[ { "id": 337394, "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": "CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8]", "page_number": 425, "title": "CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8]", "content_text": "422 \n\n(4) \n\n13. The scheme does not present any serious engineering difficulty. The design of the proposed new breast-wall may be the same as that adopted in 1877 when the Praya was re-built. Pierre-perdue foundations may be used provided the blocks on the outer slope average at least a yard cube. This form of foundation would be inadmissible if the work were exposed to the impact of ocean waves, but the harbour of Victoria is land-locked, and in the absence of any offing or reach of sea, there is no undue exposure to high waves capable of clawing down the rubble mound. An embankment-wall on pierre-perdue foundation that in England might be classed as a better sort of river-wall, may, as far as I am able to judge at the moment, be ventured on, but this point will require careful investigation. It is an important point, for the adoption of the expensive form of ordinary foundations for sea-walls exposed to the ocean, i.e., piles with concrete in mass, or concrete in blocks lowered into place would so seriously add to the cost as to discourage the Marine Lot-owners from embarking in the scheme.\n\n14. In 1865 this Government built a short section of 900 feet of Praya wall in the vicinity of Wing Lok Street, and founded the masonry in 20 feet of water on a pierre-perdue mound. This wall has stood over 20 years, without so far indicating any sign of weakness. Settlements there have been as was to be expected. This wall withstood the great typhoon of 1874, and was one of the few sections that showed no injury to the foundations, and it may be accepted therefore as practically demonstrated that the storm-waves in the harbour of Victoria have not the force to undermine the pierre-perdue substructure if built to an adequate slope with large blocks. An additional circumstance favourable to pierre-perdue foundations is the fact that the sea-bed is silting up by reason of the great quantities of detritus washed down every year (during the tropical storms of summer) from the mountain range behind the town, and that there are no tidal currents in the harbour likely to be induced by the change of coast line or likely to scour out the sea-bed.\n\n15. The Lot-owners expressed wish to be allowed to carry out the reclamation themselves through their own Engineers cannot be entertained. The Government must insist on the work being executed by its own Engineers for the reason that the subsequent maintenance of the structure will remain as a permanent charge on the Government and not on the Marine Lot-owners. It is the Government therefore that is most interested in securing a degree of stability that will preclude any later recurring outlay in maintenance.\n\n16. The great business activity of the port, and the yearly increasing shore traffic require that a wide marine roadway should be made. I would stipulate for nothing less than 75 feet of width, but of these 75 feet I would allow the owners of frontage to utilize 10 feet with their verandahs and arcades over the public foot-path (e.g., Government land) leaving 65 feet for vehicular and chair traffic and for the landing and embarking of cargo.\n\n17. The proposed City tramways could not be conveniently built along the proposed new embankment, for the cars would have to run athwart an incessant cross traffic between the lighters and the warehouses. The trainways would be far better placed along the present Praya which would become an inland thoroughfare. To admit of double-lines of tramway without danger of inconvenience to the public a minimum width should also be stipulated for in respect of this thoroughfare. I would insist on a width of 75 feet again allowing the frontagers on both sides 10 feet for their verandahs and arcades over the public footpath, and leaving 55 feet from kerb to kerb for the tramways and carriage traffic.\n\n18. A glance at the map will show that the proposed new reclamations will form nothing less than a new town, and the repetition in this new town of the narrow lanes that disfigure the old town should be carefully avoided. We want wide streets for light and ventilation and to prevent the spread of fires. Wide streets are all the more a necessity to us, that there is a tendency now among builders, owing to the increased value of ground, to add to the height of houses, and it is certain that four and five storied houses will become the rule. In laying out new streets these eventualities should be considered. Taller houses and increased traffic demand that no main artery of traffic be less than 75 feet wide and no cross street of any importance less than 40 feet wide.\n\n(5) \n\n19. The length of the proposed sea-wall will be 3,400 yards or nearly 2 miles. Of this length the frontagers will have to pay for 2,800 yards and the Government 600 yards. These 600 yards represent the frontage of the Crown lots tinted yellow. I am informed that if the Government would not care to go to the expense of embanking the 600 yards the Lot-owners themselves would be glad to relieve the Colonial Treasury of this charge on condition of their keeping the land reclaimed. Such a relinquishment of its own rights, however, on the part of the Government, would be equivalent to making the frontagers a present of no less a sum than one and a half million dollars.\n\n20. Mr. CHATER who has gone very minutely into the matter calculates the cost of the sea-wall, including sewer extensions and all contingent masonry-work at $300 per yard lineal of sea-frontage. My own opinion is that the cost will be more like $360 per yard lineal, and at this higher figure, I estimate the 600 yards of wall would cost the Government $216,000. From this I deduct $50,000 for the stone available from the present old wall, reducing the Government outlay on masonry works to about $166,000.\n\n21. With regard to the cost of filling in behind the 600 yards of wall for the formation of the five sites shown tinted yellow on the map, and which comprise an aggregate area of 300,000 square feet I am of opinion that it will not exceed $179,000, or say in round numbers $180,000 making a total Government outlay on works of $346,000.\n\n22. A light railway may be laid along the Praya from the Sulphur Channel to the Gas-works, at which point the new reclamation begins. The Kennedytown cliffs and steep hillsides fronting the Sulphur Channel may be excavated down and the material (red loam) used for the filling in, the cliff excavations along Sulphur Channel being so conducted and finished off as to leave level building sites for auction sale on the completion of the works. In this way I calculate that an area of 300,000 square feet of hillside may be excavated down and levelled at Kennedytown and left available for auction sale after the reclamation works are finished. The sale of these additional 300,000 square feet of levelled sites would at $1 a square foot yield the Government another $300,000 in premiums and $7,200 a year in Crown Rent, and to the latter figure may be added subsequently about $10,000 more for rates and taxes on buildings. The total profits to the Colonial Treasury from Kennedytown excavations will be therefore as follows: proceeds from land sales $300,000, and subsequent yearly revenue $17,200. These profits are of course additional to those set forth in paragraph 5.\n\n23. It should be made clear to the promoters of this scheme that although the Government will carry out the works, the cost of administration, of railway, plant and rolling-stock, machinery, and all contingent expenses must be borne by them and the Government respectively in the relative proportions of the areas which it will fall to each to reclaim, and that any stone and old building materials available from the present wall will be retained for itself by the Government and utilized on those sections of the proposed new wall which the Government will build on its own account. This arrangement is only fair, since it was the general rate-payers who paid for the old stone and who are therefore entitled to the benefit of it in the new works.\n\n24. In this Colony extensions to marine lots have always been allowed by reclamation from the sea provided the lot-owner carried out his reclamation in accordance with plans approved by the Government. No premium has ever been charged for such extensions. The Government has always contented itself with the increased Crown Rent corresponding to the area reclaimed. Sir HERCULES ROBINSON and Sir JOHN BOWRING dispensed with money premiums, and deemed it best to satisfy themselves with the yearly Crown Rents. The largest reclamations were made during the administration of these two Governors, and their policy seems to have been adhered to and continued by their successors.\n\n25. But though premium may have been dispensed with in money, it has in reality always been claimed in land as an equivalent of money, and the frontagers have been permitted to make sea reclamations only on condition of their surrendering to Government a portion of these for public use in the shape of roads and streets.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339631, "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": "CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12]", "page_number": 222, "title": "CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12]", "content_text": "# 13. The date on which this Report has to be sent in makes it impossible to detail the Revenue of the Department for 1888, which will not be definitively ascertained for some months to come. The Revenue for 1887 is as follows:- \nGross Revenue 1887, $141,324.08\n\n| Category | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| Gross Revenue 1887 | $141,324.08 |\n| Share of United Kingdom | $51,085.18 |\n| Share of other countries | $6,824.82 |\n| Conveyance of Mails | $6,572.45 |\n| Working expenses | $35,071.74 |\n| Balances | $40,869.89 |\n| Total | $141,324.08 |\n\n221 \n\nI feel convinced that His Excellency the Governor will at once admit the justice of their request which is that their salaries should be raised to such a sum in dollars as will fairly represent the amount of £100 per annum, more especially now that the question of handing over our Agencies to the Customs seems further off than ever, and it is probable that the postal work will for many years continue, as it has always been, in the hands of the Assistant at Her Majesty's Consulate. Our Amoy Agent in particular has a deal of work to get through, as the following statistics show.\n\nDuring the year 1888, the gross revenue collected by him amounted to $10,849.68, made up as follows:-\n| Category | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| Sale of Stamps | $9,185.06 |\n| Sale of Postal Notes | $1,431.75 |\n| Collected on Unpaid Letters | $205.22 |\n| do. on short paid parcel | $0.25 |\n| Profit on remittance | $17.40 |\n| Boxholders subscription | $10.00 |\n| Total | $10,849.68 |\n\n14. The loose ship letters received show a considerable decrease. Although this mode of transmission may be convenient for those who postpone correspondence until the last moment, yet it is not considered secure.\n\n15. There were several instances of fraudulent enclosures of letters and embroidery &c. in newspapers. These were taken out and forwarded, letter rate being charged.\n\n16. Money Orders may now be exchanged with Bangkok.\n\n17. A renewed effort was made to have the mails by the French Packets sorted on board between Singapore and Hongkong. I understand that the question has been forwarded to the Authorities at home, strongly supported by His Excellency the Governor and the Consul for France. Should it meet with the success it deserves, it will be a great boon not only to the Hongkong community but also to the communities at the Coast Ports, for it frequently happens that during the North East Monsoon, the Coast steamers cannot wait until the mail is sorted, and the consequence is Coast mails have to be kept back till the following steamers. Again, during the present year, the French mails have on several occasions arrived on the same day on which the homeward mail leaves, and to get it delivered so that letters may be answered by the outgoing packet, puts us to the greatest possible inconvenience and deranges the business of the Office completely.\n\n18. On the 29th November, a Peak delivery was introduced, which is, as far as I can judge at present, a great convenience to the public. Of course, during the winter months, very few residents live at the Peak, and the amount of correspondence must naturally be small. During the summer months, however, I feel convinced that this service will be a source of revenue. From the 29th November, the number of local letters despatched is 296, and those received, 70. I take this opportunity of recording my thanks to Mr. FINDLAY SMITH, Manager of the High Level Tramway Company, for his courteous assistance in this matter, especially in allowing our postmen to travel free.\n\n19. The Postmaster General in his report for 1887 pointed out very strongly the urgent necessity for increased and improved accommodation, and made a proposal for remedying the growing evils of the present building, and it is hoped that early steps may be taken to effect such an alteration as will be considered suitable to cope with the ever-increasing work of this Department. The present building was constructed in the year 1865 to meet the requirements of the Colony at that time. Since then, work has year by year considerably increased until every available space is occupied. A Pillar box system and a house-to-house delivery are very much needed, and to carry out these improvements satisfactorily, it is necessary to almost double our Chinese staff, but then we have no place to house them. The present staff are herded together in a most inconvenient manner. It is true a small allowance might be granted them to live outside, but for obvious reasons, it is preferable that they should reside on the premises. We also require separate stamp windows for Europeans and Chinese. A visit to the Post Office on a mail day would convince anybody of this.\n\n20. A steam launch has been sanctioned for this Department, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, and by its means, the landing and delivery of mails will be very much accelerated. We shall also be in a position to establish a Kowloon delivery. The sooner the building of this Launch is put in hand, the better, so that the above improvements in the Postal service may be commenced with as little delay as possible.\n\n21. The smuggling of Chinese letters still goes on to a very large extent, and a considerable number of secret Post Offices exist. The revenue is in consequence defrauded of a large amount. On this matter, however, I have already reported, and I understand it is engaging the attention of the Government.\n\n22. Our Postal Agents have applied for an increase of salary. They rest their claim not so much on the loss brought about by the fall in exchange. Its strength rests on the fact that their predecessors of 1868 received for the work they were then required to do, the same sum as they receive now. Since then, they have been called on to undertake, in addition, the work of the very heavy duties necessarily laid on them by the introduction and extension of the Postal Note and Parcel Post system. Their work has been multiplied indefinitely, while their pay, expressed in dollars, remains the same.\n\nThe sale of Postage stamps for the 12 months amounted to $9,185.06 against $7,837.81 in 1887, being an increase of $1,347.25.\n\nThe following tables show the number of registered articles and parcels received and sent during years 1887 and 1888:\n| Year | Registered Articles Received | Foreign Parcels Received | Registered Articles Sent | Foreign Parcels Sent |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1887 | 4,831 | 178 | 5,362 | 159 |\n| 1888 | 5,715 | 207 | 5,353 | 147 |\n\nThe sale of Postal Notes during 1888 amounted to $1,481.75 against $1,312.58 in 1887, being an increase of $119.17. The business of that Agency, as well as all the others, is increasing every year.\n\nDirect mails for Manila have already given considerable additional work, and now the large steamers for Japan, Vancouver, and San Francisco have commenced to call at Amoy. If this is continued, a proper office will be required on the Amoy side, and the number of the staff increased.\n\nIt frequently happens that they are called upon to pull out when a high sea is running to take the mails from some steamer anchored outside the harbour. I would suggest that as soon as the Steam Launch for this Office is ready for use, our gig be renovated and sent to Amoy, and two extra men allowed.\n\nHonourable FREDERICK STEWART, LL.D., Colonial Secretary.\n\n(Copy.)\n\nI have the honour to be,\nSir,\nYour obedient Servant,\nARTHUR K. TRAVERS,\nActing Postmaster General.\n\n## APPENDIX (4)\n\nGENERAL POST OFFICE, LONDON, January 27, 1888.\n\nSIR-Referring to my letter of the 5th instant, I am directed by the Postmaster General to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, some copies of a revised Time Table of the India and China Mail Services for the present year, shewing a proposed acceleration of the Mail steamers on the China line.\n\nIt will be seen that on the outward voyages, the transit between Brindisi and Shanghai is less by 12 hours than the Contract time, and on the homeward voyages, it is less than the Contract time by from 36 to 132 hours, according to the season of the year.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 341558, "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": "CO129-244 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [1-4]", "page_number": 584, "title": "CO129-244 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [1-4]", "content_text": "581\n\n4. A Steam-Launch has been provided, and by its means the landing and delivery of mails has been accelerated. It has also enabled me to establish a Kowloon delivery which, judging by the growing requirements of that place, appeared to me necessary. At the same time a Harbour delivery was introduced.\n\n5. I am glad to see that at last the necessity for a new Post Office has been recognised✪ but I would venture to suggest that a more suitable site than North Barracks be selected. It appears to me that the Post Office should be somewhere in the vicinity of Pedder's Wharf, which is not only central, but the most convenient spot so far as the general public are concerned. In my last report I remarked very strongly on the question of accommodation, and now that a new building has been, I hope, decided upon, I would urge that the work be put in hand with as little delay as possible. Rough plans of the rooms more essentially necessary, showing their best arrangement and grouping, have been prepared in this Department.\n\n6. In May last the French Government consented to our request to allow Marine Officers to travel on the Messageries Maritimes Packets with a view of sorting the French Mails, and all arrangements to carry out this Service were completed in June, but a difficulty then arose from the fact that the Agents des Postes were without authority to hand the mail over to our Officers before arrival in Hong-kong. The matter was again referred to the French Post Office, but up to the present time no reply has been received, though a settlement of the question in the direction desired may be expected very shortly. The Colony is much indebted to the Vicomte de BEZAURE, French Consul, for the warm interest he has taken in this Scheme and for his constant efforts to bring it to a successful issue.\n\n7. In March last the Postmaster General (Hon. ALFRED LISTER) during his absence on leave worked out the details of a scheme for Local Delivery, and recommended that a certain sum be placed on the Estimates of this year to defray the expenses in connection with it. This was done, and if it is approved by the home Authorities* a long felt want will be supplied. By Local Delivery must be understood the distribution, not only of correspondence originating in the Colony, but also of that which is constantly arriving by Local Steamers from China, Japan, Manila, the Straits, &c. The Colony will receive the following advantages:\n\n(a) In the town, regular deliveries of Local Correspondence quite independent of either the arrival or departure of Contract Mails. These deliveries will take place every hour from 8.30 A.M. to 8 P.M.\n\n(b) In the Suburbs there will be three deliveries each day.\n\n(c) All local correspondence will be delivered exactly as addressed.