[ { "id": 253513, "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": "CO129-086 - Sir Robinson - 1862 [5-6]", "page_number": 141, "title": "CO129-086 - Sir Robinson - 1862 [5-6]", "content_text": "# \nnom the introduction during the day and night soil is carried through the hour of the day.\n\nIt is true that the Inspector has effected considerable improvement by a comprehensive plan to abate nuisances. Some such scheme as is now in effect in London, or other towns where the natural formation of the land will permit of it, has preserved the streets from being washed down from the upper stories and material carried into the streets at any hour of the day.\n\nI venture on this point because it is impossible for me to make a man understand that the state of the Streets is not solely due to the women. I think, in every case, one other town I am acquainted with here, it is impossible, each rainy season, to obliterate every nuisance.\n\nNor even were the whole Police Force to carry out a comprehensive plan within its limits, the streets are as dirty as their reverse, women have received and continue to receive adequate attention in connexion with the streets works on their part. Accidents have occurred and must continue to occur as the cuttings and levels of the street are not maintained in a healthy condition.\n\nMy suggestion which goes towards providing a remedy is that the soil should be removed only in closely covered vessels, and that neglect or notoriously diverging from this should be maintained in a perfectly healthy condition as long as the present system of dust-bins is maintained. The regulation should render the offenders liable to a fine.\n\nSewerage is a question of many, if not all, European towns; the naval custom is adopted here by the Colonial Surgeon, that all household refuse such as dust, vegetable rubbish, shall be placed in dust-bins so long as it refers to progress with this higher ace.\n\n## \nIt is impossible for me to understand what every practical man refers to in connexion with this.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-086 - Sir Robinson - 1862 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 257259, "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": "CO129-094 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [11-10]", "page_number": 195, "title": "CO129-094 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [11-10]", "content_text": "244.\n\n25\n\n191\n\nim, should be considered indispensably.\n\n50.\n\nTo complete the power of control, of the city; and in improving the present system of surface drainage should be combined with that of the Sewers, (both main and subordinate,) so that the surface waters should flush every main sewer.\n\n51.\n\nAt present the sewerage is on the whole proper for the lower levels of the City, and to relieve them, increased means should be given for extending these works in a rapidly increasing City, the Committee would suggest the adoption of a system of intermediate levels.\n\n52.\n\nEastward of Glenealy, their adoption is unnecessary at present; but to the Westward their judicious introduction could materially benefit the more populous part, while greatly relieving the drainage of the lower, and more populous part, (by intercepting sewerage of the upper districts,) it need not entail the necessity of present heavy outlay on works; but be extended \"pari passu\" with the growth of the City, the temporary sewage delivery of such system, during its progress, being made through the successive sewers on the main inclines, and all such preceding outlets being in their turn cut off.\n\n53.\n\nIn noticing the Market drainage, the Committee are of opinion, that the more solid refuse of the markets should be collected in specially adapted receptacles, and be...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-094 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [11-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 266510, "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": "CO129-114 - MacDonnell - 1866 [7-8]", "page_number": 403, "title": "CO129-114 - MacDonnell - 1866 [7-8]", "content_text": "Report on proposed Reserved Potrefulum to impound 100,000,000 Gallons for Water Works. The Hong Kong water works consists of a small reservoir at Potrefulum capable of containing 2,000,000 Gallons, and two tanks in the City, one containing 200,000 Gallons and supplying the upper levels, the other containing 850,000 Gallons supplying the remainder of the City.\n\nThe water is conveyed from Potrefulum by gravitation, a distance of 3½ miles into the city by means of a 10\" main laid under the road. The height of the Reservoir is 460 feet above the sea level, and that of the high Level Tank to which the 10\" main is laid, 200 feet above the sea.\n\nThis main was calculated to discharge, with a full reservoir, one Million Gallons in 24 hours. The actual discharge is, however, at the present time 775,000 Gallons only, and this is about the amount which it is proposed to ensure the supply from Potrefulum daily throughout the year.\n\nOther sources in the immediate neighbourhood of the City are connected with the water works, the total average daily supply being about 300,000 Gallons. The supply which it is desired to obtain from Potrefulum is 1,000,000 Gallons, making a total of 1,000,000 Gallons per diem of 24 hours.\n\nSite of Reservoir: It has been found impossible to obtain a better site on the Island for a large reservoir than at Potrefulum, and as the water is extremely pure, it has been determined to extend...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-114 - MacDonnell - 1866 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 266568, "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": "CO129-114 - MacDonnell - 1866 [7-8]", "page_number": 461, "title": "CO129-114 - MacDonnell - 1866 [7-8]", "content_text": "28\n\nCOLONIAL ESTIMATES-HONGKONG.\n\nEXPENDITURE\n\nDETAILED.\n\nNo. 13.-WORKS AND BUILDINGS.\n\n456\n\nCOLONIAL ESTIMATES-HONGKONG.\n\n29\n\nEXPENDITURE DETAILED.\n\nC.\n\nNo. 15.-MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.\n\n$\n\nG.\n\nNew Gaol, Stone Cutter's Island:-\n\n$\n\nR. & E. S. No. 5 of 1862,.\n\n99,648.00\n\nProbable Expenditure to 31st December, 1860,.\n\n85,450.00\n\nProposed to be expended in 1867,\n\n2,000.00\n\n2,000.00\n\nExpenses of the Clock Tower,.\n\nCommission to Crown Agents,\n\nOther Miscellaneous Services,\n\nReservoir at Pokefulum to impound 100,000,000 gallons of water: as per R. & E.\n\n100,000.00\n\nTOTAL,\n\n600.00\n\n1,150.00\n\n1,350.00\n\n3,100.00\n\nProposed to be expended in 1867,\n\n50,000.00\n\n50,000.00\n\nImprovements, Ventilation to Victoria Gaol,.\n\n2,000.00\n\nExtension of Sanatarium at Kowloon,\n\n11,000.00\n\nReclaiming Ground at Bowrington,\n\n10,000.00\n\nNo. 16.-INTEREST.\n\nNil.\n\nRepairs to Buildings,\n\n7,000.00\n\nMaintenance of Public Gardens, Fountains and Improvements to same,.\n\n5,000.00\n\nMaintenance of Water Works,\n\n2,000.00\n\nPlanting Trees,\n\nNo. 17.-LAND AND HOUSES PURCHASED.\n\n1,000.00\n\nProposed Breast work or Fortification at Mint,\n\nNil\n\n1,600.00\n\nMiscellaneous Works,\n\n3,500.00\n\nTOTAL,.\n\n95,100.00\n\nNo. 18.-SPECIAL EXPENSES.\n\nC.\n\nNo. 14.—ROADS, STREETS, AND BRIDGES.\n\nHalf Cost of Maintaining a Gun-Boat,\n\n26,000.00\n\nC.\n\nPaving Streets and Improvements to same in Taipinshan,\n\n25,000.00\n\nCarriage Road from Upper Albert Road to Gap above Race Course,\n\n29,000.00\n\nNo. 19.-MILITARY CONTRIBUTION.\n\nC.\n\nWidening and Improving Quarry Bay Road,\n\n2,500.00\n\nCorrecting Levels and Repairing Robinson Road,\n\n3,000.00\n\nRoads in Kowloon,\n\nRepairs to Roads out of Victoria,\n\nDo. to Streets in Victoria,.\n\nDo. to Drains in Victoria,.\n\nDo. to Surface Drains in Victoria,\n\nDo. of Bridges,\n\nDo. of Praya Walls in Victoria,\n\nNew Surface Drains in Victoria,\n\nMiscellaneous Services,\n\nRoads and Street Contingencies,.\n\n4,000.00\n\nContribution to Imperial Government in aid of Military Expenditure, (£20,000 at probable average of exchange),\n\n94,000.00\n\n3,000.00\n\n1,000.00\n\n3,000.00\n\n500.00\n\n1,000.00\n\n2,000.00\n\n2,000.00\n\n1,500.00\n\n2,000.00\n\nTOTAL,\n\n$\n\n73,500.00", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-114 - MacDonnell - 1866 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 292617, "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": "CO129-166 - Public Offices & Others - 1873", "page_number": 47, "title": "CO129-166 - Public Offices & Others - 1873", "content_text": "It is desirable that, by whatever means water is hereafter brought into the City, it should be conducted to a point as near as possible to two Service Tanks for distribution. There are high tanks, known as No. 1 and D (although shown on the plan, there are really several smaller ones), through which the supply is passed to the Aby; and these are situated at a height far too low to admit of any great pressure being given. They will, however, still be of use in assisting the distribution to the localities in which they are situated.\n\nI have omitted to state with reference to the 10-inch Conduit pipe that throughout its entire length, it has only one air valve, and that is situated about 150 feet below its upper end at Pokfoolum, or at the point marked B on the plan. The Cast iron pipes have mostly socket joints, but in some instances, owing to the sharp bends of the roads, plain pipes are merely butted together and covered with non-ferrules, which have been a frequent cause of leakage.\n\nI do not think I need refer to the extent of distribution in the Aby otherwise than to say that, as the streets have been laid out and the mains have followed them, frequently without due regard to levels, so that instead of falling evenly towards their respective termini, they meander in various directions, sometimes rising and sometimes falling. It will therefore be necessary to relay them throughout the principal part of the City. When another channel shall have been substituted for the 10-inch pipes in the Pokfoolum road, they will be available, at a small cost for cleaning, for this purpose. Those also now in the main thoroughfares, for which these will be substituted, will serve in like manner for other localities.\n\nHaving thus given an outline of the existing state of the water supply, I proceed to summarize the defects of the system, and then endeavour to show in what way...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-166 - Public Offices & Others - 1873.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 298592, "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": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]", "page_number": 515, "title": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]", "content_text": "more than nullified by the steep configuration of the ground which entails the sinking of $18,000 in levelling and preparing for foundations before a single brick could be laid. It should also be borne in mind that if the new school is to occupy the site of the present establishment, accommodation must be found for the latter during the eighteen months which must elapse before the new premises are fit for occupation, and that the housing, however provisional, for so large a personnel must of necessity entail a very considerable outlay. What this outlay may eventually amount to, I am unable to say, but the Government may form some estimate from the experience gained in the somewhat parallel case of the Temporary Civil Hospital. In regard to the present Central School site, I should also point out that it will not allow of the new school being built in one single block. The steep slope of the ground prevents this, and in order to keep the cost within bounds it would be necessary to have recourse to a series of two or more parallel buildings on different levels or steps, connected with each other by flights of stairs. Anything more unsatisfactory than this, for an establishment in which the inmates are constantly on the move, and who would, therefore, have to be continually going up and down stairs can scarcely be conceived. Drawing D, containing a profile of the ground, clearly shows the unfitness of such a declivity for a house site.\n\n7. Site IV. Rangel's Labyrinth and adjoining premises.--This is the block contained between Sing Wong, Aberdeen and Staunton Streets and Hollywood Road. It is shown in Drawing E coloured pink. Seven-eighths of the property belong to the estate of the late Mr. RANGEL; the remainder to Messrs. SIEMSSEN & Co., to Mr. DORARJEE, and to some Chinese. The whole makes a fine large area of 72,000 square feet, situate on a slope by no means steep and which can be levelled at a comparatively moderate cost. As regards neighbourhood, Mr. STEWART is of opinion that no better can be found in Victoria. The land and houses, which are very dilapidated, have been assessed at $50,000, but as a portion of the material contained in these old houses, is saleable, this sum may be reduced by about two or three thousand dollars. If this site happen to be selected, the expense of its purchase may be almost entirely recovered by the sale of the present school site and buildings and the Bamboo Garden adjoining, which together will realize about $40,000.\n\n8. Site V. Inland Lots Nos. 263, 764, & 698, and vacant lands adjoining.-- These are situate on Queen's Road nearly opposite to the Ko Shing Theatre. This site is perhaps the least favourable of any, and is entitled to consideration only because the larger portion of it is already Government property. Drawing B shows the Crown portion of the land coloured red, the adjacent lots Nos. 263,764 and 698 owned by private parties being coloured green. These may be bought for about $12,000. As regards situation, there is no objection, unless perhaps it be that pointed out by Mr. STEWART in the close proximity of the theatre.\n\n9. Site VI. Messrs. Augustine Heard & Co's old offices opposite the City Hall.- These, and the ground on which they stand, are for sale, and it is, I believe, acknowledged that for public reasons, the Government should, if conveniently possible, endeavour to acquire the property, but whether the latter is convertible into a Public School is a matter apart from the impolicy of allowing it to pass into other and perhaps native hands. My instructions limit me to a report upon the best site for a school independently of other considerations, and I, therefore, have to deal with this site entirely upon its merits relatively to those of the preceding. The land and buildings are worth about $20,000, though more than double this amount is, I understand, asked. The property is divided into two portions, the lower is on a level with Queen's Road and has an area of 14,475 square feet. The upper is on a level with the Cathedral and is supported by retaining walls 30 feet high. It has an area of 15,422 square feet. The main building is three stories high, its basement comprises strong rooms and servants' quarters. The first floor is divided into eleven offices, seven of which are in the interior of the building proper and four in the verandahs. The second floor consists entirely of dwelling rooms.\n\nX\n\n513\n\nThe building is generally dilapidated and its internal accommodation is such as to preclude its being turned to any use other than that for which it was originally designed. The cost of rearranging the rooms would be more than the dilapidated condition of the structure perhaps justifies. Moreover, the foundations of the main building have settled and the walls are cracked in many places. The front wall, which was taken down and rebuilt about two years ago, again shows signs of settlement, the arches and chunam floor being cracked in several places. The whole of the roof timbers and the flooring are of common China fir, and considering their age, there is reason to fear that they may require renewal at no distant date, more especially as there are traces of white ants in many places. The only material of the present structure which could be utilised in a new building would be the bricks and stone, of which a large quantity is available.\n\nAs I know it is the intention of the Governor that the new school, if built at all, shall, to the fullest extent, meet the requirements of the Public, I am, after due and careful consideration, unable to recommend to His Excellency these offices of Messrs. HEARD & Co. as they at present stand, and as it is evident that to accommodate the number of classes required by Mr. STEWART, the premises must be entirely rebuilt, I would respectfully submit that they are not entitled to the first rank among the various sites which I have here had the honour to bring under your notice. Besides the absence of a play-ground, I should point out another demerit which is the somewhat dangerous position of the building which overlooks a perpendicular precipice.\n\n10. From a sanitary and financial point of view, Site I. on Bonham Road would have been decidedly the most advantageous, but deferring to Mr. STEWART'S objection on account of its distance from town, site IV (Rangel's Property) appears to me to be the next best.\n\n11. The table appended hereto recapitulates the cost involved in the acquisition of each site, and in the levelling of the same to prepare it for the foundations of the new building.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour obedient Servant,\n\nJ. M. PRICE,\n\nSurveyor General.\n\nThe Honourable\n\nJ. GARDINER AUSTIN, C.M.G.,\n\nColonial Secretary.\n\n \n Site.\n Locality,\n Cost of Acquisition.\n Cost of levelling for New School & Play-ground.\n Plus $50,000\n After deducting $40,000 proceeds of Sale of present School.\n \n \n 1\n Heard's Lot on Bonham Road,\n $3,000\n $8,000\n $50,000\n $10,000\n \n \n 2\n Possession Point & adjoining Houses,\n 29,000\n Nil\n 79,000\n 39,000\n \n \n 3\n Present School Site,\n Nil.\n 18,000\n 68,000\n 68,000\n \n \n 4\n Rangel's Property,\n 50,000\n 3,000\n 103,000\n (*) 63,000\n \n \n 5\n Queen's Road West,\n 12,000\n Nil.\n 62,000\n 22,000\n \n \n 6\n Heard's Property opposite City Hall,\n (*) 20,000\n Nil.\n (*) 70,000\n 30,000\n \n\n(1.) This sum would be increased to about $70,000 in preparing accommodation for the scholars during progress of new building.\n\n(2.) This sum may be reduced to $80,000 by sale of old materials.\n\n(3) This valuation is rather high.\n\n(4.) No play-ground feasible.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 301929, "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": "CO129-181 - Governor Hennessy - 1878 [1-8]", "page_number": 90, "title": "CO129-181 - Governor Hennessy - 1878 [1-8]", "content_text": "89\n\nhowever it should now be added that after consultation with this Department, the OW KI with the most commendable spirits had already in 1875 raised this floor at their expense to record with the dicats. So that when the proposed future quadrants are completed, no doors will be left below.\n\nThe type of masonry along the portico, and the general condition of the wall after the typhoon having been already described, an outline specification of the proposed work of restoration may be briefly classified as follows:\n\n(1) Resetting of the upper coping where damaged, and raising the coping level to the red line shown in the Longitudinal Section.\n\n(2) Raking out and repointing of all joints along the face of the wall.\n\n(3) Backing the wall with dry-rubble concrete as shown in Drawings No. 25 and 25A.\n\n(4) Raising the roadway to correspond with the altered levels of the coping course, concreting the surface, and paving the abutting streets.\n\nResetting the abutting masonry and raising Coping Course.\n\nAll the stones loosened or displaced will \n\nPage 90\nPage 91", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-181 - Governor Hennessy - 1878 [1-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 303049, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878", "page_number": 47, "title": "CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878", "content_text": "43\n\nMost of it is above high water of the North East Monsoon, or high water of its South West Monsoon. When so raised it would still be 3 ft. below the sea level of the typhoon of 1874, but it will not be practicable further to increase its height as it would in that case be above the floors of the buildings which now line the Embankment; in fact some of these floors have already been raised in anticipation of a minimum coping level of 14 ft. above high water of the North East Monsoon, and I do not think this height can be increased without prejudicing the interests of the Quarine property owners.\n\nThe masonry of the old Wall is reported to be of fair quality, and superior in every respect to that of the Praça Central. The foundations are laid either on rock or on a hard substratum of gravel which overlies the rock, and there are no evidences of settlement; the rebound having disturbed the gravel bed seaward of the wall. The displacement of the coping and upper courses by the Typhoon of 1874 has not been made good, other than by temporarily laying the blocks to their old levels pending decision being arrived at with regard to the repairs.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 304354, "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": "CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12]", "page_number": 299, "title": "CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12]", "content_text": "As the town of Victoria is built on a slope along the water's edge, it might be possible to construct fire brigade tanks on the upper levels, or to adopt some other means for increasing the supply.\n\n(signed) J. Pope Hennessy.\n1st May, 1879.\n\n293", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 304429, "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": "CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12]", "page_number": 372, "title": "CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12]", "content_text": "371 \n\nwaited on the Fire Insurance Companies on the 21st of September to make certain suggestions respecting the re-organization of the Fire Brigade, and the supply of water for extinguishing fires.\n\nI had previously had more than one conference with the leading Chinese householders and owners of property in Hongkong on those two questions; and I had had the advantage of consulting the gentlemen who manage the Fire Brigade at Shanghai on some details of the system in force there.\n\nOn the whole I am happy to find that there is a pretty general agreement in the conclusions I had arrived at and communicated to you on the 10th of September last.\n\nIn addition to the minutes and Reports I had then the honour of submitting to you, I now enclose a Report signed by Mr. Price, the Surveyor General, Mr. Ryrie, the Senior Unofficial Member of the Legislation Council, and Mr. Creagh, the Acting Head of the Fire Brigade proposing a plan of interconnected tanks to be placed on the upper levels of the town of Victoria, and system of hydrants, by which fire engines would be no longer needed. This, in fact, is a suggestion I threw out for the consideration of these gentlemen on the 1st of May 1879.\n\nIn laying this suggestion and accompanying plans before you, I will ... you.\n\nC.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 304432, "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": "CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12]", "page_number": 375, "title": "CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12]", "content_text": "# Document on Water Supply for Fire Extinguishing in Hong Kong\n\nstations were of great value; and fires were on several occasions extinguished by a jet from the hydrant before the arrival of the engines. As far as I remember, things were much in this state when I went on furlough in 1871. But on returning from leave I found that during my absence of eighteen months, the pressure on the mains had decreased to such an extent that it was no longer of much use for the purposes of fire extinction; and besides this, the water was now so seldom turned on in the mains that the street pipes could not even be relied on for the small supply of fresh water necessary for the boilers of the steam engines.\n\nI was informed by the then Acting Surveyor-General that this change was caused by the large number of new pipes connected with the mains for the supply of Chinese houses in different parts of the town. The dearth of water increased, and towards the end of 1873, by order of the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, the subsidiary posts were abandoned as useless and the hoses returned to store.\n\nFor the last two or three years, the hydrant supply has been so precarious that even for supplying the boilers they are seldom resorted to until every other source has failed. By giving previous notice to the turncock, a good supply may be obtained from the street pipes in certain parts of the town, but in this case, the delay is so great, and the result so uncertain, that its utility is greatly curtailed for the purposes of this Department.\n\nWell, upon that a minute was made to the Surveyor-General:----\n\nRefer this to the Surveyor-General, and ask him what steps he can take to restore the water supply to the state it was in a few years ago as described by the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade.\n\nThen the Surveyor-General immediately reported:-\n\nThere is the same volume of water now as formerly, though of course the allowance per head of inhabitants has diminished by the increase of population since 1869. There was then, as Mr. Creagh rightly observes, great pressure on the mains, whereas now there is none at all. This is owing to the practice which was followed without due consideration up to 1873 of indiscriminately granting permits to lay private water pipes to houses from the mains, instead of reserving the whole of the supply for the public hydrants, where every rate-payer, rich or poor, could have procured his daily provision on the same footing of equality, while the Government could have retained exclusive control over the pressure for cases of emergency like fire.\n\nAt present, the numberless house-pipes everywhere bleeding the mains make it impossible to restore to the latter their former pressure. The chief arteries are in fact in such a state of depletion, that in order to enable the water to travel any distance, it becomes necessary to cut off the rest of the city and to concentrate the whole of the force upon one particular district at a time, each district in its turn being assisted in this manner once during the 24 hours. Permits for house supplies were stopped in 1873, too late to do any good, as enough of them had already been issued to work the present mischief, but as there is so much rebuilding and restoration of the house property going on all over Victoria just now, I think the evil might be somewhat lessened in course of time by declining to re-grant permits to these new structures; this would be tantamount to calling back former permits issued to the old ones.\n\nThe Attorney-General remarks that in all equity parties suffering from the fire should be restored as far as possible to their former position, which opinion would naturally meet on general grounds with everybody's concurrence, but on the other hand, it should also be weighed whether, on the ground of public expediency and looking to the exhausted condition of the public hydrants, the Government might not properly avail itself of the opportunity to assist the latter by declining to renew the permits. It is probable that if we had had water enough on Christmas night the fire would not have spread as it did.\n\nBut of course, the remedy for all this is more water from fresh sources.\n\nUpon that the following minute is made:\n\nThe Surveyor-General's clear and practical report shows how this deficient water supply for fire brigade purposes has occurred.\n\nI agree with him that we must increase our water supply. Looking at present simply to the question of getting more water for extinguishing fires, I should be glad if he would confer with Mr. Creagh, the Acting Head of the Fire Brigade, and the Hon. P. Ryrie (who has from time to time made valuable suggestions to the Government on this subject), and consider the possibility of utilising, more than has hitherto been done, the water in the harbour.\n\nAs the town of Victoria is built on a slope along the water's edge, it might be possible to construct Fire Brigade tanks on the upper levels, or to adopt other means for increasing the supply.\n\nWell, that minute I made on the 1st May, and I am happy to say the three gentlemen to whom I entrusted that important question have made, as it seems to me, a very practical report. They say:-\n\nThe undersigned, having met several times to discuss the question of the insufficiency of water for the extinction of fires in Victoria, now submit as the result of their deliberations the project of high-level tanks and Fire Brigade mains, elaborated by the Surveyor-General in the accompanying plans and estimates.\n\nThey are of opinion that the project would receive the support of the Community, and that the outlay of fifty thousand dollars, though large, is one which--after the experience of last Christmas Day--may properly be recommended to the Executive.\n\nIf the Tytam Scheme for an increased water-supply for general uses be not feasible, they consider that, looking to the danger of destruction which house-property continues to incur, no time should be lost in securing a sufficient storage of water, at least for Fire Brigade purposes, and with reference to such a storage, they desire to point out that the present proposal of special Fire Brigade mains would be none the less desirable even in the event of the realization of the Tytam Scheme.\n\nBy the plan of inter-connected tanks now submitted, it will be possible to concentrate six hundred and thirty thousand gallons on any fire between the Sailors' Home and the City Hall, and as the pressure on the proposed Fire Brigade mains will suffice to send a stream over the tops of the highest houses, the aid of fire-engines will not be required. These, however, would continue to play a most important part in pumping an additional supply from the sea.\n\nThe undersigned, however, can only recommend the project now submitted, on the assumption that the most jealous care will be taken to prevent any connexion between the special Fire Brigade mains and the actual water-mains of the city, as such a connexion would be fatal to the project by destroying the pressure which it should be sought to maintain intact at every fire-plug.\n\nThe undersigned avail themselves of this opportunity to call the attention of Government to the grave necessity of dredging the Praya foreshore, at certain places already indicated by the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, to a depth sufficient to admit of fire-engines being usefully employed during the hours of low tide.\n\nJ. M. DICK. E. RYRIE. \nC. V. CREAGH.\n\nHongkong, 17th September, 1870.\n\nI will only add, gentlemen, on my own consideration, before I saw the report, the general conclusions at which I arrived were as follows:--- That the supply of water for extinguishing fires in Hongkong is not sufficient; that the Fire Brigade should be placed under the control of a skilled officer; that a competent engineer should be obtained who would devote his whole time to keeping the engines and other apparatus in proper order; that a larger number of permanently paid firemen should be employed; that the system of using hydrants seems to be well suited for the greater part of the town of Victoria. These were the conclusions at which I myself arrived from the correspondence in my hands, and after having had the opportunity of consulting with those who are really the largest house-holders in the colony, that is, the native community. They take the greatest interest in this subject, and are clearly of opinion that the course you have suggested to-day is that which we ought to follow. I have expressed my opinion in the Council Chamber that the practice of blowing down houses is a barbarous one, and that we should devote ourselves to harnessing the water supply in the first instance, and to the reorganisation of the brigade. I hope we shall do both together. With respect to the question of the expenditure of $50,000 for the high-level water-tanks and the additional salary required for thoroughly competent men, I am of opinion that this is an outlay which the colony ought to undertake. I am not one of those who believe it is your duty--as representing Fire Insurance Companies--to extinguish fires. You perform certain important commercial functions, both for the shareholders and the public in general, but the duty of extinguishing fires I believe to be the duty of the Government; and in coming to me to-day and making suggestions you have fulfilled another function, and a very important one, of Fire Insurance Companies. On the whole, gentlemen, I agree with what you have said, but, without pledging myself to anything you have put before me as to the reorganisation of the brigade. That will depend on the suggestions of the gentleman who comes out from London. Any suggestions you may wish to make at any other time will receive my best attention.\n\nHon. W. Keswick--I would only remark, your Excellency, that the cost of the Manchester and Liverpool Brigades is singularly small. That of Manchester is only $2,000 per annum, and that of Liverpool £2,871. I mention this matter, not that I for a moment object to seeing any expenditure in Hongkong to obtain efficiency, but simply as an instance of how cheaply it can be had at home.\n\nHis EXCELLENCY--You.\n\nHon. W. KESWICK thanked his Excellency for receiving the deputation, and the members withdrew.\n\nPage 374", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-185 - Acting Governor Marsh Governor Hennessy - 1879 [6-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 330684, "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": "CO129-226 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [4-5]", "page_number": 147, "title": "CO129-226 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [4-5]", "content_text": "# 144\n\n## DIRECT TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HONGKONG AND SINGAPORE\n\nThe Acting Colonial Secretary read the following report of the Finance Committee on this subject:\n\nThe Committee, having read and duly considered the recent despatch of the Secretary of State regarding direct telegraphic communication between Hongkong and Singapore, are unanimously of opinion that, having regard to the demands now made on the resources of the Colony for defences and extraordinary public works, the Colony is not in a position, at present, to contribute to the subsidy required for the cable between the two Colonies.\n\n## STEAM LAUNCH WHISTLES\n\nThe Honourable P. RYRIE laid on the table the following Petition, addressed to the Council, and moved that the same be read:\n\nHONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,—We, the undersigned, residents of Hongkong, beg most respectfully to bring to your notice, the great and increasing nuisance, caused by unnecessary steam launch whistling in this harbour, as embodied in the following facts:\n\n- The Ferry Launches which ply to and fro between Victoria, Aberdeen, Yaumati, &c., and rendezvous along the Praya, habitually keep their whistles going when moored alongside the Praya wall.\n- This noise constitutes a nuisance of the gravest possible description to all persons who live near, whether on the Praya or upper levels, on board vessels in the vicinity, or who have to transact business in their neighbourhood.\n- The nuisance is indirectly the cause of the continuous screaming which goes on in other parts of the harbour, when launches are in motion, for the simple reason, that the boating population are so accustomed to the abuse of steam-whistles generally, that no heed is paid to their warning, when put to their only legitimate use as danger signals.\n- Complaints have been laid before the Police and the Magistracy but we are informed that according to the present law bearing upon the subject, the matter is one that must be proved to be a public nuisance by several householders who must combine to prosecute, and this cumbrous form practically tends to encourage the evil, by permitting it to develop and flourish unchecked.\n- We therefore humbly beg, that a short Ordinance may be passed, giving the Police the necessary powers to deal summarily with offences of this nature, as public nuisance, by the imposition of fines, and/or the cancelling of licence.\n- We venture to think that an amendment of `Ordinance 10 of 1872`, or `8 of 1879`, Section 7, Sub-Section 4 would suffice.\n\n[Here follow the signatures.]\n\nHongkong, 24th March, 1886.\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded the motion, and addressed the Council.\n\nPetition read.\n\n## DEFENCES.—ADDITIONAL VOTE OF £60,375\n\nThe Acting Colonial Secretary moved the adoption of the following recommendations of the Finance Committee in connection with this vote:\n\nThe Committee unanimously recommend the payment of the additional sum of £60,375, now asked for; but they do so on the distinct understanding that this vote shall be final for the military and defensive purposes of the Colony.\n\nTo pay this sum and complete the essential public works in progress, the Colony must borrow; and the result will be that interest and the provision of a sinking fund will so cripple the resources of the Colony that urgently needed sanitary works must, for the present, be left in abeyance. The Colony being merely a depôt, without natural products, is unable to increase its revenue to any appreciable extent, and it will be impossible for any further contribution to be made for military purposes.\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded, and addressed the Council.\n\nThe Honourable P. RYRIE addressed the Council.\n\nHis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government also addressed the Council.\n\nQuestion—put and passed.\n\n## PROPOSED LOAN.—MEANS FOR REPAYING\n\nIn connection with the above resolution, the Acting Colonial Secretary moved further that the following recommendation of the Finance Committee be adopted as a resolution of this Council:\n\nThe Committee next proceeded to the consideration of the means to be devised for meeting the interest and the sinking fund in connection with the Loan which must be raised. The Committee unanimously consider that the best means of doing so would chiefly be by an increase of Stamp Duty.\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded.\n\nQuestion—put and passed.\n\nHis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government said that an Ordinance would be laid before the Council in due course.\n\n## ECCLESIASTICAL GRANTS\n\nThe Honourable T. JACKSON, pursuant to notice, moved the following resolutions, and addressed the Council:\n\n1. That the Secretary of State for the Colonies be invited to reconsider the decision which has been arrived at as to the withdrawal of ecclesiastical grants in this Colony, with a view to the continuance of such grants, as in Singapore and in Mauritius.\n2. That the only expenditure which could be retrenched under the instructions received is a small salary, nominally of £800, but really of £640, paid to the Colonial Chaplain, and representing little more than remuneration for the necessary services of burying the dead, attendance at the gaol, at hospitals, &c.\n3. That if this salary be withdrawn, the Colony will have to pay nearly if not quite as much in allowances for these services, thus substituting a precarious and unsatisfactory arrangement for one which works to the satisfaction of all concerned.\n4. That the instructions to disestablish the Church on the first opportunity were not called for by any public demand, and that no public feeling exists in the Colony on the subject except such as is adverse to the course proposed.\n5. That the policy of disestablishment, still far from being generally accepted at home, has been, as far as the information of this Council goes, distasteful to every Colony on which it has been imposed; that it has been reversed in two Colonies, and in at least one more continues to be an offence and a public grievance to the Community.\n6. That a doubtful policy of this kind should not be, in ignorance of many of the essential circumstances of the case, needlessly forced upon an unwilling community which, administering its own revenue, is more interested in guarding against the misappropriation of that revenue than any external authority can be.\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded the motion, and addressed the Council.\n\nQuestion—put and passed.\n\nHis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council and said that he would have much pleasure in transmitting these Resolutions to the Secretary of State.\n\n## BILL ENTITLED THE CATHEDRAL ORDINANCE, 1886.—FIRST READING\n\nOn the motion of the Honourable T. JACKSON, seconded by the Treasurer, this Bill was read a first time.\n\n## BILL ENTITLED THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AND FESTIVALS ORDINANCE, 1886.—COMMITTED\n\nOn the motion of the Acting Attorney General, the Council went into Committee on this Bill.\n\nBill reported with amendment.\n\nThe Attorney General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move that the Bill be read a third time.\n\n## BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO VAGRANTS.—COMMITTED\n\nOn the motion of the Attorney General, the Council went into Committee on this Bill.\n\nProgress reported.\n\n## BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE PROCURATOR OF THE DOMINICAN MISSIONS IN THE FAR EAST, IN HONGKONG\n\nThe Surveyor General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move the first reading of this Bill.\n\n## POSTPONEMENT OF THE OTHER ORDERS OF THE DAY\n\nThe Acting Attorney General moved that the other Orders of the Day be postponed.\n\n## ADJOURNMENT\n\nThe Council then adjourned to Wednesday, the 31st instant, at 1 P.M.\n\nRead and confirmed, this 31st day of March, 1886.\n\nARATHOON SETH, Clerk of Councils.\n\nW. H. MARSH, Administering the Government.\n\n## Page 1 \n\n?", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-226 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [4-5].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 330784, "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": "CO129-226 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [4-5]", "page_number": 247, "title": "CO129-226 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [4-5]", "content_text": "244\n\nDIRECT TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN Hongkong and SINGAPORE.--The Acting Colonial Secretary read the following report of the Finance Committee on this subject:-\n\nThe Committee, having read and duly considered the recent despatch of the Secretary of State regarding direct telegraphic communication between Hongkong and Singapore, are unanimously of opinion that, having regard to the demands now made on the resources of the Colony for defences and extraordinary public works, the Colony is not in a position, at present, to contribute to the subsidy required for the cable between the two Colonies.\n\nSTEAM LAUNCH WHISTLES--The Honourable P. RYRE laid on the table the following Petition, addressed to the Council, and moved that the same be read:-\n\nHONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,--We, the undersigned, residents of Hongkong, beg most respectfully to bring to your notice, the great and increasing nuisance, caused by unnecessary steam launch whistling in this harbour, as embodied in the following facts:\n\nThe Ferry Launches which ply to and fro between Victoria, Aberdeen, Yaumati, &c., and rendezvous along the Praya, habitually keep their whistles going when moored alongside the Praya wall.\n\nThis noise constitutes a nuisance of the gravest possible description to all persons who live near, whether on the Praya or upper levels, on board vessels in the vicinity, or who have to transact business in their neighbourhood.\n\nThe nuisance is indirectly the cause of the continuous screaming which goes on in other parts of the harbour, when launches are in motion, for the simple reason, that the boating population are so accustomed to the abuse of steam-whistles generally, that no heed is paid to their warning, when put to their only legitimate use as danger signals.\n\nComplaints have been laid before the Police and the Magistracy but we are informed that according to the present law bearing upon the subject, the matter is one that must be proved to be a public nuisance by several householders who must combine to prosecute, and this cumbrous form practically tends to encourage the evil, by permitting it to develop and flourish unchecked.\n\nWe therefore humbly beg, that a short Ordinance may be passed, giving the Police the necessary powers to deal summarily with offences of this nature, as public nuisance, by the imposition of fines, and/or the cancelling of licence.\n\nWe venture to think that an amendment of Ordinance 10 of 1872, or 8 of 1879, Section 7, Sub-Section 4 would suffice.\n\nHongkong, 24th March, 1886.\n\n[Here follow the signatures.]\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded the motion, and addressed the Council. Petition read.\n\nDEFENCES. ADDITIONAL VOTE OF £60,375.-The Acting Colonial Secretary moved the adoption of the following recommendations of the Finance Committee in connection with this vote:--\n\nThe Committee unanimously recommend the payment of the additional sum of £60,375, now asked for; but they do so on the distinct understanding that this vote shall be final for the military and defensive purposes of the Colony.\n\nTo pay this sum and complete the essential public works in progress, the Colony must borrow; and the result will be that interest and the provision of a sinking fund will so cripple the resources of the Colony that urgently needed sanitary works must, for the present, be left in abeyance. The Colony being merely a depot, without natural products, is unable to increase its revenue to any appreciable extent, and it will be impossible for any further contribution to be made for military purposes.\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded, and addressed the Council.\n\nThe Honourable P. RYRE addressed the Council.\n\nHis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government also addressed the Council. Question-put and passed.\n\nPROPOSED LOAN.--MEANS FOR REPAYING.-In connection with the above resolution, the Acting Colonial Secretary moved further that the following recommendation of the Finance Committee be adopted as a resolution of this Council :-\n\nThe Committee next proceeded to the consideration of the means to be devised for meeting the interest and the sinking fund in connection with the Loan which must be raised. The Committee unanimously consider that the best means of doing so would chiefly be by an increase of Stamp Duty.\n\nThe Honourable W. Keswick seconded.\n\nQuestion-put and passed.\n\nHis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government said that an Ordinance would be laid before the Council in due course.\n\nECCLESIASTICAL GRANTS.-The Honourable T. JACKSON, pursuant to notice moved the following resolutions, and addressed the Council :--\n\n1.-That the Secretary of State for the Colonies be invited to reconsider the decision which has been arrived at as to the withdrawal of ecclesiastical grants in this Colony, with a view to the continuance of such grants, as in Singapore and in Mauritius.\n\n2.-That the only expenditure which could be retrenched under the instructions received is a small salary, nominally of £800, but really of £640, paid to the Colonial Chaplain, and representing little more than remuneration for the necessary services of burying the dead, attendance at the gaol, at hospitals, &c.\n\n3.-That if this salary be withdrawn, the Colony will have to pay nearly if not quite as much in allowances for these services, thus substituting a precarious and unsatisfactory arrangement for one which works to the satisfaction of all concerned.\n\n4.-That the instructions to disestablish the Church on the first opportunity were not called for by any public demand, and that no public feeling exists in the Colony on the subject except such as is adverse to the course proposed.\n\n5.-That the policy of disestablishment, still far from being generally accepted at home, has been, as far as the information of this Council goes, distasteful to every Colony on which it has been imposed; that it has been reversed in two Colonies, and in at least one more continues to be an offence and a public grievance to the Community.\n\n6.-That a doubtful policy of this kind should not be, in ignorance of many of the essential circumstances of the case, needlessly forced upon an unwilling community which, administering its own revenue, is more interested in guarding against the misappropriation of that revenue than any external authority can be.\n\nThe Honourable W. KESWICK seconded the motion, and addressed the Council.\n\nQuestion--put and passed.\n\nHis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council and said that he would have much pleasure in transmitting these Resolutions to the Secretary of State.\n\nBILL ENTITLED THE CATHEDRAL ORDINANCE, 1886.--FIRST READING.-On the motion of the Honourable T. JACKSON, seconded by the Treasurer, this Bill was read a first time.\n\nBILL ENTITLED THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AND FESTIVALS ORDINANCE, 1886.-COMMITTED.--On the motion of the Acting Attorney General, the Council went into Committee on this Bill.\n\nBill reported with amendment.\n\nThe Attorney General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move that the Bill be read a third time.\n\nBILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO VAGRANTS.-COMMITTED.--On the motion of the Attorney General the Council went into Committee on this Bill.\n\nProgress reported.\n\nBILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE PROCURATOR OF THE DOMINICAN MISSIONS IN THE FAR EAST, IN HONGKONG.-The Surveyor General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move the first reading of this Bill.\n\nPOSTPONEMENT OF THE OTHER ORDERS OF THE DAY.-The Acting Attorney General moved that the other Orders of the Day be postponed.\n\nADJOURNMENT.--The Council then adjourned to Wednesday, the 31st instant, at 4 P.M.\n\nRead and confirmed, this 31st day of March, 1886.\n\nARATHOON SETH, Clerk of Councils.\n\nW. H. MARSH, Administering the Government.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-226 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [4-5].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 333419, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3]", "page_number": 241, "title": "CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3]", "content_text": "Our staff at present consists of:\n\n1 Superintendent.\n\n1 Assistant Superintendent.\n\n1 Do.\n\n1 Clerk.\n\n1 Engineer.\n\n1 Assistant Engineer.\n\n2 Engine Drivers, Chinese.\n\n3 Do., Europeans.\n\n2 Assistant Engine Drivers, Europeans.\n\n6 Stokers.\n\n1 Overseer of Water Works.\n\n1 Inspector of Dangerous Goods.\n\n1 Chinese Assistant Do.\n\n2 Foremen.\n\n4 Assistant Foremen.\n\n17 Firemen, Europeans.\n\n46 Do., Chinese.\n\n30 Do., Market Coolies.\n\n10 Chinese Contingent.\n\n15 Watchmen.\n\nFloating Engine.\n\n1 Assistant Foreman and Engine Driver.\n\n1 Chinese Engine Driver.\n\n1 Stoker.\n\n2 Seamen.\n\nSince the post of second Assistant Superintendent has been abolished and the joint appointment of Assistant Superintendent and Engineer has been made, a greater responsibility has fallen on the Acting Assistant Engineer, as the Engineer in his dual capacity is frequently called away to the scene of the fire, and must leave the Engines in charge of the next in command.\n\nLooking to the increased duties that devolve upon the Engineer and his Assistant, who now have to keep in an efficient state six steam engines and nine manuals, I consider the remuneration, which was voted at a time when there were only two steam engines, is somewhat inadequate to the increased duties and responsibilities.\n\nAt the Annual General Inspection in November last, a new feature was introduced in the form of competition at Fire drills for prizes, which acted as a stimulus to the members of the Brigades and gave them greater interest in their work; and amongst the Chinese particularly, this has resulted in bringing to the front some really valuable firemen. As an instance of the efficiency of the Brigades, I may mention that at the recent fire which occurred in Bonham Strand on a Sunday afternoon, within the space of a few minutes of the alarm being sounded, thirteen powerful jets of water were playing upon the burning houses.\n\nAt first sight our Brigade appears to be not only adequate as regards machinery, but also numerically, but when it is borne in mind that not more than half of the Europeans are available at any one fire, and that the hilly configuration of the Colony often requires two engines to do the work of one in order to reach the elevation required, it will be seen that the Brigade is under, rather than over, the necessary strength for a growing Colony like Hongkong.\n\nThe supply of water from the new Water-works (in course of construction) will materially assist in extinguishing fires in the upper levels of the Colony, and also in the early stages of all fires, if my suggestion with regard to telephonic communication is adopted. But the value of water mains must not be over-estimated, as in a case similar to that in Bonham Strand (referred to before) it would be impossible to concentrate such a body of water at any one given point from hydrants as could be obtained by steam Engines, and the superiority of salt water over fresh, for extinguishing fires is universally acknowledged.\n\nI cannot close this report without mentioning the able assistance I have had during the past year from the Officers of the Brigade. I may specially mention Mr. WAGNER, who has been acting as Engineer and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. RAE, the chief foreman, and Mr. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant Engineer. These officers have devoted a great deal of time and attention to their respective duties and the present efficiency of the Brigade is in a great measure due to their untiring exertions.\n\nWe are greatly indebted to the Captain Superintendent of Police for the excellent order kept by his force at the various fires. The systematic working of the Brigade, and absence of malicious injury to hose and larceny of Government property, is greatly owing to the vigilance of the Police.\n\nSubjoined is a tabulated form showing the number of alarms of Fires, and estimated damage for the past year.\n\nThe Honourable F. STEWART, LL.D.,\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nActing Colonial Secretary,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.\n\nYour obedient Servant,\n\nJOHN S. BREWER,\n\nActing Superintendent Fire Brigade.\n\nDate.\n\nYEAR 1886.\n\nRETURN OF FIRES AND ALARMS OCCURRED DURING THE\n\n \n Date\n Time\n Situation of Fire\n Cause\n No. of Buildings destroyed\n Wholly\n Partly\n REMARKS\n \n \n 1 January\n ...\n A stack of grass at the back of Joss house at Shaukiwán\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n Some thousands of young fir trees were destroyed.\n \n \n ...\n ...\n A bed curtain in No. 42, Circular Pathway\n Carelessness with a lighted cigar\n ...\n ...\n ...\n A number of Chinese\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Grass on hillside West of Mount Davis\n Unknown\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney of No. 27, Gage Street\n Sparks from the Engine House\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Praya Central, Blackhead & Co.'s Store\n Carelessness with matches\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Saw dust in No. 21, Pound Lane\n Unknown\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Near Shaukiwán Market\n Accidental when cooking\n ...\n ...\n ...\n Burning Incense\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Grass above Tai-tam-tuk Water-Works\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 13\n ...\n Grass on the hillside at Mount Davis\n ...\n ...\n 66\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n A stack of grass at Shaukiwán\n ...\n ...\n 35\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n A matshed at Coffee Plantation\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 19\n ...\n Trap door No. 297, Queen's Road Central\n ...\n 1\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n A bed curtain and beddings in No. 41, East Street\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Matshed at Hungbòm Docks\n ...\n 1\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 26\n ...\n Cook-house No. 61, Praya West\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 30\n ...\n A stack of grass at Taikoktsui\n Unknown\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Grass on the hill near Parsee Point\n Do.\n ...\n ...\n 17\n ...\n \n \n 31\n ...\n Chimney of No. 4, Blue Buildings\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 19 February 2\n ...\n No. 186, Hollywood Road, (Po Lok Theatre)\n ...\n Whole Block\n 02\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Matshed at No. 2, Gap Street\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 5\n ...\n Stack of grass at Quarry Bay\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Wooden partition at No. 49, Wear Street\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney at No. 1, Seymour Terrace\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Stack of grass at Shankiwán\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Matsheds at Naval Yard, Kaulung\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney at No. 11, Cochrane Street\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Grass on the hill at Mount Davis\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney at No. 3, Taipingsbán Streer\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Matsheds at Belchers Battery\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 10\n ...\n No. 3, Wing Fung Street\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n No. 8, Wai Tak Lanė\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney at No. 5 Station\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Staircase of No. 149, Queen's Road West\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n No. 84, Queen's Road East\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n No. 116, Praya West\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Mosquito curtain in No. 266, Queen's Road West\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Wooden partition at Gilman Bazaar\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney of No. 235, Queen's Road Central\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n No. 56, Market Street\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n ...\n ...\n Chimney at Iongkong Club\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 6\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n 13\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 11\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 21\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n April\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n \n \n 6\n ...\n ...\n ...\n ...\n 35\n 'ZZ\n ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 333505, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3]", "page_number": 327, "title": "CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3]", "content_text": "Bye-laws made by the Sanitary Board of Hongkong under the provisions of \n\nthe Public Health Ordinance, in relation to the proper construction, trapping, and ventilating of house-drains, and sewers in the City of Victoria and in the Villages and Rural Districts of Hongkong and Kowloon.\n\nIn the City of Victoria.\n\n1. Every owner of a new building within the City of Victoria, shall construct the lowest story of such building at such sufficiently high level as will allow of the construction of a drain and of the provision of the requisite communication with any public sewer into which such drain may lawfully empty, at a point in the upper half-diameter of such sewer.\n\n2. Every owner of a new building within the City of Victoria, shall, in the construction of every drain of such building, use good hard sound pipes formed of glazed stone-ware, that shall have received the previous approval of the Board. Black bricks shall not be used in the construction of any house-drains intended for the conveyance of sewage. Red bricks may be used, provided they are set and smoothly rendered in mortar of good cement and clean sand.\n\n3. Every owner shall cause every such drain to be of adequate size, and to have an internal diameter of not less than four inches, and where the ground is soft to be laid in a bed of good lime concrete. Every house-drain shall be laid with a proper fall, and with watertight, socketed, joints in cement mortar.\n\n4. No drain shall be so constructed as to pass under any building, except in any case where any other mode of construction may be impracticable. Any drain passing under a building shall be laid in one straight line for the whole distance beneath such building, and shall be completely embedded and encased all round in good and solid lime concrete, at least four inches thick all round.\n\n5. Adequate disconnexion and ventilation shall be provided at the end of every house-drain, by means of gully-traps, with slop-stone covers or suitable iron perforated covers or gratings, and ventilating pipes, placed at such points and levels, and in such manner as shall in each case be required by the Board, and every inlet to every house-drain, shall be properly trapped and shall be grated, or covered with a perforated stone or iron cover that shall effectually prevent the introduction of any solid substance into such inlet and the perforations or apertures of every such grating or cover, shall be of not less than the sectional area of the pipe or drain to which it is fitted.\n\n6. Every drain from a building communicating directly with any public sewer, shall be provided with a suitable trap ventilating-grating, disconnecting manhole, or other appliance, to the satisfaction of the Board, at a point between such building and such public sewer as shall be pointed out in each case by the Board.\n\n7. No house-drains shall be joined in such a manner as to form any right-angled junction, either vertical or horizontal. Every drain shall join another drain obliquely in the direction of the flow of such drain.\n\n8. No ventilating-pipe of any drain shall be of a less internal diameter than four inches, and such ventilating pipe shall in every case be securely fixed and so carried up to such height, (provided such height be in no case less than ten feet above the ground), as shall effectually prevent any escape of foul air into any thoroughfare or building in the vicinity thereof.\n\n9. No overflow from any cistern or bath, or ablution, sullage, or refuse waters of any kind, nor the surface-drainage of any yard or back-yard shall be led from any building or premises, through any down-pipe or open gutter into, or over, any surface-channel of any public street, alley, thoroughfare, or other ground, nor shall such refuse waters be led into, or emptied over the surface of any back-yard, alley, or other ground belonging to such building, or premises or other adjoining building or premises, but shall be conveyed in a watertight waste-pipe or down-pipe taken through an external wall, and discharged in the open air over a gully-trap covered with a grating or granite slop-stone cover, and no such waste-pipe or down-pipe, shall be brought down any external wall or retaining wall when such wall looks upon any public thoroughfare.\n\n322", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-231 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1887 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 335258, "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": "CO129-234 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Des Voeus - 1887 [9-12]", "page_number": 540, "title": "CO129-234 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Des Voeus - 1887 [9-12]", "content_text": "was 814. Looking westward from under the arch the avenue extending to Ice House street formed a perfect picture in the day time with its strings of flags spanning the road at short intervals. If the flags could have been replaced by lamps at sundown the night effect would have been much enhanced, as there was a want of over-head light to complete the thing, notwithstanding the brilliancy of the house illuminations.\n\nMessrs. Siemssen and Co., next door to the Bank, had a large display of Japanese lanterns of a unique description in lines and curves. Victoria Building (occupied by Mr. Chater's office, and those of brokers, merchants, &c.) had a brilliant gas illumination over the front of the porch showing the Queen's head in a wreath, with \"1837\" and \"1887\" to the left and right, and a 4ft. star on each side of the porch. The whole portion and the cornices of the building were also completely outlined with gas jets. Underneath the cornices were lines of red, white, and blue cloth inter-woven and looped up with rosettes, and there were masses of green foliage under the windows. On the porch was also a trophy of flags with a shield bearing the British Lion and on two other shields were the Prince of Wales's coat of arms. The street decorations of this section converged at this point, a large lantern hanging from a convenient branch of the tree opposite, and strings of smaller lanterns running from it to the posts from which the flags were stretched across the road. Messrs. E. D. Sassoon and Co. had their hong illuminated with a large number of white and red lanterns tastefully arranged. Messrs. Pustan and Co., at the corner house, had rows of various coloured lanterns running the whole length of the building and coloured glass lamps along the parapet.\n\nThe New Oriental Bank at the corner of Queen's-road and Duddell-street had a profuse display of coloured lanterns hanging from bamboos at the top. The Chartered Bank, at the opposite corner, was illuminated with lanterns and glass lamps on the first and second floor, and the ground floor had lamps hung round the arches of the building. The Chartered Mercantile Bank, on the opposite side of Queen's-road, had lanterns following the lines of the building, with \"V. R.\" in small glass lamps in the centre. Along the remains of the adjoining house, now in course of demolition, rows of lanterns were hung. The Telegraph Companies' offices had a large display of lanterns. Messrs. Kelly and Walsh had a \"V. R.\" in red lanterns, and a large number of variegated lanterns.\n\nThe Hongkong Hotel made a large use of gas in its illumination. On the Queen's-road side it had 6 ft. Crown, and the letter \"V\" on one side and \"R\" on the other, each 4 feet high. On the Pedder's street frontage there was a 7 ft. star with the \"V\" and \"R\" the same as in Queen's Road. On the Queen's-road side were the words \"God bless our Queen\" in English and Chinese, and \"Victoria's Jubilee,\" and the arches on the ground floor had lanterns running round them. In Pedder's-street the verandah arches were filled up in the same way on the ground and first floors, with a lamp at the entrance bearing the words \"The Jubilee Year, 1887.\" There were also shields and trophies of flags. The hall of the Hotel was brilliantly illuminated with lanterns, some with mottos, one of them very practically conveying the recommendation \"Let us drink to the health, long life, and happiness of our gracious Queen Victoria.\"\n\nThe Victoria Dispensary, on the opposite side of the street was decorated with flags and the chambers above were illuminated with Japanese lanterns. Mr. Piron's, Mr. Kahn's, Mr. Henerfanth's, and Mr. Lang's establishments were also illuminated with lanterns. The large house jointly occupied by Messrs. Adamson, Bell & Co., Messrs. W. G. Humphreys and Co., and the Chinese Insurance Co. had an elaborate design carried out in lanterns. On the top floor was the word \"Victoria,\" each letter occupying one arch, with a frame of coloured lanterns. On the second floor was \"Regina,\" with the end arches filled in with a cross, and on the ground floor were the figures \"1837-1887.” Messrs. Heuermann, Herbst and Co. had the British and German flags flying from the top floor with the red and white ensigns and the Union Jack hung together in the centre, and the arches of the building filled in with lanterns. Lock Hing had a fine show of expensive Japanese lanterns on the front of his house, and strings of lanterns from a flagstaff at the top.\n\nMessrs. Kruse and Co. illuminated their building with lanterns of various descriptions, and on the first floor had large ones with \"V. R.\" and ensigns painted on them. The hong of Mr. A. R. Marty, the ground floor of which is occupied by the store of Gaieu Frères, had the arches of the first and second floor outlined with small colored glass lamps, with clusters of the same hanging from the centre of each. There was also a wedge-shaped transparency projecting into the street with \"V. R.\" on each face, and the building had flags running up at each side. Atack's store was illuminated with lanterns with the Union Jack painted on them.\n\nTurning back along Queen's-road to the westward, passing the houses already described, we arrive at the Clock Tower, the central point and most striking feature of the illuminations, being conspicuous at once for the beauty and boldness of the design on which it was treated. The whole of the four sides were covered with small glass lamps, with paper lanterns running down the corners, and a little relief work at the top. Craning the neck upwards for a close view gave little idea of the splendid effect when the Tower was seen from a distance, either from the water or from the higher levels. One is tempted to regret that such a thing of beauty should have to fade so soon into its natural sombreness and resume its position as the antithesis of \"a joy for ever.\" The design for this illumination was by the Surveyor-General, and it was carried out by Mr. Andrew Millar. The Post Office had a gas 4-feet crown with two \"V. Rs.\" in monogram, two Masonic stars, and the building outlined above the first cornice with jets. Both on the front and the Pedder's-street side there were a large number of cylindrical lamps of various colours closely packed along the horizontal lines of the building. The Supreme Court also had gas illuminations-the Scales of Justice as the centre piece with a 24 feet star above and “V. R.\" in monogram on either side, and the side pillars and top cornices outlined with jets. The Hongkong Club, on the opposite side of the road, had a 9 ft. star and two 2 ft. stars in gas, with red and white lanterns outlining the building, and large lanterns hung along the verandah.\n\nMr. Humphreys had devoted great attention to the illumination of the Hongkong Dispensary, which looked remarkably well with its numerous transparencies. In the centre of the first floor verandah was a pagoda, the other openings on each side being filled up with large portraits of Her Majesty in youth and in 1887, painted by a Canton artist from engravings; On the top storey were great masses of ordinary sized Japanese lanterns, and on ground floor were lanterns with transparencies at the doorway. The d'Aguilar-street and Stanley-street frontages were decorated with lanterns in rows. Ching Choong's cigar store, next door to the Dispensary in Queen's-road, had an effective display of transparencies and lanterns, and Tarachand Thawardas & Co.'s Indian store was decorated with small oil lamps. Wassiamull Assumall's curio shop was illuminated with Japanese lanterns and a large number of small coloured lamps. Achoo's cigar store had also a good display of lanterns. Messrs. W. Powell and Co., occupying the Victoria Exchange jointly with Messrs. McEwen, Frickel and Co., had filled in the upper verandah with an elaborate design of which the centre piece was a portrait of Her Majesty. The verandah railing was covered with foliage on which were shields, \"England's Queen\" on one and \"India's Empress\" on the other. There was also a trophy of flags, and a number of lanterns. On the ground floor there were lanterns with the various ensigns painted on them. Messrs. N. Mody and Co.'s illumination attracted general admiration. Along the arches of the verandah in bold letters ran the scroll \"God bless our Empress\" worked in small gold coloured oil lamps on white ground. There was also a small portrait of the Queen and stars. On the floor above was a crown with the letters \"V. R.\", and lanterns hung between the pillars of the verandah. Over the entrance on the ground floor was a star of coloured oil lamps, and the gate was covered with foliage. Messrs. Gaupp & Co.'s store, under Messrs. N. Mody & Co.'s offices, had lanterns hung round the arches of the verandah with the Union Jack painted on them. Yee Chun, Loong Shing, Cheong Wo, and Ahoy, occupying adjoining shops, all contributed to the general display. Messrs. Falconer and Co.'s establishment, part of which is occupied on the upper floors by the China Traders' Insurance Company and the North China Insurance Company, had long rows of lanterns with the Union Jack painted on them, running along the top cornice and the verandahs, and up the sides. Messrs. Fournier and Co. had the arches of their verandah hung with lanterns.\n\nPage 540\nPage 541", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-234 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Des Voeus - 1887 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 335260, "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": "CO129-234 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Des Voeus - 1887 [9-12]", "page_number": 542, "title": "CO129-234 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Des Voeus - 1887 [9-12]", "content_text": "designs. In Lyndhurst Terrace, the premises of Messrs. Belilios & Co. were gay with two gas stars, and the letters V. R. E. I., also in gas, and a display of lanterns. Messrs. H. M. M. Ally & Co. had a rather novel illumination of glass lamps with coloured lustres pendant over the door and lines of small glass lamps ranged round the building. In Peel Street Messrs. R. Habibhoy & Co. had a fine gas star, flanked on either side by the letters V. R. and a large number of Japanese lanterns tastefully arranged. On the opposite side the Parsee shopkeepers had their stores illuminated with lanterns. Mr. Stringer's premises were also illuminated with coloured lanterns. The central portion of Gage Street, which is occupied by Parsee and Indian firms—viz., Messrs. Cawasjee & Co., Tharia Topan, P. F. Tolates, A. M. Apcar, Abdoolally Ebrahim & Co., H. A. Asgar and H. Esmail on one side, and on the other by Messrs. H. H. H. Faack & Co., R. Devjes, R. S. Woonwalls & Co., B. C. Vania, and Abdulcadur Esmaljee—was decorated with lanterns on both sides, and across the street something like a network of lanterns was constructed, which formed a pleasing novelty.\n\nMany of the houses in Gage Street, Hollywood Road, and other parts, which one of the unofficial members would fain see removed outside the town, were gaily decorated, in some instances with little regard for expense.\n\nThe Central Police Station and Superintendent's quarters were lighted with coloured lanterns, and Arbuthnot Road was brilliantly illuminated. The houses of the French Consul and Dr. Stewart were gay with coloured lanterns and Mr. J. A. Carvalho and Mr. J. M. Machado showed gas stars with \"V. R.\" on either side. Remedios Terrace looked most imposing, being simply but tastefully decorated with handsome Japanese lanterns, arranged to show off its arches and proportions; this terrace was conspicuous from the water and elsewhere. \"Duart,\" the residence of Mr. A. G. Romano, Consul-General for Portugal and Consul for Brazil, was ornamented by strings of lanterns round the parapet, and festoons of the same in the arches of the verandahs, while a capital gas illumination over the entrance gate added much to the effect. This consisted of a star in the centre, \"V. R.\" on the sides, the arch being outlined by gas jets and surmounted by a large crown in gas.\n\nThe Lusitano Club displayed a gas star with \"V. R.\", and the Parsee Club a device in little glass lamps of \"V. R.\" and a crown. Several houses in Old Bailey Street and Elgin Terrace were illuminated and some in Staunton Street. The Central School had a device in gas, representing a Crown with the inscription beneath \"Vivat Regina\" and four Chinese characters three feet in height on either side. The expenses connected with the illumination of this building were defrayed by the scholars attending the school.\n\nIn Caine-road, the house of Mr. Remedios and the private house of Messrs. Russell & Co. were decorated with lanterns, the garden of \"Rose Hill\" being also illuminated. The approaches to the Italian Convent were lighted up by coloured lanterns, and the Spanish Dominican Procuration made a goodly show in lanterns, the highest portion of the premises being topped with a lofty cross formed of red lanterns, which was very prominent on that level. The American Consulate was bright with many tinted lanterns, and \"Kingsclere,\" the residence of Mr. E. R. Belilios, was gay with bunting and lanterns arranged all along the handsome and massive iron railings just erected in front of the house. The next two houses and the Police Station were both decorated with Chinese and Japanese lanterns, and Mr. J. H. Smith's residence at the junction with Castle-road was profusely covered with Chinese lanterns of different colours. The two houses beyond in Castle-road were also illuminated, and a string of parti-coloured lanterns stretched all across the upper storey of West Terrace. Mr. A. J. de Rozario displayed a complete and excellent device in gas, a crown on the top, with a star beneath, in the centre being the figures \"50,\" flanked by the letters V. R. The Japanese Consulate showed the flags of England and Japan on either side of the porch, strings and festoons of lanterns, and a transparency over the gateway with the Royal Arms and motto—\"Long life to the Queen, Prosperity to the Empire.\" At Burey Lodge, the residence of Mr. H. N. Mody, there was a profuse display of lanterns ingeniously worked into a well-considered device. In the centre a crown, with likeness of the Queen below, and underneath the words in lanterns \"Long live our Queen.\" On either side of the portico were two large bunches of lanterns on frames, and the railings in front were decorated with flags and lanterns. Forest Lodge was tastefully and neatly illuminated with lanterns, and \"Dinder\" showed up well in long lines of light around the house. The Hon. C. P. Chater's residence was illuminated by white lanterns marking out the arches of the verandahs, while rows of coloured lanterns lit up the garden. \"Craigengower,\" the residence of Dr. Carvalho, and \"Idlewild,\" the residence of Mr. W. R. Loxley, were decorated with lanterns, and the London Mission and Ball's Court in Bonham Road were also illuminated.\n\nAlong Robinson Road illuminations were partial. \"Stonehenge\" was lit up by lanterns, and some fireworks were let off from this residence. \"The Bungalow\" was decorated with flags and lanterns, and \"Rocklands,\" \"Lena Cottage,\" \"Stonehaven,\" \"The Rockeries,\" \"Fernside,\" \"Excelsior,\" \"Burnside,\" and \"Cringleford\" were all illuminated with lanterns. St. Joseph's College hoisted a red cross formed of Japanese lanterns. Only one of the houses in Belilios Terrace was lighted up, but there was quite a display in a small way in Mosque-street and Junction, most of the houses showing coloured lanterns. At his residence in Seymour Terrace Mr. Hancock displayed two fine gas stars with the monogram \"V. R.,\" and in the same terrace Mr. E. J. Coxon had strings of lanterns running up his flagstaff. \"The Castle\" was also illuminated. The houses in the Albany were most of them illuminated and \"Kurrahjeon,\" the residence of Mr. J. M. Armstrong, \"As You Like It,\" the residence of Mr. First, and the Blue Bungalows were gaily lighted by coloured lanterns. Mr. Poesnecker displayed a fine five-light gas star, and several other houses on the upper levels were illuminated, among which may be mentioned \"Harperville,\" where Mr. Bruce Shepherd had a display of lanterns. The Pavilion of the Ladies' Recreation Ground was lighted up, and a string of lanterns stretched down the different tennis courts presented a conspicuous line of light to gazers from below.\n\nPage 13\n\nThe decorations were chiefly confined to the central and western districts, the Wanchai district taking little part in them, being practically cut off from the other part of the town, where the populace congregated. The illuminations at the Barracks, however, well repaid a walk some distance to the eastward. The triumphal arch at Murray Barracks we have already mentioned. The motto on one side was \"The tribute of the nations\" and on the other \"To the Wife, Mother, Queen.\" The Officers' Mess at Murray Barracks was well lit up with lanterns showing Queen Empress on the front in large letters, and \"58,\" the number of the Regiment, on the end facing the Parade Ground. North Barracks were illuminated with red, white, and blue lanterns in strings, and the barracks recently converted from Chinese houses with white and coloured Japanese lanterns. Head-quarter House formed a very prominent feature in the illuminations with its long strings of coloured lanterns running up to the flagstaff. The Naval Yard had flags over the gateway and several anchors in gold on it, lanterns along the workshops, and lanterns in strings running from the flagstaff. The Commissariat buildings were very effectively treated. \"1837 1887\" stood out in figures of gold on a red ground, with \"God save the Queen\" in white lanterns, and transparencies under the arches. The Temperance Hall was illuminated with red and white lanterns, and Ating, the contractor, made a neat display of lanterns and transparencies. The little Police Station here also contributed its quota to the general effect. The Ordnance Store had \"V. R.\" in small white lamps, a shield with field pieces for the device, and lanterns on the face of the building and among the trees. Farther on we noticed that Man Yuen compradore's shop, the French Convent, Mr. Dorabjee Nowrojee's bakery, E-Tack, contractor, several houses occupied by Europeans, and Mr. J. S. Lucas's store were all illuminated with lanterns or glass lamps. The Government School opposite the Wanchai Market was also illuminated at the expense of the pupils, and the market had an ornamental porch erected. From the upper levels we saw several masses of light, which we took to come from Morrison Hill and the East Point Sugar Refinery; and the Hon. J. Bell-Irving's and Messrs. Jardine Matheson and Co.'s junior mess were dressed with lanterns, while the Lee Yuen Sugar Refinery had a fine triangle in lanterns.\n\nIN THE HARBOUR,\n\nThe harbour was a goodly sight to see, from whatever point beheld. The fleet of steam-launches and small craft gently gliding over its surface were nearly all decked with white or coloured lanterns.\n\nPage 536\n\n10.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-234 - Acting Governor Cameron Governor Des Voeus - 1887 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 337091, "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": 122, "title": "CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8]", "content_text": "120 \n\nwater to the Barracks racks from Rearvoin at Tytour and so sorer.\n\nThe new removing all be risk of pollution of the Military supply it is possible that these objections may be less strongly felt; and I therefore venture to make this application.\n\nMoreover a School which is entirely a Day School, having only the Master's Residence on a part of the park not be considered as a populous terrace a Building may open to objection as Dwelling Houses.\n\nThe Committee of the School have for a year or two been trying to purchase ground for the above purpose in other parts of the Colony but they have found it next to impossible to obtain a suitable site. Either the price asked was beyond their slender means, or the position would have militated against the success of the School.\n\nThe site now asked for, if not thrown into the market, and if offered at a moderate rate, would be the most suitable that could be had from its central position as regards both the lower and the upper levels of Hongkong.\n\nThe nature of the Institution is known to His Excellency. It has been established for the purpose of giving educational facilities to a class of boys for whom the Government Central School is for many reasons unsuitable - namely, children of English and other European residents, many of whom stay here for ten or twenty years, who are unable to send their sons to Europe for education or to pay for bringing out European Tutors to reside in their families.\n\nThe School has prospered greatly during the last two or three years under the present master, and is, I think, almost universally felt to be a necessity in the Colony. There are now 60 boys who have to be taught in two rooms at once by 3 or 4 teachers. The Boy's School ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 337317, "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": 348, "title": "CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8]", "content_text": "# DEATHS AMONG CHINESE.\n\n## POLICE.\n\n9\n\n### I-TABLE shewing the ADMISSIONS into and DEATHS in the GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL during each Month of the Year 1887.\n\n| MONTHS | FEVERS | DIARRHEA CHOLERA | VOMITING AND PURGING | TOTAL |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| | Enteric | Simple Continued | | |\n| | Europeans | Indians | Chinese | TOTAL | Europeans | Indians | Chinese | TOTAL | Admissions | Deaths | Admissions | Deaths | Admissions | Deaths | Admissions | Deaths |\n| January | | | | | | | | | 11 | | | | | | | |\n| February | | | | | | | | | 11 | 14 | | | | | | |\n| March | | | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 12 | 20 | | |\n| April | | | | | | | | | | | | | 11 | | | |\n| May | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| June | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| July | 19 | 15 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| August | 6 | 30 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| September | 18 | 40 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| October | 6 | 36 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| November | 24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| December | 12 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| Total | 139 | 1 | 293 | | | 882 | 388 | 239 | 2 | 73 | 44 | 78 | 53 | 46 | 49 | 5 |\n\n| YEARS | Remaining on the 1st Jan. | Admissions | Deaths |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1874 | | 231 | 402 |\n| 1875 | | 288 | 612 |\n| 1876 | | 259 | 696 |\n| 1877 | | 311 | 834 |\n| 1878 | | 701 | 1,304 |\n| 1879 | | 608 | 1,478 |\n| 1880 | | 1,030 | |\n| 1881 | | 435 | 1,079 |\n| 1882 | | 465 | 1,215 |\n| 1883 | | 660 | 1,496 |\n| 1884 | | 301 | 1,035 |\n| 1885 | | 176 | 1,604 |\n| 1886 | | 772 | 1,136 |\n| 1887 | 6 | 441 | 764 |\n\nJ. M. ATKINSON, M.D., Superintendent.\n\nIn respect, therefore, of those diseases which may owe their origin to insanitary conditions, we see that the European Table of deaths keeps about the same average, while the Chinese Table shows a very marked reduction, in fact, the latter has never been so low for the previous ten years. The improved methods of surface scavenging and the thorough cleansing of tenements at certain periods, insisted on by the **Sanitary Board** for the last three years, appear to be doing a great amount of practical good. In 1886 there was a decrease in this Table of nearly 400 deaths as compared with 1885; this year there is another decrease of nearly 400 deaths as compared with 1886. With these facts before us, the **Sanitary Board** must have every reason to be satisfied with the result of their work in the practical sanitation of the town, although their best efforts will be, I fear, but of little comparative avail until their hands are strengthened by the new **Public Health Ordinance**, which it is very deeply to be regretted should not have been confirmed and brought into operation last year.\n\nDuring 1887-8, fever has prevailed extensively in the extreme Western District, along the upper levels of Victoria, and a **Medical Commission** has been appointed by His Excellency the Governor to enquire into the nature and cause of the disease and to suggest preventive measures. This Commission has not yet submitted its Report.\n\nIn November, a very serious outbreak of small-pox occurred; there were 15 deaths among Europeans and 233 deaths among Chinese from this cause up to the end of the year. There was, for a time, a very large demand for vaccine, and the latter was telegraphed for to Japan, Australia, and England. The calf-lymph procured from Japan was found admirably put up for travelling; it arrived in excellent condition and was effective and satisfactory.