[ { "id": 294366, "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": "CO129-168 - Sir Kennedy - 1874 [9-12]", "page_number": 335, "title": "CO129-168 - Sir Kennedy - 1874 [9-12]", "content_text": "# THE CHINA MAIL, HONGKONG, THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 1874.\n\n## THE MEMORIAL TO H.E. THE GOVERNOR RESPECTING THE CONDUCT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE DURING THE LATE TYPHOON\n\nTHE following is the text of the memorial forwarded to H.E. the Governor by the Residents who condemn Capt. Deane's action during the late typhoon.\n\nHONGKONG, 5th October, 1874.\n\nTo His Excellency,\n**SIR ARTHUR EDWARD KENNEDY, K.C.M.G., C.B. Governor of Hongkong &c. &c. &c.**\n\nMAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,\n\nWe, the undersigned inhabitants of Hongkong, humbly beg to lay before your Excellency the following statement.\n\nThat on the night of the 22nd and the morning of the 23rd ultimo, a Typhoon of unprecedented violence did much destruction to life and property in this City and Harbour.\n\nAmong the many casualties of that dreadful night, two of the most remarkable are the wrecks of the steamers Albay and Leonor.\n\nBy the mercy of Providence, and the humane exertions of some private citizens, the crew of the Albay were saved from death, but although the Leonor sank only about fifty yards from the shore, nearly 100 persons perished, and only about 12 were saved from the ship.\n\nBefore the Leonor was wrecked, it was reported at the Central Police Station to the Captain Superintendent of Police, that a number of men had been rescued from the Albay, and that another steamer was coming on shore, but although there were a large number of available men at the Station, the Captain Superintendent refused to allow any of them to go out to render assistance.\n\nAt the time when the Police were thus confined to the barracks, they were also much needed to repress robbers who were plundering shops and warehouses, which had been broken open in various parts of the town and particularly on the Praya.\n\nDuring the height of the storm, a house in the Chinese portion of the City caught fire.\n\nThe circumstance was reported to the Captain Superintendent of Police, who not only refused to send any assistance, but declined to allow the Fire Alarm Bell to be rung, and he also failed to inform the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendents of the Fire Brigade, Messrs. C. May and J. Russell, that a fire had broken out, though it was his duty to do so at once.\n\nFortunately, Mr. C. V. Creagh, the other Assistant Superintendent, was present when the report was made, and, aid having been refused, he went alone to the Fire Engine Station and, with the help of a few volunteers, mostly private individuals, after much difficulty, the fire was subdued.\n\nThis colony pays a large sum annually for the maintenance of the Police Force and the Fire Brigade, for the protection of the lives and property of its Citizens, and it is grievously disappointing to find that, in an emergency, when lives were being lost by thousands in the Harbour and the whole City was threatened with a conflagration, the Chief of the Police not only was inactive himself, but withheld others from rendering that assistance which they were able and willing to give.\n\nHad timely aid been given, it is very possible that many of those who perished in the Leonor might have been saved, and valuable assistance might have been given in other quarters; and this inference is strengthened by what took place at the various outlying Police Stations both on this island and at Kowloong, where the detachments, not being checked from exertion, behaved in a manner which merits the gratitude and praise of the whole community. The names of Inspectors Burns, Grimes, and Youngson have come prominently forward among those who were most active in saving life.\n\nThe conduct of the Police at the Out-stations thus affords a gratifying proof of the willingness of the men to do their duty nobly, where they were not restricted by the orders of their chief.\n\nOur confidence in the discretion and wisdom with which the Police Force is directed has thus been seriously shaken, and we therefore pray that, in view of the circumstances herein set forth, Your Excellency will be pleased to institute a Public Inquiry into these matters, that the truth may be more fully known.\n\nWe have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servants,\n\nSigned by:- Jas. Whittall, M.L.C.; P. Ryrie, M.L.C.; K. Rowett, M.L.C.; C. Morland Kerr, for Oriental Banking Corporation; George Farley Heard; A. F. Heard; H. Hoppius; Jas. Greig, Chief Manager, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation; F. D. Sassoon; Wm. B. Forbes; John M. Forbes Jun.; Adolf André; Herbert Magniac; F. Bertrand, Principal Agent M. M. Co.; R. H. Sandeman, Actg. Manager, National Bank of India, Limited; A. Philippe, Acting Manager, Comptoir d'Escompte; M. W. Boyd, Manager, Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China; H. Lowcock; J. F. Cordes; T. Pyke; H. Seymour Geary; C. M. Siegfried; S. B. Emory, Acting Agent, Pacific Mail S.S. Co.; F. Grobien; H. Kiær; A. F. Chambers; J. Bradlee Smith; W. O. Scott; W. D. Harrison; Thos. Hall; G. M. Sands; E. A. Belilios; E. Vogel; N. B. Dennys; O. Benecko; Henry A. Mylne; Ad. Strack; Ludwig Bayer; D. McCulloch; Jas. B. Coughtrie, Secretary, China Fire Insurance Co.; A. Mac G. Heaton; J. Kennard Davin; John Robinson; Rad. Jensen; R. Walker; A. E. Braddon; P. Karbery; J. Keith Angus; C. E. Parker; H. C. Heywood; A. Molver, Superintendent P. & O. Company; Brast Behre; J. Ross Anton; Charles J. Barnes; E. A. Raven; C. Badde; P. W. Mein; C. E. Thomson; A. MacClymont; Ed. George; W. H. Ray; John S. Lapraik; John S. Cox; Ed. Mellish; G. A. Kusebone; A. P. McEwen; C. W. Baird; Nowrojee & Co.; A. Ebrahim & Co.; Framjee Hormusjee & Co.; M. D. Ghandy & Co.; R. Habibhoy; A. Habibhoy; R. Dhunjebhoy & Co.; H. Hustonjee; F. B. Cama; M. B. Polishwalla; H. B. Dantra; Nursey Kessowjee & Co.