\n\n8. It was suggested to me during the year by several members of this Community that it would be a great convenience to the public if something could be done to notify as early as possible the arrival of steamers, so that mails could be sent for at once. I accordingly placed a notice board in a conspicuous place outside the Office for this purpose, and endeavoured to obtain the earliest notice of the arrival of steamers. This system, however, does not work at all satisfactorily. The launch men of this Department, engaged in other duties, frequently fail to report arrivals, and the consequence is that the mails are kept on board until it is convenient for the Agent or Captain to land them, which is very often hours after arrival. The only way really to meet the difficulty would be by efficient electric communication with Officers stationed at the Eastern and Western entrances to the Harbour.\n\n9. In my Report for 1888 I recommended that the Salaries of our Postal Agents should be raised to such sums in dollars as will fairly represent the amount of £100 per annum, the original pay of the larger Agencies, or £50 in the case of the smaller Offices. I am glad to see that His Excellency the Governor has, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, decided upon this increase.\n\n10. Nothing further has been done, so far as I know, with regard to handing over our Agencies in China to the Customs, and it seems only too probable that they will continue in the hands of the Assistants at the Consulates for some time to come. This is much to be regretted, as it perpetuates a crippled and make-shift service which can never, by any diligence or care on the part of the Officers employed, develop into a properly organised Postal System. I am bound to say, however, that, bad as the existing organisation is (and I hope this year will see it a little better) the Agents at the ports have done the best work possible under existing circumstances.\n\n11. Arrangements were made in May last for the exchange of parcels between this Colony and Cochin-China, Camboge, Tongking and Annam.\n\n13. By the Christmas Mail from Europe we received 527 parcels, and by the New Year's Mail 576. These are the heaviest mails that have yet come under my notice.\n\n14. Money Orders may now be exchanged with France and Algeria through the medium of the Imperial Post Office.\n\n13. The Peak Delivery has proved, as I expected, a great convenience to the public. The number of letters despatched and received is 3,711 and 288 respectively. I must again record my thanks to the Manager of the High Level Tramway Company for allowing our postmen to travel free.\n\n16. Among the many instances of fraudulent enclosures in newspapers &c., the following may be mentioned:\n\nMrs. ... handkerchiefs.\n\nMr. ... China posted a newspaper prepaid as a single paper, but containing a dozen silk handkerchiefs.\n\nChina addressed a newspaper to a lady, containing six pairs of gloves and three letters.\n\nThose were duly forwarded, letter rate being charged, and I have no doubt the addressees would much rather they had not been sent. Unfortunately the senders could not be discovered.\n\n17. Several Parcels falsely declared were confiscated by the Customs Authorities.\n\n18. The late Compradore CHING Tsüs, after 23 years service, retired on pension. I cannot speak too highly of his services.\n\n19. In conclusion I have to express my thanks to all the Officers employed in this Department for the very efficient manner in which they have performed their duties.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nThe Honourable A. LISTER,\n\nPostmaster General,\n\nYour obedient Servant,\n\nARTHUR K. TRAVERS, Assistant Postmaster General.\n\nAPPROXIMATE STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1889.\n\n \n DESCRIPTION OF CORRESPONDENCE\n TOTAL\n Despatched\n Received\n Total in 1888\n Increase\n Decrease\n \n \n Ordinary paid Letters\n 640,000\n 506,900\n 133,100\n 581,200\n 58,800\n \n \n \n Unpaid and short paid Articles\n 17,200\n 16,400\n 800\n 13,700\n 3,500\n \n \n \n Letters on Postal Business\n 2,030\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Do. with prepaid reply\n 1,200\n 835\n 365\n 1,050\n 150\n \n \n \n Newspapers and Periodicals\n 183,950\n 30,100\n 153,850\n 173,000\n 10,950\n \n \n \n Books, Circulars, Prices Current, &c.\n 190,250\n 89,500\n 100,750\n 178,025\n 12,225\n \n \n \n Patterns\n 7,675\n 1,800\n 5,875\n 9,775\n \n 2,100\n \n \n Registered Articles\n 35,300\n 15,500\n 19,800\n 30,400\n 4,900\n \n \n \n Letters with value declared\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registered Articles with Return Receipts\n 100\n 50\n 50\n 50\n 50\n \n \n \n Parcels\n 6,200\n 2,100\n 4,100\n 5,123\n 1,077\n \n \n \n Post Cards\n 19,400\n 6,650\n 12,750\n 14,375\n 5,025\n \n \n\n12. The number of Parcels received and despatched during the year is as follows:-\n\n \n \n Inward\n Outward\n \n \n By P. & O. Packet\n 8,203\n 4,529\n \n \n By German Packet\n 174\n 267\n \n \n Total\n 8,377\n 4,796\n \n\nTotal, 13,173\n\nThe total number despatched and received in 1888 was 10,593. There is therefore an increase of 2,580.\n\n* Approval has now been received, 11.3.90.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-244 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [1-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 345299, "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": "CO129-249 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [1-5]", "page_number": 408, "title": "CO129-249 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [1-5]", "content_text": "8. There is another subject to which report after report from this Department has called attention. To no other Department of the Public Service, I presume, is room of more importance than to the Postal Department, yet there is no Department in which there is less space in proportion to requirements. It is only necessary to point to the extensive postal premises at Sydney, with a population of 225,000, at Singapore, with a population of 180,000, and at Durban, with a population of 25,000, to demonstrate that Hongkong with a population of 200,000 is not marching with the times in the matter of a commodious Post Office. The Assistant Postmaster General has to be content with a high stool and a desk in a recess which overlooks a stand frequented by cacophonous chair bearers.\n\nWhen the European and American Mails are despatched on the same morning, the throng of people attempting to buy stamps and post letters has necessitated the stationing of an officer to divert the stream of Chinese to the back of the Post Office where a counter for the sale of stamps has been extemporised. The internal dimensions of the Post Office, which may have sufficed for the necessities of a quarter of a century ago, are now wholly inadequate, as may be seen by any one, who likes to spend an hour contemplating the sorting and disposal of a French Mail.\n\n9. The number of Dead Letters which have to be opened in the Department to discover the sender is considerable. In many cases there is neither an address nor a signature: it then becomes necessary to peruse the body of the communication in search of some indication of the source of the letter. In this way no little time is consumed and much that was intended for a private view comes under the official gaze. Where the letters emanate from mercantile houses, their origin can almost always be traced by the presence of initials stamped on the envelope, and if private individuals would only put their names on the cover of every letter they wrote, they would have the satisfaction of receiving back their undelivered correspondence in an unmutilated condition. Soldiers' and sailors' letters always bear the name of the sender on the envelope with the result that the members of Her Majesty's land and sea forces have their dead letters restored to them intact.\n\n10. I have to chronicle the reduction in rates of Postage to the Cape Colony which began on the 23rd of August and by which letters are now carried for 20 cents instead of 30 cents the half ounce.\n\n11. Negotiations are now in progress with the object of establishing a system of Parcels Post Insurance between Hongkong and the United Kingdom, and of instituting a direct exchange of Money Orders and closed Parcels between this Colony and the Dominion of Canada. The Insurance scheme is sure to command public favour whilst the advantages of a direct exchange with Canada by means of the new \"Empress\" Steamers over the devious route via London are palpable.\n\n12. For the benefit of the Peak residents, a new mail signal station has been inaugurated at the Mount Gough Police Barracks, which are in a central position and visible to all houses on the southern slopes, even to those situated at Magazine Gap.\n\n13. Another familiar topic is that of the French Mail and the Marine Sorters. In my report for 1889 I said \"a settlement of the question in the direction desired may be expected very shortly.\" I was guided by a letter from the French Consul dated the 22nd May 1889 to His Excellency the Governor (copy attached). Since then, however, a further letter (copy attached) has been received withdrawing this concession.\n\n14. As I pointed out in my report for 1889, it would accelerate the delivery of mails very much if this Department were placed in direct communication with Cape Collinson and Green Island. The arrivals of steamers could then be telephoned or telegraphed and the launch would at once be despatched to convey the mails on shore.\n\n15. International Statistics to regulate the payments for sea and territorial conveyance of mails during three years were taken during the month of May.\n\n16. The early period of the year at which this report is submitted precludes the possibility of giving a detailed statement of the finances of the Department for 1890.\n\nThe Revenue for 1889 was as follows:- Gross Revenue 1889, Deficit,..\n\n18. The amount of Peak and Kaulung correspondence carried during 1890 is shown by the subjoined figures :—\n\n \n \n Peak\n Kaulung\n \n \n Sent to\n 4,802\n 1,813\n \n \n Received from\n 8\n 128\n \n\nI have pleasure in thanking the Manager of the High Level Tramway Company for the facilities granted to the Peak Postmen.\n\n19. Approximate Statistics for 1890 are annexed and are conspicuous for the gratifying decrease in the number of unpaid and short paid articles. They also point to a large increase of ordinary correspondence, postcards, newspapers, registered articles and parcels.\n\nI have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,\n\nARTHUR K. TRAVERS,\n\nPostmaster General,\n\nThe Honourable W. M. DEANE, C.M.G.,\n\nActing Colonial Secretary.\n\nAPPROXIMATE STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1890.\n\n \n DESCRIPTION OF CORRESPONDENCE\n INTERNATIONAL\n LOCAL\n TOTAL\n COMPARISON WITH 1889\n \n \n \n Despatched\n Received\n Despatched\n Received\n \n Increase\n Decrease\n \n \n Ordinary paid Letters\n 643,000\n 525,700\n \n \n 1,325,760\n 22,800\n \n \n \n Unpaid and short paid Articles\n \n 15,750\n 900\n 150\n 16,330\n \n 1,283,700\n \n \n Letters on Postal Business\n 1,550\n \n 3,250\n 1,800\n 8,100\n 250\n \n \n \n \n 1,500\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newspapers, Periodicals, Books, Circulars, &c.\n \n \n \n \n 11,100\n 6,300\n 4,500\n \n \n Patterns, Registered Articles\n 1,900\n \n \n \n 24,300\n 13,700\n \n \n \n with Return Receipts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Parcels\n 150\n 6,200\n 1,900\n 10,000\n 3,700\n 750\n \n \n \n \n 60\n 50\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Post Cards\n 1,450\n 2,200\n \n \n 5,150\n 3,700\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 25,050\n 17,030\n 8,020\n \n\n(Translation.)\n\nFRENCH CONSULATE,\n\nVICTORIA, HONGKONG, 22nd May, 1889.\n\nSIR,\n\nThe French Government have been pleased, in response to the expressed wishes of the Colony of Hongkong, to entertain with favour the delicate proposal made to them of placing a British Mail Agent on board the packet boats of the Messageries Maritimes for the purpose of sorting, between Saigon and Hongkong, correspondence intended for the latter Colony or for transmission to North China.\n\nSuch officer would be taken on board on the following conditions :\n\nThe upper mail room in the \"batterie\" would be placed at his disposal, and would be fitted up for use as an office, but only between Saigon and Hongkong. The agent would besides have the free enjoyment of a first class cabin from Singapore to Hongkong and vice versa, and would be admitted to the same table as first class passengers upon payment of one half of the usual tariff.\n\nInstructions have been sent by the Messageries Maritimes Co. to its agency at Marseilles to effect the necessary alteration on board the packets of the Indo-China line.\n\n$142,309.11\n\nShare of United Kingdom, Conveyance of Mails, Working Expenses, $12,136.83 Contribution towards P. & O. subsidy 45,870.31 Share of other Countries, $54,041.89 7,913.37 43,164.86\n\nI shall be obliged if His Excellency will inform me whether the Colonial Government consents to these terms, and, if it does, from what date they may come into operation.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour obedient Servant,\n\nBEZAURE.\n\n$163,127.26\n\n$36,656.29 paid France for 23 years from April 1886 to December 1888.\n\n$163,127.26\n\nHis Excellency Sir GEO. W. DES Vœux, K.C.M.G.,\n\nGovernor of Hongkong, &c., &c., &c.\n\n17. The number of Parcels received and despatched during the year is as follows:-\n\n \n \n Inward\n Outward\n \n \n By P. & O. Packet\n 9,219\n 349\n \n \n By German Packet\n 5,125\n 151\n \n \n Total\n 14,344\n 500\n \n \n \n 9,568\n 5,276\n \n \n \n \n 14,844\n \n\nThe total number despatched and received in 1889 was 13,173. The heaviest outward mail was despatched at Christmas and consisted of 510 parcels, whilst the heaviest inward mail was the New Year Mail by which 772 parcels were received.\n\n(Translation.)\n\nFRENCH REPUBLIC, PARIS, 5th February, 1890.\n\nSir,\n\nThis Administration has just learned that the Colonial Authorities of Hongkong, in the name of your office, have recently taken fresh steps to secure the admission on board the packet boats of the Messageries Maritimes of a British Agent who would start from Singapore and sort correspondence intended for Hongkong.\n\nIn its great desire to contribute as much as lay in its power to the improvement of the Postal Service of Hongkong, this Administration had actually taken the scheme into consideration, notwithstanding the very serious inconveniences which might result to the French Service from its adoption.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-249 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [1-5].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 348459, "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": "CO129-254 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1892 [1-4]", "page_number": 192, "title": "CO129-254 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1892 [1-4]", "content_text": "# INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS.\n\n50. The work of this branch is regulated by Ordinance 15 of 1889, the Amending Ordinance passed during the present Session, and Ordinance No. 4 of 1888.\n\n51. During the past year plans for 22 European houses, 149 Chinese houses, and 64 for miscellaneous structures have been deposited, also 142 plans for alterations to existing buildings, making in all 377 under Section 69 of the above mentioned Ordinance.\n\n52. One hundred and fifty-five (155) buildings have been certified under Section 53 of Ordinance 15 of 1889.\n\n53. Permission has been given to erect fifty-two (52) Verandahs and three (3) Piers over Crown Land.\n\n54. Notices have been issued to remove or repair dangerous structures in one hundred and seventeen (117) instances and to remove verandah enclosures in one hundred and eighteen (118).\n\n55. One thousand and forty-five (1,045) miscellaneous notices and permits for the erection of scaffolding, opening roads, &c., &c. have been issued.\n\n56. Fifty-five (55) permits have been issued for the erection and repair of monuments and enclosures in the Colonial Cemetery. The fees received amount to $302.33.\n\n57. The above returns compared with those for the year 1890 shew an increased activity in building operations.\n\n58. All plans deposited have been numbered and the registers are complete up to date.\n\n## EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC WORKS.\n\n59. The Central Market. -The construction of the foundations for the New Central Market was completed in August last and the contractor has been allowed to proceed with the superstructure to the level of the plinth.\n\n60. I regret to say that owing to the various opinions expressed respecting the design of the superstructure no design was definitely settled on till late in the year.\n\n61. Since September last the completion of the necessary details for the carrying out of this work have received my careful attention, and I trust that active operations for the completion of the superstructure will be commenced shortly and that before another year passes more satisfactory progress will have been made with this important building.\n\n62. Gap Rock Lighthouse-Good progress has been made with the construction of the lighthouse on the Gap Rock situated in the China Sea at a distance of 30 miles from Hongkong.\n\n63. The buildings consisting of Tower, European and Chinese Quarters, and house for condensing apparatus have been completed with the exception of stair railings, a small portion of joiner's and painter's work and special fittings for oil tank.\n\n64. The lantern which will contain a revolving light of the first order has been erected and the erection of the revolving apparatus and lamp is in hand. The level of the focal plane of the light above mean sea level is 140 feet and in clear weather will be visible at a distance of about 20 miles. The lantern and light apparatus were obtained from Messrs. CHANCE BROTHERS of Birmingham.\n\n65. The apparatus for condensing sea water is in progress and now very nearly complete.\n\n66. The steam tender `Fame` has made 153 trips conveying workmen to and from the rock with provisions, water and materials for their use. The `Fame` has proved most suitable for the work and has been maintained in good order.\n\n67. Reclamation in front of Marine Lots 240 to 246 Kennedytown. -A Contract dated 26th November, 1887, was entered into with Mr. TSANG KENG for the construction of the Praya Wall (1,410 lineal feet in length) including foundation, raising the level of the reclaimed ground, and the construction of storm water drains and other works necessary for the completion of this reclamation except roads.\n\n68. Prior to the commencement of 1891 the rubble foundations had been completed, 127,000 cubic yards of earth filling and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete deposited and 70,000 cubic feet of masonry set.\n\n69. During the present year 81,000 cubic yards of filling and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete have been deposited and 13,362 cubic feet of masonry set.\n\n70. Owing to the continuation of the settlement at the southern extremity this work has not yet been completed, but as the settlement now appears to have ceased the remaining portion of the wall will be proceeded with and should shortly be completed.\n\n71. Training Albany Nullah and Branches.-The work of training the Albany Nullah and branches has progressed considerably and is now nearly completed.\n\n72. The Albany Nullah 15 feet by 9 feet was completed in September last and Branch Nullah No. 1-3 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 6 inches-in August last.\n\n73. Nearly the whole of the excavation for the training of branch nullah No. 2-3 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 6 inches-is completed and about 313 lineal yards of the masonry work have been constructed.\n\n74. The walls and invert of the Albany Nullah are of masonry backed with concrete.\n\n75. The walls of the branch nullahs are of similar construction and the inverts are formed of concrete.\n\n76. A substantial stone bridge 15 feet 6 inches in width with ornamental stone parapets has been constructed over the Albany Nullah for the purpose of carrying the Kennedy Road. This bridge replaces the wooden structure destroyed by the storm in 1889.\n\n77. New Roads and Preparatory Work Kennedy Road Sites.-A contract was entered into with Mr TSANG KENG in October, 1890, for the construction of the MacDonnell Road contouring the hill side between the Kennedy and Bowen Roads.\n\n78. This road is 586 lineal yards in length and 20 feet in width situated at a level of 272 feet above sea level and is carried over the Albany Nullah by a substantial stone bridge and the Hongkong High Level Tramway by an iron arch bridge.\n\n79. Most of the excavation and embankment necessary for the construction of MacDonnell Road has been completed.\n\n80. The bridge over the Albany Nullah with the exception of the iron railings was completed in November last.\n\n81. The abutments and wing walls of the bridge over the tram line are completed and the iron work is nearly ready for erection.\n\n82. Re-construction of Praya Bridge over Bowrington Canal.-The necessary wrought-iron girders for the reconstruction of this bridge having been obtained from England, a contract was entered into with Messrs. CHAN A TONG & Co. for their erection and for the masonry work required; and with Messrs. FENWICK & Co. for the construction of cast and wrought-iron railings in November last.