\n\nThe small-pox epidemic was severe while it lasted and necessitated the building of a temporary mat Hospital with 100 beds in the **Government Civil Hospital** grounds. So large was the number of admissions that it reached 50 cases in Hospital at one time. Thanks to the precautions and the energetic measures taken by the **Sanitary Board**, this epidemic was not of long duration. An **Ordinance** for the compulsory vaccination of infants has since been passed, and it will be interesting to see whether it can be successfully enforced among the Chinese population.\n\nAs the **Government Medical Staff** of the Colony at present stands, each member of it has his full complement of work, and there is no relief possible in case of emergency, except from outside sources, which cannot always be depended upon. If any member of the **Medical Staff** falls sick, there is no one to take his place. None of us can take vacation leave without great personal loss, as, according to the Rules of the Service, every officer absent on furlough has to find a substitute. The finding of a substitute is feasible in almost every other Department without detriment to the individual who takes his leave, for there is always some brother officer in the service who can take his place, or his limited hours of duty render it possible for him to find outside assistance. With the **Medical Department**, however, such is not the case. The duties require the incumbent of the office to be on duty at all times, night and day, and there is no one in the Service that can relieve him. The **Army Medical Department** have hitherto come to our relief, but this cooperation cannot always be depended on, as, from press of work, sickness, or other cause, the **Army Medical Staff** may be short of hands themselves. If, therefore, the recent recommendation of the **Sanitary Board** in favour of an **Epidemic Hospital** outside of the town be carried out, it would be absolutely necessary to obtain the permanent services of an additional Surgeon.\n\nI have the honour to be,\nSir,\nYour obedient Servant,\nThe Hon. F. STEWART,\n**Colonial Secretary**.\n\n## II.-TABLE shewing the RATE of SICKNESS and MORTALITY in the POLICE FORCE during the Year 1887.\n\n| | TOTAL SICKNESS | TOTAL DEATHS | RATE OF SICKNESS | RATE OF MORTALITY |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| AVERAGE STRENGTH | European | Indian | Chinese | European | Indian | Chinese | European | Indian | Chinese | European | Indian | Chinese |\n| | 110 | 201 | 810 | | | | 119.82 | 145.77 | 69.02 | 3.46 | 0.49 | 1.25 |\n\nJ. M. ATKINSON, M.D.,\nSuperintendent.\n\n## III.-POLICE RETURN of ADMISSIONS to HOSPITAL from each District during the Year 1887.\n\n| STATIONS | European | Indian | Chinese | TOTAL |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| WATER POLICE | | | | |\n| TOIMSHATSUI | 10 | 27 | 10 | |\n| WHITFIELD | 2 | 13 | | |\n| YAUWATT | | | | |\n| SHAKEAWAN | | | | |\n| POKPULAM | | | | |\n| ABERDEEN STATION | | | | |\n| HUNG HOM | 7 | | 82 | 1 |\n| CENTRAL | 19 | | | |\n| GOVERNMENT HOUSE | | | | |\n| No. 1 | | | | |\n| No. 2 | | | | |\n| COCTTERS' | | | | |\n| No. 6 | | | | |\n| ISLAND | | | | |\n| GREENAAPE | | | | |\n| | European | Indian | Chinese | TOTAL |\n| Total | 76 | 311 | 5 | 10 |\n\nJ. M. ATKINSON, M.B.,\nSuperintendent.\n\n## IV.-TABLE shewing the RATE of SICKNESS and MORTALITY of the Troops serving in HONGKONG during the Year 1887.\n\n| AVERAGE STRENGTH | ADMISSIONS INTO HOSPITAL | DEATHS | AVERAGE DAILY RATE OF SICKNESS | RATE OF MORTALITY PER 1,000 OF THE STRENGTH |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| White | Black | Total | White | Black | Total | White | Black | Total | White | Black | White | Black |\n| 1,217 | 177 | 1,394 | 326 | 1,429 | 1,740 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 67.54 | 6.53 | 8.21 | 22.69 |\n\n*This includes 4 deaths out of Hospital, viz.: 2 Suicides and 2 from an explosion of fireworks; deducting these, the deaths will be 6, and the rates per 1,000, 4.93.\n\nPH. B. C. AYRES,\n**Colonial Surgeon**.\nRY. LEWER,\n**Deputy Surgeon General, P.M.O. China Station**.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-238 - Governor Des Voeus - 1888 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 337888, "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": "CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12]", "page_number": 283, "title": "CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12]", "content_text": "279 \n\n(2) \n\nsewage of Wautsai and Bowringtou at some additional outlay by conveying it as far east as North Point where the tidal scour is at its greatest and there establishing a steam-pumping station, an expedient commonly resorted to in English towns similarly circumstanced. These extra works are estimated at $113,000 making the total cost $343,000.\n\n5. The establishment of the Separate System of drainage will in no way nullify or minimize the importance of the main drainage improvements which have been effected by the Government from year to year during the last ten years, for even if house-sewage is now diverted to special channels of its own, properly built rain water drains of adequate sectional area and laid to proper falls are none the less a necessity to the city for the removal of sub-soil drainage and storm-waters.\n\n6. The Separate System can be carried out without adding to the expense of house-owners, for it will impose no greater burden on the landlord to connect his house-drain with a Government main sewer under the Separate System than with one under the Combined System. Two house-drains—one for dirty water and one for rain water—will not be required of him. His roof drainage and the rain which falls upon his back-yard may in most cases be allowed to escape over the surface through gutters into side-channels, and thence into the nearest of the numerous street gratings which everywhere communicate with the storm-water drains.\n\n7. The Separate System of drainage is no new experiment in European cities. As its advantages are brought to light by practical experience it is becoming every year more generally adopted by Municipal and other public Bodies. To Hong-kong, if not adaptable before owing to the inadequacy of the public water supply, it will be specially adaptable now for the first time that we have a new reservoir admitting of a daily consumption of water in every house in the town sufficient to afford the drains in the shape of waste waters that volume of dry weather flow throughout the winter which is essential to the effective working of a system that seeks to act in a measure independently of rain.\n\n8. Though Mr. COOPER's Report relates principally to main drainage I wish to invite His Excellency's special attention to that portion of it wherein he refers incidentally to house-drains for it is impossible to overestimate the importance of remedying as early as possible the evils to which he alludes.\n\n9. Up to the passing of the new Public Health Ordinance (Ordinance No. 24 of 1887) the law on this branch of practical sanitation was inadequate for securing efficient house-drains. The Statute Book contained no provisions for the class of materials to be used in their construction, nor yet did it prescribe the method of that construction, nor were there any provisions for trapping, ventilation, or disconnexion. The result of this inadequacy of the Law was that the Public Works Department was ever in conflict on the subject of house-drains with landlords who deeply resented what were considered the expensive whims of the Surveyor General, whims which they alleged they did not find supported by any special definition of the law.\n\n10. In 1884 a Public Health Bill designed to meet this evil—together with many others—was drafted and submitted for the consideration of the Colonial Government, but for reasons into which it is unnecessary to enter here, that Bill unfortunately was never presented to the Legislature until the assumption of the Government by His Excellency General Gordon CAMERON in 1887 when it was passed by him in spite of the opposition of the landlord interest.\n\n11. Again a further delay arose from a request of the opponents of the Ordinance that it might not be confirmed until a Petition which they were to frame against it—had been previously considered by the Secretary of State, but after \n\n(3) \n\na lapse of three months no Petition being yet forthcoming, the Governor was obliged to inform these gentlemen that unless their Petition was presented within a stated period the Ordinance must be transmitted home without it. A third and of course unavoidable delay occurred in the reference of the Ordinance by the Secretary of State to the Local Government Board, in the consideration of it by the latter, and finally in the confirmation of it by Her Majesty the Queen.\n\n12. The Ordinance has been in force since the 2nd of June, 1888, but more delay has occurred, for after a lapse of over two months it has not yet been found possible to pass in the Sanitary Board the Bye-Laws relating to house-drains; even the original motion made by me to give preference to this most urgent matter was not carried without opposition.\n\n13. These delays are unfortunate as it is of urgent importance to the Public Health that the reconstruction of defective and insanitary house-drains should be grappled with without further loss of time, and this can be done without any need whatsoever of waiting for the adoption or otherwise of the Separate System as pointed out by Mr. COOPER in his Report.\n\n14. The many miles of modern main sewers that have been built by the Government within the last ten years and which have almost entirely replaced the former old defective main drains of the earlier days of the Colony, more especially in the upper levels of the city, have been well constructed and laid to proper falls as testified to by Mr. CHADWICK in his Report on the Sanitation of Hongkong, but it is clear that in spite of the best workmanship and of every precaution the newest and best built main-drain in the world will become an offensive nuisance along its whole length if the liquid matter that is led into it at every step from the connexion drains of private houses, is already in a high state of decomposition by reason of previous long stagnation, and this is what is now occurring in the city of Victoria and calling for an early remedy.\n\n15. The remedy to be adopted to remove the bad smells in the streets which are found to emanate from the Government main sewers is so obvious that no person examining the matter for himself can fail to see it. The evil must be attacked at its source: that is at the house-drains. All house-drains found in a defective and insanitary condition, wherein kitchen and other foul waters stagnate and ferment for long periods, must be taken up and relaid to proper falls in impervious glazed stoneware in lieu of porous black brick, and must be furnished with those safeguards to health in respect of trapping, ventilation, and disconnexion which are now clearly specified in the new Ordinance and its proposed Bye-Laws. When properly reconstructed and passed by the Sanitary Board such house-drains may be connected with the present main-drains, and when the time arrives for laying the new pipe mains on the Separate System, it will be the duty of the Public Works Department to see that the connexion between such improved house-drains and the new Government mains is properly effected free of cost to the house-owner. If groups of the worst of these defective old house-drains are taken in hand at the same time and dealt with in rapid succession—and there is no reason why this should not be done—the Sanitary Board at the end of twelve months will be already far on the road to relieve the public frequenting the streets of the city from the smells that have given rise to complaints, and what is far more important, as regards the inmates of private dwellings, the Board will have done more for their health and comfort than could possibly be obtained at this moment from any other form of sanitary improvement.\n\n16. I make the foregoing remarks lest it be misapprehended that the consideration of the Separate System need retard early drainage reforms in private premises.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 337889, "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": "CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12]", "page_number": 284, "title": "CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12]", "content_text": "## 280 \n\n(4) \n\n17. Although Mr. COOPER, since his arrival in the Colony, has been devoting a large portion of his time to the study of our local conditions with a view to the adoption of the best system of public main-drainage to be devised for the city, the vast amount of detail which had to be mastered by him before he could arrive at definite conclusions, has made it impossible to place his Report before the Governor at an earlier date. The delay, however, is not to be regretted, as it has enabled a very complete investigation to be made into a matter which is all important to the health of the community, and in this connexion, I deem it my agreeable duty to bring to the notice of His Excellency the very thorough manner in which Mr. COOPER has carried out this preliminary portion of his work.\n\nI have the honour to be, \n\nSir, \n\nYour obedient Servant, \n\n**J. M. PRICE**, \n\n**Surveyor General**. \n\nTo \n\n**SIR**, \n\n(5) \n\n**PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT**, \n\n**HONGKONG, 23rd July, 1888**. \n\nIn accordance with the instructions received from the Government, I have the honour to report that I have carefully studied the question of the main drainage of the city of Victoria and now beg to submit the following observations. Since my arrival in the Colony early in January, I have been making myself acquainted with the existing main-drains and I have at length obtained the necessary local information to enable me to lay before you a complete scheme of sewerage and sewage disposal. Accompanying this Report, I forward: \n\n1. Diagrams showing the Hongkong rain-fall. \n2. Plans showing the tidal currents in the harbour as indicated by float experiments. \n3. Plans showing the existing drains. \n4. Plans of the City—Sheets I, II, III, showing the proposed works. \n5. Sections along the proposed lines of main sewers.\n\n## TOPOGRAPHICAL \n\nThe city of Victoria, as will be seen from the Ordnance Survey, lies on the northern slope of the range of hills running from east to west across the Island, and extends from North Point on the east to the Sulphur Channel on the west, the harbour forming the northern, and the 400-foot contour line above sea level, the southern boundary of the city.\n\nWith the exception of the level portion of the lower town between Queen's Road and the Praya, and of the Wantsai district, the whole of the ground has a steep declivity towards the harbour.\n\nThe level portions, to a very large extent, have been reclaimed from the sea and consequently the buildings have been erected upon made ground of a more or less porous character. The rest of the city is built on disintegrated granite in various stages of decomposition. In some parts, the soil is what is locally known as red earth; in others, there is a large proportion of hard rock immediately underlying the surface. On studying the levels, it will be observed that the city is naturally divided into several distinct drainage areas, the principal water partings running nearly north and south, or at right angles to the line of Praya.\n\nThe method of house construction and the habits of the Chinese are subjects which have been dealt with by Mr. CHADWICK, in his exhaustive Report on the Sanitary Condition of Hongkong, as recently as 1882, and as in that Report Mr. CHADWICK enters very fully into native local habits and customs so far as they come within the scope of the Sanitarian. I propose here only to add a few supplementary remarks with reference to the growth of the city of Victoria since Mr. CHADWICK's Report was written and to the probable still further extension of the city.\n\nSince 1882, sea reclamations at Kennedytown and Slaughter-house Point on the west and at Causeway Bay on the east, have been carried out by the Government, and the two first of these reclamations are to a considerable extent already built over.\n\nThe Causeway Bay reclamation has not yet been utilized for buildings, but a few houses have been erected on the Shaukiwán carriage road a little further to the eastward. In the upper town, new sites have been opened further up the hillsides above the level of the Bonham and Caine Roads. Many houses in the Chinese quarter have been rebuilt in a better style and increased in height with a view to affording further accommodation.\n\nThe population of Victoria in 1882 was 163,000; it is now 180,000.\n\nThe Honourable **J. M. PRICE**, \n\n&c., \n\n**Surveyor General**.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 337890, "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": "CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12]", "page_number": 285, "title": "CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12]", "content_text": "# DONGKONG RAIN-FALL TABLES\n## 1884\n\n| Mouths | Total Rain-fall in inches | Maximum Daily | Maximum Hourly | Number of days on which rain-fall exceeded | Number of hours in which rain-fall exceeded |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| | | Inches | Inches | 0·25 Inches | 0·10 Inches |\n| January | 0·000 | 0·000 | 0·000 | 0 | 0 |\n| February | 0·000 | 0·000 | 0·000 | 0 | 0 |\n| March | 8·428 | 1·266 | no record | 2 | 1 |\n| April | 8·261 | 1·385 | 1·055 | 0 | 6 |\n| May | 9·039 | 2·649 | 0·800 | 5 | 6 |\n| June | 11·035 | 2·585 | 2·030 | 8 | 13 |\n| July | 13·075 | 3·710 | 1·760 | 10 | 13 |\n| August | 10·815 | 2·295 | 0·835 | 7 | 9 |\n| September | 12·870 | 5·385 | 1·190 | 3 | 5 |\n| October | 3·085 | 1·350 | 0·780 | 2 | 6 |\n| November | 1·495 | 0·925 | 0·120 | 0 | 3 |\n| December | 0·000 | 0·000 | 0·000 | 0 | 0 |\n| Totals | 75·425 | | | | |\n\n## 1885\n\n| Months | Total Rain-fall in inches | Maximum Daily | Maximum Hourly | Number of days on which rain-fall exceeded | Number of hours in which rain-fall exceeded |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| | | Inches | Inches | 0·25 Inches | 0·10 Inches |\n| January | 0·870 | 0·705 | 0·180 | 1 | 3 |\n| February | 2·700 | 1·950 | | 2 | 7 |\n| March | 2·470 | 0·710 | 0·130 | 0 | 1 |\n| April | 11·890 | 5·210 | 2·420 | 4 | 6 |\n| May | 1·450 | 1·860 | | | |\n| June | 31·360 | 12·630 | | 11 | 32 |\n| July | 13·545 | 4·259 | 1·130 | 9 | 31 |\n| August | 27·865 | 6·555 | 2·140 | 14 | 16 |\n| September | 2·270 | | 0·690 | 5 | 9 |\n| October | 2·510 | 2·120 | 0·295 | 3 | 5 |\n| November | 0·760 | 0·400 | 0·125 | 0 | 1 |\n| December | 1·250 | 1·025 | 0·685 | 1 | 1 |\n| Totals | 108·925 | | | | |\n\nThe western district of the town situated below the level of the Pokfulam Road, High Street and Bonham Road as far eastward as Ladder Street is almost entirely occupied by Chinese tenements with the exception of the Gas Works, the Sailors' Home, the Government Civil Hospital Buildings and some large Godowns or ware-houses along the Praya.\n\nOn that portion of the Western district situated above the level of the Pokfulam Road, High Street and Bonham Road no Chinese houses are allowed, a recent local enactment entitled **The European District Reservation Ordinance (16 of 1888)** making it illegal to build any but European houses above such levels.\n\nThis higher portion of the Western District is at present only partially built over. The line of water conduit from Pokfulam practically bounds the probable future extension southward of building operations in the Western and Central Districts.\n\nThe Central District situated between Ladder Street on the west and Garden Road on the east, is occupied below the levels of Gough Street, Gage Street, Lyndhurst Terrace, Wellington Street, and Ice House Lane, mainly by Chinese houses. Along each side of Queen's Road are to be found the better class of Chinese shops; there are however situated along Queen's Road and the Praya, several European shops and most of the mercantile hongs, this being the European business part of the city. The upper portion of the Central District is occupied by European residences and public buildings including Government House, the Government Offices and the Gaol. The Botanical Gardens are also situated in this district. The portion above the Caine Road is only partially built on.\n\nThe next division between Garden Road on the west to Arsenal Road on the east is occupied almost entirely by the Naval and Military buildings. Eastward of Arsenal Road, follows the thickly populated Chinese district of Wantsai. The buildings along the Eastern Praya are principally ware-houses; there are also, however, some European tenements in the Eastern District, among others the Royal Naval Seaman's Hospital and European residences on Morrison Hill, Caroline Hill, and Leighton Hill, all situated in extensive grounds of their own. In this district there is still room for further building.\n\nWith the exception of the extreme western suburb of Kennedytown, and small portions of the Wantsai and Causeway Bay Districts on the eastern side of the town, the whole of the lower levels of the city are closely built over.\n\nIn the month of March of this year, the Registrar General caused a census to be taken in three districts of the western part of the city, of the respective areas of 13, 7·71, and 3·52 acres including streets, with the result that an average population was found of 1,077, 1,602 and 488 persons to the acre in the three districts respectively. I doubt if this density of population is reached in any city or town of the United Kingdom or of the continent of Europe. In considering however the question of the effect of overcrowding on the health of the population of Victoria the fact must not be lost sight of that the city is of but limited width, occupying only a narrow strip of ground, with an extensive harbour on its northern, and with a considerable open space on its southern side.\n\n## METEOROLOGY\n\nRain-fall-It will be seen from table No. 1, page 7, which I have compiled from the Reports of the Director of the Government Observatory that the island of Hongkong is subject to very heavy rain-fall during short periods. I submit herewith some information on this subject in the form of diagrams shewing the great variations in the amount of rain-fall during different months in the year. The contrast between the heavy rain-falls that annually occur between May and September and the small rain-fall recorded during the months of January, February, November, and December is particularly noticeable.\n\nTemperature, Humidity, Duration of Sunshine.—In table No. 2 will be found the mean monthly temperature obtained from hourly observations also the mean humidity for each month, and the total duration of sunshine. The temperature ranges from about 45° to 90° Fahrenheit, and the humidity in 1887 ranged from 19 to 95.\n\nWinds.-Table No. 3 gives the direction, duration and velocity of the winds for each month in the year.\n\nEasterly winds predominate nearly the whole year but southerly winds occur to a large extent during the months of May, June, July, August, and September. The Meteorological Observatory is situated on the Kowloon peninsula 110 feet above sea level.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-239 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1888 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339135, "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": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "page_number": 571, "title": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "content_text": "# 569\n\nSeparate System for European portion.\n\nCombination of systems recommended.\n\nObjections to discharge house drains into water drains.\n\nThe remaining portions of the city, occupied chiefly by what may be described as the European population, I propose to deal with on the separate system, the hill side drainage and rainfall generally being served by the present large storm-water drains mentioned above, and the sewage conducted by pipe drains to convenient outfalls, discharging into the harbour. The few large storm-water drains convey the flood water from the hill sides above through these portions of the city.\n\nIt will therefore be seen that I propose to adopt the Combined System for the purely Chinese districts, and the Separate System for the European; and I hope to be able to prove that this combination of systems can be effectually and economically carried out, and that it is the most suitable to the widely different conditions to be dealt with in the drainage of this City.\n\n## Mr. Chadwick's Scheme\n\nThe objections I have to this scheme are that in the upper districts of the City and wherever the houses are scattered, it would not be wise to discharge the drainage from these houses into the large drains necessary to take the storm-water in European districts, as, during the dry season, there would not be a sufficient body of sewage in these large drains to keep up a constant flow.\n\n### Objections to Intercepting Sewer\n\nThe intercepting sewer to the Sulphur Channel, owing to the depth of it, must be constructed in soil open to the sea, and, being for its entire length (6 miles) below low water level, would, owing to its enormous cost, together with the constant expense of pumping, be practically prohibitive, and I consider unnecessary, as, by properly constructed outfalls into deep water opposite the City, no nuisance would arise.\n\n### Agreement with Mr. Chadwick\n\nI entirely agree with Mr. Chadwick in his recommendations to use the present drains for the conveyance of sewage and rainfall over the thickly populated Chinese districts of the City, and with his remarks and suggestions on ventilation, trapping, house connections, improvement of the existing sewers, and sanitation generally.\n\nHis admirable report contains an immense amount of most valuable and reliable information.\n\n### District No. 1\n\nThe sewage would be collected and carried by a small stone-ware pipe discharging into the harbour at the outfall, marked L1, allowing the present drains to take the entire rainfall and subsoil waters by the present outfalls to the harbour. I may mention that in this area are several swampy places that require proper subsoil drainage.\n\n### District No. 2\n\nThe sewage of District No. 2 would be collected along the Caine Road and discharged into the harbour by a pipe sewer at the outfall marked L2. The rainfall and subsoil waters for this district discharging, as at present, down the Peel Street drain.\n\n### District No. 3\n\nThe sewage of District No. 3 would be discharged by a pipe into the harbour at the outfall marked L3. The rainfall of District Nos. 3 and 4 being discharged by the present drains.\n\n### District No. 4\n\nThe sewage of District No. 4 would be discharged at L4.\n\n### District No. 5\n\nIn district No. 5, the Seamen's Hospital and Morrison Hill Terrace stand on high ground. The rest of the buildings in this district are chiefly warehouses situated along the Praya front. The small amount of sewage of this district would be discharged into the harbour at the outfall, marked L5. The rainfall being dealt with as at present.\n\n### District No. 6\n\nThe Western portion of District No. 6, bounded by Percival Street and Bowrington Canal, is at present partly occupied by a sugar refinery and warehouses. It is probable that other factories may be located here, and that, in the future, a separate drain will be necessary. The sewage, from the remaining part of the District, would be discharged into the sea at the outfall marked L6. The rainfall being dealt with as at present.\n\n## Separate Outfalls for the Yellow or Separate System\n\nThe outfalls for the Yellow or Separate System are of two kinds, those for rain water being as at present. Fig. 1, Plate 2, gives a sketch of an existing outfall. The sewage discharge can be dealt with as shown by Fig. 2, Plate 2, consisting of a cast iron pipe carried to a suitable distance and depth to ensure ample dilution and diffusion of the sewage particles.\n\nThe entire sewage and rainfall of the Chinese parts of the city coloured red, I proposed to convey in those of the existing drains which are suitable for the conveyance of sewage. Where the drains are defective, they must be either repaired or reconstructed and thoroughly ventilated along their entire course, the whole of the sewage and rainfall being discharged direct into the harbour, but in no case connected with the few large storm water drains (shown by blue lines) that take the rainfall from the European districts and the hill sides situated above.\n\n## Description of Plate 1\n\nDivision of districts.\n\n## Mr. Cooper's Scheme\n\nThe chief points of objection I have to this scheme are:\n\n1. Attempting to separate rainfall from sewage over the thickly populated Chinese parts of the City.\n2. Dividing the City into the four districts proposed.\n3. The disposal of the sewage by intercepting sewers at the four points proposed.\n\nBefore proceeding to discuss my objections, I think it would be well to describe more fully my proposals, as the pros and cons of the two schemes could then be taken together.\n\nPlate 1 is a map of the City. The districts occupied by Chinese are coloured red, and these I propose to drain on the Combined System. The districts coloured yellow are chiefly occupied by Europeans, and these I propose to drain on the Separate System.\n\nTo follow the description of the lines of sewers I am now about to describe, a thorough knowledge of the levels and contours of the ground is necessary. I regret that, being able to spare but a short portion of time, and the plans of Mr. Cooper's Scheme having been hurried home, I have not drawn a complete plan showing all the lines of sewers.\n\n## Scheme for District No. 1\n\nCommencing at the extreme West or No. 1 subdivision of the Yellow or Separate System, there are but few houses to deal with. The drainage of these, I would disconnect from the storm-water drains, into which it is at present...\n\nOn this Combined System, the drainage of the red portion will be a simple and comparatively inexpensive undertaking.\n\nI have not dealt with Kennedy Town or Causeway Bay district, as they are not yet built over.\n\n## Outfalls for Chinese Districts\n\nThe outfalls, for the red or combined portions, can be dealt with as shown by Fig. 3, Plate 2. This outfall is practically the same as the river outlet at Windsor Castle, which plan is given as a model one by Sir Robert Rawlinson in the \"Suggestions for Sewage, &c.\" issued by the Local Government Board, and which has become the usual plan adopted in similar cases at home.\n\nIt may be argued that the two portions shown by the red and yellow colours are liable to alteration. This is practically impossible, as the districts in which Chinese houses may be built are not only very clearly defined and restricted by the European Reservation Ordinance, but in some places are prevented from changing by the nature of the hill-sides, the Public Gardens, and the Military Reserve. That additional ground must become occupied by Chinese is almost certain, but the ground which they will occupy is clearly defined, such as reclamation from the Harbour, Kennedy Town, Wanchai, and Causeway Bay, which are capable of accommodating a vast increase in the number of Chinese, and any such increase can be dealt with in entire conformity with the proposed scheme.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339138, "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": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "page_number": 574, "title": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "content_text": "572 Jervois St. and Bonham Strand described.\n\nI would mention, as an instance, the drains in Jervois Street and Bonham Strand. Instead of conveying the drainage of the district by the most direct way into the harbour, the sewers run nearly parallel with the Praya, discharging at Possession Point. As this district is low lying, the sewers are nearly level, and cause great trouble from silting up. I have mentioned, that I consider exactly similar trouble will be experienced with Mr. COOPER'S proposed intercepting sewers of flat gradients.\n\nMr. CHADWICK's description of Bonham Strand is as follows: \"Much inconvenience and expense is caused by the necessity for cleaning out periodically the portions of the sewers where they cross the low districts about Bonham Strand.\"\n\nI fail to see why, even granted that there be considerable deposits during the dry season in the large sized sewers of the lower levels, that this is a reason for not using the bulk of the sewers, already constructed, for the conveyance of sewage.\n\n### Objection (3.) No ventilation no reason for not using existing Sewers.\n\nMr. COOPER alleges, as a reason for not using the existing sewers, that no efficient means of \"ventilation exists.” This is obviously no reason for not so altering the present sewers, as the cost of making ventilators cannot be so expensive as the construction of new sewers and ventilators.\n\nMr. CHADWICK supports the statement that no efficient means of ventilation exists, in the following words, which naturally apply to the date of his report: \"There are no special ventilator openings either inlet or outlet, nor does the necessity for ventilation appear to have been recognized. The drains, which receive the water from the ravines above the town, have open outlets at their upper ends or intakes, and so they are to some extent ventilated. Where the drains do not run up the hill sides there is no proper ventilation. For instance, the drain along Old Bailey Street terminating in the Caine Road. In one instance, that in Peel Street, the natural ventilation of the sewer has been prevented purposely by the construction of a trap at the top, thus the uprising sewer gas has no means of escape except by untrapped house drains and gully holes.\"\n\nThe only attempt at ventilation, made up to the present date, are the few shafts built within the last year at the upper ends of the main drains, and it requires no argument to show, that these only ventilate a very little distance, and the open ends of the drains as before, were practically equally efficient, the only advantage gained by the shafts being the very small difference in the density of the gases for the additional height. These shafts, as I stated in my evidence before the Fever Commission, cannot ventilate any of the side junctions to the main drains, as the gases would then be called upon to descend the side branches and ascend the main drains.\n\nSir ROBERT RAWLINSON's opinion on ventilation is that: \"Sewers formed along steep gradients therefore require to have more care bestowed on the means of ventilation than other sewers laid along flat districts to prevent the dangerous accumulation of sewage gases in the districts. Ordinary main sewer ventilation should be provided in all cases at intervals not greater than 100 yards.”\n\nThe ends of sewers and drains at their lowest outlets must be so protected that the wind cannot blow in and force any sewage gases back to the streets and houses. Flap valves or other contrivances may be provided to cover and protect outlet ends of sewers and drains and so prevent the wind from blowing in.\n\nThis is a special requirement in the drainage of this city, as the upper levels are 400 feet above the Praya, and during the North-east Monsoon, when the drains are the foulest for want of rain water, the wind is blowing directly into the present open ends of all the outfall sewers.\n\n\"It has been suggested that free and open sewer and drain ventilation will so taint the atmosphere within and over a town as to cause houses at a lower level to pollute those situated on the higher levels. Any serious injury from this need not be feared, as with abundant means of ventilation, the air within the sewers, will be comparatively pure,\"\n\nSewer and drain ventilation are insisted upon over and over again in these suggestions, because the work is so important and is so generally absent or even wilfully neglected. \"There are many towns in which the sewers are not ventilated because the inhabitants refuse to have any open sewer ventilator at the street surface. This is a sad mistake, as a town, having unventilated sewers and house drains connected with them also unventilated, must have disease in excess.\"\n\nThe above remarks of Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON, in his Suggestions for typical drainage systems, prove the absolute necessity for ventilation of sewers.\n\nI was surprised to read the evidence of Mr. COOPER before the Fever Commission, that he considered serious harm would arise from openings in the streets in the present condition of the house drains, as it is obvious from the construction opinion of Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON that the sewers have to be ventilated at some time, and no amount of defective house connection can justify the absence of such ventilators, which any way must improve the air in the sewers.\n\nI do not agree with the statement of Mr. COOPER, that the gases would be drawn into the houses by reason of the air being warmer, as the temperature of the interior of the houses is usually lower than that of the open street, for the greater portion of the year.\n\n### Proposed Works.\n\nWith reference to the proposed works of Mr. COOPER, the words of his report are: \"After careful consideration of the whole of the foregoing facts and a close study of the locality, I am of opinion that the ends of efficiency and economy will be best met by: \n1. The construction of a new system of pipe sewers admitting only a limited quantity of surface water and by adopting outfalls for such a system at suitable points East and West of the City.\n2. The utilization of the existing drains for conveying the natural streams through the City and for carrying off surface and subsoil water.\"\n\nThe proposed works are, therefore, the carrying out of what is known as the \"Separate System.\"\n\n### Separate System recommended.\n\nWherever the Separate System is capable of being conveniently carried out, it is unquestionable the more sanitary system, and I strongly recommend its adoption for the Yellow areas, but I maintain, and hope to prove, that the Separate System is totally unsuited, not to say impossible, over the Red area.\n\nMr. COOPER mentions, as an objection to the use of the same sewers for sewage and subsoil, that in case of stoppage of foul water the sewage may back into the subsoil drains, and sewage gas escape through them into the houses. I entirely disagree with this opinion as a reason for not adopting the present sewers on the Combined System for the Chinese districts. The only places, where subsoil drains are required, are in the higher districts, which I propose to deal with under the Separate System; besides, efficient ventilation to the sewers would obviate any such nuisance.\n\n### Description of Chinese houses.\n\nThe entire area coloured Red is built over in a manner quite unknown at home. The width of a Chinese house is 15 feet from centre to centre of the side walls, leaving about 13'-6\" in the clear; they are either built back to back, or have a yard or lane of about 6 feet wide. By the New Building Ordinance, this width is slightly increased for lots acquired from the Government after the passing of the Ordinance, but that cannot therefore affect the present City.\n\nThe back yards are used for washing and domestic operations, and are the receptacles of the refuse of the houses. There is usually to be found the latrine of the house, and in days not long past, the well.\n\nMr. CHADWICK's description is as follows: \"As the upstair lodgers have no convenience of getting rid of their rubbish, much is stuffed down into the down pipes, choking it, causing it to leak and saturate the walls with the filthy fluid. For the same reason also the house drain is frequently obstructed.\"\n\nThe back yard measuring 13'-6\" by 6'-0\" is little better than a sink, and, compared with the average number of inhabitants, would not contain more area per head than an English kitchen sink.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339140, "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": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "page_number": 576, "title": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "content_text": "# Odours in Chinese quarters.\n\nMain sewers to be\n\n1.4\n\nI realize that no system of drainage will alter the nature of the odors of the Chinese quarter, which are not necessarily unhealthy, as evidenced by experience of Canton, where the surface of the narrow streets is formed by the granite covers of the main sewers, and the large open joints of the cover stones ensure very thorough ventilation to the sewers, which are therefore practically open channels.\n\nI disagree entirely with the opinion of Mr. COOPER, that practically nothing can be done with the main drainage until the house connections are first put in order.\n\nSir ROBERT RAWLINSON distinctly states:----\n\nFirst, main sewers; then house drains.\n\nSuggestions in carrying out the drainage.\n\n\"In sewering a town or village, the main sewers should first be completed, side junctions for branch drains, and house junctions having in all cases been provided, and indicated on the plan. House drains in detail may then be proceeded with.\"\n\nThis appears to me to be but common sense, as until the level of the main sewers is settled and the junctions put in, it is impossible to lay out the house drains to the best advantage, and it is useless to discharge, through the most perfect house drains, sewage matter into imperfect or unventilated sewers. If sewage gas be formed, it has to be discharged somewhere, and if not in the streets, then in the back yards.\n\nI would, in carrying out the drainage of this City, take an outfall, remodel it, ventilate, repair or reconstruct the main sewers and tributaries; when this work has been completed, then by suitable laws, the owners of tenements should be compelled to connect in a proper manner to the sewers, in accordance with by-laws passed. (I may mention it was with regret that I noticed that the Sanitary Board has lately passed by-laws forcing the Separate System on house owners, whether traps are insisted on or gratings only, as I propose, is merely a detail; the effect in a few years will be the same, only I would, by clear instructions and efficient supervision, insist on the proper construction of the drains and connections.\n\n## Remarks on estimates and cost.\n\n## Conclusions.\n\nBy taking each outfall, and consequently each natural line of drainage separately, the remodelling of the drainage of the Chinese portions of the city would become a comparatively simple operation, and could be completed in a far less period of time than the difficult scheme proposed by Mr. COOPER.\n\nNot having been permitted to examine the estimates of Mr. COOPER's Scheme, and the drawings giving no details, I am unable to discuss this absolutely necessary part of any Engineering work, but I will unhesitatingly state that the works he proposes cannot be carried out for the total figures in his estimate, viz.: $230,000 exclusive of the North Point Pumping Station, and that $400,000 will be nearer the cost; and the complete scheme, including the proposed North Point Sewer and Pumping Station, about $550,000 will be approximately the cost. The scheme as proposed by me would not only dispense with all the necessary pipe sewers of the Separate System of the entire Red area but also the very expensive collecting sewers along the lower levels for the purpose of discharging at four points only, and no pumping station would be required; therefore, whatever figure his scheme may cost, that proposed by me can be done for about half the amount, and I trust I have proved will be more efficient in results, viz.: the rapid drainage and disposal of the sewage matter and rainfall of the City.\n\nIn conclusion, I will briefly sum up the arguments of this report:-\n\n1. --That owing to the dissimilarity in point of acreage to population, the Chinese districts coloured Red may be dealt with in a different manner to the European districts coloured Yellow. The Red containing 373 persons per acre and the Yellow 93, or a difference of just four times.\n\n2. That the customs, habits, and mode of living of the people occupying the two districts are entirely dissimilar.\n\n3. --That the Separate System for the European districts, and combined for the Chinese, are the most suitable, and the two districts are thereby disconnected, there being no communicating drains of any sort between the entirely Chinese parts of the City and those principally occupied by Europeans. This might prove of great benefit should certain epidemics break out and would prevent sewage gases ascending from the Chinese thickly populated districts up the steep sewers (which act almost as chimneys) to the Europeans living above; this being a cause tending to make the upper levels the more unhealthy.\n\n4. That the subsoil water, which crops out almost entirely in the Yellow areas, can easily be dealt with by connecting it direct to the rainwater drains.\n\n5. That the Yellow portions are eminently suited to the adoption of the Separate System, while any attempt at separation of the Red portions must prove a failure.\n\n6. That the two systems are more economical than the adoption of the Separate System for the entire City, and that it will do away with the many very serious complications that would arise in the narrow streets and thickly populated portions of China Town.\n\n7. --That separation in the Chinese districts is unnecessary and uncalled for, is extremely difficult and expensive to carry out, with the four outfalls proposed, which necessitate intercepting sewers and perhaps pumping.\n\n8. That the adoption of the Combined System, with numerous proper outfalls, would ensure the complete and rapid disposal of the sewage of the Chinese districts and utilize, in a thorough manner, the large amount of excellent work done by the Government during the past six years.\n\n9. That the scheme of drainage proposed by me would be less costly, more effective, and easier of execution than the very expensive scheme of Mr. COOPER.\n\nI shall, if required, be willing to furnish complete detailed plans, specification, and estimates for the complete drainage of the City.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour obedient servant,\n\nR. K. LEIGH,\n\nAssoc. Mem. Inst. C.E.\n\n574", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339144, "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": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "page_number": 580, "title": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "content_text": "## \n6. If the sewers of the yellow district could reach the sea without traversing the districts tinted pink, the case would be different, and something might then be said in favour of a complete dissociation of the two systems, but this is impossible as the pink section of the town interposes as a barrier along the whole length of the city between the yellow section and the harbour. Mr. Lagn's map does not represent correctly the two districts. The distribution of colours is erroneous; it should have been so made as to accord with the line of demarcation provided for in the European Reservation Ordinance, which is the only true division. In the Central portion of his map, Mr. Leigh shews the yellow extending down the hill-slope as far as the water's edge, and also at the extreme right-hand of the map shews a second yellow district stretching along the shore as far as Causeway Bay. Both these yellow sections, excepting the comparatively small patch comprising the City Hall, the Cricket Ground, the Naval Yard, and the Military Cantonments, should have been shewn tinted pink between Queen's Road and the sea, because within their boundaries there is no legal restriction against native structures, and because there is every probability, in view of the continued influx of Chinese from the mainland, of the ground being covered by such structures partially if not wholly. Nor are even the Military Cantonments themselves altogether safe from a similar fate, for there is actually a scheme under the consideration of the War Office for the sale of a portion of the Military lands for Chinese building purposes in order to raise funds for the erection of European Barracks on more important sites elsewhere. Mr. Leigh should therefore have shewn one long littoral strip of pink colour embracing the whole of the lower city, except the patch above mentioned, and if he had done so, it would have been patent to anybody at the first glance of his map, that the Separate System sewers of the yellow portions having to be carried through the pink portions, had best be utilized by the Chinese as well, for the disposal of their foul waters.\n\n7. At page 4 of his letter, Mr. Leigh states that his opposition to the Separate System is due to three different reasons. His first reason is that it will not be possible to separate the rainfall from the sewage of native tenements. He says, in this connexion, that the rain from the roofs and backyards of houses cannot be led away as proposed by Mr. Cooper, by means of Surface-gutters passing from backyard to backyard, because the owners of the houses will be likely to stop up the gutters at the communication-holes in the divisional walls between the backyards, or else because leaves or sticks may choke up these communication-holes with the result that the ground floors would be flooded and trouble caused. Therefore, Mr. Leigh proposes, in lieu, that the storm-waters should escape as at present through the foul-water drain of the house. But at page 13 of his letter, Mr. Leigh describes the foul-water drain of the house as being generally choked up with vegetable matter, fruit-skins, and other solid refuse. On his own shewing, therefore, he takes us from the frying pan into the fire, for it will be clear to the merest tyro in Sanitation that Mr. Cooper's open surface-gutter can be kept unobstructed far more easily for the escape of flood waters than Mr. Leigh's varicose underground house-drain. But in fact, there are no grounds whatsoever for Mr. Leigh's apprehensions that the house-owners will stop up the rain gutters. The Chinese are very neighbourly among themselves and would not be guilty of such silly acts of aggression towards each other, more especially as the passage of the surface gutter across a backyard does a tenement no harm. If any such abuse as that feared by Mr. Leigh did prevail, it could readily be met by legislative enactment. From his recommendation that the heavy tropical rainfall of this climate should be conveyed away through the house drains, it is clear Mr. Leigh does not appreciate the main advantage of the Separate System, viz: the admissibility of small diameters for the house-drains. He attaches no importance to this, preferring to have in the sewage-conduits of the houses and of the streets diameters so large that they shall also be able to take in the heavy and deluging floods of Summer. Yet it is these large diameters, these capacious sizes, exposing so large a floor-surface of sewer and so large a surface of sewage for evaporation, to which we attribute the sluggish flow in the east and west street sewers and the consequent undue exhalation of noxious air from them. Also, in respect of the objection to surface gutters, I should not forget to repeat here that Mr. Cooper's scheme does provide for the admission into the house-drain of a sufficient quantity of the rainfall, and that is only the excess which it is proposed to convey away in the surface gutters. This judicious arrangement, while on the one hand providing the house-drain with a sufficient volume of rain water, will so restrict that volume as to enable it to be carried off by means of pipes of small diameter.\n\n## \n578\n\n8. Mr. Leigh's second reason for objecting to the Separate System is that the scheme divides the City into four drainage districts (page 4 of Mr. Leigh's letter). I am not sure that I have seized the grounds or reasons of this objection quite correctly, as the indictment is so rambling that it is difficult to follow the arguments, but I understand Mr. Leigh to mean that he would prefer six drainage districts instead, as shewn in his map, the out-falls being placed at points marked L. 1, L. 2, L. 3, L. 4, L. 5, and L. 6. Mr. Cooper's contemplated division of the City into four separate drainage areas is in accordance with the natural configuration of the hill-slope and of the spurs and ravines that intersect those areas. The division is a natural division, governed purely by the topography of the ground and the gradients of the streets. Under this arrangement, the town sewage will be conveyed by easy inclines to certain points of out-fall away from the more populous centres of Victoria and discharged where the tidal current will soonest disperse it. The proposed inclines will be nowhere so flat as to incur the risk of undue deposits of silt in the pipe-sewers, more especially looking to the volume of descending sewage from the upper levels, which will always maintain the flow through the lower town at a speed sufficient to be self-cleansing. In this respect, Mr. Leigh's Combined System proposes the creation of new main drains running straight down the hill on steep inclines ranging from about one in four to one in ten, but this alternative is objectionable if only because it makes it difficult with such steep inclines to regulate and control the escape of the gases generated in such sewers, a difficulty that is not lessened by the necessarily large sizes to which these conduits would have to be built, since Mr. Leigh would destine them also for the escape of rain-water. Mr. Leigh states also that in lieu of only four points of out-fall, he would prefer many more, and so avoid concentration of sewage matter at so few as four places. There might be something in this contention if the water in the harbour were stagnant, but as Mr. Cooper's proposed outlets of sewage-delivery are swept by tidal currents, Mr. Leigh's multiplication of out-falls does not appear to me to be necessary. But whether necessary or not, the question is disposed of with regard to the Central and Western districts now that we are to have a general reclamation of the foreshore from Murray Pier to West Point; because it is certain that the erection of the new quay wall further out into the harbour along deeper water will tend to improve the velocity of the inshore currents and thus promote the more rapid dispersion of the effluent.\n\n9. Mr. Leigh's third and final objection is to the proposed intercepting sewers. In lieu of these intercepting sewers, Mr. Leigh recommends the direct consigning into the sea of the contents of each descending main-sewer as soon as the latter has been carried down to the Praya level by the shortest route. He impugns the propriety of collecting together the aggregate sewage of several knots or groups of foul water drains, and contends that this gathering in of converging foul waters into one trunk-pipe running parallel with the shore-line will not work, because the incline will be so flat as to preclude flow and thereby choke the trunk-pipe. In the previous paragraph, I have already explained that there will be a self-cleansing velocity, and that as the trunk pipe has been designed to be self-cleansing, the block anticipated by Mr. Leigh will not occur. But again, here the new Reclamation Scheme, which was elaborated subsequently to the Drainage Project, will necessitate a reconsideration of the latter in that branch of it which relates to the intercepting sewers, and as we shall now have in the central and western town a marine pre-embankment in deep water throughout, I am of opinion that it will be found preferable to adopt the modification set forth in the small alternative plan prepared by Mr. Cooper and dated the 29th of December, 1888, which plan, together with a Report from Mr. Cooper in reply to Mr. Leigh's criticisms, is now submitted. In the Eastern portion of Victoria, where no sea-reclamation is contemplated, the first or original scheme prepared by Mr. Cooper would remain unaltered.\n\n## \nMr. Cooper's Report of 29th December 1888\n\nand enclosure.\n\n10. All those passages in Mr. Leigh's letter wherein he urges the increased ventilation of the main sewers in connexion with his Combined Project are, as stated before, concurred in by Mr. Cooper and myself, provided the main sewers are continued in use as foul-water conduits. If sewage, however, is diverted from them into separate glazed stoneware pipe-drains as advocated by us, it will obviously be unnecessary to embark in any system of increased ventilation for channels that are destined to carry only rain-water. The question of the adoption or the rejection of the Separate System must therefore be settled first, and that of the ventilation of the present sewers second, and on this point, I would like to point out that all the ventilation in the world will be useless so long as each private house-drain connected with such ventilated main continues to remain an elongated cesspool of putrid sewage, without fall or without flow. Mr. Cooper and myself have pre...\n\n## \nJune", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339145, "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": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "page_number": 581, "title": "CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7]", "content_text": "# CHADWICK'S Report\n\nferred to advise the reconstruction of defective house-drains as the first remedy and increased ventilation of mains as the second. Mr. LEIGH joins issue with us, and clamours for the increased ventilation of mains while he relegates the removal of the noxious house-drains and their substitution by properly built ones to a second place in the order of importance. To illustrate my point by a simile: Mr. LEIGH brings into the room a dead cat far gone in decomposition and then with his handkerchief to his nose begins to clamour about the defective ventilation of the room.\n\nOur reply is a simple common-sense reply; we say: \"As however wide we may open the door and window to improve the ventilation, the smell will not disappear, your best plan will be to remove the cause of smell first.\" With regard to defective house-drains however, it may be stated that the Public Health Ordinance, having now made sanitary reform compulsory, a marked improvement may be expected within the next few years in the drainage of native tenements, and this together with the ample ventilating facilities shown in Mr. COOPER's proposed pipe-sewers under the Separate System, will provide the true remedy for the evil odours complained of.\n\n## 11\nAt 5 of his letter Mr. LEIGH proposes to reserve exclusively for the passage of through-streams from the Mountain side,--all the present drains of a larger size which traverse the Chinese districts. No sewage is to enter these larger main drains, but duplicate sewers are to be built alongside of them for the escape of the local rainfall in the particular district subserved, and for the district sewage combined.\n\nThis looks to me very much like the Separate System, and if Mr. LEIGH acknowledges in respect of the larger main-drains the advantage of dissociating foul waters from storm floods, why not extend his support to the lesser drains which are only in one degree less subjected to the same conditions, and at once espouse Mr. COOPER's propositions? But Mr. LEIGH's proposition of large sized double-barrelled main drains down the same valley lines besides being clumsy and complicated will involve if adopted, an outlay so large as to represent in this particular feature alone, about one quarter of Mr. COOPER's entire estimate of cost, and if to this outlay we add the expense of providing new combined sewers in all those streets which at present do not possess them we shall find that Mr. LEIGH's estimates of cost will exceed those of Mr. COOPER with the difference that under the carefully elaborated plans of the latter we shall acquire a thoroughly comprehensive and effective system of town-drainage while under the crude and imperfectly thought out schemes of the former we shall have attained only a disjointed one of inferior value.\n\n## 12\nAs reference is made in more than one passage of Mr. LEIGH's letter to more recent drainage improvements effected under my supervision, it may remove misconceptions if I explain that these works have comprised the construction of new drains in streets where none existed before, the reconstruction of main drains on straight lines. Where in the earlier days of the Colony they had been built on tortuous lines (as for instance at Jervois Street and Bonham Strand which Mr. LEIGH describes as still existent though they were properly rebuilt as far back as five years ago) and the extension of the town drains higher up the hill where they terminate in open chimney shafts, and that all these works would not be by any means superseded or rendered useless for the purposes they were designed by the adoption now of the Separate System, inasmuch as sound drains are as great a necessity for the escape of storm waters as are sound sewers for the escape of foul-waters.\n\n## 13\nLong before Mr. COOPER's Separate System Project was submitted by me to the Colonial Government I had carefully weighed over in my mind all the considerations now put forward by Mr. LEIGH, and it was only after a very careful deliberation of all the pros and cons both in respect of the Combined System and the Separate System that I resolved to support as strongly as I was able the carefully prepared plan of Mr. COOPER. I am convinced that the Separate System for the Chinese districts of the City, with its proposed glazed stoneware pipe mains of limited diameter, laid in straight lines on moderately steep gradients and with all its accessories in the shape of ventilating grates, turning Chambers, Manholes etc, and its carefully determined volume of flow--is in the present circumstances of the Colony infinitely preferable to a continuation of the Combined System-under which we are tied to the conveyance of sewage through granite sewers of unduly large size, laid to unduly steep gradients and on lines that are full of bends and twists and which are constructed of a material less adapted to stimulate flow in the more level streets than the smooth glassy surface of stone-ware pipes. I came to my conclusions the more readily that I recognized how much there remained yet to be done in the reconstruction and repair of the actual net-work of granite drains before we could hope to make the combined system attain even a moderate degree of efficiency, all of which meant an expenditure of public money that would go a very long way to establish the Separate System in its entirety if we elected to adopt this rival system in lieu. Also I particularly considered the question of the interception feature of Mr. COOPER's scheme-with its system of over-flows--and the positions proposed for the out-falls, and have been convinced by a careful investigation of the float experiments that the points selected were the most judicious, furthermore I have considered in respect of the proposed new sea wall to be now built along deep water that due regard for the safety of that structure during typhoons requires that the number of sewer outlets should be as limited as is consistent with the efficiency of the sewerage arrangements of the town and I am therefore in favour of the smallest number of openings possible.\n\n## 14\nIn the foregoing remarks which relate purely to the native districts of Victoria, I have made no allusion to the higher or European levels because in respect of these I understand there is complete unanimity of opinion.\n\n## 15\nIn conclusion I would submit that I am of opinion no advantage will be gained by the acceptance of Mr. LEIGH's professional offer to furnish competing plans and specifications of his own for a Counter project of public drainage because his propositions while far more costly than he is aware of do not hold out to the Colony any promise of the same thorough and effective results that are apparent under Mr. COOPER's carefully prepared designs.\n\nSIR,\nHongkong, 23rd March, 1889.\n\n## Enclosure 3\n**J. M. PRICE, Surveyor General.**\n\n**PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, December 29th, 1888.**\n\nIn answer to your invitation of the 22nd instant I have now the honour to forward you the following observations on Mr. LEIGH's report on the Proposed Drainage of the City of Victoria.\n\nOn page 3 Mr. LEIGH states that the proposed scheme is diametrically opposed to that of Mr. CHADWICK.\n\nOn reference to Mr. CHADWICK's report I find on page 25 in discussing the advisability of admitting rainfall into the sewers he says: \"The principal argument for its admission is that downpours of rain clean the sewers.\" This is worthless.\n\nOn page 49 of Mr. CHADWICK's report, paragraph 11 reads as follows:- \"Plates I and II show methods of draining some common types of houses according to the principles just enunciated. Provision is made for the removal of slop water only, but, as stated in the report, drains fit for that purpose are fit for the conveyance of excreta also, so that when the time comes they can easily receive the additions necessary to fit them for this additional duty. No provision is made for removal of rain water which should be dealt with separately for the reasons stated in the report. The dimensions are, however, ample to receive a considerable quantity of rain to carry off all would be clearly impossible.\"\n\nAt page 33, in paragraph 207 of the same report Mr. CHADWICK says:—“The upper portions of the existing sewers, those above Queen's Road, are, thanks to their great fall, rather than to their design and construction, almost wholly free from deposit. Nevertheless, it would be well to render their inverts watertight, and to accelerate the dry-weather flow through them, by concentrating it in a semi-circular tile, laid on the invert.\" Mr. CHADWICK evidently did not entertain a very high opinion of the old sewers.\n\nMr. LEIGH on page 7 of his report quotes a speech made by the Surveyor General on the 5th of November, 1886, in which he stated that 44 miles of new sewers had been constructed and many other improvements carried out during the last three and a half years.\n\nPage 11", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-241 - Governor Des Voeus - 1889 [1-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339477, "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": 68, "title": "CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12]", "content_text": "## PUBLIC WORKS' DEPARTMENT.\n\n**Report on great storm of 29th and 30th May, 1889.**\n\n**REC 328 SEP 39**\n\nSIR,\n\n**SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 27th July, 1889.**\n\nI have the honour to forward, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, the following report on the great rainstorm of 29th and 30th of May last, and damage caused thereby to public property.\n\n2. The rainy season of the south west monsoon appears to have set in earlier this year than usual. During the month of April over 12 inches of rain fell, and of this quantity nearly 7 inches was due to a storm on the 29th and 30th of that month, causing considerable damage to streets and roads which the Acting Surveyor General (Mr. COOPER) estimated at $3,400. The first half of May was comparatively dry. I arrived at Hongkong on the 18th of May. The night after my arrival there was a very heavy thunderstorm, several buildings were struck by lightning, and 5.94 inches of rain were recorded during the day ending 10 A.M. on the 19th. On the three following days there was an aggregate fall of 5.88 inches, and there were showers at frequent intervals until the 28th. Early in the morning (2 A.M.) of 29th the rain began and continued almost uninterruptedly (although with greatly varying intensity) until 5 P.M. of the 30th. Appendix A shews the daily rainfall for the first half of the year, and Appendix B the hourly rainfall on 29th and 30th of May.\n\n3. On the morning of the 29th I was at the Peak, and such was the violence of the storm that (with some others who were staying at the Hotel) I had to wait a considerable time before the chair coolies would venture on the descent, owing to the force of the wind and rain. About 9 A.M. however we started; I shall not readily forget the journey down. I followed the road as, all things considered, it appeared to me a preferable route to the tramway. Along the upper levels the gusts of wind threatened to carry us off the mountain path. During the descent the water rushed in sheets down the steep mountain slopes, the nullahs were full, and the side drains and culverts of the road were overflowing. I arrived at the Government Offices about 10 o'clock. Shortly afterwards Mr. BAYNE, Overseer (then in charge of streets, since deceased) came to report that the great Glenealy culvert (which carries the storm water and sewage, and traverses the centre of the City, passing through Wyndham and Pedder's Streets, where several of the more important offices, and public buildings are situated) had burst in several places. Before there was time to ascertain full details a watchman arrived to report that the service tank of the Tytam Waterworks was in danger. Accompanied by Mr. COOPER I proceeded at once to the site. We arrived there a little before Noon, and found that the tunnel, or great culvert, 192 square feet in transverse area, which conveys the water of the Albany Nullah under the Tytam service tank was blocked, and the water that should pass through it was pouring over the concrete wall of the tank, and had washed away a large portion of the earthen bank on the down stream side of the wall, as well as parts of the Bowen and Garden Roads, and had caused considerable damage to the banks of the Ravine. As the concrete walls of the tank were not designed, without the aid of the earthen bank, to resist the pressure of the water, there was good reason for taking immediate precautionary measures, so as to be prepared in the event of the failure of the tank. As the Murray Barracks are situated near the Harbour, in the bed of the same valley, 400 feet below the tank which holds some 35,000 tons of water, I requested Mr. COOPER to give immediate notice to the officer in command of the Regiment there quartered, and I proceeded forthwith to inform His Excellency the General Commanding of the critical state of affairs. Orders were at once issued to clear the basement floors of men and stores.\n\n4. I find on referring to the hourly record of rainfall kindly furnished, at my request, by the Director of the Observatory (Dr. DOBERCK) that the rain began between 2 and 3 A.M. of the 29th and continued until about 1 P.M., up to which time 10 inches of rain had fallen, of which 7 inches fell in the three hours before Noon (10 A.M. 3.06 inches, 11 A.M. 3.35 inches, 12 (Noon) 1.27 inches). There was then an interval of two hours without rain, after which it rained moderately until near midnight.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 339776, "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": 367, "title": "CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12]", "content_text": "## Pokfulum Reservoir and Filter Beds\n\nnow in course of construction, and to request that the Crown Agents may be instructed to forward the articles at as early a date as possible.\n\nI sincerely trust that on the part of any consulting Engineer, there will be no objection that will be permitted to cause delay in the receipt of these supplies.\n\nThe condition of the water of Pokfulum, which still supplies the upper levels of the town, gave rise last summer to much public indignation; and it is desirable that before the next rainy season the filter beds should be completed, so as to prevent a recurrence of what was little less than a public scandal.\n\nPage 356\n\nI have the honour to be, My Lord, \nYour Lordship's Most Obedient \nHumble Servant, \n[illegible name]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-242 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Stewart - 1889 [8-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 344977, "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": 86, "title": "CO129-249 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [1-5]", "content_text": "12. All new drains shall be built and carried out in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 24 of 1887 and of any Bye-laws made thereunder and if no written notices as provided for by Bye-laws Nos. 1 and 11 shall have been given to the Board it shall be lawful for the Board on discovering the existence of any such new drain to call upon the owner to open and uncover the same for the purpose of inspection and should such new drain prove upon inspection to be defective either in respect of design, workmanship or materials it shall be so taken up and altered as to be made to comply with the Bye-laws.\n\n13. Any person carrying out excavations for new drainage works on any premises contiguous to a public thoroughfare shall provide for the safety of the public by erecting a suitable hoarding and if necessary keep a watchman and lanterns during the night.\n\n13(1). Any person about to open any public road or street for the purpose of connecting any private drain shall give three clear days' notice in writing of such intention to the Surveyor General and shall provide for the safety of the public by erecting a suitable hoarding and if necessary keep a watchman and lanterns during the night.\n\n14. If by any new drainage works any cesspool previously existing shall be done away with such cesspool shall be cleaned out and filled in with good fresh earth.\n\n15. All works connected with the construction of new drains shall be carried out in strict accordance with the plans and sections previously passed by the Board and all such works shall be carried out in a proper and workmanlike manner and with good materials of their respective kinds and shall be subject during their progress to the continuous supervision of the Officers of the Board appointed in that behalf and shall be completed in strict accordance with Ordinance No. 24 of 1887, and of any Bye-laws made thereunder.\n\n16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 as before.\n\n7th October, 1889.\n\nDrafted by\n\nDANBY & LEIGH,\n\nHONGKONG, 19th December, 1889.\n\nIn reply to your letter dated 17th ultimo with reference to drainage bye-laws we can only suggest as follows :-\n\nClause 2.--One plan only necessary to accompany notice.\n\nClause 3.--Seven days' notice to be made three days. Approved plan to be kept by Sanitary Surveyor notice only being given that such plan is approved.\n\nClauses 4 and 5.--Unnecessary.\n\nClause 11.--Three days' notice too long.\n\nYours faithfully,\n\nBIRD & PALMER.\n\nHOGH MCCALLUM, Esq.,\n\nSecretary, Sanitary Board.\n\nHONGKONG, October 9th, 1889.\n\n84\n\nI also think that some arrangement should be made about the method of draining the kitchens of the upper floors of Chinese houses other than the present system of earthenware down-pipes, and would suggest that they should be of metal, with distinct trapped and grated connections to each floor, or that the pipes should be of earthenware only between the different connections, and that a pattern connection should be made and kept in some part of the Office of the Sanitary Board where Contractors and others may see it.\n\nI might suggest that a plan of the City of Victoria, showing the sewers, should be circulated amongst the Architects of the Colony, so that in cases of new drains being laid, the position of the sewers would be known.\n\nH. MCCALLUM, Esq.,\n\nSecretary to the Sanitary Board.\n\nYours faithfully,\n\nA. DENISON.\n\n3, BEACONSFIELD ARCADE, 5th November, 1889.\n\n1. In reply to your letter No. 254 transmitting to me a copy of the Drainage Bye-laws made by the Sanitary Board and inviting my views as to the amendments in the same which I think might be made therein, I have much pleasure in complying with the request, with an expression of regret that my reply should have been, though unavoidably, delayed so long.\n\n2. I should in the first place point out that the Ordinance itself (No. 24 of 1889) contains several sections which should have formed part of the Bye-laws; these sections (39 to 47, &c.) are, substantially, extracted from the Model Bye-laws promulgated by the Local Government Board (sections 61 to 65). These sections contain most important instructions to the Builder and House-owner who frequently have no access to the Ordinance and I would suggest that these be extracted and circulated with the Bye-laws. As these sections form part of the Ordinance I refrain from suggesting any amendments.\n\n58\n\n3. The Bye-laws as they now stand appear to me to provide for drainage on the \"Separate System\" the principle of which as I understand is not yet accepted for this Colony. I cannot after much practical experience of both Systems but regard the absolute separation of sewage from surface water, in the City of Victoria generally, as a serious mistake considering the physical features of a large portion of the drainage area and the facilities for disposing of its drainage. I am satisfied that certain portions of the City drainage namely the lower levels should be treated separately and for this the sections I refer to (4, 5 and 6) might properly apply; but I presume that without most conclusive reasons being given in favour of such an experimental scheme that the Sanitary Board will recognize only the combined system now in use so far as house-drainage is concerned.\n\n4. There appears to me throughout the Bye-laws some confusion as to whom the Owner has to satisfy, in some cases it would appear to be the Board in others the Sanitary Surveyor.\n\n5. I have made detailed notes upon a copy of the Bye-laws which I have the pleasure to submit for the consideration of the Board as being more concise than stating the same here.\n\n6. I would venture to suggest that the Board should in some convenient place prepare Models with the proper materials illustrating the application of each section of the Ordinance and Bye-laws where practicable; this would, I am certain, ensure compliance with the Bye-laws and give much needed instructions in the construction of drains and sanitary appliances.\n\n7. Section 64 of the Ordinance appears to me to prohibit absolutely the use of water closets but if this is not so I think a Bye-law could be framed stating the conditions under which such would be permitted with a minimum of 19 gallons per head in winter and an unlimited supply of water at other seasons. I think one of the most objectionable sanitary features of the Colony might be disposed of, especially as a complete and economical water closet can be provided for less money than is now paid by such householder per annum under the present system. This would necessitate of course certain alterations in the main drainage of the City but which present no insuperable obstacle.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient Servant,\n\nDEAR SIR,\n\nIn answer to your letter of the 17th of September, I beg to make one or two suggestions with regard to the new Sanitary Bye-laws.\n\nIn the copy of the Bye-laws sent to me, there is no clause providing for any ventilating pipe to a private drain, although the pipes are mentioned in the said Bye-laws. I think a paragraph might be inserted to the effect that \"All new drains shall be provided with an iron ventilating pipe such pipe to be connected to the drain at its highest point.\"\n\nTo\n\nHOGH MCCALLUM, Esq.,\n\nSecretary to the Sanitary Board,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.\n\n$0.\n\nWM. ST. JOHN H. HANCOCK.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-249 - Governor Des Voeus Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [1-5].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 350118, "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": "CO129-256 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1892 [8-12]", "page_number": 426, "title": "CO129-256 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1892 [8-12]", "content_text": "# REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DURING THE FIRST HALF-YEAR 1892\n\nLaid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor, on the 16th November, 1892.\n\nNo. 708.\n\n**PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 10th August, 1892**\n\nReferring to `C.S.O. 134`, I have the honour to forward you a brief report on the progress of the Public Works during the first half of this year, viz.: from January 1st to June 30th.\n\n## ANNUAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE\n\n2. **Maintenance of Buildings**.--No works, with the exception of the small extension at the Magistracy, which is now completed, of special moment have been executed in connection with the maintenance of buildings. Such works as Painting, Colouring, Washing and general repairs have been duly carried out. The expenditure on these works including the sum of about $10,000, paid on account of liabilities outstanding at the end of last year amounts to $19,620.92.\n\n3. **Maintenance of Telegraphs**.--No works requiring special reference have been carried out though a good deal of information has been obtained with a view to improving the telegraphic system in the future. Expenditure $748.89.\n\n4. **Maintenance of Public Cemetery**.--The sum of $1,073.01 has been expended in the general upkeep of the Cemetery.\n\n5. **Maintenance of Praya Wall and Piers**.--Ordinary repairs have been executed and the reconstruction of the Yaumati Pier has been completed. Expenditure $3,698.99.\n\n6. **Maintenance of Lighthouses and Disinfector**.--The Lighthouses and Disinfector have been maintained in a satisfactory state of repair, the expenditure on the former has been $911.43 and on the latter $227.39.\n\n7. **Dredging Foreshores**.--27,964 cube yards of material have been removed from the harbour at a cost of $4,405.38. The Dredger and machinery is in a satisfactory state of repair.\n\n8. **Miscellaneous Works**.--The sum of $2,791.97 has been expended under this heading of account mainly in respect of the construction of a Block House at Shamshuipo and the construction of a road and repair of embankment at Causeway Bay, both of which works are now completed.\n\n9. **Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in Victoria**.--A good deal of work has been executed in the central district and Upper levels of the City where the construction of the new sewers and water mains have been completed, and the roads and streets in these districts are now in a satisfactory condition. Expenditure $21,272.42.\n\n10. **Maintenance of Roads out of Victoria**.--The road and bridge at Wongneichong Village damaged by the rain storm of 1889 have been repaired. New bridges have been constructed on the Little Hongkong new road. The road from Aberdeen to Stanley repaired and new bridges referred to in my annual report at Deep Water Bay and Tsinshuiwan rebuilt. In the Peak District the Plantation Road and Mount Gough Road have been concreted and general repairs executed on most of the roads and bridges in the outlying districts. Expenditure $17,906.20.\n\n11. **Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in Kowloon**.--General repairs have been executed for an expenditure of $3,131.38.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-256 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1892 [8-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 363375, "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": "CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8]", "page_number": 212, "title": "CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8]", "content_text": "6\n\n211\n\n7\n\n$100,000\n\nDepartment for $300,000 after having expended improvements.\n\nThe above facts are of interest and importance bearing on the view of the case set forth in paragraph 8 of the Petition. Many of the signatories, I believe, were interested in the original undertaking and not unnaturally view with disfavour the loss to the Civil community of the benefits of a costly enterprise.\n\n4.\n\nI do not propose to deal in detail with the several points raised by the Petitioners, but an important aspect of the case is the limited number of available houses and building sites at the Peak, which is rapidly becoming the chief residential quarter for Europeans owing to the gradual encroachment of the native population on the upper levels immediately.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 363377, "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": "CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8]", "page_number": 214, "title": "CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8]", "content_text": "10\n\n213\n\neither directly or indirectly in their occupation\n\noccupation and that the purchase of the Mount Austin Hotel will place them\n\nin\n\npossession of what is probably the best site at the\n\nPeak.\n\nIt should also be\n\nin\n\nremembered that the congestion of the population Victoria and its consequent overflow to the upper levels, formerly inhabited almost entirely by Europeans, is attributed to the bisection of\n\nthe\n\nthe city by the Military Cantonments which\n\noccupy a large\n\narea in the most central\n\ndistrict.\n\n6.\n\nIn conclusion I would\n\npoint out that I was never\n\nofficially consulted regarding the purchase of the Hotel\n\nand I had\n\nno\n\ndefinite Knowledge on the subject until\n\nthe transaction had been\n\nI think it is to be regretted that I was not made acquainted with the\n\nintentions", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 366117, "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": 452, "title": "CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3]", "content_text": "## 4\ncoolies at a less figure than $7 per month each, whereas before I went on leave in 1895 I had been paying $6 a month to each coolie.\n\nI have since had to raise the wages of my coolies to $7.25 each.\n\nOn the upper levels and at the Peak coolies are demanding and obtaining $8 a month each, and that will soon be the universal rate for all but the low levels.\n\n### 4. An enquiry into the rent of Chinese tenements, and the cost of the necessaries of life for a Chinese reveals the reason for this large rise in wages.\n\nI have made careful enquiry and I find that the rent of a cubicle in a Chinese tenement house has risen 50 per cent since 1894.\n\n| Item | Percentage Increase |\n|-------------|---------------------|\n| Chinese oil | 41 per cent |\n| Rice | 33 per cent |\n| Firewood | 18 per cent |\n| Pork | 6 per cent |\n| Fresh fish | |\n| Salt Fish | 25 per cent |\n| Vegetables, fruit and soy | remain about the same |\n\nThe contract price for a ration for a Chinese first class misdemeanant in Victoria Gaol has risen 25 per cent since 1894. The ration itself is the same, and is no better than what the Chinese Constables have in their mess.\n\n## 5", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 373185, "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": "CO129-293 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [8-9]", "page_number": 542, "title": "CO129-293 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [8-9]", "content_text": "539 \n\nto fully $100,000. and are earning interest at the rate of 5% until disbursed.\n\n+24. \n\nThe onus of the deadlock which has arisen therefore rests with General Black.\n\n-25. \n\nWhilst deferring to General Black's experience in military matters, the Committee unanimously venture to take exception to his objections to the proposed scheme. As the road is to be only 18 feet in width, it is scarcely justifiable to describe it as a \"broad road\". Again, it appears that the road could be rendered practically useless for hostile purposes by destroying a few short portions of it and, from the nature of the coast the Committee have no hesitation in saying that the landing of a force under cover of darkness at any point between Sandy Bay and Kennedy Town, would be an exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, operation. The road as designed would traverse the hillside at a level of about 55 to 60 feet above sea-level and would therefore have to be gained, assuming the landing to have been effected, by scrambling over ground which General Black himself describes as \"so steep and rugged that no formed body of soldiers could move along it at night.\"\n\n28. Finally, the Committee regard General Black's objections as out-of-date and somewhat far-fetched.\n\n-27. The scheme for a road round Mount Davis is not a new one. It was broached on the occasion of the Colony's Jubilee in 1891 and was warmly taken up then but, owing to the depressed condition of affairs at that period, it was considered improbable that a sufficient sum of money could be raised to admit of its being carried out and accordingly it was dropped only to be revived again at the first opportunity which presented itself. No mention of any objections on military grounds was then made either by Major-General Barker, who was in command of the Forces at the time, or by any other Military Officer.