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-168 - Sir Kennedy - 1874 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 306681, "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": "CO129-189 - Governor Hennessy - 1880 [7-9]", "page_number": 437, "title": "CO129-189 - Governor Hennessy - 1880 [7-9]", "content_text": "434\n\nSUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES--HONGKONG, 1879.\n\nMEDICAL:\n\nESTABLISHMENTS,--Continued.\n\nSalary of Apothecary and Analyst, at $1,440 per annum,...........\n\nAMOUNT SANCTIONED BY THE COUNCIL.\n\nACTUAL EXCESS,\n\n$ C.\n\n$ C.\n\nSERVICES EXCLUSIVE OF ESTAB...----Continued.\n\nTRANSPORT:-\n\nSUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES--HONGKONG, 1879.\n\nAMOUNT SANCTIONED BY THE COUNCIL.\n\nACTUAL EXCESS.\n\n176.00 .80\n\nPassage allowance to Officers, excess,\n\nAllowance to Colonial Surgeon for Chair Coolies, at $24 per month,\n\nSalaries to Extra Ward Masters and Staff for the Lunatic Asylum and Small Pox Hospital,\n\n288.00\n\nActual Excess,\n\n$ 184.35\n\n$ 184.35\n\n$ 340.69\n\nWORKS AND BUILDINGS:-\n\n804.69\n\nErection of a market at Yau-ma-ti, (Re-vote of amount sanctioned in the Estimates for 1878),..\n\n6,000.00 4,330.66\n\nActual Excess,\n\n785.79\n\nBungalow for Civil Servants at the Peak, (Re-vote of balance unexpended in 1878),...\n\n940.00 900.00\n\nSERVICES EXCLUSIVE OF ESTABLISHMENTS.\n\nExpenses incurred by the Survey Department on account of the great fire in December, 1878),..\n\n2,500.00 2,380.67\n\nJUDICIAL:-\n\nAdministration of Justice:-Counsel's and Attorney's Fees defending Prisoners charged for murder,\n\n66.90\n\nActual Excess,\n\nTemporary structural changes in the Lock Hospital, to accommodate patients from Civil Hospital, in consequence of its destruction by fire,\n\nSanitary improvement in Aberdeen Police Station,\n\nMaintenance of Public Gardens-Supplementary,\n\ndo., Do. of Telegraph,\n\n3,950.00 3,939.29\n\n300.00 224.02\n\n500.00 467.00\n\n300.00 297.97\n\n66.90\n\n13,490.00\n\nPOLICE MAGISTRATES:-\n\nAdministration of Justice:-Fee to a Solicitor Defending at the Magistracy 9 prisoners charged with murder,\n\n55.00\n\nActual Excess,\n\nGAOL:-\n\nProvisions for Prisoners, excess,\n\n1,955.92\n\nLighting the Gaol,\n\ndo.,\n\n245.37\n\nIncidental Expenses,\n\ndo.,\n\n229.28\n\nRent of Quarters for Warden, at $25 per month, from 1st July,\n\n150.00\n\nActual Excess,\n\n12,539.61 38.36\n\nROADS, STREETS AND BRIDGES :-\n\nRepairs to Damages caused by Rain-storms of 12th and 13th Sept., 1879,\n\nScavenging and removing waste products from the village of Yau-ma-ti,\n\n5,872.00 5,809.81\n\n330.00 220.00\n\n6,202.00\n\nActual Excess,\n\n6,029.81 2,580.57\n\nMISCELLANEOUS SERVICES :----\n\nActual Excess,\n\n2,355.90\n\nGrant towards the repair of St. John's Cathedral,\n\n500.00\n\nFIRE BRIGADE:-\n\nGrant to the Humane Society to meet Special outlay in rockets and signal lights,\n\n300.00\n\nExpenses consequent on the great fire in December, 1878, being) gratuities to Volunteers, repairs to Engine, Hose, &c., excess,...............\n\nSteam Fire Engine, Hose, &c. from England, excess,\n\n1,817.48\n\nGrant towards the erection of a School House at Wanchai,\n\n350.00\n\n1,805.93 3,623.41\n\nSubscription to Renter's Political Telegrams, 1 year..............................\n\nFurniture for Government House. ($5,000 voted in 1878 not paid),\n\nExpeuses in consequence of the great fire in December, 1878,.\n\n1,000.00 6,245.84\n\n935.50\n\nActual Excess,\n\n3,623.41\n\nCarried forward.........\n\n9,331.34\n\nPage 434 appears three times at top and three times at bottom, indicating page metadata.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-189 - Governor Hennessy - 1880 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 309978, "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": "CO129-195 - Governor Hennessy - 1881 [1-4]", "page_number": 104, "title": "CO129-195 - Governor Hennessy - 1881 [1-4]", "content_text": "The typhoon that hit Hong Kong caused significant damage and loss of life. A junk was smashed to pieces, and several Chinese were rescued from the sinking vessel. A small boat was launched from the junk, and women and children were brought on shore, but this was not accomplished without considerable trouble on the part of those who risked their own lives. Among those brought to shore were two little children, about four years of age.\n\nAfter their rescue, a second trip was made by the little boat, and another complement of passengers was ferried across the extremely dangerous passage between them and the shore. This was one of the cases where the desire of the Chinese to save their goods and chattels dwarfed all interest in their own or their people's lives. The boat was nearly swamped due to the enormous amount of goods sought to be put in it.\n\nMuch credit is due to the man who volunteered from the Sailors' Home for their behavior regarding this junk. The members of the Humane Brigade, under the Hon. P. Ryrie, were also industrious in saving life. Near Peddar's Wharf and the Canton Steamer Wharf, five or six junks were wrecked or sunk. In one case, 14 people were brought to shore, and in another, ten persons were rescued.