\n\n83. This bridge is 19 feet wide and has three spans of 29 feet 6 inches.\n\n84. On examination it was found that the foundations of the piers and abutments of the old bridge had been considerably undermined. These have now been protected with sheet piling and a concrete apron laid.\n\n85. The tops of the piers have been levelled ready to receive the girders.\n\n86. Satisfactory progress has been made by Messrs. FENWICK & Co. with the iron railings.\n\n87. Improvements Recreation Ground Happy Valley. A contract was entered into with Mr. Foo SIK in July, 1890, for raising the area known as the \"pond\" about 44 acres in extent to the same level as the remaining portion of the ground was raised to in 1888. This work was completed in April last.\n\n88. In April last a contract was entered into with Mr. TSANG SAM for the sub-soil drainage, including the laying of about 2,000 lineal yards of drains, and for turfing this area. This work was completed in October last.\n\n89. The total area available for recreation is now upwards of 27 acres.\n\n90. Cattle Depôt Extension.-An agreement for the preparation of the site for the extension of the Cattle Depôt at Kennedytown was entered into with Mr. TSANG KENG in July last. This work was completed in October last and a further contract was entered into with Mr. CHEUNG NAM for the erection of the building. The amount of this contract is $6,035 and the time for completion is May next.\n\n91. Slaughter House, Sheep and Pig Depôt.-The preparation of the site was commenced in October, 1890, the contract having been secured by Mr. TSANG KENG.\n\n92. 31,000 cubic yards of excavation and 4,500 cubic yards of masonry and concrete work in retaining walls have been completed, and the site will shortly be ready for the commencement of the buildings, the specifications and detail drawings for which are now being prepared.\n\n93. The area of the site is 92,430 square feet.\n\n94. Slaughter House, Kowloon.-This building which is situated about 1 mile from the village of Hung Hom and near the rifle ranges is being erected by Mr. TSANG KENG under contract (4). The amount of which is $5,750 and the time for completion February next.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-254 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1892 [1-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 354270, "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": "CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8]", "page_number": 4, "title": "CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8]", "content_text": "Deep Date\n\nho.\n\ntob\n\nHong Kong\n\n1894. Volume D.\n\nContents.\n\nSubject.\n\n1\n\nMo 4 May Memorial from Opium Farmers agst Opium Orda.\n\nConf. 14\n\nSel.2 #16318\n\n11175 Praya Reclamation Fund: Public Works letrady.\n\nReturn and resumption of Administration\n\nBubonic Plague\n\n112\n\n115 my\n\n118 19 Tel. 21\n\n119\n\n121 23\n\n122\n\nOutbreak of Bubonic Plague\n\nHigh Level Tramway : Tests of Machinery 10.\n\nReport on Accounts of Official Receiver in Bank- Opium Inertion.\n\nReorganisation of Water Police\n\nOutbreak of Bubonic Plague\n\n11\n\nLamptry.\n\n123 24\n\n4\n\nSuppression of Riots\n\n125 26\n\n126 Tel 28\n\n127\n\n128 79 129\n\n(Vladivostock\n\nChinese Passenger traffic between Chefoo and\n\nOutbreak of Bubonic Plague\n\nReport on plague at Pakhoi\n\nOutbreak of Bubonic Plague\n\nSel June Plague: Employment of convicts in cleansing, etc.\n\nAppt. of Col. Secretary\n\n131 2\n\n132 Tel\n\n133 5\n\n134\n\nOutbreak of Bubonic Plague\n\nIssue of notes by National Bank of China\n\nPetition for amendment of Constitution\n\nIssue of notes by National Bank of China\n\nPage", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 354350, "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": "CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8]", "page_number": 84, "title": "CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8]", "content_text": "81\n\nDESPATCH.\n\nL (1211)-15262-3000-5-91\n\nernor.\n\nNo.\n\nDate.\n\n1894\n\n18 May\n\nTrong trong No. 10930\n\n(Subject.)\n\nC.O.\n\n10930 RECEV.\n\nREG 25 JUN 04.\n\nHigh Level Tramway\n\nSends conts\n\nk.c\n\nand requests that\n\nst previous Paper.\n\nopinion of Bd. of trade may be obtained as to\n\nfoot.\n\ntexts\n\nof the\n\ncar\n\nbaker cable.\n\n\"\n\nannual Ms 7 A looper (on leave) may be of service\n\n(Minutes.)\n\nCopy of despatch & original enclosures to the Board of Trade, adding that Mr Cooper, when he next comes to London, will be instructed to call at the Board.\n\nTo be (or by suals) B. I con do\n\n325 pers. note to B of T\n\naxt subsequent Paper\n\nBofy\n\n4875\n\nthe\n\nGraft\n\n1) have\n\nto him)\n\nof Trade? C.P.L 28 June\n\n'at once\n\nwritten", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 354354, "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": "CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8]", "page_number": 88, "title": "CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8]", "content_text": "85\n\nthe utility of the annual Government tests of the car brakes, cable and other material of the High Level Tramway,\n\nand that it has been considered advisable to obtain the opinion of the Board of Trade in regard to the matter.\n\nI enclose for the information of the Board of Trade copies of letters on the subject from the managers of the Tramway with minutes thereon by Mr Chatham, Acting Director of Public Works and Mr Bowdler, Special Engineer on the Tramway Reclamation.\n\nAs Mr. F. A. Cooper, Director of Public Works is at present in England on leave of absence and cannot give the fullest particulars, I have to suggest that he be instructed to place himself in communication with the Board in regard to this subject.\n\nI have the honour to be, My Lord Marquess, Your Lordship's Most obedient Humble Servant,\n\nWilliam Robinson\n\nConcl.! 5th March 1894.\n\nEncl. I, 31st March, 13th April 1894.\n\nEncl. II, 8th April, 1894.\n\nOne enclosure dated 34 (likely a date or reference, but as per the original text)\n\nshould be \n\nEncl. It 31st March 13th April 1894. -> \n Encl. II 8th April, 1894. and One sulf-er 34 \n\nbecomes \n\n Encl. It 31st March, 13th April 1894. \n J nolone rector \n Encl. II. 8th April, 1894. \n One sulf-er 34 \n\nHowever, to follow the exact instruction for output format using HTML and to correct minor issues:\n\n85\n\nthe utility of the annual Government tests of the car brakes, cable and other material of the High Level Tramway,\n\nand that it has been considered advisable to obtain the opinion of the Board of Trade in regard to the matter.\n\nI enclose for the information of the Board of Trade copies of letters on the subject from the managers of the Tramway with minutes thereon by Mr Chatham, Acting Director of Public Works and Mr Bowdler, Special Engineer on the Tramway Reclamation.\n\nAs Mr. F. A. Cooper, Director of Public Works is at present in England on leave of absence and cannot give the fullest particulars, I have to suggest that he be instructed to place himself in communication with the Board in regard to this subject.\n\nI have the honour to be, My Lord Marquess, Your Lordship's Most obedient Humble Servant,\n\nWilliam Robinson\n\nConcl.! 5th March 1894.\n\nEncl. I, 31st March, 13th April 1894.\n\nJ nolone rector\n\nEncl. II, 8th April, 1894.\n\nOne sulf-er 34", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 355725, "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": "CO129-265 - Public Offices & Others - 1894", "page_number": 2, "title": "CO129-265 - Public Offices & Others - 1894", "content_text": "# Contents.\n\n| Date | Subject | Office |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 19 May | Chinese Passenger Traffic | Board of Trade |\n| 22 Aug. | High Level Tramway Testing of Machinery etc. | |\n| 13 Feb. | Brothel Regulations in Burmah | India Office |\n| 21 \" | | |\n| 22 Mar. | | |\n| 30 Apr. | Proposed British Dollar | \" |\n| 4 \" | | \" |\n| 6 June | Brothel Regulations in Burmah | |\n| 2 Aug. | Rifles taken to India by Sepoys | |\n| 5 Sept. | Brothel Regulations in Burmah | |\n| | Arms taken to India by Sepoys | |\n| 12 Nov. | | Law Officers |\n| 25 Aug. | Admiralty Court Fees | Treasury |\n| 5 June | Supply of Subsidiary Silver Coins | |\n| 26 July | Military Contribution, 1894 | |\n| 6 Nov. | New Barracks | |\n| 19 Oct. | | |\n| 12 Dec | | |\n| 28 \" | | Dent (China) |\n| | Note on National Bank of China | |\n| | Apportionment of cost of Bassantes | Porto |\n| 18 Jan. | Proposed Chinese Post Offices at Frenty | Foreign Office |\n| 13 \" | Claim of Hisamuddin Punwelker | |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-265 - Public Offices & Others - 1894.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 366018, "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": 353, "title": "CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3]", "content_text": "## TABLE B.—RETURN OF FORMAL ENQUIRIES DURING THE YEAR 1897.—Continued.\n\n| FINDING | Europeans | Chinese | Total |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Brought forward | | | |\n| Death occasioned by the falling of the buildings 248 and 250, Queen's Road West, through the collapse of the party wall, occasioning death by asphyxia in the case of Un Ming and death by shock through injuries received in the case of Lai Tai Sin, there being no sufficient evidence to show what was the immediate cause of the collapse of the party wall | | | |\n| Death occurred from injuries received from an accidental explosion | | | |\n| Death resulted from a bullet wound self-inflicted consequent upon mental distress in connection with money difficulties into which he had fallen with the Hongkong High-Level Tramway Co., Ltd., of which he had been the Superintendent since 1892 | | | |\n| Death resulting from injuries received through the collapse of the party wall dividing Houses 92 and 94, Hollywood Road | | | |\n| Death resulting from the effects of a fall from the verandah of the Second floor of Wellington Barracks over which the deceased jumped while in an unsound state of mind | | | |\n| Drowned by deceased's boat being run down by the Danish S.S. Pindor. Accident due to Deceased having put her helm down instead of up and so attempted to re-cross the bows of the steamer | | | |\n| Found drowned | | | |\n| Murdered by some person or persons unknown | | | |\n| Suicide by cutting her throat whilst temporarily insane | | | |\n| Suicide by drowning whilst temporarily insane | | | |\n| Suicide by hanging | | | |\n| Suicide by hanging whilst of unsound mind | | | |\n| Suicide by shooting through the head whilst in a state of mental aberration | | | |\n| That deceased came to his death by the collapse of No. 35, East Street due to the shore having given way | | | |\n| The Magistrate finds that the death of the deceased was occasioned by injuries received from a fall while engaged in working a piece of machinery on board H.M.S. Undaunted over the side of the ship, and that the fall was occasioned by the use of an old or worn out strand which gave in the hands of the deceased as he pulled at it | | | |\n| Total | 1 | 346 | |\n| Men | | Men. Women. Boys. Girls. | 24 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 50 |\n| Europeans | 1 | | | | | | |\n| | | | | | | | |\n\nPage 363\n\n## Enclosure 3.\n\n### HONGKONG, No. 29 M98\n\n**REPORT ON THE WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND FOR THE YEAR 1897.**\n\nLaid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.\n\nHONGKONG, 25th January, 1898.\n\nSIR,—We have the honour to submit the following Report on the Widows' and Orphans' Fund For 1897.\n\nA Statement of Accounts of the Fund to 31st December, 1897, is appended.\n\nOn that date, the Funds were disposed of as follows:—\n| Account | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| On Fixed Deposit, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank | $43,000.00 |\n| Current Account | $41.11 |\n| Total | $43,041.11 |\n\nThe average monthly contributions amount now to about $730.\n\nDuring the period under review, 45 officers joined the Fund and 25 contributors left. There are at present 192 contributors on the books; of whom 76 are bachelors, 111 are married, and 5 are widowers.\n\nThere are 216 children on the books.\n\nThe average age of the three classes of contributors is as follows:— Bachelors, about 28 years. Married men, about 32 years. Widowers, a fraction under 37 years, 52 years and 4 months.\n\nThe number of pensioners, viz., 6, remains the same as in the previous year:—\n| Name | Pension per annum | Date |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Mrs. MOOSDEEN | $63.67 | 7th January, 1892 |\n| Mrs. BEAVIN | $14.45 | 3rd June, 1894 |\n| LEUNG CHE WAN | $30.09 | |\n| CHAN TAI | | 23rd January, 1896 |\n| Mrs. MOFFATT | $54.85 | 17th February, 1896 |\n| Mrs. MOORE | $163.10 | 14th June, 1896 |\n| 5 children of the late S. MOORE | $119.93 | 22nd July, 1896 |\n\nWe have the honour to be,\nSir,\nYour obedient Servants,\n\nT. SERCOMBE SMITH,\nChairman.\n\nA. W. BREWIN,\nF. MACHADO,\nFRANCIS W. CLARKE,\nJ. G. DA ROCHA,\nDirectors.\n\nThe Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,\nColonial Secretary,\n&c., &c., &c.\n\n### TABLE C—RETURN OF BURIALS WITHOUT FORMAL ENQUIRIES DURING THE YEAR 1897.\n\n| Reason why no Formal Enquiry was held | Europeans and Americans | Chinese | Indians and Malays | Japanese | Sex not ascertainable | Total |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| | Men. Women. Boys. | Men. Women. Boys. Girls. | Men. Women. Boys. | Men. Women. | Man. | |\n| Found on Land | | | | | | |\n| Found in Harbour | | | | | | |\n| No suspicious circumstances | 2 | 102 | 19 | | | |\n| No evidence and/or decomposed state of body | | 5 | 41 | 33 | | |\n| Post Mortem satisfactory | | 17 | 1 | 2 | | |\n| Suspected persons were tried for the murder of deceased | | | | | | |\n| Suspected persons were tried for causing the death of deceased | | 4 | 3 | 2 | | |\n| Total | 2 | 128 | 27 | 212 | 208 | 602 |\n| | | | | | | 93 | 351 | 23 | 20 | (13) | 24 |\n\nH. E. WODEHOUSE,\nPolice Magistrate,\nMagistracy, Hongkong, 28th January, 1898.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 368789, "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": "CO129-286 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black Governor Sir Blake & Public Offices - 1898 [11-12]", "page_number": 610, "title": "CO129-286 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black Governor Sir Blake & Public Offices - 1898 [11-12]", "content_text": "633 \n-592 \n\nproportion of the house property in the Colony, the Marquess of Lansdowne considers that, while no increase of the rates is at present necessary for Officers, and others in lodging at Kowloon and on the lower level in Hong Kong, a case has been made out for an increase for officers in lodgings on the higher level at the Peak, where rents have doubled since 1883.\n\n(4) Owing to the increase of the European population, and to the occupation by the better class of Chinese of houses in Victoria, formerly let to Europeans, senior officers especially are being more and more compelled, in the search for suitable and sanitary accommodation, to hire houses at the Peak, where the rents are much higher than in the densely crowded lower levels, hemmed in by Chinese. The total annual rent of unfurnished accommodation hired by officers at the Peak is £1,017 as against the total annual amount of lodging money of £576, and there are further heavy expenses for tramway fares and stabling accommodation.\n\nBesides this, the officers do not in some cases have, even for the high rent paid, the number of rooms to which they would be entitled if in barracks.\n\nIn addition, there are five officers in furnished accommodation at the Peak who are not included, as their rents do not form a fair basis of comparison.\n\n(5) Lord Lansdowne, therefore, proposes to have two rates of lodging money for Hong Kong, as is now the case for Malta. The present rates to be retained for Kowloon and the lower level in Hong Kong and 50 per cent to be added to these rates for officers living on the higher level at the Peak, except that no increase is necessary for Class 13.\n\n### (c) \nThe increased annual expenditure involved in this proposal is estimated at about £450.\n\n(7) A certain proportion of the Officers in Hong Kong must necessarily reside on the lower level in order to be near their men in the case of Regimental Officers, and their duties in the case of Departmental Officers. It may well be left to the General Officer Commanding to decide which officers should be allowed to live on the Peak, but it is not likely that more than one or two in addition to the present numbers could reside at a distance from their duties. The Officers stationed at Kowloon must necessarily reside on the spot.\n\n(8) The Marquess of Lansdowne therefore hopes that their Lordships may be pleased to sanction the proposed increase with effect from the 1st April last, to be met out of Army Vote 7, and would be glad of an early decision.\n\nI have the honour to be, \nSir, \nYour obedient Servant, \n(Sd) Frank T. Marzials.\n\n(6)", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-286 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black Governor Sir Blake & Public Offices - 1898 [11-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 382340, "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": "CO129-307 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [10-12]", "page_number": 323, "title": "CO129-307 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [10-12]", "content_text": "# LIST OF HONGKONG SHARES.\n\n320\n\n \n Paid up Capital.\n Accumulated Funds.\n Market Value.\n Paid up.\n \n \n Forward..\n \n \n £3565900\n £2973316\n \n \n \n \n Ye Estate & Finance Co.Ltd.\n 100000\n 13827\n £1.8/- £1.4\n \n \n Provident Loan & Mort. Co.Ltd.\n 100000\n 3567\n 19/6 1,\n \n \n Do. 6% Debs.\n 1720\n \n 10. 10.\n \n \n Cotton Spinning Co. Ltd.\n 90000\n \n 1.2/- 10.\n \n \n land Cement Co.Ltd.\n 100000\n 32924\n 2.8/- 1.\n \n \n Tnso Co. Ltd.\n 11250\n 3142\n 3.16/- 1.104\n \n \n on & Co. Ltd. Limited.\n 60000\n 27869\n 1.12/- 1.\n \n \n \n 10000\n 1354\n 1.1/6 1.\n \n \n Electric Co. Ltd.\n 45000\n 103\n 1.4/6 1.\n \n \n & China Gas Co. Ltd.\n 70000\n 21727\n 14. 10.\n \n \n Rope Manufacturing Co.Ltd.\n 50000\n 3271\n 17.5/- 5.\n \n \n Fenwick & Co. Ltd.\n 15000\n 5870\n 5.10/- 2.10-\n \n \n lee Co. Ltd.\n 12500\n 450\n 18.2/- 2.10-!\n \n \n High Level Tramway Co. Ltd.\n 12500\n 1811\n 27.10/- 10.\n \n \n TE Co. Ltd.\n 6000\n 808\n 16/- 12/J\n \n \n & China Bakery Co. Ltd.\n 3000\n 78\n 5. 5.\n \n \n 1 Moore & Co. Ltd.\n 1200\n 302\n 2. 1.\n \n \n Asbestos Eastern Agency Ltd.\n 8559\n 135\n 2/3 1.\n \n \n Asbestos Oriental Agency Ltd.\n 4060\n 258\n 1.10/- 8/-\n \n \n al Trading Company.\n 100000\n \n 1.19/- 2.\n \n \n Forward..\n \n \n £4,366,689\n £3,090,812", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-307 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 386138, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12]", "page_number": 218, "title": "CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12]", "content_text": "of a much easier and less costly character than that connected with the reclamation.\n\nNow in progress. If my calculations are correct, this project, if carried out, will do for the Eastern portion of the Colony all and more than all that the Sanitary Board hoped to be able to accomplish, if their proposals for a Sanitary Trust had met with the approval of the Government.\n\n## Reclamation\n\nI propose that the reclamation of the foreshore of the Wanchai district from Arsenal Street to the East Point Refinery should be undertaken and carried out at the expense of the Marine Lot Holders on the same terms as those on which the present reclamation is being carried out, and under a similar, but slightly amended, Ordinance. This reclamation will involve the construction of a sea-wall 5,180 feet in length, starting from the Eastern extremity of the proposed extension of the Naval Yard and Arsenal, and continuous with the outer face of such extension, following on an easy curve the line of the Eastern Praya at a distance from it of about 145 feet and terminating at the Western extremity of the East Point Sugar Refinery premises, and in line with its northern face. It is calculated that the seawall will give an average depth of 16 feet at low water spring tides along its entire face. The land to be reclaimed within the new sea-wall will be laid out as follows:\n\nThe present Praya will be widened to 65 feet; a strip of building land 120 feet in width, specially designed to take two rows of Chinese houses, four stories in height, not exceeding 60 feet in extreme depth and having 15 feet backyards, will be laid out next to the old Praya along the entire length of the reclamation. Outside of that will come a thoroughfare 75 feet wide, beyond that another strip of building land 150 feet wide to allow of the construction of godowns, and then the New Praya, 75 feet wide. Ten streets, 50 feet in width, will traverse the reclamation from the Old to the New Praya. Plan herewith.