\n\n28. The Committee venture to think that the road will ere long become an absolute necessity in order to open out new sites to provide for the influx of the wealthier class of Chinese which is constantly going on.\n\nOf late, there have been repeated instances of the purchase of villa residences on the upper levels of the City by Chinese and this is a", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-293 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [8-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 373198, "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": "CO129-293 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [8-9]", "page_number": 555, "title": "CO129-293 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [8-9]", "content_text": "Jubilee in \n\n1891 \n\n552 9 \n\ntaken \n\nand was usually \n\nup then much, owing to the depressed condition of affairs at that period, it was considered improbable that a sufficient sum of money could be raised \n\nof its being carried out and accordingly it was dropped, only to be revived again at the first opportunity which presented itself. \n\nNo objection of any object on military grounds was then made either by Major General Barker, who was in command of the \n\nForce at the time, or by any other Military Officer. \n\n28- The Committee venture to think that the road will ere long \n\nbecome an \n\nabsolute necessity in order to open out new sites to provide for the influx \n\nof the wealthier class of Chinese which is constantly going on. \n\nOf late, there have been repeated instances \n\nof the purchase of villa residences on the upper levels \n\nof the City by Chinese and this is a tendency, which should be encouraged. The number of such residences being limited however, it is necessary that new sites be opened out, if the demand is to be met, and the Committee \n\nare \n\ninformed that several Chinese have signified their intention \n\nof building villas along \n\nthe new road, if constructed. It would also become possible for Chinese to indulge in driving \n\nas a recreation \n\namong them both in \n\nShanghai", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-293 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [8-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 381502, "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": "CO129-306 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [8-9]", "page_number": 214, "title": "CO129-306 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [8-9]", "content_text": "ORDINANCE No. 13 OF 1901.\n\nPublic Health.\n\nIt is essential where water-closets are used, or where the drains receive excrementitious matter. In the case of a short length of drain, leading from a single inlet, placed in an open space, such as a back-yard, though desirable, it is less necessary and may be omitted without serious danger.\n\nAny direct communication between the interior of the house and the house-drain should be avoided. Pipes carrying water from baths or sinks, within the dwelling, should therefore deliver their effluent above trapped gulleys in the open air. The effluent from baths or sinks, on upper storeys should, whenever practicable, be received by open-topped pipes, delivering freely above trapped gulleys at or a little below the ground-level. If, as in the case of water-closets, a direct communication has to be made between a fitting inside the house and the drain, then there must be complete ventilation by means of a pipe carried up outside and to the top of the building.\n\nDrainage Bye-laws.\n\n1. Any owner or occupier of private premises about to construct, reconstruct, alter or amend any drain shall give at least seven days' previous written notice of such intention to the Board, and such notice shall be delivered at the Office of the Board, in a form of which printed blank copies may be obtained gratis in English and Chinese on application at the Office of the Board, or, in the case of villages, at any village Police Station between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.\n\n2. Every such notice shall specify the name of the street, the number of the lot and the number of the house, if any, which it is intended to drain, and shall be accompanied by a plan in duplicate of the premises drawn on a scale of not less than twenty feet to the inch, and such plan must show the whole of the drains with their proposed sizes figured thereon, and a section or sections showing the proposed falls or inclination and drawn to the same scale and to a vertical scale of not less than ten feet to the inch. The plan must also show the position and course of all proposed surface gutters.\n\nExcept that in case of suburban lots which cannot be conveniently included within a plan of ordinary dimensions, when the lot and the out-fall drain may be shown on a scale of not less than one hundred feet to the inch.\n\n3. Within seven days after receipt of the notice, the Sanitary Surveyor shall, by means of a written communication, in English or Chinese as may be necessary, inform the person who has given the said notice whether his designs and proposed mode of construction are approved or disapproved, and in case of disapproval such modifications or improvements as may be requisite in order to comply with the provisions of The Public Health Ordinance, 1901, and of any bye-laws made thereunder shall be indicated in detail to such person by the Sanitary Surveyor, and it shall not be lawful for such person to commence the drainage works until the approval thereto of the Sanitary Surveyor shall have been previously obtained by him, and in the case of such approval one copy of the deposited plan shall be returned to him, and the remaining copy shall remain filed in the Office of the Sanitary Surveyor.\n\nNOTE--The approval of plans conveyed by the Sanitary Surveyor under this bye-law certifies simply to the fact that the plans are in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance and with the bye-laws made thereunder, but signifies no approval of the sufficiency or otherwise of the plant and throws no responsibility on the Board.\n\n4. Any person carrying out excavations for drainage works on any premises contiguous to a public thoroughfare, whereby the safety of the public may be jeopardized, shall light such excavations by means of a lantern or lanterns kept lighted through the night, and he shall further provide watchmen, erect hoardings and otherwise take such precautions as may be necessary for securing the safety of the public and the protection of adjoining properties.\n\n5. House-drains shall be made of impervious materials with smooth internal surfaces, such as well-glazed earthen-ware pipes or cast-iron pipes protected against rust or corrosion by suitable asphaltic coating. The drains shall be so constructed as to be water and air-tight. In jointing pipes with cement, tarred-hemp shall be caulked into the joint before the cement is applied, and care shall be taken that no cement or other jointing material projects from the joints into the interior of the pipes; and any such projecting material or other irregularities in the bore of the drain shall be carefully removed.\n\n6. House-drains shall be firmly bedded in selected material free from large stones and well rammed into place.\n\n7. All stoneware pipes shall be well-glazed and free from cracks and flaws and shall have a thickness of not less than one-twelfth of their diameter.\n\n8. Disconnecting chambers shall be red brick manholes lined with stoneware traps and ventilating grates of iron or stone.\n\n9. Lime mortar used for the building of manholes shall be composed of three parts of sand or red earth and one part of good lime.\n\n10. Lime concrete used for encasing drains shall be composed of four parts of good sound clean stone, broken to half-inch cubes, two parts of red earth and one part of lime thoroughly well mixed and well rammed into place.\n\n11. Cement mortar used for the jointing of pipes or any other work shall be mixed in the proportions of three parts of clean sharp sand and one part of good Portland cement and used fresh.\n\n12. No main house-drain shall be less than six inches in clear internal diameter.\n\n13. Subject to the limitation mentioned in the preceding bye-law, no main house-drain shall be larger than is necessary in the opinion of the Board to carry off the sewage of the dwelling, or the sewage with the rain-water, which, under conditions hereinafter specified in Nos. 38, 39, 40 and 41 of these bye-laws shall be admitted to the house-drain.\n\n14. Every house-drain shall have the maximum fall, throughout its length, that the relative levels of the public sewer and of the most remote inlet, will admit of.\n\nProvided always:\n\n(a) That the maximum available fall does not exceed one in thirty (or 4 inches in 10 feet). If it does, then the part of the drain, more remote from the public sewer, may be laid with a fall of one in thirty; and the remainder, with such greater fall as may be necessary to connect with the public sewer.\n\n(b) That the excavation, necessary to obtain the maximum available fall, is not of such a nature as to endanger the stability of the adjoining or neighbouring property.\n\nIn these and similar cases the gradient may be reduced subject to the approval of the Board.\n\nPage 212", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-306 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [8-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 381556, "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": "CO129-306 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [8-9]", "page_number": 269, "title": "CO129-306 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [8-9]", "content_text": "267\n\nhowever, I think be reduced by Seven Constables.\n\nI propose to withdraw one European Constable from each of the following Stations:- Shatin, Tai Po, Sha-Tau Kok, Sheung Shui, San Tin, Ao Iau and Ping Shan or Seven in all, and to replace them by Indian Sergeants and Acting Sergeants in substitution for an equal number of Indian Constables.\n\nThis will reduce the number of Europeans allotted to the New Territory to 15, and will effect a further saving of $8,300 a year in salaries of the European portion of the Force. The excess of the pay of Seven Indian Sergeants and Acting Sergeants over Indian Constables will not amount to more than $300 a year.\n\nIn a separate paper, I have recommended that a part of this saving of $3,000 a year should be devoted to giving the European Officers in charge of New Territory Stations a ration allowance.\n\n3.\n\nOn account of the taking over of the New Territory the establishment of the Police force was increased by 33 Europeans, 140 Indians, and 58 Chinese of the Land Force.\n\nSince then the Europeans have been reduced by 8 on the Estimates for 1901 and by 8 more on the Estimates for 1902 and it is now proposed to further reduce them by 7 - 21 in all.\n\nOn the other hand 43 Indians and 30 Chinese (11 of the 39 Chinese shown in enclosure A are Interpreters) will be set free for duty in the old Territory and to man the proposed new Station at Capsuimun (which will require 3 Indians and 2 Chinese) = 73 men.\n\nBut in my minute of 9th August, 1899, in the O.S.O. above referred to it is shown how 46 additional men are required in Victoria alone owing to the Praya Reclamation and new roads on the upper levels and since that date the old Colony has undergone further growth in the area to be policed. The 73 men, therefore, are all required and cannot be struck off the strength.\n\nThe expensive item in the policing of the New Territory, which if the recommendations made for reduction of Seven Europeans and granting of ration allowances to the remainder in the New Territory are approved, will amount to $190,060.\n\nI have etc.\n\n(Sd.) P. H. May,\n\nCaptain Superintendent of Police.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-306 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [8-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 385228, "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": "CO129-311 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne - 1902 [5-7]", "page_number": 468, "title": "CO129-311 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne - 1902 [5-7]", "content_text": "DRAINAGE JAR.\n\nshould be made in the upper levels for collecting the water of the streams until there is a considerable body of it, and then releasing it suddenly to continue its natural course, there should be no great difficulty in giving effect to it, provided suitable sites for the\n\n467 tanks in which to collect the water can be found.\n\nIt is impossible to give any estimate of the cost of such a work until a considerable amount of information has been obtained. The Staff for this is not available at present.\n\nRecommendation (j), page 38. Reform of Drainage System and Abolition of Unnecessary Drains. A reference to paragraph 93 of Mr. Chadwick's Report will show that he regarded this as a matter involving a good deal of preliminary work before it could be satisfactorily dealt with. This would be so and it is therefore impossible to give any estimate of the cost.\n\nRecommendations (k) and (l), page 36. Transfer of Cleansing and Flushing of Sewers and Drains to Sanitary Department.\n\nThe carrying out of this proposal is a\n\nmere matter of arrangement, involving no structural alterations. I am quite in favour of giving it a trial, on the clear understanding that the functions of the Sanitary Department are to be confined to the scavenging and flushing of the drains and sewers only, as set forth in paragraph 95 of the Report.\n\nIt will however be impossible to\n\ntransfer to the Sanitary Board the Overseers and Foremen mentioned in the same paragraph. It is true that those men have exercised some supervision over the cleansing operations hitherto, but their principal duty has been the supervision of new work, which will remain in charge of this Department. Their services cannot therefore be dispensed with, if the proposed arrangement be adopted.\n\nThe following is a summary of the\n\nEstimates given:-\n\n \n Introduction of Meters in City (estimated number required - 2,000)\n $120,000\n \n \n Substitution of Public Fountains for House Services\n 12,500\n \n \n Reconstruction of gullies in City and Kowloon\n 98,000\n \n \n Improved Flushing of Drains\n Cannot be given.\n \n \n Reform of Drainage System\n Do.\n \n \n Total\n $230,500\n \n\nRecommendation (i), page 36. Materials for House Drains.\n\nI would recommend that, when the copy of\n\nMr. Chadwick's Standard Specification (paragraph 83) has been received\n\nit\n\n58.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-311 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne - 1902 [5-7].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 385451, "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": "CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9]", "page_number": 56, "title": "CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9]", "content_text": "3: \n\nPonchosure. \n\n55 \n\nin which Chinese, except servants to European residents, should not be permitted to reside without the special permission of the Governor in Council, and I have to ask your authority to have the area marked out and set apart accordingly. \n\n10. \n\nI enclose a sketch plan shewing the situation of the proposed reservation. It covers a portion of the hills situated at the back of Kowloon City with some of the flat ground at the base of the hills, it commands a view of Kowloon Bay and is open to the summer breezes which blow through the Lyemun Pass, and so far as present experience goes is a salubrious district which seems eminently suitable for the residence of Europeans. \n\nIt seems unnecessary at present to prohibit the cultivation of padi in the vicinity. \n\n11. \n\nTo give some idea of how Europeans are pressed by high rents and want of house accommodation at present, I may mention that a row of houses built some few years ago at Kowloon to let to middle-class Europeans at $16 and $18 a house per month, are now let at $60 and $70 a month, that houses on the upper levels in Victoria and at the Peak are at the present time practically unprocurable at any rental. \n\nI have the honour to be, \n\nSir, \n\nYour most obedient \n\nHumble servant, \n\nM.J. Gascoyne \n\nMajor-General, \n\nAdministering the Government", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 385458, "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": "CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9]", "page_number": 63, "title": "CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9]", "content_text": "Desh, 25th July 1902\n\n62\n\nThe two items 'Training Nullahs at upper levels of City' and 'Public Bath-houses' referred to in my Despatches noted in the margin, I have been reluctantly obliged to omit from the Estimates for 1903.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient\n\nHumble servant,\n\nM.J. Gasgigne\n\nMajor-General,\n\nAdministering the Government.\n\nAug.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 388624, "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": "CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6]", "page_number": 131, "title": "CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6]", "content_text": "## whether a large proportion of lives can be saved by treating the people in their own houses and lodging the other inhabitants of the house elsewhere. We have tried many things and you have gone with hand in hand. Now I want you to try this and see if it may or may not succeed. It now remains for me to declare the new wing of the hospital open and I shall presently do so with the earnest hope that dropping like the gentle dew of heaven the beneficial effects of this valuable institution may be felt for many a long year by the Chinese poor among us in the assuagement of their misery who when afflicted with disease will find extended to them that brotherly kindness and pity that are the true bonds of union, and help to make the whole world kin. (Applause)\n\nWith a golden key that was handed to him His Excellency then opened the door of the new hospital which he formally declared open.\n\nThe inscription on the key is: “Presented by the Committee of the Tung Wa Hospital to H.E. Sir Henry A. Blake, G.C.M.G., on the occasion of the opening of the new hospital building. Hongkong, 26th March, 1905,”\n\n## THE NEW BUILDING\n\nThe new building is a very handsome structure, situated opposite the Tung Wa Hospital, of which it will form an extension. It is bounded on its four sides by Station Street, Market Street, Pound Lane and Po Yan Street. The building consists of three blocks on different levels. First there is the administrative block with central hall, doctors' rooms, consulting room and office on the ground floor, and operating room with four private single wards for surgical cases on the upper floor. The operating room is lighted from the roof and is fitted with all the most modern requirements. Downstairs, the central hall is a finely fitted apartment, laid with marble tiles; the walls are done with green-faced brick and there are several beautiful Chinese columns. The second block consists of two 7-bedded wards on the ground floor and two corresponding wards above, making 28 beds in this portion of the building. In the third block there is one large ward of 18 beds on the ground floor and a similar ward on the upper floor. There is thus a total accommodation of 64 beds independently of the surgical wards. In addition to these there are attendants' rooms, hospital kitchens, lavatories, and all the essentials of a complete modern hospital. Communication from one block to another is provided by covered ways. The building itself is of a very substantial nature and does credit to the architects, Messrs. Leigh & Orange. No expense has been spared to make the institution as perfect as modern medical and surgical science can make it; the isolation of the wards and the general arrangements are alike admirable. About $70,000, exclusive of the cost of the site which is part of the Taipingshan resumption and was granted free by the Government, has been spent on the new hospital.\n\n128", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 390263, "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": 538, "title": "CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11]", "content_text": "# No. 511\n## Hongkong\n### 44093\n#### 531 REC\n\nRea? 7 DEC 03\n\n**Government House, Hongkong, 6th November, 1903.**\n\nSir,\n\nI recently referred the question of increasing the Police Force to the Colonial Secretary and Acting Captain Superintendent of Police for report, and I have now the honour to inform you that this question has been carefully considered by the Colonial Secretary and Captain Lyons, who had under date of the 29th September asked that 50 Chinese Police might be temporarily engaged and paid for out of lapsing salaries in the Department in order to tide over the season immediately preceding the Chinese New Year, when there is usually an accession of crime.\n\n2. It is found that owing to the extension of the area of the City by the Praya Reclamation which is now largely built over, the extensive building that has taken place on the new roads on the upper levels (Macdonell and Conduit Roads) and extensions of the City Eastwards the addition of 21 night beats and 17 day beats in the City of Victoria is required. To keep these beats covered 55 men are required, while 14 additional men are wanted to cover new beats and patrols in the Kowloon Peninsula rendered necessary by the large additions of buildings that have been made there recently. Owing\n\n**THE RIGHT HONOURABLE \nTHE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE \nCOLONIES**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 390923, "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": "CO129-320 - Governor Sir Blake Acting Governor May - 1903 [11-12]", "page_number": 476, "title": "CO129-320 - Governor Sir Blake Acting Governor May - 1903 [11-12]", "content_text": "A considerable dose of chlorine was present in a sample taken from the bottom. This was the more remarkable as the pipe discharged the well-water at the top of the tank. The denser saline water sank to the bottom, without mixing appreciably with the lighter rain-water. I see no reason, therefore, to anticipate any inconvenience from salt, especially as the water will always be drawn for use from the upper strata by means of suitably arranged valves at different levels.\n\nIt is just possible that marine organisms living in the sand may be killed by the fresh water and contaminate it. Such a case occurred in the case of a filter-bed (not a reservoir) in Grenada. The sand for this was coral sand taken from the shore near to low water mark. Apparently it was clean, but it must have contained living coral insects. These were killed by the fresh water and imparted to the filtrate a most offensive taste and smell. The sand was removed and replaced by other coral sand collected from above high-water mark, when the inconvenience ceased.\n\nThe conditions in this case were quite different from those which will obtain in the present instance. The water actually passed through the sand, carrying with it the offensive products of decomposition. Here, again, drawing from near the surface will prevent any inconvenience.\n\nIt was often found in Malta that the lower strata of water in the house-tanks showed unmistakable signs of sewage-contamination (free and albumenoid ammonia), while surface water was perfectly good. In such cases, however, there was actual infiltration of sewage from some leaky house-sewer. This was so often the case that the use of pumps, though prescribed by law, was abandoned, as they drew", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-320 - Governor Sir Blake Acting Governor May - 1903 [11-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 396475, "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": "CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6]", "page_number": 555, "title": "CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6]", "content_text": "# \n## \n547\n\nThe total reported Import Trade of the Port for 1904 amounted to 26,588 vessels of 11,205,516 tons, carrying 7,889,978 tons of cargo, of which 4,758,052 tons were discharged at Hongkong. This does not include the number, tonnage, or cargo of Junks or Steam Launches employed in Local Trade.\n\nSimilarly, the Export Trade from the Port was represented by 26,639 vessels of 11,199,850 tons, carrying 3,436,726 tons of cargo, and shipping 670,811 tons of bunker coal.\n\nSeventy-six thousand three hundred and four (76,304) Emigrants left Hong Kong for various places during the year; of these, 52,496 were carried by British Ships and 23,808 by Foreign Ships; 149,195 were reported as having been brought to Hongkong from places to which they had emigrated, and of these, 121,735 were brought in British Ships and 27,460 by Foreign Ships.\n\nThe total Revenue collected by the Harbour Department during the year was $300,933.95, being an increase of $15,645.53 on the previous year.\n\n| | |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1. Light Dues, | $72,330.16 |\n| 2. Licences and Internal Revenue, | $62,418.00 |\n| 3. Fees of Court and Office, | $166,185.79 |\n| Total, | $300,933.95 |\n\n## (b.) INDUSTRIES\n\nFor the first ten months of 1904 the Cotton Spinning industry suffered severely from the abnormally high price of Raw Cotton, and during the whole of that period short-time was resorted to. From November onwards a good demand was experienced for Yarn and full-time again adopted, but it was not until the middle of December that, as a result of large crops of Cotton in the chief producing countries, the cost of the raw material declined to a figure that permitted of spinning being carried on at a profit. At the end of 1904 the outlook for the industry was encouraging, and, provided the price of Cotton keeps at a reasonable level, the result of the working for 1905 is expected to be highly satisfactory.\n\nThe Sugar industry in the Colony during 1904 resulted in large profits to the two local refineries. Owing to the scarcity of supplies in consequence of the large deficiency in the European Beet Crop, prices gradually advanced throughout the year, without checking demand; the quantity of refined Sugar consumed in China largely exceeding that of any previous year, while there was also a good demand from other markets.\n\n41 Steam-launches and other vessels with an aggregate tonnage of 7,290 were built during the year.\n\nThe other large industries in the Colony connected with repairing and docking ships and the manufacture of cement and rope, are in a prosperous condition.\n\n## (c.) FISHERIES\n\nA considerable proportion of the boat-population of Hongkong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shaukiwan, and many others in the New Territory are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh-water fish is imported from Canton and the West River.\n\nRules for the regulation, control, and licensing of Oyster Fisheries in the New Territories were made during the year.\n\n## (d.) FORESTRY, BOTANICAL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE\n\n111,198 trees were planted in Hongkong during the year including 195,645 pine and 1,978 camphor trees. It was proposed at the commencement of the year to introduce a scheme for felling and re-planting pine forests on the block system with a twenty-five years rotation. But as the scheme was looked upon with ill-favour by the public and as the opinion was expressed in well-informed quarters that a longer period of rotation was preferable, it was decided to suspend felling operations while the advice of the Indian Government was obtained. A scheme of issuing Forestry Licences in the New Territories was initiated in the hope of inducing the Chinese to adopt more economical methods in dealing with the considerable plantations of pine trees formed before the cession of the Territories, and with the object of tempting them to take up fresh areas of waste lands for further planting. The small area available for rice cultivation and the unfertility of the soil combine to prevent agriculture from becoming a prominent industry in the Colony. The low-lying land in the New Territories is probably utilized to nearly the fullest extent possible, and it is therefore from the profitable cultivation of the steep hill slopes that any increase in the productiveness of the Territories may be derived. In this connection the cultivation of pine apple, and experiments that are being made with sisal hemp are of much interest.\n\n## (e.) LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND\n\nThe amount received from sales of Crown land was over $486,000, being some $24,000 less than the receipts for the previous year.\n\nBuilding land in the urban portion of the Colony and in the Peak District is limited in extent and steadily increasing in value. The natural consequence is that house-rents, especially on the higher levels, have advanced to an extent probably unknown in other British Colonies.\n\n## III-LEGISLATION\n\nSixteen Ordinances were passed during 1904, of which six were measures for the amendment of existing Ordinances. The most important measure was the Sugar Convention Ordinance (No. 14 of 1904) giving effect to Article VII of the Brussels Sugar Convention, 1902. By the Hill District Reservation Ordinance (No. 4) a residential area is preserved at the Peak.\n\nThe Opium Monopoly was further protected by an Ordinance (No. 10) controlling the importation and sale of compounds of opium. By the Pilots Ordinance (No. 3) provision was made for the examination and licensing of Pilots, who must be British subjects.\n\n## IV-EDUCATION\n\nThe number of Government and Grant Schools including Queen's College, is 81, of which 23 are Upper Grade Schools in which at least part of the staff is European, and 58 are Lower Grade Schools, under purely native management. Broadly speaking the Upper Grade Schools teach in English, and the Lower Grade Schools teach in the Vernacular.\n\nThe total number of Scholars in average attendance at Government and Grant Schools was 4,970. Of these, 1,665 were in Government and 3,305 in Grant Schools; 2,906 Scholars received instruction in English, and 2,064 in the Vernacular. The proportion of boys to girls was 3,236 to 1,734, or a little less than two to one.\n\nA small Anglo-Chinese School was opened at Un Long in the New Territory early in 1904; and arrangements were made to open a new School for children of British parentage at Caroline Hill, East Point. The Kowloon School for children of similar parentage, opened in 1902, has had an average attendance of 54.8 as against 46.4 in 1903.\n\nThe new Code for Grant Schools has been in force during the year, and has worked very satisfactorily.\n\nIt was decided to introduce the study of Hygiene into all Government and Grant Schools and a suitable text book was prepared.\n\nThe Revenue derived from School Fees was $36,251.50. The Expenditure was $151,589, being 2.32% of the total expenditure of the Colony.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 403486, "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": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905", "page_number": 395, "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905", "content_text": "## 12 \n\n2. It will be observed that, in addition to increasing the number of fighting levies in each State to 250 men, I recommend the establishment of a post of ten men at Murkushi, which is situated at the junction of the tracks leading from the Killik and Mintaka Passes, and an increase to the bodyguards of both Chiefs, and a discontinuance of the term \"civil levies,\" except in Gujbal, the upper district of Hunza, where the people, owing to intermarriage with Wakhis, are thought to be inferior as fighting men to the men of Lower Hunza.\n\n3. The number of Jamadars and Section Commanders now proposed by me may appear excessive, but I consider that they are required in order to provide for men of good family, some of whom are already in receipt of allowances under the old scheme. I would also explain that if this portion of the new scheme is approved it will ensure small increases to the allowances hitherto drawn by men who served as Section Commanders in the Chitral campaign, in which they rendered valuable services.\n\n4. Both the Mir and the Wazir of Hunza strongly advocated the establishment of a permanent levy post at Murkushi, and I agree with them in thinking that an outpost at this place is really required.\n\n## 13 \n\nThe Wazir does not propose to go to Matamdas himself, but will send one of his numerous sons.\n\n6. In conclusion, I would urge that the State Council be moved to pass a resolution allotting the Matamdas lands to the Hunza people with as little delay as possible.\n\n## Inclosure 21 in No. 1.\n\n**Captain Gurdon to Mr. Colvin.**\n\nGilgit, May 31, 1904. WITH reference to your Office indorsement dated the 1st November, 1904, regarding the proposal to settle some of the people of Hunza at Matamdas in the Gilgit Wazarat, I have the honour to inform you that the Mir has now written to me saying he gratefully accepts the conditions set forth in the letter dated the 28th October, 1901, from the Vice-President of the State Council to the address of the Assistant Resident.\n\n2. With his letter the Mir incloses a list of 180 names of men who are desirous of taking up land at Matamdas, among them being his son Shah Baz Ali Khan and Wazir Humayun Beg and other influential men.\n\n3. The Wazir Wazarat informs me that some families from the village of Nomal and other hamlets in the vicinity are also desirous of acquiring land at Matamdas.* In view, however, of the fact that there is only room at Matamdas for about thirty holdings, I would suggest that this land be set aside for the Hunza people; and that the Nomal people be given land near the mouth of the Bagrot Valley or at some other place (in this connection see paragraphs 6 and 7 of Major Manners-Smith's letter dated the 8th November, 1900) further down the valley. I understand that the Nomal people are not really urgently in need of land at present, whereas the Hunza people are. It is most important to encourage emigration from Hunza, and in order to accustom the people gradually to the idea of leaving their country, it is desirable that the first colony should be established at a place within easy reach of their old home. Later on when emigration becomes more popular land might be found for the Hunza people in the Yasin Valley.\n\n4. I inclose a note, dated the 26th May, 1904, submitted to me by Mr. Stainton, from which it will be seen that that officer recommends that, in order to ensure the construction of a satisfactory irrigation channel at Matamdas, a certain amount of blasting, the cost of which he estimates will amount to 800 rupees, should be done under his supervision. Mr. Stainton suggests that this expenditure be met from the annual grant given by the State for the maintenance of irrigation channels in the Wazarat. I have assented to this suggestion in anticipation of the sanction of the State, as it is most desirable that the work should be started as soon as possible. I am consulting the Wazir Wazarat as to whether he can conveniently spare such a large proportion of his annual grant for Matamdas; and if he cannot do so I propose to ask for a special grant which might be provided by reappropriation from other allotments in the Budget.\n\n5. As regards the Mir's request for a grant of land to his son, I would explain that he understands that his son will be treated exactly in the same manner as other settlers.\n\n* Matamdas is on the left bank of the Hunza River, and nearly opposite Nomal, which is on the right bank of the river.\n\n## Inclosure 22 in No. 1.\n\n**Mr. Stainton to Captain Gurdon.**\n\nGilgit, May 26, 1904. YOUR demi-official of the 7th May from Camp Minappin.\n\n1. I inspected and made a survey of the Matamdas nullah on the 24th and 25th instant with a view to seeing if the kul can be restored by blasting the rocky parri in the nullah.\n\n## 388 \n\n2. The kul can be restored for a cost of 800 rupees on the following assumption, i.e., that all blasting work with pacca walling and revetments in the rocky parri are executed by Public Works Department so that the full amount of water flows into the existing main kul on the down-stream side of the parri, while the leading of the water into the rocky parri channel from the nullah bed (or, as we would technically call it, \"the head works\") would be executed by the zamindars.\n\n3. The kul has been twice constructed in this rocky parri on economical but unsound principles, first by Wazir Ghulam Haidar, by heavy walling in the nullah bed, which was continually washed away by flood and deep scour, and, secondly, by Captain Lothbinière by a wooden trough line suspended from jumpers fixed in the rocky cliff. The latter was entirely washed away by a mud flood some nine years ago, since which the Kul has not been used.\n\n4. The only permanent way of overcoming this is by blasting the kul in the vertical cliff and constructing a 2 ft. 6 in. kul with pacca wall to prevent leakage. Water can always be easily led into this kul from the nullah bed by zamindars.\n\n5. The actual face of rocky vertical parti to be blasted is 250 feet long, with some pacca revetment walling.\n\n6. The zamindars need only go 198 feet beyond the rocky parri inside the nullah bed for a water channel to get sufficient \"head\" for water to flow easily into the kul. I have taken the levels myself and marked with red paint the exact positions on large boulders in the nullah bed.\n\n7. The construction of pacca \"head works\" would be prohibitive and unnecessary, owing to the very heavy annual mud floods in this nullah, and moreover the zamindars can very easily lead the water into the channel and if necessary rebuild this channel in the nullah bed each year according to the action of the floods.\n\n8. There is a State annual repair grant of 1,000 rupees for maintenance of kuls in the Gilgit Agency which I hand over each year to the Wazir Wazarat, Gilgit, for executing the work under district works rules, but if you wish this kul to have priority of all other kuls, which I would strongly recommend, I will get the work done by Public Works Department before the end of the coming autumn, and hand over 200 rupees to the Wazir Wazarat for other kuls' repairs.\n\n9. This kul will irrigate all the cultivable land at Matamdas, which is not less than 80 acres, after deducting stone walls and débris.\n\n[2167 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 404787, "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": "CO129-333 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [1-4]", "page_number": 525, "title": "CO129-333 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [1-4]", "content_text": "# 522 — 6 —\n\nIn Imports there is a decrease reported of 280,888 tons.\n\nIn Exports there is a decrease reported of 262,160 tons.\n\nIn Transit Cargo there is an increase reported of 263,492 tons.\n\nIn Bunker Coal there is a decrease of 15,349 tons.\n\nThe total reported Import Trade of the Port for 1905 amounted to 25,764 vessels of 11,328,015 tons, carrying 7,830,424 tons of cargo, of which 4,415,006 tons were discharged at Hongkong. This does not include the number, tonnage, or cargo of vessels in Local Trade.\n\nSimilarly, the Export Trade from the Port was represented by 25,814 vessels of 11,325,601 tons, carrying 3,011,305 tons of cargo, and shipping 651,523 tons of bunker coal.\n\n64,341 Emigrants left Hongkong for various places during the year; of these, 48,289 were carried by British Ships and 16,052 by Foreign Ships; 140,483 were reported as having been brought to Hongkong from places to which they had emigrated, and of these, 113,796 were brought in British Ships and 26,687 by Foreign Ships.\n\nThe total Revenue collected by the Harbour Department during the year showed a decrease of $366.19 on that of the previous year and was as follows:\n| Category | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1. Light Dues | $74,233.45 |\n| 2. Licences and Internal Revenue | $62,668.45 |\n| 3. Fees of Court and Office | $163,665.86 |\n| Total | $300,567.76 |\n\n## (c.) INDUSTRIES\n\nDuring 1905 supplies of all Sugars were greater than during 1904, and in sympathy with other markets local prices continued to decline throughout the year. There was however a good demand for Refined Sugar in China, resulting in a profitable business for the two local Refineries, but demand from other markets fell off owing to their being overstocked with European Sugars.\n\nAs was anticipated at the end of 1904 the Cotton Spinning industry worked under very satisfactory conditions during the whole of 1905, and the comparatively low price of Cotton, combined with an active demand for Yarn, allowed of good profits being realized all through the twelve months.\n\nThe increased demand for Cement from the \"Green Island\" Company's factory at Hok Un necessitated the raising of further capital and the provision of new plant to increase the output from 150 to 240 tons a day.\n\nThe Rope factory at Kennedy Town did good business but was not working to its full output of 20,000 lb. a day throughout the year.\n\nThere was some falling off in the repairing and docking of ships at Hongkong probably due to increased competition from other places.\n\n43 steam-launches and other vessels with an aggregate tonnage of 3,695 were built during the year.\n\nA new industry under European direction—that of silvering mirrors—was started at Causeway Bay.\n\n## (c.) FISHERIES\n\nA considerable proportion of the boat-population of Hongkong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shaukiwan, and many others in the New Territory are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is imported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.\n\n## (d.) FORESTRY, BOTANICAL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE\n\n116,780 trees were planted in Hongkong during the year, and 50,052 in the New Territory. Further experiments were initiated with a view to utilising the more barren portions of the Colony, notably with the Tea Oil tree (*Camellia oleifera*) and the Wood Oil tree (*Aleurites cordata*). Cotton was tried in various representative situations but with very meagre results. Control of the plantations of Pine licensed to Chinese in 1904 was maintained; the few breaches of the rules that occurred were dealt with by withdrawal of the licence.\n\nOn the whole the licensing scheme seems to have suited the Chinese.\n\n## (e.) LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND\n\nThe amount received from sales of Crown Land was $392,259.76, being some $94,000 less than the receipts for the previous year. This falling off may be attributed to the general depression of business throughout the year and the consequent tightness of the money market.\n\nIn the early part of the year the intricate questions connected with Military lands and reserves in the Colony which since 1883 had formed the subject of continual discussion between the Military and Civil authorities were comprehensively dealt with by Major J. F. LEWIS, late R.E., deputed for that purpose by the War Department. An equitable settlement was proposed by that Officer, based on principles of which the adoption should minimize the chance of similar difficulties arising in the future. This settlement, accepted by the Governor and the General Officer Commanding, was approved by the Colonial Office, War Office and Treasury.\n\nBuilding land in the urban portion of the Colony and in the Peak District is limited in extent with the natural consequence that house-rents, especially on the higher levels, have advanced to an extent probably unknown in other British Colonies.\n\n## III—LEGISLATION\n\nTwelve Ordinances were passed during 1905, the most important measure being the New Territories Land Ordinance, No. 3 of 1905, which together with an amending Ordinance, No. 9 of 1905, is designed to facilitate the transfer of land in the New Territories and to provide a simple and inexpensive procedure for settling land disputes therein.\n\nAn amendment of the Vagrancy Ordinance, No. 2 of 1905, increases the liability of shipowners and masters who bring undesirable persons into the Colony, and enables rules to be made for the more rigorous treatment of vagrants in the House of Detention.\n\nProvision is made under the Merchant Shipping Amendment Ordinance, No. 5 of 1905, for the carrying of suitable lights by junks, and the same Ordinance extends greater facilities in respect of the navigation of steamships of small size plying between Hongkong and the neighbouring ports of the Canton Province by lightening the somewhat onerous conditions hitherto imposed.\n\n## IV.—EDUCATION\n\nThe number of Government and Grant Schools including Queen's College, is 83 of which 25 are Upper Grade Schools with a staff competent to give instruction in all the subjects of Standard VII, and 58 are Lower Grade Schools, under purely native management. Broadly speaking the Upper Grade Schools are taught in English, and the Lower Grade Schools are taught in the Vernacular.\n\nThe total number of pupils in average attendance at Government and Grant Schools was 5,353 against 4,970 in 1904. Of these, 1,797 were in Government and 3,556 in Grant Schools; 3,207 pupils received instruction in English, and 2,146 in the Vernacular. The proportion of boys to girls was 3,401 to 1,952.\n\nThe Victoria School for children of British parentage was opened at Caroline Hill, in 1904. The average attendance at this and the corresponding British School at Kowloon, taken together, was 93.\n\nLower Grade Anglo-Chinese Schools were opened at Tanglungchau and Aberdeen,", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-333 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [1-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 405774, "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": "CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10]", "page_number": 316, "title": "CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10]", "content_text": "312\n\nColony within 300 miles. It did not appreciably add to the havoc wrought by the earlier storm though it interrupted repairs; on the other hand the high tide that accompanied it enabled several vessels on shore, including the S.S. \"Monteagle\", to be refloated. On the 23rd, another typhoon passed South of the Colony but its centre was over 300 miles away and the bad weather it produced at Hongkong had no further ill results. Bad weather due to a typhoon, moving Westward from the East of Luzon was prophesied on the 27th September, and this forecast was realised on the 28th and 29th when the typhoon passed within 300 miles from South-East to West of the Colony, the typhoon gun being fired at 5 p.m. on the 28th. In spite of the full notice given, considerable damage was done but on this occasion it was more on the shore than on the sea. A retaining wall behind a private house on the upper levels of Victoria failed, brought down some coolie quarters, and entombed 3 men who were killed. 4 houses partially collapsed in Victoria City, 26 collapsed wholly or in part or required to be shored up in various parts of Kowloon and 5 were destroyed on Cheung Chow Island. 3 junks are reported to have sunk and from one of them, a very large one, 17 persons", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 405963, "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": "CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10]", "page_number": 505, "title": "CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10]", "content_text": "498\n\n: down with fatal results a retaining wall behind a private house on the upper levels of Victoria. As there would be some difficulty in getting this wall repaired by the owner of the house, who is in poor circumstances, and as this repair is a matter of most serious importance to the safety of the conduit from Tytam Water Supply Reservoir I have instructed the Director of Public Works to put the reconstruction of the wall in hand as soon as possible pending settlement of the incidence of its cost. I further stated at the end of my former despatch that the typhoon of September 28th, 29th, added 4 to the 12 partially or wholly collapsed buildings in Victoria; this should be altered to 6 bringing the total to 18. The estimate of 26 seriously damaged in Kowloon was below the mark. In addition to the 44 privately owned buildings in the different parts of Kowloon - Yau Ma Ti, Mong Kok Tsui, Tai Kok Tsui, Sham Shui Po, etc. mentioned in paragraph 18 of my previous report as having collapsed or been badly damaged on September 18th, further examination has shown some 78 other houses, etc., making 122 in all to have been blown down wholly or in part or to have been made dangerous by the storms on that and subsequent dates. Many of these houses", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 408795, "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": "CO129-339 - Acting Governor May Governor Nathan - 1907 [1-3]", "page_number": 497, "title": "CO129-339 - Acting Governor May Governor Nathan - 1907 [1-3]", "content_text": "493 \n\nFor long been at the rate of one dollar to one shilling charged in England is not applicable to all goods, nor is it correct to lay down that customs duties in other Colonies \"at most add 10 per centum to the price\". Though $200 a month may be the mean rent of houses on the Peak for Officials in the position of the signatories of the first Memorial (of whom one, however, is provided with Government Quarters), it is certainly not the average rent of houses occupied by Government Officers. The statement that \"landlords do not find house property a profitable investment\" put forward to show that \"it is hardly possible to anticipate any reduction of rent\" is incredible; I am informed also that there has during the last year been a tendency of rents of houses on the Peak and upper levels of Victoria to fall slightly. The statement that servants' wages are \"roughly not less than $100 a month, including 4 chair coolies\", does certainly not apply, as it is said to do, to \"all classes of Officers\". Subordinate Officers do not keep 4 chair coolies, and conveyance allowance of $15 to $40 a month is given to Officers whose duties require them to make use of rickshas or chairs. In spite of these inaccuracies which it has been my duty to point out", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-339 - Acting Governor May Governor Nathan - 1907 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 409054, "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": "CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6]", "page_number": 120, "title": "CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6]", "content_text": "Hongkong, 18th April, 1907.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nReferring to Your Lordship's Despatch No.194 of the 11th October, 1906, stating that Your Lordship would be glad to receive for communication to the Governor of Sierra Leone details with regard to the system of surface drainage in Hongkong, I have the honour to enclose a copy of a report by the Director of Public Works accompanied by a plan, sheet of sections and photographs.\n\n2. From this report it will be seen that the provision of the open culverts in substitution for the natural watercourses in the upper levels of the City, originally undertaken to protect property from damage by rainstorms and to enable it to be more regularly laid out, has during the past 6 or 7 years been continued to remove the breeding places of anopheles. With the training, since the commencement of the year 1901, of the nullahs shown in red\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nTHE EARL OF ELGIN, K.G.,\n\n&C. &C. &C...\n\nPage 120\n\nPage 121", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 409057, "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": "CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6]", "page_number": 123, "title": "CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6]", "content_text": "C. O.\n\n119\n\nOP Y.\n\n17745\n\nSurface Drainage in Hongkong.\n\nRece\n\nNullah Training.\n\nIRES 18 MAY 07\n\nNullah-training in Hongkong has been almost entirely confined to the area occupied by the City of Victoria. The City, of which a plan is attached, is built on the slopes of a range of hills which rises steeply to a maximum height of 1,800 feet above sea-level. The base of the hills was at one time practically washed by the sea but, as the result of successive reclamations, a considerable area of flat land has now been interposed between them. The Colony being subject to severe rainstorms, over 3 inches per hour at times, and the hills being steep and generally of a rocky nature, it has been found necessary to construct a very extensive system of channels and culverts to intercept and discharge safely into the harbour the great volumes of storm-water flowing off them at such times.\n\nPractically all the channels which traverse the more densely populated portions of the City are entirely enclosed, forming underground culverts, and it is only in the less densely populated parts, which occur generally on the upper levels, that the channels are open.\n\nIt is unnecessary to refer here to the culverts nor are they shown on the plan of the City, but the open channels which have been trained are indicated on it by blue and red lines. The blue lines show the work done prior to the end of 1900 and the red lines that done after that date.\n\nThe channels, or nullahs, as they are termed locally, are of varying dimensions, extending up to 234 feet in width by 12 feet in depth. A drawing showing a number of sections of them is enclosed as well as 4 photographs.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-340 - Governor Nathan Acting Governor May - 1907 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 413864, "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": "CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6]", "page_number": 366, "title": "CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6]", "content_text": "# Page 363\n\nHe had children. This woman he has elevated to the rank of **First Wife**, passing her over the head of the Secondary Wife and ranking her equal with Mr. Maclean's illegitimate daughter. In doing so, he has broken Chinese Marriage Law and outraged Chinese etiquette. Not content with three wives and 6 children, he has a second Concubine - a pure Chinese - making a harem of four in all.\n\nIt should be added here that at the time Sir F. Piggott's Memorandum refers to, Mr. Ho Tung was not residing at the Peak, nor has he until recently ever resided there. He was residing at his own house on the upper levels of Victoria. Some of his family were, however, residing at the Peak in a house which is Mr. Ho Tung's property, and which is at an elevation of some 1,000 feet above sea level. There was therefore nothing to prevent Mr. Ho Tung, if his desire was change of air only, from seeking it on his own property. He has now done so.\n\n## 5.\n\nShortly after my arrival in the Colony, the Chief Justice mentioned to me at a Garden Party that he proposed to let his house to Mr. Ho Tung and asked if I had any objection. I replied that I had no personal objection, but added that I would like to consider the matter as the Peak Reservation Ordinance was in question.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 414059, "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": "CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6]", "page_number": 561, "title": "CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6]", "content_text": "# IV.-EDUCATION\n\nThe number of Government and Grant Schools, including Queen's College, is 79 of which 25 are Upper Grade Schools with a staff competent to give instruction in all the subjects of Standard VII and 54 are Lower Grade Schools under purely native management. Generally speaking, the Upper Grade Schools are taught in English, and the Lower Grade Schools are taught in the Vernacular.\n\nThe total number of pupils in average attendance at Government and Grant Schools was 5,924 against 5,496 in 1906. Of these, 2,144 were in Government and 3,780 in Grant Schools: 3,569 pupils received instruction in English, and 2,355 in the Vernacular. The proportion of boys to girls was 3,761 to 2,163.\n\nThe Revenue derived from School Fees was $49,223, $30,442 of which was received from Queen's College.\n\nThe Expenditure including that on Queen's College was $184,028, being 3.19 per cent. of the total expenditure of the Colony.\n\nHygiene has now become one of the regular subjects of study in all Government and Grant Schools, English and Vernacular.\n\nThe Manual on Hygiene issued to the English Schools has been translated into Chinese and is in use in all the Vernacular Grant Schools.\n\nThe annual competition for the Challenge Shield presented by Sir MATTHEW NATULAN, K.C.M.G., took place in December. Seven teams entered for the competition. There was no competition in the Advanced Course this year.\n\nEvening Continuation Classes opened in October, 1906, and were continued until the end of May, 1907, when they closed for the Summer. Examinations were held at the end of the Session, and Certificates were granted to successful students.\n\nIn May a Committee was appointed to inquire into the subject of instruction at the Evening Classes. A Report was published in September with the result that the Classes were re-organised and, under the title of the Hongkong Technical Institute, re-opened in October.\n\nThe object of the Institute is to afford facilities for a commercial and scientific training to students generally, and to enable those who have left school to continue their studies.\n\nThe following Table shows the subjects taught at the Technical Institute, and the number of Students who entered for each subject.\n\n| Subject | Section | No. of Students |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Building Construction, Field Surveying | | 28 |\n| Machine Drawing | | 21 |\n| Engineering Steam | | 21 |\n| Mechanics | Elementary | 18 |\n| Mechanics | Advanced | 12 |\n| Mathematics | Elementary | 9 |\n| Mathematics | Advanced | 10 |\n| English | Junior | 41 |\n| English | Senior | 25 |\n| French | Junior | 23 |\n| French | Senior | 9 |\n| German | Junior | 5 |\n| German | Senior | 6 |\n| Shorthand | Elementary | 35 |\n| Shorthand | Advanced | 9 |\n| Book-keeping | | 19 |\n| Chemistry | Theoretical | 12 |\n| Chemistry | Practical | 10 |\n| Physics | Elementary | 5 |\n| Physics | Advanced | 4 |\n| | Total | 355 |\n\nThe Total Expenditure during the First Session of the Technical Institute was $1,412; Total Receipts (Students' Fees) were $1,377.\n\nThe Classes were attended for the most part by Chinese, but a considerable number of Europeans also attended. The Students take a deep interest in their work and generally have made very great progress in their studies.\n\nThere is a well-equipped Chemical Laboratory. The lecturers are for the most part officers belonging to the Public Works, Education, and Medical Departments and Queen's College who receive fees for their lectures.\n\nVisual Instruction -- Arrangements have now been made by which regular courses of lectures are delivered during the cool weather at the prominent Government and Grant Schools in the Colony illustrated by the lanterns which were purchased in 1905.\n\nMany schools which had no opportunity of taking the course when the lanterns first arrived took the course for the first time this year and to them the sets of slides were quite new, but in the case of several schools the lectures covered the same ground as last year.\n\nIt will be necessary to vary these lectures, which have again been full of interest to all concerned, next year by the addition of some new sets of slides and the suggestion that they should illustrate emigrant life in Canada, Australia, and other parts of the Empire appears a very happy one.\n\n# V.-PUBLIC WORKS\n\nThe principal public works in progress during the year, exclusive of the Railway, were the Tytam Tuk Waterworks (1st Section) and the Kowloon Waterworks, both of which have been described in previous reports. The former were practically completed and fair progress was made with the latter, which are now in such a forward state as to be fully capable of supplying the whole Peninsula with water. The extension of the distribution system to the important villages of Sham Shui Po, Kowloon City, and Taikoktsai was completed and the substitution of mains of larger diameter for those originally laid at Kowloon Point was in progress to ensure an efficient supply of water for fire extinction purposes, the erection of large godowns being in progress there.\n\nThe New Law Courts and New Government Offices were still under construction, whilst the Public Mortuary near Yaumati and the Time Ball Tower on Blackhead's Hill, Kowloon, were completed. A new building to accommodate the Land Office at Tai Po, which had hitherto been housed in a temporary matshed structure, was in progress: a new market at Sai-Wan-Ho, near Shaukiwan, was practically completed: an extension of the Staff Quarters at the Government Civil Hospital was undertaken to afford accommodation for the nurses hitherto supported by the Nursing Institute; and a jinricksha shelter was erected close to the Star Ferry pier in Salisbury Road, Kowloon. As the construction of the Railway involved the demolition of the Slaughter House and Cattle Depot at Hunghom, the erection of New Slaughter Houses and Depôts was begun at Ma Tau Kok. Provision is made in the new establishments for considerable development beyond present requirements. The works of reconstruction of gullies and extension of nullah training were continued, $10,000 being spent on the former and over $23,500 on the latter. A large tank for flushing a portion of the Sewerage System of the City was constructed at the junction of Water Street and Queen's Road West; the rifle ranges for the use of the Volunteer Reserve Association at the Peak and King's Park, Kowloon, were extended; a new service reservoir at West Point for supplying the High Levels of the City was begun; a new Cable Reserve was established at North Point and the cables were transferred to it; an obelisk in memory of the French sailors lost in the Typhoon of the 18th September, 1906, was erected; and the construction of a retaining wall behind Inland Lot 1,523 to obviate the risk of landslips which threatened to endanger the conduit conveying the water from Tytam to the City was completed.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-347 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 416194, "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": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 359, "title": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "354\n\n4\n\nCaptain S. C. Plant, at present employed as pilot of the French gun-boat \"Olry,\" at Chungking, will become marine superintendent for the Company as soon as his services are available. In the meantime, he has drawn up plans and specifications of a shallow-draft tug-boat and flat which have been submitted to the Viceroy of Szechuan and received his approval.\n\nI have been requested by Chou Taotai, Director of the Provincial Bureau of Commerce, acting on behalf of the new Company, to forward copies of these plans to you for your inspection, and to ask you the following questions:\n\n1. Are you willing to construct a tug-boat and flat in accordance with Captain Plant's plans and specifications?\n\n2. What will be the price delivered on board ready for shipment to Shanghae of (a) tug-boat (b) flat?\n\nThe Taotai also wishes to know the cost of freight to Shanghae and the cost of putting together, but as I do not suppose you will be able to give definite replies on these points, I do not include them in the question.\n\n3. Will you undertake to ship tug and flat to Shanghae and superintend putting together, sending out an engineer for the purpose?\n\nI have explained to the Chinese that shipbuilders do not usually undertake to deliver vessels abroad, but they seem to attach much importance to this point, and think it will go far to securing the order if you can see your way to meeting their wishes in this respect. Their idea is that you should hand over the vessels to them in Shanghae, \"in the water,\" as they phrase it, ready to start on their journey up river. They will, of course, pay all expenses incurred on account of freight, putting together, and engineer's passage and salary.\n\n4. How long, approximately, will you take to construct vessels, counting from date order is put in hand to date vessels are ready for shipment to Shanghae?\n\n5. Will you appoint an agent at Chungking, say Captain Plant, with whom Company can draw up a contract, arrange for payment, &c.?\n\nI have explained to the Chinese that it is usual for payments to be made in instalments, and I do not think this point will present any difficulty.\n\nAs it takes at least four months to receive a reply to a letter from England, Chou Taotai is anxious to have telegraphic replies to the above-mentioned questions. If satisfactory, he will confirm the order by wire. I suggest that, as we have no commercial codes here, you should ask the Foreign Office in London to telegraph your reply to me in cypher. I am sending them, through His Majesty's Minister in Peking, a copy of this letter.\n\nThe present order is, I am aware, a small one, and the terms proposed are possibly somewhat unusual, but if the matter can be arranged, it will undoubtedly be the fore-runner of others, not only for tugs and lighters, but also for gun-boats, which the Provincial Government contemplate placing on the Upper Yang-tsze. The French and German Consular and naval authorities in Szechuan have done their best to induce the Chinese to place this order in their hands, and I am sure you will agree with me that it will be a splendid thing if the vexed question of regular and remunerative steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze can at last be solved by means of British-built vessels under British superintendence.\n\nI am sending this letter under flying seal to Captain Plant in Chungking, in order that he may make any additional observations that his knowledge and experience of the matter in question may suggest. I need hardly say that your interests will, in my opinion, be quite safe in his hands. Indeed, his long and successful experience of steam navigation on shallow waters makes his co-operation in the present scheme not only most valuable but, I venture to say, indispensable.\n\nI inclose the plans and specifications above referred to, and a Memorandum by Captain Plant on steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nHARRY H. FOX.\n\n5\n\nEuphrates, Karun, and Yang-tsze. Pioneering work has occupied at least half of this time, during which I have handled many different types of river steamers. I merely mention this to show that I am qualified to discuss the question of steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze from a practical point of view.\n\nMuch has been said and written on this subject by people absolutely unqualified to express a practical opinion. I have made a study of this part of the Yang-tsze ever since I came here first in 1899, and I find the problem is not an easy one by any manner of means, principally on account of the different phases the river presents to the navigator at different periods, which may roughly be divided into three: low, middle, and high-level.\n\nDuring the low-level season, the majority of the rapids are at their worst; three of them are infranchisable to any ordinary type of river steamer.\n\nDuring the middle level, many of the low-level rapids have disappeared, but others have formed, also infranchisable.\n\nDuring the high-level season, the same thing occurs again, but the high-level rapids form no insuperable barrier to a fast steamer; it is the gorges, which now present grave dangers on account of the violent swirls which gyrate viciously in each one of them.\n\nA careful survey of the river between Ichang and Chungking at different levels has led me to the conclusion that navigation on this part of the Yang-tsze with steam-ships of sufficient carrying capacity to enable them to pay is quite impracticable, and that from a commercial point of view, the only feasible method is by means of shallow-draft tug-boats, especially constructed to tow shallow-draft flats.\n\nOn a river such as I have described, the great point to aim at in any navigation scheme is the smallest outlay of capital possible at the beginning, and with this end in view, I would propose to start operations with one tug-boat and one flat only, commencing to run through to Chungking at the most favourable season, and then to extend the flotilla as the necessary experience is gained.\n\nThe feasibility of towing in these waters I have proved by experiments conducted with an ordinary steam launch and cargo junk. The tug-boat would be fitted with special appliances for hauling over such rapids as she, with her tow, could not steam.\n\nAt the expiration of the first year, if the tug-boat had demonstrated the feasibility of keeping up a more or less regular service between Ichang and Chungking, the flotilla might be increased, working on the experience gained until it was sufficiently large to cope with the traffic.\n\nThe tug and flat system for these particular waters has much to recommend it. To begin with, safety in this case means handiness, and for that quality, the tug and flat system is the best. It is also the most economical system that I know, costing less for upkeep and running expenses than any other. The risks attending it would, moreover, not be more than in the case of the ordinary junk navigation—probably much less. It is lack of motive power which accounts for most of the accidents to native vessels on the Upper River, and by adopting this system, we practically have the junk with the motive power attached.\n\nA capital of about 10,000l would be required to float a Company for this purpose and purchase the two vessels. I would recommend that the tug-boat and flat be built in England by Messrs. Yarrow and Co., who are experts in the art of building shallow-draft vessels for river service. Such craft could not be built either in Shanghae or in Japan.\n\nThe cost of the tug-boat as per specifications attached would be approximately 5,750l, and that of the flat 2,500l. Working expenses I estimate at from 800 taels to 1,000 taels per month, and the earnings at from 2,000 taels to 2,500 taels per month.\n\n(Signed) S. C. PLANT,\n\n(Note. This Memorandum was written by Captain Plant for presentation to the Chinese authorities.—H. H. F.)\n\nInclosure 5 in No. 1.\n\nA Practical Scheme for Steam Navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze, proposed by S. C. Plant, of Chungking.\n\nIN the first place, I consider it is necessary to state that my experience with rivers and river navigation extends over a period of nearly twenty years, on the Tigris,", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 426972, "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": "CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11]", "page_number": 57, "title": "CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11]", "content_text": "1\n\n14.21899 2:397\n\n56\n\nProvision was therefore made in the Harbour of Refuge Ordinance (Section 4 sub-section (4)) for its execution. Section 12 of the Ordinance makes provision for the award of compensation to owners whose property may be prejudicially affected by the proposed works.\n\n(l). Shaukiwan Waterworks Extension, $40,000. Owing principally to the opening of the Taikoo Shipyard, there has been a great development in this neighbourhood which renders works for increasing the water supply to the district a matter of urgent necessity. The fact that the most suitable sites in the locality for reservoirs have been disposed of in the past to the Taikoo Sugar Refinery has rendered the provision of a scheme on economical lines a difficult matter. A more detailed account of the scheme will be forwarded to Your Lordship in due course.\n\n(m). Additional Service Reservoir, West Point, $30,000. In consequence of the necessity of conserving the contents of the Pokfulam Reservoir for the supply of the Hill District and High Levels of the City, it is necessary to distribute water from the Tytam Reservoirs over a large portion of the Western District of the City. Owing to the great variation in level of the district to be served, the pressure obtainable in the upper", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 427008, "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": "CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11]", "page_number": 93, "title": "CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11]", "content_text": "From the Bopham enclosure\n\nHon. Colonial Secretary,\n\n1\n\n92\n\n24442\n\nacce\n\nPrecio NOV 10\n\nAfter going carefully into the matter with the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, I have come to the conclusion that a new market for the sale of meat: pork, beef, and vegetables, fruit, and salt fish is urgently required. The present site is undoubtedly the best on which to erect a new market. The idea of opening up the present site as a continuation of Jervois Street appears quite unnecessary. It is not one which the occupants of houses in Jervois Street at least desire. As a matter of fact, if my proposals are approved, large avenues can be provided in the new market and it should be possible to run carts into the market for the transport of meat from at least 2 sides and thus incidentally, a thoroughfare from Jervois Street, through the market to Wing Lok Street will be made available.\n\n2. Queen's Road and Bonham Strand East are at different levels, a two-storied market will thus be entirely suitable as in the case of the Central Market. It is proposed to remove all the present unsightly buildings which form the Western Market and which are indicated on the attached plan. All the shops and stalls (on the Eastern and Western sides) and the avenue leading from Queen's Road to Bonham Strand East will be removed and two new two-storied buildings on the site of the sheep pens at the Kennedy Town Cattle Depôt should take their place. One half of the market can be taken in hand at once, preferably the Eastern portion as a considerable part of the Western section is unoccupied and can be utilized by license-holders evicted from the Eastern Division. The two-tiered construction will leave ample room for broad avenues, one running from Queen's Road to Bonham Strand East and one from Morris Street running East and West through the centre of the space allotted to shops and stalls. Access to the upper floor will be by sloping concreted ways leading up on all four sides as shown in plan 3. On the south, the way will be practically running in from Queen's Road, on the remaining sides...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-369 - Acting Governor May Governor Sir Lugard - 1910 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429857, "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": 49, "title": "CO129-374 - Public Offices & Others - 1910", "content_text": "46\n\nthe open sea and to the Southerly breezes, and in the hot weather is especially exposed to the South West monsoon. The experience of the Portuguese Colony of Macao teaches us that residents on the sea-front can always live in comfort in the hottest weather when a strong S.W. monsoon is blowing from the sea, and as Macao is situated in the estuary of the Canton River and some way inland, and is not exposed to the open sea, the advantages to be obtained from living in a new locality similarly exposed and nearer the sea are obvious. It must also be borne in mind that it would be considerably free from the dampness and fogs which prevail in the city of Victoria, and the upper levels. The pleasant surroundings, the gentle undulating conformation of the land which slopes gradually and gently down from the height of Pokfulum reservoir to the sea level at Aberdeen on one side, and which is nearly level with Douglas Castle on the other, would help to make all the houses easy of access to the line, whilst the style of building to be adopted, the gardens, etc., are bound to render the new locality an ideal residential quarter which could in a short time develop into a small settlement not only of great enhancement to the many beauties of Hong Kong, but which will become one of the finest residential quarters in the whole of the East.\n\nIt may be suggested that in opposition to the scheme under notice, this locality was at one time considered unhealthy (although the districts formerly considered feverish were located more to the East of the land to be opened up by the railway).\n\nIt is submitted that the health of the whole of the locality selected by our client is now beyond dispute, and this is proved by the fact that the few residents who live there do not complain of fever and the French Fathers consider the Douglas Castle and its surroundings an ideal residence entirely free from sickness.\n\nIn this regard we would point out that the French Fathers use Douglas Castle and its adjoining buildings as a Sanatorium.\n\nNo doubt this hygienic improvement has been greatly brought about by the systematic planting of trees on the Southern slopes of the Island, whilst the health of the district would be further materially enhanced by the opening up of the waste lands into gardens, the drainage of nullahs, streams, etc.\n\nIt is of course well known that your Government have had, for considerable time past, a great difficulty to contend with in order to cope with the steady increase of the population (both European and Chinese) of the City of Victoria, a difficulty arising through topographical conditions of the Island which prevent any suitable extension on the north side of same. Kowloon has during the past few years largely benefited by this concession, and one has only to compare Kowloon of a few years ago and Kowloon of the present day to realise how any fresh building sites opened up close to the business quarter of the City of Victoria are greedily taken up.\n\nOur client therefore contends that a scheme offering all the advantages of the one proposed should command serious attention.\n\nIt may be suggested in opposition to our Client's scheme that there is plenty of building space at Kowloon and in the new territories, but in this regard our client would point out that most of the building space within easy reach of the ferry is already taken up, and that the cost of building at the back of the present residential quarters in Kowloon being considerable, the hope of its being fully exploited must necessarily be very remote.\n\nThe want of building areas referred to is likely to be felt more and more severely with the continuous growth of the population, and consequently, unless new and convenient grounds can be opened, the European community already suffering from overcrowding of the colony, will in the near future be faced", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-374 - Public Offices & Others - 1910.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": 432308, "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": "CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9]", "page_number": 58, "title": "CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9]", "content_text": "## IX.-VITAL STATISTICS\n\n### (4.) POPULATION\n\nThe population of the Colony according to the Census taken in 1901 was 283,975 while at the Census taken in 1906 it was 301,967 exclusive of the New Territories, New Kowloon and the Army and Navy Establishments. The estimated total population at the middle of the year under review was 435,986 as follows:\n\n| Category | Population |\n| --- | --- |\n| Chinese Population, Hongkong | 198,720 |\n| Chinese Population, Kowloon, (New and Old) | 80,200 |\n| Floating Population | 48,010 |\n| Mercantile Marine | 2,990 |\n| Non-Chinese Civil Community | 14,280 |\n| Total Chinese and Non-Chinese Civil Community | 329,020 + 14,280 = 343,200 (implied, not directly stated) |\n| Army, (average strength) | 4,433 |\n| Navy, (average strength) | 2,362 |\n| New Territories, (exclusive of Kowloon) | 85,011 |\n| Total | 435,986 |\n\n### (b) PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION\n\nDuring the year under review further progress has been made in rendering existing domestic buildings rat proof as a preventive of Plague. 324 ground surfaces of houses have been repaired, and 1,675 buildings have had rat-runs filled up with cement.\n\nThe cubicle question has for many years been one of the most difficult problems in connection with the sanitary welfare of the Colony, but it would seem that, at last, it has been solved in a satisfactory manner by a judicious combination of stringent regulations with administrative discretion. The Public Health law of the Colony prohibits the erection of cubicles in ground floor rooms and limits those on upper floors to two in number, while it also limits the height of the partition walls to six feet and regulates their construction in certain other directions, but a discretionary power is granted by the Ordinance which has now been vested in the Medical Officer of Health and the Assistant Medical Officer of Health and they have thus been enabled to permit the erection of a larger number of cubicles on any floor, wherever the lighting and ventilation of the premises has been found to warrant such a concession.\n\nNew buildings (domestic) to the number of 93 were erected during the year and in these the effect of the present Ordinance is seen in the increased amount of open space about the houses, which the law requires. Scavenging lanes which have to be provided in the rear of new houses also increase the open space about them and tend to reduce overcrowding.\n\nThe general death-rate for the year was 22.50 per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 10.04 per 1,000 among the non-Chinese community as compared with 21.68 and 12.45 respectively during 1909.\n\nDuring the year there were only 23 deaths from Plague compared with 108 in 1909 and 986 in 1908.\n\nThere were 2,603 deaths from Respiratory Diseases amongst the Chinese, 765 of which were due to Phthisis, a percentage of 10.3 of the total deaths amongst that community.\n\nBeri-beri caused 566 deaths—as against 545 in 1909.\n\nThe deaths from Malaria were 591 as against 422 in 1909, and 499 in 1908. The temporary increase is regarded as being partly due to large building works on the confines of the City, where there are untrained mountain streams which contain Anopheles mosquitoes and partly to the intermittent nature of the rainfall during the year. The streams are being trained pari passu with the completion of the building works.\n\n### (c) CLIMATE\n\nThe average monthly temperature throughout the year was 72.0° F. as compared with 72.7° F. in 1909 and 72.0° F. during the ten preceding years. The maximum mean monthly temperature was attained in July, when it reached 87.0° F., and the mean minimum monthly temperature was recorded in December, when it was 54.9° F. The highest recorded temperature during the year was 91.3° F. on the 29th August, and the lowest 44.2° F. on the 25th January.\n\nThe total rainfall for the year was 70.12 inches as compared with an average of 81.10 inches during the ten preceding years. The wettest month was June with 18.19 inches, the dryest, October, when 0.04 inch was recorded. The greatest amount of rain which fell on any one day was 8.11 inches on the 1st July, while no rain fell on 254 days of the year. The mean relative humidity of the atmosphere for the year was 77 per cent., as compared with an average of 77 per cent. during the ten preceding years. The average daily amount of sunshine was 6.0 hours being 53 per cent. of the possible duration.\n\nThese figures are those recorded at the Observatory, Kowloon, and there is a very considerable divergence between that place and Hongkong (low levels), the Peak District, or Tai Po (New Territories), both in rainfall, temperature and humidity.\n\n## X-POSTAL SERVICE\n\nThe total amount paid into the Treasury in 1910 by the Postal Department was $756,295.02 from which sum $237,228.48 was transferred to other heads of General Revenue under which fees and duties are paid in postage stamps, which are now sold exclusively by the Post Office, leaving the sum of $519,060.54 as the approximate revenue from the Postal Service. The total expenditure amounted to $470,984.35. The result of the year's working shows a profit $48,082.19.\n\n* These are the temperatures recorded by the Observatory at sea-level. The temperature in the high levels at the Peak averages some 10° less.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 437113, "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": "CO129-388 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1912 [1-2]", "page_number": 166, "title": "CO129-388 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1912 [1-2]", "content_text": "103\n\nroads two areas from the main \"Park\". Of these the southern one (A) is of some size, but it is unfortunately on two different levels. The lower southern half (A-1) is used as a recreation ground and excavation has been made from the upper half (A-2) so that eventually the area will be divided into two, A-1 being some 9 feet below the level of A-2, the latter being finished off with a steep slope. The second area (B) is a triangular one of which the apex (B-1) is useless for purposes of public grounds and forms a derelict patch of ground alike unsightly and troublesome to keep in order. The building referred to is leased let adjacent to the triangular portion of 300 Park. The remainder (B-2) is used as a foot-ball and cricket ground. I propose that the apex of this triangular piece of ground shall be granted to the Diocesan Girls' School on the conditions attached, and they will be able to make a play-ground of a portion of the extreme apex and a garden of the remainder as sketched (vide enclosure 2).\n\n8.\n\nI have the honour to request that the War Office may be approached with a view to their agreeing to this proposal, since the land will not be alienated to the benefit of the Colonial Revenue, but solely for a public purpose, and children of soldiers or of the civilian employees of the Garrison in Kowloon will be welcome to avail themselves of the school if they so desire. As the school has to evacuate its present quarters at so early a date, and as the erection of a new building will take time, I have the honour to request that your approval may if possible be conveyed by telegram.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient, humble servant,\n\nGovernor,&c..\n\nb.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-388 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1912 [1-2].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 438244, "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": "CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8]", "page_number": 13, "title": "CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8]", "content_text": "Experiments have been made in planting broad-leaved trees and sowing seeds of shrubs on the bare hills on the southern slopes of the Kowloon range of hills.\n\nIn Hongkong and Kowloon shade trees have been renewed where required, and flowering trees have been planted in suitable places. Altogether 800 trees have been used for these purposes.\n\nTrees have been planted alongside the Castle Peak-Shatoukok Road to the number of 4,800.\n\nAt Aberdeen pine-tree felling under the timber contract has been carried out in two blocks. Seventy acres have been felled east of the Paper Mill and one hundred and forty acres west of the Aberdeen New Road.\n\nUndergrowth to the extent of about 2,950,000 square feet has been cleared at the cost of the Government, 1,000,000 square feet at the cost of the Military Authorities, and 250,000 square feet at the cost of private individuals in connection with the fight against mosquitoes and malaria. About 300,000 square feet of undergrowth have been cleared for the Public Works Department for the purposes of survey.\n\nSeveral kinds of fodder grass have been experimented with, but nothing has been found equal to the Guinea Grass which is so much grown in the Colony.\n\nThe first and second rice-crops were good. Lichis were a good crop and the railway carried some of the crop to Hongkong.\n\nSeveral samples of vegetable products have been submitted to the Director of Imperial Institute for investigation. His report on the majority of the articles has not yet been received. In a report on tea-seed cake, however, he stated that the article was likely to be of interest to business, as two firms were satisfied with the price and wished to be put in communication with exporters of the cake.\n\nThe Key to the Flora of Hongkong, the New Territories and Kwang-tung Province is now in course of publication. The Editor of the Journal of Botany was unable, at the last minute, to accept it for publication, and it is now being published by the Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew, as an additional series of the Kew Bulletin.