\n\nA lot of wreckage from junks, sampans, and boats was strewn about from one end of the Praya to the other. The pile was thickest towards the West end, and although there was little to show the severity of the gale towards the Far East quarter, the scene was one that was almost impossible to describe. It is hoped that those who were the inhabitants of those junks have been saved by finding protection elsewhere.\n\nPage 80\n\nAs to the further continuance of the storm, opinion seems to be divided. Some nautical friends believe that there may be a return of the symptoms of a typhoon when the tide turns. The fact that the Chinese did not obey the Harbour Master's notification of an approaching storm is notable, as they would have had ample time to be in a position of complete safety before the typhoonic gale was felt.\n\nAs to casualties, there are three lives to report lost. In one case, three men less were brought to shore than were on board when the junk got into difficulties. There can be no doubt that there have been not a few lives lost in this gale, even in the harbor, of which there is as yet no record.\n\nAmong those who distinguished themselves was Mr. Orley, Inspector of Markets, who sprang onto a junk that was drifting rapidly on shore and searched the vessel to see if anyone was on board. A stone junk sank within sight of the people on shore. A lighter believed to belong to Messrs. Butterfield and Swire has gone down off the Onslow Works. The steam launch belonging to the Hongkong Dispensary has also gone down.\n\nAs we finish writing, the violence of the gale has not moderated and does not promise to do so. Among many incidents observed during the afternoon, a stalwart Sikh was seen leading a couple of Chinese thieves who had taken advantage of the common misery to loot cargo from the stranded junks.\n\nThe Praya Wall has stood the test of the present gale and the north-wester experienced some time ago. The water struck against the wall with a solid impact, but as far as observed, not a block left its place. However, the decayed granite behind the concrete was guttered by almost the first waves, suggesting that something more durable should be used for macadamizing the roads.\n\nMr. Noble furnishes us with the following figures showing the state of the glass at the various readings today:\n\nTimeBarometer Reading\n9.0029.702\n10.0029.605\n11.0029.504\n11.3029.450\n12 noon29.400\n12.20 p.m.29.370\n12.4029.324\n1.0029.260\n1.2029.240\n1.4529.186\n2.1529.150\n3.1529.120\n4.0029.056\n4.3029.076\n29.080\n29.216\n\n103\n\n1", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-195 - Governor Hennessy - 1881 [1-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 356574, "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": "CO129-266 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [1-3]", "page_number": 105, "title": "CO129-266 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [1-3]", "content_text": "a telegraphic \nAu Sloven. \n\nThe Committee's recommendations will be found \nat pages Honchool's \nXXX to \nxxxv, M. May's and Mi endeure on \npages \n21 to 36 of \nthe \nappendix, and letters from M. May on pages \n83 to 97.\n\nI think it is necessary \nto come to a decision \nfort h XXXII par 180 \nwithout any further guidance. \nThe following are some of the points \n:(a) \nThe police force \nis overmanned but the \nstaff is top-heavy with a superintendent and deputy superintendent \nin addition to a \nChief Inspector. \nWe have \nconstantly nibbled at abolishing the deputy \nsuperintendent, and it has been much the same \nstory \nhere as in other branches of \nservice... that one man would be hard \nworked, and two men are \nvery lightly \nworked.\n\nThe proposal is to make the superintendent and his deputy manage the gaol and possibly the fire brigade also. As to the gaol, nothing can be done until M. Lethbridge is transferred or promoted. I do not altogether like the proposed combination, but on the whole I think it should be allowed. M. May says that p. XXX# par. 181. Loop: par- 47 XXX is a humane as well as a very firm and capable officer and is not at all likely to neglect the gaol, and moreover there is the advantage of combining, more or less, getting a good staff and class of warders or Huntleys from the ranks of the police. But I would make it a sine qua non that the deputy superintendent lives at the gaol. I think a high-class officer ought to live on the spot and would not accept the suggestion that the present quarters of the head of the gaol should be utilised for other purposes, much as the space is wanted.\n\nLord Ripon in October 1892 [17688] 'demurred to the combination of prison and police, and I then minuted perhaps the whole against it. On this occasion I am inclined to give way and accept what the Governor recommends. As to the fire brigade, I think it is advisable that it should be absorbed in the police, as recommended in 1891 by Mr Wodehouse, and not then accepted by the government. \"Whether this should...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-266 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422458, "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": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 487, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## Inclosure 5 in No. 1\n\n### The Viceroy of the two Kuang Provinces to Mr. Mayers\n\nCanton, May 30, 1869.