nPage 4", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 555252, "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": "CO129-563-17 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping. For extracted photographs see CN 3-12 27-9-1937 - 17-1-1938", "page_number": 102, "title": "CO129-563-17 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping. For extracted photographs see CN 3-12 27-9-1937 - 17-1-1938", "content_text": "# 608\n\n## RELIGION AND SCIENCE\n\nDr. Jones Addresses Rotarians\n\nDr. Stanley-Jones, the world-renowned evangelist, gave an inspiring address to Hong Kong Rotarians at their weekly luncheon meeting on Oct. 19 at the Hong Kong Hotel, at which Major Walker, President of the Club, was in the chair.\n\nDr. Jones took as his subject \"A Judgment Hour in History.\" He said that at various times in history, the feeling that a change in the affairs of the human race was coming, a feeling that a period of transition was at hand, had been evident. But nobody living today could look upon these present times without feeling that this period was particularly so. And particularly was this so in regard to religion.\n\nAt such a time, what had religion to say? asked Dr. Jones. Was it to retreat behind its Cathedrals and Churches and let the tragedy go on? That would amount to abdication. There were the great forces of Fascism and Communism contending against each other. The alternative was the doctrine of the Kingdom of God in the nature of an order against man's system.\n\nSpeaking of science in the light of religion, Dr. Jones said there was no clash between the two because they realised their own province. But behind the doctrine of science, they had to have religion and the spirit of religion. If the two were put together, he thought, they could remake the earth. He thought religion was giving that spirit to science and that science was thereby getting the power of religion. It was essential that the two must come together.\n\nRotarian Ingram proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker.\n\n## Talk On Discipline And Conduct\n\nAt the St. Andrew's Church Hall on Oct. 19, a large assembly listened to an enlightening talk by Dr. E. Stanley Jones. It was one of a series of lectures and discussions which the eminent preacher and author is conducting during his visit.\n\nDr. Jones spoke of the need of discipline in life and conduct. Discipline did not restrict a man, said the speaker; it taught him the path to real freedom. A man who knew not the fundamentals of music and who sat down to play at random on the piano would make chaos, but the musician who first disciplined himself in the rules could later find creative freedom in his art.\n\nSpiritual discipline was vitally necessary: a man without it might be compared to a wayward swamp, whilst he who possessed it was like a river which had course. It was not an easy thing to do, said Mr. Jones, but it was the only way to reach a fuller spiritual life.\n\n## JAPAN\n\n### No More Foreign Films\n\nNo further imports of moving picture films will be allowed this year.\n\nOctober 29, 1937\n\nIn connection with the exchange control, the Department of Finance recently restricted the import of foreign films at the same time notifying the various foreign film companies in Japan that the permission of the Japanese Government is required for imports of films.\n\nRecently the Government summoned representatives of the \"Jisshakai,\" an organization including all the principal foreign film companies in Japan and informed them that in view of the prevailing situation, the Government has decided to prohibit the import of foreign films, except news reels, until the end of the year.\n\nIt is pointed out that as the various companies' stock amounts to over 50 films (foreign), the prohibition will not cause as much inconvenience as might be expected this year. However, the step will render impossible the customary import of \"extravaganza\" films for the New Year.\n\nAs regards the question of imports next year, the Government's policy will depend upon developments in the China affair. At any rate, it is considered certain that at best, the import of foreign films will be considerably restricted in future.\n\nIn this connection, a Shochiku representative told reporters: \"In accordance with national policy, we will have to readjust our methods of disposing of stock. Furthermore, we will have to give more consideration to the release of Japanese pictures.\"\n\n### Cutting State Expenditure\n\nThe Government is to cut down the State expenditure for the current fiscal year either through economies or by postponing various schemes. The matter is now being discussed by the Finance Ministry and the various Departments concerned.\n\nIt is stated that the Finance authorities desire to effect a cut of at least ¥100,000,000 in expenditure. If so, as a natural increase of about ¥100,000,000 in revenue is predicted, there will be a \"surplus\" of ¥200,000,000 in the budget. In other words, it will then be possible to reduce the loan issue by this figure.\n\nThe work of framing the budget estimates for the next fiscal year is being delayed by the China affair. The provisional claims of all Departments were received by the Accountants Bureau only on September 22nd. From next week on, the Finance authorities will interview representatives of all Departments, and receive an explanation of these claims from them.