\n\nPage 11\n\n(e) LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND. The net amount received from sales of Crown Land and pier rights after deducting expenses of sales was $270,005, an increase of $207,319 on the previous year and $149,170 more than the average amount received for the last 5 years. Of this amount $4,741 was received in respect of the sale of various pier sites and extensions to existing piers, $5,899 was received in respect of sales of land in the New Territories and the remainder from sales of new lots of Crown Land and grants of extensions to existing lots in the island of Hongkong and Old Kowloon. The chief items were received in respect of the sales of Inland Lots 1892 and 1901 which realized $34,600 and $80,100 respectively.\n\nThere has been a considerable increase in the number of building lots in the city sold by the Government during the year. 18 lots having an area of 7 A. 3 R. 353 P. having been sold for a premium of $234,767 as against 6 lots with an area of 1 R. 191 P. and at a premium of $4,776 for the previous year.\n\nThere has again been a very considerable increase both in number and value of private properties which have changed hands during the year, the purchase moneys having exceeded those of the previous year by over six million dollars. There is a good demand for residential houses on the lower levels and in many instances a considerable rise in prices has been obtained, which may be accounted for by the large number of Chinese gentry who have invested in house property in the Colony during the latter part of the year. There is a considerable demand for good mortgage securities with a tendency to accept a reduced rate of interest.\n\nSales of vacant Crown Lands in the New Territories continue evenly and consist chiefly of small building sites at prices ranging from 1 to 2 cents a foot and land for purposes of cultivation at from 4 to 4 cents a foot.\n\nI-LEGISLATION.\n\nSixty-five Ordinances were passed during 1911, of which 41 were amendments to other Ordinances, and 5 were connected with the revision of the Ordinances of Hongkong now being carried out by the Chief Justice (Sir F. T. Piggott, Kt.). This is the largest number of Ordinances ever passed by the Hongkong Legislative Council in one year.\n\nThe most important Ordinances were :-The Defence (Sketching Prevention) Ordinance (No. 3), the Consolidation of the Liquor Laws (No. 9), the University Ordinance (No. 10), the Stamp Duties Management Ordinance (No. 35), the Code of Civil Procedure Amendment (No. 36), the Societies Ordinance (No. 47), the Chinese Partnerships Ordinance (No. 53) and the law relating to Companies (No. 58).\n\nIV. EDUCATION.\n\nThere are 67 Government and Grant Schools, the most important of which is Queen's College. Of these 20 are Upper Grade Schools with a staff competent to give instruction in all subjects of the 7th Standard and above. These latter schools have an average attendance of 4,107, and the medium of instruction in all of them, with the exception of four girls' schools, is English. The 47 remaining schools are all Lower Grade. They comprise one school for British Indians, where English and Urdu are taught, six Government Schools\n\nPage 17", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-391 - Acting Governor Claud Severn Governor Sir May - 1912 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 438799, "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": "CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10]", "page_number": 112, "title": "CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10]", "content_text": "TOP Y.\n\n--103\n\nCity and Hill District Water Works.\n\nProposed Additional Service Reservoir, &c., West Point.\n\n1.\n\nUntil recent years, the western district of the City has been supplied with water from Pokfulam Reservoir, whilst the central and eastern districts have been supplied from Tytam. As the supply from Pokfulam was more favourably situated than that from Tytam for being made available for distribution to the Upper Levels of the City and to the Hill District, it has formed the main source for the supply of these districts, the necessary pumping plant and rising mains being arranged accordingly.\n\n2.\n\nOwing to the extensions which have occurred in the Upper Levels and Hill District, it has become necessary to reserve the contents of Pokfulam Reservoir in great measure for these areas and consequently Tytam water has now to be utilized to a large extent for the Western District. The main service reservoir for the distribution of Tytam Water, which was constructed 24 years ago, is conveniently situated for the supply of the Central and Eastern Districts of the City (vide enclosed plan) and is adequate for the supply of these areas but it is not possible to serve the Western District from it also in a satisfactory manner.\n\n3.\n\nDuring the period of 24 years which has elapsed since the construction of the Tytam works, the consumption of water in the City and Hill District has increased from 2 to 6 million gallons per day under conditions of constant supply. Various additions have been made to the Water Works during that period and further extensions are now urgently required.\n\n4.\n\nTo ensure the distribution of Tytam water to the Western District of the City, it is proposed to construct a service reservoir capable of containing about 5 million gallons on the site indicated on the enclosed plan.\n\n5.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 438800, "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": "CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10]", "page_number": 113, "title": "CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10]", "content_text": "201\n\nto Joinčaib (riod nev BATU TO JOINER (IIN HO noivret Lamoidi. À 0980,OTI .. ,Tiovisas .I ,Tiovi. Boj. Arlotdog morî Teja iluje boil que red sul ydiu ako mort boilqque mod evui aduitnik rajane is lendi o end defle hud waja plinova' $100 bar velut doi loïî (loque 210 BA in (7 ou mold, wineath Tol oM:fleva oba.. galed 107 .andy? mori cand imod j to nieved neqqu and AJURIJE.) 989.ld to phique 6.0 1.7 901.br ni edu be..Tot\n\n• juib7ooos leμATIð med enia. galalı 1.3 dnslų hiukų (IBE/699A 6.4 104 5.\n\nAdditional filter beds are also urgently required and, as there is no suitable area of land available for their construction independently of the service reservoir, it is proposed to construct them on top of it. The area of the beds will be about 4,860 square yards.\n\n6.\n\nThe existing filter beds are as follows:-\n\nsq. yds.\n\nTytam Supply main beds for Central and 4,945\n\n- do. subsidiary beds for Eastern District. 1,603\n\n- Pokfulam Supply for Upper Levels and 1,982 Hill District, &c.\n\nTotal Square Yards 8,530\n\nni berwoo0 @L MANY BLQİBIMÚTB 920 GC ghid .8 of CIMRAOUL. & .ooed # if Ji Moinduif. TIL POA Blevou 19qqu sam ni 1iov1889h :Iut do a 10 að 97800 SLJ TOP 3%. Toe and ¿i ylinopes. a bng Boone E GAGNJ Hi, si .doitani, mOJE)` nod yoʻk dneðra ogıni a od bariliðu VINDA\" WAT to soitquineib aw nut formant suivies tul wwwcudia glumuironos\n\n1 ho 30% 9 whiv) vi and he doind niti mndeed irs Imidiu ule Jon al či dud noora gailt to I que té tới 52-6 toes at bra (mię -aican a mi oale di mott Join mil. nojne 9.3 V108 ce olüirnog 9aquio ami Hot #1ơy PC To bolteq old joinod (100031- .6 to moldqwertoo Ond ,adrow wundy. 6.4 To moltoricanto and aoniB 3 of 13 went bonantor i am Joindab. III Dr Win on. ni madaw Jimadri.vo 10 anol. Ibroo te du Mb toy ano. Ieg noi fim Jand nisub actol/ 1000. 9. od ob... read svall acolcli le avoiza .boxiuper (Ideya on 9xx snoiemure toll, ut ima bobrog of 10day uncy to moiduliwell 2 Tueno of\n\n# a Joric enuo od bənöqerg ni Ji ViD sild to Joiweit nejne)” bild nnollag noilÎÎM Juoda ¡nininenoo To sidequo tiovenes vivien نه aių bobolorBE J no odolni odia did no\n\n7.\n\nadopted, these beds are capable of filtering 3,838,500 gallons per day, when all in use, but, at the present time, it is necessary to work them at a much higher rate in order to maintain the supply of water. In a report recently made by the Government Bacteriologist on the subject of the Pokfulam water, he has called attention to the high rate of filtration at present existing and has urged that steps be taken to reduce it to between 400 and 500 gallons per yard per day. The only means of effecting this is to construct additional filter beds and those now proposed will merely suffice\n\nIf a rate of 450 gallons per yard per day be to meet present requirements, namely:-\n\n \n S.Y.\n Cals.per day.\n Gals. per day.\n \n \n Existing beds\n 8,530 x 400\n 3,838,500\n \n \n Proposed beds\n 4,860 x 450 =\n 2,187,000\n \n \n \n \n 6,025,500\n \n \n Present daily rate of consumption\n \n 6,000,000\n \n \n during constant supply..\n \n \n \n\n8.\n\nTo meet future requirements, it is proposed to construct filter beds on top of the main service reservoir for the Tytam", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439379, "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": 296, "title": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "content_text": "Enclosure 2.\n\nHon. Col. Treasurer,\n\nI have the honour to forward for the information of H. E. the Governor the following report together with the three attached Returns (a), (b) and (c) on the matter of the increase in house rentals as between three different dates in each of the years 1902 and 1912. The House Valuation returns cover the following periods:-\n\n(a). Increase between 30th June, 1902, and 30th June, 1912.\n\n(b). 1st July, 1902, and 1st July, 1912.\n\n(c). 1st January, 1902, and present date (any date between 1st July, 1912, and 31st December, 1912).\n\nThe particular European houses dealt with are the same under each district mentioned in the three above-mentioned returns.\n\nThe districts are as follows:-\n\n(1). Peak and Upper Levels (including Magazine Gap).\n\n(2). Victoria, Central and Western.\n\n(3). Victoria, Eastern.\n\n(4). Kowloon.\n\nNo. 1 comprises 71 European houses, taken, like all the others on the lists, promiscuously from the valuation books. Forty-two (42) of the houses are at the Peak proper, ten (10) in Queen's Gardens, four (4) on Bowen Road and fifteen (15) at Magazine Gap. No. 2 comprises 140 houses as follows:- Babington Path (7), Oakland Path (1), Park Road (3), Park View (6), Robinson Road (7), Bonham Road (3), Arbuthnot Road (11), Macdonnell Road (18), Seymour Terrace (14), Belilios Terrace (27), Caine Road (28), Kennedy Road (18), and the Albany (4). No. 3 comprises 73 houses as follows:- Wanchai Road (11), Wongneichong Road (14), Bowrington Canal Road, East (3), Caroline Road (1), Morrison...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439383, "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": 300, "title": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "content_text": "C.O.\n\n(a) to accompany Enclosure 2.\n\n40734 292\n\nHouse Valuation Return showing increase between 30th June, 1902, and 30th June, 1912.\n\n \n District\n No. of Valuation\n Valuation at 30.6.02.\n Valuation at 30.6.12.\n Increase\n Increase in %\n \n \n Peak and Upper Levels (including Magazine Gap)\n 71\n 85,395\n 127,430\n 42,035\n 49.22\n \n \n Victoria, Central and Western\n 140\n 135,735\n 176,665\n 40,930\n 30.15\n \n \n Eastern\n 73\n 43,870\n 47,695\n 3,825\n 8.71\n \n \n Total Hongkong\n 284\n 265,000\n 351,790\n 86,790\n 32.75\n \n \n Kowloon\n 87\n 54,050\n 77,740\n 23,690\n 43.82\n \n \n Total, Hongkong and Kowloon\n 371\n 319,050\n 429,530\n 110,480\n 34.62\n \n\n(Sd.) David Wood, Assessor.\n\n6.11.12.\n\nPage 300\n\nPage 301", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439384, "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": 301, "title": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "content_text": "To accompany Enclosure 2.\n\n293\n\nHouse Valuation Return showing increase between 1st July, 1902, and 1st July, 1912.\n\n \n District\n No. of Houses\n Valuation at 1.7.02\n Valuation at 1.7.12\n Increase in Value\n Increase %\n \n \n 1. Peak & Upper Levels (including Magazine Gap)\n 71\n $147,140\n $183,050\n $35,910\n 24.40\n \n \n 2. Victoria, Central & Western\n 140\n $93,805\n $130,515\n $36,710\n 39.13\n \n \n do. Eastern\n 73\n $45,710\n $52,470\n $6,760\n 14.78\n \n \n Total, Hongkong\n 284\n $286,655\n $366,035\n $79,380\n 27.69\n \n \n 4. Kowloon\n 87\n $67,985\n $84,135\n $16,150\n 23.75\n \n \n Total, Hongkong & Kowloon\n 371\n $354,640\n $450,170\n $95,530\n 26.93\n \n\n(Sd.) David Wood, Assessor.\n\n6.11.12.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 439385, "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": 302, "title": "CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11]", "content_text": "788\n\n84\n\n+\n\nJ)\n\nATLASNA noidnuda¥ oncoll\n\nSva NOVI\n\n*JUL 0907UPU os tetoni „pivon: fwgli noiq LIŲ/ ed\n\nJel piwo ici ne povi, I\n\nPY.\n\nTQ .0\n\nHULZOLAV Loisam\n\nHouse\n\nJa\n\n.CO.T.I\n\nto accompany Enclosure 2.).\n\n294\n\nBobur Valuation Return Showing increase between 1st.\n\nJanuary, 1902, and present date\n\n(i.Between 1.7.12 and 31.12.12).\n\n1.28\n\n$1,00\n\nGIN,UGI 000,50\n\nistrict.\n\nNo of Valuation\n\nValuation at\n\nIncrease\n\nIncrease.\n\nHouses..\n\nat\n\ndate (i.e.\n\nDIV,00\n\nODI\n\n1.1.02\n\nbetween\n\n1.7.12 &\n\nin Value.\n\ng\n\n%\n\nOT.DL\n\nOVA,50\n\nOIV.\n\n31.12.12\n\n$\n\nJ-6,01\n\nOGII\n\nU« L\n\n \n Peak and Upper\n 71\n 85,395\n 130,515\n 45,120\n 52.83\n \n \n Levels (including Magazine Gap)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Victoria, -Central and Western.\n 140\n 135,735\n 183,050\n 47,315\n 34.85\n \n \n do. -Eastern\n 73\n 43,870\n 52,470\n 8,600\n 19.60\n \n \n Total, Hongkong,\n 284\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kowloon\n 87\n 265,000\n 366,035\n 101,035\n 35.12\n \n \n Kowloon\n \n 54,050\n 84,135\n 30,085\n 55.66\n \n \n Total, Hongkong and\n 371\n 319,050\n 450,170\n 131,120\n 41.09\n \n\n(Sd.) David Wood,\n\nAssessor.\n\n6.11.12.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-393 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 443025, "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": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "page_number": 63, "title": "CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6]", "content_text": "## GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG. 5th May, 1913.\n\nSir,\n\nI have the honour to request your sanction to provide in the Estimates of the Police Department for the year 1914 for the following increases :-\n\n### Establishment:\n\n(a). Six second class Indian Constables and six second class Chinese Constables for No. 7 Police Station. Seven new Beats and Fixed Posts are necessary in order to afford adequate protection to property in the Western District, where the increase of buildings during the last 12 months or so, more particularly on the upper levels, has been phenomenal. The present number of Police in the District is barely sufficient to work efficiently the existing Beats, 14 of which, though of considerable size, have always to be doubled. The cost will be $2,052.\n\n(b). Six second class Indian Constables for Aberdeen and Stanley. These men are required in place of the European Special Constables, by whom these Stations were strengthened after the attack on Cheung Chau Island. Men have been provisionally supplied from the Central District. Cost $1,080.\n\n(c). A first class Chinese Constable for Detective Duty at Stanley. A detective is needed especially now...\n\n**THE RIGHT HONOURABLE \nLEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 449531, "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": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "page_number": 213, "title": "CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11]", "content_text": "HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\nproved a success so far, and I therefore propose to increase the number of the scouts as opportunity offers. The sum paid to each scout is $60 a year, and the provision made is therefore sufficient for twenty, of whom eight are already being employed. The votes for Incidental Expenses, Secret Service, and Transport have been increased by $1,600, $3,000, and $3,000 respectively, the amounts inserted this year having been under-estimated. The vote for coal and oil-fuel for launches has been increased by $6,300, to meet the rise in price and to provide for the motor launch. Under \"Light and Electric Fans\" an increase of $1,015 has been estimated for. Of this sum $165 is for the lighting of Shaukiwan and Tsat-tsz-mui Stations.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure provision has been made for a new steam-launch at a cost of $37,500. This launch is to replace No. 2 launch, which has been condemned as unseaworthy and sold. A sum of $1,800 has been provided for the hire of a launch pending the completion of the new launch. The motor launch to which I have already referred is estimated to cost $5,000.\n\nFire Brigade\n\nProvision has been made for a new motor fire engine and pump at a cost of $13,364. This is for use in the City of Victoria. Experience of the motor tender at present in use has shown the great advantage of motor propelled fire appliances. It has been found possible to get the engine to all parts of the City where there are Chinese buildings. On the upper levels in many places there is not sufficient water pressure and volume to throw more than one jet to the top of a building. The use of a motor pump will remedy this defect.\n\nPrison\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $3,840 has been entered for the purchase of machines and tools for the printing shop in order to cope with the increasing work and to secure greater efficiency.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,500 has been provided for the equipments necessary for the examination of cassia and anise oils. This work, which has been undertaken at the request of the Chamber of Commerce, will be carried on in a room built specially for the purpose. It is expected that the expenditure incurred will be recovered from the fees paid for the examinations.\n\nMedical Department\n\nProvision has been made for three additional sisters at a total cost of $3,737. This increase to the staff has been rendered necessary by the separation of the Maternity Hospital nursing staff from that of the Government Civil Hospital.\n\nSanitary Department\n\nFour Inspectors have been added to the establishment on the recommendation of the Sanitary Board at a cost of $7,474. These Inspectors are required for the purpose of carrying out the periodical cleansing of Chinese tenement houses every quarter instead of half-yearly as hitherto. In consequence of these new posts it has been necessary to provide for four 5th Grade Interpreters costing $1,920. In order to cope with the extra cleansing work 32 coolies are required at a cost of $4,224. Provision has also been made for 25 scavenging coolies at a cost of $2,700. Of these, 15 are for the Eastern half of the City and the Peak, and 10 for the Western half of the City. The steady growth of new houses and streets has made it impossible for the present staff to cover the ground properly. In November, 1913, a departmental haulage system was instituted for pulling the scavenging carts in place of the contract system, which had proved unsatisfactory. Sixty men were required for this work, and the trial during the current year has been so successful that it has been decided to adopt the system permanently. Provision has, therefore, been made for this number of men (being half the contract number) during next year at a cost of $6,480. By this change a saving of $90 has been effected with a great gain in efficiency.\n\nUnder Other Charges a sum of $3,110 has been provided for lighting smaller markets. There is an increase of $1,300 in the vote \"Uniform for Staff\" due to the additions to the staff mentioned above.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $10,000 has again been entered for the removal of ceilings in order to permit of a continuance of the plague-preventive measures.\n\nTwo four-wheeled water-carts have been provided for a cost of $1,250 to replace two of the old two-wheeled carts, which are very hard on the bullock and are continually in need of repairs.\n\nPage 117\n\nHONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\n210\n\n118\n\nBotanical and Forestry Department\n\nIt will be seen that of the total amount of $2,241,305, a sum of $298,154 is in respect of arrears during the current year. These arrears are much larger than usual, but this is naturally due to the increase in revenue.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,530 has been provided for making a new lawn at Mountain Lodge in place of the present chunam court.\n\nEducation\n\nUnder the heading \"Grants\" a new sub-head \"University Examination Grants\" has been inserted, $6,880 has been inserted. These grants will take the place of the existing grants for the Oxford Local Examinations, which were estimated to cost $4,715 in 1914.\n\nVolunteers\n\nThere is an increase of $8,850 in the vote for Capitation Grant due to the increase in the strength of the corps.\n\nIn the month of April last, Mr. Ellis Kadoorie offered to hand over to the Government the splendid buildings of the school, which bears his name, and the land on which it stands, completely equipped and entirely free of charge. The approval of the Secretary of State for was obtained for the transfer, and the Government has therefore become possessed through the great generosity of Mr. Ellis Kadoorie of a valuable addition to its scholastic institutions. A sum of $28,700 has been entered under Personal Emoluments to provide for the necessary staff, and a sum of $945 under Other Charges to meet the cost of electric fans, books, prizes, and incidental expenses. At the Belilios Public School provision has been made for an Assistant Mistress, as the existing staff is inadequate to deal with the increased attendance. The staff of the Indian School has been increased at a cost of $2,880, as it is expected that the school will be transferred to permanent building on a new site in July, 1915. This building, which is estimated to cost $40,000, is the gift of a generous donor, who wishes for the present to remain anonymous.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,994 has been inserted for furniture for the quarters attached to the Kowloon British School, Victoria British School and the Peak School, as it has been decided to provide necessary heavy furniture for these quarters.\n\nMilitary Expenditure\n\nThe Defence Contribution shows an increase of $542,325. The calculation of this item is shown in Appendix II.\n\nPublic Works\n\nUnder Personal Emoluments a sum of $3,360 has been entered to provide for six additional foremen and one clerk at $480 each in connection with the Tytamtuk Scheme, Second Section. Provision has been made for three additional Land Surveyors at a cost of $11,211. These surveyors are required in connection with the Praya East Reclamation Scheme, and the third is for adjusting arrears in the survey work in the New Territories. Under \"Water Works\" two 3rd Grade House Service Inspectors have been provided for at a cost of $1,920. At the present time there is no systematic method of carrying out these inspections, which are designed for the detection of unauthorised connections, and the repair of leaks and defective fittings. This will tend to prevent waste of water, and to ensure that the provisions of the law are more effectively enforced.\n\nUnder Other Charges the following items have been increased:-\n\nConveyance Allowance by $1,440 for the three new surveyors, and for the two apprentice surveyors in the Crown Lands and Surveys Department, for whom no allowances have hitherto been provided.\n\nDrawing Materials and Mounting Plans $1,800\n\nLand Survey Contingencies $1,000\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,000 has been provided for furniture for the offices consisting of plan cases, book-cases and filing-cabinets.\n\nPage 118", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 452644, "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": "CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914", "page_number": 490, "title": "CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914", "content_text": "# HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SUPPLEMENT\n\n## Piracy on the Tai On\n\n1 \n\nBritish S.S. Lin Tan in failing to stand by the Tai On or to render her any assistance requires further enquiry as does that of the master of the On Lee who similarly failed. We also wish to point out the irregularity and very possible source of danger of the practice which seems to have been universal on board vessels on this run of carrying an unlimited number of passage runners, cargo brokers and live stock attendants who pay no fare and are commonly supposed to form an intelligence department for the pirates.\n\nThe police have found the remains of about twelve people on board the Tai On, which now lies at Chung Sha-wan, behind Stonecutters Island, where she was anchored last Thursday. On Friday it was found that she was still burning. This fact naturally tells against the chances of further use being made of the ship.\n\nOn Thursday, as the result of a visit to a house in Macao, the Macao Police effected the arrest of a Chinese who is believed to be implicated in the piratical attack on the S.S. Tai On. It appears that the visit was made as the result of information received by the force there, and a party of detectives went to the house of one Leung Po who is also said to be concerned in the matter. As the party neared the house, a man emerged, who, as soon as he saw the police, drew his cap over his eyes. He was met by the detectives who sent him back into the house and told off one of their number to watch him. Meanwhile, they interviewed a woman aged about seventeen years, the wife of Leung Po, who it is said was shot down during the fight on the Tai On. When she was asked where her husband was, she replied that he went to Hongkong about a week previously. The house was searched and two iron bars were found, which, according to her story, had been given to her to keep, and two hundred rounds of ammunition. Again the woman was asked what had become of her husband and after much pressing she said that he had been burnt to death on the Tai On.\n\nDealing with her own history, she said she had been married to Leung Po for about a year and at the time of her marriage she did not know that he was a robber. The man whom the police had met as they came into the house was her husband's brother, Leung Shiu-cheong. The latter was searched but nothing incriminating was found about him save a bullet wound in the thigh and a grazed wound on the temple. He was taken into custody and, in answer to the police, said that five days previously Leung Po asked him to go to Hongkong. He did so and put up at a boarding house. Later he met Leung Po in the street and was invited to dinner. He went, and in the course of the meal it was suggested that he should go on board the Tai On travelling steerage. He did so, but went merely as a passenger. While on board he heard a great deal of noise. There was considerable firing and in his fright he jumped overboard. As he did so someone shot him in the thigh, while later the wound to his head was caused by another man jumping on him in the water. He floated about clinging to a plank until he was picked up by a launch and conveyed to Ching San near Macao, to which place he could easily travel by ricksha.\n\nThe watchman Silva who was also instrumental in defending the Tai On was picked up near Chingsan suffering from wounds in three places. He was first treated in Wanchai Hospital, near Macao, but when the Macao Government heard of the man's plight he was transferred to the Macao Hospital.\n\n## The Bishop of Victoria's Reference\n\nThe Bishop of Victoria made the following reference at the Cathedral on Sunday morning:- \n\nMy subject this morning is Christian courage. First of all let me refer to a local event. A dastardly crime followed by an appalling calamity has occurred on board a ship sailing from our port. It shows how greatly China needs the benefits of civilisation and Christian ethics. I hope the revelation of the cowardly cruelty and fiendish methods of the pirates will induce people of Kwang Tung to determine at all costs to stop their murderous tyranny.\n\nThe event has its message to us, a Christian congregation. It calls for our prayerful and practical sympathy with the sufferers. When the prayer \"for the Church Militant\" is said let us specially remember those who have been bereaved of their nearest and dearest, amongst the Chinese as well as the widow and child of the European officer who lost his life. Some of us will gladly subscribe to the fund that is being opened to help the sufferers, particulars of which will be given in the daily papers. Benevolent care for such is a Christian characteristic. The fact that some can only subscribe small sums should not deter them from the privilege of taking part in so desirable a movement. The heroic courage and devotion to duty on the part of those in charge of the ship are worthy of their Christian upbringing.\n\n## Meeting to Discuss Piracy Prevention\n\nOn Monday a private meeting of Government officials and others for the purpose of considering measures for the prevention of piracy was held at the Harbour Office. The Harbour Master, Captain Superintendent of Police and the Secretary for Chinese Affairs were among those who attended, as well as a number of prominent Chinese business men.\n\n## Recovery of Bodies\n\nThe Tang Wah Hospital authorities state that they have picked up 37 dead bodies in the vicinity of Kap Oi. These bodies are presumably those of passengers (or pirates) on board the Tai On. Leng Chi-Kwam, who was sent to the Government Civil Hospital on the 29th ult., suffering from injuries received in the Tai On piracy, died on the 3rd inst.\n\n## Photographs of the Tai On\n\nWe have received some photographs from Mr. Chung showing the Tai On still afire after the piracy.\n\n## OIL WORKS FIRE\n\nOn Tuesday afternoon, April 28, fire broke out at the Standard Oil Company's depot at Lai Chi Kok. It transpired to be a most serious outbreak. How it broke out is not known nor indeed is it at present anticipated that it ever will be ascertained. Shortly before four o'clock a portion of the roof of tank No. 5 fell in and a column of flame leapt into the air, followed by a dense cloud of black smoke, which grew in volume and became visible from all over the harbour. A view of the top of the tank, obtained from the summit of a similar structure, showed that the top had fallen in two places, the standing portion remaining as a broad diameter to the circle. From both the open portions dense masses of flame and smoke rose.\n\nThe fire fighting appliances of the Company were immediately requisitioned and the alarm given to the Fire Brigade. These turned out promptly and shortly after four o'clock the Company's fire floats \"Standard,\" and the Brigade fire floats were busily engaged pumping water through lengths of hose, to be played on the surrounding tanks. It had been realised from the first that any attempts to quench the flames would prove futile, and attention was devoted from the outset to keeping the adjacent tanks cool and preventing further outbreaks of the conflagration. Under the guidance of Chief Inspector Gourlay, the Fire Brigade did good work though after water had been obtained there was nothing to do but play on the other reservoirs.\n\nThe heat from the flame was intense. Buckling of the two upper sets of plating on the sides set in early, and at the two places where the flames surged freely out the iron-work was white with heat, the rivets melting and dropping out of their holes.\n\nWith such a heat as this there was more than a little danger to the gasolene house, which was filled with a large stock of gasolene. Water had been played on the wall adjacent to the burning tank, but this precaution was not considered sufficient. Coolie labour was not to hand to remove the 75,000 cases of gasolene, and the services of one hundred of the 25th Punjabis were requisitioned to transfer the spirit to a safe place. The number was afterwards increased and the cases were removed to a place of greater safety nearer the water.\n\nMeanwhile the pumping apparatus of the Company was put into action and a considerable quantity of oil was removed from the tank. The pumps were set working and oil at the rate of about nine inches per hour was removed, water being pumped in to keep the oil at its usual level. This manoeuvre had as one of its main objects, besides lessening the duration of the conflagration, the securing from damage of the tank outside the two rows of plates already involved.\n\nThe scene, while awe-inspiring during the day, grew terrific as night fell. During the afternoon the dense volumes of flame were lost sight of and the size of the fire was only to be gauged by the immense spread of smoke. Sometimes, when the wind was still the fumes rose in a single column and spread out mushroom fashion in a peculiarly interesting manner. But when night fell, the flames showed up by vivid contrast, lighting up the countryside with red and yellow and illuminating the smoke, which wreathed in fantastic fashion through all the shades of grey and brown until all form was lost in the velvety blackness of the sky.\n\nShortly after eight o'clock the remaining portion of the tank-roof appeared to have fallen in, for the light from the burning increased in intensity and huge tongues of flame leapt many feet into the air. For miles around a weird sight was presented on the Kowloon hills, the same light that brightened them to the eyes of people on the Victoria side of the harbour shone on the faces of thousands of Chinese who had seized every distant point of vantage to witness the strange sight. In Hongkong the picture was peculiarly beautiful. The tongue of flame was reflected across the water, ships stood out in strange black profile against the glare while overhead the clouds were as brilliant as if the lights of some huge city below were being reflected. Blake Pier was always the point of view which many Europeans seized on, though from the higher levels many were able to obtain an equally fine picture. Praya East was crowded by Chinese who would scarcely make room for trams to pass, so rapt was their attention to the spectacle the conflagration afforded.\n\nAll night the fire raged, varying, as the wind changed its force, from dull red flames to huge bright yellow ones, the effect throwing up a huge glare on to the sky. In the morning the flames were still shooting high, being visible above Stonecutters. About seven o'clock, however, the fire was not so visible from a distance, the smoke obscuring the flames.\n\nThe Fire Brigade stood by all night, their creature comforts being cared for by the Company in thoughtful style. By 8.30 o'clock on Wednesday some 12,000 tins of naptha had been removed, this task taking all night to accomplish. It was at that time estimated that if the wind remained in the direction from which it was then blowing, the fire should burn itself out at about 4 p.m., while the other tanks would not be endangered. The men from the Punjabi Regiment did splendid work in removing the naptha.\n\nThe Standard Oil Company seen by the Telegraph in the afternoon stated that at twelve thirty the fire was still burning at about the same rate.\n\n## Page 478", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 462802, "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": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "page_number": 591, "title": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]", "content_text": "## 1. From the information supplied to me, I arrive at the conclusion that the following areas of land would be required to house the officers enumerated in the attached list (Enclosure 1).\n\nPeak or Hill District... 9 acres \nMedium Levels .... \nLower Levels.......... \nKowloon... \n\n2. The area required in the New Territories, about an acre, is so small that it may be neglected.\n\n3. In arriving at the foregoing figures, I have assumed that, for the first two classes of officers enumerated in the list, half an acre should be allowed for each residence; for the third class, quarter of an acre and for the fourth and fifth classes one-sixth of an acre.\n\n4. I enclose two plans (in duplicate), one of Hongkong and one of Kowloon, showing approximately the positions in which the areas required are obtainable.\n\n5. In the case of the Hill District area (9 acres), many of the houses would be badly exposed to the afternoon sun. The area is between 800 & 900 feet above sea-level and is about a mile distant from the Upper Terminus of the Peak Tramway. In order to reach it, a new road would have to be constructed at a cost of about $40,000. The road would have a falling gradient of about 1 in 7 from near the Tramway Terminus to the area. Such a gradient would be a great drawback, as officers would have a steep road to negotiate in order to reach the Tramway and, unless they kept chairs, which are nowadays very expensive, the walk would be a very trying one during the hot months. There is no other area available in the Hill District, of equal extent, which...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 463504, "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": "CO129-435 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1916 [9-11]", "page_number": 596, "title": "CO129-435 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1916 [9-11]", "content_text": "## HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,500 has been provided for the equipments necessary for the examination of cassia and anise oils. This work, which has been undertaken at the request of the Chamber of Commerce, will be carried on in a room built specially for the purpose. It is expected that the expenditure incurred will be recovered from the fees paid for the examinations.\n\nproved a success so far, and I therefore propose to increase the number of the scouts as opportunity offers. The sum paid to each scout is $60 a year, and the provision made is therefore sufficient for twenty, of whom eight are already being employed. The votes for Incidental Expenses, Secret Service, and Transport have been increased by $1,600, $3,000, and $3,000 respectively, the amounts inserted this year having been under-estimated. The vote for coal and oil-fuel for launches has been increased by $6,300, to meet the rise in price and to provide for the motor launch. Under Light and Electric Fans an increase of $1,015 has been estimated for. Of this sum $165 is for the lighting of Shaukiwan and Tsat-tz-mui Stations.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure provision has been made for a new steam-launch at a cost of $37,500. This launch is to replace No. 2 launch, which has been condemned as unseaworthy and sold. A sum of $1,800 has been provided for the hire of a launch pending the completion of the new launch. The motor launch to which I have already referred is estimated to cost $5,000.\n\n### Fire Brigade\n\nProvision has been made for a new motor fire engine and pump at a cost of $13,364. This is for use in the City of Victoria. Experience of the motor tender has shown the great present advantage of motor propelled fire appliances. It has been found possible to get the engine to all parts of the City where there are Chinese buildings. On the upper levels in many places there is not sufficient water pressure and volume to throw more than one jet to the top of a building. The use of a motor pump will remedy this defect.\n\n### Prison\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $3,840 has been entered for the purchase of machines and tools for the printing shop in order to cope with the increasing work and to secure greater efficiency.\n\n### Medical Department\n\nProvision has been made for three additional sisters at a total cost of $3,737. This increase to the staff has been rendered necessary by the separation of the Maternity Hospital nursing staff from that of the Government Civil Hospital.\n\n### Sanitary Department\n\nFour Inspectors have been added to the establishment on the recommendation of the Sanitary Board at a cost of $7,474. These Inspectors are required for the purpose of carrying out the periodical cleansing of Chinese tenement houses every quarter instead of half-yearly as hitherto. In consequence of these new posts it has been necessary to provide for four 5th Grade Interpreters costing $1,920. In order to cope with the extra cleansing work 32 coolies are required at a cost of $4,224. Provision has also been made for 25 scavenging coolies at a cost of $2,700. Of these, 15 are for the Eastern half of the City and the Peak, and 10 for the Western half of the City. The steady growth of new houses and streets has made it impossible for the present staff to cover the ground properly. In November, 1913, a departmental haulage system was instituted for pulling the scavenging carts in place of the contract system, which had proved unsatisfactory. Sixty men were required for this work, and the trial during the current year has been so successful that it has been decided to adopt the system permanently. Provision has, therefore, been made for this number of men (being half the contract number) during next year at a cost of $6,480. By this change a saving of $90 has been effected with a great gain in efficiency.\n\nUnder Other Charges a sum of $3,110 has been provided for lighting smaller markets. There is an increase of $1,300 in the vote \"Uniform for Staff\" due to the additions to the staff mentioned above.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $10,000 has again been entered for the removal of ceilings in order to permit of a continuance of the plague-preventive measures. Two four-wheeled water-carts have been provided for at a cost of $1,250, to replace two of the old two-wheeled carts, which are very hard on the bullocks, and are continually in need of repairs.\n\n## HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\n### Botanical and Forestry Department\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,530 has been provided for making a new lawn at Mountain Lodge in place of the present chunam court.\n\n### Education\n\nThe most important item under this head is the provision for the transfer of the Ellis Kadoorie School to the Government. In the month of April last, Mr. Ellis Kadoorie offered to hand over to the Government the splendid buildings of the school, which bears his name, and land on which it stands, completely equipped and entirely free of charge. The approval of the Secretary of State was obtained for the transfer, and the Government has therefore become possessed, through the great generosity of Mr. Ellis Kadoorie, of a valuable addition to its scholastic institutions. A sum of $28,700 has been entered under Personal Emoluments to provide for the necessary staff, and a sum of $945 under Other Charges to meet the cost of electric fans, books, prizes, and incidental expenses. At the Belilios Public School provision has been made for an Assistant Mistress as the existing staff is inadequate to deal with the increased attendance. The staff of the Indian School has been increased at a cost of $2,880, as it is expected that the school will be transferred to a permanent building on a new site in July, 1915. This building, which is estimated to cost $40,000, is the gift of a generous donor, who wishes for the present to remain anonymous.\n\nUnder the heading \"Grants\" a new sub-head \"University Examination Grants, $6,880\" has been inserted. These grants will take the place of the existing grants for the Oxford Local Examinations, which were estimated to cost $4,715 in 1914.\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,994 has been inserted for furniture for the quarters attached to the Kowloon British School, Victoria British School and the Peak School, as it has been decided to provide necessary heavy furniture for these quarters.\n\n### Military Expenditure\n\nThe Defence Contribution shows an increase of $542,325. The calculation of this item is shown in Appendix II. It will be seen that of the total amount of $2,241,305, a sum of $298,154 is in respect of arrears during the current year. These arrears are much larger than usual, but this is naturally due to the increase in revenue.\n\n### Volunteers\n\nThere is an increase of $8,850 in the vote Capitation Grant due to the increase in the strength of the corps. Under \"Volunteer Reserves\" a sum of $1,050 has been entered for \"Capitation Grant.\" This is a new sub-head and provides for a grant of $3 a head for 350 efficients, which has been approved by the Secretary of State. Under Special Expenditure a further sum of $13,222 has been entered for the purchase of rifles and ammunition.\n\n### Public Works\n\nUnder Personal Emoluments a sum of $3,360 has been entered to provide for six additional foremen and one clerk at $480 each in connection with the Tytamtuk Scheme, Second Section. Provision has been made for three additional Land Surveyors at a cost of $11,211. Two of these surveyors are required in connection with the Praya East Reclamation Scheme, and the third is for adjusting arrears in the survey work in the New Territories. Under Water Works two 3rd Grade House Service Inspectors have been provided for at a cost of $1,920. At the present time there is no systematic method of carrying out these inspections, which are designed for the detection of unauthorised connections, and the repair of leaks and defective fittings. This will tend to prevent waste of water, and to ensure that the provisions of the law are more effectively enforced.\n\nUnder Other Charges the following items have been increased: \n| Item | Increase |\n| --- | --- |\n| Conveyance Allowance | $1,440 |\n| Drawing Materials and Mounting Plans | $1,800 |\n| Land Survey Contingencies | $1,000 |\n\nUnder Special Expenditure a sum of $1,000 has been provided for furniture for the offices consisting of plan cases, book-cases and filing-cabinets.\n\nPage 118", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-435 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1916 [9-11].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 468634, "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": "CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9]", "page_number": 397, "title": "CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9]", "content_text": "383\n\nPara 4 of my Confidential Despatch of the 1st March I have 20406.\n\n177\n\n6.\n\nadvocated the acquisition of this site for the purpose of building Government Quarters thereon, and you have, in your Confidential Despatch of the 7th May, approved the opening of negotiations with Sir R. Ho Tung for this purpose.\n\nThe necessity for keeping the Chinese away from the Peak is considerably stronger now than it was in 1904. The number of well-to-do Chinese, living with their wives and concubines in semi-European fashion, has largely increased and they have been steadily ousting the European from the so-called European Reservation on the lower levels. I may draw your attention in this connection to paragraph 2 of my Confidential Despatch of the 17th April, 1913, in which I advocated a European Reservation at Taipo. The Portuguese, by reason of their comparative poverty, were the first to go; as recorded in the petition by Mr. C. M. Ede which was enclosed in Mr. Severn's despatch No. 178 of the 3rd May, 1912. The Europeans in their turn have been very largely displaced, and almost all the well-built European houses in the upper part of the Western End of the town are now in Chinese occupation. The latest example is the purchase by Sir R. Ho Tung of one of the best situated houses at West Point over the head of its occupier, a prominent European resident, who has been in occupation for twenty-two years but could not afford to pay the high price asked. It is reported that this house also is to be given to Sir R. Ho Tung's daughter on her marriage.\n\n7.\n\nThe result has been that the demand by Europeans for houses at the Peak gets more and more in excess of the supply, and rents are continually rising. For example, at the last general Assessment in 1914 the house occupied by the Chief Justice was returned as having a rental of $1,800. The rent is now $2,520. The First Magistrate\n\n12.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 477431, "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": "CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12]", "page_number": 116, "title": "CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12]", "content_text": "# HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\nI would suggest that the site for the Hospital and Asylum on the Praya East reclamation be kept slightly raised above the level of the surrounding buildings. This position, with a view over the harbour on one side and the Wong-nei-chong valley on the other, would be a good alternative, though personally I consider Kennedy Town the better of the two.\n\nI saw a man there suffering in that manner, and he was placed in a ward with a lot of lunatics. I cannot imagine anything more likely to send anyone off his head than to find himself in such company. Surely, sir, it cannot be right that such cases should be herded with those who are permanently insane.\n\nI would have liked to see a small sum allocated for the purpose of providing some better means of displaying the names of the streets in the Colony, particularly on the upper levels and in the outlying districts. I have seen quite an artistic method of dealing with the subject carried out in combination with the lamp-posts. No one will dispute the fact that the lamp-posts in the Colony are far from being things of beauty, and yet there is no reason why they should not be artistic. As, however, the Government finds that it must increase the accommodation of the existing Asylum, I would ask them to provide a separate house for cases suffering from the effect of alcohol.\n\nOn one of my visits as a Justice of the Peace, I saw the need for this. And, with the name of the street worked into the design so that it faces one as one passes to and fro, an effect can be obtained which is both pleasing and useful. I offer the suggestion to the Government in connection with the vote of $12,000, which is partly for providing additional lamps.\n\nThere is a sum of $5,500 allowed in the estimates for a crematorium. We should like to see the plan laid on the table so that we may be sure of what we are going to get for our money, whether sufficient accommodation is provided, or whether we shall have to spend more money in the near future.\n\nAs regards the Praya East reclamation, I would like the Government to see whether some scheme cannot be devised so that, when the ground is built upon, a uniform design for houses on the front be agreed upon. I think that if a committee of architects were formed and a uniform type of design were drawn up, we should then have a fine front to display to the harbour instead of the ramshackle appearance which obtains on the Praya to the westward.\n\nThere is one other matter which I wish to say a few words about, viz., the Housing problem. It was not to be expected that one would find anything in the budget more directly relative to the subject than the provision of new roads opening-up new areas for building purposes. Because, up to date, no concrete proposals have been put forward, and I have no doubt that the Government is waiting for private enterprise to give them a lead.\n\nThe provision of new roads needed urgently is the first step in the right direction, but don't let the Government stop at that and think their work is finished - that is the starting point. The next step is the leasing of suitable sites at a reasonable cost. By suitable, I mean sites that are easily developed; not the kind where a quarter of one's capital is sunk in retaining walls and foundations. Fairly level ground, easy of access, is what is wanted.\n\nI will ask the Government to do all they can to help owners and architects over the disposing of surplus spoil where there is considerable cutting to be done in the formation of a site. If this spoil has to be carried down and put into junks, it greatly increases the cost of making a site and forms one of the reasons why building is so expensive. Finally, I would suggest the Government lend the money for the erection of houses at a low rate of interest. At Home and in various other places in the Empire, the Government is, and has been for years, lending money for housing schemes.\n\nWith regard to the question of a wholesale poultry market, I also find myself in agreement with the honourable member representing the Justices of the Peace. I was a member of the Sub-Committee of the Sanitary Board mentioned by him, and I know how real and insanitary the nuisance complained of is.\n\nI am sure that if the officials who have authority to deal with and dispose of this matter were to spend a couple of hours in Ko Shing or Li Shing Street while sorting of poultry is in progress, they would have the nuisance stopped in very quick time.\n\nAfter all, the amount necessary for building the market is not so very large an outlay that the Colony cannot bear it, especially when it will bring in a not inconsiderable revenue. I therefore urge that the work be proceeded with at once.\n\nIn New Zealand, there is an Act of Parliament called the Government Advances to Workers Act, by which a man can borrow money from the Government to make a home for himself. In England, vast sums of money have been lent for this same purpose by the Public Works Loan Commissioners, which body gets its funds from the National Debt Commissioners, and there are other instances too numerous to mention here. Therefore, I see no reason why this Government should not do something similar.\n\nIt seems to me that if the employers of labour and others who are otherwise progressive were to meet together and form some sort of Co-operative Building Society on the lines of those existing in nearly all the big cities in England, some workable scheme might be evolved; but to command success, any scheme must have the Government's sympathy and co-operation - not only must you provide suitable sites at a reasonable price, but you must drain the nullahs, lay the main drains, give us water and light and easy means of access.\n\nI would ask you, sir, not to dismiss this matter from your thoughts without grave consideration. The subject is one which is attracting world-wide attention. Every newspaper one takes up has reference to it. Madras has just started a housing scheme, and Singapore will probably be the next. Therefore, I would ask you to consider whether it would not be advisable to appoint a Commission to go into the question. If this is done, I feel sure that useful results will follow.\n\nThere is one thing that this war has taught us, and that is to think more largely than before. Schemes that would have taken our breath away before the war have been carried out successfully and with great difficulty. Where there is a will, there is a way, and I see no reason why, as far as public works matters are concerned, we should not strike out the word impossible from our vocabulary.\n\nHON. MR. S. H. DODWELL - The ground has been so well covered by other unofficial members that there is only one point I wish to raise, but that I think is an important one. It has reference to the controlled ships' accounts which were lightly touched on by the hon. senior unofficial member of the Council. I presume that the fact that these controlled ships' accounts do not appear separately does not mean that the local Government is appropriating the proceeds. I take it the accounts will not only be kept separate but that the proceeds will in due course be handed over to the Home Government.\n\nHON. MR. CHAN KAI MING - Sir, the views and suggestions of my Chinese colleague have my cordial support. As an old resident, I well remember the free Government vernacular schools mentioned by him. There are still living several prominent members of the Chinese community who received the rudiments of their education at such institutions. It would be interesting to speculate what the honourable member of this Council for whom I am now acting would have become, had he not had the chance of a free vernacular and English education in his young days.\n\nThe probability is that Hongkong would have lost one of its most public-spirited and useful citizens. There may, at this moment, be many youngsters among the poor who, if given the same opportunity, might one day rise to positions of honour similar to those attained by our friend, and render important services to the Colony. A system of education which neglects the up-bringing of the children of the poor must be wrong, and the sooner it is remedied the better it will be for the good name of this otherwise progressive Colony.\n\nTHE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS - I think most of the points raised by the Unofficial members in connection with Public Works are covered by a general statement regarding the shortage of the staff in the Department. Out of a total of 20 engineers, we have 13 at the present moment.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 477684, "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": "CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12]", "page_number": 369, "title": "CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12]", "content_text": "# 374\n\ntaken up now with some prospect of success. The two schemes at present in view for providing additional housing are the Kowloon Bay Reclamation in actual course of construction and the Praya East Reclamation, which it is hoped to begin next year. The former will provide a large number of houses for well-to-do Chinese, and may thereby cause many of the houses which have been occupied by Chinese during the past few years to be vacated. I am informed by Mr. S. W. Tso, Solicitor to the Kowloon Bay Scheme, that he is of opinion that there will be a considerable migration from the upper levels in Victoria to Kowloon Bay. If such were to be the case it is possible that many houses would again become available for European residents. On the Praya East Reclamation it will I hope be possible to insist on the erection of houses of a sanitary type. One of the conditions, however, on which this reclamation is to be made is that the Marine Lot-holders are to be charged a premium of 25 cents a square foot for the areas made available in front of their present lots. This was also one of the conditions in the Western Praya Scheme but was abandoned at a great sacrifice to the revenue. Since his return to the Colony recently Sir Paul Chater has informed me that in his opinion the proposal to charge a premium of 25 cents in the case of the Praya East Reclamation should also be abandoned. He bases his contention on the fact that it will be difficult to induce the Chinese population to shift in large numbers from the overcrowded portions of the Western part of the City to the new reclamation unless great inducements are offered in the shape of low rentals, and that no impediment should, therefore, be put in the way of the Marine Lot-holders building as rapidly as possible. I can hardly believe that the small premium proposed amounting to from $250 to $500 a lot would prove an obstacle to the development of the reclamation, and I know that Sir Henry May would be very", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 479286, "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": "CO129-453 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [1-3]", "page_number": 263, "title": "CO129-453 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [1-3]", "content_text": "# INDEX \n\nxii \nxiii \n\n## J \n\n### Serial No. L-Continued. \n\n| Serial No. | Description | Page |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| | Jadestones, Rongh | 549 |\n| | Jama | 121 |\n| | Jeaus, Dyed | 320 |\n| | White | 304 |\n| | Lead, Dross | 239 |\n| | Pig Pipas.. | 224 |\n| | Grey | 296 |\n| | Red | 225 |\n| | Scrap.. | 284 |\n| | Jewellery, Real and Imitation. | 550 |\n| | Jerseys, Woollen | 430 |\n| | Jinricksbas... | 412 |\n| | Accessories and parts.. | 412 |\n| | Joss Sticks... | 651 |\n| | not specially mentioned | 225 |\n| | Powder | 551 |\n| | Jute | 527 |\n| | Leather Sole | 556 |\n| | Leather, Upper :- | |\n| | Calf | 557 |\n| | Chamois | 357 |\n| | Coloured | 557 |\n| | Cow | 657 |\n| | Enamelled | 557 |\n| | Harness | 557 |\n| | Imitation | 558 |\n| | Japanned Patent. | 557 |\n| | Kil | 557 |\n| | Strips | 557 |\n| | Leather, Manufactured :- | |\n| | Belts.... | 559 |\n| | Harness | 559 |\n| | Hose | 559 |\n| | Purses | 559 |\n| | Knives | ... |\n| | Kapok..... Kega | 462 |\n| | Kerosene | 264 |\n| | Kitchen Utensila | 160 |\n| | Kranjee Wood | 478 |\n| | Scrap | 559 |\n| | Wristlete | 559 |\n\n## K \n### Serial No. Continued. \n\n## L \n\n| Serial No. | Description | Page |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| | Lace | 553 |\n| | Laces, Boot and Shoe | 523 |\n| | Lacquer, Liquid | 290 |\n| | Ladles | 508 |\n| | Laka Wood | 61 |\n| | Lanterns | 554 |\n| | Lap Mi (See Meats, Dried, Native) Land | 260 |\n| | Lastings, Cotton | 330 |\n| | Worsted | 356 |\n| | Lathes | 184 |\n| | Launches, and Materials for making | 555 |\n| | Lavatory Fittings, | 7 |\n| | Lawn Mowers | 175 |\n| | Lawns...... | 413 |\n| | Printed | 264 |\n| | Lead, Pig | 224 |\n| | Lead, Dross | 239 |\n| | Lenos | $13 |\n| | Lenses | 544 |\n| | Levels, Spirit.. | 622 |\n| | Life Belts | 472 |\n| | Lignum Vitæ Wood | 638 |\n| | Lime | 7 |\n| | Liniments, Native | 49 |\n| | Linings, Colten. | 329 |\n| | Linke, Cuff...... | 550 |\n| | Linoleums | 168 |\n| | Linseed | 253 |\n| | Ligneurs.. | 164 |\n| | Liquid Fuel (See Fuel). | |\n| | Lignors, Muli....... | 168 |\n| | Miscellaneous | 508 |\n| | Native | 167 |\n| | Unclassified.... | 170 |\n| | Liquorice | 19 |\n| | Lithographic Materials... | 586 |\n| | Lithophone... | 284 |\n| | Lobsters..... | 79 |\n| | Locomotives And Tenders... | 381 |\n| | Log Wood.... | 66 |\n| | Longcloth, White | 306 |\n| | Long Ells, Woollen | 357 |\n| | Lotus Seed... | 257 |\n| | Lubricators.......................... | 185 |\n| | Lostres | 352 |\n| | Lye used for Brei-inaking | 133 |\n| | not specially mentioned, other | 21 |\n| | Soap-making | 610 |\n| | Lampblack.. | 66 |\n| | Lamps, Arc | 186 |\n| | Globes | 554 |\n| | Shades | 554 |\n| | Ware | 554 |\n| | Wicks.. | 554 |\n\n## M \n\n| Serial No. | Description | Page |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| | Macaroni... | 122 |\n| | Machinery, Agricnitorsi | 175 |\n| | Baking | 178 |\n| | Binding | 178 |\n| | ... | 247 |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-453 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [1-3].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 480083, "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": "CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6]", "page_number": 500, "title": "CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6]", "content_text": "# Enclosure\n## Memorandum on the subject of crediting Stores recovered in connection with the ex-ecution of certain Public Works.\n\n496\n\nA difference of opinion has arisen between the Treasurer and Auditor on the one hand and the Director of Public Works on the other concerning the course to be followed in connection with the return of certain surplus stores from the Tytan Tuk Water Works. The Treasurer and Auditor hold that, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Secretary of State's Despatch No. 232 of the 20th July, 1912, and in a Memorandum explaining the method in which expenditure on Public Works Materials and Stores should be estimated and accounted for, the stores in question must be credited to \"Stores Depreciation\" Vote whilst the Director of Public Works holds that, in order to produce a correct statement of the cost of the Water Works of the Colony, they should be credited to the vote \"Tytam Tuk Water Works Scheme Second Section\". The value of the stores in question is considerable, approximately $22,000.\n\n## \n\nThe following are the circumstances of the case.\n\nIn 1902, the necessity of largely extending the Water Works for the supply of the City of Victoria and Hill District became apparent and, on the advice of the late Mr. Osbert Chadwick, C.M.G., it was decided to develop, to the fullest possible extent, the Tytam Valley, the upper levels of which had already been utilized for the storage of water. As the large scheme contemplated necessitated the carrying out of extensive preliminary and trial works and as the need for an increased water supply was urgent, it was decided to proceed with certain emergency works of a temporary nature and with a modified permanent scheme, the latter of which would eventually be incorporated with the larger works contemplated.\n\n## \n\nThe emergency works included the installation of a temporary", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 480444, "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": "CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9]", "page_number": 174, "title": "CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9]", "content_text": "169\n\n**TELEGRAM** from the Officer Administering Government of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (Received Colonial Office 1.40 a.m. 8th August $19)\n\nMy despatch 16th December confidential. Owing to increased cost of building, erection of houses for Europeans is practically at a standstill and existing accommodation is taxed to the uttermost. An important local land and building company is negotiating for sale to Japanese subjects of a well-situated site in upper levels of Victoria, but offer to erect forthwith six 1st Class flats for Europeans at cost of $150,000 if Government of Hong Kong will advance funds at 5% to be repaid in fifteen years. They also offer to erect 18 smaller flats in Kowloon at cost of $225,000 on same terms; they agree that rentals would be limited to nett return of 8% on total outlay and offer 1st Class security. I strongly recommend (grant of) loan on these terms and should be glad to receive an early reply to my telegram.\n\n**SEVERN**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 480446, "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": "CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9]", "page_number": 176, "title": "CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9]", "content_text": "## STATIONS IN LONDON\n\nTerminus: Novello Rodr \nSIGNALLY, AVE, LONDON. \nTrunk Call No.: \n3832 London Wall Electra House, Finsbury Pavement, E.C. \n4408 Avenue (4 Lines) \n3632 London Wall - 11, Old Broad Street, E.C. \nTelecommand Avenues: \n\n## TOCOT JU SCCOWOQSFTON TS CakeC PS \nSIGNALLY, AVE, LONDON. \n\"The Baltic\" Bury St. Entrance \n2528 Gerrard - 851 Avenue - 852 Avenue \n449, Strand, W.C. (Charing Cross) \n2942 Hop. \n2516 Gerrard - 6, Denden Street, Borough, S.E. \n41 & 42, Parliament Street \n8, Leadenhall Street, E.C. \n1014 Holborn - 37, Holborn Viaduct, E.C. \nMarket Building, 2p, Mincing Lane - 36, Mark Lane, E.C. \nForeign Auction Mart, Covent Garden, W.C. \n\n## Head Office\nElectra House, Finsbury Pavement, E.C. \nTelephone: 1127 LONDON WALL. \nTelegraphic Address: \"EASTERN AVE,\" LONDON.\n\n# CONTINUATION SHEET NO.\nName: Своравно \nCircuit Ref.: E. T. Co., Ld. 171 Mano4/144 \nLOCAL LAND AND BUILDING COMPANY negotiating SALE of well-situated SITE IN UPPER LEVELS OF VICTORIA but available for 1st Class flats for Europeans. \n50 flats to be erected forthwith at cost of $150,000. \nIF required will advance at 5% to be repaid in fifteen years.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 483474, "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": "CO129-460 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [1-4]", "page_number": 285, "title": "CO129-460 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [1-4]", "content_text": "283\n\nColony the European population resided on the upper levels of the western part of Victoria, and the gradual encroachment of Chinese within this area led to the passing of the European District Reservation Ordinance of 1888, the preamble of which reads:-\n\n\"Whereas the health and comfort of Europeans in a tropical climate demands conditions which are inconsistent with the neighbourhood of houses crowded with occupants and otherwise used after the manner customary with the Chinese inhabitants, and whereas the influx of Chinese into the Colony tends constantly to narrow the area of the City of Victoria where such conditions are attainable, and it is desirable to reserve by law a district wherein such conditions may be secured\".\n\n4.\n\nIt will be seen that the framers of this enactment had in view the housing of the European population; but as it dealt with the type of house only, with no restriction as to the nationality of the occupants, the Chinese and latterly the Japanese have gradually permeated the district, until at the present day they occupy practically every house within it. From the Europeans who were thus displaced, those who could afford it migrated to the Peak, the rest to Kowloon. The Peak is a district where the European cannot be ousted, but residence there is available only for the well-to-do.\n\nIn Kowloon, the larger-pursed Oriental has already begun his invasion of the houses which were built with a view to occupation by Europeans.\n\n41015116\n\n6.\n\nThere is a large and growing demand for some area on the lower levels, reasonably accessible to the business centre of the Colony, within which Europeans may live separately, according to their own habits and customs, with their children free from association with children trained to a different standard of conduct and morality: a point which is emphasised in Sir Henry May's confidential despatch of the 23rd August, 1916, regarding the Peak School.\n\nThe matter is a difficult and delicate one to handle. The opposition to be expected from the Chinese is foreshadowed in their...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-460 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [1-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 484382, "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": "CO129-462 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [7-10]", "page_number": 244, "title": "CO129-462 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [7-10]", "content_text": "233\n\nC\n\nito noidi IKEA\n\n-30102-007\n\n2011\n\nAmitu moc res.th [staned\n\nот\n\n· Fi\n\nA\n\n•\n\nin deeds e eti\n\n7\n\nreq\n\n,112\n\nang 1920 Bade) (.8.[.J.C) [OENE vendapot,male sát mutar of\n\n.mal end to acitaušių adj\n\nVaÏIKO 9916 DIT\n\n- F\n\nה\n\nརྒྱུ་\n\nIki ni dar$16490 te!\n\narojo\" ad blooda di todd 102) not 19jjal voitto nel) .3081 non-icheng YM .(30€[,anul\n\nHOVI KI NAŠLI\n\nte dro baðnics (eli?\n\nTIB\n\nc) - niedon var ret tracesvol [einolob sdt\n\nJeg rig a brieron di ge melife\" [«le for all vi hetmaro ad blunde shoprug\n\nprofesionáttakv-2) stor ne 108,8\n\np\n\nVE\n\n7\n\nSvel ist deit\n\nTAIP AT VIS.'d dera veelo don\n\nLe mallinios of diemmavou !aine[00 si to dreq and „bar, wild to meld.=njaib sie ni den draggű tell odd\n\nI bag Menob\n\nI\n\n.E\n\nnë bun! nage angrees\n\nד.\n\nand duo tmir. od ytimes\n\nthe barracks, and, owing to its configuration, it is of consider-\n\nable value for training troops.\n\n4.\n\nThis is the only area within two miles of the barracks where it would be possible to make a recreation ground. A great part of it is used as a golf course by the United Services Recreation Club, by permission of the Colonial Govern-\n\nment.\n\nThe lower part of the area on which the Colonial Govern-\n\nment now wishes to build, approximately from the 50' contour to Gascoigne Road, is a gentle slope which could easily be levelled for football, &c. and several grounds and tennis courts could be made in other parts.\n\n5. This is also the only area in the southern part of Kowloon Peninsula which forms a good natural park. The land to the north is too tumbled and steep, too much enclosed, and for the most part quite barren, and covered with cement from the chimneys of the Cement Works.\n\nThis is not a military matter except in so far as the amenities of the barracks are affected. A few European houses with enclosed grounds on the upper levels of King's Park would be unobjectionable from this point of view, but I feel sure that if once the principle that this is a public park is infringed, it will not be long before the whole is built over.\n\n6. It should be remembered that the land shown on this sheet comprises the whole of the ceded territory: what is north of it, is only leased until 1997. By that time I presume all the rest of the ceded territory will be crowded with buildings,\n\nand the presence of a park in the south may be a matter of very great importance. The date for giving up the leased territory is far distant, and the prospect of having to do so is never taken into consideration locally: but I do not think it should be entirely ignored.\n\n7. I am aware that if I plead for the retention of this land as a park I shall be accused of trying to \"hamper the development of the colony\": and it is true that the erection of many more European dwellings is an urgent necessity, and that\n\neasily", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-462 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [7-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 484383, "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": "CO129-462 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [7-10]", "page_number": 245, "title": "CO129-462 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [7-10]", "content_text": "Page 234\n\neasily accessible sites are scarce. But the remedy is to put up with comparative inaccessibility, and lessen it by levelling, building roads, running omnibus and tram services, etc. This will have to be done on a large scale very soon, and in my opinion, and in that of most of the civilians, has already been postponed far too long.\n\n8.\n\nI may remark that the price to be paid for this land is very far below its market value, which is probably about 1 per square foot.\n\n9.\n\nIf it is decided that the whole ground cannot be kept indefinitely as a park, I suggest that the Colonial Government should be asked to confine building to the hilly parts,\n\nand that the War Department should take back all the lower parts on the east, roughly up to the 50' contour, and elsewhere up to the 100' as a general military recreation ground. The upper levels are not at all too steep for building upon and there would be no difficulty in building a road suitable for motor cars up to the summits. A good deal of levelling would be required to make large grounds on the lower levels but this would apply equally anywhere in Hongkong: and King's Park has tremendous advantages in site, surroundings, and aspect.\n\nI have, etc.\n\nJ. R. YOUNG,\n\nColonel,\n\nCommanding the Forces in China.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-462 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [7-10].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 488514, "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": 255, "title": "CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12]", "content_text": "## 248 \n\n8 \n\nAn electric light plant on No. 1 Fire Float has been approved and will be supplied forthwith. The float will be lighted up and clusters of lights worked from the float or in the alternative a searchlight. A portable searchlight should be carried on No. 2 Boat. A certain number of powerful oil lamps and also electric hand torches should be carried on board as has been suggested. A coffee machine and a supply of provisions for firemen should also be carried on each float. The hose couplings of the 4\" hose should be discarded and automatic couplings provided. I further recommend that the Naval Authorities be approached in the matter of lending assistance when required, particularly at fires on board ships. Their general training and familiarity with ships make them particularly well fitted to fight an outbreak of fire on board ship. They are also supplied with smoke helmets. It would, I think, be advisable to have a definite arrangement with the Naval Authorities for the supply of men and smoke helmets when required, provided they agree. Naval parties at present attend all large fires and are most useful but their services would be invaluable at ship fires.\n\n### C-Fire Stations \n\nExclusive of two small Fire Stations at Shaukiwan and Un Long, each containing a steam fire engine, the Fire Stations consist of:-\n\n1. 3-storied old building in Queen's Road Central, Victoria.\n2. New Fire Station at Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui.\n\nThe present Fire Brigade Headquarters are quite unsuitable for Fire Brigade work. They consist of a number of tenement houses converted into what must have been intended as temporary Fire Brigade premises only. The building is too small, has no yard or drill ground of any kind and obstructs the footpath. It is also situated on a narrow street which hampers the movement of the fire appliances, and the street is completely obstructed when the Brigade turns out. The premises are too small to house the number of fire appliances on order or the personnel. The turntable ladders could not be housed there owing to their size. Plans for a new Station opposite the Central Market have been prepared and work will, it is hoped, be commenced on the new Fire Brigade Headquarters this year. This building meets all the latest requirements of an up-to-date Station and will be an invaluable asset to the Brigade when completed. It contains accommodation for 8 motor appliances, quarters for 100 firemen, married quarters for Chinese Foremen, mechanics and others who must necessarily live on the premises, and married quarters also for the Superintendent and the Station Officer (European). A hose tower, drill tower and an ample yard are also provided. Rapid access to the ground floor from the firemen's quarters will be provided by means of brass poles. Doors opening automatically will also be fitted. Drying rooms and machine shops are also included. (See Appendix C.) This building can, however, hardly be completed under 2 to 3 years, as it forms one side of a large block of buildings covering the whole site opposite the Central Market in Des Voeux Road. It will therefore be necessary to house the Brigade or some part of it in temporary premises to supplement the present premises in Queen's Road Central. Such premises can be erected on the temporary reclamation near No. 2 Police Station, Wanchai. According to the present scheme, it is not proposed to have Sub-Stations in Victoria but to concentrate the entire Brigade at Headquarters, but should it be found advisable, the question of Sub-Stations can be considered in connection with new District Police Stations in Wanchai and Sai Ying Pun Districts. It might be well to station one Motor pump with extension ladder in each of these districts, but no doubt the experience gained by opening the temporary Sub-Station in Wanchai will make it possible to come to definite conclusions on this subject. The temporary premises should be large enough to take two machines and 20 firemen. They should be ready in time to take one or more of the new machines on order from home which will arrive in the autumn. This arrangement appears to be the best solution of the housing problem of the Brigade in Victoria during the erection of the new Headquarters.\n\nThe new premises in Kowloon are adequate for the equipment of the Brigade, but it will be necessary shortly to erect quarters for the firemen on the premises. They are at present housed at the Water Police Station adjoining, where the accommodation is inadequate. Owing to the excellent situation of the Fire Station on a broad thoroughfare giving easy access to all parts of Kowloon, it is considered that this Station will suffice for the needs of the peninsula for some time to come.\n\n### (III)-Water Supply and Water Pressure \n\nGenerally speaking, the water supply for fire purposes is good. It is controlled by the Water Authority, a Sub-Department of the P.W.D. The pressure in Victoria is good, though it varies considerably in different districts at different hours. Group Hydrants have been supplied throughout the City as shown in Appendix D. The group hydrants consist of groups of three hydrants at important points. The motor pumps are worked off a dam which is kept filled by the 3 hydrants which are close together, one hydrant being insufficient for the purpose as the draw off by the pump is too great. Before the introduction of group hydrants, much time was lost in connecting up two or three hydrants situated some distance apart to feed the dam. It is further proposed to pump direct from the mains when possible by means of 3-way collecting heads fitted direct to the suction of the pump, thus avoiding the use of a dam, as the latter entails a good deal of waste of water and loss of pressure in the mains. The only difficulty which still exists as regards water pressure in the City is on the upper levels. These cannot be reached by the Motor Pumps, as there is no motor road to such levels, as Queen's Gardens, May Road and Conduit Road. The danger of serious conflagrations on these levels is, however, slight as the houses are detached or semi-detached. The pressure in the mains is sufficient to confine an outbreak to the premises it starts in. The same remarks apply to the Peak where the fire appliances are confined to Despatch Boxes containing hose and standpipes and nozzles which are worked direct off the mains.\n\nIn Kowloon, group hydrants have been provided as shown in Appendix D. The pressure is very good indeed in Sham Shui Po (Sai Kok), which is now connected up by a 10\" main to the 12\" principal feed main. This main is also available in Shanghai Street up to Waterloo Road. Tsim Sha Tsui is as yet not getting the benefit of the 15\" main in Kowloon Road as this main cannot be connected to the 18\" main in Taipo Road until the Nathan Road end of Coronation Road is driven through the hill. It is anticipated that this connection will be through in about a year. Hunghom is supplied by an 8\" main. The principal buildings at Tsim Sha Tsui, e.g., The Kowloon Wharf & Godown Co.'s premises and Holt's Wharf are served by the Fire Floats as are also the Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Co.'s premises. Outlying shipyards are mainly protected by the Fire Floats. Such premises, however, should have and mostly do have their own fire appliances to supplement the Government Fire Brigade. The owners of premises where there are furnaces, blacksmith's shops and matsheds cannot expect the entire fire protection of their premises to be undertaken by the Fire Brigade. They should have their own fire service as is the case already on all such premises as H.M. Naval Yard, The Kowloon & Whampoa Docks and the Tai Koo Docks.\n\n### (IV)-Estimate of Cost of Fire Brigade \n\nThe upkeep of the Fire service at present costs $77,213 p.a. made up as follows:\n| Category | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| Personal Emoluments | $36,700 |\n| Other Charges | $40,513 |\n| Total | $77,243 |\n\nSpecial expenditure on new appliances for the year 1921 is estimated at $11,220. To which $16,600 must be added owing to loss in exchange and higher prices prevailing now. Total $27,820.\n\nThe proposed expenditure entailed by the re-organization of the Brigade, which includes all changes except Buildings, is as follows:\n| Category | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| Personal Emoluments | $59,102 |\n| Other Charges | $19,500 |\n| Total | $78,602 |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 488700, "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": 441, "title": "CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12]", "content_text": "## Bang Bang\n\nE\n\nGovernment one. The harbour and on the lower levels is always fairly hot, but the Peak is always fairly cool. Sailors and civilians live here all the year round, many of them on the Lower levels and the sailors are only here for two years. Possibly to live on ships all the summer would be too trying; in any case, the ships would be cruising to Japan in the worst heat, as they did before Weihaiwei was taken over. If a part of the money which would be required to make Weihaiwei a really satisfactory possession were spent in building on the upper levels houses for married officers and barracks in which the men could be quartered in detachments, and recreation grounds which could be provided by reclamations or on the mainland near the railway, the Navy would have nothing to complain of.\n\nBritish residents in China could always go to other places, Peitai Foo, Tsingtao &c.\n\nMy view therefore is that we should restore the place to China. If we can get anything substantial in return, it might be a good bargain. On the other hand, we might profit more in the end by giving without asking for anything in return, by gaining good-will and a reputation for disinterestedness.\n\nThe question of a quid pro quo suggests another matter which is of great importance. As you no doubt know, the New Territories of Hongkong are held on a lease of which only about 75 years are still to run. The question of what is to happen then has been on my mind for some time. If China claims the leased area back, can we refuse? I think the position will be very awkward. The military considerations which made it necessary to lease this territory will still be present. Moreover, the water supply of Kowloon is in this area, and as the population in the island increases, it is not improbable that we shall have to draw water for Hongkong from the mainland reservoir by means of pipes under the harbour in a few years or so.\n\nPage 433", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 491487, "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": "CO129-474 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [1-4]", "page_number": 28, "title": "CO129-474 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [1-4]", "content_text": "1 \n\n- 6 -- \n\nINTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS. \n\nAs the life of Hongkong centres round the harbour its internal communications are largely by water. Regular ferry services cross the harbour in various directions, and in addition there is a large fleet of launches owned by commercial firms, and numerous motor boats, sampans, etc., plying for hire. \n\nOn the island there is an electric tram service, the lines running along the south side of the harbour for practically the whole length of the island; the steepness and proximity of the hills renders any lateral development of this system impossible. \n\nThere is also a funicular tramway running from the lower levels up to the residential areas on the Peak, the upper terminus being at a level of 1,300 feet. \n\nThere is a plentiful supply of rickshas and sedan chairs, \n\nDuring the last few years it has been the policy of the Government to develop the outlying portions of the Colony by the making of roads suitable for motor traffic, and many new areas are being rendered suitable for residential purposes in this way. \n\nThe extension of suitable roads has led to a large increase in the use of motor cars and, more recently, of motor buses both on the island and on the mainland, \n\nThe establishment of an electric tramway system on the mainland is now under consideration. \n\nNATURAL RESOURCES. \n\nThe mineral resources of the New Territories appear to be valuable but little has actually been done towards their development. Iron, tin, wolfram and lead have been found in useful quantities and promise well for those who are interested in their production, but coal and limestone have not at present been found in workable quantities and this has tended to hamper development. \n\nThe demand for tungsten during the war led to the discovery of tungsten ores in the New Territories and in adjoining parts of China, but with the end of the war interest in these seems to have completely ceased. It is quite possible that other minerals may yet be discovered in the New Territories. A proper geological survey of this district, which is contemplated, should well repay the cost which it would involve, besides being of general scientific interest. \n\nThe Colony's greatest asset from the point of view of the development of industries is the practically inexhaustible supply of labour from the neighbouring districts of China. \n\nAGRICULTURAL. \n\nAgriculture is almost entirely in the hands of the Chinese. The staple crop is rice of which two harvests each year are obtained in the better low-lying lands and one in places where the water supply is not so abundant. Ground-nuts and sugar-cane are also grown on the higher cultivated lands. The land on the whole is poor and cannot compete with the rich lands of the Canton Delta where plentiful crops of fruit \n\nsuch as oranges, bananas, lichees, pumelos, and other crops such as tobacco, mulberries for the feeding of silk worms, palm leaves for the making of fans, etc., are produced. \n\nScientific research might do much to improve the standard of agriculture in the Colony and in South China generally, but so far little has been done in this direction with the exception of the experiments carried out at the experimental garden of the Botanical and Forestry Department at Sheung Shui and by Sir Robert and Lady Ho Tung on their large farm at Fanling in the New Territories. \n\nEfforts to improve the quality of locally grown fruits are being made by the Botanical and Forestry Department, which maintains an experimental garden at Sheung Shui where such fruits as improved Pineapple, Custard apple, Banana, Fig are grown under scientific methods of culture. \n\nEnglish vegetables and salads are also grown, with the idea of inducing the local market gardeners to take up the growing of these commodities by the latest methods. \n\nThere is a great demand for a higher grade of fruit and vegetables among the European population, but up to the present local growers are able to find a ready sale for the low-grade fruits and vegetables produced, so that little attention is paid to improved methods of fruit and vegetable growing, \n\nThe experimental garden is open at all times to visitors and all plants and trees are labelled in English and Chinese. \n\nThe only large agricultural enterprise managed by Europeans is that of the Dairy Farm Company. This Company has imported a large stock of foreign cattle and affords the Colony an excellent supply of fresh milk. It imports and breeds pigs for local consumption. \n\nThere are a few smaller dairy companies chiefly managed by Chinese and Indians. \n\nMuch might be done by the application of scientific methods to improve the live stock of the Colony, consisting principally of pigs, poultry, and cattle in that order of importance. The establishment of a Government Experimental Station in the New Territories for this purpose has been suggested. \n\nFORESTRY. \n\nThe hills of Hongkong and of the New Territories are composed for the most part of weathered granite and other igneous rocks and are covered with coarse grass. Very few trees exist except in the neighbourhood of certain villages, where the woods have a semi-religious significance, and in places where plantations of pines have been made by Government. \n\nThere is ample evidence of the economic possibilities of forestry, but little can be done on a large scale without the sympathy and co-operation of the villagers, which it is now the policy of the Government to enlist. \n\nAs in all forestry work it is necessary to look to the future and not to expect quick returns. \n\n26", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-474 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [1-4].