\n\nTHE Viceroy received, on the 25th instant, a Report from Lieutenant-Colonel Shang Chang-mao and Pao Ying-hiung (Superintendents of the gun-boat squadrons) to the following effect :- \n\n\"The Acting British Consul, Mr. Mayers, having personally represented the occurrence of acts of piracy among the islands to the eastward of Hong Kong, and requested that a gun-boat be dispatched in company with a British vessel of war, and to cruise in that direction, we hereupon directed Major Fan Kan-ting, Commandant of the gun-boat 'Chên-to', to proceed on the 12th instant to Hong Kong for this purpose, and after visiting the neighbourhood of Mirs Bay, &c., to go on to the coast in the vicinity of Cupche, and use every effort conjointly (with the British force) for seizing any pirates met with during the cruise. These particulars have already been reported to your Excellency, and Major Fan Kan-t'ing has now reported his proceedings as follows :--\n\n[Report of cruise in vicinity of Mirs Bay omitted as unimportant.]\n\nOn the 15th the two gun-boats ('Chên-to' and His Majesty's gun-boat 'Bouncer') anchored together at Ta Sing Bay, near Ping Hoi, and it was thereupon agreed, on the proposition of Lieutenant Lloyd, that we should proceed on the following day to the Pratas Shoal, lying about 150 miles to seaward from Cupche, and overhaul the neighbourhood in search of pirates. Leaving our anchorage on the following day, accordingly, we proceeded in that direction, and, by keeping under way through the night, arrived at the Pratas Shoal at 10 A.M. on the 17th instant.\n\n\"I have to remark that, although the Pratas Shoal is described as lying 400 or 500 li from the coast of Cupche, it is in reality an isolated shoal lying in the midst of the China Sea, semi-circular in shape, the hollow of its curve facing the north-west, and some 100 miles or more in total circumference. (The rocks of which it consists) are alternately covered and left dry by the tide. Near the edge of the shoal is a small sandy island, barely 3 miles in length, where, although a certain amount of herbage does exist, there are no inhabitants. The whole place is studded with rocks in all directions, the winds and tides are variable and not to be depended upon, and an extraordinarily heavy sea prevails all around. The spot is scarcely ever visited either by Chinese or foreign trading-vessels. Having ascertained, in concert with Lieutenant Lloyd, that there were no traces of pirates making this their resort and plundering trading-vessels, we left the Pratas on the 19th instant and proceeded on our return voyage, arriving at Hong Kong on the 20th, and, after reporting to the Commodore, proceeded to Canton,\" &c.\n\nOn receipt of the foregoing Report, the Viceroy has to communicate the same for the honourable Consul's information, and avails, &c.\n\n## Inclosure 6 in No. 1\n\n### Mr. Mayers to the Viceroy of the two Kuang Provinces\n\nCanton, June 1, 1869.\n\nTHE Undersigned has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 30th ultimo, forwarding copy of the Report made by Major Fan Kan-ting respecting the visit of the gun-boat \"Chên-to\" to the Pratas Shoal, &c., which he has perused with attention.\n\nHe begs to observe in reply that the Pratas Shoal, lying as it does some 170 miles eastward from the coast of Kwangtung, occupies a position in the midst of the China Sea precisely in the track of vessels sailing north or south from the Chinese ports, as a result of which it frequently occurs that vessels are lost upon it when deviating, in even the slightest degree from their proper course, owing either to tempestuous weather or defective observations.\n\nSuch avoidable disasters occur on an average two or three times in the course of the year, and it has become a practice with the junk people of this province to lie in wait at the shoal for cases of shipwreck. The moment a foreign vessel strikes they rush on board and commence, regardless of all remonstrance or resistance, to strip her of everything they can lay their hands upon. It is highly necessary that measures be taken to put a stop to this lawless state of affairs. Ere long, undoubtedly, a lighthouse will be constructed at this spot, which will enable vessels to avoid the danger of the shoals, but an undertaking of this description will be a work of time, and in the meanwhile steps should be taken for affording efficient protection to vessels in distress, as is the duty of every civilized and humane Government. The Undersigned would point out to your Excellency that an island exists in the midst of the shoal which is about 3 miles in length, and where, although the island itself is not inhabited, vessels may be anchored and used as a place of residence. He therefore begs that your Excellency will take into consideration the propriety of stationing one or two war-junks at this locality, where their presence will both serve as a check on the desperadoes who live by the plunder of foreign vessels and will also enable your Excellency to carry out the provisions of the 20th Article of the Treaty of Tien-tsin, where it is stipulated that if any British vessel be wrecked or stranded on the coast of China the Chinese authorities shall adopt measures for its relief and security and extend friendly treatment to those on board. Such a consummation will be worthy of your Excellency's benign disposition.\n\nWith reference to Major Fan Kan-t'ing's Report, the Undersigned begs leave to observe that it does not tally in all particulars with that made by Lieutenant Lloyd, R.N., commanding His Majesty's gun-boat \"Bouncer,\" who mentions that on reaching the Pratas he found in the lagoon a Chinese junk, having sixteen men and five women on board, and that on searching her in concert with Major Fan Kan-t'ing and Captain Edwards, Commander of the \"Chên-to,\" he found her to be filled with articles forming part of the equipment of foreign vessels, besides a quantity of miscellaneous cargo. The master of the junk, on being interrogated, stated that he had been at anchor there for two months. It is plain therefore that this vessel was lying at the shoal on the look-out for cases of shipwreck, and the Undersigned is surprised to find that Major Fan Kan-t'ing makes no mention of her in the Report sent in.