\n\nFor the purpose of filling in the land to be reclaimed from the sea, the hills on which the Royal Naval Hospital and Morrison Hill houses stand—Inland Lots 84 and 86—will have to be acquired from their owners (acquisitions which can, I believe, be easily obtained on favourable terms hereinafter detailed), and cut down to the level of Queen's Road by the Eastern Market. This cutting down will not only supply all the stone and earth required for the sea-wall and reclamation, but will give the Colony an additional area of level ground of 1,562,100 square feet, or 35.85 acres, and will open out the whole of the Wanchai district, now shut in on the east, to the easterly and south-easterly winds; a further benefit will be conferred on the Colony by the leveling of the roads leading from the City to the Happy Valley.\n\nThe plan sent herewith shows clearly the area proposed to be leveled both north and south of the Queen's Road and also the method in which the new ground is proposed to be laid out. The project includes the widening of the Queen's Road to a breadth of 75 feet from the Eastern Market to the Race Course and Causeway Bay (an immense benefit in itself) and the piercing of the district by 6 other streets, each 50 feet wide, and running parallel to the Queen's Road and 3 at right angles to it, dividing the land into blocks of such size and shape that only the approved style of Chinese houses can be built on them.\n\nThe land to be dealt with by this portion of my scheme covers, as already stated, 1,562,100 square feet, or 35.85 acres. Of this, Inland Lot 84, Morrison Hill, the property of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., includes 790,614 square feet, or 18.15 acres. Inland Lot 86, the property of the Admiralty, covers 203,014 square feet, or 4.66 acres, and the balance 568,472 square feet, or 13.04 acres is still undisposed of, and is the property of the Government, but is, in its present state, unsaleable.\n\n| Description | Square Feet | Acres |\n|----------------------|-------------|-------|\n| Inland Lot 84 | 790,614 | 18.15 |\n| Inland Lot 86 | 203,014 | 4.66 |\n| Balance | 568,472 | 13.04 |\n\nI believe that I will have no difficulty in arranging, if authorized to do so, with Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. for the surrender by them of the whole of their land on condition that they receive back on the same terms, and at the same rent as at present, about 521,800 square feet of building land, or 11.98 acres, out of the improved area.\n\nAs to the Royal Naval Hospital ground, the acquisition of this involves rather more difficulty and entails a considerable expenditure by the Colonial Government in the first instance—an expenditure, however, to be fully recouped in the end, without interfering with the estimated profit to the Government already referred to.\n\nThe Naval Authorities want a new and improved hospital with more accommodation. They would prefer a site more directly accessible from the water, and farther removed from the Chinese quarter of the City. Flagstaff Hill at Kowloon, now the property of the War Department, would afford ample space for a hospital double the size of the present building, with extensive grounds, the purest air, the freshest breezes at all seasons, and easy accessibility. I estimate that a suitable hospital could be constructed on Flagstaff Hill with every possible convenience for $200,000. This money the Colonial Treasury would have to provide in the first instance, but it could easily be procured locally at 5 per cent. if the Government so wished. As for the ground, the Military have no use for it, and they would gladly exchange it for an equal area more towards the centre of Kowloon. This would entail the resumption of certain lands there which there would be no difficulty in acquiring as the power of the Crown to resume is clear, and the cost would, I think, not exceed $200,000 if resumption was effected at once.\n\nThe total cost of the improvements proposed to be effected is estimated (not including the cost of the new Naval Hospital) at $1,100,000, which is made up as follows:\n\n| Item | Cost |\n|---------------------------------------|------------|\n| Pierre Perdu Sea-wall | $83,650 |\n| Filling in, including Cutting down, Leveling and Laying out of Morrison Hill and Naval Hospital hill | $247,000 |\n| Sewers | $441,200 |\n| Carrying out Channelling of Streets, etc. | $149,000 |\n| Contingencies 5% | $49,500 |\n| | **$1,047,880** |\n| Say | $1,100,000 |\n\nAll these items are worked out at the present high rates of labour and material.\n\nThe whole of this will be borne by the existing Marine Lot holders in the Wanchai district, who will receive an augmentation to their holdings of 1,492,080 square feet divided rateably among them in proportion to their frontages, the Government, in respect of No. 2 Police Station, being numbered amongst the Marine Lot holders and receiving 71,400 square feet of the above. The cost works out at about 70 cents per square foot of available building land reclaimed.\n\nIn addition to the building land added to the Colony by the reclamation, which is calculated to afford accommodation for 1,331 four-storied houses, there will, by the cutting down of Morrison and Naval Hospital Hills and the hills adjoining on the south, as shown in the plan, be added to the available building land in the Colony, leveled and ready for building 994,700 square feet, or 22.83 acres, affording accommodation for 1,082 three-storied houses. Of this, 521,000 square feet, or 11.98 acres, will go to Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. in compensation for the land surrendered by them; 472,900 square feet, or 10.85 acres, will be handed over to the Government free of all cost.\n\nThe Colony will, in addition to the building land thus added to its resources, have acquired, if the scheme is carried out, new streets, etc. covering an area of 1,740,600 square feet, or 39.95 acres, of which two-thirds, or 26.93 acres, will be included in the reclamation.\n\nThe value of the land thus placed at the disposal of the Government is estimated at $1,137,050, namely:\n\n| Lot Description | Square Feet | Rate | Value |\n|----------------------------------------|-------------|--------|---------|\n| Front Lot opposite No. 2 Police Station | 23,500 | $2.00 | $47,000 |\n| Back Lot opposite No. 2 Police Station | 69,000 | $2.00 | $138,000 |\n| Naval Hill Lot | 45,000 | $2.50 | $112,500 |\n| Begal Naval Hill Lot | 472,000 | $2.00 | $944,000 |\n| | | Total | $1,241,500 |\n\nFrom which must be deducted cost:\n\n| Item | Cost |\n|-----------------------------------------|----------|\n| New Royal Naval Hospital | $200,000 |\n| New Site for Military | $200,000 |\n| Compensation to Leaseholders for Resumption | $100,000 |\n| | $500,000 |\n\nBalance in favour of Government $687,050 ($1,187,000 - $500,000).\n\nThe Annual Crown Rents for the new building areas are estimated as follows:\n\n| Area Description | Acres | Rate per Acre | Annual Rent |\n|-------------------|-------|---------------|-------------|\n| Praya East | 54.35 | $350 | $19,022.50 |\n| Royal Naval | 11.10 | $600 | $6,660 |\n| | | | **$25,682.50** |\n\nThe annual rateable value of the houses when built is estimated at $1,158,240, and is made up as follows:\n\n2,413 Houses at $40 per House—a Gross Annual Rental of $96,520; Rateable Value @ 13% = $12,547.60 (for 1,082 houses) and for 1,331 houses $159,571.\n\nThe Government would, therefore, not only have ground to dispose of, of the value of $687,050, but would have an annual revenue of $184,481, which, capitalized at 5%, would amount to $3,689,620.\n\nI respectfully submit this scheme for the approval of the Government and of the Secretary of State.\n\nThe proposals have been carefully thought out, and the calculations are fairly accurate. Our experience with the Praya Reclamation Scheme now in process of execution enables me to judge with certainty as to the character of the work to be done, the cost to be incurred, and the time to be taken, and also as to the benefits to the Colony from the works proposed.\n\nThe Wanchai district will be laid open to ventilation and improvement in a way in which it could not possibly be dealt with before. The removal of the two hills to the Eastward will add immensely to the area of the district, and to the easy accessibility of the districts to the east of it. The reclamation will add further to its area. The proposed new roads and Praya will facilitate the erection of healthful buildings and the improved sanitation of the neighbourhood. The erection of all new houses will be brought under the strictest sanitary rules. This will compel landlords to improve and rebuild in the area now under occupation. An immense addition will be made to the area of the district, and to the income to be derived from it by the Colony at a minimum of expense, and with a minimum of disturbance of existing interests.\n\nBut—and I beg most respectfully to call attention to it—if the benefits indicated are to be derived from this project, it must be proceeded with at once, and vigorously. It must be finished within five years, and with proper measures, it can be done easily in that time.\n\nIt is a much simpler undertaking than the Western Reclamation, but if it is to draw the population from the central part of the City, and ease the pressure of population there, it must be accompanied by some intelligent scheme of tramway communication between the heart and the extremities of the City, which will be cheap and attractive.\n\nOf all things, speed is the most important; otherwise, the steady increase in the population of the Colony will overtake the provision to be made for their accommodation.\n\nPage 214", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 390253, "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": "CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11]", "page_number": 528, "title": "CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11]", "content_text": "## \n521 \n\nThe value of the ground is small, as it could not be sold for building purposes. The route lies through a portion of the Public Gardens, but it is not anticipated that the Gardens will be injured thereby to any appreciable extent.\n\n### 3.\n\nI understand that the tramway will be worked on the same system as the present high-level tramway, but no details of its working have as yet been laid before me. It will, I believe, fill a want which the existing tramway does not satisfy; as the numerous new houses now existing in the neighbourhood of the proposed route are badly situated with respect to the existing line, which is not used by their occupiers to any considerable extent. It will also be a great advantage to the general public to have the lower terminus situated on the level of Queen's Road. For these reasons, and in view of the great development of the Peak as a residential quarter and the consequent congested state of traffic on the present tramway, I am strongly in favour of permission being given for the construction of the new line.\n\n### 4\n\nMr. Findlay Smith has already signified his willingness to accept the terms referred to in paragraph 2, and has requested permission to instruct Counsel to prepare the Draft Bill which it will be necessary to introduce into Legislative Council when I have been informed of your approval of the scheme. I should therefore be glad to be informed by telegraph whether you are prepared to sanction the introduction of such a Bill, embodying the conditions outlined in this Despatch, and generally making provision for the proper construction,", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429858, "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": "CO129-374 - Public Offices & Others - 1910", "page_number": 50, "title": "CO129-374 - Public Offices & Others - 1910", "content_text": "47\n\nwith economical problems of the greatest import, problems which are likely to affect seriously the welfare of the Colony.\n\nB\n\nOne has only to take into consideration the War department Reservations, the Waterworks limitations, and the distance from the business part of the Town and from the Tramway station of the plots at present still available on the upper and middle levels, and the defective communications between Kowloon and Victoria, to see that the above is no exaggeration. The new High Level Tramway will only benefit existing localities which have been fully built over, and is not likely to open up any new building areas, because when the Tramway leaves the Albany and Queen's Gardens district, the building possibilities are brought to an end by the precipitous conformation of the land, through which the line passes to the Peak.\n\nIt is a matter of common knowledge that the rents obtaining in Hongkong are out of all proportion to the accommodation offered, and that they are far above the rents paid in other colonies for far superior accommodation, and also that houses available in and around Victoria have proved every year insufficient to the needs of the ever-increasing population, as is instanced by the fact that numerous families are permanent boarders at the different Hotels and Boarding Houses at Victoria. It follows that the dearth of suitable houses is severely felt by all members of the communities alike, and whilst only a few can afford to pay the exorbitant rents charged for the houses on the upper levels, a large portion of the community are compelled to live in other parts of the town, amidst objectionable neighbours where rents are not cheap, and from where, should the occasion present itself (an occasion which the projected railway and buildings would give), they would willingly remove.\n\nThe many causes which help to keep up the rents in the Colony are not in any way likely to disappear. On the contrary, rents in Victoria, in compliance with the uniform law of demand and supply, are bound to increase out of all proportion to all economical laws.\n\nOur client's scheme, if at first it would not reduce the rents, would doubtlessly strongly help to steady the present conditions of things by supplying a sufficient number of suitable residences at moderate rents, and the scheme would ultimately relieve the tension and the congestion, and would bring things to a more normal level.\n\nAmong the Military contingent alone, it would not be difficult to find numerous families willing to rent suitable houses, if they could be found, while amongst the commercial community, many would be willing to remove to more salubrious and sanitary localities, and to better-built houses in better neighbourhoods with more congenial surroundings than those in which they are now compelled to reside for want of anything better. It is an undeniable fact that so long as the interests of the community are centred in the City of Victoria and there is no prospect whatever that the business portion of the Town will ever shift across the harbour, the majority of people whose interests are closely connected with the business, trade, and commerce of the Colony will be compelled to prefer a residence within convenient and easy reach of the City and their offices, and it is this compulsion which has helped to such an extent to overcrowd the building areas of the Island within a certain radius of the City of Victoria.\n\nOur client submits that all conveniently situated areas in Hongkong are already built upon to their utmost limits, and that a scheme should be welcome which will relieve the congestion in a manner that must not appeal only to your Government but also to private interests and to every individual member of the community.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-374 - Public Offices & Others - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439344, "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": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "page_number": 261, "title": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "content_text": "253\n\n248\n\nIn view of these facts I am of opinion that the quantity of Hongkong coin which would flow suddenly into the Colony if prohibition of Chinese coins were resorted to would not be large, and that the problem of rehabilitating the subsidiary coinage of this Colony is a much simpler one than it has hitherto been regarded.\n\n8.\n\nIt is even possible that it may be solved without prohibition by discrediting the Chinese coins. With this object in view I have on the suggestion of the Chief Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation persuaded the Low Level Tramway Company, the High Level Tramway Company, and the Star Ferry Company, who are the principal sufferers among European institutions from the discount on subsidiary coins, of which they receive large quantities daily in fares, to decline to accept Chinese coins.\n\nThis they have consented to do on my urgent representations that they should assist the Government in its efforts to restore the Hongkong coins to par.\n\ndosure 2.\n\n27707\n\nThe innovation was begun on Monday the 18th instant. Precautions were taken by the Police to deal with any attempts at resentment by the population at the refusal of Canton coins. No difficulty occurred and I am glad to say that other establishments are following the example of the 3 Companies mentioned. I enclose an extract from a local newspaper on the subject.\n\n9.\n\nThe moment is peculiarly opportune for this action and even for the more decided step of prohibition: for since I wrote my Despatch of the 2nd of August the Canton Government has prohibited the export of their silver coins nominally on the plea of their scarcity but in reality in order to force the use of their notes in the Province and in this Colony. They cannot therefore take exception to the action of this Government if it proceeded to co-operate with them by prohibiting the circulation of their coins in the Colony.\n\n10.\n\nI shall report further to you the effect of", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439515, "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": "CO129-394 - Governor Sir May & Public Offices - 1912 [12]", "page_number": 7, "title": "CO129-394 - Governor Sir May & Public Offices - 1912 [12]", "content_text": "the other two Companies will also discover that they have made a loss,\n\nAnd there may\n\nbe others in a similar position.\n\nI would telegraph that before\n\nli\n\nproposal your full information as to the basis\n\ncan be considered, he should\n\nin\n\nwhich he proposes to assess compensation, and also whether payment to the Law Level Company is likely to give rise to claims by others, and the probable amount.\n\n4.1.13\n\nThe probable amount, I understand, relates to the Low Level Company\n\nany\n\nBr over\n\nother possible claimants. I agree entirely with Sir J. Anderson.\n\nE5.1.13 *6-1-13\n\nAnd I\n\nwhat peris\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nSir,\n\n45 2048.\n\nC.O. 40743\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE.\n\nHONGKONG. 2nd December, 1912.\n\nWith reference to paragraph 8 of my Confidential Despatch of the 21st ultimo, I have the honour to inform you that a boycott of the Low Level Tramways Company's cars has been organised by the Chinese as a result of the refusal of the Company to receive in fares any money other than that which is legal tender in the Colony. This new regulation has worked smoothly in the case of the High Level Tramways and the Star Ferry Company and in the case of the Low Level Tramways it met with no opposition for the first few days. On the evening of the 24th ultimo, however, a disturbance described in the attached report from the Captain Superintendent of Police broke out near the works of the Taikoo Shipyard where a large number of Chinese are employed and the example set by these roughs has unfortunately spread to Victoria.\n\nThe receipts have fallen in consequence as shown in enclosure 2.\n\nOn the 27th ultimo I interviewed the members\n\nof the District Watchmen Committee, to which both the Chinese Members of the Legislative Council belong,\n\nand explained to them that the action of the Tramway Company was merely in exercise of their legal right to refuse what is not legal tender and that it therefore had the full support of the Government. The District Watchmen Committee expressed the opinion that the action of the Company, and of the Government in supporting it, was entirely reasonable. On the 29th and 30th ultimo the Registrar-General interviewed the members of the Californian Merchants Guild and the principal\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nLEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c..", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-394 - Governor Sir May & Public Offices - 1912 [12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 441994, "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": "CO129-399 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [1-2]", "page_number": 121, "title": "CO129-399 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [1-2]", "content_text": "# \n## Copy of despatch from Governor of Hongkong to Secretary of State for Colonies. Confidential.