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 493917, "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": "CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922", "page_number": 308, "title": "CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922", "content_text": "underground or re-establishment; also \n\nto recommend with proper safeguard system of \n\ndomestic service in substitution untainted \n\nwith any suspicion of servitude; also what \n\nHONGKONG \n\nExtract from Report on the Census of \n\nthe Colony for 1921. \n\n304 \n\nmeasures should be taken by Government to \n\ncope with anticipated results of the change \n\nnow decided on. You should report to me \n\nby letter as soon as you have issued proclamation \n\nand appointed commission. The report of the \n\nCommission should be obtained and sent to me \n\nwith your recommendations before you leave the \n\nColony in June. \n\n11. Mui Tsai. - Special steps were taken to ascertain the number of young girls engaged without remuneration in \n\ndomestic service, known more commonly as \"mui tsai\", a term \n\nwhich covers all young girls whose parents have assigned their rights of guardianship to other families for a \n\nmonetary consideration, and whose labour is at the free \n\ndisposal of the new guardian till the age for marriage. \n\nThe numbers of those under 14 will be found classified \n\naccording to age in Table XXIII, Part II, those of 14 and \n\nover in Table XXIII. The numbers are for New Territories \n\nNorth 119, New Territories South 39, Island of Hongkong \n\n7,891, Kowloon 300, Floating Population 4; a total of 8,353, \n\nof which there are 5,959 under 14 and 2,394 of 14 and over. \n\nOf these 2,394, I estimate that 30 per cent are under 15, \n\n25 per cent under 16, 20 per cent under 17, 12 per cent under \n\n18, 8 per cent under 19, 5 per cent 19 and above. The \n\nmajority were found in the City of Victoria between Easter \n\nStreet and Glenealy and on the Upper Levels. Under the \n\nage of 5 there are very few; between the ages of 10 and 14 \n\nthe numbers are very equal for each age. The eldest \n\nnoticed was aged 35, several were returned as married, and a few as widows, these evidently had found the homes of their old masters more comfortable than those of their husbands. \n\nThe majority are uneducated, but in the Upper Levels where \n\nthe better classes live, and the greatest proportion of \n\nmui tsai are found, those able to read and write formed 9 \n\nper cent of the total. I estimate that above the age of 19 \n\nthere", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922.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": 503175, "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": 250, "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]", "content_text": "26\n\nwas not a trace of the materials of the structure or the stalls.\n\nRELIVED DROWNED.\n\nwoman\n\nIn a report made by a Chinese married woman at Bay View Station, she stated that her father-in-law, 67 years of age, is missing and is believed to have been drowned.\n\nThe report states that the old man went out of the hut at 3 o'clock in the morning to save his chickens. At this time water was rushing down the hillside and the man was not seen again.\n\n3\n\nChinese\n\nQUARRY BAY DEATH?\n\nAlthough not reported officially, it was gathered from a reliable source yesterday that a Chinese was electrocuted and died at Quarry Bay. He came in contact with a high tension wire which had been dislodged by boulders on the hillside above the quarters of the Sugar Refinery staff.\n\nIt was also stated that a matshed at this point was carried away by falling boulders, but whether there were any occupants in it at the time is not yet known.\n\nTWO MORE DEATHS.\n\nThe death of Private Nihala Ram, of the 2/5 Punjabi Regiment, who was killed as a direct result of being struck by lightning - the only casualty so far reported from this source - was advised by Whitfield Barracks yesterday. The man was sleeping in his quarters at the time. So far as police reports are concerned, this is the only death ascertained in addition to the fatalities at the 3 pumping station.\n\nA report was made by a blacksmith of Pak Tin village, in the Shamshuipo district, of the death of his 16-year-old nephew by drowning in a pond at Kowloon City yesterday forenoon. It is stated that the lad attempted to retrieve a basket of vegetables and was carried away by the flood. The body has not yet been found.\n\nKOWLOON CHAI\n\nOVERLAND CHINA MAIL\n\nnullah, otherwise all the houses would have been inundated.\n\nTRAM SERVICES.\n\nDuring the night a passage for tramcars was made through the debris between Arsenal Street and Garden Road and by 8 o'clock this morning tramcars were running on the main route from Causeway Bay to the Hongkong Bank. It is hoped it will be possible to run right through to Whitty Street.\n\nPokfulam reservoir, at the foot of the Peak, on the south side of the island, was dry in some parts on Sunday. Yesterday morning, the water overflowed.\n\nOwing to the absence of jurors prevented from attending the Criminal Sessions yesterday on account of the flood, Mr. Justice J. X. Wood (Puisne Judge) adjourned the Criminal Sessions until next Monday.\n\nThe flood of water at the Protestant Cemetery, Happy Valley, caused exposing in some cases and tombstones carried away by the flood, some being deposited on the race course. The Jockey Club wall was also broken by the same current which carried away part of the cemetery wall.\n\nSeveral graves were affected by\n\nOn the Shaukiwan Route cars have been running all morning as far as North Point and it is expected that an extension to Quarry Bay will be possible this afternoon. Owing to a landslide at Taikoo it will be impossible to run between Quarry Bay and Shaukiwan for some time.\n\nOn the Happy Valley route cars are being worked via Broadwood Road but it is necessary for them to turn back at the Dragon Motor Garage and this of course results in single line working.\n\nBy Courtesy of Hak Tin Yat\n\n15\n\nThe\n\nMany have been\n\nAs a result of the flood which inundated Kowloon Chai, numerous villagers were left homeless and penniless in view of the loss of their livestock. They were allowed to occupy untenanted and partially completed houses on the Kowloon Tong site. Other small villages in this neighbourhood have been practically wiped out.\n\nKowloon Tong itself by no means escaped the general damage, one house being struck by lightning and practically cleft from top to bottom. A big lake of water which was in process of being filled in overflowed and the residents combined in diverting the flow to a nullah, otherwise all the houses would have been inundated.\n\nChair coolies are reported to be making attempts to obtain extortionate payments for carrying residents to the Peak. A demand for $6 was made of one resident returning home last night. Needless to say, this was not met.\n\n[No. 2998.—July 22, 1926.]\n\nshould be boiled.\n\nThere is also an official announcement regarding supplies to the Peak and higher levels.\n\nWATER ECONOMY.\n\nThe following official communiqué has been received:\n\nHis Excellency desires to impress on all householders on the Peak and Upper Levels, who are affected by the water restrictions rendered necessary by the damage to Pokfulam Pumping Station, the absolute necessity for the greatest economy in the use of water, and the strict control of their staff with this end in view. He feels sure that he can rely upon their loyal co-operation in this matter.\n\nDamage wrought on the Lachi-kok Road by the flood.\n\nThe earliest date by which the Peak tram service will again be in commission is given as Saturday.\n\nSTORM ITEMS.\n\nMr. F. Sutton, of the Public Works Department, and a popular turf enthusiast, had an arm badly cut by glass at the Hongkong Club about 3 a.m. yesterday, at the height of the storm. Mr. Sutton (who stays at the Club) rose to close a window, slipped and his arm went through the glass. Lt. Col. T. A. Robertson and others rendered assistance and Mr. Sutton was conveyed to hospital by ambulance.\n\nWATER RATIONS.\n\nAs from today, the water supply on the island is to be \"rationed,\" owing to damage to works.\n\nIn all areas main districts East of Eastern Street, there will be a two hours' supply daily. West of Eastern Street, water will be turned on from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.\n\n(Eastern Street is the uphill thoroughfare, leading from the western waterfront, up past the tram lines, to Queen's Road West, by the Government Civil Hospital and Lunatic Asylum to Bonham Road.)\n\nAll water for potable purposes should be boiled.\n\nTHE PEAK.\n\nJuly 20.\n\nMessrs. A. S. Watson & Co. Ltd. can supply and deliver Distilled Water to the residents of the Peak and Hill Districts in one pint and 1 gallon bottles and in 3-gallon jars. The efforts of this enterprising company will be appreciated by the many who are suffering from shortage of drinking water.\n\nThe wedding was announced to take place in Shanghai on Friday, the 16th July, between Omar Rumjahn, son of Mrs. A. Rumjahn of Tientsin and Gladys Tamil, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. S. O. Ismail of Hongkong.\n\nNo. 2998. July 22, 1926.)\n\n37 YEARS AGO.\n\nOVERLAND CHINA MAIL\n\n249\n\n27\n\nSTORM ITEMS.\n\nJuly 21.\n\nstill in cases, unopened. Many thousands of dollars were sacrificed in that one place. The tin lining was no protection; mud and water enveloped the lot.\n\nFurther particulars have been received with regard to the carrying away of a matshed by a landslide at Shaukiwan, opposite the main entrance of Taikoo Sugar Refinery (briefly reported yesterday). It appears that two Chinese lads, preparing the morning meal, were in the shed at the time and were crushed to death. Their bodies have not yet been recovered.\n\nOn Monday, the \"China Mail\" referred readers to a storm on May 30, 1889 - 37 years ago.\n\nMr. Yee Cheong, portrait painter of Wyndham Street, who has had his studio in this locality for over 40 years and never shifted elsewhere, gave his experiences of those days.\n\nAnother old resident writes the following:\n\nAs far as I can remember about the great storm of 1889, the rain was quite as heavy as Sunday night. The lightning and thunder were of a different character, but just as alarming.\n\nMurray Barracks on the Queen's Road side was a heap of sand thrown up from bursting drains just outside.\n\nFOUND SHOT.\n\nJuly 21. Mr. W. Blakey, Inspector of engine fitters, was found shot dead in the Naval Yard yesterday during the luncheon interval.\n\nHe was half-way from the house to the pumping station when a heavy shower began to fall. Debating whether he should go on to the pumping station or return to the house for shelter, he eventually decided in favour of the second alternative and no sooner was he safely inside than the huge boulder crashed into the station. This boulder is estimated to weigh between 2,500 and 3,000 tons.\n\nWith regard to the Pokfulam pumping house disaster, it appears that Mr. P. G. Tacchi, brother of Mr. C. J. Tacchi, who was examining stores some olives at the house near the station, had a very narrow escape.\n\nWhilst this was in progress Mr. Blakey left the house. Almost immediately a report was heard. He was found lying on the ground with a revolver nearby and wounds in the head which led to instantaneous death.\n\nDeceased had only arrived in the Colony last May from Portsmouth. He was unmarried and leaves a widowed mother in England. His age is thought to be 30.\n\nThe funeral will take place this evening.\n\nMore Damage Then.\n\nMore damage was done then than this week. Voeux Road was then the Praya. Sampans were up in Pedder Street. The Clock Tower was many feet in sand, the streets were opened up in all directions, drains were choked, huge trees up by the roots were scattered everywhere.\n\nBeautiful Glenealy as it was in those days was entirely ruined. The only house there then was the American Consulate, which stood in grounds far back from the road. Palms grew in Glenealy that have not been seen anywhere since.\n\nH.K. Club in Queen's Road. At the junction of the path from Albert Road was a very fine centre piece. This was torn up by bursting drains, carrying all before it down to Queen's Road.\n\nDakin's Dispensary was then at the corner where the A.P. building now stands. It was flooded out. Sugar-coated pills were being thrown out. Street urchins stood waist-deep in water fishing for them, thinking they were sweets. Their faces were studies when they tasted them.\n\nThe Hongkong Club was where Yee Sang Fat and others are today.\n\nA. S. Watson's were at the corner of D'Aguilar Street, where Tak Cheung is. Then McEwen, Frickel and Co. and Powell's had parts of the ground floor and the top. So much water and sand had accumulated there that it took many days to remove it. The fire engine was kept very busy.\n\nLane, Crawford & Co. were opposite Hall and Holtz. They had godowns below. All their new stock had arrived, but was still in cases, unopened.\n\nThe Good Old Days.\n\nRobinson Road was then the highest road. The Public Gardens were unrecognisable. Everything was torn up and sand enveloped the lot.\n\nRoofs did not leak the same as they do today. Better work was done, or else materials were of better quality.\n\nPhoto by A Fong,\n\nFour men armed with daggers entered a house at Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay, on Saturday night and held up the occupants. They stole money and jewellery to the value of $1,800.\n\nAh Men Hing Cheong.\n\nThis is striking testimony to the havoc wrought by the boulder which crashed into No. 3 pumping station, Pokfulam Road, killing several workmen. The photo shows the size of the great rock, as contrasted with what remains of the building.\n\nOwing to the fact that 80 feet of piping has been carried away on Stubbs Road, it has been found necessary to restrict the water services in areas main districts east of Eastern Street and also to the higher levels and the Peak. All the reservoirs in the Colony except Tytam Tuk, which is 5 feet 3 in. below overflow, are overflowing.\n\nMASTS STRUCK.\n\nJuly 21. The coastal s.s. \"Telemachus\" was struck by lightning on Monday morning, taking away the flag pole on one of her masts.\n\nThe Government rescue tug \"Kau Sing\" was on patrol duty in the harbour during the storm, and lightning struck her mast, splitting it from the \"truck\" to the \"hounds.\"\n\nSo far as can be ascertained, this was the full extent of the damage suffered by local shipping in the violent storm.\n\nAn order was made by Mr. J. H. E. Nihill, at the Kowloon Magistracy on July 20, for the confiscation of eight revolvers and 800 rounds of ammunition which were abandoned by a Chinese in Reclamation Street on Saturday night.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 514472, "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": "CO129-509-15 Water supply- development scheme 30-1-1928 - 17-1-1929", "page_number": 201, "title": "CO129-509-15 Water supply- development scheme 30-1-1928 - 17-1-1929", "content_text": "205\n\n206\n\nValve Houses and Valve Chambers.\n\nDe-watering Pumps.\n\nValve Houses.\n\nValve Houses Roofs.\n\nLanterne.\n\n26\n\njunction between the vertical walls and the invert. The brick and concrete work to be carried up to the levels shown on Drawing No. 8. The outside exposed surface, above low water level, to be faced with Granite Ashlar work corresponding to the adjoining sea wall and finished with heavy 24\" coping blocks as shown, fine dressed on all exposed faces.\n\n26. The valve houses will be octagonal, the rectangular structures below are to have the brickwork at the corners brought out to required distance by off set coursed stone work.\n\nIn both the valve chambers, 30° cast iron connections to be let through the wall with flanges built into the walls, so that the 18\" pipes may be readily and easily inserted and a watertight joint made at the entrance of each. The connecting of pipe lines to valve chambers will require careful consideration, and the method of construction adopted to be approved by the Engineer.\n\nWithin the chambers, the pipes, valves, and other apparatus necessary to connect the 18\" submerged pipes to the 24\" pipes connecting to the land mains to be supplied and erected as on Drawing No. 7. Suitable access gangways to be erected in structural steel work, the beams being carried in the walls on bedstones, fine dressed on the faces, joints and beds. The flooring to be of cast iron plating carried on suitable bearers made so as to be easily lifted out and hinged access provided. The whole of the steel work in the valve chambers is to be galvanized.\n\n27. In each valve chamber a Centrifugal Pump with Motor to be provided, and a delivery pipe erected and carried through the wall above high water level to discharge any water that may collect, and a provisional sum is to be included in the tender, for Kowloon chamber, 5 h.p. motor and 3 inch pump £180, and for Victoria chamber 6 h.p. motor and 3 inch pump £200, delivered f.o.b.\n\n28. Valve houses, Drawing No. 8, are to be erected upon the valve chambers, the walls to be composite, the outer face of fine dressed Granite Ashlar with moulded cope and splayed base, the granite to be of light colour, specially selected by the Engineer, very finely dressed on all exposed faces, joints and beds, and have sufficient number of headers to secure the work into the wall. The inside face of wall to be covered with white glazed brickwork upon a base course 12\" deep of pressed blue bricks.\n\nThe interior of the wall to be filled in with fine concrete 4 to 1, and at four points through the centre of the wall 14′′ wrought iron galvanised bolts with anchor plates to be carried up and secured to a steel wall plate of angle iron. The whole to be solidly bedded and securely anchored down.\n\n29. Each roof to be formed of galvanized steel structural work (Drawing No. 10) expanded metal, all properly connected and constructed to provide a rigid structure and encased in 4 to 1 fine concrete. The concrete to be fine granite chippings or crushed granite and washed sand. The upper and under surface to be finished in fine concrete 2 to 1, worked and brought to a fine smooth surface. The overhanging eaves all round to be worked and throated to shed water. If necessary, drain pipes from roof lantern to be embedded in roof and made to discharge clear of building.\n\nThe structural steel work of the roof to be connected to a 7′′x3′′ angle wall plate with rafters of 4′′x5′′×4\" tees and finished with a channel curbing 7\"X3′′ at the top to form an opening to carry a lantern.\n\nThe whole roof must be thoroughly watertight and storm proof in every way\n\n30. On the roof of each valve house a lantern to be provided secured to the channel curbing, constructed lighthouse pattern of cast iron base, brass lantern and copper dome and a provisional sum of £626 is to be provided for two lanterns manufactured by Chance Bros. & Co., of Birmingham, and delivered packed f.o.b.\n\n27\n\n31. A doorway to be formed into each house fitted with teak door and frame and heavy brass fittings and fastenings, all of heaviest pattern from approved makers. Three lights in each house to be provided of circular ship porthole pattern or other selected, very heavy glazing and suitable for the position, watertight and storm proof from Carron Co., or other maker. Prime cost of six lights, £120.\n\n32. Provide in each valve house a set of lifting gear on an 8\"x4′′ rolled steel joist built into walls on padstones, Drawing No. 8.\n\nThe lifting gear to be a Messrs. Herbert Morris Limited Chain block (No. 2479, page 27 in Catalogue No. 84) or other approved for a working load of two tons.\n\n33. Include a provisional sum of £100 for providing electric lights, switches, lamps and wiring, also for connecting mains at both Kowloon and Victoria and connecting to Electric Companies' mains, as directed by the Engineer.\n\n34. Include a provisional sum of £50 for strutting bracing or otherwise adequately supporting pipes in valve chambers as may be directed by the Engineer.\n\nGANGWAYS.\n\n35. Each valve chamber to be connected to the adjoining sea wall by steel work gangways, Drawing No. 9, supporting the 24\" connecting pipe, covered with galvanized cast iron plates properly secured and guarded with chain handrail. The ends of the girders to be properly built in both at the valve chambers and sea walls.\n\nThe entrance at the sea wall in each case to be protected by a lock-up unclimbable gate, Drawing No. 10, in two leaves with two supporting columns and wing pieces so as to prevent access to the gangway from the shore, heavy brass or galvanized fastenings and fittings and locks, the whole to approved details.\n\nThe gangways are either to be heavily coated with bitumastic compound, or protected, by approved process, from corrosion due to the proximity to sea water.\n\n36. The Contractors may, with the consent of the Engineer, substitute for the structural steel work gangway, a reinforced gangway with girders, and platform of reinforced concrete material obtained in the Colony, and constructed in the Colony.\n\nThe design, etc., must be submitted to, and agreed by, the Engineer.\n\n37. At the two ends of the pipe line, the 24\" pipe is to be laid, to levels shown. Connection through the sea walls, which will be cut through, pipe properly bedded on padstone through Sea Wall, and built in all round in cement, and coping properly replaced.\n\nGENERAL.\n\n38. The Contractors shall, at their own expense, provide and maintain all proper and sufficient pumps and pumping appliances, and shall pump out or otherwise remove any water which from any cause whatever at any time, may be found in the pipes, valve chambers or other works.\n\nThe Contractors shall not allow any water to run over or rise behind any work until such work shall have set or become sufficiently hardened so as, in the opinion of the Engineer, not to be injuriously affected thereby.\n\n39. All materials supplied to be used on the Works shall be of the very best quality and capable of withstanding such test or tests as the Engineer or Inspector may direct to be made.\n\n40. Provide the sum of One Thousand Pounds (£1,000) for such additional work as the Engineer may direct, this amount together with all other provisional amounts or P.C. items required to be included in Tender will be deducted in whole or part if not required.\n\n41. The pipe line valve chambers and appurtenant works to be constructed and left perfectly watertight, and the Contract sum shall be deemed to include any further works which the Contractors may consider necessary, additional to those specified, or shown on the drawings.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-509-15 Water supply- development scheme 30-1-1928 - 17-1-1929.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 515878, "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": "CO129-511-22 Annual general report 1927 12-10-1928 - 26-11-1928", "page_number": 15, "title": "CO129-511-22 Annual general report 1927 12-10-1928 - 26-11-1928", "content_text": "15. A new Railway Ordinance No. 28 of 1927 revising the Ordinance No. 21 of 1909, came into force in December.\n\nINTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS.\n\nAs the life of Hong Kong centres round the harbour, its internal communications are largely by water. Regular ferry services cross the harbour in various directions, and in addition, there is a large fleet of launches owned by commercial firms, and numerous motor-boats, sampans, etc. plying for hire between the shore and vessels in the stream.\n\nOn the island, there is an electric tram service, the lines running along the south side of the harbour for practically the whole length of the island; the steepness and proximity of the hills renders any lateral development of this system impossible.\n\nThere is also a funicular tramway running from the lower levels up to the residential area on the Peak, the upper terminus being at a level of 1,300 feet.\n\nThere is a plentiful supply of rickshaws and sedan-chairs, and a large number of motor cars which ply for public hire. Taxicabs have recently been reintroduced.\n\nThere are excellent motor roads round the island and to the Peak, and also round the New Territories. No large extensions were made in 1927. (See Public Works).\n\nPOST OFFICE.\n\nMails. The number of mail receptacles of Hong Kong origin dispatched during the year was 35,159 as compared with 31,863 in 1926, an increase of 3,296; the number received was 43,638 as compared with 38,262--an increase of 5,376.\n\nReceptacles in transit, including those to and from British and Foreign Men-of-War, numbered 194,200 as against 186,806 in 1926--an increase of 7,394.\n\nRegistered Articles and Parcels. The number of registered articles handled amounted to 888,177 as compared with 880,721 in 1926, a decrease of 7,544 (corrected from 47,544).\n\nThe figures for insured letters were 17,648 and 20,236 respectively, a decrease of 2,588.\n\nThe decrease in the number of insured letters was due to the fact that some countries are now forwarding insured letters direct to China in closed sacks.\n\nParcels, ordinary and insured, which were dealt with reached a total of 424,047 as against 555,345 in 1926--a decrease of 131,298 (corrected from 131,307).\n\nWIRELESS.\n\nA radio-telegraph station established at Cape D'Aguilar provides communication with vessels in ports. The Kowloon Royal Observatory W/T Station, longitude 114° 10' 18.7\" E., latitude 22° 18' 13.2\" N., opened for meteorological traffic on 1st April, 1927. Call sign \"G.O.W.\"\n\nThe revenue collected by the Post Office during the year from radiotelegrams amounted to $122,798.02, an increase of $55,596.63 on the amount collected in 1926.\n\nThe number of radiotelegrams forwarded during the year was 22,793, consisting of 209,171 words against 7,836, consisting of 81,000 words in 1926, and 26,326 were received, consisting of 276,078 words as against 13,725, consisting of 156,128 words in 1926.\n\nCABLES.\n\nThe Eastern Extension Telegraph Company (British) by means of three cables to Singapore, one direct and two via Labuan and Cape St. James respectively, provides good connections with Europe via India, with Australasia, and with other British Colonies and possessions. By their cable to Manila, connection is made with the direct American cable, thence to San Francisco. Two cables to Shanghai, belonging respectively to the Eastern Extension and to the Great Northern (Danish) Companies, via Foochow and Amoy respectively, give a good connection with Shanghai, North China, Japan, and Russia; and the system of the Great Northern Telegraph Co. gives a good service to Europe via Asiatic Russia.\n\nTELEPHONES.\n\nTelephonic communication, provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Co., is available to most parts of the Colony.\n\nVI. Justice, Police and Prisons.\n\nSerious crime in 1927 showed an increase over that in 1926--4,553 cases against 3,718 in 1926. Minor crime also showed an increase--19,891 cases against 16,335 cases in 1926.\n\nThe increase in serious crime is accounted for almost entirely by increases under burglary and larceny. Throughout the year, there was a large number of unemployed in the Colony, while the Police Force, owing to difficulty in obtaining recruits, was appreciably below establishment strength.\n\nThere were decreases of 10 and 9 cases in murder and robbery respectively.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-511-22 Annual general report 1927 12-10-1928 - 26-11-1928.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 515897, "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": "CO129-511-22 Annual general report 1927 12-10-1928 - 26-11-1928", "page_number": 34, "title": "CO129-511-22 Annual general report 1927 12-10-1928 - 26-11-1928", "content_text": "57\n\n14\n\n15. A new Railway Ordinance No. 28 of 1927 revising the Ordinance No. 21 of 1909, came into force in December.\n\nINTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS.\n\nAs the life of Hong Kong centres round the harbour its internal communications are largely by water. Regular ferry services cross the harbour in various directions, and in addition there is a large fleet of launches owned by commercial firms, and numerous motor-boats, sampans, etc. plying for hire between the shore and vessels in the stream.\n\nOn the island there is an electric tram service, the lines running along the south side of the harbour for practically the whole length of the island; the steepness and proximity of the hills renders any lateral development of this system impossible.\n\nThere is also a funicular trainway running from the lower levels up to the residential area on the Peak, the upper terminus being at a level of 1,800 feet.\n\nThere is a plentiful supply of rickshaws and sedan-chairs, and a large number of motor cars which ply for public hire. Taxicabs have recently been reintroduced.\n\nThere are excellent motor roads round the island and to the Peak, and also round the New Territories. No large extensions were made in 1927. (See Public Works).\n\nPOST OFFICE.\n\nMails. The number of mail receptacles of Hong Kong origin dispatched during the year was 35,159 as compared with 31,863 in 1926 an increase of 3,296; the number received was 43,638 as compared with 38,262-an increase of 5,876.\n\nReceptacles in transit, including those to and from British and Foreign Men-of-War, numbered 194,200 as against 186,806 in 1926– an increase of 7,394.\n\nRegistered Articles and Parcels. The number of registered articles handled amounted to 888,177 as compared with 880,721 in 1926-a decrease of 7,544.\n\nThe figures for insured letters were 17,648 and 20,236 respectively a decrease of 2,588.\n\nThe decrease in the number of insured letters was due to the fact that some countries are now forwarding insured letters direct to China in closed sacks.\n\nParcels, ordinary and insured, which were dealt with reached a total of 424,047 as against 555,345 in 1926-a decrease of 131,298.\n\n15\n\nWIRELESS.\n\nA radio-telegraph station established at Cape D'Aguilar provides communication with vessels in ports. The Kowloon Royal Observatory W/T Station, longitude 114° 10' 18.7\" E., latitude 22° 18' 13.2\" N., opened for meteorological traffic on 1st April, 1927. Call sign \"G.O.W.”\n\nThe revenue collected by the Post Office during the year from radiotelegrams amounted to $122,798.02, an increase of $55,596.63 on the amount collected in 1926.\n\nThe number of radiotelegrams forwarded during the year was 22,798 consisting of 209,171 words against 7,836 consisting of 81,000 words in 1926, and 26,326 were received consisting of 276,078 words as against 13,725 consisting of 156,128 words in 1926.\n\nCABLES.\n\nThe Eastern Extension Telegraph Company (British) by means of three cables to Singapore, one direct and one each via Labuan & Cape St. James respectively, provide good connections with Europe via India, with Australasia, and with the other British Colonies and possessions. By their cable to Manila connection is made with the direct American cable, thence to San Francisco. Two cables to Shanghai, belonging respectively to the Eastern Extension and to the Great Northern (Danish) Companies, via Foochow and Amoy respectively, give a good connection with Shanghai, North China, Japan and Russia; and the system of the Great Northern Telegraph Co. gives a good service to Europe via Asiatic Russia.\n\nTELEPHONES.\n\nTelephonic communication, provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Co., is available to most parts of the Colony.\n\nVI. Justice, Police and Prisons.\n\nSerious crime in 1927 showed an increase over that in 1926— 4,558 cases against 3,713 in 1926. Minor crime also showed an increase-19,891 cases against 16,335 cases in 1926.\n\nThe increase in serious crime is accounted for almost entirely by increases under burglary and larceny. Throughout the year there was a large number of unemployed in the Colony, while the Police Force, owing to difficulty in obtaining recruits, was appreciably below establishment strength.\n\nThere were decreases of 10 and 9 cases in murder and robbery respectively.\n\n58", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-511-22 Annual general report 1927 12-10-1928 - 26-11-1928.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 517181, "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": "CO129-513-6 Hong Kong water supply- schemes for development and improvement 25-1-1929 - 2-8-1929", "page_number": 34, "title": "CO129-513-6 Hong Kong water supply- schemes for development and improvement 25-1-1929 - 2-8-1929", "content_text": "# THE WATER SHORTAGE\n\n## WHY A RIDER MAIN SUPPLY CANNOT BE GIVEN. HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO PAY FOR THEIR WATER. THE \"TANKER SUGGESTION\" ANALYSED.\n\nA third meeting of the Water Emergency Committee was held on July 8 in the Council Chamber. The most interesting business from the point of view of the \"man on the meter\" was the decision, at the suggestion of the Colonial Secretary, that all meter users in Hong Kong (not Kowloon) should pay 50 cents per thousand gallons.\n\nThe Director of Public Works gave a detailed summary of the present water position and of the means which had been taken to cope with the drought.\n\n## MOST SERIOUS. USELESSNESS OF TWO HOURS A DAY MAIN SUPPLY.\n\nMr. Creasy said: The rainfall for the 12 months ending June 30, 1929, as recorded at the Royal Observatory, totalled 37.27in., by far the lowest ever recorded for a continuous period of 12 months. The previous lowest rainfall was in 1895 when 45.83in. fell during that year. These figures speak for themselves.\n\nThe present water position is the most serious the Colony has had to face for very many years, and it is not at all surprising that a house supply to all rider main districts cannot be given at this critical time.\n\nIt was on November 1, 1928, that the rider main supply was discontinued, and a constant supply by street fountains only had to be introduced as, at that time, the storage in the reservoirs had fallen to 1,410 million gallons, and the consumption on full supply had just previously reached the maximum of about 12 million gallons a day.\n\nThe present storage in the reservoirs is 162 million gallons, and the consumption has been reduced to about three million gallons a day, due to restrictions and to the water obtained from outside the Colony.\n\nNot until the storage in the reservoirs has again approached the figures for last November can restrictions be entirely removed.\n\nDuring certain periods of every year, restrictions have had to be resorted to, and the supply from street fountains has taken the place of the house supplies in the rider main districts.\n\nIt is most unfortunate that, owing to the continued drought, it has been found necessary to reduce the street fountains supply and introduce the still more irksome tank system, the water for which has to be obtained from outside sources.\n\nThe maximum consumption when the City is on full supply has been shown to be 12 million gallons, and with the present restrictions in force, the consumption has been reduced to three million gallons.\n\n## WHERE UPPER STORIES GET NOTHING.\n\nThe houses which are served by the rider mains are in the most thickly populated part of the City, and, owing to their height (4 storeys) and the difference in levels of the hillside upon which they are built, unless the city is divided into sections from East to West, a supply of two hours to the whole rider main district would result in distribution, the unequal lower levels would alone obtain a supply, whilst the upper storeys and the higher level houses would obtain little or no water. The consumption would also be excessive in the houses obtaining a supply.\n\nIf a rider main supply were now introduced in the various sections of the City for two hours, it would result in a rise in the consumption to six million gallons, and this rate of consumption is impossible under the present circumstances.\n\nThe rider mains can be shut off from the principal mains independently without affecting the metered supplies, but when all or any section of the rider main supply is in operation, either direct to the houses or through the fountains, the principal mains they are fed must necessarily be in action.\n\n## TANK SYSTEM OF SUPPLY.\n\nA house service supply being impossible, the only course left is to give a sufficient supply through tanks at as convenient points as possible. If perfected, this system of supply from tanks becomes the equivalent of constant supply by street fountains, a system which it has been frequently necessary to have recourse to in the past.\n\nThe tank system has not yet been developed to its full capacity. By more frequent filling of the tanks and with additional taps and lengths of piping, the queues can be considerably reduced. This has already been done where the regular system has come into force; for instance, in the case of the tanks in Gilman and Centre Streets and at Western Market, which have been connected up and are supplied regularly by waterboats. At Laichikok, the queues have almost ceased to exist.\n\nThe extensions to the brick tanks on the Praya have just been completed, and these are being connected together so as to facilitate filling from lighters or waterboats. When fully developed, this system should appreciably augment supplies.\n\nWhen the existing low-level tank system has been fully developed and the outside sources of supply have been increased, it will be possible to introduce tanks on a higher level zone of about 100 feet above the sea, and when this extended system is in operation, it will be possible still further to conserve the rapidly diminishing water supply on the Island.\n\nCentrifugal pumps, electrically driven, would deliver water to these tanks either from the large brick tanks on the Praya or direct from lighters. Long supply pipes with the necessary number of taps would be laid from these upper tanks so as to embrace as large a district as possible and reduce carrying to a minimum.\n\n## SUPPLIES FROM THE MAINLAND.\n\nThere are at the moment three available sources of supply on the mainland, viz., from Laichikok, Tsun Wan, and Shamchun, the last of which is expected to be in operation this week.\n\nDuring the summer months, it is anticipated that fully two million gallons a day can be obtained from these sources and transported to the Hong Kong tanks by waterboats or lighters.\n\nAs these supplies begin to fail in the autumn, the service from the West River, where there is limited water, will have to be further developed to meet the deficiency.\n\n## IMPRACTICABLE.\n\nGovernment having decided that a regular service of large tankers for Tytam Tuk is impracticable, it now remains to deal with the question of a service of Coasters or lighters, with tugs.\n\nThe proposal to discontinue the free allowance of water to metered supplies is being considered, and no doubt any move in this direction would have the desired effect of further restricting consumption. A house supply to rider main properties at the present time is utterly out of the question, and no matter what supplies might be brought into the Colony, they should be utilized to increase the present storage, and not the consumption, until the position has vastly improved. This cannot be too strongly emphasized.\n\n32 \n## Page 32", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-513-6 Hong Kong water supply- schemes for development and improvement 25-1-1929 - 2-8-1929.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 524301, "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": "CO129-524-1 Reports of Salaries Commission 31-12-1929 - 27-10-1930", "page_number": 75, "title": "CO129-524-1 Reports of Salaries Commission 31-12-1929 - 27-10-1930", "content_text": "HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1930.\n\nMONEY OBTAINED WITH MENACES.\n\nHONG KONG HOTEL | EXTRADITION CASE COLD ROOMS. CONCLUDED. DOUGLAS GIFFORD GETS YEAR'S GAOL. INDIAN DOCTOR WHO WAS INTIMIDATED.\n\nAppearing on a remand charge of fighting, Douglas Gifford, a Eurasian, was confronted with new charges when he appeared before Mr. Whyte-Smith at the Kowloon Magistracy yesterday. He was alleged to have demanded from an Indian doctor the sum of $180 with menaces and the conversion to his own use of a raincoat, watch and chain.\n\nTwo other persons, Chan Leung and Ho Yee (a married woman), were also charged with demanding money in connection with the affair. Gifford pleaded guilty to the three charges.\n\n\"MENUS\" DISCUSSED IN COURT. FISH FIRST AND CHICKEN AFTERWARDS.\n\nCold storage matters were further discussed at the Supreme Court yesterday when Mr. Rasey was cross-examined by Mr. Potter as to the accommodation of the rooms for the various classes of produce and the time taken to reduce the temperature of the goods to the figure provided in the contract.\n\nAfter a series of questions in the morning, the Court adjourned early to enable the witness to make further calculations and search authorities as to the point at which latent heat is extracted from fish and the freezing point of a chicken. In the afternoon, witness produced Mott's tables and said that latent heat was extracted from fish when the temperature was minus 15 degrees, but at what point it began to be extracted he could not say. Fish would be stored in the cold room at 18 degrees.\n\nMr. Potter: We will have fish first and chicken afterwards. Now what about our chicken? At what point is latent heat extracted from poultry?-Between zero and 10 degrees.\n\nEnters the Girl. Outlining the case for the prosecution, Detective-Sergeant Fitches said that the Indian doctor arrived in the Colony from Rangoon early this year, and took up his abode at 11, Wong Chuk Street. It was there that Gifford came to the doctor's residence on several occasions. On one of his visits, he found a young girl and her aunt in the house. The girl was taken into the house by the amah, who told the doctor that she would be a useful companion during his stay in Hong Kong. The complainant agreed to become engaged to the girl, and the amah bought a ring for $8, in accordance with Chinese custom.\n\nThe girl visited the complainant several times, and on each occasion, Gifford acted as interpreter. The doctor, however, became suspicious and decided to discontinue being \"engaged.\" Gifford, however, remonstrated and explained that the complainant had been guilty of a serious misdeed. The complainant was required to pay $400 as damages, but he agreed to pay only $200. The money was paid, and Gifford brought the girl back to her home in Apliu Street, where he handed over the $200 to the girl's aunt. He received $100 in connection with the part played by him. The aunt had since died.\n\nAlleged Breach of Promise.\n\nSubsequently, Chan Leung and Ho Yee, the second and third defendants, together with another man, visited the complainant in his house. The second defendant claimed to be the girl's uncle and the third defendant styled herself as the elder sister of the girl. Both these statements were untrue. Gifford, who was also present, then told the doctor that another $200 was demanded for his alleged breach of promise. The complainant finally agreed to pay this amount also in monthly instalments of $50.\n\nAt what point does latent heat commence to be extracted?-I cannot say.\n\nHave you, as a matter of interest, tried to freeze fish?-As a matter of money, which is more interesting.\n\nCome back to chicken, the freezing point is anything between zero and 10 degrees?-Yes.\n\nWitness had said that he could store 600 lbs. of chicken in the poultry room, and he disagreed with Mr. Potter that 2,400 lbs. could be stored.\n\nMilk and Eggs.\n\nMr. Potter: Will you give us the storage weight for eggs?-21,000 eggs, and temperature reduction from 90 to 20 degrees.\n\nWhat about latent heat-There is none.\n\nWhat is the freezing point of eggs?-Zero to 10 degrees.\n\nIn the room, there could be 2,880 bottles of milk. There would be no question of latent heat because milk does not freeze at 20 degrees.\n\nWhat is the freezing point?-I don't know.\n\nMr. Rasey: The time, according to Hacker's figures, to bring the milk down to 20 degrees is 14 days?-Yes.\n\nWill you agree that it is an unreasonable time?-Yes.\n\nMAGISTRATE COMMITS \"WANTED\" MAN.\n\nEVIDENCE RAISES A DOUBT.\n\nAt Central Magistracy yesterday, the case in which the Canton authorities are seeking the custody of a Chinese named Tang Yun, for alleged murder which is said to have taken place on April 22 last, in the village of Yuet Tong, Tung Koon district, was concluded.\n\nMr. R. E. Lindseil, in committing the defendant to prison pending the pleasure of His Excellency the Governor, told Mr. F. C. E. Rendall, solicitor for the defence, that the evidence in the case was such as to have raised some doubt in his Worship's mind, but the extent of it was not sufficient to warrant the defendant's discharge. He added, however, that in his statutory report to His Excellency the Governor, he would express the doubts which he had in his mind.\n\nOBITUARY.\n\nMR. GEORGE SHAW PASSES AWAY.\n\nWe regret to record the death of Mr. George Shaw, which occurred at the Government Civil Hospital at 6.15 a.m. yesterday.\n\nMr. Shaw, who was only 35 years of age, had been in indifferent health for the past two years, having been an inmate of the Government Civil Hospital since September, 1927. He was not, however, a bed patient, but he required constant treatment and was very popular with the medical officers and nursing staff, being always ready to lend a hand in an emergency.\n\nThe crisis in his long illness came about a week ago, when he was forced to take to bed permanently, and though he made several rallies followed by heavier relapses during the crisis, these were always the worst of these happened on Thursday night, and early yesterday morning the patient passed away.\n\nThe late Mr. Shaw was a native of Lancashire, and soon after the outbreak of the War, he joined up when he was only 19 years of age. He served with the 3rd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, and in 1918 he was invalided home with malignant malaria, fever and general unfitness for further active service. He was also badly gassed, and was a first-class shot and first-class signaller. He held the General Service and Victory Medals and was demobilised in 1919, when he returned to China to take up an appointment with the Customs. In 1923, he resigned from this post and joined Messrs. Cary & Co., of Canton, and it was in 1927 that he was forced to leave this post on account of bad health and came to Hong Kong for treatment in the Government Civil Hospital.\n\nProceeding, Det.-Sergt. Fitches said that Gifford on several occasions borrowed the doctor's raincoat and his watch and chain. These articles were not returned, as the defendant had pawned them.\n\nIt was stated that Gifford had threatened to issue a summons against the doctor, if the $200 were not paid. The complainant, ignorant of Chinese custom, had thought that he had done a terrible thing.\n\nA Pair of Shoes-And a Fight.\n\nA summons was eventually taken out against the defendant, but it could not be served, as Gifford could not be found. On the evening of June 17, Gifford was caught fighting with a teacher. The quarrel arose on account of a pair of shoes having been borrowed from the teacher. Gifford, on being asked for the return of the shoes, struck the teacher.\n\nGifford was arrested and taken to the police station, where he made a clean breast of the whole matter.\n\nEvidence was then given by the complainant, after which the Magistrate found the three defendants guilty of conspiracy to defraud. His Worship passed sentences of one year's hard labour on Gifford, and $50, or one month's hard labour, on the other two defendants.\n\nWhat temperature do you suggest we should put it in at?-The milk would come from a dairy and be in cold storage. The only dairy I know of in Hong Kong is the Dairy Farm.\n\nThen we have to confine our activities to the Dairy Farm?-No.\n\nThe Funeral.\n\nThe funeral arrangements were undertaken by the local branch of the British Legion and the E.A.S.M.A., and the sad function took place yesterday afternoon. A number of friends, who had gathered at the Monument, followed the hearse to the Protestant Cemetery, Happy Valley, where Mr. Shaw was buried. Among others who stood at the graveside were Mr. F. W. James (President of the British Legion), Captain Laurenson (President of the Ex-Active Service Men's Association), Mr. F. P. Anslow, Mr. J. Murray, and Mr. T. Williams. The burial service was conducted by Rev. H. V. Koop.\n\nFruit and Vegetables.\n\nGiving his figures for fruit, witness said that 60 cases could be put in the fruit room. It would take 13 days to reduce the temperature of the goods from 90 to 34 degrees.\n\nMr. Potter: It is a mere farce about requiring 13 days to reduce the temperature of fruit from 90 to 34 degrees. I say you can do it in 48 hours.\n\nMr. Rasey: No, Sir.\n\nTaking the figures for the vegetable room, Mr. Potter humorously remarked that if they could finish off the vegetables, which appropriately came last, then there would be little left for Monday.\n\nAfter further questions, the cross-examination was adjourned until Monday morning.\n\nA blind man was seen shaving himself with a razor. He wielded the instrument with such skill that those watching him marvelled at it and remarked that the blind man was not one whit less expert in the use of the instrument than a barber.\n\nHaving finished his operations, the man turned to the crowd and said: \"Don't have the mistaken idea that we blind men cannot perform such delicate work as shaving. In all my life, I have never once patronized a barber! I even used to shave my children when my wife was too busy!\"\n\nWreaths were sent by the following:-Sophie and Aggie, Ivy Soong, the Easma Club, Capt. T. T. Laurenson, British Legion, Sisters and Nurses of the Government Civil Hospital, members of the Upper Levels Police Station (Sergeants' Mess), the Police Ward, G.C.H. Staff, G.C.H., and Mr. and Mrs. T. Hynes.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-524-1 Reports of Salaries Commission 31-12-1929 - 27-10-1930.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 525563, "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": "CO129-525-4 Writing off of public money 20-2-1930 - 2-6-1930", "page_number": 12, "title": "CO129-525-4 Writing off of public money 20-2-1930 - 2-6-1930", "content_text": "C\n\nHon. Inspector General of Police,\n\nAccording to your instructions we have held an enquiry into the loss of these Badges. It appears that they were supplied locally by the St. John's Ambulance Society not later than 1927. When they were received they were found to be unsuitable for our purposes, and were put away in a drawer in the Store. It seems a pity that they were not returned at once to the St. John's Ambulance Society.\n\nAbout September 1929 a new stock of Badges was received. They were put in the drawer where the old Badges had been kept for upwards of two years. The old Badges were taken out of the drawer, where there was no room for them, and put aside on a shelf at the back of the Store. They subsequently disappeared.\n\nIt is unlikely that they were stolen, as the chances of pilfering are very remote. The Chinese Staff of the Police Store are searched every evening by the Store Keeper before they go off duty. Even the Dust Bin is examined daily in order to prevent any small articles being concealed in the rubbish and taken away from the Store in this manner. It is possible that the parcel containing the Badges was removed inadvertently to the \"unserviceable stores\" room in the Upper Levels Police Station, and got mixed up with other metal which accumulates from time to time and is eventually sold by auction. The badges were valueless except as old metal. We recommend that they be written off.\n\nIn our opinion there was a certain amount of carelessness shown by Police Sergeant Sabey. The Badges, although useless for Police purposes, were still a stock charge, and should have been properly looked after until condemned by a Board of Survey. We therefore recommend that Sergeant Sabey be called upon to pay a proportion of their stock book value.\n\n(Sd.) P. P. J. Wodehouse, (Sd.) W. Kent,\n\nབ\n\nJI IZ", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-525-4 Writing off of public money 20-2-1930 - 2-6-1930.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 525783, "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": "CO129-526-10 Water supply- Shing Mun Valley Scheme with plans of the dam and reservoir sites 8-5-1930 - 10-9-1930", "page_number": 35, "title": "CO129-526-10 Water supply- Shing Mun Valley Scheme with plans of the dam and reservoir sites 8-5-1930 - 10-9-1930", "content_text": "36\n\nDam No. 2,\n\nPineapple Pass Catch-water\n\nDam No. 2 A\n\nDams Nos. 3 & 4\n\nNortli Conduit\n\nSmugglers' Ridge or\n\nDam No. 2, T. W. L. 560 O. D., which will have a maximum length of 140 L. Ft. and a depth to stream bed of 162 ft., will impound 900 million gallons. It will have a direct catchment area of 765 acres, but by means of catchwaters running along the whole Southern face of Taimoshan and discharging through Pineapple Pass, an additional Catchment Area of 2,575 acres will be obtained. The total Catchment Area of 3,310 acres will be sufficient to fill this reservoir with 12 inches of effective rainfall.\n\nInside the direct Catchment Area of Dam No. 2, Dam No. 2A, 250 ft. long and 100 ft. in depth to stream bed, impounding 185 million gallons, will be constructed.\n\nOn the Southern Slopes of Taimoshan inside the Indirect Catchment Area of Dam No. 2, there are sites for two small reservoirs, Dams No. 3 & No. 4 at levels of 1,025 O. D. and 1,000 O. D. and impounding 200 million gallons and 137 million gallons respectively. These reservoirs, as well as providing economical storage, will act as rainfall-equalising reservoirs and will allow of considerable reduction in the carrying capacity and thereby in the cost of the long catchwater discharging through Pineapple Pass.\n\nFrom Dam No. 2 an open conduit approx. 2,800 L. Ft. long at a level of 485 A. O. D. will be constructed along the Western side of the Valley to the North Tunnel Gauge Basin.\n\nThe North Tunnel approx. 2,160 L. Ft. in length will pierce Smugglers' Ridge and emerge in the valley above Gin Drinkers' Bay, discharging into the South Conduit.\n\nSouth Conduit\n\nGolden Hill\n\nor South Tunnel\n\nReception Reservoir\n\nFilter Beds\n\n& Service Reservoir\n\nTrunk Mains\n\nto Kowloon\n\nThe South Conduit which will be approx. 2,000 ft. in length will connect the South end of the North Tunnel and the North end of the South Tunnel.\n\nThe South Tunnel approx. 4,680 L. Ft. in length will pierce the Golden Hill and discharge into a Reception Reservoir situated in the lower Sheklaipui Valley immediately above the Filter Beds and Service Reservoir sites.\n\nBetween the Filter Beds Site and the end of the South Tunnel a Reception Reservoir will be formed with an overflow into the Proposed Kowloon Byewash Reservoir thereby making the Shing Mun water available through the existing works.\n\nAs the Shing Mun Water is of a high standard of initial purity and there is not sufficient area to install slow sand filter beds, the water will be dealt with by fast gravity or pressure filters and will discharge into a Concrete Service Reservoir of approx. 5 million gallons capacity.\n\nFrom\n\nTrunk mains will run by way of one of the back streets of the Shamshuipo Reclamation, Coronation and Nathan Roads to Tsim Sha Tsui feeding a new Service Reservoir at Pipers' Hill on the way. The pipes will cross the Harbour to Jackson Road and then by way of Jackson Road, Parade Ground and Garden Road will reach the Public Gardens where a Service Reservoir with approx. T W.L. of 300 O. D. will be constructed. Considerable alteration will then be required in the City Distribution System.\n\nGravity\n\nSection of\n\nScheme\n\nThe foregoing or Gravity section of the Scheme will give an average supply of approx. 11 million gallons per day throughout the driest known period and, when this consumption is reached, the low level reservoirs will require to be put in hand.\n\n1\n\nDam No. 5, T. W. L 250 O. D., having a length of 502 L. Ft. and a depth to stream bed of 100 ft, will impound 400 million gallons. With a catchment area of 502 acres it will take 35 inches of effective rainfall to fill it without overflow from the upper reservoirs, but, if thought necessary, this area can be nearly doubled by means of a small catchwater.\n\nDam No. 6 will be situated immediately on the upstream site of Tai Wai Village and will have a top water level of approx. 100 A. O. D. It will be 1,740 L. Ft. in length with a total depth to stream bed of 85 ft. and will impound approx. 1,700 million gallons. The direct catchment area available for this reservoir is 1,203 acres, but by means of catchwaters a further 816 acres is made available, making 2,019 acres in all. Approx. 37 effective inches of rainfall are necessary to fill this reservoir without any overflow from the upper reservoirs.\n\nStation & Ris-\n\nThe Pumping Station will be situated below Dam No. 6 and the Pumping Rising or Pumping Mains will follow the Access Road along the South side of the valley to the gauge basin at the tunnel mouth, a distance of approx. 2.3 miles.\n\nBay\n\nIn the Gin Drinkers' Bay Valley there are two possible sites for a very large reservoir, but surface indications do not promise well for foundations at a reasonable depth. If however either site on investigation should prove feasible, storage of between two and three thousand million gallons could be obtained in a position easily accessible to the main scheme. The water from this reservoir would be pumped to the South Conduit between the tunnels.\n\nAn Access Road 16 ft. wide having a maximum gradient of 1 in 16 will run from the Castle Peak Road at Tsun Wan to Pineapple Pass then down the Shing Mun Valley to join the Taipo Road above Shatin with a branch running North from Pineapple Pass to Dam No. 1. The portion of the road from Dam No. 6 to Dam No. 2 will serve a double purpose, as the pumping mains will be laid along it. The total length of this road when completed will be 6 miles.\n\nThe foregoing gives the broad outlines of the Scheme with approximate areas and storage capacities as far as they can be ascertained from the information now available. It is however certain that as the work proceeds and further information is obtained considerable modification will require to be made.\n\nThe works will be constructed in the following order: --\n\nOrder of Construction\n\n1st. Section. Access Road to Pineapple Pass approx. two miles in length, small intake dam on Shing Mun River with temporary pipeline, North Conduit, Smugglers' Ridge or North Tunnel, South Conduit between tunnels, Golden Hill or South Tunnel, Reception Reservoir, 1st. section of filter beds, service reservoir, trunk main through Kowloon Peninsula across harbour to Public Gardens, and Service Reservoirs in Public Gardens, Hong Kong, and Pipers' Hill, Kowloon.\n\n2nd. Section. Continuation of Access Road to Dams Nos. 1 and 2, construction of Dam Nos. 1, 2, and 3A, Catchwaters discharging through Lead Mine Pass, 2nd section of Filter Beds, and Second Trunk Main to Kowloon &c.\n\n3rd. Section. Catchwaters draining areas A, B, C, D, & E, on the Southern Slopes of Taimoshan discharging through Pineapple Pass, Dams Nos. 3 & 4 & 3rd. Section of Filter Beds.\n\n37", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-526-10 Water supply- Shing Mun Valley Scheme with plans of the dam and reservoir sites 8-5-1930 - 10-9-1930.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 530047, "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": "CO129-533-13 Salaries- conversion rate of sterling 30-1-1931 - 21-1-1932", "page_number": 254, "title": "CO129-533-13 Salaries- conversion rate of sterling 30-1-1931 - 21-1-1932", "content_text": "# INDEX\n\n## L.--Continued.\n\n| Serial No. | |\n| --- | --- |\n| Lastings Worsted | .417 |\n| Lathes | .217 |\n| Laundry Fittings | .17 |\n| Lawn Mowers | .204 |\n| Lawns | .880 |\n| Leather, Sole | .625 |\n| Chamois | .626 |\n| Calf | .626 |\n| Cow | .626 |\n| Enamelled | .626 |\n| Harness | .626 |\n| Imitation | .627 |\n| Japanned Patent | .626 |\n| Kid | .626 |\n| Strips | .626 |\n| Leatherworking | .209 |\n| Lend Dross | .291 |\n| Lenses | .614 |\n| Levels, Spirit | .192 |\n| Life Belts | .630 |\n| Life Saving Apparatus | .630 |\n| Lignum Vitae Wood | .24 |\n| Lily Seed | .322 |\n| Lime | .16 |\n| Linen Bleached | .378 |\n| Liniments, Native | .75 |\n| Linings, Cotton | .392 |\n| Linoleums | .580 |\n| Linseed | .318 |\n| Links, Cuff | .620 |\n| Liquorice | .75 |\n| Liquid Fuel (See Fuel) | |\n| Liquors, Malt | .196 |\n| Lithographic Materials | .657 |\n| Lithophone | .858 |\n| Lobsters | .103 |\n\n## M.--Continued.\n\n| Serial No. | |\n| --- | --- |\n| Machinery, Pumping | .212 |\n| Rice Mill | .200 |\n| Sugar | .214 |\n| Spinning | .215 |\n| Ship's | .213 |\n| Steel Water Heaters | .218 |\n| Machinery, Agricultural | .204 |\n| Baking | .209 |\n| Binding | .209 |\n| Carding | .215 |\n| Dyeing | .215 |\n| Electrical | .206 |\n| Hydraulic | .212 |\n| Industrial, not specifically mentioned | .209 |\n| Leathworking | .209 |\n| Mechanical Stokers | .218 |\n| Mining | .218 |\n| Oretreating | .218 |\n| Preparing (Textile) | .215 |\n| Printing | .200 |\n| Textile | .215 |\n| Tin-working | .209 |\n| Weaving | .215 |\n| Weighing | .193 |\n| Machines, Calculating | .693 |\n| Embroidering | .210 |\n| Knitting | .210 |\n| Sewing | .190 |\n| Macaroni | .157 |\n| Mackintoshes | .499 |\n| Madder | .90 |\n| Madopolam | .878 |\n| Magnesite | .808 |\n| Magnolia Metal | .290 |\n| Maize | .111 |\n| Malces | .75 |\n| Malt Liquors (See Liquors) | |\n| Manhole Covers and Doors (Iron) | .287 |\n| Manicure Sets | .690 |\n| Manure, Animal | .219 |\n| Chemical | .220 |\n| Chemical, not otherwise enumerated | .220A |\n| Maps | |\n| Marble | |\n| Margarine | .541 |\n| Materials for making other than Chlorate of Potash or Phosphorus | .636 |\n| Mats, Coir | .638 |\n| Cork | .638 |\n| Formosan | .638 |\n| Grass | .638 |\n| Rush | .638 |\n| Straw | .638 |\n| Matting | .639 |\n| Mattings White | .375 |\n| Mats | .638 |\n| Measures | .192 |\n| Meat, Dried, Native | .165A |\n| Tinned and Potted | .158 |\n| Medium Cloth | .418 |\n| Melon Seed | .319 |\n| Meltons, Plain, Striped and Upper | .626 |\n| Mercury | .300 |\n| Metals not otherwise enumerated | .302 |\n| Methylated Spirits | .201 |\n| Mexicans, Grey | .372 |\n| Mica | .308 |\n| Milk, Concentrated, Condensed, Evaporated | .159 |\n| Dried | .160 |\n| Fresh | .171 |\n| Millinery | .562 |\n| Milton | .60 |\n| Mineral Yellow Wax | .335 |\n| Mixtures:--- | |\n| Artificial Silk and Cotton | |\n| Artificial Silk & Wool Mixtures | .436 |\n| Cotton and Linen Plain and Fancy Cloths | .432 |\n| Cotton and Silk Plain and Fancy Cloths | .439 |\n| Lenos | .380 |\n| Silk Fancies | .487 |\n| Wool and Linen Plain and Fancy Cloths | .439 |\n| Mixtures | .435 |\n| Unclassified | .202 |\n\n## Page 376", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-533-13 Salaries- conversion rate of sterling 30-1-1931 - 21-1-1932.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 530303, "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": "CO129-533-4 Hong Kong Water Supply Scheme 28-1-1931 - 20-1-1932", "page_number": 83, "title": "CO129-533-4 Hong Kong Water Supply Scheme 28-1-1931 - 20-1-1932", "content_text": "56. \n\nC/λ.\n\n\n\n83 \n\n-13- \n\nextensions should become necessary, a supplementary catchwater may be constructed to collect water between the 1,000 and 700 feet levels on the slopes above mentioned, and thus bring in another 1,300 acres.\n\nWe estimate, therefore, that 8 M.D.G. in excess of the requirements of 1945 may be obtained by catchwater extensions to the Shing Mun Scheme and possibly more if the supplementary catchwater be constructed or sufficient for a further eleven years if the annual increments assumed are not exceeded.\n\nWe have analysed the stream flow records obtained during four years by the automatic recorder on the Shing Mun, with the view to ascertain the economic capacity of catchwaters, and have come to the conclusion that there is no necessity to make these of greater capacity than is represented by 0.4 in. of run-off per hour, and it is upon this basis that the catchwaters have been estimated for the Shing Mun extensions.\n\n## Gin Drinkers Bay Reservoir\n\n57.\n\nMr. Henderson has referred to the unfavourable results of the borings at the lower site, and since then, borings at the upper site have proved it to be no better than the lower site. It is, therefore, useless to incur further expenditure on investigations for this reservoir.\n\n## Other Dam Sites\n\n58.\n\nNot for many years will it be necessary to investigate", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-533-4 Hong Kong Water Supply Scheme 28-1-1931 - 20-1-1932.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 532846, "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": "CO129-538-1 Hong Kong University 31-12-1931 - 6-8-1932", "page_number": 86, "title": "CO129-538-1 Hong Kong University 31-12-1931 - 6-8-1932", "content_text": "118\n\nL. GIBBS\n\nThere is a\n\nThe new maps are essentially military maps. A grid system, no doubt designed primarily to enable the O.C. to tell the battery commander exactly where to plump a shell, may however be used to locate a few defects which, though perhaps of little account from a military point of view, detract considerably from the value of the maps for ordinary topographical purposes. Taking the Tai Po sheet, a district with which the writer is well acquainted. At East 177, North 718 is shown a large village, but with no name. This is the village of Lin Au. The 2½ inch map incorrectly named it Lung Om. At East 205, North 714 and 717 are shown two more nameless villages. These should be named Sheung Wong Au and Ha Wong Au. In the 2½ inch map the names are transposed.\n\ndifficulty with place names where two dialects are spoken, but a beginner in Chinese knows that Sheung means \"upper\" and \"Ha,\" lower.\n\nAt East 213, North 742 is shown the village of Fung Yuen. There should surely be a considerable patch of woodland on the hillside behind it, East 196, North 768 the village of Wan Shan Ha is unaccountably omitted. The writer of this note once lived in a house shown at East 226 North 710. This name has got adrift, it belongs to the one remaining house of the old village near the west entrance of the Tai Po tunnel. A well-marked topographical feature like the Lam Tsun Valley should be named on a map of this scale. (It is a most beautiful valley too. See it in April or in July, with its brilliant green paddy fields and many villages among their dark fung-shui trees, all backed by the fine massif of Tai Mo Shan).\n\n37\n\nIt is a pity that maps based on high-class survey work, chock-a-block with azimuths and co-ordinates and assisted by one of the greatest inventions (so far) of the Century—mechanical flying—should be marred by errors and omissions which an intelligent schoolboy could rectify.\n\nConventional signs \"distinguish between Coniferous and Deciduous Woodland. But this differentiation does not hold in South China where the bulk of the non-coniferous trees are evergreens. The colouring of woodland green, with a definite edging of dots makes a distinction on the map which seldom exists on the ground, where woodland as often as not merges into scattered trees and scrub. The green colour might be omitted with economy and advantage.\n\nIt would perhaps be scarcely fair to make a comparison between the maps of Hong Kong and the Ordinance Survey of England and Wales, but as, at the time of writing, the first sheet of a new edition of the 1 inch to the mile maps of the latter survey has appeared, some account of these maps may be of interest. The sheet just published covers an area of 30 miles by 18 miles in the neighbourhood of Plymouth and can be had mounted to fold for 4 shillings. The streams are printed in blue. A new style of lettering for the place names has been adopted and the different classes of roads are clearly shown, but the most important innovation is an attempt to show by pale hachure shading and pale colouring the relief of the country. The maps are in fact called the Fifth (Relief) Edition.\" The old 1 inch maps of 50 years ago—showed relief by hachures only. This system was fairly effective for showing up mountainous country and for indicating the\n\nThe Hong Kong Naturalist.\n\na\n\n11\n\nMaps of Hong Kong\n\n44\n\n119\n\ndirection of a range of hills, but, except for an occasional figure printed at a summit or at a cross road it gave no indication of the actual height above sea level. Then came an edition with contours, mostly 100 feet apart and Popular Edition in which the contours were 50 feet apart and were printed brown and the woods coloured green. A few sheets of this popular edition were coloured to show relief and called 'Tourist Maps.'\n\nThis relief colouring commenced with green at the sea level, a paler tint of green at 100 feet was followed by a pale brown at 200 feet. This brown tint was continued to the hill tops, gradually increasing in darkness at each 100 feet of altitude. This is an admirable system for showing topography, a glance shows what is high land and what is low land, and as the contours are printed and figured the actual levels can also be ascertained. One would expect it to be an expensive process but the maps produced were sold at 4 shillings each, the same price as those of the new edition. The drawback to this layer colouring is that if you continue up to 3,000 feet a colour scheme which adequately shows the relief at 600 or 800 feet, you will, by the time you have reached the 3,000 feet summits have obtained so dark a tint as almost to obliterate the printed features of the map. In the new maps a clear representation of topography, which might have been obtained by layer colouring, appears to have been sacrificed to artistic effect. On the cover also, beauty, or what is no doubt thought to be beauty is placed before utility. An ornate representation of the Royal Arms takes the place which should be occupied by a key map. There is no reason that this key map should not be made just as pleasing to look upon as the representation of the Royal Arms. It seems that economy might be effected by omitting the green colour of the woodlands. These are quite clearly shown by the printed representations of trees. Beyond these criticisms one can have nothing but praise for the new maps, and can only express the hope that they will soon be available for the country at large, where the stoppage\n\nof map making brought about by the war and the rapid growth of suburban building in the country, involved in the post-war exodus from the towns, has left the last edition of the 1 inch maps so far out of date as to be almost useless in many places for finding one's way about.\n\n(1) Geographical Journal.\n\nMay 1937.\n\n(2)\n\n55\n\nFebruary 1928. September 1926.\n\n138", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-538-1 Hong Kong University 31-12-1931 - 6-8-1932.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 533143, "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": "CO129-538-2 Hong Kong University 23-6-1932 - 15-3-1933", "page_number": 117, "title": "CO129-538-2 Hong Kong University 23-6-1932 - 15-3-1933", "content_text": "# Orchidaceae of Hong Kong\n\n## HABENARIA, Willd.\n\n183\n\nFor generic characters of the genus Habenaria, Willd., (Platanthera, Rich.) vide H.K.N. Vol. I, p. 114.\n\n## PLATANTHERA OBCORDATA, Lindl.\n\n## HABENARIA GALEANDRA, Benth.\n\nLeaves oval-oblong; the larger ones 1 to 2 inches long passing into the bracts, which are all oblong, leafy, and spreading, the lower ones as large as the stem-leaves. Tubers small, globular. Stem 6 to 8 inches high. Flowers distant, white variegated with lilac, mostly shorter than the bracts. Sepals lanceolate, 3 lines long, the upper one arching over the linear petals, the 2 lower spreading when fully open. Labellum clawed, broadly obcordate or nearly orbicular, 5 lines long, waved on the margin. Spur broad at the base, short and obtuse. Anther-cells nearly parallel.\n\n4\n\nNot known out of the island, but nearly allied to the N. Indian Platanthera obcordata. Lindl., which is chiefly distinguished by a very much narrower spur.\" Bentham (2) p. 363.\n\nSepals 4 inch long, lateral petals a little shorter, labellum 1⁄2 inch long by 2/5 inch wide, margin slightly waved. Bracts 1⁄2 to 1 inch long, leaves up to 2.34 inches long. Plant 5-9 inches or more in height, 3-9 flowers on plant, distant. Bracts leaf-like except that they have no sheaths encircling the stem.\n\n## COLOUR OF FLOWERS\n\nSepals apple green to greenish yellow, lateral petals yellow tinged with green, labellum white or tinged violet, with purple markings, the tip of the labellum is sometimes obtusely rounded, sometimes emarginate. It is because of this more characteristic obcordate appearance that the specific name obcordata has been chosen.\n\n## DISTRIBUTION\n\nA fairly common orchid growing on grassy well-drained banks, often in exposed situations, at different levels from the top of High West down to the corner of Hatton and Harlech Roads on Hong Kong Island. In the Territories, at Chun Wan, on the southern slopes of Tai-mo-shan and elsewhere.\n\n## FLOWERING SEASON\n\nEnd of May to the end of July.\n\n## ILLUSTRATIONS\n\nThe text figure 11 depicts on the left an entire plant. The flowers have been drawn from above, from the side and from the end, this last shows the pollinia. The leaves are drawn to the same scale as the entire plant and consist of, on the left, the lowest bract, and on the right, the largest leaf from another and larger plant. The sheathing portion of the leaf is heavily marked with purple. Plate 25, figure 2, shows a flowering shoot about actual size.\n\n## ACKNOWLEDGMENTS\n\nOur thanks are due to J. Young Saye, Esq. for much information about local habitats and also for the photographs reproduced on plates 24 and 25. The drawings, with the exceptions of figures 2, 5, 9, and 11, and insets to figures 4, and 6, were drawn by my artist Mr. Au Man So.\n\nDecember 1932.\n\n162", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-538-2 Hong Kong University 23-6-1932 - 15-3-1933.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 533325, "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": "CO129-538-3 Development of Government sites and rebuilding of Government buildings 17-12-1931 - 22-10-1932", "page_number": 41, "title": "CO129-538-3 Development of Government sites and rebuilding of Government buildings 17-12-1931 - 22-10-1932", "content_text": "- \n\n- 5- \n\nof $530,000.\n\n8.\n\nIt is not considered necessary to proceed immediately with the building of a new City Hall. This matter is not of great urgency since, owing to its condition, the present building has for some time been little used. When the new Government House is finished, it is proposed that the present Government House shall be made available for use as a City Hall during the interval which will elapse before the second stage of the scheme is completed. It is considered that the recently reconstructed ball-room and offices will, as a temporary measure, be adequate for the purposes for which the City Hall has been used in the past.\n\n9. I therefore request your authority to proceed with negotiations for the inception of that part of the scheme which deals with the disposal of the City Hall and Beaconsfield Arcade sites and the rebuilding of Government House. This will involve also the acquisition of Inland Lot 564.\n\n10. I should be glad also to receive your consent to the acquisition of Inland Lot 580, at present owned by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, an opportunity for which now presents itself. The Bank is prepared to hand over this lot to Government in part payment for the area required for the extension of its present premises. One of the two houses on the lot has been demolished as it had become unsafe, and it is of the utmost importance to the future development of the Colony that this area should be laid out in such a way as not to interfere with access to the middle and upper levels. The lot has been valued provisionally at $622,750.\n\n11.\n\nThe scheme has been considered by the unofficial members of the Legislative Council in the Public Works Committee", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-538-3 Development of Government sites and rebuilding of Government buildings 17-12-1931 - 22-10-1932.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 535485, "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": "CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934", "page_number": 77, "title": "CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934", "content_text": "74\n\nCOMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE ESTIMATED AND ACTUAL\n\nHeads and Sub-Heads.\n\nBrought forward\n\nPUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY,\n\nContinued.\n\nBrought forward\n\nSUPPLEMENTARILY VOTED,\n\nHONG KONG.\n\nBuildings.\n\n \n Estimated\n Actual\n Increase\n Decrease\n Provisionally Voted\n Explanatory Remarks\n \n \n $\n $\n $\n $\n \n \n \n \n EXPENDITURE OF THE COLONY OF HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR 1933\n \n \n 75\n \n \n 31,031,324\n 27,880,265.70\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 470,107.43\n 3,671,165.73\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 3,667,923\n 2,830,629.97\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 244,292.57\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1,081,585.60\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 412,016.00\n \n \n \n \n \n 119. Remand Home for Juvenile Offenders\n 49,491.95\n 49,491.95\n \n 54,500.00\n \n \n \n 120. Purchase of No. 407 The Peak\n 40,000.00\n 40,000.00\n \n 40,000.00\n \n \n \n 121. Coal Burning Crematorium (of 2 Chambers)\n 8,901.32\n 8,901.32\n \n 9,138.00\n \n \n \n 122. Senior Officer's Quarter, May Road.\n 50,000.00\n 50,000.00\n \n \n Work not commenced.\n \n \n 123. Upper Levels Police Station\n \n \n \n \n do.\n \n \n 124. Purchase of Sailors' Home and Seamen's Institute on Marine Lot No. 295 and adaptation as offices\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 125. Accommodation for Sanitary Central District Office & Statistical Office\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 126. Junior Technical School\n \n \n \n \n Miscellaneous.\n \n \n 127. Removal of Graves from an area on Inland Lot No. 3289 formerly portion of Inland Lot No. 1718 (Chinese Cemetery)\n 196,811.70\n 196,811.70\n \n 719.62\n 2,874.56\n \n \n \n \n \n 719.62\n 2,374.56\n \n \n \n 128. Preparation of Children's Playing Grounds\n 14,412.98\n 14,412.93\n \n \n \n \n \n 129. Mount Gough Station Flush Water Closets\n 280.56\n 280.56\n \n \n \n \n \n 130. Construction of Timber Jetty at Shaukiwan\n 4,035.20\n 4,035.20\n \n \n \n \n \n Communications.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 131. Magazine Gap Road\n \n \n \n \n Water Works.\n \n \n \n 218.20\n 218.20\n \n \n \n \n \n 132. Reconstruction of Bowen Road Conduit east of Stubbs Road\n 2,000.00\n 2,000.00\n \n 19,258.30\n \n \n \n 138. Free Connection in Hider Main Area.\n \n 19,258.30\n \n \n \n \n \n Kowloon Buildings.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 184. Victoria Home and Orphanage\n 12,548.00\n 12,548.00\n \n \n \n \n \n 135. Holy Trinity Church\n 197,000.00\n \n \n 4,250.00\n Work commenced in December.\n \n \n 136. Kowloon Hospital, Outpatient Department\n 2,375.00\n 14,419.00\n \n 21,960.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2,500.00\n do.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 5,000.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 30,000.00\n 2,000.00\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 30,000.00\n Only preliminary survey carried out.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Less expenditure than anticipated.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 50,000.00\n Not begun.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12,548.00\n \n \n \n \n \n $0,000.00\n \n \n do.\n \n \n Carried forward\n 8,667,923\n 3,183,154.63\n 596,817.23\n 1,081,585.60\n 1,017,706.00\n \n \n \n 31,031,324\n 27,830,265.70\n 470,107.43\n 3,671,165.73\n \n \n\n96", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 535531, "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": "CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934", "page_number": 123, "title": "CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934", "content_text": "149\n\nIt is proposed to make a start this year with the reconstruction of the Upper Levels Police Station, the total estimate for which is $220,000. The present building was originally an old mission house erected more than 45 years ago and is now in a very bad condition. Provision had been made in the 1925 Estimates for a new station on a new site and work had already been begun, when the whole of the front of the site collapsed in the Po Hing Fong disaster. Since then nothing has been done. It is now proposed to rebuild the Station as a four-storeyed building on the existing site.\n\nThe policy of adding to the Kowloon Hospital as funds permit is continued by including provision for an Outpatients' block. I need scarcely stress the fact that Kowloon is growing rapidly and the need for increased hospital accommodation and improved facilities for the treatment of outpatients is most urgent.\n\nI should be glad to receive your reply by telegraph. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant,\n\n...\n\nGovernor, &c.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-541-2 Estimates 1931 14-10-1932 - 19-7-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 536811, "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": "CO129-543-12 Loans for public work 29-3-1933 - 20-12-1933", "page_number": 37, "title": "CO129-543-12 Loans for public work 29-3-1933 - 20-12-1933", "content_text": "# HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\n## Air Services\n\n111\n\nIn regard to Air Services, we would echo the hope, expressed by the Honourable Acting Colonial Secretary, that very shortly agreements, on a mutually reciprocal and beneficial basis, will be arranged with the Chinese Authorities. We approve of the proposed revival of the Flying Club.\n\n## Legal Departments\n\nWith regard to the section in the Acting Colonial Secretary's Speech which deals with Legal Departments, we submit that two new Solicitors, with the necessary legal qualifications and with some years of practical experience, ought to be engaged at once from England. One of such Officers is required to replace the late Mr. Agassiz.\n\nThe engagement of the second of such Officers is rendered necessary by the following facts, namely:-\n(i) That one of the Officers in one of the Legal Departments, who is now home on leave, has, during his recent term of service in this Colony, been suffering from bad health, and\n(ii) By the fact that the Officers in the Legal Departments are compelled to work long hours in order to keep them abreast of their tasks, and that, although they are most of them no longer young, no provision whatever is made for occasional sickness in their ranks or for any vacation leave.\n\nLooking ahead a few years, we would add that the work of the Land Office and also of the Registry of the Supreme Court is in our opinion of such an important character, from the public point of view, that a Legal Officer should be engaged from England for the Posts of Assistants in the Land Office and the Registry respectively, to arrive out here for at least a year prior to the retirement of the present Land Officer and Registrar respectively; the laws and also conditions in this Colony being different from those at Home.\n\n## Police Department\n\nThe proposed new appointments meet with our approval, as also the new scheme for Sub-Inspectors in the Cantonese contingent.\n\nWe regret that some more suitable name cannot be devised to indicate the \"Upper Levels Police Station\", as there are so many other higher levels than its proposed site on Hospital Road,\n\n35", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-543-12 Loans for public work 29-3-1933 - 20-12-1933.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 536816, "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": "CO129-543-12 Loans for public work 29-3-1933 - 20-12-1933", "page_number": 42, "title": "CO129-543-12 Loans for public work 29-3-1933 - 20-12-1933", "content_text": "116 \n\n# HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\nI note with interest that the Harbour Survey is to be completed by 1935. \n\nThe Colonial Secretary did not refer to the subject, but I see in the Estimates, Public Works Extraordinary, Item 91, that a sum of $224,440 has been budgeted to be spent next year on dredging the Harbour. It is satisfactory to know that this now long overdue work, which has been pressed for by the Shipping and Commercial interests, is at last to be taken up seriously. I shall be glad if the Colonial Secretary, when he replies to this debate, will tell us what is the present position with regard to the contracts for putting this necessary and urgent work in hand.\n\nIt is a matter for regret that the already considerable expenditure on the vehicular ferry piers is to be increased by a lakh or more, but I trust that the advice of the Naval Dockyard expert will put things right. It would appear to the layman that some of the initial mistakes might have been avoided if expert advice had been sought in the first instance.\n\nThe application of the new Safety and Load Line Conventions to one of the World's great ports is, of course, necessary, and the Colonial Secretary informed the Council of the verdict of the Board of Trade as to the minimum increase in the Government Marine Surveyor's staff which application of the Convention will call for. The Technical (Shipping) Committee of the Chamber of Commerce stressed the point that once existing shipping has been surveyed and brought into line with the Convention requirements, the subsequent periodical surveys will doubtless occupy much the same time as before.\n\nThey therefore recommended that, until the amount of extra work has been ascertained in the light of practical experience, the Government should engage additional staff on temporary appointments only, in order to avoid expensive enlargement of the pensionable staff.