\n\nHe avails, &c.\n\n## Inclosure 7 in No. 1\n\n### The Viceroy Jui-lin to Mr. Mayers\n\nCanton, June 6, 1869.\n\nTHE Viceroy has to acknowledge the receipt on the 1st instant of the honourable Consul's despatch relating to the Report made by Major Fan K'an-ting respecting the Pratas Shoal (despatch requoted in full), and, in reply, he has to state that, of the shoal in question, the outer side is under the jurisdiction of the right battalion of the brigade of Lung-men, and the inner side under that of the left battalion of the above brigade, and also of the district magistracy of Ho-p'u, but in the despatch now received the Viceroy finds that no distinction is drawn as to either \"outer\" or \"inner\" side. In all cases, however, of shipwreck on the part of foreign vessels along the coast, it is incumbent upon the local authorities, in fulfilment of the Treaty, to take measures for affording them protection and assistance; but the request contained in the despatch now under acknowledgment, to the effect that steam gun-boats may be stationed at the Pratas for the purpose of affording such protection, has not the support of any Article in the Treaty, and it is not expedient to accede to it.\n\nThe Viceroy issues orders to the district Magistrate of Ho-p'u for the latter's guidance, and also to the above-mentioned military departments, to the effect that in the event of any foreign vessel being hereafter wrecked upon or near the Pratas Shoal, measures must be taken in accordance with the Treaty for affording them protection, and also that efficient steps must be taken without intermission for seizing and bringing to trial the piratical characters who resort to that locality, as a necessary part of the proceedings for affording the protection in question. The Viceroy also instructs Colonels Pao and Shang, the Commandants of the gun-boat squadron, to examine into the discrepancy pointed out in the despatch now under acknowledgment.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 509243, "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": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927", "page_number": 168, "title": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927", "content_text": "## 5. In our previous Report (C.I.D. Paper No. 756-B) we have already set out the strength of the force which we consider is necessary for the defence of Shanghai, viz. :- \n\"To protect the Concessions at Shanghai by military means against Nationalist troops that might be brought against it in the near future, a force of at least 1 Division and one squadron of aeroplanes would be necessary, and would have to be despatched without delay. This should be an international force with a preponderance of Japanese, and commanded by a Japanese officer, in view of the fact that Japan alone can provide large forces at short notice. In the present circumstances we must, in fact, rely primarily on Japan to protect our interests in Shanghai. Owing to the magnitude of British interests, British participation on the scale of a mixed brigade, with a proportion of naval aircraft, although it may be late, is essential. These forces should be additional to those required to control the population.\"\n\nIt will be seen, therefore, that our estimate of one Division corresponds to the estimate of the Naval Commander-in-Chief in his telegram of the 12th January.\n\n## 6. \nWe emphasised in our last Report the importance of securing international co-operation in the defence of Shanghai, and we understand that conversations have been proceeding with the Japanese Staff in this connection, the results of which, however, are not yet available.\n\n## 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.\n\nOur Conclusions and Recommendations in regard to the defence of Shanghai in the present circumstances may be summarised as follows:-\n\n(a) If Shanghai is to be secured, it is of the first importance that the troops for this purpose should be despatched at once, otherwise they may arrive on the scene too late. Any delay in this connection is dangerous.\n\n(b) The following British troops should be despatched to Shanghai at once:-\n| Item | Troops |\n| --- | --- |\n| (i) | One mixed Brigade from India. |\n| (ii) | 1,000 Marines. |\n| (iii) | The First Cruiser Squadron (which can supply a landing-party of 1,000 rifles). |\n\n(e) That recommendation (b) is on the understanding that the remainder of the units required to complete the Division which is necessary for the defence of Shanghai will be provided by other nationalities. If other nationalities are not prepared to provide the remainder of the Division we shall have to provide a complete Division ourselves.\n\n## 8. \nWe understand that arrangements are being made for the supply of such necessities as barbed wire, ammunition, &c.\n\n## 9. \nProvided that authority is given to-day to carry out the moves recommended in paragraph 7 above, it is estimated that the troops concerned will be available for action at Shanghai in 30 to 32 days from this date. Our latest information is to the effect that the earliest date on which the Chinese Nationalist Forces can arrive at Shanghai is 30 days from to-day. It will be seen, therefore, that in order to ensure effective intervention on our part the necessary orders for the move of our troops must be given to-day.\n\n## USE OF TEAR GAS IN CHINA.