\n\nAlthough the new claims of all Departments, including the Services Departments, amount to a fairly large sum, the Finance authorities are resolved to examine them along the lines fixed at the Cabinet meeting on August 24th, that is to say, to confine approval to claims directly connected with the China affair as far as possible. Even those items already approved will be re-examined and postponed, if not disapproved, if they are not considered imperative from the point of view of national defence. The entire budget will thus be put on a war-time basis.\n\nApropos of the War Expenditure Special Account, the Finance authorities are willing to submit a supplementary budget in the next session of the Diet if necessary.\n\n## PHILIPPINE REVIEW\n\n### Filipinos Wake Up\n\nPresident Quezon, of the Philippines, who for many years has insisted upon the independence and sovereignty of the islands, having attained his end through the passage of the McDuffie-Tydings act, which goes into full force and effect in about nine or 10 years, is now not so anxious to cut the ties with this country and take to the rolling deep of international politics.\n\nHe has begun to doubt the expediency of complete and immediate independence. What he now wants is autonomy under American protection. He wants to have the Filipinos independent, completely self-governing, no longer under any restraint, but at the same time safeguarded by American warships and the moral force of this country. He is against any interference but in favour of plenty of protection.\n\nLong ago, Theodore Roosevelt declared that the two things were incompatible. If the Philippines were to be cut adrift, he rightly insisted, they must row their own canoe. This country could not afford to let them carry on their own affairs without the slightest semblance of control, and at the same time lean upon America for support in every emergency.\n\nMr. Quezon has his wires crossed. He must accept one horn of the dilemma or the other. He cannot achieve complete independence and at the same time claim the rights of a ward. The United States would be guilty of the greatest folly to accept such a situation.\n\nLong ago, those most competent to judge foresaw that the Filipinos could not stand alone, and opposed the bill that was finally passed. Now Senator Tydings, co-author of the measure that granted independence, having visited the islands, expresses the view that it was a mistake to enact the legislation. He believes that the Philippines will become the prey of Japan.\n\n### Aid For Unemployed\n\nThe unemployment council created last week by Pres. Quezon started attacking the problem of how to provide work for Manila's estimated 20,000 jobless as well as for those of other cities, at a meeting at the Bureau of Health offices of Dr. Jose Fabella, chairman.\n\nThe first task faced by the council was to listen patiently to a score of leaders of organizations of jobless expound their views on how to provide work for the unemployed. The meeting assumed the nature of a public hearing during which members of the committee and spokesmen of the unemployed exchanged views on ways and means of meeting the problem.\n\nAfter a two-hour discussion, the council adjourned and will meet thereafter every week until some concrete plans are formulated whereby the government can minimize, if not entirely solve, the social difficulties created by unemployment throughout the country. The views advanced by the leaders of the unemployment associations were more or less haphazard with respect to proposed solutions and, according to Dr. Fabella, did not quite tally with the ideas of the council.\n\nThe leaders of the labourers' organizations naturally wanted work immediately and, if possible, employment of more or less permanent nature.\n\n## LOCAL ESTATES\n\nFrederic Eugene Henri Koch, late of Rue du Dr. Olivier, Ziguinchor in the French Colony of Senegal, who died intestate on June 27, 1924, left a local estate to the value of $3,200. Letters of administration to the estate of the deceased have been granted by the Supreme Court to George Noble Tinson, solicitor, for the use and benefit of Rose Marie Oenise Emiliene Bajac.\n\nLocal estate sworn under $4,500 was left by Wong On, alias On Wo, late of Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada, who died intestate on December 9, 1936. An application by George Gwinnett Noble Tinson, solicitor, for sealing certified copy of the Order Appointing Administrator of the estate of the deceased has been granted.\n\n## \"WHERE TO STAY IN ENGLAND\"\n\n### LONDON\n\n**RUSKIN MANOR & BESSEMER GRANGE HOTELS**\n\nDENMARK HILL, LONDON, S.E. 5\n\n15 minutes by Bus or Tram to Centre of London.\n\nOwn 40 acres Grounds. Golf Course and Tennis Courts.\n\nModerate Tariff.\n\nBook Early.\n\nTelegrams: Ruskinite, London. Telephone: Brixton 1311.\n\n### HERNE BAY\n\nFurnished House, detached. First-class locality. Well furnished, everything for use including linen and plate. Three bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lavatory (indoors), 1 large dining room, 1 breakfast room and usual offices. Electricity and gas throughout and gas stove for cooking. Vacant middle September. 