\n\nThe Committee still hold the same view, notwithstanding the ruling of the Board of Trade that three additions to the permanent staff are necessary, and they express the hope that any new appointments made will be in the first instance for a fixed period only, say three years.\n\nI am afraid it is unlikely that there will be any large amount of new construction of ships in Hong Kong in the next few years. The proposed expenditure of $60,000 on making Magazine Gap Road accessible for motor vehicles will be welcomed by all Peak Residents, as it will reduce considerably the distance from the Upper Levels to the centre of the town.\n\nI would suggest, however, that, in the interests of public safety, the road be barred to motor lorries unless being used in connection with building operations on Magazine Gap Road itself.\n\n40", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-543-12 Loans for public work 29-3-1933 - 20-12-1933.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 537754, "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": "CO129-544-21 Creation of new posts for architects and overseers in Public Works Department 18-9-1933 - 27-1-1934", "page_number": 30, "title": "CO129-544-21 Creation of new posts for architects and overseers in Public Works Department 18-9-1933 - 27-1-1934", "content_text": "# No. 479.\n\nSir,\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONG KONG, 18th September, 1933.\n\nI have the honour to request your approval for the creation of two new posts of Architects and two new posts of Overseers. The approved establishment of Architects in the Architectural Office is at present seven, and in the Buildings Ordinance Office six, the staffs of these two offices being interchangeable. In 1925 the approved establishment was twelve for the Architectural Office and eight for the Buildings Ordinance Office; in 1930 the figures were eight and seven. As regards the Architectural Office, there is a very large programme of Public Works Extraordinary in hand or shortly to be commenced, amongst which may be mentioned the new Gaol, the new Government Civil Hospital, the new Central British School, the new Kowloon Magistracy, the new Upper Levels Police Station, and the new Government House. In addition, this office now undertakes, in accordance with the recommendation of the Retrenchment Commission, the construction of smaller buildings, such as markets and latrines, which were previously done by the General Works Office. Two additional Overseers are required for the same reasons.\n\n2. As regards the Buildings Ordinance Office, the work has been steadily increasing, and though the actual number of plans deposited and plans approved shows a slight falling off, this has been in the smaller types of buildings.\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER, G.B.E., M.C., M.P., &c., &c., &c.\n\nPage 30\nPage 31", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-544-21 Creation of new posts for architects and overseers in Public Works Department 18-9-1933 - 27-1-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 538008, "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": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "page_number": 37, "title": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "content_text": "## C. S. O. \nM.F. 291)\n\n36\n\nThe principal and beneficial basis will be arranged with the Chinese Authorities.\n\nWe approve of the proposed revival of the Flying Club.\n\nWith regard to the section in the Acting Colonial Secretary's speech which deals with Legal Departments, we submit that two new Solicitors, with the necessary legal qualifications and with some years of practical experience, ought to be engaged at once from England.\n\nOne of such officers is required to replace the late Mr. Agassiz.\n\nThe engagement of the second of such officers is rendered necessary by the following facts, namely:\n\n(1) That one of the officers in one of the Legal Departments, who is now home on leave, has, during his recent term of service in this Colony, been suffering from bad health, and\n\n(2) By the fact that the officers in the Legal Departments are compelled to work long hours in order to keep them abreast of their tasks, and that, although they are most of them no longer young, no provision whatever is made for occasional sickness in their ranks or for any vacation leave.\n\nLooking ahead a few years, we would add that the work of the Land Office and also of the Registry of the Supreme Court is, in our opinion, of such an important character, from the public point of view, that Legal Officers should be engaged from England for the posts of Assistants in the Land Office and the Registry respectively, to arrive out here for at least a year prior to the retirement of the present Land Officer and Registrar respectively—the laws and also conditions in this Colony being different from those at Home.\n\n## Police Department\n\nThe proposed new appointments meet with our approval, as also the new scheme for Sub-Inspectors in the Cantonese contingent.\n\nWe regret that a suitable name cannot be devised to indicate the \"Upper Levels Police Station,\" as there are so many other higher levels than its proposed site on Hospital Road.\n\nNo comments on the Government proposals.\n\n## Medical Department\n\nWe regret to learn, from the Honourable Colonial Secretary's Speech, that it has been thought necessary to prune so excessively the Medical Department Estimates, and in particular, we regret that the Dispensary Launch and the additional Sister for Public Health work and the Staff of four Chinese Health Nurses to make a start with Health Visiting and Instruction, have been abandoned.\n\nBut, in particular, we regret the parsimony which is apparently being practised in regard to the expenditure on the Malaria Bureau.\n\nSo far as we can ascertain (from page 61 of the Estimates), there is only one trifling small item of additional expenditure for the Malaria Staff, namely 1 Probationer Inspector with a salary of $525 per annum.\n\n## Malaria at Shing Mun\n\nOur chief cause for anxiety in this connection, which is based upon reports from time to time leaking through, is the apparently considerable rate of sickness from malaria amongst the coolies working in the Shing Mun Valley.\n\nThe Shing Mun Dam is only mentioned once in the Acting Colonial Secretary's speech (at page 23), but the water shortages of the past few years have been sufficiently serious to make any neglect by the Government to ensure, to the best of its ability, that there shall be no delay in construction which is due to preventable causes, liable to severe adverse comment.\n\nWe would therefore ask for a definite reply from the Government as to whether every one of the requirements of the Honourable the Director of Medical and Sanitary Services and of the Malariologist in regard to Malaria-prevention in the Shing Mun Valley, have been fully carried out and, if not, for what reasons these requirements have not been fully carried out.\n\n## Dam Location\n\nAlso, we should like to be informed, in connection with the Shing Mun Dam, whether the recent decision to locate the Dam below the Falls is likely to prolong the contract time for the completion of the work and also the date when that contract time will now expire.\n\nIn addition, we should like to know how soon the Colony may expect to derive substantial benefit from the impounding of water by the partial construction of the Dam.\n\nIn connection with the 2nd cross-Harbour Pipe-Line, which would have been quite useful during the recent few months for conveying surplus Kowloon water to the Island, we beg leave to point out that such a second pipe-line was suggested by the Unofficial members as far back as 1929 (see `Hansard 1929` at page 101), but was then negatived by the Government, on the ground that the Pipe-Line was an experiment (`Hansard`, page 110).\n\nWe would also enquire whether it is impracticable to complete that Pipe-Line and its necessary connecting pipes by the end of 1934 instead of at some date in 1935 (see `Estimates`, page 114).\n\nThe Unofficial Members cordially agree with the Government's inauguration of a Fund to meet \"the wide and increasing distress which the bad times have brought upon Officers of the Mercantile Marine.\"\n\nThey also approve of the proposed establishment of a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.\n\n## Military Contribution\n\nThe Unofficials are glad to note that by friendly agreement with the War Office, a reduction has been obtained in regard to certain items chargeable to Military Contribution.\n\nTheir congratulations on this point are, however, somewhat tempered by the reflection that such Military Contribution in the year 1910 amounted to less than $1,400,000, and that the Unofficial Members unanimously advocated by motion in this Council, which was defeated by the Official vote, in the year 1911 (see `Hansard 1911`, page 102 et seq.) that the Military Contribution should be limited to a fixed annual sum of $1,000,000—whereas in the present year, 1933, it is estimated that that contribution will amount to over $5,600,000.\n\nThe principle of paying increased Military Contribution because we have to raise additional revenue to pay for necessary public works extraordinary is so obviously unsound that I do not think that any member of this Council will be found to support it.\n\nThe full absurdity of the position is brought out by the fact that the Military Contribution is now four times what it was in 1910.\n\n## Public Works\n\nThe Unofficials note with pleasure that the action of the Polo Club in kindly consenting to a transfer of their polo ground at Causeway Bay to Kowloon has released the present polo ground as a recreation ground for the use of His Majesty's Navy.\n\nAs regards the new Government House and City Development, the Unofficials approve generally of the proposed scheme but would venture to advocate:\n\n(I) That the new Government Offices should contain a suitably large room for H.E. the Governor to interview people, especially as his present Office in the present Government House will then no longer be available.\n\n(II) That room for the Lending Collection Library and other books removed from the City Hall Library will be found in the new City Hall.\n\nWe note with regret that it is proposed to drive a new road of apparently much greater width than the present right of way on the north side of St. John's Cathedral, which new road, by its greater encouragement of motor traffic, would tend to interfere with the quiet which is so necessary to the services of the Cathedral.\n\n## Auditor's Report\n\nThe Acting Auditor's Report for 1932 (in addition to raising some points of technical accounting) mentions two points upon which we feel bound to comment specifically.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 538009, "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": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "page_number": 38, "title": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "content_text": "## M.F. 237\n\nThe first and most important point (see paragraph 54 of the Report) is the loss of $314,447.02 which the Government has suffered on a sterling contract for remittances to the Crown Agents for the Colonies.\n\nIn connection with this loss the Auditor reports:\n\n\"The Government has been required by this Department to obtain the Secretary of State's covering approval for making forward sterling contracts, as this is a departure from the recognised Treasury practice. In connection with the loss on this contract, the Government has also been requested by this Department to ask the Treasurer how he has shown this loss in his account, but no reply has been received. Further, there does not appear to have been any notification to this Department of the signing of this contract.\n\nThe Unofficial Members would be glad if the Honourable the Colonial Treasurer would reply to the statements of the Acting Auditor.\n\nAlso, in connection with paragraph 53 of the Auditor's Report, we should be glad to know from the Honourable the Acting Director of Public Works why a penalty of only $1,820 was enforced against the contractor in question instead of the full penalty of $5,740.\n\n## Bus Services\n\nAnd, lastly, we come to the subject of the Bus Service.\n\nAt first, no doubt, there was every disposition on the part of the bus-using public to adopt rather a lenient view of the shortcomings of the new services on both sides of the Harbour, having regard to the fact that new companies were taking over these services and that it was only fair to give them sufficient time to get into their stride.\n\nSuch lenient considerations are, however, now no longer applicable seeing that these new bus services have already been running for four months.\n\nAt the commencement of the new services, constant breakdowns of buses took place, especially when going up Garden Road, and, even recently, breakdowns on Garden Road still occur, whereas such breakdowns under the regime of the Hongkong Hotel Company were practically unknown.\n\nIf such breakdowns are in any way attributable to the obtaining of less experienced drivers at lower wages, then such saving has been distinctly false economy, both from the point of view of the Company and also of the travelling public who have a right to expect a punctual and efficient service.\n\nAnother complaint which has been voiced in the columns of the local Press, and which is doubtless also due, in a measure, to drivers having insufficient experience, is the failure of the buses, especially on the Hongkong side of the Harbour, to keep to a proper regular schedule of times, thereby causing grave inconvenience to passengers going to and from their offices.\n\nIn Kowloon special grievances have recently been ventilated in the South China Morning Post, namely the insufficiency of buses on certain routes at certain hours.\n\nWe trust that the Government will fully investigate the above matters with a view to their being remedied, as it is so obviously necessary that the regularity and efficiency of public utility companies should, in the interests of the public, be fully maintained.\n\n## MR. GORDON MACKIE\n\n### Trade Situation Worse Than In 1925-26. SHIPPING OUTLOOK BAD\n\nThe Hon. Mr. Gordon Mackie said: Your Excellency, my Honourable friend, the Senior Unofficial Member, has dealt very fully with the principal points in the Honourable the Colonial Secretary's speech and has covered most of the ground which calls for any comment.\n\nThere are one or two matters, however, which have not been touched upon and on which I would like to make a few remarks.\n\nI note with interest that the Harbour Survey is to be completed by 1935. The Colonial Secretary did not refer to the subject, but I see in the Estimates, Public Works Extraordinary, Item 91, that a sum of $224,000 has been budgeted to be spent next year on dredging the Harbour. It is satisfactory to know that this now long overdue work which has been pressed for by the Shipping and Commercial interests is at last to be taken up seriously. I shall be glad if the Colonial Secretary, when he replies to this debate, will tell us what is the present position with regard to the contracts for putting this necessary and urgent work in hand.\n\nIt is a matter for regret that the already considerable expenditure on the vehicular ferry piers is to be increased by a lakh or more, but I trust that the advice of the Naval Dockyard expert will put things right. It would appear to the layman that some of the initial mistakes might have been avoided if expert advice had been sought in the first instance.\n\n### Marine Surveys\n\nThe application of the new Safety and Load Line Conventions to one of the World's great ports is, of course, necessary, and the Colonial Secretary informed the Council of the verdict of the Board of Trade as to the minimum increase in the Government Marine Surveyor's staff which the application of the Convention will call for. The Technical (Shipping) Committee of the Chamber of Commerce stressed the point that once existing shipping has been surveyed and brought into line with the Convention requirements, the subsequent periodical surveys will doubtless occupy much the same time as before.\n\nThey therefore recommended that, until the amount of extra work has been ascertained in the light of practical experience, the Government should engage additional staff on temporary appointments only in order to avoid expensive enlargement of the pensionable staff.\n\nThe Committee still hold the same view, notwithstanding the ruling of the Board of Trade, that three additions to the permanent staff are necessary, and they express the hope that any new appointments made will be in the first instance for a fixed period only, say 3 years.\n\nI am afraid it is unlikely that there will be any large amount of new construction of ships in Hongkong in the next few years.\n\nThe proposed expenditure of $60,000 on making Magazine Gap Road accessible for motor vehicles will be welcomed by all Peak residents, as it will reduce considerably the distance from the Upper Levels to the centre of the town.\n\nI would suggest, however, that, in the interests of public safety, the road be barred to motor lorries being used in connection with building operations on Magazine Gap Road itself.\n\n### Government House\n\nI feel that the Government is wise in reverting to the scheme for rebuilding Government House on the site available at Magazine Gap which is so admirably suited to the purpose.\n\nThe new Residence, with the completion of the new Motor Road, will be almost as conveniently situated as the present Government House and in much more pleasant surroundings. However, for the convenience of passers-through and residents on the lower levels might I suggest that Your Excellency arrange to have a Visitors' Book kept at the Government Offices?\n\nMembers naturally listened with interest to the Colonial Secretary's remarks on the subject of aviation. I agree that we must continue to develop Hongkong as an air port in readiness for the time when China becomes a party to the International Air Convention and, \n\n## Page 37", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 538100, "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": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "page_number": 129, "title": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "content_text": "## Head 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY\n### HONG KONG\n152 101\n\n| Estimate | Expendi-ture up to 31st December 1932 | Approved | Revised Estimated Expendi-ture 1933 | Estimated Expendi-ture 1933 | Estimated Expendi-ture 1934 |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| **Buildings** | 12231 | | | | |\n| 1. New Government Civil Hospital | | 3,000,000 | 300,000 | 100,000 | 600,000 |\n| 2. Market Wanchai | | 180,000 | 60,000 | | |\n| 3. Market Bowrington Canal | | 18,000 | 15,000 | | 18,000 |\n| 4. Market-Arsenal Street | | 18,000 | 15,000 | | 18,000 |\n| 5. Latrine and Bath-house at junction of Hennessy Road and O'Brien Road | | 22,000 | 22,000 | 19,000 | 3,000 |\n| 6. Upper Levels Police Station | | 220,000 | 50,000 | | 50,000 |\n| 7. Senior Officers' Quarters. May Road | | 560,000 | 50,000 | | 100,000 |\n| 8. New Quarters at Peak Wireless Station. | | 20,000 | 20,000 | | |\n| 9. Furniture Workshop and Store | | 27,000 | 27,000 | | |\n| **General Works** | | | | | |\n| 10. Roads | | 50,000 | 50,000 | | 50,000 |\n| 11. (a) Training Nullahs | | 12,000 | 12,000 | | |\n| 12. (b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works | | 7,500 | | | |\n| 13. Miscellaneous | | 50,000 | 60,000 | 45,000 | 25,000 |\n| **Water Works** | | | | | |\n| 14. (a) Miscellaneous | | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 8,000 |\n| 15. (b) Meters | | 8,700 | | | 10,000 |\n| 16. Port Works | | 40,000 | 195,000 | 50,000 | 5,000 |\n| **Communications** | | | | | |\n| 17. New 100-foot road between Causeway Bay and Ming Yuen | 641516 | 630,000 | 140,000 | | 180,000 |\n| 18. Surfacing 40-foot roads on Praya East..... | | 55,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 | 25,000 |\n| 19. New Road to Bathing Beaches (S.E. of Repulse Bay) | | 122,500 | 15,000 | | 15,000 |\n| 20. Robinson Road widening between Peak Road and Glenealy (including bridge).' | | 41,000 | 31,000 | 31,000 | 10,000 |\n| 21. Blue Pool Road Improvements (1st Section) | | 50,000 | 30,000 | 15,000 | 35,000 |\n| 22. 10-foot path, Shek O Gap to Cape D'Aguilar Wireless Station | | 25,000 | 25,000 | | 18,000 |\n| 23. New Road from Island Road to Stanley. | | 60,000 | 60,000 | 41,000 | 4,000 |\n| 24. Widening of Magazine Gap Road | | | | | |\n| 25. between Mav Road and Stubbs Road.. Widening of Middle Gap Road and access road to Mount Cameron lots... | | 75,000 | 30,000 | 15,000 | 60,000 |\n| | | 27,000 | | | 15,000 |\n| **Miscellaneous** | | | | | |\n| 26. Chinese Cemeteries-laying out new areas | | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 | 7,000 |\n| 27. Colonial Cemetery-laying out new areas | | 7,000 | 7,000 | | 2,000 |\n| 28. Reinstatement of Government Retaining Walls | | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 5,000 |\n| 29. Traffic white lines, studs and motor signs, etc. | | 5,000 | 5,000 | | 2,000 |\n| 30. Garage at Arbuthnot Road | | 5,000 | 5,000 | | 1 |\n| 31. Rewiring of Government Buildings | | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | |\n\nCarried forward........ 1,401,500", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 538137, "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": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "page_number": 166, "title": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "content_text": "# PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY \n## Notes on 1934 Estimates. \n### HONG KONG \n#### BUILDINGS. \n\nSub-head 1 - New Government Civil Hospital, $600,000.—To complete general site development and cover the cost and erection of steel framework of the main hospital block.\n\n2. - Market: Wanchai, $60,000. - The scheme is to reprovision Wanchai market on a site below the Naval Hospital and opposite the existing market. The existing building which consists of 44 stalls is old and congested. The new market will be a two-storey closed building containing 100 stalls and caretaker's quarters, etc.\n\n3. - Market: Bowrington Canal, $18,000. This market was referred to in Notes on Estimates 1933, page 1, sub-head 3. The building will be of the two-storey open type with caretaker's quarters, etc., and will now consist of 24 stalls. The proposed site is on Canal Road West approximately opposite Tang Lung Street.\n\n4. - Market: Arsenal Street, $18,000. - This market was also referred to in last year's Notes on Estimates at page 1, sub-head 4. The proposed site is at the junction of Arsenal Street and Lockhart Road. Accommodation will comprise 24 stalls and caretaker's quarters, etc., in an open type building.\n\n5. - Latrine and bathhouse at junction of Hennessy Road and O'Brien Roads, $3,000. - This work will be completed and payment of this sum is for retention money.\n\n6. - Upper Levels Police Station, $50,000. - The construction of this station has been long delayed. The proposed building is sited between High Street and Hospital Road, approximately on the area occupied by the old Police Training School. It will be five-stories in height and comprise, in addition to the usual station accommodation, four flats for European married officers, quarters for six single European officers, sixty Indian and sixty Chinese policemen and interpreters.\n\n7. - Senior Officers' Quarters, May Road, $100,000. - To provide quarters for twenty Senior Officers on a site immediately below May Road Tram Station. The quarters will consist of two blocks, each five-stories in height and containing in all five 5-roomed, ten 4-roomed, and five 3-roomed flats. The expenditure in 1934 will principally be in connection with site development and foundations, etc.\n\n8. - Quarters at Peak Wireless Station, $20,000. - To provide accommodation consisting of twelve single rooms with kitchen and lavatory premises for Chinese operators. At present, full use cannot be made of the station owing to lack of quarters.\n\n9. - Furniture Workshop and Store, $27,000. - A two-storey building of light construction sited adjoining the P.W.D. Store at Bullock Lane. The ground floor will be used as a workshop and the upper floor as a furniture store.\n\nPage 202", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 538156, "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": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "page_number": 185, "title": "CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934", "content_text": "## Head 21. Prisons Department\n\nLast year Mr. Hallifax expressed the hope that three more European warders and ten temporary Indian Guards would have been retrenched by the end of the current year.\n\nIf allowance is made for the additional temporary block at Lai Chi Kok Gaol requiring a staff of one European Warder, four Assistant Indian Warders, and two temporary Indian Guards, which was approved by Finance Committee on 3rd August last, this promised reduction will have been made. The only other matter calling for comment under this head is the change in the transport arrangements with Lai Chi Kok. At present, prisoners are conveyed between Lai Chi Kok and the Island by a Prisons Department Launch.\n\nNext year, it is proposed instead to transport the prisoners by motor van using the vehicular ferry. It will be necessary to purchase an additional van for $4,000, and to provide for its running expenses, which will be greater than those of the existing van as the distance to travel will be very much greater. The sub-heads affected are 21 and 22 under Other Charges and 25 under Special Expenditure. The Prisons Department Launch will be converted into an infectious cases launch, which will save building the new launch for which $50,000 has been provided in the current year's Estimates under Head 10, Harbour Department. Apart from this considerable saving in capital cost, the annual... \n\n· 15 · \nmittec as item 52 in Finance Minute No.7 of 29th July last. Under Public Works Extraordinary, it will be observed that a start is at last to be made on the long-delayed Upper Levels Police Station. \n\n225", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-1 Estimates 1934 4-10-1933 - 17-4-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 543315, "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": "CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934", "page_number": 87, "title": "CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934", "content_text": "## Table III. \n## Government Employees Malarial Admissions.\n\n| Average Strength | Malarial Admissions | Malarial Admissions per 1,000 |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Central & Guards Office | 548 | 26 | \n| Upper Levels | 83 | 6 | \n| Gough Hill | 35 | | \n| Central Fire Station. | 85 | 1 | \n| Sai Ying Pun | | | \n| Pokfulam | 92 | 5 | \n| Aberdeen | 16 | | \n| Wan Chai No. 2 | 100 | 1 | \n| Bay View | 14 | | \n| Wong Nai Chung Gap. | 5 | | \n| Shaukiwan | ... | | \n| Stanley | 5 | | \n| Tai Tam Tuk | 4 | | \n| Quarry Bay | 18 | 6 | \n| Yaumati | 103 | | \n| Sham Shui Po | | | \n| Mongkok | | | \n| Kowloon Water Works | | | \n| Hung Hom | | | \n| Kowloon City | 161 | | \n| Tsim Sha Tsui. | | | \n| Tsuen Wan....................... | 42 | 2 | \n| Cheung Chau | 36 | 3 | \n| Tai O.. | 27 | 9 | \n| Green Island ........ | 1 | | \n| Water Police..... | 74 | 2 | \n| Police Training School | 133 | 6 | \n| Au Tau | 15 | | \n| Castle Peak | 8 | 1 | \n| Lok Ma Chau ............................... | 12 | 4 | \n| Ping Shan | 10 | 3 | \n| Sha Tin........................ | 9 | | \n| Sai Kung | 11 | | \n| Sha Tau Kok | 13 | | \n| Sheung Shui. | 16 | 1 | \n| Tai Po | 18 | | \n| Tai Ku Ling.. | 12 | | \n| Lin Ma Hang | 8 | |\n\n## Table IV. \n## Police Strength Including Water Police & Malarial Admissions \n\n| Nationality | Average No. of employees | Malarial Admissions | Malarial Admissions per 1,000 |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Europeans | 843 | 23 | 27.28 |\n| Indians | 1,014 | 89 | 87.77 |\n| Chinese | 3,696 | 39 | 10.55 |\n| Others | 100 | | |\n| **Total** | **5,653** | **151** | **26.71** |\n\n| Stations | 1st Quarter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Diagnosed microscopically. Malarial admissions, | | | | |\n| Diagnosed clinically. | 120 | 31 | | |\n| TOTAL....... | 1,697 | 112 | 158 | |\n\nPage 144\nPage 145", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 543491, "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": "CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934", "page_number": 263, "title": "CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934", "content_text": "## 83. Sub-soil drainage of spaces\n\nEvery person who shall, under the provisions of section 82, leave a clear intervening space or area between a new domestic building and the hill-side, shall make the surface of the floor of such area at least six inches lower than the level of the lowest floor of such building, and he shall, if so required by the Building Authority, lay, to the full extent of such area, along the toe of the slope of the hill-side, and to a depth of at least twelve inches below the surface, a line of hard sound, stone-ware field-pipes, of not less than three inches diameter, for the purpose of effectually draining the sub-soil of such area, and he shall not cause such sub-soil drain to be passed out under the floor of any building, unless any other mode of outlet may be impracticable; and, in such case, he shall cause the sub-soil drain to be so laid under the ground floor of such new building, that there shall be a distance of at least nine inches between the top of such drain and the surface of such ground floor. The floor of every such area shall have a fall of not less than 1 in 40 towards the outlet for the drainage of such area, and shall be covered with a layer of impervious material, as provided for in this Ordinance, and shall be channelled.\n\n## 84. Structures in areas prohibited\n\nEvery area shall be kept, at all times, free and unobstructed by structures of any kind other than a bridge or flight of steps not exceeding three feet and six inches in width, nor shall such area be roofed in or covered over with glass or other material. No bridge or flight of steps shall be placed over any window opening into such area. Every area abutting on or adjacent to a street shall be provided with a suitable parapet wall, or safe iron railing or fence, along its upper edge.\n\n## 85.-(1) Provision of open spaces and access lanes for domestic buildings\n\nEvery domestic building hereafter erected or re-erected shall be provided by the owner with an open space in the rear, or partly in the rear and partly at the side, exclusively belonging to such building, equal in area to not less than one half of the roofed-over area of such building and the level of such open space shall not be less than 6 inches below the floor of the lowermost storey. In addition to such open space, the owner shall provide a lane to the satisfaction of the Building Authority, giving access to some public or private street and shall submit a plan of such proposed lane to the Building Authority for approval. Such plan shall be prepared with a view to promoting uniformity in the laying out of such lanes.\n\nEvery lane shall be formed to such levels as the Building Authority may direct.\n\n(2) A lane shall not be required in the case of any detached or semi-detached domestic building which has a side lane or yard extending the entire depth of the site and of a width of not less than six feet and also has a clear and unobstructed area...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 543521, "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": "CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934", "page_number": 293, "title": "CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934", "content_text": "## 61\n\n9. All covered drains and sewers shall be laid in straight lines and regular gradients between the points at which any change of direction occurs, and all changes of direction shall be made by means of properly curved pipes or by half channels in manholes.\n\n10. Concrete for encasing drains or sewers shall be composed of four parts of good sound clean stone, broken to pass through a one-inch ring, two parts of sand, and one part of Portland cement thoroughly well mixed and well rammed into place or of such other materials and in such proportions as the Building Authority may approve.\n\n11. Cement-mortar for the jointing of pipes or any other work shall be mixed in the proportions of not more than three parts of clean sharp sand to one part of good Portland cement and used fresh.\n\n12. No covered drain or sewer shall be less than four inches in clear internal diameter, but the Building Authority may require any covered drain or sewer to be constructed of a larger diameter.\n\n13. Subject to the limitation mentioned in regulation No. 12 of these regulations, no drain or sewer shall be larger than is necessary in the opinion of the Building Authority to carry off the sewage of the premises drained or the sewage with the rain-water, which, under conditions hereinafter specified in regulations Nos. 35, 36, and 37 of these regulations, shall be admitted to the drain.\n\n14. Every drain or sewer shall have the maximum fall, throughout its length, that the relative levels of the public sewer and of the most remote inlet will admit of:\n\nProvided always-\n(a) that, if the available fall exceeds 1 in 30, the part of the drain or sewer more remote from the public sewer may be laid with a fall of 1 in 30; and the remainder, with such greater fall as may be necessary to connect with the public sewer;\n(b) that, if the excavation necessary to obtain the maximum available fall is likely, in the opinion of the Building Authority, to endanger the stability of the adjoining or neighbouring property, the gradient may be modified to such extent as the Building Authority may approve.\n\n15. Whenever the available fall for a covered drain or sewer is less than 1 in 30, the Building Authority may require the gradient of the drain or sewer to be varied by increasing such gradient in the upper portion of such drain or sewer and by reducing it in the remaining portions.\n\n16. Whenever the gradient of any portion of a covered drain or sewer is less than 1 in 30, the Building Authority may require an automatic flush tank or any other suitable contrivance for attaining an effective flush to be provided to his satisfaction.\n\n17. No drain or sewer shall be so constructed as to pass under any domestic building except when any other mode of construction is impracticable. Any drain or sewer passing under a building shall be of cast-iron pipes coated inside with Dr. Angus Smith's patent composition, or of other material approved by the Building Authority, and all such pipes shall be of \n\n## 445", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-8 Annual medical report 1932 2-11-1933 - 16-5-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 543695, "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": "CO129-545-9 Proposed reorganisation of medical and sanitary services 2-11-1933 - 10-1-1934", "page_number": 154, "title": "CO129-545-9 Proposed reorganisation of medical and sanitary services 2-11-1933 - 10-1-1934", "content_text": "## 83. Sub-soil drainage of spaces\n\nEvery person who shall, under the provisions of section 82, leave a clear intervening space or area between a new domestic building and the hill-side, open shall make the surface of the floor of such area at least six inches lower than the level of the lowest floor of such building, and he shall, if so required by the Building Authority lay, to the full extent of such area, along the toe of the slope of the hill-side, and to a depth of at least twelve inches below the surface, a line of hard sound, stone-ware field-pipes, of not less than three inches diameter, for the purpose of effectually draining the sub-soil of such area, and he shall not cause such sub-soil drain to be passed out under the floor of any building, unless any other mode of outlet may be impracticable; and, in such case, he shall cause the sub-soil drain to be so laid under the ground floor of such new building, that there shall be a distance of at least nine inches between the top of such drain and the surface of such ground floor. The floor of every such area shall have a fall of not less than 1 in 40 towards the outlet for the drainage of such area, and shall be covered with a layer of impervious material, as provided for in this Ordinance, and shall be channelled.\n\n## 84. Structures in areas prohibited\n\nEvery area shall be kept, at all times, free and unobstructed by structures of any kind other than a bridge or flight of steps not exceeding three feet and six inches in width, nor shall such area be roofed in or covered over with glass or other material. No bridge or flight of steps shall be placed over any window opening into such area. Every area abutting on or adjacent to a street shall be provided with a suitable parapet wall, or safe iron railing or fence, along its upper edge.\n\n## 85.-(1) Provision of open spaces and access lanes for domestic buildings\n\nEvery domestic building hereafter erected or re-erected shall be provided by the owner with an open space in the rear, or partly in the rear and partly at the side, exclusively belonging to such building, equal in area to not less than one half of the roofed-over area of such building and the level of such open space shall not be less than 6 inches below the floor of the lowermost storey. In addition to such open space the owner shall provide a lane to the satisfaction of the Building Authority, giving access to some public or private street and shall submit a plan of such proposed lane to the Building Authority for approval. Such plan shall be prepared with a view to promoting uniformity in the laying out of such lanes.\n\nEvery lane shall be formed to such levels as the Building Authority may direct.\n\n(2) A lane shall not be required in the case of any detached or semi-detached domestic building which has a side lane or yard extending the entire depth of the site and of a width of not less than six feet and also has a clear and unobstructed area...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-9 Proposed reorganisation of medical and sanitary services 2-11-1933 - 10-1-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 543725, "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": "CO129-545-9 Proposed reorganisation of medical and sanitary services 2-11-1933 - 10-1-1934", "page_number": 184, "title": "CO129-545-9 Proposed reorganisation of medical and sanitary services 2-11-1933 - 10-1-1934", "content_text": "# \n\n9. All covered drains and sewers shall be laid in straight lines and regular gradients between the points at which any change of direction occurs, and all changes of direction shall be made by means of properly curved pipes or by half channels in manholes.\n\n10. Concrete for encasing drains or sewers shall be composed of four parts of good sound clean stone, broken to pass through a one-inch ring, two parts of sand and one part of Portland cement thoroughly well mixed and well rammed into place or of such other materials and in such proportions as the Building Authority may approve.\n\n11. Cement-mortar for the jointing of pipes or any other work shall be mixed in the proportions of not more than three parts of clear sharp sand to one part of good Portland cement and used fresh.\n\n12. No covered drain or sewer shall be less than four inches in clear internal diameter, but the Building Authority may require any covered drain or sewer to be constructed of a larger diameter.\n\n13. Subject to the limitation mentioned in regulation No. 12 of these regulations, no drain or sewer shall be larger than is necessary in the opinion of the Building Authority to carry off the sewage of the premises drained or the sewage with the rain-water, which, under conditions hereinafter specified in regulations Nos. 35, 36, and 37 of these regulations, shall be admitted to the drain.\n\n14. Every drain or sewer shall have the maximum fall, throughout its length, that the relative levels of the public sewer and of the most remote inlet will admit of:\n\nProvided always—\n(a) that, if the available fall exceeds 1 in 30, the part of the drain or sewer more remote from the public sewer may be laid with a fall of 1 in 30; and the remainder, with such greater fall as may be necessary to connect with the public sewer;\n(b) that, if the excavation necessary to obtain the maximum available fall is likely, in the opinion of the Building Authority, to endanger the stability of the adjoining or neighbouring property, the gradient may be modified to such extent as the Building Authority may approve.\n\n15. Whenever the available fall for a covered drain or sewer is less than 1 in 30, the Building Authority may require the gradient of the drain or sewer to be varied by increasing such gradient in the upper portion of such drain or sewer and by reducing it in the remaining portions.\n\n16. Whenever the gradient of any portion of a covered drain or sewer is less than 1 in 30, the Building Authority may require an automatic flush tank or any other suitable contrivance for attaining an effective flush to be provided to his satisfaction.\n\n17. No drain or sewer shall be so constructed as to pass under any domestic building except when any other mode of construction is impracticable. Any drain or sewer passing under a building shall be of cast-iron pipes coated inside with Dr. Angus Smith's patent composition, or of other material approved by the Building Authority, and all such pipes shall be of \n\nPage 240", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-545-9 Proposed reorganisation of medical and sanitary services 2-11-1933 - 10-1-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 544758, "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": 64, "title": "CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935", "content_text": "## Q 14\n\nDuring the early part of the year, the Aberdeen Lower Dam was kept out of action to allow the removal of silt from the basin. The washout valve was closed on 4th August, and the reservoirs rose to within 3 inches of overflow level on 1st November, when pumping was commenced. The amount of silt removed increased the capacity of the reservoir by 14.30 million gallons, and it is intended to continue this work in 1934 (see para. 244 of this Report).\n\nThe supply from the mainland through the Cross Harbour Pipe was in operation for 186 days between 12th April and 5th December, during which period 396.92 million gallons were delivered, equivalent to an average daily supply of 2.13 million gallons.\n\nThe total quantity of water stored in the impounding reservoirs on 1st January amounted to 1629.45 million gallons, of which 481.95 million gallons were in the gravitation reservoirs and 1147.50 million gallons in the lower-level reservoirs requiring pumping. Storage reached a minimum on the 2nd June when the total was 466.91 million gallons, 201.67 million gallons being in the gravitation reservoirs.\n\nThe reservoirs were at or over their permanent overflow levels for the following periods:\n\n| Reservoirs | Capacity to permanent overflow level (million gallons) | Overflow Periods |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Tai Tam | 384.80 | 44 days from 16th July-19th October. |\n| Tai Tam Byewash | 22.40 | 41 days from 18th July-19th October. |\n| Tai Tam Intermediate | 195.90 | 114 days from 31st July-24th November. |\n| Tai Tam Tuk | 1,149.00 | Nil. Highest level reached 9-5\" below overflow on 7th, 8th, & 9th November. |\n| Wong Nei Cheong | 30.34 | 2 days from 2nd-3rd July. |\n| Pokfulam | 66.00 | 8 days from 1st July-17th September. |\n| Aberdeen Upper | 173.23 | 35 days from 1st July-7th October. |\n| Aberdeen Lower | 97.58 | Nil. Highest level reached 3\" below overflow on 1st November. |\n\n## 15\n\nThe rainfall for the year (see Table X) amounted to only 62.34 inches, being 29.13 inches less than last year and 22.81 inches below the average for the last 50 years. Only in three previous years-1895, 1898, and 1901-were lower rainfalls recorded. The totals for these years were 45.83, 57.02, and 55.77 inches, respectively. The rainfall for 1933 had two outstanding features, viz., the long dry spell lasting until 2nd June, during which only 8.02 inches fell, and the almost entire absence of rain between 1st August and 11th September. The rainfall for August was only 1.74 inches, which is the lowest ever recorded.\n\nDuring the year, 130.22 million gallons from the Pokfulam Reservoir were delivered to the Albany Filter Beds, thereby saving considerable loss by overflow at Pokfulam and conserving the more slowly filling Tai Tam Valley reservoirs.\n\nThe maximum quantity of water impounded in all reservoirs was 2118.56 million gallons on the 12th October.\n\nThe total quantity of water pumped from Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir during the year amounted to 1130.61 million gallons, of which 1065.61 million gallons were pumped by the Simpson Engines and 65.00 million gallons by the Tangye Engines. This total was less than that of last year by 253.06 million gallons.\n\nThe total quantity of water supplied during the year amounted to 8264.75 million gallons, filtered (which includes 396.92 million gallons from the mainland), and 54.99 million gallons unfiltered, in all 3319.74 million gallons or 250.67 million gallons less than during 1932.\n\nThe average daily consumption of filtered water per head for all purposes throughout the year was about 23.1 gallons. In arriving at this figure, the population has been estimated at 387,000. Full details of consumption, etc., will be found in Tables V and VI.\n\nThe Analyses made by the Government Analyst show that the water was of good quality throughout the year, whilst the results obtained by bacteriological examination were satisfactory.\n\nThe quantity of water pumped to the High-Level District of the City was 155.74 million gallons, equal to an average daily consumption of about 427,000 gallons, whilst 63.33 million gallons were pumped to the Peak District, giving an average daily consumption of 165,000 gallons. As compared with 1932, there was a decrease of 25.92 million gallons pumped to the High-Level District and a decrease of 3.05 million gallons pumped to the Peak District. The total pumped during the year to the High Levels and Peak District amounted to 219.07 million gallons, as compared with 248.04 million gallons in 1932, showing a decrease of 28.97 million gallons. Tabulated statements containing particulars of the quantities of water pumped to the High Levels of the City and to the Peak District, respectively, will be found in Table VII.", "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": 544768, "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": 74, "title": "CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935", "content_text": "# PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY\n\nThe following is a summary of the works carried out under this vote:\n\n## HONG KONG\n\n### BUILDINGS\n\n101. New Government Civil Hospital. This work consists of the erection of a New Government Civil Hospital, including the necessary quarters on an open site at Pokfulam. The scheme comprises the following buildings:\n\nMain Hospital Block. This building accommodates on the lower ground floor service rooms and stores; on the ground floor consulting rooms, offices, X Ray Department, kitchens, quarters for 6 unmarried Medical Officers, and a lecture wing for the use of the University students; on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors 500 beds for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class patients, with ward kitchens, operating and delivery units, duty rooms, lavatories, and on the roof a solarium.\n\nStaff Quarters. Accommodation is provided for a female Nursing Staff totalling 168, subdivided into 42 Matrons and Sisters and 126 Nurses and Probationers. The plans provide for the common rooms on the ground floor and there are quarters at the rear for 72 domestic servants of the nursing staff. A pair of semi-detached houses is planned for the European Medical Officers in Charge of the Hospital, and a block of 6 flats for married Chinese Medical Officers. A block of 6 flats will be provided for married European Subordinate officers. Accommodation for Dressers and Servants—136 unmarried men, 37 unmarried women, and 9 married men—will be provided in a detached Servants' Quarters Block.\n\nStudents' Hostel. Accommodation is provided for 26 medical students in a detached Students' Hostel Block of three storeys, containing common rooms on the Ground Floor and bedrooms on the two upper floors.\n\nA Contract for the Site Formation was let to Messrs. Sang Lee & Co. for $168,906.60 on 6th April, and satisfactory progress was made with the excavation and filling of the site and the construction of retaining walls.\n\nAbout 750 feet of the water conduit from Pokfulam Reservoir to West Point Filters was re-aligned inside the hospital area where it interfered with the layout, and the new portion of the conduit has been constructed in reinforced concrete.\n\n### 1933 Expenditure\n\n$63,989.84\n\n102. Market: Hennessy Road near Fleming Road.—It had been proposed to erect a one-storey market constructed of reinforced concrete similar to that just completed on the adjoining site, but it was decided not to proceed with the work as stalls were still vacant in that market.\n\nExpenditure\nNil\n\n103. Market: Bowrington Canal.—A sketch plan was prepared for a market containing 24 stalls, but owing to shortage of staff, it was not possible to proceed with the work.\n\nExpenditure\nNil\n\n104. Market: Praya East, West End.—A sketch plan was prepared for a market containing 24 stalls, but owing to shortage of staff, the work could not be undertaken during the year.\n\nExpenditure\n$299.43\n\n105. Latrine and Bath House at junction of Hennessy Road and O'Brien Road. This is a two-storey building, containing latrines on the ground floor and bath cubicles on the second floor, for men and women, with heating chamber and Caretaker's Quarters. A Contract was let to Messrs. Chung Lee & Co. for $12,150.00 on 9th June, and the contract was completed in December, but there were still at the end of the year a few items to be carried out departmentally before the building could be handed over to the Sanitary Department.\n\nExpenditure\n$15,511.33\n\n### GENERAL WORKS\n\n106. Roads. Consequent upon the erection of new buildings, kerbing and channelling operations were executed on twenty-seven roads, etc. Footpaths were paved and any necessary alterations in levels or alignment effected.\n\nExpenditure\n$33,694.35\n\n107. Drainage:—(a) Training Nullahs.—Stream-courses were trained in culvert section at North Point, Kennedy Road, and at Sookunpoo; nullah parapet walling was constructed at Shaukiwan for a length of 378 feet, and existing decking was extended at Macdonnell Road.\n\nExpenditure\n$6,925.64\n\n(b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works.—New sewers and storm water drains to a length of 7,789 feet and varying from 42″ to 4″ in diameter were constructed during the year, principally at Shaukiwan, North Point, Wongneichong, and on the Praya East Reclamation. The number of drain connections made was 146. Many new gullies with flat gully gratings were constructed and connected to the storm water drainage system.\n\nExpenditure\n$38,705.83\n\nPage 90", "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": 544781, "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": 87, "title": "CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935", "content_text": "## Q 50\n\n207. Fell at Cheung Chau School. The work consisted of the sinking of a well 28′0′′ in depth. Tenders were obtained and the work was carried out in September by Messrs. Chiu Sing Kee in a satisfactory manner.\n\nExpenditure\n$496.00\n\n208. Un Long Nullah improvements. This work was referred to in paragraph 174 of last year's Report. The invert to nullah was satisfactorily completed during the year.\n\nExpenditure\n$1,700.41\n\n## WATER WORKS.\n\n209. Water Supply at Tsun Wan.--The main section of the work was completed on the 1st September, since which date a constant supply has been maintained. This portion of the work consists of: a concrete intake dam a few hundred yards above the bridge on the Shing Mun Access Road; a combined strainer and storage tank of approximately 5,000 gallons capacity; a 4′′ diameter wrought iron supply main from the intake to Tsun Wan Village, 6,400 feet in length; 2,198 feet of 4\" cast iron distribution mains; 470 feet of 2′′ wrought iron distribution mains; 5 fire hydrants; 6 street fountains; an internal supply to the Police Station.\n\nLater, the supply was extended to the next village, the following additions being made: 1,875 feet of 4\" cast iron distribution mains; 500 feet of 2′′ wrought iron distribution mains; 3 fire hydrants; 5 street fountains.\n\nExpenditure\n$25,611.75\n\n210. Main from Taipo Market to New Reservoir - 250 feet of 6\" wrought iron pipe was laid from Taipo Market to the new reservoir, and 1,356 feet of 6\" cast iron main from the road near the 143 mile stone to the strainer tank.\n\nExpenditure\n$2,966.50\n\n## WORKS NOT APPEARING IN ESTIMATES.\n\n211. Remand Home for Juvenile Offenders. The work consisted of the adaptation of the old Belilios Reformatory as a Remand Home for Juvenile Offenders. Considerable alterations and additions to the buildings were necessary, the installation of a water carriage drainage system, complete electric light and bell installations, renovation of the buildings throughout, the erection of a reinforced concrete boundary wall all round the site to a height of 14'0\" above yard level, and a new approach path and steps. The alterations, additions, and renovation were done under the Maintenance of Buildings Contract, and the Contract for the erection of the boundary wall was let to Messrs. Kin Lee & Co. Work was commenced on 13th March, 1933, and was completed on 27th June, 1933.\n\nExpenditure\n$49,491.95\n\n212. Accommodation for Sanitary District Office. - Following the decision to demolish Beaconsfield Arcade, accommodation for the Sanitary District Office was obtained in the Post Office Building.\n\nExpenditure\n$719.62\n\n213. Purchase of Sailors' Home and Seamen's Institute on M.L. 295, and adaptation as Offices. - This building was purchased by Government, and alterations were carried out to provide accommodation for certain offices formerly housed in Beaconsfield Arcade. The work consisted of the erection of partitions and minor alterations, and the building was occupied as follows: Ground floor, Central Medical Office and Stores; 1st floor, Statistical Office of the Imports and Exports Department; 2nd floor, Port Development Office of the Public Works Department. The work was completed in May.\n\nExpenditure\n$196,811.70\n\n214. Demolition of Beaconsfield Arcade. - The work of demolition, which was commenced in June and completed early in August, was carried out by Messrs. Yeung Fat & Co. A credit of $3,500.00 was received from them for the old materials.\n\n215. Demolition of Nos. 1 and 2 Queen's Gardens. - The work of demolition, which was commenced in August and completed in October, was carried out by Messrs. Cheong Hing & Co. A credit of $1,650.00 was received from them for the old materials.\n\n216. Demolition of Waterworks Bungalow, Shaukiwan. - The work of demolition, which was commenced in July and completed in August, was carried out by Messrs. Lam Cheong Kee. A credit of $304.50 was received from them for the old materials.\n\n217. Upper Levels Police Station. - A scheme has been prepared for the erection of temporary Barrack Sheds, with Mess Room, Kitchen, Bath house, and Latrines, to accommodate the... \n\n## Page 110", "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": 544784, "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": 90, "title": "CO129-548-1 Annual reports from various government departments 3-4-1934 - 11-6-1935", "content_text": "## Q 56\n\nThe concrete of gravity section was reduced where the foundation and backing were satisfactory. The Invert is of concrete 9\" thick laid out in bays of 15'-0\" x 12'-0\" to correspond with the layout of the reinforced concrete piers which support the reinforced concrete roof of the beam and slab type. Overflow and washout arrangements have been provided.\n\nThe Reinstatement of, and improvements to, Gardens.-Part of this work, which was designed by the Architectural Office in conjunction with the Superintendent of the Botanical and Forestry Department, was carried out under the contract for the Reservoir and part by the Architectural Office under a separate contract. The new layout consists of the construction of one large flat terrace at a level of about 244.00 A.O.D. This terrace replaces the two old ones situated at levels of 239.00 and 229.00 A.O.D. and incidentally provides a larger flat area. The top of the roof slab was covered with a layer of two feet of garden soil and this has been turfed for the present. The existing fountain on the upper terrace was demolished and has been replaced by a new one in the centre of the new terrace. The work necessitated alterations to the existing approach steps and paths to the site of the Reservoir. A new flight of granite steps was constructed on the East side and a new entrance to the Gardens from Albany Road was made on the West side. Other new features carried out included granite seats on the East and North sides, a shelter and two drinking fountains on the West side, gardener's stores, raised terraces and a water tank on the South side and lavatory and latrine accommodation on the East side.\n\nThe following are a few particulars of the works:\n| Particulars | Value/Quantity |\n| --- | --- |\n| Capacity of Reservoir | 4.957 million gallons |\n| Average depth when full | 16′-6′′ |\n| Area of top water level | 49,680 square feet |\n| Number of piers | 251 |\n| Excavation | 25,560 cubic yards |\n| Concrete in walls | 3,697 cubic yards |\n| Concrete in Invert | 1,280 cubic yards |\n| Concrete in piers | 423 cubic yards |\n| Concrete in roof | 1,156 cubic yards |\n| Concrete in Toe walls, etc. | 612 cubic yards |\n| Concrete in piles 8′′ x 8′′ | 1,430 linear feet |\n\n1933 Expenditure...... $59,199.37\nExpenditure to 31st Dec., 1933...... $240,303.75\n\n## 237. Item R, Pipe Line (for Item Q), 24′′ supply main to Gardens Service Reservoir.\n\nThis work was referred to in paragraph 199 of last year's Report. The work was actually completed last year, but minor improvements were made near the Gardens Service Reservoir, and some reinstatement of road surfaces on the line of the pipe was found necessary.\n\n1933 Expenditure........ $1,310.02\nExpenditure to 31st Dec., 1933...... $22,489.57\n\nPage 90\nPage 91", "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": 545947, "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": 80, "title": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "content_text": "C. S. O.\n\n(1.8.9.)\n\n87\n\nfavourable than its present value, we would ask Your Excellency to bring this matter before Unofficial Members for further consideration during the coming year.\n\nThe site formation of the new Government Civil Hospital, and the new Gaol at Stanley, appear near completion, and the site for the new Central British School at Kowloon has been started in earnest, with the result that the coming year should witness real progress in respect of these essential public works.\n\nThe Upper Levels Police Station, and the Magistracy at Yaumati, are very necessary requirements.\n\nCity Development Scheme. The Government House and City Development Scheme, must be regarded as a separate entity, as it has been segregated from the General Government Accounts. It is, we understand, anticipated that Scheme, when completed, will pay for itself.\n\nparticularly the area between Deep Water Bay and Aberdeen, not forgetting, in connection therewith, necessary and economic forms of transport. about midnight with property of the officers and passengers. It would seem that some explanation is called for, and we hope, with the completion of the new No. 1 Police launch, such a state of circumstances will not occur again. (Report Appendix K. pages 6 & 7.)\n\nBathing Facilities.\n\nA matter which will ere long have to come up for consideration is the bathing facilities at North Point. Daily in the summer months, many thousands avail themselves of this very healthy form of recreation.\n\nGaols.\n\nPavilions are, and always have been, The permits for the erection of the The Prison Report for 1933 cannot be overlooked. When we get a situation where convicted criminals have to be released before their terms have expired, the position has become more than serious, and it is therefore most important that our new gaol should be completed with all possible speed.\n\nat Laichikok is over-crowded, and that the workshops accommodation is quite inadequate.\n\nWe also notice that the Female Gaol Mr. Franks would appear to have a difficult position to fill.\n\n(Report Appendix L. pages 2 & 3.)\n\nCoinage.\n\nThe Scheme was based on the sale of the City Hall, and now that it has been disposed of, the way is made clear for the construction of the new Government buildings, and the new Government House. An Assembly Hall and Theatre is badly needed, and Saiwan Bay, we do not know, but the falsification of our coinage is as the sale of the old City Hall has made possible this ambitious scheme, something on the lines of the old City Hall is called for, as a measure of compensation to the public for what it has lost. The new City Hall should not only accommodate theatrical performances, but should be of sufficient accommodation to be a venue for Government and Public Receptions.\n\nWe are glad that Government have seen fit to grant some relief to the builder in extending automatically the burden of building covenants for one year. This concession will assist, in an indirect method, our economic problem, and bring relief to a valuable section of our community, but will not interfere with genuine building.\n\nViewing the position as a whole, we think the Honourable Director of Public Works must be well pleased with the programme he has before him, even though the Works Extraordinary Vote has been reduced from $3,591,950 in 1934 to $2,999,450 in 1935. Many of his predecessors would be jealous of his enviable position.\n\nBefore leaving the subject of public works, we desire to state that we approve of the principle of giving out such works as the Central British School to private firms of architects, and we think that the practice might be further developed in suitable cases.\n\nPlaying Grounds.\n\nWe have watched with interest the opening of the public playground at Wanchai this year, and we hope that Government, when developing new areas for building purposes, will, as far as possible, make similar provision wherever possible. The need for more lungs in the Colony cannot be too strongly stressed.\n\nMore athletic grounds are very necessary, and we think that Government should investigate the possibilities of the south side of the Island,\n\nWhether it is possible to continue the road and tram rails, through Shaukiwan, along the water level to ... matter might receive consideration.\n\nVehicular Ferry.\n\nthe Colony a substantial sum, and may be criticised on this account, but there is no gainsaying the fact that it has linked up the Island with the mainland in a manner no other practical means could have effected. Its popularity is, like the traffic carried, growing day by day, and is even now a valuable asset.\n\nIn a Colony situated as Hongkong a matter of very great concern. It is surprising the amount of false local issuing banks' notes is a matter that cannot be passed over lightly. It is to be hoped that Police and Magistrates will use their utmost diligence in dealing with this all important matter. (Report Appendix K. page 2.)\n\nMui-Tsai.\n\nour\n\nThe creation of a new post, the Inspector of Mui-tsai, has our wholehearted support.\n\n100 Feet Road. feet road at North Point. Considerable work has been carried out this year, and we can only express the hope that substantial efforts will be made to complete the work without delay.\n\nAs regards the Mui-tsai problem generally, we are satisfied that the policy of the Home Government is being loyally and firmly carried out. The number of Mui-tsais in the Colony is yearly decreasing, and in the meantime the work of our Inspectors is being honestly and impartially performed. (Report Appendix C. page 1.)\n\nPolice Force.\n\nWe notice a change of emoluments on page 47 of the Estimates. The post of Inspector-General of Police carries with it apparently, a salary from £1,500 to £1,600 annually, whilst the Cadet Officer Class I, a salary settled from £1,500 to £1,800. Is it suggested that a life-trained police officer is less valuable than a Cadet Officer Class I for the purpose of filling the position of Inspector-General Police?\n\nWe Unofficial Members desire to protest in reference to the manner the bona fides of the settled policy of this Colony in dealing with Mui-tsais is from time to time being called in question by ill-informed people in England. (Applause).\n\nof the subjects which the Honourable Mr. Bell will deal with.\n\nThis matter will form one of\n\nNew No. 1 Police Launch. We see in the Estimates an item of $250,000 for a new No. 1 Police launch, which obviously will be useful for anti-piracy purposes. We are of the opinion that our police should, as suggested, have two such launches in operation.\n\nPiracy.\n\nIt is interesting to note that our legislation in respect of Factories and Workshops is resulting in considerable improvement in our general factory conditions, and that the employment of children under 16 has practically ceased in large factories, (Report Appendix C. pages 8 & 9.)\n\nJuvenile Offenders.\n\nLast year we saw the coming into force of the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance: it marks another milestone in our judicial progress. The Remand Home appears to be working well,\n\nWe note with regret three cases of piracy during the year 1933. In two cases the ships had already been searched in Hongkong. In the case of the steamer Prominent we find that the No. 4 Police launch was aware that the ship was in the hands of pirates, and that she was within gun-shot of the ship; nevertheless, the pirates got on shore in Mirs Bay\n\nPage 80\n\nPage 81", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 546044, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "page_number": 177, "title": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "content_text": "206\n\nHead 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY\n\nExpendi- ture up\n\nApproved Revised Estimated\n\nEstimated\n\n103\n\nEstimate\n\nto 31st December 1933.\n\nEstimated Expendi-\n\nExpendi-\n\nExpendi-\n\nture 1935.\n\nture 1934.\n\nture 1934.\n\nHead 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.\n\nHONG KONG.\n\n$\n\n \n Buildings.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1. New Government Civil Hospital\n 3,000,000\n 63,990\n 600,000\n 650,000\n 800,000\n \n \n 2. Upper Levels Police Station\n 220,000\n 50,000\n 50,000\n 120,000\n 230,000\n \n \n 3. Market-Wanchai\n 60,000\n 18,000\n 18,000\n 12,000\n 2,000\n \n \n 4. Market--Bowrington Canal\n 30,000\n 18,000\n 18,000\n 12,000\n 2,000\n \n \n 5. Market-Arsenal Street\n 80,000\n 23,000\n 25,000\n 19,625\n 1,000\n \n \n 6. Junior Technical School-Laboratory Wing\n \n 2,375\n \n \n \n \n \n 7. New Quarters at Peak Wireless Station\n 260,000\n 10,000\n 60,000\n \n \n \n \n 8. Trade School-Wood Road, Wanchai..\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n General Works.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9. Roads\n 50,000\n 50,000\n 40,000\n 7,500\n 7,500\n \n \n 10. (a) Training Nullahs\n 45,000\n 45,000\n 35,000\n 5,000\n \n \n \n 11. (b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works\n 25,000\n 25,000\n 18,000\n \n \n \n \n 12. Miscellaneous\n 10,000\n 10,000\n 8,000\n \n \n \n \n Water Works:-\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 13. (a) Miscellaneous\n 50,000\n 50,000\n 20,000\n 2,000\n 2,000\n \n \n 14. (b) Meters\n 2,000\n 2,000\n 2,000\n \n \n \n \n 15. Port Works\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Communications.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 16. New 100-foot Road between Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay\n 910,000\n 92,500\n 50,000\n 230,000\n 280,000\n \n \n 17. Widening of Middle Gap Road and access road to Mount Cameron (1st Section)\n 30,000\n 15,000\n 15,000\n 15,000\n \n \n \n 18. Surfacing 40-foot Roads on Praya East\n 55,000\n 26,804\n 25,000\n 25,000\n 4,000\n \n \n 19. New Road to Bathing Beaches (S.E. of Repulse Bay)\n 122,500\n 3,556\n 50,000\n 57,500\n 4,000\n \n \n 20. Widening of Magazine Gap Road between May Road and Stubbs Road\n 77,700\n 218\n 60,000\n 74,500\n 3,000\n \n \n Miscellaneous.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 21. Reinstatement of Government Retaining Walls\n 4,314\n \n 20,000\n 20,000\n 5,000\n \n \n 22. Rewiring of Government Buildings\n 21,245\n \n 25,000\n 25,000\n 10,350\n \n \n 23. Traffic White Lines, studs and motor signs, etc.\n 2,280\n 2,000\n 7,000\n 5,000\n \n \n \n 24. Colonial Cemetery-laying out new areas\n 4,784\n \n 2,000\n 2,000\n 1,000\n \n \n 25. Latrines for two new Bathing Beaches -South of Repulse Bay\n 7,000\n \n 7,000\n \n \n \n \n 26. Sanitary Department Garage. Additional Exits\n 1,400\n \n 1,400\n \n \n \n \n 27. The Cold Storage Rooms at Central Medical Store in Old Seamen's Institute, Wanchai\n 12,000\n \n 12,000\n \n \n \n \n 28. Garage Accommodation at Shaukiwan Police Station\n 3,500\n \n 3,500\n \n \n \n \n 29. Chinese Cemeteries-laying out new areas\n 6,000\n 6,000\n 6,000\n 6,000\n \n \n \n Carried forward..\n 1,560,250", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 546138, "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": 271, "title": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "content_text": "326\n\n102\n\nHead 33.--PUBLIC WORKS RECURRENT\n\nApproved Estimate, 1934.\n\nEstimate, 1935.\n\n$\n\nPUBLIC WORKS, RECURRENT.—Continued.\n\nNEW TERRITORIES.\n\n \n\nHead 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY\n\n103\n\nExpendi- ture up\n\nEstimate\n\nto 31st December 1933.\n\nApproved Estimated Expendi- ture 1984.\n\nRevised\n\nEstimated Expendi-\n\nEstimated Expendi.\n\nture 1985.\n\nture 1934.\n\n$\n\n$\n\nHead 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.\n\n$\n\n$\n\nITEMS.\n\n22:-BUILDINGS.\n\n1\n\nMaintenance of Buildings\n\n28,000\n\n28,000\n\n2\n\nImprovements to Buildings\n\n4,000\n\n5,000\n\n3\n\nMaintenance of Lighthouses\n\n9,000\n\n10,000\n\n(1)\n\n41,000\n\n23:-COMMUNICATIONS.\n\n1\n\nRoads and Bridges (Maintenance and Improvements)\n\n80,000\n\n2\n\nMaintenance of Telephones\n\n4,500\n\n70,000\n\n5,000\n\n(2)\n\n84,500\n\n75,000\n\n24:-DRAINAGE.\n\n1\n\nMaintenance of Sewers, Nullahs, &c.,\n\n700\n\n25:-LIGHTING.\n\nI\n\nElectric Lighting.\n\n750\n\n26:-TYPHOON & RAINSTORM DAMAGES.\n\n1\n\nTyphoon and Rainstorm Damages\n\n5,000\n\n700\n\n750\n\n700\n\nHONG KONG.\n\n$\n\nBuildings.\n\n1. New Government Civil Hospital\n\n3,000,000\n\n63,990\n\n600,000\n\n650,000\n\n2. Upper Levels Police Station\n\n800,000\n\n220,000\n\n50,000\n\n3. Market-Bowrington Canal\n\n50,000\n\n120,000\n\n18,000\n\n18,000\n\n4. Market-Arsenal Street\n\n12,000\n\n2,000\n\n18,000\n\n18,000\n\n5. Junior Technical School-Laboratory Wing\n\n12,000\n\n2,000\n\n28,000\n\n2,375\n\n25,000\n\n19,625\n\n1,000\n\n6. New Quarters at Peak Wireless Station\n\n20,000\n\n20,000\n\n10,000\n\n7. Trade School-Wood Road, Wanchai..\n\n10,000\n\n260,000\n\n60,000\n\nGeneral Works.\n\n8. Roads\n\n43,000\n\nDrainage:-\n\n9. (a) Training Nullahs\n\n10. (b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works\n\n11. Miscellaneous\n\n12.\n\nWater Works:-\n\n(a) Miscellaneous\n\n13. (b) Meters\n\n14. Port Works\n\nCommunications.\n\n15. New 100-foot Road between 'Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay\n\n50,000\n\n50,000\n\n40,000\n\n7,500\n\n7,500\n\n5,000\n\n45,000\n\n45,000\n\n35,000\n\n25,000\n\n25,000\n\n18,000\n\n10,000\n\n10,000\n\n8,000\n\n50,000\n\n50,000\n\n20,000\n\n2,000\n\n2,000\n\n2,000\n\n910,000\n\n92,500\n\n50,000\n\n230,000\n\n280,000\n\n700\n\n1,500\n\n(3)\n\n16. Widening of Middle Gap Road and access road to Mount Cameron (1st Section)\n\n30,000\n\n15,000\n\n15,000\n\n15,000\n\n17. Surfacing 40-foot Roads on Praya East\n\n18. New Road to Bathing Beaches (S.E. of Repulse Bay)\n\n55,000\n\n26,804\n\n25,000\n\n25,000\n\n4,000\n\n122,500\n\n3,556\n\n50,000\n\n57,500\n\n4,000\n\n1,500\n\n19. Widening of Magazine Gap Road between May Road and Stubbs Road\n\n77,700\n\n218\n\n60,000\n\n74,500\n\n3,000\n\n27:-WATER WORKS.\n\n1\n\nMaintenance of Village Supplies\n\n2,000\n\n2\n\nWater Meters, upkeep and repairs...\n\n600\n\n5,000\n\n5,000\n\n5,000\n\n3,000\n\n(4)\n\n600\n\n28:- MISCELLANEOUS.\n\n2,600\n\n3,600\n\nMiscellaneous.\n\n20. Reinstatement of Government Retaining Walls\n\n21. Rewiring of Government Buildings\n\n22. Traffic White Lines, studs and motor signs, etc.\n\n23. Colonial Cemetery-laying out new areas\n\n24. Latrines for two new Bathing Beaches -South of Repulse Bay\n\n{\n\n│\n\n4,314\n\n20,000\n\n20,000\n\n5,000\n\n21,245\n\n25,000\n\n25,000\n\n10,350\n\n1\n\n2,280\n\n2,000\n\n7,000\n\n5,000\n\n4,784\n\n2,000\n\n2,000\n\n1,000\n\n7,000\n\n7,000\n\n1\n\nMaintenance of Praya Walls and Piers\n\n3,000\n\n3,000\n\n25. Sanitary Department Garage.\n\ntional Exits\n\nAddi.\n\n1,400\n\n1,400\n\n3,000\n\n3,000\n\n26. The Cold Storage Rooms at Central Medical Store in Old Seamen's Institute, Wanchai\n\n12,000\n\n12,000\n\n27. Garage Accommodation at Shaukiwan Police Station\n\n8,500\n\n8,500\n\nTotal New Territories\n\n28. Chinese Cemeteries-laying out new areas\n\n137,550\n\n131,800\n\n6,000\n\n6,000\n\n6,000\n\n6,000\n\n(1) Previous provision insufficient.\n\n(2) Considered sufficient.\n\n(3) Lighting villages along motor road,\n\n(4) Maintenance of increased length of pipe line.\n\nCarried forward..\n\n1,480,250\n\n327", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 546179, "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": 312, "title": "CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934", "content_text": "PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY\n\nNotes on 1935 Estimates.\n\nSub-head \"37\" \"HONG KONG.\"\n\nBUILDINGS.\n\n1.-New Government Civil Hospital, $800,000.-For the purchase and erection of steelwork and other stores, the continuance of the main Hospital Block and commencement of Sisters Quarters and other buildings.\n\n2.-Upper Levels Police Station, $120,000.-The proposed building is sited between High Street and Hospital Road approximately on the area occupied by the old Police Training School. It will be five-stories in height and comprise, in addition to the usual station accommodation, four flats for European married officers, quarters for six single European officers, sixty Indians and sixty Chinese Policemen and interpreters. The amount provided is for the continuance of the main contract.\n\n3.-Market: Bowrington Canal, $2,000.-The building will be of the two-storied open type with caretaker's quarters etc., and will consist of 24 stalls. The proposed site is on Canal Road West approximately opposite Tang Lung Street. It is anticipated that this building will be completed in 1934, the sum provided being for payment of Retention money.\n\n4.-Market: Arsenal Street, $2,000.-The proposed site is at the junction of Arsenal Street and Lockhart Road. Accommodation will comprise 24 stalls and caretaker's quarters etc., in an open type building. The sum provided is for payment of Retention money.\n\n5. Junior Technical School Laboratory Wing, $1,000.-This work will be completed in 1934, the sum provided being for payment of Retention money.\n\n6. New Quarters at Peak Wireless Station, $10,000.-A brick building of two-storied consisting of twelve single rooms with kitchen and lavatory premises to provide accommodation for Chinese operators.\n\n7.-Trade School-Wood Road, Wanchai, $60,000.-This will be a brick building three stories in height containing workshops and class rooms for instruction in the engineering and building trades. A proportion of the total cost is being subscribed.\n\nGENERAL WORKS.\n\n8.-Roads, $40,000. This sum is required to provide for the road surfacing, kerbing, channelling and footpaths of new roads as new buildings are erected or realignments of streets take place.\n\n9.-Drainage-(a) Training Nullahs, $5,000.-This sum is required to meet the cost of training stream courses where this is necessary due to new development.\n\n10.-(b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works, $35,000.-Required to meet the cost of providing sewers and storm water drains for houses in newly developed areas.\n\nPage 378", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-550-1 Estimates 1935 14-9-1934 - 15-9-1934.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 547184, "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": "CO129-552-1 Supplementary expenditure 24-12-1934 - 18-1-1936", "page_number": 45, "title": "CO129-552-1 Supplementary expenditure 24-12-1934 - 18-1-1936", "content_text": "BY AIR MAIL.\n\nSir,\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE,\n\nHONG KONG.\n\n48\n\n25th October, 1935.\n\nI have the honour to request your sanction, in accordance with Colonial Regulation 265 for supplementary expenditure of $19,000 in respect of the Upper Levels Police Station, Head 34, Sub-head 2, of the Estimates for 1935.\n\n2. $50,000 was provided for this work in the Estimates for 1934, but only $39,281 was expended. The amount provided in the current Estimates is $120,000 and $40,000 to complete the work is provided in the draft Estimates for 1936. Better progress has recently been made than was anticipated and the actual expenditure for this year is now estimated at $139,000, leaving $34,719 to meet final bills and retention money in respect of 1936.\n\n3. It will be seen from these figures that the revised estimate for the work has been reduced to $213,000 from the original estimate of $220,000.\n\n4. I should be glad to have your authority by telegraph to take a supplementary vote for the $19,000 required this year. The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council has been consulted informally on the matter and has unanimously approved of this additional expenditure.\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE\n\nMALCOLM MACDONALD, M.P.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nSir,\n\nYour most obedient, humble servant,\n\nN.L. Smith\n\nOfficer Administering the Government.\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.,\n\n&c.\n\nCorrected 'w as' to 'was' and 'N.L. Sunte' to 'N.L. Smith'. The rest of the text is formatted into proper paragraphs using HTML.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-552-1 Supplementary expenditure 24-12-1934 - 18-1-1936.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549147, "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": "CO129-554-6 Hong Kong University- 1. Appointment of Dr. Chen Shas Yi as head of Chinese Department... 18-3-1935 - 28-10-1935", "page_number": 55, "title": "CO129-554-6 Hong Kong University- 1. Appointment of Dr. Chen Shas Yi as head of Chinese Department... 18-3-1935 - 28-10-1935", "content_text": "Archaeological Finds on Lamma Island\n\n125\n\nWe\n\nBut the specimen in figure K has a more puzzling context and condition. It comes from Tai Wan, from a section not counted in the 1933 excavation. It is from a kind of pocket amid rocks to the east of the clump of vegetation and the (sacred) tree which stands on the rocky knoll. The ground there is no longer the pure sliding sands of the main site but beneath the humus is lightly cemented together with minerals brought down by moisture from the upper layers. The sandy mass is about five feet deep over the rocks in this, one day when I visited the site with Mr. Schofield and Drs. Brock and Lees the geologists, I found by my own digging a most interesting collection of objects. These may be set forth here quickly, for the whole group is in the nature of a test case on which we have fortunately some of the best judgments that the scientific world may give on certain points. The section was about five feet wide with a face standing firm and clean about six feet measured down from the surface: at about five feet heavy boulders began: above that it was a sand concreted slightly with lime: the levels here as distinct from the rest of the Tai Wan site admit of much wash-down from the background.\n\nFound \"Double-F\" pottery at 40 ins. as described in H.K.N. III, p. 245. Related ware of I.d. ii type at 49 ins. (cp. ib. pp. 232, 245). The \"Chou\" type of ware (white rough developed from corded ware with bronze influence on pattern), illustrated in H.K.N. IV, Plate XIV, No. 6, p. 64: this was at about 50 ins. At the same level and quite close, four pieces of bronze of uncertain use, very corroded so that they were cracked as if made of perished leather: Mr. Simpson suggests that one piece with a curved point (like the nail-extractor on the old-fashioned Sheffield combination pocket-knives or, the Chinese so-called \"knot-openers\") may be a tool for trimming a clay mould before casting bronze: two pieces might possibly be bits of a runner from a mould: the other two are of about the thickness of an ordinary pencil but almost square in section: one surface is very flat being probably the top level of the liquid metal: they seem originally to have made one stick about 80 mm. in length of which the curved tip comes to a scraping edge. Close by these was a bronze coin of the usual cash type, obviously of an old date: it is so worn that it is not worth reproducing: the British Museum Coin Room to whom it was submitted gave as their opinion of its date:-\"PROBABLY c. I CENTURY A.D.\" The coin was not contained in any object and thus we have the alternative of dating the rest by the contiguity of the coin (later than the coin?) or else of regarding the coin as a later intruder: the second solution is suggested by quite modern coins which here and there were found well below the surface in other parts of the site. Further, close to the bronzes were two pottery \"beads\" or, more probably, spindle whorls these are of rough pottery with a vague design of small holes arranged in horizontal zones: one end (polar) of each specimen has been cut into, in one case seemingly by a regular curved object. These things look very primitive, but Professor Beyer has found pieces of very similar type in one of his Early Iron Age sites on Luzon. A neighbouring part of Tai Wan gave very much better finished specimens of the same kind of object (but without decoration) from a corresponding level (about 4 feet).\n\nJuly 1935.\n\n56", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-554-6 Hong Kong University- 1. Appointment of Dr. Chen Shas Yi as head of Chinese Department... 18-3-1935 - 28-10-1935.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549318, "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": "CO129-554-9 Buildings Ordinance 1935 15-4-1935 - 15-4-1935", "page_number": 46, "title": "CO129-554-9 Buildings Ordinance 1935 15-4-1935 - 15-4-1935", "content_text": "52\n\nEvery room to be provided\n\nwith sky-light or window.\n\n26\n\n77. No room shall be constructed in any storey of any existing domestic building, or of any domestic building hereafter erected, unless such room is provided with a sky-light, or with a window or windows opening either directly or across a verandah or balcony into the external air and having an area, clear of any obstruction to the light, equal to at least one tenth the floor area of such room and being so constructed that at least one half can be opened. In the case of a window or windows the opening shall extend as far as is practicable above the floor level.\n\nObstruction of windows\n\nin tenement houses,\n\nOpen space between new building\n\n[cf. s. 160].\n\nProvided that, in the case of existing domestic buildings, the Governor in Council shall have power to modify the requirements of this section in respect to the external air upon such conditions, if any, as may be deemed expedient.\n\n78. No window of any tenement house shall be obstructed by the erection of any structure whatsoever.\n\nOpen spaces, lanes, etc.\n\n79. No person who shall erect a new domestic building or alter any existing domestic building on a site excavated out of a slope or declivity shall permit such building or part thereof to abut against the hill-side, but a clear intervening space or area of a width of not less than one-fourth of the height of the cutting shall be left between such building, along its whole extent, and the toe of the cutting: Provided that such intervening space or area shall in no case be of a less width than eight feet in any part as measured on the ground level of such building, and shall not encroach in any way upon any street; Provided further that the Governor in Council may grant exemption in any case in which the provisions of this section may appear to him to be inapplicable.\n\nSub-soil\n\ndrainage of such open\n\nspaces.\n\nStructures\n\nin areas\n\nprohibited.\n\nThe height of the cutting shall be measured on a vertical line drawn from the toe of such cutting, and extending from the finished ground or concreted surface to a point where it meets a line drawn at an angle of thirty degrees with the horizontal from the top of the cutting.\n\n80. Every person who shall, under the provisions of section 79 leave a clear intervening space or area between a new domestic building and the hill-side, shall make the surface of the floor of such area at least six inches lower than the level of the lowest floor of such building, and he shall, if so required by the Building Authority, lay, to the full extent of such area, along the toe of the slope of the hill-side, and to a depth of at least twelve inches below the surface, a line of hard sound, stone-ware field-pipes, of not less than three inches diameter, for the purpose of effectually draining the sub-soil of such area, and he shall not cause such sub-soil drain to be passed out under the floor of any building, unless any other mode of outlet may be impracticable; and, in such case, he shall cause the sub-soil drain to be so laid under the ground floor of such new building, that there shall be a distance of at least nine inches between the top of such drain and the surface of such ground floor. The floor of every such area shall have a fall of not less than 1 in 40 towards the outlet for the drainage of such area, and shall be covered with a layer of impervious material, as provided for in this Ordinance, and shall be channelled.\n\n81. Every area shall be kept, at all times, free and unobstructed by structures of any kind other than a bridge or flight of steps not exceeding three feet and six inches in width, nor shall such area be roofed in or covered over with glass or other material. No bridge or flight of steps shall be placed over any window opening into such area. Every area shall be provided with a suitable parapet wall, or safe iron railing or fence, along its upper edge.\n\n27\n\n82. (1) Every domestic building hereafter erected or re-erected shall be provided by the owner with an open space exclusively belonging to such building, equal in area to not less than one half of the roofed-over area of such building; [cf. s. 160]. and the level of such open space shall not be less than 6 inches below the floor of the lowermost storey. Provided that in the case of a domestic building hereafter erected or re-erected on a site leased from the Crown prior to the 21st February 1903 and having a depth of forty feet or under the open space may be equal in area to not less than one third of the roofed-over area of such building.\n\nIn addition to such open space the owner shall provide a lane to the satisfaction of the Building Authority, giving access to some public or private street and shall submit a plan of such proposed lane to the Building Authority for approval. Such plan shall be prepared with a view to promoting uniformity in the laying out of such lanes.\n\nEvery lane shall be formed to such levels as the Building Authority may direct.\n\n(2) A lane shall not be required in the case of any detached or semi-detached domestic building which has a side lane or yard extending the entire depth of the building and of a width of not less than five feet and also has a clear and unobstructed area in the rear of the building of a depth of not less than eight feet and extending for the full width of the site, but no such building shall be deemed to be semi-detached unless it is one of a pair of buildings each of which has a side lane or yard as above described.\n\n(3) Kitchens, bathrooms and latrines not exceeding ten feet in height above the highest point of the surface of the open space may be erected in the aforesaid open space, but such buildings shall not cover more than one fourth of such open space.