\n\n## 10. \nIn addition to the matters dealt with above we also considered the Memorandum by the Naval Staff on the possible use of Tear Gas in China (C.I.D. Paper No. 760-B). In his Memorandum dated the 20th December, 1926 (C.I.D. Paper No. 754-B), the Secretary of State for War described the widespread activities of Soviet Russia in connection with the production of war gases. In view of the close connection known to exist between the Chinese Nationalists and Soviet Russia, the use of gas by the former in any conflict that may arise between them and ourselves would therefore be a contingency that must be regarded as probable. It also appears unlikely that any decision by us to refrain from using gas would be taken into consideration by the Chinese if they had stocks of gas available for use.\n\nThe question for more immediate consideration, however, is whether the use of tear gas should be permitted against mobs. We are definitely of opinion that it is more humane and, under most circumstances, just as effective as the use of lethal weapons.\n\nIn the Washington Agreement and the recent Geneva Protocol on the subject gas it is laid down that gas is not to be used in war; tear gas is included in this prohibition. That this prohibition does not apply in peace time is, however, apparently the view of certain nations as authentic information of its use by France and the United States in quelling civil disturbances has been received.\n\nWe recognise, nevertheless, that a distinction must be drawn between the use by a Government of gas against its own nationals and against those of another Power.\n\nTear gas of a suitable kind could be obtained either at home or in the open market in America without undue delay, and, if its use were sanctioned, we are informed that arrangements could be made without difficulty for sending a special gas unit to China.\n\nAfter taking into consideration the many factors affecting its use, we unanimously recommend that authority should be given for gas to be used in China against the mob, subject to the issue of very definite instructions as to the circumstances under which it may be employed.\n\n2. Whitehall Gardens, S.W, 1, \nJanuary 17, 1927.\n\n(Signed) \n**BEATTY.** \n**H. TRENCHARD.** \n**G. F. MILNE.**\n\n## APPENDIX.\n\nDecypher Telegram from Commander-in-Chief, China, to Admiralty, No. 728, dated January 12, 1927, \n`H.M.S. Hawkins.`\n\n**ADRESSED** Admiralty (No. 728); repeated to `H.M.S. Hawkins` repeat message to Governor, Hong Kong.\n\nMy appreciation of position in Shanghai, by which mean the foreign occupied areas and the harbour from Shanghai to Wusung, is as follows: The conditions since fall of Hankow and Kiukiang, referred to in my No. 725, have materially altered all previous appreciations. At the present time there is nothing to stop an advance in force of the Cantonese army. I look on their reverse in Chekiang in the last two days merely as incidents and their ultimate advance on Shanghai as an absolute certainty. The volunteer force of Shanghai is entirely inadequate for defence purposes, and unless it is very materially increased the corrupt group of Shanghai is inevitable and will take place in practically the same manner as that of Hankow and Kiukiang. I consider a fully-equipped division, repeat division, is urgently required for the defence of Shanghai, and that, moreover, it should be despatched with the least possible delay. Urgency of situation calls for immediate action, and delay disastrous. Under the present conditions the Cantonese army can arrive in the vicinity of Shanghai within thirty days. The defence of Shanghai will be purely a military operation; the naval landing parties and volunteer corps will be used for maintaining order inside the settlement. I would point out that should this division be forthcoming, in addition to disposing of present menace to Shanghai, it would lead to eventual restoration of concessions at Hankow and Kiukiang and, above all, to the re-establishment of British prestige. Moreover, the presence of a strong British force in Shanghai would without doubt encourage our wavering allies to follow suit and thus afford them the opportunity to join with us in dealing with situation, which at present they are inclined to avoid as being mess of our own making. The alternatives to this proposal are: (i) peaceful evacuation of concession at an early date; (ii) evacuation under similar or worse conditions than existed at Hankow and possibly under fire. I have consulted Consul-General, Shanghai, in this matter, and he is in entire agreement, though he adheres to his previously expressed opinion that evacuation would prove physically impossible in practice. In the meantime, I concur that the battalion now in readiness at Hong Kong should be sent forthwith and accommodated ashore.\n\nMinister at Peking is being similarly informed.\n\nPage 185", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 544994, "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": "CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935", "page_number": 300, "title": "CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935", "content_text": "## 4. \n**M (1) 14-**\n\nThe By-laws governing Eating-houses were amended by the introduction of a new by-law No. 5A giving the Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade, or any officer deputed by him, power to inspect eating-house premises with a view to ascertaining the precautions taken and available against fire. This was made by the Board on 7th November and approved by the Legislative Council on 14th December. The By-laws governing Slaughter-houses were amended by amending by-law No. 3 of Part III to allow the introduction of humane slaughter methods in regard to sheep and goats in the Colony's slaughter houses. This was made by the Board on 7th November and awaits approval of the Legislative Council.