2 Gns. Weekly. Apply Mrs. Deane, \"Roma,\" Pier Avenue, Herne Bay.\n\n## REV. D. CHILDE FAREWELL RECEPTION\n\nA reception to bid farewell to the Rev. Donald B. Childe and Mrs. Childe, who are proceeding home on leave by the s.s. Carthage, was held at the Sailors' and Soldiers' Home on Oct. 24.\n\nThe Rev. Mr. Childe has been acting as Minister of the English Methodist Church and President of the Sailors' and Soldiers' Home since the departure of the Rev. E. C. H. Tribbeck. He came out to China in 1930 after leaving Handsworth College, and was until early this year stationed at Shiuchow attached to the South China District of the English Methodist Church.\n\nThe Rev. Mr. Childe is being succeeded by the Rev. J. E. Sandbach, who was present at the gathering last night.\n\nIn the course of the evening, a presentation was made to Rev. and Mrs. Childe by Mrs. A. P. Glanville and Mrs. J. H. Gelling, on behalf of the committees and members of the Church and the Home, the presentation taking the form of a leather suitcase and an inscribed mantel clock.\n\n# 609", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-563-17 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping. For extracted photographs see CN 3-12 27-9-1937 - 17-1-1938.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 556617, "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": "CO129-565-8 British Medical aid for China- sponsered by League of Nations 14-10-1937 - 5-1-1938", "page_number": 20, "title": "CO129-565-8 British Medical aid for China- sponsered by League of Nations 14-10-1937 - 5-1-1938", "content_text": "20\n\nshipped by s.s. André Lebon of the Messageries Maritimes, which\n\nis due in Hong-Kong on or about January 7th, 1938, whereas the\n\ndrugs exported from the United Kingdom are being shipped by\n\nthe P. & O. s.s. Carthage, due in Hong-Kong on or about\n\nJanuary 20th, 1938. The drugs are packed with other medical\n\nstores in wooden boxes consigned to Messrs. Jardine, Matheson\n\nand Co. Ltd., Hong-Kong, and marked \"Epidemic Commission, League\n\nof Nations\".\n\n•\n\nIt is also proposed to lay down in Hong-Kong a general\n\nstock of medical supplies for the needs of the medical units.\n\nAmong these medical supplies might be certain quantities of\n\nnarcotic drugs.\n\nIf necessary, I shall have the honour to request\n\nthe kind assistance of your Government for the entry into\n\nHong-Kong of such additional drugs as soon as I am in\n\npossession of the export authorisations from the countries of\n\norigin and of information as regards time of shipment, arrival\n\nin Hong-Kong, etc.\n\nA copy of this letter is being sent to the Secretary\n\nof State for Foreign Affairs in the United Kingdom, for\n\ninformation.\n\nI have, etc.,\n\n(Signed) S. LESTER.\n\nDeputy SECRETARY-GENERAL.\n\nP.S.\n\nThe drugs exported from France include 250\n\nampoules of 0.01 morphine hydrochloride in 5 boxes of\n\n50 ampoules each in regard to which the Secretariat has\n\nnot yet received a copy of the export permit.\n\nThe copy\n\nhas been requested from the French authorities and will\n\nbe transmitted to the Government of Hong Kong by air-mail\n\nimmediately on receipt from Paris.\n\nPage 20\n\nPage 21", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-565-8 British Medical aid for China- sponsered by League of Nations 14-10-1937 - 5-1-1938.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 556873, "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": "CO129-566-2 Medical Department 30-6-1938 - 1-3-1939", "page_number": 11, "title": "CO129-566-2 Medical Department 30-6-1938 - 1-3-1939", "content_text": "Arrangements have been suggested. If Zanzibar is chosen, it would probably be possible for him to leave for Zanzibar at once.\n\nHe returned from leave in the UK this summer (1912).\n\n17th in the afternoon.\n\nI am often slurred at being asked to sail in the Carthage (leaving London 18 Nov) if he is to be in HK before 1st Jan.\n\nThat is an issue in my view.\n\nFrom my understanding, it is against my will; my salute is gained.\n\nIt will be generally voted.\n\nDESTROYED : Tel. to H.I. No 220\n\nMinute: 11/11\n\n14 Nov 1838\n\nReceived in ref. to (14)", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-566-2 Medical Department 30-6-1938 - 1-3-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 558288, "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": "CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939", "page_number": 165, "title": "CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939", "content_text": "Return for day 1933 showing ar Materials for Ching brought to the Col ny \n\nOrigin of materiels \n\n166 \n\nCarried by British ships \n\nCarried by foreign ships \n\nKaterials. \n\nBritish \n\nForeign \n\nBritish materials \n\nForeign materials \n\nBritish materials \n\nForeign materials \n\nTotal materials \n\nPercentage in kritish vessels. \n\nAeroplanes (708.) 19 (Canada) 15 \n19 15 34 \n55.5\nAeroplane spares (Cases) 106 23 \n83 106 cases 21.5\nBomba (Nos. ) 13,400 18,400 \n13.400 311 \nMachine guns (pieces) 921 100 \n821 921 pieces 10.5\nRifles (pieccs) 760 \n760 760 pieces Nil\nPistols & revolvers (pieces) 11,033 \n11,033 11,033 pieces Nil\nGun synchronizer solenoids (pieces) \n10 pieces Nil\nGun tripods (Nos.) \n500 500 500 Nos.