\n\n(4) In the event of the open space being provided partly in the rear and partly at the side, the proportion of such open space shall not in either case be less than one half of the whole area required under this section.\n\n(5) The open space in the rear or at the side shall not be inclosed except by boundary walls or fence of a height not exceeding eight feet, containing a doorway communicating with the lane in the rear or the side lane provided under sub-section (2) of this section.\n\n(6) In no case shall any obstruction whatever be placed or erected in any lane or open space provided under this section except as hereinbefore permitted.\n\n(7) In no case shall the Building Authority require the space for a lane, expressly provided for one building, to be of a greater width than five feet and when such a lane is on land leased from the Crown prior to the 21st February, 1903, and the building for which the lane is provided has no\n\n53", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-554-9 Buildings Ordinance 1935 15-4-1935 - 15-4-1935.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549349, "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": "CO129-554-9 Buildings Ordinance 1935 15-4-1935 - 15-4-1935", "page_number": 77, "title": "CO129-554-9 Buildings Ordinance 1935 15-4-1935 - 15-4-1935", "content_text": "92\n\n66\n\nalso the levels and sizes of any existing drains crossed by or adjacent to such new drains. Copies of Schedule A in English and Chinese may be obtained gratis on application at the office of the Building Authority, or, in the case of the villages, at any village police station between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.:\n\nProvided that when drainage works are being carried out in conjunction with other works it shall only be necessary to forward one form as set out in Schedule A, which must however contain particulars of the whole of the works including such drainage works.\n\nNote. The approval of plans by the Building Authority under these regulations certifies simply to the fact that the plans are in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance, 1935, and with the regulations made thereunder, but signifies no approval of the sufficiency or otherwise of the plan and throws no responsibility on the Building Authority.\n\n4. Any person carrying out excavations for drainage works on any premises contiguous to a public thoroughfare, whereby the safety of the public may be jeopardized, shall light such excavations by means of a lantern or lanterns kept lighted through the night, and he shall further provide watchmen, erect hoardings and otherwise take such precautions as may be necessary for securing the safety of the public and the protection of adjoining properties.\n\n5. Covered drains and sewers shall be made of impervious materials, to be approved by the Building Authority, with smooth internal surfaces, such as well-glazed earthenware pipes or cast-iron pipes protected against rust or corrosion by suitable asphaltic coating, and shall be so constructed as to be water-tight and air-tight. In jointing pipes with cement, tarred hemp shall be caulked into the joints before the cement is applied, and care shall be taken that no cement or other jointing material projects from the joints into the interior of the pipes, and any such projecting material or other irregularities in the bore of the drain or sewer shall be carefully removed.\n\n6. All drains and sewers shall be laid so as to have a firm bed throughout their length. Where the bottom of the trench is in rock or similar hard substance, the pipes shall be firmly bedded in suitable selected material free from large stones and well rammed into place. Where such drains or sewers are laid under a wall, they shall be protected by means of a relieving arch.\n\n7. All stoneware pipes shall be well-glazed and free from cracks and flaws and shall have a thickness of not less than one-twelfth of their diameter.\n\n8. That portion of the drain of any building which is immediately connected with any sewer shall (unless specially exempted by the Building Authority) be provided with a suitable and efficient intercepting trap at a point situated on the ground of the owner of the drain as distant as may be practicable from such building and as near as may be practicable to the point at which such drain is connected with such sewer. Adequate means of access shall be provided to every drain by a manhole or disconnecting chamber or other means of access to be approved by the Building Authority for the purpose of cleansing the drain. All manhole and disconnecting chambers shall be constructed of brickwork at least nine inches in thickness built in cement mortar so as to be water-tight up to the level of the adjacent ground and every drain or sewer connecting into such manhole or disconnecting chamber shall be continued along the floor of the chamber by means of open half-channel pipes set in a bed of cement concrete. The surface of the concrete shall be raised above the edges of the half-channel pipes and shall be floated with neat cement all over so as to present a smooth and impervious surface. Where tributary drains are connected to the main channel, the manhole bottom shall be benched up in cement concrete at an angle of forty-five degrees and finished at the channel with a bull-nose edge, and such tributary drains shall be formed by means of curved half-channels similarly laid in the benching and made to discharge over the main channel.\n\ncon.\n\nAll manhole and disconnecting chambers shall be fitted with air-tight covers and frames to be approved by the Building Authority.\n\n67\n\n9. All covered drains and sewers shall be laid in straight lines and regular gradients between the points at which any change of direction occurs, and all changes of direction shall be made by means of properly curved pipes or by half-channels in manholes.\n\n10. Concrete for encasing drains or sewers shall be composed of four parts of good sound clean stone, broken to pass through a one-inch ring, two parts of sand, and one part of Portland cement thoroughly well mixed and well rammed into place, or of such other materials and in such proportions as the Building Authority may approve.\n\n11. Cement-mortar for the jointing of pipes or any other work shall be mixed in the proportions of not more than three parts of clean sharp sand to one part of good Portland cement and used fresh.\n\n12. No covered drain or sewer shall be less than four inches in clear internal diameter, but the Building Authority may require any covered drain or sewer to be constructed of a larger diameter.\n\n13. Subject to the limitation mentioned in regulation No. 12 of these regulations, no drain or sewer shall be larger than is necessary in the opinion of the Building Authority to carry off the sewage of the premises drained or the sewage with the rain-water, which, under conditions hereinafter specified in regulations Nos. 35, 36, and 37 of these regulations, shall be admitted to the drain.\n\n14. Every drain or sewer shall have the maximum fall, throughout its length, that the relative levels of the public sewer and of the most remote inlet will admit of:\n\nProvided always—\n\n(a) that, if the available fall exceeds 1 in 30, the part of the drain or sewer more remote from the public sewer may be laid with a fall of 1 in 30; and the remainder, with such greater fall as may be necessary to connect with the public sewer;\n\n(b) that, if the excavation necessary to obtain the maximum available fall is likely, in the opinion of the Building Authority, to endanger the stability of the adjoining or neighbouring property, the gradient may be modified to such extent as the Building Authority may approve.\n\n15. Whenever the available fall for a covered drain or sewer is less than 1 in 30, the Building Authority may require the gradient of the drain or sewer to be varied by increasing such gradient in the upper portion of such drain or sewer and by reducing it in the remaining portions.\n\n16. Whenever the gradient of any portion of a covered drain or sewer is less than 1 in 30, the Building Authority may require an automatic flush tank or any other suitable contrivance for attaining an effective flush to be provided to his satisfaction.\n\n17. No drain or sewer shall be so constructed as to pass under any domestic building except when any other mode of construction is impracticable. Any drain or sewer passing under a building shall be of cast-iron pipes coated inside with Dr. Angus Smith's patent composition, or of other material approved by the Building Authority, and all such pipes shall be of a quality to be approved by the Building Authority, and the joints shall be properly caulked and run with lead, and (unless the written permission of the Building Authority has first been obtained to lay the drain or sewer otherwise) shall be laid in one straight line for the whole distance beneath such building, and shall be imbedded and encased throughout its entire length in four inches of concrete as specified in regulation No. 10 of these regulations.\n\n18. Whenever a covered drain or sewer traverses soft or yielding ground, or when water may make its appearance in the trench, the drain or sewer shall be surrounded throughout its entire length with not less than four inches of concrete as specified in regulation No. 10 of these regulations.\n\n93", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-554-9 Buildings Ordinance 1935 15-4-1935 - 15-4-1935.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549770, "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": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "page_number": 179, "title": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "content_text": "203\n\n102\n\nHead 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY\n\n \n Approved Estimate\n Revised Estimate\n Expenditure up to 31st December, 1934\n Expenditure, 1935\n Estimated Expenditure, 1935\n Estimated Expenditure, 1936\n \n \n Head 34.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.\n \n \n HONG KONG.\n \n \n Buildings.\n \n \n 1. Queen Mary Hospital\n $3,502,000\n \n 641,749\n 800,000\n 1,600,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 800,000\n \n \n \n 2. Upper Levels Police Station\n 220,000\n \n 39,281\n 120,000\n 40,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 140,000\n \n \n \n 3. Wanchai Market\n 230,000\n \n 80,000\n \n 90,000\n \n \n 4. Trade School-Wood Road, Wanchai\n 196,000\n \n 60,000\n 80,000\n 100,000\n \n \n 5. Central Market-Improvements\n 48,200\n B\n \n 30,000\n \n \n \n General Works.\n \n \n 6. Roads\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Drainage:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 7. (a) Training Nullahs\n 40,000\n \n \n 35,000\n 5,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 5,000\n \n \n \n 8. (b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works\n 35,000\n \n \n 35,000\n 30,000\n \n \n 9. Miscellaneous\n 18,000\n \n \n 18,000\n 20,000\n \n \n Water Works:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10. (a) Miscellaneous\n 8,000\n \n \n 8,000\n 8,000\n \n \n 11. (b) Meters\n 20,000\n \n \n 20,000\n 15,000\n \n \n (c) Distribution Mains\n 5,000\n \n \n 2,000\n \n \n \n 12\n \n \n \n 2,000\n \n \n \n 13. Port Works\n 2,000\n \n \n 2,000\n \n \n \n Communications.\n \n \n 14. New 100' Road between Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay\n 630,000\n \n 92,184\n \n 397,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 280,000\n 4,000\n \n \n 15. Surfacing 40-ft. Roads on Praya East\n \n \n \n 4,000\n \n \n \n 16.Formation of road adjoining Inland Lots Nos. 3685 and 3686 Blue Pool Road, Wongneichong\n 55,000\n \n 41,783\n \n 121,400\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 13,600\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 13,600\n \n \n \n Miscellaneous.\n \n \n 17. Reinstatement of Government Retaining Walls\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 18 Traffic White Lines, Studs and Motor Signs, etc.\n 5,000\n \n \n 5,000\n 5,000\n \n \n 19. Chinese Cemeteries-Laying out new areas\n 5,000\n \n \n 5,000\n 5,000\n \n \n 20.Colonial Cemetery-laying out new areas.\n 6,000\n \n \n 6,000\n 8,000\n \n \n 21. Nullah Training between Sing Wo and Blue Pool Roads\n 1,000\n \n \n 1,000\n 1,000\n \n \n 22. Flush Latrine-Lockhart Road\n 30,000\n \n 12,000\n \n \n \n \n 23. Sewer extension between Sing Wo and Blue Pool Roads\n 12,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 24. Rewiring of Government Buildings\n 9,000\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 25. Conversion Dry Latrine to Flush-Shek Tung Tsui Market\n 10,350\n \n \n 10,350\n 3,750\n \n \n 26. Sextons Quarters and Store-Kai Lung Wan Cemetery\n 1,000\n \n \n 1,000\n 1,250\n \n \n 27 Peak School-Improvements\n \n \n \n 1,250\n \n \n \n 28 Postal Kiosk-Sai Wan Ho\n 3,000\n \n \n 3,500\n 3,500\n \n \n Carried forward\n 2,198,500", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549811, "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": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "page_number": 220, "title": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "content_text": "## PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY \n\n### Notes on 1936 Estimates. \n\n#### HONG KONG. \n\n##### BUILDINGS. \n\n1. Queen Mary Hospital, $1,600,000. The contract time for the completion of the main hospital block is the end of January, 1937. The sum allowed for in the Estimates is for the completion of this block less the final payment of retention money, the erection of Medical Officers' quarters and the completion of the block for Nursing Sisters. Payments which will fall due in 1937 will be in the nature of final bills and retention money in these contracts.\n\n2. Upper Levels Police Station, $10,000. It is expected to complete this Police station towards the end of 1935. The work in 1936 will consist of finishing off and payment of retention money.\n\n3. Wanchai Market, $90,000. The site for this market is below the Naval Hospital and fronting on the junction of Queen's Road East and Wanchai Road. The building will be two storeys in height with a basement under about half of the area. Accommodation will be provided for the caretaker and the market itself will house 30 fish, 22 meat, 18 vegetable and 15 poultry stalls. The building will be completed during the year.\n\n4. Trade School, Wood Road, Wanchai, $100,000. The school is to be sited on Wood Road and foot of Morrison Hill. The building will be of brick, 3 storeys in height and will provide accommodation for the training of young Chinese in the building trades, and mechanical and electrical engineering. There will be workshops, trade offices and lecture rooms. The building will be completed during the year.\n\n5. Central Market Improvements, $30,000. These improvements consist of the relaying of the drainage system to the western half of this market, the installation of stalls to this half on the ground floor only and the interior flood lighting of the whole of the ground floor.\n\n##### GENERAL WORKS. \n\n6. Roads, $35,000. This sum is required to provide for the road surfacing, kerbing, channelling and footpaths of new roads as new buildings are erected or realignments of streets take place.\n\n7. Drainage (a) Training Nullahs, $5,000. This sum is required to meet the cost of training stream courses where this is necessary as a result of new development.\n\n8. (b) Miscellaneous Drainage Works, $30,000. Required to meet the cost of providing sewers and storm water drains for houses in newly developed areas.\n\n9. Miscellaneous, $20,000. This vote is available for all Departments and provides funds for small works which arise during the year but are considered too small for a separate vote.\n\nPage 220\n\nPage 221", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549823, "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": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "page_number": 232, "title": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "content_text": "270\n\n8.\n\ndiving.\n\nAs regards the first, the electrical work expands as there are more Government buildings to look after, and next year will see the completion of the new Central British School, the new Kowloon Magistracy and the new Upper Levels Police Station, and in 1937 the Queen Mary Hospital. The reasons for the storage and sale of sand by Government were explained by Your Excellency when you introduced the Budget last year. The new posts of two storemen and four coolies are required for the sand bins which have been erected. As regards diving, there is the second cross-harbour pipe now to be looked after, and it is considered cheaper to employ an extra Chinese diver than to hire one from outside, which has recently been the practice. For the Sanitary Department, there is $8,160, which is made up by the provision of five new posts of Asiatic Sanitary Inspectors, a scheme which has as its aim the replacement of European Inspectors; and fifteen latrine Attendants, who were previously paid for out of an \"Other Charges\" sub-head, so that the latter are only technically \"new posts\". There is $7,785 for \"new posts\" for the Treasury, accounted for by the new rating method, strongly advocated by the Chinese community, of assessment by floors instead of whole houses, and by the temporary engagement of an officer to act for another on leave. The institution next year of an Aviation Meteorological Service is responsible for the $6,000 for \"new posts\" under the Observatory, as well as for part of the \"new posts\" of the Post Office (B) Wireless and the Public Works Department. The remainder of the new posts are comparatively unimportant, and I will deal with them when I come to the particular departments concerned.\n\nHead 1, H.E. The Governor.\n\nL\n\nA reduction has been made on four out of the five", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549829, "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": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "page_number": 238, "title": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "content_text": "276\n\n140\n\nHead 18\n\nMagistracy, Hong Kong.\n\nThe number of Cadet Officers, namely three, shown under this head actually gives a true statement as to the number who are, and will next year be, working in the department. This is a somewhat rare occurrence, for more often than not departmental estimates are swollen by the inclusion of officers who are on leave and who will not on return be attached to the department concerned. In the 1935 Estimates for instance the Hong Kong Magistracy was debited with five Cadet Officers.\n\nHead 19, Magistracy, Kowloon.\n\nIn anticipation of the new Magistracy opening next June one more Class VIB Clerk has been included, and the sub-head \"Electric fans and light\" increased from $400 to $500.\n\nHead 20, Police Force.\n\nThere is a considerable number of new posts shown in the Estimates of the Police Force, most of which have already been approved by the Finance Committee of this Council. Of those which have not been approved one new Probationer takes the place of one promoted to be Assistant Superintendent of Police: it is three years after first appointment before a Probationer is ready to take over the full responsibilities of a commissioned Police Officer, and three of such officers will have reached the age of 55 by 1938. One Class VIB Clerk is required for the New Upper Levels Police Station which will be opened next year and one for Yaumati Police Station, one European Sub Inspector for Shau Shui Po Police Station in connection with C.I.D. work, one European Sergeant for the New Upper Levels Station for Charge Room duty and one European Sergeant to replace one Lance Sergeant at Mongkok for C.I.D. duty. Both Shau Shui Po and Mongkok districts have expanded considerably.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549830, "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": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "page_number": 239, "title": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "content_text": "277\n\n15.\n\nably in size, if not in population, and the former now includes the Tsun Wan and Shing Mun districts which are growing industrially. Two European Lance Sergeants are for the border Station at Ta Ku Ling which it is proposed to rebuild next year. The present building is an old Chinese house and is far too small.\n\nOf the twenty-seven new posts for Indian Police Constables, twenty-four are to replace special Guards at the Border Stations and three are for the Kowloon District. Six Cantonese Constables are needed for Sham Shui Po District, three for Kowloon City District and one for the New Kowloon Magistracy which will be open next year. Two more Special Guards are required to guard the Gunpowder Depot on Green Island. One Coolie is required for the New Upper Levels Police Station.\n\nThere is a reduction of one Sergeant and nine constables in the Wei Hai Wei Contingent and twenty-two Special Guards.\n\nUnder \"Other Charges\" there is a reduction on thirteen sub-heads, an increase on seven and no change on twelve, with a net reduction of $1,320. Under \"Special Expenditure\" the Revolvers, and Thompson Guns are replacements; the Rifles are required to bring the armament of the Police Force up to strength, and the Anti-Gas Equipment is to furnish part of the Police Force with respirators. All countries in the world to-day are taking precautions against Gas Attack and Hong Kong must follow suit. In this connection I would state that it is proposed to hold a \"dummy run\" Gas Attack later in the year, similar to the \"dummy\" Air Raid Attack which was held last November. Provision is also made under the Medical and Sanitary Departments and two Volunteer Forces for anti-gas equipment. The Inspector General of Police is satisfied that the Safety First Campaign last year", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 549841, "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": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "page_number": 250, "title": "CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937", "content_text": "288\n\n26.\n\nbeen maintained in the past. But in these times we must cut our coat according to our cloth, provided that we do not allow things to reach such a state of disrepair as would lay up trouble for ourselves in the future.\n\nHead 34, Public Works Extraordinary.\n\nI have already explained that we have heavy commitments under this head, but that beyond those commitments the programme is comparatively small. The memorandum by my Hon. friend the Director of Public Works gives particulars as to the work to be done on each of the items next year. Although it is hoped to spend 16 lakhs on the Queen Mary Hospital, there will still remain about half a million dollars' worth of work to be done in 1937. The Upper Levels Police Station, Wanchai Market, Trade School, Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay Road, Kowloon Magistracy, and new Central British School are all expected to be completed next year.\n\nLoan Works.\n\nWith the exception of the Jubilee Reservoir all the Loan Works that we have on hand at present will be completed by the end of 1936. As regards the Jubilee Reservoir the Resident Engineer reports as follows:-\n\n\"The progress on the Shing Mun Dam during the year has been satisfactory. It has, in fact, been better than the forecasts made last year.\n\nDuring the dry weather at the latter end of 1934 and the beginning of 1935, the upstream part of the foundations was completed, and during the year and until quite recently, work has been concentrated upon building up the front part of the dam to the same level as\n\nPage 250\n\nPage 251", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-555-2 Estimates 1936 30-8-1935 - 29-1-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 553715, "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": "CO129-561-10 Estimates 1938 2-9-1937 - 23-9-1938", "page_number": 309, "title": "CO129-561-10 Estimates 1938 2-9-1937 - 23-9-1938", "content_text": "# COMMUNICATIONS\n\n## Sub-head 11.—Blue Pool Road—Section adjacent to Inland Lots Nos. 3685 and 3686, $9,850\nTo complete this portion of the road.\n\n12.—Electric Road-Raising levels (Bay View Police Station to A. King's Slipway), $20,000.—This is to complete the work commenced under the 1937 Budget; it consists of raising this road to town planning levels consequent on the development of the surrounding area.\n\n13.—Macdonnell Road Bridge-Reconstruction, $11,000.—The bridge which carries Macdonnell Road over the track of the Peak Tram Co., Ltd. is unsafe for present traffic and reconstruction is required.\n\n14.—Island Road Strengthening bridges, $10,000.—To commence a small reconstruction programme in connection with minor bridges on the Island Road which require strengthening to take present day traffic.\n\n15.—Bowen Road-Widening between Garden Road and Bowen Road Tram Station, $10,000. To improve and widen this roadway and to provide a footpath in that section of Bowen Road below Bowen Road Tram Station.\n\n16.—Outpatients' Department, Government Civil Hospital-Access Road, $3,100.—To provide a motor access road from Hospital Road to \"C\" Block which is to be used as an Outpatients Department and a Health Centre.\n\n17.—Chai Wan Cemetery Extension-Access Path, $800.—An Access Path is required to serve a new extension to this cemetery.\n\n## MISCELLANEOUS\n\n18.—Gardeners' Quarters, Sookunpoo—Extension, $1,000.—Extension of one room and kitchen accommodation is urgently required in these quarters which house the gardeners at the Botanical and Forestry vegetable garden at Sookunpoo.\n\n19.—Botanical and Forestry Store, Kennedy Road—Flush Latrine, $1,700.—To provide a water carriage system to the existing convenience.\n\n20.—Hing Wan Street Latrine, Wanchai, $3,000.—To provide a water carriage system to the existing convenience.\n\n21.—Belcher Street Latrine, $3,500.—To provide a water carriage system to the existing convenience.\n\n22.—Colonial Cemetery—Laying out new areas, $1,000.—To provide for an extension to the burial area within the existing boundaries of the cemetery.\n\n23.—Chinese Cemeteries—Laying out new areas, $7,000.—To provide for additional burial areas in the existing cemeteries.\n\n24.—Reinstatement of retaining walls, $2,000.—Government retaining walls are inspected annually and this vote provides for any repair or re-construction required.\n\n25.—Traffic Signs, etc., $3,000.—To meet the cost of such traffic signs and guide lines as are considered necessary by the Police Department.\n\n26.—Street Name Plates, $2,000.—To cover expenditure required for the provision of new name plates.\n\n## Sub-head 27.—North Point Reclamation—Sewer extension, $5,000\nTo continue work on the extension of the existing main sewer and storm water drains so that the outfalls can be extended to the line of the finished reclamation.\n\n28.—Boat Street—Storm Water Drain, $750.—To complete the work on a drain extension similarly placed to that described in the preceding item.\n\n29.—Sing Woo and Blue Pool Roads Training Nullahs, New Western Branch, $10,000.—The training of this nullah is necessary owing to development of building sites and access roads in the vicinity.\n\n30.—Stanley Village—Sewers, $5,000.—Owing to the development of Stanley Village and in anticipation of this development proceeding it is necessary to commence a drainage scheme for the carrying of sewage.\n\n31.—Stanley Village Storm Water Drains, $5,000.—The explanation in this item is the same as in the preceding one except that these are storm water drains.\n\n32.—Jubilee Street Ferry Pier Covered Entrance, $1,000.—To complete this work.\n\n33.—Wongneicheong Development, $20,000.—Owing to the sale of land in this district and to the request that fresh areas be put up for auction, the development of access roads is required. This is to commence that work.\n\n34.—Chai Wan Cemetery Extension—Development, $6,000.—To provide the necessary extension to this cemetery.\n\n35.—Fence at Glenealy, $1,750.—A small portion of this fence was provided when the entrance gate in Upper Albert Road was closed; an extension of this fence from the old entrance down to the main entrance in the old Botanical Gardens is required.\n\n36.—Rewiring of Government Buildings, $8,000.—To replace wiring in Government buildings which is now considered unsafe from a fire point of view.\n\n37.—Colonial Secretariat—Private Telephone System, $2,000.—To provide a direct inter-office communication in the Secretariat.\n\n38.—Outpatients' Department, Government Civil Hospital—Improvement to Ventilation, $3,000.—Owing to the increased use now being made of the Outpatients' Department, extra ventilation is required.\n\n## WATER WORKS\n\n39.—Back Lane Service Pipes, $3,000.—To provide for the extension of subsidiary service pipes in back lanes in newly developed areas to obviate the excessive cutting of roads which would be necessary for direct connection to principal mains. These subsidiary mains are eventually paid for by house owners when connections are requested.\n\n40.—Stanley Supply, $6,000.—To provide a third filter for this supply to meet increased consumption.\n\nPage 369", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-561-10 Estimates 1938 2-9-1937 - 23-9-1938.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 553723, "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": "CO129-561-10 Estimates 1938 2-9-1937 - 23-9-1938", "page_number": 317, "title": "CO129-561-10 Estimates 1938 2-9-1937 - 23-9-1938", "content_text": "# Head 20 - Police Department\n\n## Changes in Establishment\n\n2. A reduction of nine in the number of European Lance Sergeants is offset by an increase of ten Cantonese Sub-Inspectors in accordance with the policy of gradual Asiaticization. One additional Cantonese Lance Sergeant has been provided for Kowloon City and sixteen Cantonese constables for duty as follows:—\n| Location | Number | Reason |\n| :-------------- | :----- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Shamshuipo | 6 | a growing district where crime is very prevalent. |\n| Shing Mun | 2 | formerly paid from Loan Funds; it is considered advisable to maintain the Police Station here in view of local conditions. |\n| Kowloon Magistracy | 1 | necessitated by additional Court work. |\n| Gough Hill Station | 1 | detective duty. |\n| Upper Levels Station | 2 | now without a detective staff. |\n| Pokfulami Station | 1 | now manned only by Indians. This district has assumed greater importance with residential development and the completion of the Queen Mary Hospital. |\n| Mong Kok Tsui Station | 1 | |\n| Stanley Station | 1 | also in a rapidly developing district. |\n| Central Magistracy | 1 | in view of the proposed third Court. |\n\n3. In the Indian Contingent, one post of Probationary Sub-Inspector has been abolished. Two additional sergeants have been provided for Shing Mun and for Kowloon Magistracy respectively, and four additional constables for Shing Mun. These Shing Mun posts, which now appear in the Estimates for the first time, were formerly provided for under Loan Funds.\n\n4. An increase of two Telegraphists is necessitated by the fitting of No. 2 Police Launch with wireless.\n\n5. The increase in the establishment of Anti-Piracy Guards has been made at the request of the shipping companies, and the expense will not fall on Government. The Northern Chinese division of Anti-Piracy Guards has been divided into 1st and 2nd Class Constables to correspond with the regular Police.\n\n6. One additional driver is provided for the small van mentioned in paragraph 10.\n\n7. The two Female Probation Officers under Remand Home, Juvenile Offenders, have been placed on the same scale of salary.\n\n8. Under \"Other Charges,\" increases are mainly due to increased prices and to expansion. The increase in the amount provided for ammunition is, however, due to the fact that, owing to the fall in exchange at the end of 1935, it was necessary to cancel the indent for the whole of the ammunition required in 1936, with the result that the reserve supply is seriously depleted. A public telephone is being provided for the Headquarters Traffic Office for the convenience of the public.\n\n9. Under Special Expenditure, some small items designed to secure greater efficiency are explained in the footnotes. More replacements of arms are necessary, and provision for Anti-Gas Equipment is again made, this year's vote not having been spent pending improvements in apparatus.\n\n10. Two new Motor Vehicles are provided for under Sub-Head 40; one small patrol van is required for the Shamshuipo Division, and one car is required to replace the present Police Car 804, which has been unfavourably reported on by a Board of Survey.\n\n11. Provision for the annual Safety First Campaign has again been inserted under Special Expenditure.\n\n## Head 21 - Prisons Department\n\n1. Some increases under various Sub-heads of \"Other Charges\" have been necessitated by the increase in the number of prisoners and by the continued maintenance of Victoria Gaol in addition to the Hong Kong Prison. Should Victoria Gaol be closed, it is expected there will be considerable savings. One post of Chief Warder has been abolished with the closing of Laichikok Prison. Five additional Wardresses have been provided as the average daily number of female prisoners at Laichikok is now over 200, whereas the existing staff was based on an average of 100.\n\n2. The Principal Printing Officer has been granted a slightly higher scale of salary commensurate with his increased responsibilities consequent on the greater amount of Government printing now carried out at Stanley.\n\n3. Some reshuffling of the Indian Staff involving no increase in the establishment will result in greater efficiency and a small saving.\n\n# Head 22 - Medical Department\n\n1. Another increase has to be shown in the total of Personal Emoluments under this Head, mainly due to an increase of staff for the Queen Mary Hospital. Some months' experience of the running of this institution has shown that the present staff is inadequate. The Queen Mary Hospital contains 500 beds as compared with a total of 318 beds for the Victoria and Government Civil Hospitals combined.\n\n2. Under I. Administrative Staff, there is a net increase of one Senior Clerical and Accounting Staff (Local Section) clerk and one Junior Clerical Staff Class VIB clerk. Both these clerks are required to cope with the increasing work; the former in the Births and Deaths Registration Office and the latter part-time in Central Medical Store and part-time in Head Office.\n\n3. Under III. Hospital Division, General, provision has been made for one additional House Officer for the Queen Mary Hospital. It is considered that one of the House Officers at the Queen Mary Hospital should have a salary commensurate with his responsibilities somewhat higher than the others, and provision has been made for this.\n\n4. Provision for a temporary Storekeeper for nine months under \"Drugs and Dispensing,\" and for a temporary Steward for ten months under \"Stewards\" has had to be made as the substantive holders of these posts are due for leave in 1938.\n\n5. Under Nursing Staff (General), twenty additional Probationer Nurses are provided for the Queen Mary Hospital. As against this, it has been possible to abolish five posts for Probationer Dressers. The appellations \"Matrons (Grade I)\" and \"Matrons (Grade II)\" are new, having been substituted for \"Senior Sisters\" and \"Matrons\" respectively.\n\n6. Three Class VIB clerks have been added under Junior Clerical Staff (Hospitals). Two of these clerks, who were formerly employed by the Fire Brigade in Kowloon, replace two Telephone Boys under \"Queen Mary Hospital.\"\n\n7. Under \"School Hygiene\" appears a Class VIB clerk formerly paid by the Education Department, who will, with the transfer of the office of the Health Officer for Schools to the Violet Peel Health Centre, appear in future under this Head.\n\n8. An Infant Welfare Nurse has been substituted for an Interpreter and Assistant under \"Maternity and Child Welfare.\" The latter has been transferred to Chinese Hospitals, under which division there is also provided an additional Midwife who has been transferred from the division \"New Territories,\" and a new post of Tutor Sister. This post has been included with a view to securing a higher standard of training for nurses in the Chinese Hospitals, as it is felt that the present methods leave something to be desired.\n\n9. Three additional Inspectors are provided for in the Malaria Bureau to deal with a much extended programme of work.\n\nPage 382", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-561-10 Estimates 1938 2-9-1937 - 23-9-1938.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 554173, "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": "CO129-562-1 Water supply- report and proposals for additional works 18-5-1937 - 14-7-1937", "page_number": 19, "title": "CO129-562-1 Water supply- report and proposals for additional works 18-5-1937 - 14-7-1937", "content_text": "## Proposed Alterations, Improvements and Extensions to Lines of Communication, Island.\n\n50. The Mainland already makes a considerable contribution to the City's water needs and, in view of this being the only source from which increasing requirements can be obtained, the importance of the security of the Cross Harbour Pipelines, already great, will gradually become more and more vital.\n\n51. In view of the above and the present condition of these pipelines, the following proposals are made:-\n \n| Proposal | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| (a) | The present 18\" main should be provided, as early as possible, with a more permanent protective coating to arrest corrosion. |\n| (b) | As the 12\" main may fail at any time and as supplies of a greater amount than the capacity of the present 18\" main are now required, a new 18\" main should be laid as early as possible. |\n| (c) | In view of their vulnerability, the pipelines should be protected by a covering or other expedient to guard against any reasonable possibility of damage or dislocation by shipping. |\n\n52. In order to provide more flexibility in emergency, to relieve the Eastern resources, and to make fuller use of the present supplies available from the Mainland, the water from the latter will need to be delivered to a higher level than at present, i.e., to Albany. This will necessitate:\n \n| Proposal | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| (d) | The extension to Albany Service Reservoir of the main now supplying the Gardens Service Reservoir. |\n| (e) | The installation of pumps at a suitable point to ensure delivery to Albany in sufficient quantity through this main. |\n| (f) | The replacement of the 12\" dia. section of the Albany Elliot main by one of 18\" dia. |\n\n53. It will be observed from the plan that the \"Line of communication\" from the Eastern source enables water to be delivered to any part of the City. The importance of this, in the absence of the supply from the Mainland through breakdown or other cause, is therefore obvious. Water, though of limited amount, could be supplied to all districts.\n\n54. It is therefore proposed that (g) the Bowen Road Conduit be reconstructed. Pumps would be installed at Eastern with the second set of new filters proposed in para. 71(b) and these would pump water from these filters back to the Conduit and thence to Bowen Road Service Reservoir.\n\n55. The reconstruction of this conduit would enable Bowen Road to be used for motor traffic.\n\n56. Similarly, in the absence of supply from the Eastern resources, a limited amount of water could be provided to all districts from the Mainland by means of the pumps proposed in para. 52 and designed for the dual purpose. These would be designed to deliver water through the reconstructed Bowen Road Conduit in an easterly direction as far as the Eastern Filters and in a westerly direction to Elliot by means of Albany-Elliot Main.\n\n57. The interconnection at Albany of the Eastern and Mainland lines of communication would obviate the total absence of supply in emergency in all districts.\n\n58. A breakdown in the \"Line of Communication\" of the Western resources would not seriously affect the general supply in the City as these resources are of small amount compared with those of the Eastern and Mainland.\n\n## LINES OF COMMUNICATION Mainland.\n\n59. Owing to the distribution areas in Kowloon being at such low levels compared with those of the City, it has been found more practical to locate the filtration plants nearer to the sources of supply, the service reservoirs for distribution purposes being placed on points in Kowloon sufficiently high to ensure a good supply to the consumers. The lines of communication are therefore extended to the service reservoirs situated in the distribution areas.\n\n60. The raw water supplied from the catchment areas of the Kowloon Waterworks is filtered by slow sand beds at a site adjacent to the last of a chain of three impounding reservoirs. The \"line of communication\" of these resources consists of an 18\" dia. pipe line to Kowloon Tong Service reservoir and a 15\" dia. pipe line to Pipers Hill Service reservoir.\n\n61. Being in good condition and of sufficient capacity to deal with the resources of the Kowloon Waterworks, no extension or improvement of the above mains is required.\n\n62. The Kowloon Waterworks resources are augmented by those of the Shing Mun Valley, whose \"line of communication\" consists of two sections. The upper section, which delivers raw water to the filters situated in the lower Shek Lai Pui Valley, consists of conduits and tunnels adequate in construction and capacity, whilst the lower section, which supplies filtered water for both Kowloon and the City, is a 24\" diameter pipe line. A second 24\" dia. main is now being laid, and these combined are estimated to be of sufficient capacity to provide for the requirements of Kowloon and the City for several years.\n\n63. The existing \"line of communication\" from the Shing Mun Valley source, being of recent construction and designed for the existing and projected works, is in no need of improvement.\n\n## Proposed Extensions.\n\n64. New trunk mains of 21\" and 18\" dia. are proposed to supply water from the 24\" dia. mains in Nathan Road to the proposed new service reservoirs at Kowloon Chai and Kowloon City (para. 90).\n\n## FILTERS Island.\n\n## Existing Capacity.\n\n65. The present normal capacity of the Island slow sand filters is 6.10 M.G./D. and that of the Rapid Gravity filters is 7.0 M.G./D., making a total of 13.10 M.G./D. Details of these, together with those of the Mainland, are shown in Appendix IV. Owing to an overlap, however, the whole of the filters cannot be used at the same time, the effective capacity being reduced to 12.05 M.G./D.\n\n66. The very high consumption last summer necessitated the filters being run at rates far in excess of good engineering practice in order to provide the peak load of 16.35 M.G./D. actually passed through the filters. It is not possible to increase the filtration rate further, nor can a greater amount of raw water be supplied to these filters. The maximum capacity of the Tytam tunnel being 10.0 M.G./D., this figure is the peak load which can be drawn from the Eastern Source of supply. The water is filtered at present at Eastern, Bowen Road, Albany, and Elliot Filters, the working capacities of which are 2.20, 3.00, 1.73, and 1.7 M.G./D., respectively, a total of 8.63 M.G.D. The amount of Tytam water filtered at Elliot is limited to the capacity of the Albany-Elliot main.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-562-1 Water supply- report and proposals for additional works 18-5-1937 - 14-7-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 554184, "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": "CO129-562-1 Water supply- report and proposals for additional works 18-5-1937 - 14-7-1937", "page_number": 30, "title": "CO129-562-1 Water supply- report and proposals for additional works 18-5-1937 - 14-7-1937", "content_text": "# MINUTE BY MR. A. B. PURVES, M.INST.C.E.\n\nI have little to add to the very full report prepared by Mr. Woodward: the figures given are indisputable and generally I agree with the report.\n\nThe consumption recorded during the past few months, with a constant supply, is extraordinarily high and has entirely upset all previous estimates.\n\nMr. Woodward's estimates of future requirements cannot be regarded as high and if consumption continues to increase as forecasted, the present works will soon be inadequate to maintain a constant supply.\n\nFiltration and distribution difficulties are increasing rapidly and it was just possible to avoid the introduction of restrictions last August when consumptions of 17.37 and 10.22 M.G.P.D. were recorded on the island and mainland respectively over a period of a fortnight.\n\nAs regards storage, the present position is relatively similar to that in 1920, when 2 years previously the island storage had been trebled by the completion of the Tytam Tuk Reservoir.\n\nIt was then thought and stated that Hong Kong water troubles were over for many years, but from 1922-1936, without a single exception, annual restriction of the island supply had to be imposed.\n\nFrom 1920-1935 inclusive, approx. $20,000,000 had been spent on new Water Works, and already, despite the newly completed Jubilee Reservoir, the safety margin between resources and requirements for a constant supply is very small and by next year will have disappeared.\n\nThe programme of work outlined in Appendix VI is a formidable one and represents an outlay of probably $5,000,000. The time required to complete these works will depend on the staff provided. The present staff of the Water Works Construction Sub-department is quite inadequate to carry out this programme within a reasonable time and could deal only with the items of greatest urgency.\n\nThe following are the principal difficulties pertaining to the island supply which require immediate consideration.\n\n1. Deficiency in raw water resources.\n2. Increasing and safeguarding the delivery from the mainland to the island.\n3. Lack of facilities on the island for taking fuller use of mainland water.\n4. Additional filtration plant.\n\nThe deficiency in raw water resources can be met, temporarily, by constructing the Tai Mo Shan and other Catchwaters draining into the Shing Mun Valley, as shown in Appendix I and referred to in Paras. 32 and 33 of Report.\n\nIt is estimated that these Catchwaters, dealing with a total drainage area of 3888 acres, would increase the Shing Mun resources by 5 M.G.P.D.\n\nAs however about 4 years would be required to complete these works, the position on completion would be little better, relatively, than at present if the estimates of future consumption are borne out.\n\nFurther increases of the Shing Mun resources may be found economically possible, but at present it is considered that the works shown on Appendix I represent the final development of the Scheme.\n\nIt is accepted in Great Britain that water works resources should maintain a 5 years lead over requirements. If this practice is to be applied in Hong Kong, and there seems every reason why it should be, the only solution is to seek fresh sources of supply in the New Territories.\n\nThe Tai Lam Chung Valley, lying a few miles East of Castle Peak is known to possess considerable water possibilities and to contain a basin which might be found suitable for a very large storage reservoir.\n\nIn view of the present position, the investigation of this valley, with a view to ascertaining its storage possibilities water value etc. is recommended.\n\nIncreasing and safeguarding the delivery from the mainland to the island, Paras. 50 and 51 of Mr. Woodward's report deal with this matter and stress the vital importance of the cross harbour mains to the island supply.\n\nI agree that a 2nd 18\" main in substitution for the original 12\" main should be provided as soon as possible and that a more permanent protection for both mains is very necessary.\n\nThe existing mains are much too vulnerable to corrosion from salt water action and also to damage from dragging anchors; whilst the Government diver reports that owing to corrosion it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to effect repairs to the 12\" main were a length carried away.\n\nLack of facilities on the Island for taking fuller use of Mainland water.\n\nAt present, mainland water can only be delivered into the Gardens Service Reservoir, which is approx. 240 feet A.O.D. Therefore only the low lying position of the City can be supplied from the mainland.\n\nThe middle levels of the City, e.g. below Caine Road level, are supplied from the Tytam Source via the Bowen Road Conduit which for a certain period of every year is worked to its utmost capacity.\n\nFor a good many years, difficulty has been experienced in delivering sufficient Tytam water to the central part of the City, owing to increasing demands in the Eastern district.\n\nAs the island resources are not capable of further development, the proposals outlined in Para. 52 of the Report show the only course by which it is possible to deliver additional water to a higher level of the City.\n\nPumps capable of delivering 5 M.G.P.D. to the Albany Service Reservoir are contemplated but a portion of this delivery could be diverted westwards by converting the existing unfiltered Albany-Elliot main to a filtered water main and connecting it to the proposed pumping main.\n\nThe question of augmenting the supply to the upper levels of the City, i.e. above Caine Road, is also one which cannot remain for long in abeyance and is referred to in Paras. 85 and 105 of the Report.\n\nAdditional Filtration Plant.\n\nNot only are the existing filters on the island insufficient to cope with summer requirements, but the location of the various installations throughout the City is not ideal.\n\nThere is ample filtration capacity in the Western District and a reasonable amount in the Central District, which is augmented by filtered water from the mainland.\n\nIn the Eastern District, however, there is a deficiency and it is in this district that most future development is likely to occur.\n\nPage 30\nPage 31", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-562-1 Water supply- report and proposals for additional works 18-5-1937 - 14-7-1937.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562408, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 59, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "8. As regards (i) the 2% at present regarded as the proportion of the rates applicable to water might reasonably be regarded as a proper charge for general supply. It is true that this 2% yields more than the actual cost of the \"munal\" supplies as defined above and that it has been connected with the free allowances so that when those allowances are abolished those consumers (principally office blocks and well-to-do private residents) who have in the past got all their water within their free allowances and paid nothing for excess consumption may not like having to pay in future at the standard rate for what they consume as well as continuing to pay the 2 per cent.\n\nBut there are many diverse considerations on the other side, i.e.:\n\n(1) Provision has to be made in the water accounts for the military contribution, but this might well be regarded as a charge to be met by the general community, not by water users, so that the Water Department's share of the military contribution may fairly be collected as part of the rate, not by addition to the standard charges for water consumed.\n\n(2) Rates in Hong Kong are decidedly low, at a total of 17% including the 2% for water.\n\n(3) If the 2% is reduced the general standard rate for water must be increased to make up the loss of revenue; e.g., a standard charge of 30 cents would suffice if the 2% is maintained but at least 35 cents would have to be charged if the rates were reduced to 1%. With many qualifications, it is broadly true that such a transfer of charge would mean shifting the burden from the comparatively well-to-do to the poor. I regard such a shift of the burden as most undesirable because I greatly fear that the poor tenant will be found on balance to pay more as a result of the proposed changes in the collection of water charges, while the Hong Kong taxation system already taxes the poor more heavily in proportion to income than the wealthy.\n\n(4) A fairly large fixed charge will help to stabilize the finances of the Water Department. Consumption of water in Hong Kong depends not so much on the demand as on the supply which nature affords in any year and a restriction of supply as the result of drought might embarrass the finances of the Department if the whole of its revenue varied directly with consumption. The receipts from the 2% rate would afford a solid basis of income.\n\nI therefore recommend continuing the 2% charge and adopting a standard charge of 30 cents per thousand gallons.\n\n9. As regards Head (iii) the extra costs of pumping to the Peak and Hill districts are 30 cents per thousand gallons and to the upper levels 15 cents. There are direct extra expenses on every gallon used in these areas. I think consumers there could justly be asked to pay these extra costs in full, but recommend that they only be asked at present to pay a portion.\n\n10. The following scale of charges is therefore recommended.\n\nIt will necessarily be subject to review after the new regime has been in operation for sufficient time to estimate possible results:—\n(a) 2 per cent. on the assessment valuation to cover general charges.*\n(b) Unit charge of 30 cents per thousand gallons.\n(c) Upper levels and Peak-Hill districts to pay 40 cents and 50 cents respectively per thousand gallons.\nThis might be shown on the water accounts, instead of collecting it as part of the general rates as at present.\n(d) Supplies to building contractors and shipping to be charged for at $1 per thousand gallons as at present.\n(e) Meter rentals as at present.\n\n## NOTES\n\n(1) Supplies to Government buildings would not be charged for but in order to prevent waste each separate office should be given a fixed allowance which should not be exceeded without authority.\n(ii) On the abolition of the free allowances Government Officers occupying Government quarters should pay for water consumed like other consumers, except in such cases as police and medical staff occupying quarters in hospitals.\n(iii) Military, Naval and Air Force supplies should be at the ordinary rates subject to the continuance of a privileged rate of 10 cents per thousand gallons in respect of certain Military Cantonments in Victoria under a long-standing agreement.\n\nAn estimate of probable income for 1938 on this basis is attached. (`Appendix II`)\n\n11. `Appendix II` shows approximately what revenue would have been obtained in 1937 on the above basis. It will be seen that the net total of $2,156,607 is slightly more than was actually received in that year ($2,084,476) but less than the amount of $2,306,621 required to meet charges properly attributable to the Water Department. It is anticipated that consumption will be greater in 1938 as it is hoped that an unrestricted supply can be maintained; and that revenue in that year will therefore be adequate to cover charges.\n\n12. In theory, the system of charge best suited to the special circumstances of Hong Kong, where we want to supply the essential minimum of water but severely to discourage excessive use, would be one in which all water in excess of a minimum domestic supply was charged at a much higher rate. There are very great practical difficulties in assessing a minimum domestic supply for Chinese tenements, the rating valuation being useless as a guide; but the possibility of eventually establishing such a basis of charge might be further examined after the new Water Department is established.\n\n## IV. Separate Metering of Floors\n\n13. The main object of this proposal is to secure closer control of the consumption of water by enabling the responsibility to be placed on the \"tenant\" of each floor in Chinese tenement houses instead of the landlord. The former is in a better position to prevent waste and it is unfair that landlords should have to pay with no effective means of controlling what their tenants use. It is proposed that separate meters should be installed on the request of landlords or in other cases where the Water Authority thinks it necessary. If made on the landlord's request he should pay the cost of installation.\n\n14. It is not essential to separate metering that the water charges should be actually paid by the tenant instead of the landlord but it is an obvious further step to prevent waste. Where separate meters are installed therefore the charge should in future be on the tenant, but landlords should be required to make any necessary deposits if tenants failed to do so.\n\n15. The change ought not, however, to be used to secure a monetary benefit to the landlord. In the main the adjustment between landlord and tenant must be left to ordinary economic forces but I would recommend that in announcing the change of incidence of charge Government should make it clear that landlords...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562412, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 63, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "## MODIFICATIONS IN PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE MEMORANDUM BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PUBLISHED AS SESSIONAL PAPER No. 4 OF 1938\n\nThe proposals in the Financial Secretary's memorandum published last April have been considered in the light of the comments made on them by the District Watch Committee, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other bodies and in the Press. It has been decided to proceed with these proposals subject to the modifications set out below. The revised scale of charges will be included in a new Water Bill which will shortly be introduced in Legislative Council and the necessary changes in the form of the Water Accounts will be shown in the 1939 Estimates. It is proposed that the scheme as a whole should come into operation as from the 1st January, 1939.\n\nThe modifications in the original proposals are as follows:\n\n1. **Military Contribution**. With the present basis of contribution there is no alternative but to allow in the Water Accounts for the contribution in respect of the water revenue; but on reconsideration it is felt that the Water Department ought not to be charged with Military Contribution in respect of that part of the revenue which goes to pay debt charges in the 1934 Loan since such revenue is exempted from contribution by Ordinance 11 of 1934. The allowance for Military Contribution will therefore be adjusted accordingly, involving a reduction of $202,160 in the 1937 figure.\n\n2. **Capital Charges**. In order to meet objections to the repayment from water revenue of past capital expenditure out of General Revenue, it is proposed that the sum of 2% of that capital, intended to be devoted to such repayment, should instead be used to build up a Renewals Fund which will be available to meet large renewals of capital equipment and will thus in future save further borrowing or expenditure from General Revenue Account.\n\n3. **Rates of Charge**. While retaining the general system of charge proposed, and in particular the 2% rate plus a charge for all water used, the adjustment of Military Contribution referred to above makes possible a reduction in the unit rates of charge to the following:\n| District/Supply Type | Rate |\n| --- | --- |\n| Peak District | 45c. per 1,000 gallons |\n| Upper Levels District | 35c. per 1,000 gallons |\n| Construction and Shipping | $1.00 per 1,000 gallons |\n| All other supplies of filtered water | 25c. per 1,000 gallons |\n| Unfiltered water | 20c. per 1,000 gallons |\n\nSubject in all cases to a surcharge of 5% of the amount due if not paid within 30 days.\n\n4. **Deposits**. Power to require deposits from consumers will be retained as at present; deposits by landlords in cases where the charge is on the tenant will normally be required only in cases where the Treasury thinks it necessary as a condition of the installation of separate floor meters, but not in other cases.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562414, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 65, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "# Enclosure No.4\n\nExtracted from the **I CHINA MORNING POST** dated **16th September, 1938**.\n\n## NEW WATER CHARGE CRITICISMS BY CHINESE AT COUNCIL\n\n### FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S REPLY TO OBJECTIONS BILL'S SECOND READING\n\nCriticisms of the water finance proposals were made by the three Chinese Unofficial Members at yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Council, when the Bill to provide for and regulate the supply of water was called for its second reading.\n\nHon. Mr. M. K. Lo said the proposals were a great disappointment to the Chinese Community and that it seemed to him a real pity that a scheme conceived in the noble spirit of helping the poor at the expense of the rich should contain factors which made a realisation of the aim in view a matter of such a patent impossibility.\n\nHon. Mr. T. N. Chau suggested that the old system of charging a flat water rate be continued, and Hon. Dr. Li Shu-fan said the policy of making profit out of the public water supply was unsound and pointed out that if the scheme were carried out it would force the poor to resort to the supply of street hydrants.\n\nReplying for the Government, Hon. Mr. S. Caine, Financial Secretary, said that far from being asked to pay more, the poorer class of people would benefit largely under the new scheme.\n\nHis Excellency the Governor expressed the view that the objection that the proposed charges would react unfairly on the poorer class people had been conclusively proved to be the opposite by the Financial Secretary, but had it been otherwise, he would have no hesitation in putting back the Bill for further consideration.\n\nThe Bill was read a second time, the Chinese members being the only dissentients.\n\nThere were present at the Council H. E. the Governor (Sir Geoffry Northcote, K.C.M.G.), H. E. the General Officer Commanding (His Excellency Major-General A. W. Bartholomew, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O.), The Colonial Secretary (Hon. Mr. N. L. Smith, C.M.G.), The Attorney-General (Hon. Mr. J. A. Fraser, M.C., Acting), The Secretary for Chinese Affairs (Hon. Mr. R. A. C. North), The Financial Secretary (Hon. Mr. S. Caine), Hon. Dr. P. S. Selwyn-Clarke (Director of Medical Services), Hon. Mr. R. M. Henderson (Director of Public Works), Hon. Cmdr. G. F. Hole, R.N., (Rtd.), (Harbour Master), Hon. Mr. T. H. King (Commissioner of Police), Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson, Hon. Mr. Chau Tsun-nin, C.B.E., Hon. Mr. M. K. Lo, Hon. Dr. Li Shu-fan, Hon. Leo D'Almada e Castro, Jnr., Hon. Mr. S. H. Dodwell, Mr. B. C. K. Hawkins (Deputy Clerk of Councils).\n\n## MR. CHAU TSUN-NIN'S SPEECH\n\nMr. Chau said: I gather from the Financial Secretary's lucid and informative Memorandum on Water Finances that the two primary objects of this Bill are, firstly, to establish a separate Water Department, and to make a charge for water sufficient to pay all expenses incurred by that Department; and secondly, to prevent waste of water.\n\nThe estimated gross revenue from water for 1937, based on the revised scale of charges, would amount to $2,463,459. Subtracting from this amount the sum of $27,000 for Peak supplies, $54,950 for Upper Levels supplies, $184,000 for Shipping and Construction supplies and the 2 per cent. Rate of $706,739, there would remain a balance of $1,490,770 chargeable to all other supplies of filtered water, most of which are used by Chinese tenement-houses. According to the figures given by the Chairman of the Urban Council, in his Report for the year 1936, there were in Victoria 14,024 Chinese houses containing 47,490 floors, and in Kowloon 10,317 Chinese houses containing 31,390 floors, making a total of 78,880 floors. This figure must have been slightly increased by the construction of new buildings since that date, but even taking that figure as a basis, and if each of these 78,880 floors were to be charged a flat water rate of $19 per annum, it would bring in a total sum of $1,498,720 which would more than cover the balance of $1,490,770 required.\n\n### Flat Rate System\n\nThis system of charging a flat water rate is not new, and is in vogue in other places including, I am informed, London. I venture to believe that at least 30 per cent. of the landlords would gladly bear this burden in preference to paying for the tenants, as is usually the case, excess water consumption, which is such an uncertain factor. I submit that this method of taxing the Chinese tenement-houses is both simple and economical in that it would dispense with the employment of a large staff for meter-reading, accounting, etc. On the other hand, the regulation under the Bill would be cumbersome; and even if the floors were separately metered, in cases where there are more than one tenancy in a floor, there would always be endless dispute as to the proper share of the excess consumption to be borne by each tenant.\n\nThere is of course the obvious answer to my proposal of charging a flat water rate, which is that one of the primary objects of the Bill is the prevention of waste. It might well be argued that by charging a flat water rate, there would be no deterrent from waste, but having regard to the fact that in nearly 90 per cent. of the Chinese tenement-houses, the excess consumption is paid by the landlord and not the tenant, there seems to be no question of deterring the actual consumer. On the other hand, supposing that the actual consumer were to be responsible for the payment for excess consumption, even then, there would appear to be not much inducement for him to economise, because, should there be a deficit in revenue as the result of economy in consumption, the Government must, in order to balance its water account, raise the water charges.\n\nHowever, I have always maintained that there is really not much waste by the consumers, the seemingly high consumption being attributable to an under-estimation of the population and to the leakage of water through structural defects or other causes.\n\n## MR. M. K. LO'S SPEECH\n\n### Chinese Community Greatly Disappointed\n\nThe Hon. Mr. Lo said: Your Excellency, our reaction to Government's solution of the Water problem must depend upon our point of view as to the history of this problem. If we consider that the water charges have been unreasonably low, and that the consumer has not shouldered his fair share of the financial burden of water supply, then we should accept Government's proposals, if not with enthusiasm, at least with resignation. But this, Sir, is not the view of those I have the honour to represent. I cannot persuade myself that it is the view of any considerable section of the community, or, indeed, that it is the view of anyone but the Water Authority!", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562415, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 66, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "# 74\n\nOur view is that the charges for water supply in the Colony have for years been excessive, and have occasioned hardship and dissatisfaction in the community. A casual perusal of the Hansard Reports for the past few years will show that this subject has formed anxious representations by various Honourable members of this Council.\n\nIn the Budget Debates for the past two years, in which I had the honour to take part, I endeavoured to express the dissatisfaction of those whom I represent against the excessive water charges. And it will be recalled that in the Report of the Economic Commission, published in February, 1935, the Commissioners expressed the view that existing charges for water \"may be fairly described as unreasonably high - clearly some relief here is overdue.\" \n\n## A Great Disappointment\n\nSuch being the position, it is neither surprising that Government's proposals, as contained in the Financial Secretary's original memorandum, should be a great disappointment to the Chinese community, nor that this disappointment should not have been removed by the subsequent modifications of such proposals.\n\nFor, on a critical analysis, and despite their attractive appearance, what do these \"modifications\" in truth amount to? They amount to this:\n\n1. That the Financial Secretary had, in his original estimate of expenditure, erroneously included a sum of $202,160 for Military Contribution on the interest payable in respect of the $14,000,000 Loan, and that, as in fact no Military Contribution was payable in respect of the interest on this Loan, it was decided that this surcharge should be utilised towards the reduction of 5 cents per unit for domestic supplies, and\n\n2. That the two per cent. on \"past capital expenditure out of General Revenue\" should now be used to build up a Renewals Fund.\n\nThe first \"modification\" is of course a mere correction of an accounting error; the second \"modification,\" as I hope to show later in the course of my remarks, leaves entirely unanswered the objections raised against the original proposal. Though it is officially stated that \"the proposals in the Financial Secretary's memorandum published last April have been considered in the light of the comments made on them by the District Watch Committee, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other bodies and in the Press,\" the truth of the matter is that all the \"comments\" - at all events by the District Watch Committee and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce - have been entirely ignored by Government.\n\nIn setting out our objections to some of these proposals I deal first with a minor point, namely, the relative rates as affecting the various localities concerned.\n\nOn the abolition of free allowance, the present charges, the new charges, and the difference between them, for the different localities, are as follows:\n| Locality | Present Charges | New Charges | Difference |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Peak | $1 less 15% = 85 cents | 45 cents | 40 cents |\n| Rest of the Colony | 50 cents less 15% = 42½ cents | 25 cents | 17½ cents |\n| Upper Levels | 50 cents less 15% = 42 cents | 35 cents | 7 cents |\n\nIt will be seen that by giving up all free allowance the Peak charges, as compared with the existing charges, are to be reduced by 40 cents per thousand gallons, the rest of the Colony by 17½ cents, and the Upper Levels by 7 cents only! On the face of it I cannot see how these new charges can be fair if the old relative rates were not inequitable. I do not say that the Peak charges are not high enough; I suggest that the rates for the rest of the Colony are not low enough, and I do say that the modifications of the relative rates are inequitable. I understand that the official answer is that the old charges of $1 for the Peak, and 50 cents for the Upper Levels, less 15 per cent., mean nothing in practice because consumers in these districts are, as a whole, always within their free allowance, and so never had to pay any excess charges. But I fail to see how the assumption that the Peak and Upper Level residents do not exceed their free allowance can affect the point of my criticism, since the old rates were rates which they would have to pay if they did exceed the free allowance.\n\n## Public In The Dark\n\nBut though in this, as in so many other matters regarding the question of water supply, the public is totally in the dark as regards figures supporting this contention I, for one, cannot accept this assumption. The Economic Commission's Report stated that in 1933 it was estimated that 32 per cent. of the metered properties did not exceed their valuation allowance, and I should like to know whether this percentage still holds good and, if so, whether the properties affected are wholly situated within the Peak and Upper Level districts.\n\nThis, as I have said, is only a minor point. The substantial question is whether the public has to pay under the new scheme more than under the existing system. If the former, the present scheme is not an alleviation but a burden.\n\nIt is suggested that the poor in the Colony will pay less since, although free allowance has been abolished, they will pay at the rate of 25 cents per thousand gallons from the first gallon, instead of 42½ cents for excess water. But it seems clear to me that unless the consumption in relation to any particular assessed premises is very greatly in excess of the free allowance, the old rates are much more favourable. The free allowance is based on 40 cents per thousand gallons: it is obvious that in order to make the difference of 15 cents (or 17½ cents) per thousand gallons count in favour of the consumer, the amount of gallons consumed in excess of the free allowance allowed must be very considerable. The inescapable fact remains that out of the 68 per cent. consumers who do exceed the free allowance, all whose excess consumption is at a rate insufficient to neutralise the effect of free allowance must pay more under the new scheme.\n\n## Likely To Pay More\n\nI therefore submit that, on the whole, it is more than likely that the consumer will pay more under the new scheme than he has been paying under the old.\n\nI am aware that from the answers given to my questions in this Council on September 1, 1938, it would appear that, on the basis of the figures for the first seven months of 1938, the Government obtained a higher revenue in respect of water under the old scheme than it would have done on the basis of the new charges. It was, however, pointed out in the official answers that the revenue based on the new charges could only be approximate since \"exact figures would take over a month to work out, as the recorded consumption through every meter would have to be taken\".\n\nBut this question, though important on the merits of the scheme, is not really fundamental; because once we accept, as I do, the principle that the consumer should pay for all current water charges, the question must assume a new form, not whether the new charges are higher than the old, but whether the new charges need be so high on the figures presented, and on the assumption that the consumer has to foot the bill. I propose to deal with this question, but before doing so I wish to dispose of one point, as to which I find myself in acute disagreement with the views of my Honourable friend the Financial Secretary.\n\n## Reasons Advanced\n\nIn recommending to Government that the existing two per cent. rate - which has always been regarded by Government, as well as by the community, as a payment for a supply of water at the rate of 40 cents per thousand gallons up to a prescribed limit of supply - should be retained, but that the equivalent free supply should be withheld, he advances various reasons, which I must deal with seriatim.\n\nFirst, the Financial Secretary says that the retention of the two per cent. rate may be regarded as a general charge to cover the cost of water supplied, for communal purposes, hydrants, street cleaning, sewers, public buildings, free supplies to hospitals, etc. The answer is this: If the rates were reduced to 15 per cent. the landlords would still be contributing nearly one-sixth of the total revenue of the Colony, and there can be no valid reason why the landlords, as such, should be made to pay for this \"communal supply\".\n\nSecondly, the Financial Secretary says that provision has to be made in the water account for Military Contribution. He does not explain why landlords, as such, should bear the burden of Military Contribution in respect of the water revenue.\n\nThirdly, the Financial Secretary says that the rates at 17 per cent. are decidedly low. Here I do not know on what grounds this opinion is based. Over one-sixth of the total revenue of the Colony is derived from the 17 per cent. rates, and I submit that one-sixth cannot be regarded as a negligible contribution to revenue.\n\nAs against the Financial Secretary's observation I may quote from the Economic Commission's Report: \"Rates. Some years ago the rates on property were raised from 13 per cent. to 17 per cent. on the ground that the low exchange necessitated an increased revenue to cope with the large portion of the Colony's expenditure which is based on sterling. Since then exchange has risen again to its former level and property owners, who have suffered very... \n\nSOUTH CHINA MORNING POST \n16th September, 1938. \n(2)", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562425, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 76, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "## 8. As regards (i) the 2% at present regarded as the proportion of the rates applicable to water might reasonably be regarded as a proper charge for general supply. It is true that this 2% yields more than the actual cost of the \"communal\" supplies as defined above and that it has been connected with the free allowances so that when those allowances are abolished those consumers (principally office blocks and well-to-do private residents) who have in the past got all their water within their free allowances and paid nothing for excess consumption may not like having to pay in future at the standard rate for what they consume as well as continuing to pay the 2 per cent.\n\nBut there are many diverse considerations on the other side, i.e.:\n\n(1) Provision has to be made in the water accounts for the military contribution, but this might well be regarded as a charge to be met by the general community, not by water users, so that the Water Department's share of the military contribution may fairly be collected as part of the rate, not by addition to the standard charges for water consumed.\n\n(2) Rates in Hong Kong are decidedly low, at a total of 17% including the 2% for water.\n\n(3) If the 2% is reduced the general standard rate for water must be increased to make up the loss of revenue; e.g., a standard charge of 30 cents would suffice if the 2% is maintained but at least 35 cents would have to be charged if the rates were reduced to 1%. With many qualifications, it is broadly true that such a transfer of charge would mean shifting the burden from the comparatively well-to-do to the poor. I regard such a shift of the burden as most undesirable because I greatly fear that the poor tenant will be found on balance to pay more as a result of the proposed changes in the collection of water charges, while the Hong Kong taxation system already taxes the poor more heavily in proportion to income than the wealthy.\n\n(4) A fairly large fixed charge will help to stabilize the finances of the Water Department. Consumption of water in Hong Kong depends not so much on the demand as on the supply which nature affords in any year and a restriction of supply as the result of drought might embarrass the finances of the Department if the whole of its revenue varied directly with consumption. The receipts from the 2% rate would afford a solid basis of income.\n\nI therefore recommend continuing the 2% charge and adopting a standard charge of 30 cents per thousand gallons.\n\n## 9. As regards Head (iii) the extra costs of pumping to the Peak and Hill districts are 30 cents per thousand gallons and to the upper levels 15 cents. There are direct extra expenses on every gallon used in these areas. I think consumers there could justly be asked to pay these extra costs in full, but recommend that they only be asked at present to pay a portion.\n\n## 10. The following scale of charges is therefore recommended.\n\nIt will necessarily be subject to review after the new regime has been in operation for sufficient time to estimate possible results:—\n| Charge Type | Rate |\n| --- | --- |\n| (a) General charges | 2 per cent. on the assessment valuation |\n| (b) Unit charge | 30 cents per thousand gallons |\n| (c) Upper levels and Peak-Hill districts | 40 cents and 50 cents respectively per thousand gallons |\n| (d) Supplies to building contractors and shipping | $1 per thousand gallons |\n| (e) Meter rentals | as at present |\n\nNOTES.\n\n(i) Supplies to Government buildings would not be charged for but in order to prevent waste each separate office should be given a fixed allowance which should not be exceeded without authority.\n\n(ii) On the abolition of the free allowances Government Officers occupying Government quarters should pay for water consumed like other consumers, except in such cases as police and medical staff occupying quarters in hospitals.\n\n(iii) Military, Naval and Air Force supplies should be at the ordinary rates subject to the continuance of a privileged rate of 10 cents per thousand gallons in respect of certain Military Cantonments in Victoria under a long-standing agreement.\n\nAn estimate of probable income for 1938 on this basis is attached. (`Appendix II`)\n\n## 11. `Appendix II` shows approximately what revenue would have been obtained in 1937 on the above basis. It will be seen that the net total of $2,156,607 is slightly more than was actually received in that year ($2,084,176) but less than the amount of $2,306,621 required to meet charges properly attributable to the Water Department. It is anticipated that consumption will be greater in 1938 as it is hoped that an unrestricted supply can be maintained; and that revenue in that year will therefore be adequate to cover charges.\n\n## 12. In theory, the system of charge best suited to the special circumstances of Hong Kong, where we want to supply the essential minimum of water but severely to discourage excessive use, would be one in which all water in excess of a minimum domestic supply was charged at a much higher rate. There are very great practical difficulties in assessing a minimum domestic supply for Chinese tenements, the rating valuation being useless as a guide; but the possibility of eventually establishing such a basis of charge might be further examined after the new Water Department is established.\n\n## IV. Separate Metering of Floors\n\n## 13. The main object of this proposal is to secure closer control of the consumption of water by enabling the responsibility to be placed on the principal tenant of each floor in Chinese tenement houses instead of the landlord. The former is in a better position to prevent waste and it is unfair that landlords should have to pay with no effective means of controlling what their tenants use. It is proposed that separate meters should be installed on the request of landlords or in other cases where the Water Authority thinks it necessary. If made on the landlord's request he should pay the cost of installation.\n\n## 14. It is not essential to separate metering that the water charges should be actually paid by the tenant instead of the landlord but it is an obvious further step to prevent waste. Where separate meters are installed therefore the charge should in future be on the tenant, but landlords should be required to make any necessary deposits if tenants failed to do so.\n\n## 15. The change ought not, however, to be used to secure a monetary benefit to the landlord. In the main the adjustment between landlord and tenant must be left to ordinary economic forces but I would recommend that in announcing the change of incidence of charge Government should make it clear that landlords... \n\n85", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562429, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 80, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "## MODIFICATIONS IN PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE MEMORANDUM BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PUBLISHED AS SESSIONAL PAPER No. 4 OF 1938\n\nThe proposals in the Financial Secretary's memorandum published last April have been considered in the light of the comments made on them by the District Watch Committee, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other bodies and in the Press. It has been decided to proceed with these proposals subject to the modifications set out below. The revised scale of charges will be included in a new Water Bill which will shortly be introduced in Legislative Council and the necessary changes in the form of the Water Accounts will be shown in the 1939 Estimates. It is proposed that the scheme as a whole should come into operation as from the 1st January, 1939.\n\nThe modifications in the original proposals are as follows:\n\n1. **Military Contribution**. With the present basis of contribution there is no alternative but to allow in the Water Accounts for the contribution in respect of the water revenue; but on reconsideration it is felt that the Water Department ought not to be charged with Military Contribution in respect of that part of the revenue which goes to pay debt charges in the 1934 Loan since such revenue is exempted from contribution by Ordinance 11 of 1934. The allowance for Military Contribution will therefore be adjusted accordingly, involving a reduction of $202,160 in the 1937 figure.\n\n2. **Capital Charges**. In order to meet objections to the repayment from water revenue of past capital expenditure out of General Revenue, it is proposed that the sum of 2% of that capital, intended to be devoted to such repayment, should instead be used to build up a Renewals Fund which will be available to meet large renewals of capital equipment and will thus in future save further borrowing or expenditure from General Revenue Account.\n\n3. **Rates of Charge**. While retaining the general system of charge proposed, and in particular the 2% rate plus a charge for all water used, the adjustment of Military Contribution referred to above makes possible a reduction in the unit rates of charge to the following:\n| District/Category | Rate |\n| --- | --- |\n| Peak District | 45c. per 1,000 gallons |\n| Upper Levels District | 35c. per 1,000 gallons |\n| Construction and Shipping | $1.00 per 1,000 gallons |\n| All other supplies of filtered water | 25c. per 1,000 gallons |\n| Unfiltered water | 20c. per 1,000 gallons |\n\nSubject in all cases to a surcharge of 5% of the amount due if not paid within 30 days.\n\n4. **Deposits**. Power to require deposits from consumers will be retained as at present; deposits by landlords in cases where the charge is on the tenant will normally be required only in cases where the Treasury thinks it necessary as a condition of the installation of separate floor meters, but not in other cases.\n\nPage 80\nPage 81", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562443, "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": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "page_number": 94, "title": "CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939", "content_text": "## 8 - 104\n\nmore heavily in proportion to income than the wealthy. (4) A fairly large fixed charge will help to stabilize the finances of the Water Department. Consumption of water in Hong Kong depends not so much on the demand as on the supply that nature affords in any year, and a restriction of supply as the result of drought might embarrass the finances of the Department if the whole of its revenue varies closely with consumption. The receipts from the rate would afford a solid basis of income.\n\nI therefore recommend continuing the 2% charge and adopting a standard charge of 30 cents per thousand gallons.\n\n9. As regards Head (ii), the extra costs of pumping to the Peak and Hill districts are 30 cents per thousand gallons and to the upper levels 15 cents. There is direct extra expense on every gallon used in these areas. I think consumers there could justly be asked to pay these extra costs in full, but recommend that they only be asked at present to pay a portion.\n\n10. The following scale of charges is therefore recommended. It will necessarily be subject to review after the new regime has been in operation for sufficient time to estimate possible results:-\n\n(a) 2 per cent on the assessment valuation to cover general charges.\n(b) Unit charge of 30 cents per thousand gallons.\n(c) Upper levels and Peak-Hill districts to pay 40 cents and 50 cents respectively per thousand gallons.\n(d) Supplies to building contractors and shipping to be charged for at $1 per thousand gallons as at present.\n(e) Meter rentals as at present.\n\nThis might be shown on the water accounts, instead of collecting it as part of the general rates as at present.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-14 Proposed reorganisation of water services 7-4-1938 - 3-4-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562478, "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": "CO129-572-16 Proposals to prevent wastage of water 30-3-1938 - 15-9-1938", "page_number": 8, "title": "CO129-572-16 Proposals to prevent wastage of water 30-3-1938 - 15-9-1938", "content_text": "# HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.\n\n## THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.\n\n### HON. MR. CHAU TSUN-NIN.\n\nI gather from the Financial Secretary's lucid and informative Memorandum on Water Finances, that the two primary objects of this Bill are: firstly, to establish a separate Water Department, and to make a charge for water sufficient to pay all expenses incurred by that department; and secondly, to prevent waste of water.