\n\n## 3. Markets\nNo new market was opened during the year.\n\n## Public Latrines and Conveniences\nDuring the year public conveniences were completed and demolished as follows:\n\n| Location | Completed | Demolished |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Hong Kong | 1 | 2 |\n| Kowloon | 4 | 3 |\n| Total | 5 | 5 |\n\n## 5. Bath-houses\nNo new bath-house was opened during the year.\n\n## 6. Cemeteries\n(a) The following cemetery was opened during the year:\n- New Stanley Cemetery.\n\n(b) The following cemeteries were closed during the year:\n- Stanley Cemetery (Tung Tau Chau)\n- Chinese Christian Cemetery at Stanley\n- Sookunpoo Urn Cemetery\n- Telegraph Hill Urn Cemetery\n\n## 7. Premises Licensed or Admitted to Registration\nTable XVIII shows the number of premises licensed or admitted to registration by the Sanitary Board.\n\n## 8. Water Closets in Private Premises\nDuring the year the Board approved the installation of 3,365 water closets and 257 urinals in private premises. The distribution of these water closets in districts is shown in `Table XI (i)` (line 6). The number of water closets and urinals installed up to 31st December is shown in `Table XIX`.\n\n**C. J. ROE**, Secretary, Sanitary Board.\n\n7th February, 1933.\n\nPage 300\nPage 301", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 545955, "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": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "page_number": 88, "title": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "content_text": "C. S. O.\n\nM.F. 237.\n\nassistance and encouragement such a scheme.\n\nto through this prolonged trade depression. A choice of two evils presented itself alternatively in proposals for cuts in salaries or reduction in the personnel of the staff. The less harmful of the two courses was chosen.\n\nCare Of Lepers. There is another matter which I should like to mention. The Hon. Colonial Secretary in dealing with ambulance work mentioned in his speech about lepers. I am informed that the number of lepers in the Colony are increasing. We have no facilities here for dealing with such cases except deporting them. From The Leper Quarterly issued by the Chinese Mission to Lepers, whose Headquarters is in Shanghai, and there is a branch office here, I understand that there is a leprosery in the Malay States under the control of the Government there; and a new cure is claimed to have been discovered by that institution. In my visit to the Leper Settlement at Tai Kam Island in June last, which is under the management of the Rev. Dr. John Lake, I found this unfortunate people there received great comfort through religious influence. I hope therefore, that our Excellency, who is so deeply interested in all charitable and humane works in the Colony, will direct an enquiry as to the feasibility of having a hospital in Hongkong for these most unfortunate social outcasts.\n\n\"Axe\" For Civil Service. In the application of the axe some firms have thought fit to institute an all-round cut in salaries of a uniform rate whilst others have worked on a sliding scale of reduction so as to inflict a minimum of hardship. The scale was graduated to a point below which it did not proceed, since it is considered that clerks and others of that category must be paid at least a living wage.\n\nExcessive Privileges. The cogency of my criticism will appear with more telling effect when it is appreciated that the cost of transport of Government servants figures at the colossal sum of exactly half a million dollars for 1935 against 42 lakhs this year. Not many ratepayers, I feel sure, realise the extent of the cost to the Colony which certain privileges enjoyed by Civil Servants entail. These privileges take the form of passage allowance, among others, to non-domiciled officers on account of leave to England and back. I am aware that I am treading on delicate ground when approaching this subject. Leave privileges are defended on the principle that they assume a form of insurance for fitness and efficiency. This insurance premium is probably justified in the case of the front rank members of officialdom and of especial technical officers; but in all other cases my submission is that the insurance premia are much too high during these lean years.\n\nGenerous Conditions In Civil Service. It will be recalled that on June 19, 1930, this Council voted that sum of over one and a half million dollars to ameliorate the condition of the officers of the Government because of the high cost of living then prevailing. The increases to salaries granted under the recommendations of the Gollan Commission have been continued ever since, despite the Colony's altered economic condition the worse. The local cost of living is now substantially lower. The Colony in turn expects some little reciprocity and in this expectation they have no desire to inflict upon the employees of Government the least hardship. Any saving in personal emoluments could be applied towards an abatement of rates from which the humblest inhabitant stands to benefit.\n\nOverburdened With Officers. Scrutinizing the Estimates with some care, I fail to discover that any real effort has been made to curtail the cost of the permanent establishment of the Colony. For example, the proposal to recruit two new Cadets results in the emolument for the Colonial Secretary's department being increased by a sum of $41,000 in 1935. In fact, the impression is very widely held that the Colonial Secretariat is already overburdened with a number of officers of this category and in times when economy should be the first consideration it is a doubtful expedient, to say the least, to add to the cost of administration the salaries of new officers of a grade that entails higher expenditure.