\nNil\nShells (rounds) 10,006 \n10,006 10,006 rounds Nil\nCartridges (machine gun & rifle)(rounds) 3,105,900 49,419,980 \n3,105,900 3,700,000 \n45,719,088 \n52,525,780 rounds 13 \nCartridges (pistol & revolver)(rounds) 54,000 \n54,000 54,000 rounds Nil\nBomb Hoists (case) 1 \n1 case \nT. A. T. (tons) 131.3 \n131.3 181.3 tons Nil\n\"etryl (tons) 7.2 \n7.2 7.2 tons Nil\nSmokeless Powder (tons) \nRifle powder (tons) 26.4 \n26.4 tons Nil\n277.2 \n277.2 277.2 tons Nil\n\n(a) British ships carrying war materials \n\nLenarty \nBengohr \nBurdwan \nLossiebank \nCarthage \n\n(b) Foreign ships carrying war materials \n\nZasterkerk \nVirrana \nUineisenau \nSophie Rickmers \nIrcussen \nToulouse \nCity of Mayville \nThurland Castle \n\nAverage percentage by ships: 36\n\n(Sd) A.L. Hopkins \n\nInspector. \n\n27. 7. 38. \n\n166", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 558368, "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": "CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939", "page_number": 245, "title": "CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939", "content_text": "Firs\n\n(1)\n\nSouth West Transportation Co.\n\n(2)\n\nSouth West Transportation Co.\n\nDescription of goods\n\n1 c/s = 100 revolvers\n\nConsignments of Arms, Ammunition, Aeroplanes & explosives arrived in Hong Kong pending release from 8.5.38 to 14.5.38.\n\n10 c/s = 5,000 rds cartridges\n\n1,320 c/s = 2,850,980 cartridges cal.\n\n38 c/s rifles, 760 pcs 7.32 mm (a)\n\n104 c/s tripods for machine guns (b)\n\n25 c/s pistols, 2,800 pcs (c)\n\n60 c/s = 3,000 pcs 7.63mm (d)\n\n183 c/s machine guns Parts (e)\n\n \n #\n Ship & Date Importing\n The re stored.\n Country of origin & consignor.\n Consignee\n File.\n \n \n 8.1.\n Gaasterkerk 9.5.38.\n \n Germany Giemssen & Co., Hamburg.\n Military Council, National Govt. of China.\n A.0.75 in 174.\n \n \n 8.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sa\n Kowloon Godown.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n (b)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n #\n Gneisenau 12.5.38\n -do-\n (a) Belgium, J. Vulhopp.\n -do-\n 4.0.14 in 174.\n \n \n \n \n \n (c) Germany Atlantic Sectrans-port Kontor, Hamburg.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Denmark - A.P. Botved although shipped from Sweden by Dahlberg & Hilbert.\n \n \n \n \n \n Burdwan 12.5.38\n 2.8.Hai Yun (as depot)\n Britain I.C.I. Metals Co.\n -do-\n \n \n \n (3)\n South West Transportation Co.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n (4)\n South West Transportation Co.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 5 c/s = 5 aeroplanes & parts (Basic Trainers)\n \n \n U.S.A.-North American Aviation Intercontinent Corp.\n -do-\n A.0.80 in 174.\n \n \n 10 boxes aeroplane parts\n \n \n U.S.A.-Douglas Aircraft\n \n \n \n \n 4 C/B\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8 c/s flight fabric\n Thurland Castle 10.5.38.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 5 c/s cotton tape\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s cotton thread\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s scientific instruments\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s cylinder temperature indicators\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s iron rivets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s aluminium rivets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s steel rivets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s tubing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9 c/s = 9 aeroplanes & parts\n \n \n China Airmotive Co.\n \n \n \n \n 1 box aluminium sheets\n \n Remaining on board.\n \n \n \n \n \n 4 ctna. incandescent lamps\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 box aluminium rods\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s aluminium rivets\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 2 c/s steel mute\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s measuring instruments\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 box gauges\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s blue print machinery parts\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s aluminium tubing\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 box twist drills\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n 1 c/s electric lamps\n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n \n (5)\n South West Transportation Co.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n (6)\n Southwest Transportation\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 30.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n %\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n accessories\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 11 c/s aircraft parts\n Carthage 11.5.38.\n Kowloon Godown.\n (a) U.S.A.-Fleet Aircraft Ltd.\n Aeronautical Commission of National Govt. of China.\n A.0.76 in 174.\n \n \n 5 c/s aluminium sheets\n \n \n Intercontinent Corp.\n \n \n \n \n 3 c/s aeroplane parts\n \n \n -do-\n \n \n \n \n 60 c/s forgings\n Gueiseulnu 12.5.38.\n Kowloon Godown.\n (b) Germany-although shipped from Sweden by Dahlberg & Hilbert.\n -do-\n JA.0.81 in 174.\n \n \n 300\n \n \n (c) Germany Schenker & Co.\n \n A.0.14 in 174.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 246\n \n\nPage 246", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]