\n\n**GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 21st November, 1912.**\n\nSIR,\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your confidential despatch of the 20th of September on the subject of the subsidiary coinage of Hongkong.\n\n2. You asked for my advice as to what was to be done with the accumulation of subsidiary coins in the hands of the Government and I replied in my telegram of the 22nd of October that I recommended its sale as bullion. You approved this course and the coins that it was desired to sell have been shipped to England.\n\n3. My reasons for my recommendation are that in my view and in that of my advisers it would be a retrograde step to pass the coins again into circulation; while the loss of interest renders it costly to hold them. By passing them into circulation this Government would incur the liability of incurring again and again the loss in discount should the coins find their way back into the Treasury while the liability of eventual redemption would continue.\n\n4. The policy of this Government up to the time when you sanctioned passing again into circulation the subsidiary coin received into the Treasury as revenue, was to withdraw such coins from circulation and to put pressure on the Chinese Government to restrict their issues of small silver coins from the Canton Mint. Had this pressure been successfully applied it is not improbable that the discount on Hongkong and Canton small silver coins would by this time have disappeared.\n\nFailing success in its negotiations with the Chinese Government, this Government has never lost sight of the fact that prohibition of the circulation in the Colony of the Canton coins would be necessary. Without such prohibition it was obvious that in the face of continued issues of Chinese coins and their influx into the Colony the withdrawal of Hongkong coins would be a useless expense as you have described it.\n\n5. Negotiations with the Chinese Government have absolutely failed and there seems no immediate prospect of their taking steps for the reform of their currency. This Government is therefore forced to rely on its own measures to retrieve the difficult situation into which it has drifted through want of forethought in the past.\n\n6. The crux of the problem of rehabilitation is the uncertainty of the amount of Hongkong subsidiary coin put into circulation and still in existence. In my confidential despatch of the 27th of April, 1907,* I estimated the amount at $20,000,000. That was a mere guess. There are no ascertainable facts to base an estimate on. The best opinion now is that my estimate was far too high. With a view to gaining more accurate information I caused the Treasurer to issue to the local Banks and money-changers a Circular, copy enclosed, enquiring what amount of Hongkong subsidiary coin would be offered to Government within the next 2 months if it decided to buy up all the available subsidiary coin in the Colony.\n\n7. The result is that the European Banks offered $30,000 only at 5% discount. These banks hold a total of only $925,000 of which $850,000 is for sale at par only while $45,000 is kept for their own current use. None of the Chinese Banks or money-changers made any offer from which it is inferred that they hold no great stock, but carry on exchange business chiefly from the coins coming in or going out from day to day. In view of these facts I am of opinion that the quantity of Hongkong coin which would flow suddenly into the Colony if prohibition of Chinese coins were resorted to would not be large and that the problem of rehabilitating the subsidiary coinage of this Colony is a much simpler one than it has hitherto been regarded.\n\n* `No. 37 in printed correspondence 1908`.\n\n8. It is even possible that it may be solved without prohibition by discrediting the Chinese coins. With this object in view I have suggested to the Low Level Tramway's Company, the High Level Tramway's Company, and the Star Ferry Company, who are the principal sufferers among European institutions from the discount on subsidiary coins of which they receive large quantities daily in fares, to decline to accept Chinese coins. This they have consented to do on my urgent representations that they shall assist the Government in its efforts to restore the Hongkong coins to par. The innovation was begun on Monday the 18th instant. Precautions were taken by the Police to deal with any attempts at resentment by the population at the refusal of Canton coins. No difficulty occurred and I am glad to say that other establishments are following the example of the three companies mentioned. I enclose an extract from a local newspaper on the subject.\n\n9. The moment is peculiarly opportune for this action and even for the more decided step of prohibition for since I wrote my despatch of the 2nd of August the Canton Government has prohibited the export of their silver coins nominally on the plea of their scarcity but in reality in order to force the use of their notes in the Provinces and in this Colony. They cannot therefore take exception to the action of this Government if it proceeded to co-operate with them by prohibiting the circulation of their coins in the Colony.\n\n10. I shall report further to you the effect of the action taken. In the meantime I am not in favour of dealing with this difficult question in the manner described in the letter to the Treasury of the 13th January which formed an enclosure in your despatch `No. 43` under reply for the reasons indicated in paragraph 6 of that letter and because I think it is possible that a solution may be reached in a simpler manner.\n\n11. I have sent a copy of this despatch to H.M. Minister at Peking.\n\nThe Right Honourable \n**LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,** \n&c., &c., &c.\n\nI have, &c., \n**F. H. MAY,** \nGovernor, &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-399 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [1-2].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 443843, "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": "CO129-402 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [7-8]", "page_number": 281, "title": "CO129-402 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [7-8]", "content_text": "## 4: Com \n\n1 \n\n2273 \n\n* \n\nboycotting the High Level Tramways and the Star Ferry Company, \nwhich joined the Low Level Tramway Company \nin refusing to accept anything but legal tender in \nthe payment of fares. I think you will agree that \nit would have been inequitable to have levied a \nspecial rate in these and quite innocent districts in order \nto compensate the Low Level Tramways for losses \nincurred through the action of the inhabitants of a \nwell-defined area of the Colony.\n\nIt was manifest that within that area the non-Chinese population had no share in the boycott. \nTherefore the Chinese population of a very limited area of the Colony were obviously alone concerned. \nAgain it is well known that the Chinese population residing at a certain elevation in the city of Victoria, which rises sharply from the water front, do not use the Tramway at all or use it but little. \nIt could therefore be definitely shown that active participation in the boycott was confined to the Chinese inhabitants of a circumscribed area along the route of the cars.\n\n3. These facts were so evident that they were not disputed by the Chinese who appeared before the Executive Council when the question of levying a special rate was under consideration, and it was the reasonableness and clearness of the contention of the Government that these inhabitants were responsible for the boycott, that induced Chinese landlords and property owners to exert themselves to avoid a tax which their commonsense recognised as equitable. \nThere was in the investigation no room for the corruption of the Police. Their evidence was not necessary as to who", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-402 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 444615, "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": "CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12]", "page_number": 127, "title": "CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12]", "content_text": "## 124\n\n### SAULIJUO\n\nMot, Bad gnoxgnoli nođery ľk ou na ov tioaii ɛi swon't we ni nestjong to ejer ent. \nmoozvoj und bonolunu aŭ qan, dɔi w ju juose nebuso to yjeĺzav B of sub -avo. \nwet odr, bnet par i e wii al nocned olid to auniltej si per shyoe Liuv ai zoldotų „miakon sut. \nai ant chanyojovon ice.00 rolau be @TOM ULO OTC. \n8m05ed of bod -ai Juol und es of jikku tu beʻshinnos si Bint dost di .bimiet bonaug \n•yadəti end ni bevlua sá o♬ melóvry JnstrOG- \n-dnsavbo and und sie van 8 to blonneui ad nu ai BlİMÜ\n\n### SİL MİNLİ\nTenind newo? ni troy Jane oI; ond na Muk.no:i to ze33- mevil, dool' „ ÍItell me to riduc.. \n9 v du noidiɛ ų nei buo BunÎNTOT \nkimcuon nji ni Junus deic. \n& now proll que .bosilor yi ninge vai eu Jamu vnu laŭ „Noraiverɩqë jajan ni orige „ne.... novoð „nisita ant robw ys- „stofrev!!I nsequiit na Ilev se anie i piwong ti proxystok, je v lie of epoivos ei JI \n.Ĉ -Ruon old not aCOLTOJON LİVOnd vnus si si tui „ylbiger conadroqui bre ylnino, co đã liiv nolik navii to ju o nçin end was y‡looi?lib gni- jent. \nthi essivelin of onoj su am. \n¡ki...Jsmo: =pelnu erorjotq nji hænder j'en « si noids (531 eşil Juonany aw of sub pirn Jon si regnsó iduondim jalle juu (piezamos end to anoijoen jna. \nyd plodnon Jlet mobwd ¡iewu Tune annemli Jema Bind elvon ajil a no tranquLoveb 9731 onw [Is to gan Moy doril eno od Ivana Ji\n\n### A\n\ndupiny develo& S NJ ŠTA, JA B‡nadian mi ngi www ym.100 ens to erst- rruga sðing, guiametsi mot? neving Jhaaenų 3:3 qees of pino îi snob ed .æeisiliona necnon; ime beverqui puniretto mort \n.c \nsuanol and ban* pedag -iona qijnsbitmo anoï. \n19. J ni JI belfort all bi dio qua oitentaques ont avisout ili” seniijuo nistan aikos, mă bra,8i-ivil),liowo, fi tomnevoð arit \n\nTo mu sud golavob uc si a...silać es T \n.o \n-:cvoliot ee beaizem.wƐ \nIQVO \nil lovei finí a hliud of .A \nmund ond to n. A as 'OS \nMoĻOT Bu ja sopakten hiuo\" nie? .q:0 \n\nElectric Tramway at the end of Happy Valley, continue over the Gap and down into Deep Water Bay. Later to add a branch arm terminating at Little Hongkong.\n\nB. \nTo provide means of transport from Repulse Bay to Aberdeen, and ultimately to West Point, probably a tramway on which the high level light railway cars could run so that at some future date one of the light railway cars could start from Town and complete a circuit returning to the same spot.\n\nC. To open up building sites enclosed within the area of a mile on either side of the railway and tramway mentioned.\n\nD. To develop Deep Water Bay as a bathing and pleasure resort in addition to the existing golf links.\n\nE. \nTo develop a portion of the area as a Portuguese Reservation.\n\nF. To develop the higher levels, Repulse Bay, the outer portion of Deep Water Bay higher ground, and other parts of the area as residential districts with portion for an European Reservation similar to the Peak.\n\n7. \nThe first step is for the Government to give a favourable concession. The land in the area named is of little value to the Government or the Colony now, nor will it ever become valuable unless means of access are provided. When the district is opened up by railway and developed it will be valuable to the Government for,\n\n8. \nA. Revenue from the sale of Building Sites.\nB. Revenue from Crown Rents and Taxation.\nC. Increasing the General Prosperity of the Colony.\nD. Finally solving the Housing Problem.\n\nThe Commercial success of a railway and tramway scheme, which will involve heavy Capital and running costs, can only be made possible if the Concession carries other rights. These should include the following:\n\n* Rights for building the railway and tramway.\n* Free land for same.\n* First option for building rights on the areas named, at a nominal premium and Crown rent, viz. 100 yards on either", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 467913, "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": "CO129-442 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [4-6]", "page_number": 216, "title": "CO129-442 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [4-6]", "content_text": "Endroure!..\n\n214\n\npublic the sum of $140,000, of which Mr. Ellis Kadoorie subscribed $35,000 and Mr. M. J. D. Stephens an equal sum. The whole sum of $140,000 was invested in Exchequer Bonds to await conclusion of the War. The sum is barely sufficient to build and furnish a suitable building.\n\n4.\n\nI append an extract from a speech which I made, on the 13th June last, in support of the public subscription referred to above. This extract shows the organization and object of the Y.M.C.A., and in it reference is made to a suggestion by Mr. P. H. Holyoak, unofficial member of the Legislative Council nominated by the Chamber of Commerce, that the Government, being the largest employer of Europeans in the Colony, should assist the Association in its endeavour to erect premises of its own by the grant of a free or cheap site.\n\n5.\n\nThis suggestion has now borne fruit in the enclosed copy of an application from the Directors of the Y.M.C.A asking for the free grant of portion of the site of the old Post Office. I referred this application, after discussing it in Executive Council, to the Unofficial Members of both Councils, who by a majority suggested an alternate site between Lower Albert Road and Ice House Street. This site is by no means a favourable one, and in any case the Government is unwilling to alienate it, because to do so would bar extension of the High Level Tramway System up the Glenealy Ravine, the possibility of which in the future cannot be overlooked.\n\n6.\n\nI, therefore, referred the original question back to the Unofficial Members with the results shown in the enclosed letter from Sir Paul Chater dated 8th May. That letter has been considered by the Executive Council who endorse the proposal contained therein.\n\n7.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-442 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 480979, "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": "CO129-456 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1919 [10-12]", "page_number": 216, "title": "CO129-456 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1919 [10-12]", "content_text": "96\n\n1\n\n# HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\nposition chosen for this convenience is well below the road and, owing to that, it was not thought it would be a detriment to the house in question. The matter was the subject of some correspondence with the Sanitary Board and the Sanitary Board passed a resolution agreeing to the position chosen. I may say I have personally examined various alternative sites and agree with the expert advisers of the Government that the site chosen is a proper one. I beg, therefore, to move the resolution.\n\nThe Budget\n\nTHE COLONIAL SECRETARY, moves the second reading of a Bill intituled \"An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding eleven million, one hundred and seventy-three thousand, two hundred and twenty-six dollars to the Public Service for the year 1920.\"\n\nTHE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded.\n\nTHE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK said: Sir, as the senior unofficial member of this Council for the time being, it is my privilege to speak on behalf of the unofficial members on the subject of this Bill. Except what will be specially stated as the expressions of my own views, the observations I am about to make have the full concurrence of my unofficial colleagues. In addition to my remarks, the other unofficial members will address this Council either by way of giving utterance to their individual opinions, or in amplification of some of my observations.\n\nTHE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded.\n\nHON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER—I beg to move an amendment that the question of this site and the two alternative sites suggested by the Sanitary Board be referred to the Public Works Committee of this Council which does not appear to have been consulted in the matter. I understand that the Government site is in juxtaposition to Barker Road Station where the convenience must necessarily prove a nuisance to persons arriving at and departing from, the tramway station. I have to express my individual opinion, although I believe that my unofficial colleagues more or less share it. I refer to \"Assessed Taxes\" on page 8. This item shows an increase of nearly $112,000, and it would be interesting to know whether this increase is due to more new houses having been built since the current estimates were framed, or merely to complaints having been made to reassessment of old buildings. Several complaints have been made to me by the house next to Glenshiel. The objection is that the steady increase in rents has been due to certain houses having been over-assessed on account of adjoining houses of equal value fetching higher rentals. The assessor was perfectly right in putting the same rateable value on a house that produces a smaller rent as on a similar structure adjoining, which yields a better revenue to its owner. But the fact that the higher rent might have been forced up by the owner in order to obtain a higher value for his house should not be lost sight of by the Government. The owner of the house yielding the smaller rental naturally raised the rent on account of the higher assessment, with the result that house rents generally have advanced by leaps and bounds. I admit that the question of assessment in the circumstance described is a difficult problem, but I commend the matter to the careful consideration of the Government as one intimately connected with the prevailing high cost of living.\n\nTHE HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR seconded.\n\nH.E. THE GOVERNOR — The amendment that the matter be referred to the Public Works Committee has been accepted.\n\n# HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\n97\n\nSecretary for Chinese Affairs to be dealt with by the Brewin Fund Committee, who may be able to find work for him or get him a licence; or, in a really deserving case, arrange to have him educated in one of the free vernacular elementary schools supported by the Chinese.\n\nThe next item on which I wish to say a few words is \"Assessed Taxes, Special War Rates.\" The discontinuance of these rates immediately on the signing of the Peace Treaty created at the time a very good impression among the Chinese, who said that, although the impost had to cease automatically as required by the Ordinance, the Government could have easily, had they so wished, found an excuse to continue it by means of an amending Ordinance, or by calling the tax some other name. The action of the Government had a result more far-reaching than they had probably anticipated, inasmuch as it has become known as far as Peking, and was, to my knowledge, favourably commented upon by one or two Chinese high officials as an example of British rule.\n\nAs regards the item “Carriage, Chair, etc., Licences,\" the unofficial members are of the opinion that the introduction of public rickshas on Caine Road and Bonham Road is an improvement, which is much appreciated by residents on that level, although certain portions of the two roads are rather narrow for this increased wheeled traffic.\n\nIn connection with \"Hawkers' Licences,\" I wish to say a few words concerning the punishment now being awarded by the Police Magistrates to boys for hawking without licences. I may say that in May last my colleague, the Hon. Mr. Ho Fook, and I took up this question semi-officially with the Police Magistrates. The present practice is that, unless a fine is forthcoming, the little offender is ordered to be whipped, or sometimes sent to gaol. Owing to the poverty of the parents or guardians of these boys, it is very seldom that a fine is paid, with the result that the poor lads have to undergo either a corporal punishment or imprisonment for an offence forced on them by their seniors. We consider it very hard on the boys, and should like to see this state of affairs remedied as soon as possible. The suggestion which Mr. Ho Fook and I made to the Magistrates was this: When a boy is arrested for hawking without a licence the parent or guardian be sent for, and a small fine imposed. If the parent or guardian could not be found, or could not or would not pay the fine when imposed, then the boy should be sent to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs...\n\nThere is another matter arising out of this item of revenue, on which I venture to take some observations, i.e. the number of hawkers' licences to be issued. It has been brought to the notice of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, of which I am the chairman, that some of the men who were arrested and fined or sent to gaol for unlicensed hawking during the early months of this year had applied for but been refused a licence on the ground that already a sufficient number of licences had been issued. The Chinese ask me to plead on behalf of these poor people for a more liberal policy. Some of these men come to Hongkong with a few dollars (probably their whole fortune) in order to earn an honest livelihood as hawkers. When arrested and fined, with the possible loss of their entire stock-in-trade, they inevitably go to swell the ranks of the unemployed and of rogues and vagabonds; or, worse still, may be driven to thieving. It would be far better to have some more licensed hawkers, who can be controlled by the police, than that a hardship should be inflicted on...\n\n197", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-456 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1919 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 484826, "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": "CO129-463 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [10-12]", "page_number": 204, "title": "CO129-463 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [10-12]", "content_text": "Council\n\n3\n\nWhilst warmly commending the Government (and especially the Acting Colonial Secretary) for the steps which have been taken for the provision of additional housing accommodation at the Peak, the middle levels, and Kowloon, we have the following criticisms and remarks to make, numbered 1 to 2, respectively:-\n\n1. We trust that the Government will strictly enforce the penalties for non-completion by due date of all houses and flats towards the erection of which the Government has advanced money.\n\n2. We regret that it has not been found possible, in the distribution of the million dollars in loans for building, to allocate some of the moneys to persons who are building for their own occupation, as we consider that owner-occupiers are worthy of every encouragement by the Government, and we venture to express the hope that it may be found possible for the Government shortly to set apart (possibly out of the proceeds of sale of the old Post Office site) a sum of 3 lacs of dollars to assist persons to build houses of modest type and reasonable cost for their own occupation, provided that proper security is given.\n\nWith regard to building development in the neighbourhood of Wanchai Gap, we notice with astonishment that the Hill Tramway to Wanchai Gap, for the construction of which a sum of $150,000 was inserted in the Estimates for 1920 does not figure at all in the Estimates for 1921, and we are at a loss to understand the reason for the omission, as obviously a tram from the low level to Wanchai Gap is an indispensable preliminary to the development of the Mount Cameron District, which cannot be effectively opened up by motor roads only. We presume that the Government has had a survey made of the route of such projected tramway and a rough estimate of the cost thereof, and we should be glad of information on these points.\n\nIn your Budget speech of last year (at Page 90 of \"Hansard\" for 1919) your Excellency referred to this subject as follows:--\n\n\"It has become very desirable to open up new sites for residences in the Hill District. The only part of that District so far entirely undeveloped is Mount Cameron, and provision is made under Item 17 for beginning the construction of a Tramway to Wanchai Gap which will provide a rapid means of access both to Mount Cameron and to the hills between Wanchai and Magazine Gaps.\"\n\n4. We are disappointed to find no reference in your Budget speech to any negotiations with the Military Authorities for the release of the Military lands on Nathan Road, Kowloon. As has been pointed out more than once, sites on that road which are eminently suitable for residences are being occupied by stables for mules.\n\n5. We hope that the Government will do everything in its power to expedite the speedy commencement and vigorous prosecution of the Praya East Reclamation.\n\n6. We trust that the extension of the Ho Mun Tin Colony and the development of the area of land at Kowloon Tong on Garden City lines will be pressed forward by the Government.\n\n7. We also trust that the Government will give its assistance to the Kai Tack Reclamation scheme by pressing on with the inauguration of the Kowloon East Ferry Service and the Motor bus service to Kowloon City.\n\nWith regard to the question of whether there is a shortage of houses in the Colony, there are no houses, so far as we are aware, to let for European occupation in any part of the Colony south of Coronation Road, and it is a well-known fact that the Hotels are so full that passengers arriving here by large steamers are frequently compelled to stay on board.\n\nAs regards the City Expansion of the Colony, we are very glad to note from indications in Your Excellency's speech that the Military Lands Question has taken a decided step forward since the matter was debated in this Council on 29th January last, and we earnestly trust that the Military Authorities will continue to co-operate heartily with the Government of this Colony in expediting the procuring for the trade of this Colony, by which we all live, a much needed area for expanding our office and business accommodation.\n\nIn connection with Harbour Development, we are glad to extend a welcome to Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, and we hope that his investigations here may result in important developments of the shipping facilities of this Colony.\n\nAs regards commercial wireless, we would ask Your Excellency to appoint a small Committee (which we would suggest should consist of the Colonial Secretary, an Unofficial Member of the Council, and the Commodore or an Officer deputed by him) for the purpose of discussing and reporting on the feasibility of utilizing the Stone-cutter's Island installation for commercial messages during certain portions of the 24 hours, whilst paying due regard to the necessities of His Majesty's Service.\n\nAs regards our finances generally, we would once again urge that it is not fair to the present Colonists that the entire cost of Public Works of a permanent character should be paid for out of current revenue, and we would advocate that short Loans should be raised for such purposes.\n\nSo much, Sir, for the united views of my colleagues and myself on the subject of the Budget.\n\nI am now going to add a few remarks of my own, in which my colleagues do not concur, in regard to one item in the Budget, namely, the proposal to make the motor road from Magazine Gap to Chamberlain Road. In the first place, Sir, I venture to question the necessity for this extension because all those who are living in the neighbourhood of Chamberlain Road can easily take the Tram down to the lower Tram Station, and from there they are in touch with all the other parts of the Colony which are accessible by motor. One argument which I have heard against this contention of mine seems to be too paltry for serious consideration, namely, that the motor-owner, whether he goes east or west, will have to spend ten minutes in travelling through China Town. Another argument which I have heard used is that it will be much pleasanter to travel from the Peak to Repulse Bay over the new projected road entirely on the high levels, instead of starting from below. This argument, though better than the last one, does not, in my opinion, justify the making of an expensive road, while we have in this Colony other urgent public matters requiring not merely the expenditure of revenue but also the services of our none too large Public Works staff.\n\n263", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-463 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 488669, "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": "CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12]", "page_number": 410, "title": "CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12]", "content_text": "## COST OF BUILDING\n\nThe present cost of building is a subject which deserves more than a passing consideration, and I believe the Government could do something to help the public in this matter. There was a Societies Ordinance which prohibited the formation of trade societies without permission. That Ordinance was repealed, I understand, some time last year, and since then any number of societies have been formed in the building trade, all of which tend to increase the price of building and to keep new workmen from settling down in the Colony. To give an example, I am credibly informed that any scaffold builder arriving in the Colony has to join the bamboo workers' guild, and has to pay an entrance fee of $30. Now it will be readily understood that few men in that station of life have $30 to spend in joining a guild; consequently new scaffold workers do not arrive, and this applies to other trades as well. I would ask the Government to replace the Societies Ordinance on the Statute Book.\n\n## DUMPS FOR BUILDING MATERIALS\n\nI was glad to see in the estimates a sum provided for a landing stage opposite Wing Wo Road, which is designed to be used as a temporary dump for building materials on landing. This will be welcomed by the contractors for they were always being harried by the police and fined for dumping materials on the Praya when landed from junks. One may be sure that the contractor takes this into account when making his tender and it is one of the items that goes towards increasing the cost of building.\n\nAnother item which often is costly to the building owner is the disposal of surplus spoil during the formation of a site, and I would ask the Government to give more assistance in this matter and not impose such drastic conditions when any permit is granted. It is to be noticed when the Government builds a road the spoil is allowed to be dumped over the side apparently without let or hindrance - any private owner doing so is immediately mulcted in a fine. The matters I have mentioned if sympathetically dealt with would go far to help to reduce the cost of building in the Colony.\n\n## THE NEEDS OF THE SMALL SALARIED MAN\n\n402\n\nReverting once more to the Housing Problem it would seem that the most urgent need at the moment is to provide accommodation for the small salaried man, that is to say, small houses with gardens easily accessible are required at a rental of from $50 to $60 a month, including taxes; and I still maintain that the removal of the Dairy Farm is the solution of the problem. The tramway to Wanchai Gap will not help matters because the cost of building at that level is too high; also the sites (save a very few) would not be ready-made and access to same would be costly. I would be the last person in the Colony to wish to interfere with the Dairy Farm Company's activities or to stunt its growth in any way, because I fully realize what a tremendous asset it is to the Colony, but I cannot and will not believe that it would fail to flourish elsewhere. It will take time and trouble but I feel sure that sooner or later its removal must come about. The Government Servants are now being provided with good houses at low rentals, and, as the Senior Unofficial Member said, it is to be hoped that the present programme will complete the supply as far as the Peak is concerned. Many of the firms have purchased houses for their staff and are letting them at reasonable rents, but apparently no provision is being made for the men to whom reference has been made, and whilst it would seem that accommodation on this side is preferable on account of accessibility, if...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 503174, "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": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]", "page_number": 249, "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]", "content_text": "248\n\n24\n\nLAKE, NOT VALLEY.\n\nResidents' Anxious Night.\n\nResidents at Happy Valley and the neighbourhood spent an anxious night with the flood which commenced to rise shortly after midnight.\n\nThe race course this morning was transformed into a lake and a raging torrent of water brought down from the hills flowed between the Police and Craigengower Clubs.\n\nA miniature Niagara Falls was created near the old scene of damage below the Yeung Woo Nursing Home last year. The deep drain measuring 14 feet across, which was built to deal with the water from the hills, was completely covered with mud and sand. Two waterfalls were seen later in the morning when the water flowed across the road into the drain and again from there to the race track.\n\nMore Confusion.\n\nBehind the Jockey Club stand, the Protestant Cemetery wall gave way for a considerable distance and the earth brought down with the torrent filled the premises to a depth of several feet. Cement boulders which lined the side of the course behind the small ticket office were bodily removed and placed on the course. Slabs of granite brought from the road were seen everywhere on the race track and inside the football grounds. What was left of a tea booth was seen against a portion of the race track railing. Flower pots which adorned the track edge were taken away by the flood together with the bank on which they stood.\n\nBridge Threatened.\n\nIt will take several weeks of toil to remove the mountain of sand and mud on the premises and race track. At the Craigengower Club, the water just reached the door and furniture left in the verandah was carried away and a part of it was recovered this morning. Garden furniture at the top of the granite boulders being washed away down the nullah, could be heard and a retaining wall threatening from above sounded like ominous explosions.\n\nSTORM VICTIMS.\n\n(No. 2998. July 22, 1926.\n\nin the direction of Hongkong, although it is thought that it may curve northwards in the direction of Swatow before it arrives here.\n\nThe rescue tug was to be observed with steam up and ready for emergency this morning and the funneless H.M.S. \"Ambrose,\" undergoing its annual overhaul was moved to the buoy for greater security.\n\nPolice Quarters Struck.\n\nThe chimney of Acting Chief Inspector Aris's quarters at the Police quarters in Caine Road was struck in the early hours of this morning and considerable debris fell inside the house. As the remaining portion of the chimney is considered to be in a dangerous condition, the quarters in question have had to be vacated.\n\nOLD MEMORIES.\n\nThat memorable flood of May, 1889, exceeded to-day's violence. Mr. Yee Cheong, the portrait painter whose studio is next door to the \"China Mail\" was an eyewitness.\n\nHe maintains that the torrents of water, which swept down Wyndham Street were even greater 37 years ago.\n\nAs to-day, clubs were reduced to useless wood. He said, the rain \"scraped out all the loose mud of the higher levels and deposited them in the flat streets. It took months to clear the mess,\"\n\nCraigengower collapsed and the masonry portion of the bridge started at this spot was swept away by the torrent flowing into the Bowrington Canal, a portion of the road at the end of the bridge near the Tramway offices opposite the Roman Catholic Cathedral was washed away.\n\nMr. Yee Cheong also says that the storm flood started at almost the same hour as that of the previous storm flood.\n\nThe railway track of the Sang Lee contractors on the other side of the canal also suffered considerable damage by the foundations being washed away.\n\nFACTORY IN DANGER\n\nThe paper mill at Aberdeen (Tai Shing Paper Mill Co.) is reported to be in danger owing to the private reservoir at the top of the building having been carried away.\n\nJuly 19. Two well-known members of the South China Athletic Association, Messrs. Ho Ka-lau and Yew Man-kit, who went out for a row on Saturday afternoon had a narrow escape from death as a result of the squall which sprang up towards six o'clock.\n\nThe boat was near Cust Rocks when caught in the squall and rowing became very difficult. The two occupants eventually determined to conserve their energy and let the boat drift and fortunately the set of the current was towards Kowloon Bay instead of the numerous rocks in the neighbourhood. They were able to reach the shore and after sheltering for a time in a farmer's house they arrived at Kowloon City.\n\nBy Courtesy of Wah Tsz Yat Po\n\nChinese cruiser \"Hai Yung\" which was to have left for Pratas yesterday at 1 p.m. with Hongkong officials aboard is still in harbour, wireless messages having been exchanged between the vessel and Pratas as a result of which it was decided that it would be dangerous to attempt to make the shoal for the present.\n\nThe typhoon had not, at the time of the message, reached Pratas but seas were very high and wind force 5 and increasing.\n\nPreliminary arrangements are that the party which is to witness the inauguration of the wireless station on the shoal will leave on Tuesday next.\n\nA village at Kowloon city, entirely inundated, with the top of a desolate matshed showing.\n\nreats both here and at the other er 37 years ago.\n\nTHE TYPHOON.\n\nJuly 17,\n\nIf the typhoon does not diverge from its present path it is expected here on Sunday.\n\nThe American Consulate received the following from Manila last night:-\n\n6.55 p.m.. July 16.-Cyclone in Lat. 19deg. N., Long. 119deg. E.. moving N.W.\n\na.m.\n\nLater.\n\n8.30\n\n17th, typhoon in about 116deg. Long. E.. 20deg. lat. N., moving W.N.W.\n\nThis morning in the harbour there were indications of anticipations of the arrival of the typhoon which is slowly moving towards the Colony from the East.\n\nNo. 1 signal gave place to No. 4 signal which means that the gale is likely to come towards the Colony from the East.\n\nNo. 2998. July 22, 1926.]\n\nTHE AFTERMATH.\n\nOVERLAND CHINA\n\nJuly 20\n\nWith the Peak isolated and the only means of access to Repulse Bay via the Aberdeen Road (even this has to be negotiated very carefully); with mud inches deep everywhere in the main thoroughfares and in banks where it has been removed for transit purposes, Hongkong has still much besides the memory of its severity to remind it of the terrific storm which raged on Sunday night and Monday morning,\n\nMuch, however, has been accomplished as a result of gangs of men working under supervision until a late hour last night and early this morning. A tram service to the King Edward Hotel was possible first thing this morning and later in the day a restricted service to all districts was run. The Roads Department is concentrating on the clearance of the main highways and is able to promise provisional clearances very shortly.\n\nStubbs Road.\n\nStubbs Road and Magazine Gap Road have suffered more than any others, Stubbs Road more particularly between Bowen Road and Morrison Hill Road. Here, there are numerous landslides the worst slip being where the sand shooting goes across. This will require the clearing of enormous quantities of earth and rock but it is hoped by Friday to get a passage sufficient to enable cars or \"buses to negotiate Stubbs Road.\n\nMagazine Gap Road.\n\nIn the case of most of the other roads it is expected that provisional arrangements will be made which will enable the passage of traffic within a few days. Magazine Gap Road at one part is breached to its full width and it will be necessary to erect temporarily a bridge. The Peak Road is also partly breached in one place. The only means of access to the Peak, in fact, is by negotiating on foot the old Peak Road and Wanchai Gap Road, in the case of the latter some nasty gaps having to be negotiated.\n\nBefore the Aberdeen portion of the road was cleared sufficiently to allow of traffic the footpath from the Peak to Pokfulam was used by some residents who took car as far as Pokfulam and walked up via the reservoir.\n\nRepulse Bay Road.\n\nGood progress has already been made in clearing the new road to Repulse Bay from Bowen Road onwards. This is very largely clear. There are numerous slips in the neighbourhood of Shaukiwan but it is anticipated that the whole of the round-the-island road will be open by the end of the week.\n\n('aime Road.\n\nThe lower portion of Caine Road is closed to traffic by the subsidence of the bank near the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the opening out of the road through the Cathedral grounds, which accounted for the flooding of Wyndham Street through Glenealy. It is now possible to go through Glenealy as far as Caine Road, by chair or on foot.\n\nA large gang were at work this morning clearing the obstruction at Caine Road. A stream of water which still flowed from the hill has now been diverted into the side channel of Arbuthnot Road.\n\nThe easiest way to reach Caine Road at present is for motorists to proceed up Garden Road as far as the Peak tram station. Then Tower\n\nPhoto by Yong Ming.\n\nMAIL\n\nREPULSE BAY CONDITIONS.\n\nthis morning.\n\n25\n\nAbout 85 bags of mail coming from foreign countries were damaged in the cellars of the Post Office. Most of the mail came from Singapore, Seattle, and the Straits.