\n\nMR. BRAGA'S ATTACK.\n\nOwing to sickness, the Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga was absent, but his speech, read by Hon. Mr. Bell, was as follows:-Your Excellency, I must confess to some disappointment with the Government statement in presenting the Estimates for next year. This disappointment rises from the fact that, while the trade depression formed the keynote of the Honourable the Colonial Secretary's review of the Estimates, the Government has shown no practical sympathy with the Colony in the difficult times through which it is passing. A substantial evidence of such sympathy would have been greatly appreciated if some scheme had been formulated for a reduction in the high cost of the Colony's administration.\n\nKOWLOON MATTERS.\n\nWhile critical of an uneconomical policy dictating the engagement of sterling-paid officers for posts that could be filled with equal efficiency by local men, I must not withhold my meed of praise to the Director of the Royal Observatory in attempting \"to train local officers on his present staff to the necessary degree of efficiency as Magnetic Observers so as to obviate the need of employing another professional assistant.\" The Director's example might be followed advantageously by other heads of departments. I regard his recommendation as an eloquent testimony to the efficiency of his subordinates who deserve the Colony's thanks.\n\nSimilarly, the Treasurer's proposal to increase the number of his Cadet assistants by one, who will act as Superintendent of the Stamp Office, cannot be regarded as a recommendation in the direction of economy. I have a perfect recollection of the days when the duties of Superintendent of the Stamp Office were discharged by locally-recruited officers to the entire satisfaction of the business community. I cannot see any justification for the change.\n\nThe same criticism must be directed against the proposed employment of a sterling officer to fill the new post of Assistant Superintendent of Mails in the Post Office.\n\nThe retiring Inspector General of Police will permit an appreciation of his effort at economy in putting Chinese Sub-Officers in charge of certain Fire Brigade Sub-Stations for duties hitherto performed by a European in charge of a Station, thus avoiding the increasing cost of the European establishment.\n\nHigher Rate Threat. In the matter of the collection of rates, the Colonial Secretary has raised the point of difficulty experienced in such collection and suggests as one of the steps for speeding up collection \"an increase in the rate with a corresponding decrease if payment is tendered within the legal period provided in the Rating Ordinance.\" I would appeal strongly to the Colonial Treasurer to desist from carrying out an experiment of doubtful value. There is real danger that the increased rate would be passed on to the tenant by a type of landlords with whom the honourable member on my right is probably well acquainted.\n\nTouching on the question of those services that ensure the health, security and general well-being of the community I entertain serious doubts if the ratepayers are entirely satisfied with the Government's present policy. Many entertain the view that the medical services of the Colony are insufficiently financed and my friends, the unofficial members of the Sanitary Board, are loud in declaiming the ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 551081, "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": "CO129-557-5 Estimates 1937 19-8-1936 - 7-8-1937", "page_number": 202, "title": "CO129-557-5 Estimates 1937 19-8-1936 - 7-8-1937", "content_text": "233\n\n5.\n\nto section holders has fallen considerably into arrears. It is expected also that a large number of property owners will take advantage of the Crown Rents (Apportionment) Ordinance when that is brought into operation, but until the arrears are disposed of this work cannot well be undertaken. The sooner additional assistance in the Land Office is available, the sooner therefore can the Ordinance be brought into force. The revenue which will result from the fees earned in clearing up the arrears, and from the fees earned under the new Ordinance, will, it is estimated, more than cover the cost of an additional Legal Officer. When the arrears are overtaken, this officer will be available to fill one of the vacancies expected to result from the retirement of officers now in the service.\n\n## Head 18. Magistracy Hong Kong\n\nThe number of Cadet Officers available has been insufficient to allow of a Cadet Officer being used as First Clerk and relief Magistrate, as was the case last year. The duties of First Clerk are now being performed by a Class III officer of the Senior Clerical and Accounting Staff.\n\n## Head 20. Police Force\n\nThere is an increase of $13,062 in Other Charges, of which a large part is attributable to the lower rate of exchange.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure, the provision of arms is for replacements only, and the provision of anti-gas equipment is in continuation of the policy to which reference has already been made in connection with the Fire Brigade.\n\nTear-gas equipment is being introduced on instructions from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as being a more humane weapon to use in quelling disorders than firearms.\n\nFor the better protection of the New Territories against", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-557-5 Estimates 1937 19-8-1936 - 7-8-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]