\n\nParticulars as to the plight of Repulse Bay residents not available yesterday on account of their being virtually marooned have since been received. At 3 a.m. on the night, or rather the morning, of the storm, the water rushed down the hills with terrific force and swept through the big dining room of the Hotel, carrying all before it. The upper level districts were deprived of their daily mail due to lack of transportation.\n\nResidents in the Peak and the staff were early on the scene but until practically powerless to save the carpets and furniture from being damaged. At eight o'clock yesterday morning the lower floors and passages were flooded to within five inches of water, and with the kitchens under water breakfast was part of the dining room floor has sunk badly and it looks as though it will be some time before the former polished surface will be regained.\n\nThe \"President Madison\" and the \"Empress of Russia,\" tried all roads at an early hour, were scheduled to arrive in Hongkong last Sunday, The Shaukiwan Road was obstructed yesterday afternoon.\n\nLooking along Des Voeux Road Central, on July 19, eastwards, along the Hongkong Hotel front and the new Realty building, with Alexandra Building on the left. The mud and height of the flood left visible marks on the surroundings.\n\nAlbert Road, along Wyndham Street past the Dairy Farm to the Central Police Station, and up Arbuthnot Road. The junction at Caine Road has now been sufficiently cleared for both up and down traffic through Arbuthnot Road.\n\nKowloon Roads.\n\nWith regard to Kowloon, both the coastal and Taipo Roads are closed, the worst slips being the other side of Tsin Wan. Two bridges have been carried away. Temporary bridges will be erected and it is expected to make provisional arrangements for passage of traffic by the end of the week.\n\ned by landslides which made passage impossible, and the new road to Hongkong was found to have a gaping hole halfway across the road just at the top of the hill leading to Repulse Bay.\n\nTHE POST OFFICE.\n\nThe General Post-Office was arrived only\n\nThe delay was due to the typhoon which the liners encountered.\n\nby\n\nPRINTERS LOSS.\n\nDamage of $10,000 was suffered by the Ye Olde Printerie Ltd.\n\nwhose establishment is located at the basement of the China Building.\n\nThe damaged goods consisted mostly of cover papers, art papers, and coloured papers and machinery, approximately valued at $10,000.\n\nThe damaged goods are only insured against fire but not against water. The Fire Brigade was called to the scene to pump the water and which was over 4 ft. deep.\n\nat the time of going to press, the Brigade was still at work.\n\nMED-\n\nIt will probably take the management over a week to clear the place from water and debris, and to completely resume business.\n\nWANCHAI DISTRICT.\n\nIn the long list of damage in the Wanchai district no one is reported to have been killed or injured as a direct result of the flood.\n\nA Chinese electrician was taken to hospital yesterday with injuries received in a fall from the first floor verandah of a house at Stone Nullah lane. He was repairing an electric light wire by leaning over the verandah and fell to the ground on receiving a shock.\n\nBAY VIEW DISTRICT.\n\nA feature of the damage in the Bay View district was the disappearance of the market at Tai Hang village. The structure, about 100 feet long and standing on stone pillars, is stated to have been carried away by the flood.\n\nThe assistance of the Fire Brigade was obtained to pump out the water. They worked from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. but owing to the numerous calls on the services of the Brigade they had to abandon the work and resume it after the water had subsided there.\n\nWhen", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 504650, "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": "CO129-495 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [11-12]", "page_number": 519, "title": "CO129-495 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [11-12]", "content_text": "26\n\nproperty and trade to the utmost, but, although the Yunnanese were short of ammunition, being better soldiers than the Cantonese, he hoped they might win through.\n\nThese Yunnanese troops are mercenary forces recruited from Yunnan by the late Sun Yat Sen, who, in order to keep them loyal, granted them monopolies of certain revenues in Canton. The Cantonese desired to regain control of these revenues.\n\nC. C. Wu, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, went to Swatow and enlisted the services of General Hsu Chung Chi to lead the Cantonese army against the Yunnanese. Hostilities opened on the 6th June, and on the 13th June the Yunnanese were defeated and were fleeing from the city. Any unfortunate Yunnanese who were left behind were ruthlessly massacred by the mob; many of these atrocities were committed on the Shaki Bund, close to the French bridge leading on to the Shameen.\n\nThe general strike in Hong Kong and South China ports commenced on Saturday, the 20th June, when the different labour guilds decided to call a strike. It is known that the vast majority of the workers in Hong Kong were averse to leaving work, but were intimidated into doing so by threats to themselves and their families.\n\nThe first movement of the strike in Hong Kong was made by the senior students of Queen's College, who absented themselves on the 18th June. Meantime, nervous Chinese, anticipating trouble and rises in prices of food-stuffs, began to leave the colony for Canton; household servants left their employment one by one.\n\nThen it became evident that matters had reached a head.\n\nOnwards from Saturday, the 20th June, the following classes of workers began to come out:\n\nJune 20.-Some cargo-carrying coolies.\n\n21.-Electric Tramway Company drivers and conductors; some crews of ocean-going and coastal boats.\n\n22.-Chinese crew of steamship \"Empress of Asia\"; printers and compositors of newspapers; butchers and pork staff coolies.\n\n23.-Crews of motor-boats; employees of roast pork stalls and shops and cooks in restaurants; boys, cooks and amahs in employment of Europeans; poultry-stall employees; shoemakers; tailors.\n\n24.-Clerks and office-boys of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire's and some other European firms; employees in beef and mutton stalls; bakers.\n\n25.-Coal coolies; tallymen and other workmen employed at Kowloon godowns; clerks and office-boys in European firms who received threatening letters; fish-stall and vegetable-stall employees.\n\n26.-Lift-boys employed by European firms.\n\n27.-Seamen and engineers in some river steamers; \"Star\" Ferry Company's crews and staff; launches' crews; furniture makers; additional motor-boats' crews; silversmiths; clog makers; tea-box makers; Imports and Exports Guild coolies; carpenters.\n\n29.-Employees of fruit dealers; waiters in tea-houses.\n\n30.-Meter readers and meter workers of Electric Light Company.\n\nThe \"Star\" ferries were taken over by naval ratings, who were later relieved by civilians from amongst the officers and engineers of the China coast mercantile marine. Launches for essential harbour services were manned by naval ratings and volunteer Europeans.\n\nThe Hong Kong police received information on the 22nd June that ten of the leading strike agitators were Bolsheviks. Some of them have been to Russia this year, and it is reported that the Russians have given 600,000 dollars to the various labour unions in Hong Kong and Canton to go on strike. Eight of these were executive officers of the Chinese Seamen's Union. It is also reported that some members of the Dare-to-Die Society have been or will be sent down from Canton to set fire, throw bombs, &c.\n\nA proclamation mobilising the Hong Kong volunteers for actual military service was issued by the Hong Kong Government; emergency regulations were introduced for the protection of life and property and the safeguarding of food supplies; rewards were offered for the apprehension of persons disturbing the peace of the colony; food, labour and transport controllers and a censor were appointed; special constables were enlisted, and the loyal public were generally called upon to render such assistance as is necessary to the life of the colony; military guards were posted at vital points, and naval and military demonstrations were organised; naval ratings were detailed for all dockyard essential services, if required, the running of the electrical installation at Hong Kong, and manning and running of the harbour ferry service.\n\nCanton.\n\nA monster demonstration was organised to take place at Canton on the 23rd June. It was learned that a procession would march round the city, not as a mark of sympathy with the Shanghai students, but as an outward profession of anti-foreignism. The consul-general, Canton, sent a very strongly-worded letter of warning to C. C. Wu, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. In this despatch, he warned Wu that his Government must see that the procession was orderly.\n\nThe following is the report of the senior naval officer, West River, of the events of the 23rd June:-\n\n\"Commander Scott to Commodore, Hong Kong.\n\n\"Sir,\n\nH.M.S. Tarantula, at Canton, June 24, 1925.\n\n\"I have the honour to report that all Chinese employees on Shameen were called out on strike on Sunday morning, the 21st June. Launches' crews remained until the evening.\n\n\"On Sunday, the 21st June, the outlook for Shameen if trouble developed was not at all reassuring. The back creek was full of sampans and the water-level high.\n\n\"It was most important to get the creek clear, and the Chinese police promised to do so. They, however, did nothing, and next day the vice-consul called on Tscheu Wa, the Commissioner of Police, who at once, and in his presence, gave the order to have the creek cleared.\n\n\"Still, however, nothing was done, and it became obvious that the Chinese authorities would not do so. I refrained from clearing it by force because of the great danger of precipitating trouble and giving the authorities a handle.\n\n\"On this day, the Shameen special police were placed under my orders, and I landed two Lewis gun detachments under command of officers, and placed one by the British bridge and one at the north-west corner of Shameen.\n\n\"News was received that evening that a monster demonstration would pass Shameen next day, and threats of attacking Shameen were made. C. C. Wu (Foreign Secretary) was seen by the vice-consul that day and again warned of their responsibilities; he rather ridiculed the idea, and said he knew nothing of any demonstration.\n\n\"I arranged to land our complete defence force for Shameen next day directly we got any definite news of the demonstration taking place. The night was quiet.\n\nAbout 10 A.M. on Tuesday, the 23rd, the demonstrators were seen assembling, and the defence scheme was put into force. As the naval parties and the Shameen special police took up their posts, they were hidden away as much as possible. My orders were that fire was only to be opened as a last resource if attacked.\n\n\"In the event of a few hot-heads trying to storm the gates or cross over to Shameen by means of any of the many sampans, our men were to come out on to the bund and push them back again with rifle-butts, &c., but not to fire unless I gave the order and in the case of extreme necessity.\n\n\"The procession started to pass about 2:30 P.M., many thousands taking part, carrying the usual banners, &c. A few unarmed Chinese police were stationed outside the two bridges, and at the last moment, a few armed soldiers were distributed along the far pavement about 50 yards apart. Everybody, except the consul-general and myself and four or five others, kept out of sight, and our side of the creek appeared empty to onlookers. We took up our position alongside the British bridge.\n\n\"All went peacefully, in fact peculiarly so, for some time till, at last, the doubtful element-viz., the students-appeared.\n\nBehind them came a large number of soldiers fully equipped. I could not see how far they extended, but understand they covered about half a mile of ground.\n\n\"When the head of the students' contingent had just passed the British bridge, they halted. I noticed a man with the usual Red emblems get up on the coaming just opposite us. He waved to others farther down and there was some commotion in the nearest side street. A few moments afterwards, the leading soldiers suddenly opened out; their head was then opposite the Victoria Hotel,\n\n[14166]\n\nE 2\n\n501", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-495 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [11-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 521471, "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": "CO129-520-7 Public Utility companies- acquisition by foreign groups 4-12-1929 - 26-1-1930", "page_number": 166, "title": "CO129-520-7 Public Utility companies- acquisition by foreign groups 4-12-1929 - 26-1-1930", "content_text": "No\n\nSECRET:\n\n6 JAN 1930\n\nCOPIES OFF!\n\n/190\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONG KONG\n\n4th December, 1929.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nI have the honour to report that this Colony has received a visit from the representatives of the American Syndicate who recently purchased the Shanghai Municipal Electricity Undertaking at the very high figure of $80,000,000.\n\nCopy Transport Agency\n\nIt is understood that these gentlemen inspected the two electric power stations of this Colony, one of which supplies the power for the low-level tramway system on the island as well as for the Peak Tramway, and there are rumours that they are considering the purchase of these undertakings.\n\nHon 51506/28 Genl & 61290/29 Genl.\n\n2. A proposal of a similar nature with regard to the Hong Kong Telephone Company is dealt with in Mr. Amery's confidential despatch of the 10th of January, 1929, and my reply dated the 23rd of March, 1929.\n\n3. This Government naturally views the possible\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD PASSFIELD,\n\n&c., &c., &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-520-7 Public Utility companies- acquisition by foreign groups 4-12-1929 - 26-1-1930.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 528260, "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": "CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931", "page_number": 217, "title": "CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931", "content_text": "# 292\n\n102\n\nWithout going too much into detail it may be useful to take a general survey of those sections of the tariff which are of most interest to British manufacturers and exporters, with a view to noting any changes likely to have a material effect on the import trade:\n\n209. Cotton Piece Goods. The ad valorem duties on cotton piece goods have, with one exception, been increased by 23 per cent., and the specific duties have evidently been dealt with on the same principle, but in their case the fact that the duty is expressed in gold units but collected in silver at the current rate of exchange renders it impossible to say in any particular instance what percentage of the actual value of the goods the duty represents. In itself the ratio of increase appears to be hardly sufficiently high to affect the market very materially, but coupled with the great advance in the landed cost of the goods themselves owing to the heavy fall in silver even a moderate addition to the duty will restrict still further the capacity of the market to absorb the more expensive cloths.\n\nThe duties on raw cotton, cotton yarn and the cheaper grades of thread remain practically unchanged, with a slight increase in the duty on the higher-priced embroidery cotton and a considerable reduction in that on cotton waste.\n\nIn made-up cotton goods, however, we find the first examples of the introduction of much heavier duties, presumably designed to protect home industries, the rates on laces, trimmings, socks and stockings, towels, clothing and other articles having been approximately doubled, that on blankets increased by 150 per cent., and in the case of handkerchiefs an ad valorem duty of 15 per cent. has been substituted for specific duties on a 73 per cent. basis.\n\nThe alterations in this section of the tariff are likely to affect the trade very considerably, but Japan is the country chiefly concerned, British interest in the importation of these articles—handkerchiefs only excepted—being already negligible.\n\n210. Wool and Manufactures Thereof. With the exception of wool, woollen yarn and felt hats, the commodities comprised in this section have fared badly in the present revision, the general advance in the rates of duty being very substantial. The effect has been greatly accentuated in the case of woollen piece goods by the substitution in item No. 97 (which covers the bulk of the trade) of specific duties, based on weight per yard, obviously calculated without any regard to current prices and equivalent in the case of some cloths to well over 100 per cent. of the value. The Chinese Government has now decided to give importers the option of paying duties on an ad valorem basis, at the rates of 30 per cent. and 35 per cent. respectively, in the two classes into which this item is divided.\n\n## 103\n\n211. Silk and Manufactures Thereof. Artificial silk has been still more heavily penalised, presumably as the result of agitation by Chinese silk producers. The specific duty of Gold Units 58 per picul (about 8.58d. per lb.) imposed on yarn, representing an ad valorem rate of about 50 per cent. on the lower grades mainly imported into China, seems likely to affect the trade seriously, and as a very large proportion of this yarn is used in the manufacture of goods for re-export the imposition of this heavy duty is also calculated to have a very prejudicial effect on a growing native industry.\n\nAll through this section the duties have been assessed at a very high figure, and whilst it is permissible to doubt whether Chinese silk manufacturers will derive much benefit from this measure of protection, it seems at least probable that the demand for all silk and artificial silk goods will be curtailed.\n\nIn the case of yarn, the effect will be felt most seriously by Italy, which supplies most of the low-grade product, but British artificial silk goods and mixtures may also find difficulty in bearing so considerable an addition to their cost.\n\n212. Metals and Manufactures thereof. In the case of metals, the new duties show in most instances a reduction on those provided under the old tariff, but on electro-plate and other metalware the rates have been advanced and now range from 20 per cent. to 40 per cent. ad valorem.\n\nA step in the right direction has been taken by reducing the duties on machinery and scientific instruments, even that on sewing machines having been lowered from 12 per cent. to 7 per cent. Typewriters and other office machines form the only exception, the duty having been raised from 12 per cent. to 15 per cent. There is an increase in the duties on motor vehicles, arms and ammunition, watches, bedsteads, and other articles, whilst reductions are seen in the case of railway and tramway materials and certain types of electrical supplies.\n\nIt would not appear that British products are directly affected in any special degree by the alterations introduced in this section, but where duties have been increased, the probable effect will be to restrict still further the market for the better-class article.\n\n213. Food, Drink, etc. On most items in this section, the duties have been raised to a much higher level, and whilst only a small proportion of the goods covered is of any interest to British exporters, the higher rates now imposed on such articles as biscuits, butter, confectionery, jams and other foodstuffs, and on wines, spirits and beer, may tend to decrease consumption and so affect our trade in these commodities.\n\n214. Tobacco. The specific duties (which now include the consolidated tax) on cigarettes have been raised to amounts assessed on the basis of 50 per cent. ad valorem, and there is reason to fear...\n\n# 293\n\n10375\n\nD 4", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 546463, "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": "CO129-550-7 Rex v. Ng Loi Yuen- appeal to Privy Council 1-1-1934 - 31-12-1934", "page_number": 95, "title": "CO129-550-7 Rex v. Ng Loi Yuen- appeal to Privy Council 1-1-1934 - 31-12-1934", "content_text": "(5)\n\n98\n\nAt No.2 lowest depth is 11'.\n\nAt No.3 it is 20'\n\nAt \"a\" in \"nullah\" just above tunnel it is 11'. At entrance to tunnel it is 9'6\".\n\nAbove No.1 bridge gradient is 1 in 15.\n\nBetween 1 and 2 it is 1 in 21.\n\nBetween No.2 and No.3 it is 1 in 15.\n\nFrom No.3 to tunnel mouth it averages 1 in 25.\n\nIn first section in tunnel it is 1 in 30.\n\nNear mouth of tunnel it is 1 in 50.\n\nNullah is paved with local stone slabs which have worn very smooth. The nullah bottom is saucer shaped.\n\nThere are steps at No.1 bridge. The steps are about 1'3\".\n\nThe dotted line just above No.3 represents a water pipe about 3' above the paving of the nullah.\n\n3 ft in centre and 2 ft at side where other stream joins.\n\nNo.1 bridge is supported by two stone piers apart from ordinary abutments.\n\nNos.2 and 3 go straight across in one span.\n\nI am not absolutely certain about No.3.\n\nNo other irregular projections in nullah.\n\nNo.1 bridge on upper side is 6'6\" above nullah on south side, in middle of bridge 8'4\", and at north end 9'.\n\nLength of bridge on that side is 43'.\n\nOn lower side of bridge the height is 8'5\" on south, in middle 9'3\", and 12'8\" at north end.\n\nLength of bridge is 51'.\n\nBridge is 12' to 13' wide.\n\nNo.1 bridge had horizontal iron barred railing.\n\nRailing is 2'9\" high.\n\nNo.2 bridge has a stone parapet 2'6\" high.\n\nNo.3 bridge has stone pier on each side with iron spiked railings between, 4'6\" high.\n\nOne can get a view between them or over them\n\nFrom No.3 one gets a clear view of No.2.\n\nFrom N.E.corner of tram station one can see downstream to the point I have marked on plan.\n\nI have marked the limits of visibility upstream and downstream from No.3.\n\nFrom tram station one can see 140 feet downstream.\n\nFrom No.3 upstream one can see 300 feet & downstream 396 feet.\n\nThe difference between the downstream visibility from tram station and upstream visibility from No.3 is 55 feet,\n\nI made these measurements on 29th August.\n\nWidth of tunnel is even throughout.\n\nPaving same as in nullah.\n\nFour gratings all open.\n\nHeight of tunnel at entrance is 8'9\" and at exit 8'9*.\n\nExit is 3' below high water mark.\n\n*\n\nOn afternoon of 29th August I went into tunnel with Pte.Simmons.\n\nHe pointed out a spot to me which I mark on plan.\n\nDay I went there was a bright day.\n\nI couldn't see across the tunnel at that spot.\n\nUnder No.1 bridge there are iron staples 1\" thick 6'x5' projections forming steps. Shown on Exhibit 11.\n\nBottom step is 2 ft up, next is 1ft above it and obliquely set to it, next is 1ft higher, next 8\", next 1'3\", and last 1'9\".\n\nFive steps are below level of bridge.\n\nFifth step up is 6\" from edge of path and about 10\" below footway of bridge.\n\nxxd.Lim.\n\nBetween fourth and sixth steps there are pipes. Nullah is not straight, it winds a little.\n\nNo.rexn.\n\nAdjourned to 9.30 a.m. tomorrow. At lower tramway station.\n\nsd.A.D.A.MacGregor\n\n8.J. 5.9.34", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-550-7 Rex v. Ng Loi Yuen- appeal to Privy Council 1-1-1934 - 31-12-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549361, "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": "CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935", "page_number": 4, "title": "CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935", "content_text": "4. The Tramway Company should be relieved of the necessity of paying Government from 1939 onwards the increased royalty of 25% of profits which will then become due.\n\n5. The Hong Kong Government have dealt fully with the Tramway Company's complaints. To the complaint referred to in paragraph 2 above, the Government reply that the Company chosen to operate the service was selected because it had already had experience in working bus services and because it was considered that it would be able to operate the service more efficiently than the petitioner.\n\n6. To the claim that Government should not have permitted the Company operating the bus service to introduce second-class fares on competitive routes, the Government reply that such variation was in accord with the terms of the notice inviting tenders, and deny the Tramway Company's right to restrict the development of bus services in this way. The Government also repudiates the suggestion that the successful tenderer for the exclusive licence to run buses was gambling.\n\n7. On the wider question whether the Tramway Company is being subjected to unfair competition, the Hong Kong Government points to the fact that the Company's dividends have been maintained at a high level since the introduction of motorbus competition. It should, however, be remembered on the Company's side that these high dividends all relate to years before the recent introduction by the buses of second-class fares on competitive routes. As regards the effects of the latter", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549379, "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": "CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935", "page_number": 22, "title": "CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935", "content_text": "11.\n\nThe question of a fare war is raised. As stated in the Clerk of Council's letter of 29th March, 1935, (pages 81 to 82), the extensions of routes were recently approved as the Governor in Council considered these extensions desirable in the public interest. It was considered by Executive Council that such extensions would provide better connections with the Hong Kong Yaumati and other ferry services, and were necessary in the public interest in view of the needs of the area to be served, which is already only partially served by the Tramways. From paragraphs 97 and 98 of the petition, it would appear, from its own admissions, that at equal rates the Tramways should be able to compete successfully with the Bus Company along its own route.\n\n11.\n\nThe cost of transport in this Colony is very high and, in times of depression as at present, bears heavily upon the public. The Tramways Company states that one may travel for over six miles on their system for five cents. That is so, and the charge for this distance is very moderate. In practice, however, few wish to travel these six miles. The public require reasonably cheap transport from point to point in the more populous parts of the City. As stated before, the city is built on the slopes of a hill, while the tramway runs on the level at the foot. It would be inequitable to compel the public to pay first-class fares for such transport or to employ both tramway and bus for one journey and pay twice where one conveyance suffices.\n\n12.\n\nI cannot regard the alleged financial damage to the Tramways resulting from the introduction of second-class fares on the buses on these routes as any more serious than the alleged damage resulting from the introduction of a motor bus service along Queen's Road in 1928. It certainly cannot be proved by figures in respect of two months only (Appendix 2). The company quotes, in support of its contention,", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 560488, "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": "CO129-570-3 Sino-Japanese War- proposed refugee camp in demilitarised area of South China 1-6-1938 - 11-1-1939", "page_number": 61, "title": "CO129-570-3 Sino-Japanese War- proposed refugee camp in demilitarised area of South China 1-6-1938 - 11-1-1939", "content_text": "# REFUGEE CAMPS SITES\n\n# REASONS FOR CHOICE EXPLAINED BY MEDICAL DIRECTOR\n\n# DETAILS OF GOVERNMENT SCHEME\n\nInterviewed yesterday as to details of the proposed camps for refugees, Hon. Dr. P. S. Selwyn-Clarke, Director of Medical Services, explained why it was not practical to use the New Territories as the base of such camps and pointed out that the most elaborate measures would be taken to ensure that residents would not be incommoded in the areas chosen.\n\nStatements published of the expenditure that would be involved, were extravagant, said Dr. Selwyn-Clarke. Apart from humanitarian motives and the question of safeguarding the health of residents, the Colony would be making only a small financial return for the considerable sum it had accrued as a result of the hostilities.\n\nThe Director said the following, constantly under check to ascertain conditions had to be borne in mind when they can be repatriated. This in selecting a site for a refugee camp: work has been going on for many Ability of the area to accommodate weeks and a large number of Chinese an agreed minimum of persons, un-have been returned to their homes. encumbered as far as possible by Over 100 were sent back last week.\n\nleases, licences residents; \n\nand existing \n\nAccessibility by road, rail or water; Freedom from danger of serious or prolonged flooding;\n\nA careful survey has been made of sites for possible camps in the New found which should provide accom-Territories and one area has been modation, if needed, for between Presence in the vicinity \n\n20,000 and 50,000 refugees. It is im- adequate supply of water of reason-able for a major emergency.\n\nperative to have such an area avail- able purity.\n\nof an \n\ncon-\n\nRemoval from congested areas and districts where malarious conditions pertained and could not be trolled at reasonable cost or without a complete change in the method of cultivation, which was the cause of those conditions, especially near the foot hills.\n\nNot too far removed from districts in which the refugees had a certain number of relatives or friends, or, where they were able to find odd jobs\n\nof work or obtain food.\n\n### Sites Selected\n\n#### New Territories\n\nThis New Territories camp would not be suitable as a substitute for the one to be built on the Marina on account of the type of refugees needing to be accommodated. The Marina camp will be utilised as a clearing station at which refugees can be housed for one, two or more days, pending arrangements being made for their transfer to various places in China, Indo-China and the Straits Settlements.\n\nNor would the New Territories been camp be able to cater satisfactorily for the type of refugee, destitute and semi-destitute, sleeping in the streets at the present time, since this class Will tend cling to the neighbour-hood where it may possess friends or relatives or work connections and is in need of accommodation situated not too far away from such associations.\n\n#### North Point. King's Road.\n\nIt was bounded by sea on the north side; by King's Road, Public Works Department roadmaker's dump, new tramway garage and vacant plot on the south side; by a vacant plot and the Chinese Bathing Club on the east side; and by a vacant plot and the Bungar Printing Press on the west side.\n\nWith regard to cost, extravagant statements have appeared in the Press regarding the actual accom-modation to be provided for refugees.\n\nThere is no foundation for this and there will be no question of \"paupers in palaces.\"\n\nIn point of fact the huts to be erected are of wood. They are 123 ft. long, 18 ft. wide and an average of 11½ ft. high. Each hut is designed to hold 72 persons (the legal maximum) arranged in two tiers of simple metal bunks with boards.\n\nEach refugee will have only 30 square feet of floor space; six by five feet for a bed and any belongings he happens to have and for space to run around in, is certainly far from generous when it is realised that these refugees, is situated over 100 yards from the east side of Chatham Road which is itself 100 feet wide. Hence, no house along Chatham Road is within 400 feet of the sleeping quarters for the refugees.\n\n#### Marina Ground.\n\nBounded by sea on east side and by the Kowloon-Canton railway on west side. The actual camp site on which the sleeping quarters are to be built for the few square refugees, is situated over 100 yards from the east side of Chatham Road.\n\nExpenses Kept Low. Needless to say, the actual cost of buildings will be kept to the lowest level compatible with safety and health and where it is possible to obtain and to utilise matsheds for latrines, etc., this will be done.\n\nCosts are, in any case, an estimate: and it is hoped that tenders which are being called for will show a definite reduction on the estimate.\n\nIt is hoped that the living sheds will be typhoon-proof.\n\n### Camp Restrictions\n\nThe camp will be very strictly supervised; its inmates will have to be in camp by 9 pm and lights will be extinguished by 10 p.m.\n\nIn so far as it is possible to arrange for the inhabitants of the camps to do such cleansing and sanitary work as may be necessary, this will be done and a corresponding economy will be effected in the labour costs.\n\nGreatest attention will be paid to order to reduce the maintenance costs of the camp in regard to sanitary labour to a minimum, arrangements will be made to group the inhabitants into families or chia and into larger units consisting of from three to six chia to form a pao-as is done in China, the chia leaders or chang being held responsible to the pao chang.\n\nA special committee will be formed in connection with this camp, and its sole duty will consist of co-operating with the Tung Wah authorities in re-patriating to comparatively safe parts of China all those who have been forced to leave their homes in areas situated at the seat of hostilities.\n\n#### Kowloon Tsai.\n\nThe actual area involved is a small portion of Crown land on the east side of Waterloo Road between Rutland Quadrant and Essex Crescent, just outside the Southern boundary of the area where it is proposed to spend over £1,000,000 on new barracks.\n\nIt is proposed to have a strip at least 50 yards wide between the east margin of Waterloo Road and the camp fence.\n\nConsequently, the comparatively small number of private homes to be found at that particular spot will enjoy a certain separation from the camp.\n\nNeedless to say, this camp will be as strictly supervised from the health and discipline standpoint as the two already mentioned and every effort will be made to ensure that the minimum amount of annoyance is caused by the inmates.\n\nIt is hoped to restrict this camp to the same class of persons as at North Point but they will be collected from Kowloon.\n\n### Repatriation Efforts\n\nIt is believed, further, that a substantial saving may be possible in connection with the kitchen staff since it is hoped to be able to arrange for some of the inmates of the camp to do the cooking at a small remuneration under the personal supervision of voluntary helpers attached to the Bishop's Emergency Relief Council.\n\nFor a similar reason, it is possible that the actual cost of food and fuel may be reduced to a sum in the neighbourhood of $4 per month per head.\n\nIt must be remembered, however, that it is anticipated that a fairly considerable proportion of the camp population will be young children who need milk.\n\n### Importance of Diet\n\nThoughtful persons will realise at once that it is false economy to furnish a diet which is so deficient in heat and energy value and in the constituents necessary for growth and healthy living, that those receiving it fall sick and have to be treated in hospital.\n\nDuring the last few days the Government has found it necessary to vote thousands upon thousands of dollars on temporary relief hospitals (at Laichikok); and this only touches the fringe of the problem.\n\nLet those who are ready to criticise as too generous the provision of the bare diet which it is proposed to give to the occupants of the camps, spend an hour or so in the Chinese hospitals in Hongkong, seeing the wrecks of humanity many of whom could have been spared their sickness and suffering had they enjoyed at least one square meal a day,\" said Dr. Selwyn Clarke.\n\n\"A Small Return\"\n\n\"Putting it on the lowest possible basis, it is well known fact that Hongkong has derived a considerable sum in revenue as a result of the Sino-Japanese hostilities and, omitting any question of humanitarian motive and public health--the need for the protection of the people and ourselves be glad of a hand outstretched to help us.\"\n\nDr. Selwyn-Clarke continued, \"Occupants of the camps will be themselves and the safeguarding of residents the cost of the camps can be regarded only as a very small return on the Colony's part.\n\nIn conclusion, may I earnestly appeal to all residents of Hongkong who have the interests of the Chinese at heart (and more particularly of those who have been driven from or have fled from their homes in the war areas and are hungry and destitute) to assist the Government in any way they can in its formidable task of giving asylum and succour to those in their hour of need.\n\nThe time may come when many of us with homes and loved ones may be caught up into the cataclysm of war and we shall be glad of a helping hand.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-570-3 Sino-Japanese War- proposed refugee camp in demilitarised area of South China 1-6-1938 - 11-1-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 594393, "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": "CO129-617-6 Development- recommendations of Hong Kong Colonial Development and Welfare Committee 18-7-1947 - 23-12-1947", "page_number": 12, "title": "CO129-617-6 Development- recommendations of Hong Kong Colonial Development and Welfare Committee 18-7-1947 - 23-12-1947", "content_text": "# DEVELOPMENT OF HONGKONG AT VICTORIA\n\nFrom Our Hongkong Correspondent\nThe expansion of the business centre of the city of Victoria on Hongkong island has for long been frustrated by the location, in the heart of that district, of some 98 acres of property leased to the Army Council and the Admiralty, and utilized as barracks, parade grounds, official residences, and a Royal Naval Yard.\n\nThe Army and Navy also occupy good-sized plots in the heart of the ceded area of Kowloon, including Whitfield Camp and barracks (41 acres), and the naval camber (15 acres). The camp and barracks are the only undeveloped area suited for housing schemes within easy reach of the cross-harbour ferries; the Naval camber occupies a frontage urgently required for wharf and warehouse accommodation.\n\nThe loan by the home Government to Hongkong of the services of Sir Patrick Abercrombie, the town-planning expert, who has recently spent several weeks on the island, suggests that the future development of Hong Kong is to form the subject of careful study and planning. It is expected that the question of giving up the naval and military lands in the congested Victoria and Kowloon areas will receive serious consideration.\n\n## THE NAVAL YARD\n\nSome years must necessarily elapse before any comprehensive project for providing suitable alternative accommodation for the Navy and Army could be carried through, but a start might well be made with the little-used Murray parade ground, the evacuation of which by the Army would enable the widening of the congested Garden Road and the extension of the Perak tramway to the lower level, and provide a new office building site approximately twice as large as that occupied by the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.\n\nThe four roads running approximately from west to east, parallel to the Praya or harbour front, are short-circuited by the naval dockyard, which has an area of 35 acres, and all eastward traffic (including trams and buses) has to converge on Queen's Road East, and pass between the military and naval lands to reach the Wanchai district. Expansion of the business sector therefore stops short at the massive office building of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.\n\nThe military lands not only occupy a locality which would be ideal for the construction of the urgently needed new office buildings; their location prevents the Peak (cable) tramway station from being moved down to the main level, and necessitates a 10-minute walk, mostly up-hill, from the centre of the town to the lower terminus.\n\n## HIGH VALUE OF LAND\n\nWhen the British first occupied Hongkong island, and even up to 50 or 60 years ago when motor-vehicles were unknown, there might have been good reasons for maintaining the chief naval and military establishments in the centre of Victoria. Now, however, in an emergency troops could reach Victoria from any part of the island by motor transport within half an hour. In its present position between the business section and the densely populated Wanchai area the dockyard and its workshops cannot provide housing for its Chinese labour force. Moreover the land to-day is far too valuable to remain undeveloped as an office centre.\n\nA few months ago the site of the old City Hall, adjoining the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, realized over $258 (£16) a square foot at public auction. It is just across the road from the Murray parade ground. At two-fifths of this figure the naval and military lands would be worth over 125m. Provision would, of course, have to be made—in the event of a sale—for the surrender of much land for new roads and piers. But there is no reason to doubt that new and up-to-date barracks, and a modern naval dockyard could be constructed elsewhere on the island out of the proceeds of a sale.\n\nAs long ago as 1923, Sir John H. Oakley was sent out to Hongkong to value the military lands, which the local Government was desirous of purchasing. But for various political crises that engulfed South China from 1924 onwards, and the outbreak of war in 1939—the purchase was deferred.\n\n| | |\n| --- | --- |\n| COALING CAMBER: | |\n| BARRACKS: | |\n| KOWLOON: | |\n\n(7737) \n`GR1178/1922/32(III)` \nMe Mayes. 11/534 \nM2 Wallace H/535. \nMe Be Damond 5. \nSir 5. Cacine \nMe Rushwood. \nas dive hom MR Butter's", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-617-6 Development- recommendations of Hong Kong Colonial Development and Welfare Committee 18-7-1947 - 23-12-1947.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]