\n\nThe estimated gross revenue from water for 1937, based on the revised scale of charges, would amount to $2,463,459. Subtracting from this amount the sum of $27,000 for Peak supplies, $54,950 for Upper Levels supplies, $184,000 for Shipping and Construction supplies and the two per cent. rate of $706,739, there would remain a balance of $1,490,770 chargeable to all other supplies of filtered water, most of which are used by Chinese tenement-houses. According to the figures given by the Chairman of the Urban Council in his Report for the year 1936, there were in Victoria 14,024 Chinese houses containing 47,490 floors, and in Kowloon 10,317 Chinese houses containing 31,390 floors, making a total of 78,880 floors. This figure must have been slightly increased by the construction of new buildings since that date, but even taking that figure as a basis, and if each of these 78,880 floors were to be charged a flat water rate of $19 per annum, it would bring in a total sum of $1,498,720 which would more than cover the balance of $1,490,770 required.\n\nThis system of charging a flat water rate is not new, and is in vogue in other places including, I am informed, London. I venture to believe that at least 90 per cent. of the landlords would gladly bear this burden in preference to paying for the tenants, as is usually the case, excess water consumption, which is such an uncertain factor. I submit that this method of taxing the Chinese tenement-houses is both simple and economical in that it would dispense with the employment of a large staff for meter-reading, accounting, etc. On the other hand, the regulations under the Bill would be cumbersome; and even if the floors were separately metered, in cases where there are more than one tenancy in a floor, there would always be endless dispute as to the proper share of the excess consumption to be borne by each tenant.\n\nThere is of course the obvious answer to my proposal of charging a flat water rate, which is that one of the primary objects of the Bill is the prevention of waste. It might well be argued that by charging a flat water rate, there would be no deterrent from waste, but having regard to the fact that in nearly 90 per cent. of the Chinese tenement-houses, the excess consumption is paid by the landlord and not the tenant, there seems to be no question of deterring the actual consumer. On the other hand, supposing that the actual consumer were to be responsible for the payment for excess consumption, even then, there would appear to be not much inducement for him to economise, because, should there be a deficit in revenue...\n\nPage 92\nPage 8", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-16 Proposals to prevent wastage of water 30-3-1938 - 15-9-1938.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 562480, "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": "CO129-572-16 Proposals to prevent wastage of water 30-3-1938 - 15-9-1938", "page_number": 10, "title": "CO129-572-16 Proposals to prevent wastage of water 30-3-1938 - 15-9-1938", "content_text": "# HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL\n\n2. that the 2% on \"past capital expenditure out of General Revenue\" should now be used to build up a Renewals Fund.\n\nThe first \"modification\" is of course a mere correction of an accounting error; the second \"modification\", as I hope to show later in the course of my remarks, leaves entirely unanswered the objections raised against the original proposal. Although it is officially stated that \"the proposals in the Financial Secretary's memorandum published last April have been considered in the light of the comments made on them by the District Watch Committee, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other bodies and in the Press\", the truth of the matter is that all the \"comments\"—at all events by the District Watch Committee and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce—have been entirely ignored by Government.\n\nIn setting out our objections to some of these proposals I deal first with a minor point, namely the relative rates as affecting the various localities concerned.\n\nOn the abolition of free allowance, the present charges, the new charges, and the difference between them, for the different localities, are as follows:-\n\n| Locality | Present Charges | New Charges | Difference |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Peak | $1 less 15% = 85 cts. | 45 cts. | 40 cts. |\n| Rest of the Colony | 50 cts. | 422⁄ cts. | 171⁄2 cts. |\n| Upper Levels | 50 cts. less 15% = 421⁄2 cts. | 35 cts. | 7½ cts. |\n\nIt will be seen that by giving up all free allowance, the Peak charges, as compared with the existing charges, are to be reduced by 40 cents per thousand gallons, the rest of the Colony by 17½ cents, and the Upper Levels by 7½ cents only! On the face of it I cannot see how these new charges can be fair if the old relative rates were not inequitable. I do not say that the Peak charges are not high enough: I suggest that the rates for the rest of the Colony are not low enough, and I do say that the modifications of the relative rates are inequitable. I understand that the official answer is that the old charges of $1.00 for the Peak, and 50 cents for the Upper Levels, less 15%, mean nothing in practice because consumers in these districts are, as a whole, always within their free allowance and so never had to pay any excess charges. But I fail to see how the assumption that the Peak and Upper Level residents do not exceed their free allowance can affect the point of my criticism, since the old rates were rates which they would have to pay if they did exceed the free allowance. But though in this, as in so many other matters regarding the question of water supply, the public is totally in the dark as regards figures supporting this contention I, for one, cannot accept this assumption. The Economic Commission's Report stated that in 1933 it was estimated\n\nPage 10 \nPage 11", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-572-16 Proposals to prevent wastage of water 30-3-1938 - 15-9-1938.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 567978, "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": "CO129-581-10 Control measures to be adopted for local mines- report by senior Inspector of Mines 1-1-1939 - 31-12-1939", "page_number": 26, "title": "CO129-581-10 Control measures to be adopted for local mines- report by senior Inspector of Mines 1-1-1939 - 31-12-1939", "content_text": "25\n\nthe upper levels and were not large enough to warrant the installation of modern plant, so the method of mining described above was adopted. Based on the proved ore reserves, the mine has a life of approximately 14-2 years and provided production and price of metal remains at present levels, the company should just about recover the capital invested.\n\nRECOMMENDATIONS.\n\nDuring the inspection of the property, I noticed some very fine and expensive coolie lines in course of erection, which are far above the standard in use in the Federated Malay States, and other places in the East. The expense of such costly and permanent coolie lines is a heavy item on the charges of a mine of this nature and will undoubtedly militate against any incentive of miners to take up leases on a low-grade proposition. It is suggested, therefore, that the medical authorities cut down their requirements to a minimum, particularly in connection with a mine in its development stage or one with a short life, where a temporary building would appear to be more reasonable.\n\nThe supervision and running of the mine is satisfactory and the labour force is experienced, having worked on the mine for many years. The ground stands up well and the small size of the stopes reduces the necessity of timbering to a minimum, but for the greater safety of the miners employed it is recommended that the following rules in Chinese be posted up at the office and entrance to each adit which is in use: (i) Miners are recommended to wear crash helmets when working underground. These are available at the mine office.\n\n(ii) All tracks and manways shall be kept clear.\n\n(iii) Sub-contractors shall inspect and maintain all ladder ways and platforms in a safe condition and have props placed in stopes where necessary. (iv) The names of shot firers shall be registered at the mine office and only such shot firers shall carry out blasting operations.\n\n(v) In fixing fuse to detonators, only pliers of an approved type may be used. (vi) After blasting operations, the shot firer and timber boss of any particular working place shall bar down any loose rock, and timber where necessary before permitting coolies to enter the working place.\n\n(vii) No coolies may enter a working place after blasting operations until permitted by the shot firer and timber boss.\n\n(viii) Any loose ground shall be reported immediately to the timber boss.\n\n(ix) Any person committing a breach of the rules shall be liable to a fine of 3 days' pay.\n\nPlan of workings is attached marked C.*\n\nLin Ma Hang Mine.\n\n(iii) HONG KONG MINES LTD.\n\nThe ore carries an average of 2.5 ozs. per short ton of silver and 10.4% lead. Working a galena deposit for silver and lead by underground methods on the adit system and held under a lease of 75 years over 150.15 acres at a rent of $2 per acre, a mining lease over an additional 1196.45 acres adjoining has also recently been approved to the company, but not yet issued.\n\nA labour force of 500, 350 underground and 150 on surface, with plant of 575 H.P. is employed. Production to date amounts to 5,526 short tons of concentrates carrying 15.8 ozs. per short ton silver and 69% lead, at a cost of £12 per ton.\n\nThe management of the property was taken over by Neilson & Co. during January 1937, at which time there were some 7,000 feet of tunnels and raises, and approximately 80,000 tons of ore blocked out. Construction of a 150 ton per day all flotation type of mill, buildings, and development work were then put in hand, since when 2,800 feet of capital and 1,760 feet of development work has been done.\n\nThe mill commenced operating during October, 1937, the probable ore reserves as on 1st January, 1938 amounted to 111,700 tons and the tonnage milled to date amounts to 38,358, from which 5,526 tons of concentrates have been produced and shipped to Europe. Additions to the mill are now in hand which will increase the capacity by 100 tons per day. Supervision under eight Europeans or Americans is good and the mine, which is run on standard lines, is in good condition. The fatal\n\n*Not Printed.\n\n31", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-581-10 Control measures to be adopted for local mines- report by senior Inspector of Mines 1-1-1939 - 31-12-1939.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 571990, "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": "CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940", "page_number": 20, "title": "CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940", "content_text": "## \nfor special consideration and requires the knowledge and services of officers thoroughly acquainted with the local peasant population and the land system in force.\n\n## Water Supply\nThe successful production of agricultural crops depends a good deal on the provision of an adequate water supply. Normally, such supplies are available in almost every ravine and small storage arrangements at varying levels are to be recommended in order that during dry seasons water supplies can be regulated to provide for terraced slope operations as well as for lowland operations. At other seasons of the year, the rainfall is likely to be sufficient for agricultural needs. In this connection, the assistance of the Water Department in an advisory capacity is considered essential, while the afforestation of the upper slopes by the Botanical and Forestry Department will materially assist in the conservation of moisture and consequently the provision of an adequate water supply.\n\n## Finance\nIn this connection, the services of officers acquainted with peasant finances is essential. The establishment of co-operative efforts for development purposes should be emphasised as they have proved successful in other Colonies.\n\n## Formulation of Policy\nIt is considered that the information given above covers the more important aspects of Agriculture and its development in the New Territories. It is suggested that Government should review the whole matter giving consideration to the following points:-\n(i) the establishment of an Agricultural organisation, to include an experimental plantation and farm, in order to give practical demonstrations of agricultural possibilities and practical assistance by the distribution of better type seeds, etc., for crop purposes and of better type animals for breeding purposes\n(ii) the possibilities of developing New Territories Agricultural \n\nPage 21", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 574438, "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": "CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941", "page_number": 24, "title": "CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941", "content_text": "# MEMORANDUM ON THE PROTECTION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC\n\n**Ref.No.12/90/39** \n**VBR Copy** \n**Encl. 2.** \n**23**\n\nThe areas needing urgent consideration are those in which the houses are either in a dilapidated condition or of flimsy construction. Unfortunately, those areas are many and are situated in the congested areas.\n\n## HONG KONG\n\nThe estimated population of Hong Kong is as follows:\n\n| District | Population |\n|----------|------------|\n| Central, Upper Levels and Western Districts | 491,000 |\n| Wanchai | 240,000 |\n| Bay View | 10,000 |\n| Quarry Bay | 10,000 |\n| Shaukiwan | 50,000 |\n| **Total** | **801,000** |\n\nOf this total, some will leave the Colony, some — especially those living in good buildings and the outlying districts — will remain in their homes, whilst others will take to the hills. What this number will be it is impossible to estimate, but for the purposes of this paper, I have taken it to amount to 15% of the population.\n\nOn this basis, the population figures have been taken as follows:\n\n| District | Population |\n|----------|------------|\n| Central, Upper Levels and Western Districts | 417,500 |\n| Wanchai | 204,000 |\n| Bay View | 8,500 |\n| Quarry Bay | 8,500 |\n| Shaukiwan | 42,750 |\n| **Total** | **681,250** |\n\nOwing to the time element, the districts mentioned above must be divided, as far as possible, into areas, the population proceeding to their shelters in a northerly and southerly direction.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 574439, "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": "CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941", "page_number": 25, "title": "CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941", "content_text": "# 24\n\n## 5. WESTERN CENTRAL AND UPPER LEVELS DISTRICTS\n\nThe boundaries of these areas should be:\n\n(a) North of Queen's Road Central and Queen's Road West, and \n(b) South of the above area.\n\n**Protection**\n\n(i) The population of (a) — 200,000 — to be provided with sandbag protection in the form of squares erected in the centre of Connaught Road Central and Connaught Road West.\n\n(ii) The population of (b) — 217,500 — to be provided with tunnel accommodation and trenches in open spaces, at, say, an average of $15.00 per head, amounting to $3,262,500.\n\n## 6. EASTERN DISTRICT (WANCHAI)\n\nThis district to be divided into two areas:\n\n(a) North of Johnston Road to Fleming Road, Fleming Road to Wanchai Road, Russell Street to Ewo Hill. \n(b) South of the above boundary.\n\n**Protection**\n\n(i) The population of (a) — say, 102,000 — to be provided with sandbag protection in the form of squares erected in the centre of Hennessy Road, Gloucester Road, Canal Road West, Leighton Road, Percival Street.\n\n(ii) The population of (b) — say, 102,000 — to be provided with tunnel accommodation at $15.00 per head, amounting to $1,530,000.\n\n## 7. BAY VIEW, QUARRY BAY AND SHAUKIWAN DISTRICTS\n\n(i) The population of Bay View — say, 8,500 — to be provided with trenches in the recreation ground and sandbag squares in Whitfield Road, Gordon Road, and a section of Electric Road.\n\n(ii) The population of Quarry Bay — say, 8,500 — ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 574440, "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": "CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941", "page_number": 26, "title": "CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941", "content_text": "**Page 3**\n\nto be provided with sandbag squares in Market Road and trenches in open spaces.\n\n**Page 25**\n\n**(111)**\n\nThe population of Shaukiwan, say, 42,750, to be provided with trenches and tunnels at an average cost of $15 per head, amounting to $641,250.\n\n**SUMMARY**\n\n| District | Population | Sandbags and Trenches | Tunnels |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Western, Central and Upper Levels | 417,500 | 200,000 | 217,500 |\n| Wanchai | 204,000 | 102,000 | 102,000 |\n| Bay View | 8,500 | 8,500 | 0 |\n| Quarry Bay | 8,500 | 8,500 | 0 |\n| Shaukiwan | 42,750 | 0 | 42,750 |\n| **Totals** | **681,250** | **319,000** | **362,250** |\n\nTo provide sandbag protection for 319,000 people will require the use of 7,000,000 sandbags, and these are already in the A.R.P. store, 4,000,000 of which could be spared, leaving a balance of 3,000,000 to be supplied, at\n\n- The cost of sand: $450,000\n- The cost of bags: $87,500\n- The cost of labour and transport: $75,000\n- To provide tunnel and trench accommodation for 362,250 people: $5,433,750\n\n**Total Estimated Cost: $6,046,250**\n\n28 DA JE SE POA DE GUANS IN LA ZER 199", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-589-4 Air raid precautions- supply of equipment 1-11-1940 - 24-1-1941.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 574530, "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": "CO129-589-9 Government House- damage caused by construction of underground Air Raid shelter tunnels. For extracted photographs.... 1-4-1941 - 1-11-1941", "page_number": 39, "title": "CO129-589-9 Government House- damage caused by construction of underground Air Raid shelter tunnels. For extracted photographs.... 1-4-1941 - 1-11-1941", "content_text": "# 34\n\nHon. D.P.W.\n\nThe opinion of the Executive Officer of the Architectural Office was not taken.\n\nI must carry the responsibility for decisions taken as to the levels at which the galleries were driven and the form of construction employed.\n\nThere was unfortunately no preconceived plan but the work developed from a series of instructions emanating from H.E. the O.A.G.\n\nThe first instruction called for a communicating link between the C.S.O. tunnel and Government House. This link was provided by driving a gallery towards Government House. The depth of the gallery below Government House being about 80 feet. To overcome the physical effort of climbing 80 feet in one 'raise' it was decided to make two 'raises' with a gallery at the intermediate level. Later instructions called for the upper gallery to be large enough to provide temporary refuge for H.E. and Staff and domestics together with an emergency exit into the grounds.\n\nThe point of access originally designed was in the garden and clear of the foundations of the House but H.E. the O.A.G. required access to be provided from the Strong-room in the basement and this was accordingly done.\n\nThe third phase of development then occurred when instructions were received to provide a Battle Headquarter. A logical position for this appeared to be below the basement and so gain the advantage of the protection afforded by the super-structure.\n\nThe nature of the soil through which the galleries were driven indicated the improbability of any but minor settlement.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-589-9 Government House- damage caused by construction of underground Air Raid shelter tunnels. For extracted photographs.... 1-4-1941 - 1-11-1941.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 575215, "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": "CO129-590-22 Situation in enemy occupied Hong Kong 19-1-1943 - 20-11-1943", "page_number": 56, "title": "CO129-590-22 Situation in enemy occupied Hong Kong 19-1-1943 - 20-11-1943", "content_text": "# 1111 Beaver Hall Hill \n## MONT REAL. \n### 6th December, 1943. \n#### 55 \n**SECRET**\n\nMrs. Eugenie Zaitzeff and daughter (age 4)\n\nMrs. Zaitzoff is the wife of Anatole Zaitzoff, a Canadian citizen and a Revenue Officer in the Imports and Exports Department engaged in 1941 on presumably a three years agreement. (Mrs. Zaitzeff does not know details of his engagement or emoluments but his immediate superior, Mr. V. H. Thomson, is at present in Washington and I will be able to check with him next week. If he can remember details I will send them on). Mrs. Zaitzoff's address in Canada is c/o Mrs. Kimball Nichols, 5911 Blenheim Street, Vancouver, B.C.\n\nAnatole Zaitzeff joined his volunteer unit at the outbreak of war as a L/Bombardier of the 1st Battery and with the surrender of the Colony, was taken prisoner by the Japanese. He is at present lodged in the Sham-Shui-Po Camp in Kowloon.\n\nMrs. Zaitzoff is somewhat worried about her financial position. She has no resources but has, I think, a clear claim on the Hong Kong Government in regard to a regular allowance from her husband's salary during his imprisonment. She will probably require also a cash grant from the accumulated balance of her husband's pay.\n\nShe deserves, in my opinion, as generous treatment as it is possible to accord her.\n\nA highly intelligent observer, able by reason of her Russian extraction, to claim exemption from internment, Mrs. Zaitzeff was by far the best informed of the Hong Kong party. From the day of the surrender to her repatriation she was lodged in a block of flats in May Road, reserved by the Japanese for foreigners. Such consular officers as remain in the Colony were housed in the same building. Mrs. Zaitzoff was permitted to walk freely about Hong Kong and, in spite of the unpleasantness, took every opportunity to do so. She maintained her contacts with Chinese friends and was able to present a remarkable picture of conditions in the Colony up to last September.\n\nApart from Peak Mansions and few large buildings adjacent to the Peak Tram occupied by Japanese, the upper levels are looted and deserted. All railings on the roads and paths have been torn down either by looters or by order of the authorities for shipment to Japan. Towards the University, the paths are lined with skeletons both of soldiers who died in battle and of Chinese who have since died of starvation. Between four and six new corpses were to be seen most mornings on the old Peak Road leading from May Road to the centre of the town. The Peak Tram is running, operated by the same Chinese drivers and conductors as in peace: they made a point of special courtesy and helpfulness towards Mrs. Zaitzoff whom they recognised from former days and if no Japanese were present, deliberately refused to accept her fare. (The concern is now of course Japanese owned).\n\nThe War Memorial Hospital is apparently closed: the Bowen Road Hospital is used to accommodate (among others) seriously wounded British soldiers and volunteers. The Cricket Club has been turned into a Japanese recreation club where tennis tournaments and fencing matches are staged. As often as possible, when international contests are ordered, leading non-Japanese players develop sudden incapacitating ailments which prevent their appearance.\n\nAcute shortages are everywhere apparent. Flour and rice are scarce and long queues are the order of the day. Many shops have closed their doors and others have been converted to restaurants or else sublet into four or five compartments. It is possible now in the centre of the town to rent a corner, or the centre, or the rear of a shop. Merchants are vastly disinclined to sell their goods: salesmen sit with folded hands in the silk shops and explain that their cloths are certainly not worth the high prices which the customer is seeking to pay. Obviously the shop-keepers infinitely prefer their dwindling stocks to the inflated yen values dictated by scarcity. Necessities are obtainable only by ration tickets which are in turn obtainable, only on proof that the individual is employed on work contributing to the establishment of the New Order and approved by the Japanese. The whole population is thus caught in the dilemma forced on them by Japan: they must either work for the Japanese or starve. Many have in fact starved.\n\nIt is no longer safe to walk about with a handbag or parcel, even in the centre of the city. The handbag is snatched and the parcel is stolen and its contents eaten (if they are remotely edible) before the eyes of the owner. Japanese uniforms are beginning to look shabby and worn; it is a common sight to see officers up to the rank of Major with patched uniforms.\n\n64251-1 \n27", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-590-22 Situation in enemy occupied Hong Kong 19-1-1943 - 20-11-1943.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579339, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 18, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. \n\nDistrict, \n\n3. \n\nTime. \n\n8.12.41. Kowloon Traffic Office. 07.45\n\n23. Kowloon City and Hung Hom 07.50\n\n24. Sham Shui Po. 08.00\n\n25. Police Headquarters. 08.00\n\n26. Deputy Commissioner of Police. \n\n27. Police Headquarters. \n\n28. Police Headquarters. \n\n29. Yaumati. \n\n30. Hong Kong Vital Posts. \n\n31. Emergency Unit, Hong Kong. 08.15\n\n32. Kowloon Brigade Headquarters. 08.30\n\n8.12.41\n\n18\n\nsometimes in a damaged condition, and had to be rounded up by police. Approximately 350 vehicles were collected and 350 to 400 drivers registered. Vehicles were supplied to Police Stations in accordance with the Internal Security Scheme. About 50 Japanese planes bombed Kowloon City and Hung Hom districts with Kai Tack Aerodrome, Kowloon Docks and Bailey's shipyard as main objectives. The planes and hangars in the aerodrome were also machine-gunned. Four C.N.A.C., 2 Eurasia, 1 Clipper and 5 R.A.F. planes were destroyed. Bomb fell in Ta Ku Ling Road with casualties. An unexploded bomb fell in the Argyle Street Internment Camp. Fire Brigade turned out for burning planes. Some casualties were caused by shelling which commenced soon after.\n\nSham Shui Po Camp bombed with 3 British Royal Engineers killed and 3 Chinese workmen. Jubilee Buildings, Yen Chau Street, with 41 fatal casualties and the Praya near Sham Shui Po ferry, with 30 fatal casualties, also bombed. Sham Shui Po Station suffered minor damage. District suffered numerous casualties.\n\nMr. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police, placed in charge of regular duty work on Island with office at Upper Levels.\n\nMr. Scott, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, took post at No.1 Po Shan Road together with Officer in Charge Traffic, Accounts and Correspondence Offices.\n\nMr. Heath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, attached to Deputy Commissioner of Police for odd jobs, such as feeding and billeting and general supervision over the Indian Contingent. This continued to the 13th when he transferred to No. 2 Station.\n\nMr. Chesterwood, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, continued duty in charge Police Food Control under Senior Superintendent of Police, Defence, to which post he had been detailed since 9th May, 1941.\n\nChief Inspector Rogesky, Chief Inspector, Kowloon took post as Assistant Commander No.3 Sub Area. Remaining Hong Kong Vital Posts fully manned by Police Reserve.\n\nRound up of enemy aliens commenced in Hong Kong. Searched Macau Steamers. On information supplied by Lance Sergeants A. 191 Donohue and 75 Jack, gained whilst searching Japanese premises in Peking Road, arrested 5 Japanese males on the Macau Wharf.\n\nSub Inspector Brittain took up post at Kowloon Brigade Headquarters as Police Liaison Officer, informing Brigadier of his duties and reminding him of his (the Brigadier's) responsibility to inform police in case of any evacuation of Kowloon. Brigadier Wallis assured Sub Insp. Brittain that there was not going to be any evacuation. Sub Insp. Brittain was not allowed to use any military telephone and had to find his own accommodation and food. During the 8th and 9th all he was asked by Military to do was to convey a request to the Senior Superintendent of Police Kowloon to arrange for the burial of the bodies", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579343, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 22, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. District. Time.\n\n8.12.41 56. Tai Po. 11.00\n\n57. Kowloon. \n\n58. Special Branch. \n\n59. Tai O. \n\n60. Cheung Chau. 12.00\n\n12.00\n\n13.00\n\n19-30\n\n13.00\n\n7. 8.12.4l 22\n\nHong Kong sent out mobile patrols as often as their duties and many emergency calls would permit from the 8th onwards but mention of these has not been included in the diary.\n\nAssistant Superintendent of Police, New Territories, evacuated Tai Po with the road barrier men on instructions from Lt. Col. Kidd of the Punjabis and after the blowing of the Lam Tsun demolition charges had taken place.\n\nKowloon Vital Posts were brought up to full strength. (They had all been partially manned prior to the outbreak of war). Round up of aliens in Kowloon was completed.\n\nSpecial Branch and Criminal Investigation Department Officers completed arrest of about 25 enemy aliens of special importance and conveyed them to Stanley Internment Camp.\n\nSenior Superintendent of Police, Kowloon, consulted the C.R.A. who agreed that Tai O should be finally evacuated. Officer in charge Tai O ordered to evacuate by Station motor boat and rowing boat as No.1 Launch was still engaged at Cheung Chau and the launch could not in any case get through Chu Lo Kok Channel and would have had to go right round the south side of Lantau. No.1 Cruising Launch later proceeded towards Chu Lo Kok and picked up the party near Yam O at about 18.00 hours and brought them back to Tsim Sha Tsui, arriving at 19.30 hours. Tai O personnel proceeded to Hong Kong.\n\nPolice families and personnel were evacuated from Cheung Chau by Nos.1 and 3 Cruising launches. All European residents, about 6, had previously been warned to evacuate by typewritten notices (dictated by telephone to Officer in charge by Senior Superintendent of Police Kowloon the previous day). Miss Potter and her brother-in-law, a Mr. Mackenzie, refused to go, others were brought into Hong Kong by No.1 Launch which left half an hour after No.3 having carried out preliminary evacuation of Tai O first. Fifty civilians were taken on board No.3, comprising Chinese Fire Brigade members, station servants and Mission workers, and also 2 Fire engines. Both launches were dive bombed and machine gunned by Japanese planes. No.1 Launch in West Lamma Channel and No.3 Launch off Un Kok Lamma Island, without effect. Fire was returned by police.\n\nThis Vital Post was reinforced by Lance Sergeant A.154 Harris in charge and 6 Indian Police Constables. Police remained on the island until 13th December, when they were taken off by H.M.S. \"Thracian\" and landed at Aberdeen. Heavy shelling of the island accompanied by spasmodic air raids took place throughout the period Police remained.\n\nOn one occasion 5 bombs were dropped in a string in an attempt to blow up the magazines without result although one landed within 100 yards of the depot.\n\nMr. Wright Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police transferred office to Upper Levels.\n\nJapanese aircraft bombed forts and batteries in Division.\n\nOn this day and for the following ten days until the Japanese landed, the following premises were selected as chief targets for bombs and shelling:-\n\nAsiatic Petroleum Company tanks, Gun emplacement overlooking Kings Road at rear of the Power Station.\n\nGreen Island.\n\n13.00 62. Upper Levels.\n\n63. Western.\n\n64. Bay View.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579362, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 41, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. District.\n\n5.\n\nEmergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\n6.\n\nPolice H. Q.\n\n7.\n\nUpper Levels.\n\n8.\n\nPolice H. Q.\n\n9.\n\nHong Kong.\n\n10.\n\nGough Hill.\n\n11.\n\nBay View.\n\n12.\n\nBay View.\n\n13.\n\nShaukiwan.\n\n14.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n15.\n\nPolice H. Q.\n\nTime.\n\n26.\n\n12. 12.\n\nHI damage was sustained by Tse Lam and Tse Fa Terraces with heavy loss of life and many wounded. The Godown area was again under continuous bombardment and more fires started. Looting broke out in the shelled and bombed area west of Hill Road. Police parties were despatched to the scene to deal with the looters and disturbances. Felix Villas came under heavy shell fire.\n\n08.00 Called to Western District to deal with crowds at rice shops in Queen's Road West, Kennedy Town and Des Voeux Road West. Mobile pickets continued to patrol this area. The situation was kept well in hand.\n\nThe Senior Superintendent of Police, Defence, and Mr. Calthrop, Senior Superintendent of Police, were occupied from this date onwards assisting various Government departments and others, including the Military, by providing Police for many and various jobs. Liaison was maintained by the Military Liaison Officer, Lieut. MacKinlay. They acted as Assistants to the Commissioner of Police in absence of the Deputy Commissioner of Police at Po Shan Road. Mr. Calthrop was also appointed Guard Commander of Police Headquarters before and after the evacuation to the Gloucester Building and was responsible for the internal security of Headquarters.\n\nMr. Searle took post at Upper Levels as No.1 Sub Area Commander taking charge of Upper Levels, Western, Central Division Gough Hill, Aberdeen and Pokfulam was not included in the Sub Area for the purpose of administration.\n\nPolice Reserve Headquarters was moved up to Police Headquarters. Mr. Chesterwoods, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, handed over the Adjuntancy to Iver Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Reserve, in order to concentrate on Police Food Control work. The rationing scheme was brought into force in Hong Kong. (It had never started in Kowloon.) Stock books were distributed to all Station Rationing.\n\nThe Assistant Accountant Officers the previous day. Stores had to make purchases of crockery, utensils, chatties etc., as the pre-war indent for these articles had never been satisfied. Nearly all Indian rations had unfortunately been accumulated in Kowloon and not brought across.\n\nHeavy shelling and bombing of the Peak continued. The Peak Wireless Station, Vital Post No.19, was damaged and Police personnel had to evacuate to the dugout. Shelling of Tai Hang area commenced and continued until the Japanese forces landed. Though many houses were hit there were few casualties as the occupants had taken refuge in the hills.\n\nA shell landed at the rear of the Commercial Press Building used as a dispersal house by the Police but the small fire that ensued was soon extinguished. Police assisted in clearing junks and other native craft away from the sea front.\n\nP.S.A.40 Youe, Criminal Investigation Department, Western Division, was sent out from No.7 Station to Aberdeen to investigate persistent allegations from a Mr. C. Morant, A.R.P. District Warden, that members of his service were attempting acts of sabotage. This was found on investigation to be without foundation and prompted by an effort to get a certain clique into the A.R.P. and others out.\n\n10.30 The Assistant Superintendent of Police, Kowloon,", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579368, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 47, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "47\n\nDate\n\nDistrict.\n\nTime\n\n20.\n\nWestern.\n\n3.\n\nGough Hill & Upper Levels.\n\n4.\n\nEastern.\n\n5.\n\nWestern.\n\n6.\n\nWestern.\n\n7.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n8.\n\nShaukiwan.\n\n9.\n\nPolice H.Q.\n\n10.\n\nGough Hill.\n\n15.30\n\n11\n\nPolice H. Q. & Central.\n\n16.00\n\n12. Central.\n\n13.\n\nEmergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\n14\n\nWestern.\n\n19.00\n\n32.\n\n15. 12.41\n\nKennedy Town Market was hit by a shell or bomb causing heavy casualties.\n\nJapanese planes damaged Mount Austin barracks. During the raid Mr. Wright Nooth at Upper Levels saw a heliograph signalling from Lugard Road. The Military were informed and arrested two Chinese males there. Police party under Sub Inspector Taylor from the National Paint & Lacquer Factory at 704 King's Road Dispersal Point aided the Military to destroy the bathing matsheds at North Point. The same party later quelled a food riot at the Ritz.\n\nThe district west of Western Street again came under heavy shell fire.\n\nAs a result of raids, breakdowns in the telephone to Pokfulam and Aberdeen frequently occurred and dispatch riders had to be used.\n\nTelephone became unreliable, breaking down every two hours.\n\nThe district was under continuous shell fire during the day. Pillboxes in Taikoo Docks were destroyed. Police were busily engaged in attending to numerous casualties.\n\nSenior Superintendent of Police, Defence, commenced daily casualty lists of Police killed, wounded or missing during the war.\n\nTwo houses near the Hon. Colonial Secretary's residence were destroyed by bombs. As a result, Police Reserve posted at the Colonial Secretary's residence, H.18 Vital Post, deserted.\n\nThe Police Headquarters and Central were bombed. A stick of bombs was dropped hitting each of the following points:- (1) Old Bailey and Caine Road junction, (2) The Gaol Clearing Station (with no casualties), (3) The grating outside the Deputy Commissioner of Police's office, (4) Pottinger Street and Hollywood Road junction, (5) Wellington Street, (6) Central cells. The ground floor and basement offices of Police Headquarters were wrecked. Inspector Hopkins, Officer in Charge Traffic, was killed and Mr. Thompson, Superintendent of Police, and Inspector Saunders were wounded. Two Chinese drivers were also killed. Kitchens and food store at Central received considerable damage. A good deal of food was rendered unserviceable. The water supply had to be cut off. About twenty cars in the compound, including the Police Loud Speaker Van which had just been completed ready for service for propaganda purposes, were set ablaze and only extinguished with some difficulty. The spread of the fire to other cars was prevented by the action of L.S.A. 142 Kinloch and others in driving the latter away. As a result of the wounding of Mr. Thompson, Mr. Bidmead, Superintendent of Police, took over charge of Hong Kong stations. As a result of the bombing, the Chinese cooks all absconded.\n\nThe Unit was called to Queen's Road and Jubilee Street junction where looters were found looting premises damaged by bombing and were dealt with drastically. Similar action had to be taken in the case of a Money Changer's shop in Queen's Road opposite the Central Market.\n\nSeveral reports re Fifth Columnists signalling to planes were received during the day but none were substantiated on investigation.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579370, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 49, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. 10.\n\nDistrict.\n\nWater Police.\n\nTime. 10.00 to 18.00\n\n11.\n\nEmergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\n14.00\n\n12.\n\nUpper Levels.\n\n13.\n\nShaukiwan.\n\n34.\n\n17.12.41\n\n49\n\nThe Divisional Inspector, Water Police, was employed with Harbour Office officials dismantling the masts of native craft at Causeway Bay, a permitted anchorage, as the Military Authorities complained that their line of fire was masked. This continued on the next day also. Even then the position was not considered entirely satisfactory by the Harbour Master who reported to the Military that he still considered that a good line of fire had not been made available.\n\nThe Unit patrolled Western District, Queen's Road Central and West and Sai Wan Ho Market at Shaukiwan in connection with reported disturbances at a rice shop. Additional police were left at the shops to help keep order but no further action was required.\n\nA complaint was received that a gang of men were demanding \"protection\" money from residents in Staunton Street. Police parties under Mr. Wright-Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, and Chief Inspector Rozeskwy took drastic action against eight men.\n\nSeveral shells landed in close proximity of Shaukiwan Station. L.S.A. 103 Hendrick was wounded in the shoulder by a splinter though sheltering in the cells. The Sikh Police all deserted and took to the hills. Mr. Heath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, visited and decided with the Commissioner of Police's approval that the Station should be evacuated to a building next door to Quarry Bay Station. (Henceforth described as Shaukiwan Station). The evacuation was completed by 17.30 hours.\n\n14.\n\n15.\n\nPolice H.Q. Bay View.\n\n16.00 to 17.30\n\n18.00\n\n22.15\n\nHis Excellency the Governor visited.\n\nInspector Kirby was fired on by Fifth Columnists ensconced near, or, in, Bay View Mansions.\n\n17.12.41\n\n1.\n\nHong Kong.\n\n2.\n\n3.\n\n4.\n\n5.\n\nPolice H.Q. & Central.\n\nHong Kong Traffic Office.\n\nGuards Office.\n\nEastern and Shaukiwan.\n\nAir raids continued.\n\nPolice Headquarters and Central were shelled. The Emergency Unit and Traffic Offices, A.R.P. Store room, and European single men's quarters at Central received heavy damage. The remainder of the Police evacuated to the Gloucester and Pedder Buildings. A guard was left under P.S.A. 139 Bower to ensure the security of the buildings evacuated. (Gloucester Building is henceforth described as Police Headquarters and Pedder Building as Central Station.) (See Entry No.6 of 16.12.41 for previous evacuation of the first half of the Police.)\n\nOwing to severe pressure of work, Inspector Clarke, Traffic Inspector/Hong Kong, obtained the services of five additional Europeans. Sub-Inspector Scrim and L.S.A. 10 Sargeant were sent to No. 2 Station, L.S.A. 74 Sullivan to Western, and L.S.A. 49 Channing to Upper Levels. Two repair shops were set up, one at the Gloucester Building and one at Central, to carry out repairs of as many vehicles as possible belonging to all departments besides Police.\n\nTransport generally began to become very scarce due to accidents many occurring during the blackout, enemy action, and deliberate damage inflicted by Chinese drivers.\n\nThe Guards Office transferred to the Central Magistracy building to obtain better protection from air raids.\n\nShelling and bombing continued. Four direct hits by shells were registered on No. 2 Station. Heavy bombing attacks were also made on the station, with possibly the Lewis Gun post previously established in the Sta-", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579371, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 50, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. District.\n\nTime.\n\n6. Bay View.\n\n7. Western.\n\n8. Pokfulam.\n\n9. Gough Hill.\n\n10. Hong Kong.\n\n11. Aberdeen.\n\n12. Upper Levels.\n\n13. Emergency Unit Reserve.\n\n14. Aberdeen.\n\n15. Hong Kong\n\n16. Bay View.\n\n17. Shaukiwan.\n\n18. Aberdeen.\n\n35. 17.12.43\n\n50\n\ntions as the objective. Some bombs fell in the playground between Johnson and Hennessey Roads causing casualties to a food queue. A Japanese plane machine-gunned pedestrians in Queen's Road East. Severe bombing of the Taikoo Docks continued. One bomb hit a house of the Docks killing some twenty seamen sheltering in it. Early The tanks in the A.P.C. Installation were set alight by a.m. shell fire and burned furiously. The fire continued for several days. Police on duty at the Vital Post here moved to the new Bay View Station (Red Swastika Building at Dragon Terrace).\n\nFelix Villas and the area west of Hill Road were severely shelled and bombed. Attempts to loot burnt-out godowns had to be dealt with drastically by Police to quell them effectively. An unexploded bomb dropped in the Station compound near the Divisional Inspector's quarters. Police at the Vital Post guarding the Pumping Station came under heavy fire directed at Belchers Fort so moved to the Resident Engineer's quarters.\n\nPolice turned out to several small fires. Water and gas mains were broken. No further water supply was available on the Peak from this date.\n\nA The Commissioner of Police toured the Island with Mr. ASP Luscombe visiting stations, Vital Points, and Dispersal Points. A big fire at the A.P.C. Installation was noticed which prevented a visit being paid to the Hong Kong Electric.\n\n09.00 The Food Kitchen at Aberdeen was demolished by a bomb without fatal casualties.\n\n10.00 Sub Inspector R.J. Clark attached to No.3 Conduit Road Dispersal Point was slightly wounded in the neck by shrapnel whilst sheltering in a lavatory during a severe bombardment. A direct hit on the roof killed two Chinese civilians and wounded Sub Inspector Clark and two Chinese. Sub Inspector Clark had been to his quarters in Caine Road to fetch some clothes. (This was during the bombardment which preceded the arrival of the second Japanese Mission).\n\nA Portuguese member of the Emergency Unit Reserve was slightly wounded by shrapnel.\n\n11.00 The telephones in the Station finally went dead leaving only one line at A.R.P. Headquarters available which became very overloaded as it was connected with the ordinary service. Complaints were received concerning the hoarding of rice at rice shops. The Officer in Charge warned the shops concerned.\n\n12.00 A short armistice came into force ending at 16.00 hours during which the second Japanese Mission with a demand to surrender was received.\n\n12.00 The residents in Bay View district were cleared out of the area by Police as the Fire Brigade could not control the fire at the A.P.C. Installation and fire breaks by dynamiting had to be made.\n\n14.00 The Paint & Lacquer Works at 704 King's Road used as a Dispersal Point was evacuated by Police under Sub Inspector Daly and Sub Inspector Taylor by instructions of Mr. Heath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, due to heavy shelling, with several shells landing in the near vicinity and danger of fire from inflammable oil and paint. Personnel moved to the Hong Kong Litho & Painting Works. Severe shelling of the Pill Boxes along the waterfront took place.\n\n17.00 Two native boat yards were hit by bombs and set afire.\n\nPage 50\n\nPage 51", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579375, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 54, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. District.\n\nTime.\n\n4.\n\nQuarry Bay.\n\n19.12.4.\n\n39.\n\nSH\n\nplatoon of which he, Sgt. Fox, was a member had gone forward in lorries at midnight as a result of the report of the landing but had been dispersed with heavy casualties.\n\n03.00 Inspector Kirby who was on duty at No.9 Stanley Terrace looking after European women and children of the Taikoo Docks heard sounds of fighting taking place between our troops and the Japanese.\n\n5.\n\nAberdeen.\n\nDay-\n\n6.\n\nQuarry Bay.\n\n7.\n\nBay View.\n\n8.\n\n9.\n\nWestern. Bay View.\n\nAn air raid took place followed by a trench mortar bombardment.\n\n07.00 Inspector Kirby was captured by the Japanese who came to Stanley Terrace, and he was taken together with the British women and children from the Docks to King's Road and eventually placed in the North Point Refugee Camp. Whilst in King's Road a Russian Police Sergeant with a No.337 on his tunic acted as interpreter for the Japanese and appeared Anti-British in his attitude.\n\n07.30 Indian troops were observed retiring from the Tai Hang Hills followed shortly by the enemy. The Officer in Charge kept Mr. Heath, No. 2 Sub Area Commander, informed of the position. At first he was instructed by Mr. Heath to defend the station as long as possible and then to surrender but later Mr. Fay, Assistant Superintendent of Police, told the Officer in Charge to evacuate. Police at Vital Posts in the district could not be notified and withdrawn as they were behind the advancing Japanese. The station was evacuated from the rear when the enemy were actually entering the tennis court in front. Personnel proceeded to No. 2 Station under machine gun fire but suffered no casualties.\n\nThe\n\n07.30 The bombing of Kennedy Town and Felix Villas continued.\n\n08.30 L.S.A.68 Campbell was wounded in the left arm by bullet splinters in Tin Hau Temple Road. He had driven a Mr. Ablong there in a car to distribute some rice when he saw Japanese troops advancing and after the former was killed he had to abandon the car. Shortly after this he received his wound.\n\n10.\n\n11.\n\nHong Kong.\n\nWestern.\n\n09.00 General air raids commenced.\n\n12.\n\nUpper Levels.\n\n13.\n\nGough Hill.\n\n14.\n\nHong Kong Traffic Office.\n\n15.\n\nStanley.\n\n16.\n\nPolice H.Q. & Central.\n\n09.15 Mount Davis and Belchers Fort suffered severe bombardment. The remainder of the district west of Whitty Street was also shelled. Pokfulam Road from the University past Ricci Hall came under heavy shell fire. The Northcote Institute and Ricci Hall sustained damage.\n\nSeveral shells dropped short into the district. One unexploded shell went through the tent of the Police Reserve on Vital Post duty at Elliott Filter Beds. The men however stuck to their post without panic.\n\nThe Matilda Hospital was heavily shelled.\n\nAs the result of the news being received of the Japanese landing, nearly all the Chinese drivers of essential service vehicles absconded, taking away their vehicles when possible.\n\nP.S.A.69 Simpson, the Officer in Charge, was informed by the Indian Sergeant in charge of Tai Tam Vital Post, H.43, that the enemy were on the hillside near the site of the old sanitorium. He proceeded to the Post and after verifying the accuracy of the information gave instructions to the Police that they were to evacuate the post when the British troops retired. He informed the Inspector on Duty/Central of the position.\n\nThe sandbag redoubts for the defence of the Gloucester Building and Pedder Building were re-built in order to strengthen them. A new one was built outside Messrs. Jardine Matheson & Co's Head Office, which had been", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579377, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 56, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date.\n\nDistrict.\n\nTime.\n\nGough Hill.\n\n27.\n\nWanchai Gap.\n\n28.\n\nWestern.\n\n29.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n40.\n\n19.\n\n12.41\n\n56\n\nped by the Military who would not allow anyone to go up to the Reservoir. They were actually firing at villagers proceeding in this direction, not to hit but to frighten them away. He was informed that the Police at the Reservoir had already evacuated although this in fact was not correct and they remained there until after the surrender. The Officer in Charge then proceeded through the Military second line of defence, about half a mile west of Aberdeen. He noticed that the Naval Authorities were still carrying out demolitions in the harbour.\n\nWith the approval of Mr. Wright Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, given after a visit, the station was evacuated to No.183 and 184 Mount Kellet Road (henceforth described as Gough Hill) owing to the presence of a battery in close proximity. The battery was drawing heavy shell fire.\n\nThe Police from Wanchai Gap, badly damaged by shell fire, were evacuated on advice from the Military who had taken over the area. Shortly before leaving, the station was again hit by a shell.\n\nPolice took appropriate action against looters during the day.\n\n14.00 The Officer in Charge arrived at the Dairy Farm Pokfulam but found no Police there.\n\n15.30 He had previously been informed that P.S.A.155 Fitzpatrick had abandoned his men outside Aberdeen village and left them to themselves, proceeding himself in a lorry to Hong Kong. S.A.145 Goldie had reached the Dairy Farm with his men, after P.S.A.155 Fitzpatrick should have arrived, and not finding him there had also not waited. Officer in Charge proceeded to No.7 Station and was instructed by the Divisional Inspector, Western, after consultation with Mr. Searle, Assistant Superintendent of Police, to go to Upper Levels and remain there until further orders. Sgt. A.145 Goldie had previously proceeded to Upper Levels and had been told by the Inspector on Duty, Western, whom he consulted by telephone, to remain there but send his men to No.7, which he did.\n\n30.\n\nQuarry Bay & Eastern.\n\nP.M.\n\n31.\n\nGough Hill.\n\n17.00\n\n32.\n\nPolice H.Q. & Central.\n\n18.00\n\n33.\n\nBay View.\n\n18.00\n\nSome\n\nAn Indian Constable from Quarry Bay reported at No.2 Station and stated that during the previous night he had been awakened by the other Indians and informed that the enemy were approaching the Station. Police, including Europeans, ran out of the Station and took to the hills. He, himself, was wounded in the knee, captured but later released. He knew nothing of the fate of the other Police in the Station. Later he was sent to hospital.\n\nSeveral unexploded shells were reported as having landed in or near the Matilda Hospital. The Military were informed but stated they were unable to deal with the same.\n\nMr. Gaddie of the Hong Kong Hotel took over the European police feeding from Mr. Muenger, Manager of the Gloucester Hotel, and European Police had their meals in the Hong Kong Hotel. Mr. Gaddie was very unobliging and the rice was cooked very badly on account, according to Mr. Gaddie, of poor fuel and lack of it.\n\nMr. Chesterwoods, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, produced coal but no improvement resulted.\n\nThe Hong Kong Electric premises had been badly damaged by shelling and bombing and the lighting system", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579378, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 57, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "57\n\nDate.\n\nDistrict.\n\nTime.\n\n34.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n35.\n\nEastern.\n\n36.\n\nCentral, Western & Upper Levels.\n\n37.\n\nEmergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\n38\n\nEastern.\n\n49.\n\n19.12.4\n\nfailed, (or possibly was cut off by the enemy). 18.15 L.S.A.142 Kinloch was detailed to proceed to Aberdeen with Mr. Kendall to investigate the situation. They 21.30 contacted the Naval Authorities at the Industrial School and later loaded a lorry with hand grenades and Bren Guns. One of the latter was handed over to a Canadian Officer during the return trip though he admitted that neither he nor his men understood how to use it. Simple instruction was given to the Officer by Sgt. Kinloch. Aberdeen was found to be full of naked and bright lights. There appeared to be a certain amount of Fifth Columnist activity going on. Sgt. Kinloch judged this from seeing about six houses on the hillside burning from the bottom up which looked like the work of saboteurs, apart from the houses set alight from shell fire which were burning furiously from top to bottom. There was spasmodic sniping going on in the vicinity of the Industrial School which did not appear to emanate from the enemy. Civil control appeared to have broken down. The harbour was full of sunken and blazing craft.\n\nA second trip was later made to Aberdeen during which a house above the University was noticed to have been set ablaze from shell fire. Early Lt. Col. Stewart, Officer Commanding Middlesex Regiment, requested that Police should provide (a) two Lewis gun sections to work in conjunction with a Middlesex Machine gun section under a Sergeant Gilham and operate in the front line, and (b) a squad armed with Thompson guns to patrol the water front in the district. Col. Stewart added that Police should be prepared to evacuate No.2 Station at short notice in case the Japanese broke through.\n\nThe required patrols consisting of eight Europeans and a number of Indians to act as Riflemen together with the above named automatic guns were duly furnished.\n\nAt first the front line ran along Stewart Road but later the same night was moved up to Percival Street. The Lewis gun parties accompanied the Military to this forward position and operated in the vicinity of the Lee Theatre and the Po Leung Kuk.\n\nNight. The Police took over patrolling of the water front at night in Central and Western districts from the Military, i.e. the area from the Royal Naval Yard to Kennedy Town. This continued until the surrender. Central, with the assistance of Upper Levels, as the former was very short of men, provided three patrols composed of Europeans covering the following limits:- (i) Murray Road to Douglas Street, (ii) Douglas Street to Wing Wo Street, (iii) Wing Wo Street to Morrison Street. Western provided two patrols composed of Europeans covering the following limits:- (i) Morrison Street to Eastern Street, (ii) Eastern Street to Kennedy Town. A mobile patrol was also maintained occasionally from Morrison Street to Deep Water Bay.\n\nIf the number of men at No.7 Station permitted, a third patrol on foot covered the Hill Road to Kennedy Town area, in which case the Eastern Street to Kennedy Town patrol was shortened to end at Hill Road.\n\n21.00 A patrol was carried out in Central district in connection with a report that Fifth Columnists were active. Nothing was found.\n\n22.00 Sub Inspector Taylor with the first Police European Lewis gun team and twelve Indian Police Constables, who served as riflemen, posted at old No.1 Station heard heavy firing and failing to gain touch with the second Police Lewis gun party, which had been stationed at the Lee Theatre, and with the Military at Hennessey Road retired. The twelve Indian Police", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579379, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 58, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. \n\nDistrict. \n\n39. \n\nEastern. \n\n40. \n\nUpper Levels. \n\n41. \n\nUpper Levels. \n\n20.12.41. \n\n1. \n\nPolice H. Q. & Central. \n\nEastern. \n\nHong Kong. \n\n4. \n\nHong Kong Traffic Office. \n\n5. \n\nUpper Levels. \n\nTime. \n\n43. \n\n20. 12. 41 \n\n581 \n\nConstables in Sub Inspector Taylor's party had retreated rapidly leaving the Europeans when the firing commenced but returned about twenty minutes later. The Military party under Sergeant Gilham was located in Arsenal Street. They reported that they had been attacked by cavalry. Sub Inspector Taylor proceeded to Command Headquarters and made a report as to the situation. He then went to Police Headquarters as he had earlier attempted to telephone No.2 Station and failed to obtain an answer. P. 5. A.40 Youe was in charge of the similar Lewis gun and riflemen party at the Lee Theatre. The nearest machine gun team provided by the Middlesex in charge of Sergeant Gilham was located in Percival Street near Russell Street. This Sergeant had arranged with Sergeant Youe that Police should retire if they heard three blasts of the whistle. The arranged signal was later sounded, presumably by Sergeant Gilham when he thought he was being attacked by cavalry, and the Police team accordingly retired slowly to No. 2 Station.\n\n22.00 Police evacuated the Station owing to one of the Lewis Gun sections returning and reporting that they had heard a whistle signal, previously arranged with Sgt. Gilham of the Middlesex, that the enemy had broken through. Mr. Fay, Assistant Superintendent of Police, in the absence of Mr. Heath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, out on duty, tried to telephone Col. Stewart and the Commissioner of Police but failed, so evacuation took place. From the Gloucester Hotel, however, the Military were contacted, and the alleged break through was found to be incorrect, and Sergeant Gilham's and the Police's withdrawal had been premature. Messrs. Heath and Fay, Assistant Superintendents of Police, with about ten Europeans, thereupon returned to Wanchai and carried out a waterfront patrol during the night.\n\n22.15 A report was made that signalling was taking place from a roof of a house in Lower Lascar Road near Ladder Street. A Police search was made under Mr. Wright Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, without result.\n\n23.00 The Demolition Depot at Oaklands Path reported that several shots had been fired at the depot coming from the direction of Centre Street. A Police search under Mr. Wright Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, was made without result, and a Police guard was left for the night.\n\n00.15 The General Alarm was sounded as the result of a rumoured threatened attack by the enemy or Fifth Columnists. After some hours, the men were permitted to stand down, apart from reinforced sentry posts, as no incident occurred.\n\n08.00 No.2 Station was reoccupied by Police. Heavy shelling was experienced with hits on the Station. The bombing of the district continued.\n\n09.15 General air raids began.\n\nOn the request of Mr. Calthrop, Senior Superintendent of Police, on or about this date, the Traffic Inspector, Hong Kong, took over control of the Dispatch Riders, provided by Police Reserve Flying Squad, based at Police Headquarters.\n\nThe Station came under trench mortar fire. Three shells fell in front of the Station, and one hit a chimney.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579382, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 61, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date.\n\n6.\n\nDistrict. Gough Hill.\n\nTime.\n\n7,\n\nWestern.\n\n8.\n\nEastern.\n\n9.\n\nUpper Levels.\n\n10.\n\n11.\n\nEmergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\nAberdeen\n\n* See opposite page for firm 11A.\n\n12.\n\nUpper Levels.\n\n13.\n\nPolice H.Q.\n\n14.\n\nWong Nei Chung & Upper Levels.\n\n15.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n16.\n\nCentral.\n\n17.\n\nEastern.\n\n44.\n\n20\n\n12-41\n\n60\n\nThe Station building, already evacuated, was hit by three shells. Shelling continued. Reports were made of attempts to extort money from residents in Queen's Road West and Des Voeux Road West for \"protection\". Police took action under orders from the Director Criminal Investigation and arrests were made.\n\nMr. Booker, Assistant Superintendent of Police, removed from the Special Constabulary Headquarters at Ventris Road and returned to the Gloucester Building. Police were despatched to Hollywood Road to control rice queues. Some little trouble had occurred before the arrival of the Police but this was soon satisfactorily settled.\n\n10.30 The Unit was called to Queen Victoria Street where it dealt with looters looting deserted premises.\n\n11.00 P.S.A.162 Williamson was instructed by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Defence, to reoccupy Aberdeen Station. Sergeant Williamson gave instructions to L.S.A.145 Goldie to bring his party back and the same orders were repeated to P.S.A.155 Fitzpatrick through the Inspector on Duty Western. The Officer in Charge, with Mr. Searle's, Assistant Superintendent of Police, permission returned himself to the Station in advance. He learnt there that the Japanese advance had been stopped at Wong Chuk Hang near the Industrial School. During the afternoon and evening Srgts. Goldie and Fitzpatrick returned with six Chinese Police Constables and four returned independently.\n\n12.45 Cases of demanding money for \"protection\" from householders were reported. A party of Police were left at No.10 Square Street but the culprits failed to return. During the shelling of the Peak a number of shells fell short to land in Conduit and Robinson Roads, some landing near Police posts. One Indian Police Constable was slightly wounded near the Filter Beds.\n\nSenior Superintendent of Police, Defence, prepared and submitted a report to the Commissioner of Police concerning the Police action with the enemy at Shaukiwan.\n\np.m. The Indian Guards from Wong Nei Chung arrived at Upper Levels station stating that enemy troops had arrived at Wong Nei Chung some time the previous day (exact time is not now remembered) and that they had only just managed to evacuate in time after contact with the enemy. An European Volunteer had led them but had been killed. They had made their way back to Hong Kong via Aberdeen.\n\n18.00 General shelling became severe with many casualties. A.R.P. personnel evacuated and ceased to function. Personnel of the Rescue & Demolition squads and Food Kitchen and Sanitary Inspectors all left and by nightfall only seventeen Police and nine Firemen remained to carry on as best they could.\n\n19.00 The Queen's Cinema was hit by a bomb or shell but little damage was done.\n\nNight. The Police provided Lewis Gun and Thompson Gun patrols in the front line as for the previous night, except that the number of Indian riflemen was increased. Col. Stewart again warned Police of the", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579383, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 62, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. \n\nDistrict. \n\nTime. \n\n21. 12. 41 \n\n61 \n\nseriousness of the position, am told them to be ready for evacuation at short notice. \n\n21.12 11 \n\n1. Eastern. \n\n2. Aberdeen. \n\n3. \n\n4. \n\n5. Gough Hill. \n\nWestern. \n\nGough Hill. \n\n6. Eastern. \n\n7. Emergency Unit, Hong Kong. \n\n06.30 A party of Police from Police Headquarters under Insp. Cunningham and L. S.A. 142 Kinloch searched houses in the Village Road area. The enemy were observed operating in the Broadwood Road and Gap Road area. \n\n07.30 An air raid took place on the Naval Dockyard. Aplichau and Aberdeen main road was shelled with casualties. Police removed bodies from Aplichau to the cemetery. Heavy bombing and shelling continued. \n\nAir raids and shelling continued. On report that bad characters were to be found in First and Second Streets. Police patrolled there without incident. \n\nThe Military ammunition dump at Mount Austin barracks was hit by a bomb and exploded. Water had to be carried by hand and the difficulty of dealing with the fire was increased by exploding ammunition. \n\n11.00 The relief of men at No.2 Station was effected. \n\nMr. Heath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, and his men returned to Police Headquarters and Mr. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police, with Inspector Whant and a fresh batch took their places. \n\n11.30 The Unit was called to Kennedy Road on complaint by the Military of Fifth Columnist activity. After consultation with the Military Medical Officer in charge of the First Aid Post there, several houses in the vicinity of the Union Church were searched without result. \n\nUpper Levels. \n\n13.00 Some shells fell in Robinson and Conduit Roads causing few or no casualties. \n\n9. Gough Hill. \n\n10. Western. \n\n11. Eastern. \n\n12. \n\n16.30 The Police Fire Brigade engine was struck by a H.E. shell near the Matilda Hospital and destroyed. \n\n17.00 A report was made that the Japanese had landed at Victoria Road below the Dairy Farm. The Divisional Inspector West visited and found that it was a false report. \n\np.m. The Headquarters of the Middlesex Regiment was moved from Ventris Road to Gilman's Garage. The Military requested Mr. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police, to arrange for the following Police patrols behind the front line to work from 18.00 to 00.06 hours nightly in lieu of the Police fixed Lewis gun patrols formerly manned in the front line: (1) Gap Road and Queen's Road East to Arsenal Street, (2) The Water Front from Arsenal Street to Percival Street, (3), Canal Road West from Gloucester Road to Leighton Hill Road. In addition, a fixed Lewis Gun post was still maintained on the first floor of the Station to repel a possible landing near the Station. The British front line then ran from the sea front to Percival Street to Lee Theatre round Happy Valley to Blue Pool Road to Wong Nei Chung with an advance force on Leighton Hill. \n\nUpper Levels. Night. Owing to shortage of men at Central, Upper Levels had to supply additional Europeans for water front patrols from this night onwards. The patrols covering the remaining parts of the district had in consequence themselves to be restricted. \n\nNight. As the result of the rumour that the Japanese had landed at Victoria Road near the Dairy Farm, this area in addition to the water front was patrolled throughout the night on instructions from Police Headquarters. \n\nThe occupants Police had to clear air raid tunnels. In the rear were in danger of suffocation as the ventilation system had not been working for nearly two days. \n\n20.00 to 22.00", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579384, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 63, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. District.\n\nTime.\n\n46.\n\n22.12.5\n\n62\n\n22.12.1\n\n1.\n\nPolice picketed the entrances and the public were only allowed back at day break.\n\n02.00 P.S.A.185 Galvin and Police party were fired on from the direction of Eastern Street whilst returning to Oaklands Path Dispersal Point. Attempts were made to locate the culprits without success.\n\nEarly Severe shelling of the district took place all day starting at day break.\n\n07.30 Air raids continued. Police were busily engaged in dealing with looters who were still active.\n\n2. Aberdeen.\n\n3. Western.\n\n4. Gough Hill.\n\n5. Upper Levels.\n\nEmergency Unit\n\n6. Hong Kong.\n\n7. Heavy bombing and shelling continued.\n\nPolice were placed on duty at street fountains during the day to control the crowds and ensure economical use of water.\n\nAbout one dozen The Unit searched the Hong Kong Hotel. Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps officers and men, mostly Portuguese, were found and sent back to their Units.\n\nEmergency Unit 08.00 Called to Queen Victoria Street to deal with looters Hong Kong.\n\n8. Police H.Q.\n\n9. looting deserted houses and trying to break into Money-changers shops.\n\nGeneral instructions were issued to Police Water Front patrols only to put up an active resistance to enemy troops while they were attempting a landing. Once the landing was effected Police were instructed to withdraw and report to the nearest Station, leaving a portion of the patrol behind to keep observation on the movement of the enemy.\n\nUpper Levels. 11.00 Heavy shelling of Upper Levels Station and its vicinity took place. The Station received heavy damage along its frontage and slight damage was sustained to the roof. Cars in front of the Station were hit.\n\n10. Upper Levels.\n\n11. Aberdeen.\n\n12. Emergency Unit, Hong Kong.\n\n13. Gough Hill. Aberdeen.\n\nTwo shells landed in Park Road. One fell near the Police Dispersal Point but failed to explode.\n\n11.00 As the result of an air raid the Naval Dockyard was completely wrecked and set afire. All Police turned out. The main road from Aberdeen to the Naval Headquarters was under heavy shell fire with snipers operating from Brick Hill. The Police disposed of the bodies. (The Officer in Charge estimates fatal casualties from bombs and shells occurring in the Aberdeen district, including Ap Lei Chau and the harbour, to this date to have been about 275.).\n\n11.00 The Unit was engaged as stretcher bearers moving convalescent wounded soldiers into the Hong Kong Hotel.\n\n13.00 Sub Inspector Smith, the Officer in Charge, returned to the station at Nos.183 and 184 Mount Kellett Road and found it to have been badly damaged by shell fire. All the Police, including Interpreters and detectives, had deserted the station with the exception of five Weihaiwei men, namely: L.S.D.206 and P.C.Ds 148, 157, 243 and 191. The Police who had gone had left without permission and most of them reported eventually at Police Headquarters.\n\n15.45 On instructions from the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wright Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, and a volunteer Police party consisting of Sub Inspector Taylor, L.S.A.79 Appleton, L.S.A.73 Haynes, L.S.A.98 Michie and L.S.A.83 MacDonald proceeded to Aberdeen in order to attempt to obtain 1000 hand grenades from the Military magazine at Shouson Hill. The Military however on the...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579385, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 64, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. \n\nDistrict. \n\nTime. \n\n15. Eastern. 16. Emergency Unit Hong Kong. 17. Eastern. 18. Upper Levels. 19. Western. 20. Emergency Unit Hong Kong. 21. Western. 23.12.41. Eastern. 40. 23.12.41 63\n\nspot advised against such an attempt during daylight hours owing to the close proximity of the enemy and would not allow the party past Wong Chuk Hang Path. There was small spasmodic fire. The party observed two or three lorries lying across the road with some dead Naval ratings in them. They had been ambushed there a day or two previously. Our troops had re-taken the position since and manned a nearby pill box. The enemy were on Shouson Hill and also on Mount Cameron from which last they were in the process of retiring. Whilst Police were still there the Military in the Pill box received orders to open fire with machine guns on the enemy at Mount Cameron which they did. The Police party volunteered to make a second attempt later. The same party, except that Mr. Fay, Assistant Superintendent of Police, replaced Mr. Wright Nooth, proceeded again to Aberdeen in the evening to make a second attempt but this time were stopped at the Naval Headquarters at the Aberdeen Industrial School by Commander Millet and were not allowed to go on, so nothing further transpired. The party was informed that they could not undertake the work unless they were in a Military convoy as it was considered too dangerous. (See Entry No.16 of 23.12.41 and Entry No.1 of 25.12.41 for third, and fourth (successful) attempts.)\n\np.m. The British line withdrew to Caroline Hill Road, the Monument and the Pharsee Cemetery.\n\n17.00 The Unit was called out on a false report that looting was taking place at the Central Cinema.\n\n19.00 Sub Inspector Madgewick and a Police party who were acting as a guard to the Military Hospital withdrew from the Jockey Club, with the Commissioner of Police's and Director of Medical Services' approval, given in case the enemy broke through and found an armed party in the hospital.\n\n20.45 A report was received that signalling was being carried on from the Nethersole Hospital. Police under Mr. Wright Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, searched and remained on the roof for two hours without result.\n\n21.30 A report was made to the Station that the Japanese had landed at Eastern Street. Police visited but found it to be untrue.\n\n22.00 The Emergency Unit Europeans, owing to a shortage of manpower, formed part of a patrol covering a section of the waterfront. The Bata Shoe shop was found deserted and the stock was taken to Police Headquarters and handed over to the Storekeeper.\n\n23.59 A Police patrol under L. S. A. 148 MacDonald reported the landing of Japanese troops at the China Merchants Wharf. Police Headquarters were informed and Mr. Calthrop, Senior Superintendent of Police, passed on the information to the Military. Other Police, however, visited but found no traces of them. (As no further news of this landing was ever received, it seems definitely to have been an erroneous report.)\n\n* 1\n\n06.30 At 06.30 hours, at the request of Col. Stewart, the Officer Commanding East Brigade, Mr. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police, took a volunteer party of Police consisting of himself, P.S. A.53 Brown, P.S.A. 185 Galvin, L. S. A.124 Oakley, L. S. A. 34 Flaherty to the Imperial Chemical Industries Godowns in Great George Street used for food storage by the Food Controller, about 200 yards in front of our front line in Percival Street. Col. Stewart complained that looting was going on and that the looters were masking his line.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579387, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 66, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date.. 12.\n\nDistrict. Upper Levels.\n\nTime. 13.\n\nmergency Unit Hong Kong. 14.\n\nAberdeen. 15.\n\nEastern. 16.\n\nAberdeen. 17.\n\nEastern.\n\n...\n\n40.\n\n23.12.41 65\n\n12.30 A Police Reservist was murdered in Caine Road near Peel Street whilst on Street Fountain duty. 14.00 Assisted by Naval Officers the Unit searched the Butterfield & Swire building for two hours in an attempt to find a sniper who was engaged in sniping the Naval Yard and had nearly hit the Commodore. It is possible that the firing came from Bowen Road. 14.00 Three houses were gutted at Aplichau by fire. Several persons were injured by shelling directed at the fire. 14.30 Sub Inspector Scrim was wounded by a bomb splinter in Jaffe Road outside the Station whilst engaged with L.S.A.6 McVey in repairing a bus.\n\np.m. A volunteer Police party consisting of Mr. Fay, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sub Inspector Taylor, L.S.A.54 Hewitt and L.S.A.83 MacDonald proceeded to Aberdeen in a fast car to make a third attempt to obtain hand grenades from the Military Magazine at Shouson Hill. Information had been incorrectly given that a Military convoy could be picked up at Aberdeen but the convoy was not there and the Naval Authorities would not allow the party to proceed further than the Industrial School as it was considered too dangerous to advance without a Military escort. (See Aberdeen 00.30 to 04.00 hours on the 25th for 4th and successful attempt, Entry No.1).\n\np.m. Col. Stewart reported that some Portuguese Volunteers had abandoned the pill box at Stewart Road. He requested Police to form two water front patrols, the first from the Station to the Military post at the junction of Gap Road and Percival Street and the second from the Station to the pill box at the junction of Gloucester Road and Arsenal Street Patrol No.1 arranged on 21st December was discontinued as a result, No.2 patrol was split up as described, and No.3 patrol arranged then was maintained.\n\nOn instructions from Mr. Calthrop, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police, with a volunteer police party consisting of himself, P.S.A.53 Brown and L.S.A.109 Taylor, A.136 MacPherson and A.113 MacKenzie, proceeded to the Dairy Farm Cold Storage plant at the junction of Great George Street and Pennington Street near the Imperial Chemical Industries' Godowns, with the consent of the Military, and evacuated several European employees isolated there. The operation concluded without incident though Col. Stewart subsequently stated that the Police had passed a Japanese light automatic Post at East Point Terrace and were fortunate not to have drawn their fire.\n\n21.00 Called to MacDonnell Road in connection with a complaint received from the Military that sniping from Fifth Columnists was taking place in the area. After contacting the Military, the Unit searched houses in Bowen Road and MacDonnell Road without result.\n\n21.00 Further reports were received of Fifth Columnists signalling. Police carried out special patrols under the Officer in Charge without result.\n\n22.00 The enemy were rumoured to be in the vicinity of the Dairy Farm Pokfulam. Police patrols were sent to the scene to verify the report but nothing was found.\n\n18. Eastern.\n\n19.00\n\n19. Emergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\n20. Upper Levels.\n\n21. Western.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579389, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 68, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date. \n\nDistrict. \n\nTime. \n\nGough Hill. \n\n10. \n\nWestern. \n\n11. \n\nAberdeen. \n\n12. \n\nAberdeen. \n\n13. \n\nEastern. \n\n14. \n\nPolice H. Q. & Emergency Unit, Hong Kong. \n\n15. \n\nStanley. \n\n24.12.41 \n\n67 \n\n177 Lewis assisted the others to carry the wounded man to the lorry which Srgt. Brown drove. Particularly heavy shelling was going on at the back of the Station and in the neighbouring streets during this removal. As the result of the pounding which the station had received, with numerous hits, the Chinese Police became panicky and useless and had to be evacuated to Upper Levels and No.7 Station. \n\n16.30 The War Memorial Hospital was very heavily shelled to and incendiary bombs were dropped. \n\n18.00 17.00 \n\nA few shells landed in Felix Villas. Otherwise the district remained quiet except that the fires started previously continued to rage fiercely. \n\n19.00 With the approval of the Commissioner of Police, which Mr. Searle, Assistant Superintendent of Police, obtained after visiting the Station, the second evacuation of Aberdeen took place and all Police except for P.S.A.162 Williamson and three Indians, left the village. \n\n19.30 P.S.A.162 Williamson, Officer in Charge, moved back to the Station. He found it to have been badly wrecked. The Chinese kitchen, barrack room at east end, Charge Room, back ground verandah, the European kitchen, verandah and bedroom and the roof had received severe damage. Windows and shutters had been smashed. \n\nNight. The Police patrols were carried out as on the previous day. The heavy bombardment of the station continued. \n\n21.00 Mr. Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Police, and L. S. A.142 Kinloch observed morse signalling coming from May Road in the vicinity of Tregunter Mansions. An enemy barrage followed directed at the same place shortly afterwards. After maintaining observation from the roof of Police Headquarters, Gloucester Building, the Unit searched several houses in May Road after contacting the Military, without result. \n\n21.00 The enemy attacked Stanley Peninsula and after fierce fighting lasting some hours gained possession. P.S.A. 69 Simpson, the Officer in Charge, and L. S. A. 13 Whitley took part with a Lewis Gun and hand grenades. The Indian and Chinese Police had all deserted by the time the enemy were within fifty or sixty yards of the Station. The retreat towards Stanley Fort along Wong Ma Kok Road was ordered when two of the four machine guns of the Middlesex Regiment had been put out of action and there was only six belts of ammunition left for the two remaining guns. The retreat was carried out with one gun covering the other.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579391, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 70, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Date.\n\nDistrict.\n\n8.\n\nEastern.\n\nTime.\n\n11.00 a.m.\n\nEastern.\n\n13.00\n\n10.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n11.\n\nEmergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\nto 15.00\n\n13.00\n\n12.\n\nWestern.\n\n13.00\n\n13.\n\nEastern.\n\n15.00\n\n14.\n\nPolice H.Q.\n\np.m.\n\n15.\n\nAberdeen.\n\n20.00 to 23.59\n\n21.00\n\n16.\n\nStanley.\n\n(26.12.41.\n\nUpper Levels.\n\n11.15\n\n53.\n\n25.12.41\n\n69\n\nL.S.A. 23 Byrne was wounded by a shell splinter in No. 2 Station compound.\n\nMr. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police, returned from Command Headquarters where he had handed over the Chinese driver mentioned in entry No. 3 above, and found that our front line had moved back to Stewart Road without the Police being informed of the fact. This placed No. 2 Station in front of the front line. After consultation with the Middlesex Battle Headquarters which had moved to the Sailors & Soldiers Home, and with the approval of the Commissioner of Police, evacuated to the Sailors Home and Seamen's Institute. The evacuation was completed by 15.00 hours under heavy sniping which carried on throughout.\n\nMr. Wright-Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, took a party of one European and ten Indians to Aberdeen to reinforce Police strength. As the Station was by now badly damaged, they were quartered with the Naval Police in the Dockyard A.R.P. tunnel.\n\nL.S.A. 142 Kinloch had an interview with the Commissioner of Police regarding the activities of Fifth Columnists on the Peak and co-operation with the Military to deal with them.\n\nThe news of the surrender was conveyed to Mr. Searle, Assistant Superintendent of Police.\n\nMr. Heath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, was informed of the surrender. Arms and ammunition were collected and the Police proceeded to Police Headquarters.\n\nAll arms and ammunition were collected and stored in the Traffic Office.\n\nPolice evacuated the station at 20.00 hours on instructions from the Divisional Inspector, Western, given to the Officer in Charge, personally by P.S. 213 Pilkington, and proceeded to No. 7 Station after picking up personnel from Pokfulam, but P.S.A. 162 Williamson, the Officer in Charge, L.S.A. 167 Matthews, and three Indians returned again at 23.59 hours to maintain order on instructions from Mr. Searle.\n\nThe Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police, in Charge estimates that the total number of civilians killed in Aberdeen district during the war to be in all about 400.\n\nP.S.A. 69 Simpson was informed of the surrender at Stanley Fort.\n\nL.S.A. 106 Leslie was killed by robbers when he came on the scene of an attempted robbery at No. 6 Hospital Road with a Weihaiwei patrol. One robber was shot dead but the remainder escaped.\n\nPage 70\n\nPage 71", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579395, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 74, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "14. Sub-Inspector A. R. Brittain, Police Liaison Officer with Kowloon Brigade Head Quarters, 8-12/12/41.\n\n15. Chief Inspector C. Rozeskwy, No. 3 Assistant Sub-Area Commander, 8-11/12/41.\n\n16. Sub-Inspector B. G. Baker, In Charge of the Police Training School, in the absence of Chief Inspector A. W. Smith, Principal, 8-11/12/41.\n\n17. P. S. A120 Riddell, Officer-in-Charge, Emergency Unit, Kowloon, 8-18/12/41.\n\n18. Sub-Inspector G. C. Taylor, (i) Traffic Sub-Inspector, Kowloon, 8-11/12/41. (ii) Attached to No. 2 Station, 12-25/12/41.\n\n19. P. S. A135 Carruthers at Kowloon City Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n20. Sub-Inspector T. H. Daly at Kowloon City Police Station, 8-11/12/41 In the absence of Inspector Post, Divisional Inspector.\n\n21. Sub-Inspector H. J. Kelly, Officer-in-Charge, Lung Hom Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n22. Inspector W. A. Russell, (i) Divisional Inspector, Yaumati, 8-11/12/41. (ii) Assistant Divisional Inspector, Eastern, 12-25/12/41.\n\n23. Sub-Inspector S. J. Bradsell, Officer-in-Charge, Longkok Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n24. Sub-Inspector T. Collins, at Mongkok Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n25. Acting Sub-Inspector P. Delahunty, at Mongkok Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n26. P. C. A24 Alexander, at Mongkok Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n27. Inspector J. R. MacWalter, Divisional Inspector, South, 8-11/12/41.\n\n28. Inspector R. Cunningham, Officer-in-Charge, Criminal Investigation Department, Kowloon, 8-11/12/41.\n\n29. P. S. A185 Galvin, Officer-in-Charge, Tai Kok Tsui Police is likely \"Tai Po\" but kept as original, Police Station, 8-11/12/41.\n\n30. P. S. A36 MacHardy, (i) Officer-in-Charge, Cheung Chau Police Station, 8-11/12/41 (ii) Officer-in-Charge, Upper Levels Police Station, 16-25/12/41.\n\n31. L. S. A154 Harris, Officer-in-Charge, Green Island Vital Post, 8-13/12/41.\n\n32. Mr. W. H. Bailey, Officer-in-Charge of the Green Island Magazines under the Harbour Officer, 8-13/12/41.\n\n33. Inspector S. C. Saunders, Divisional Inspector, Shum Shui Po, 8-11/12/41.\n\n34. P. S. A203 Groves, (i) Officer-in-Charge, Tsuen Wan Police Station, 8&9/12/41. (ii) In charge Kowloon City Pier, 11/12/41.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579396, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 75, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "73\n\n35. L. S. A98 Michie, in Charge Kowloon Docks, 11/12/41.\n\n36.\n\n37\n\n38.\n\n39.\n\n40.\n\n41.\n\n42.\n\n43.\n\n44.\n\n45.\n\n46.\n\n47.\n\nP.S. A32 Dowman, In Charge Tai Kok Government Pier, 11/12/41.\n\nInspector L. R. Whant, (i) Divisional Inspector, Water Police, 8-17/12/41.\n\n(ii) Divisional Inspector, Eastern, 21-25/12/41.\n\nChief Inspector J. C. Sender, Chief Inspector, Hong Kong.\n\nSub-Inspector J. Fell, Officer-in-Charge, Emergency Unit, Hong Kong.\n\nL. S. A142 Kinloch, attached to Emergency Unit, Hong Kong.\n\nSub-Inspector J. Clarke, Traffic Inspector, Hong Kong.\n\nInspector T. J. Portallion, Divisional Inspector, Central.\n\nSub-Inspector R. J. Clarke, attached to Central Police Station.\n\nSub-Inspector T. McMahon, Officer-in-Charge Upper Levels Police Station, 8-16/12/41.\n\nSub-Inspector S. Smith, Officer-in-Charge Gough Hill Police Station.\n\nInspector J. Wright, Divisional Inspector, Eastern, 8-21/12/41.\n\nL. S. A179 Morison, Officer-in-Charge Hong Kong Electric & Government Stores Depot Vital Post.\n\nSub-Inspector Howlie, In charge Criminal Investigation Department Eastern Division.\n\nX\n\n48.\n\n49.\n\n50.\n\n51.\n\nP. S. A214 Mawer, Officer-in-Charge Bay View Police Station.\n\nInspector H. Nolloth, (i) Divisional Inspector, Western, 8-25/12/41\n\n(ii) In Charge of the Emergency Unit, Police Reserve attached to the Western Division, 10-25/12/41.\n\nP. S. A88 Cordeux, attached to No. 7 Police Station 12-25/12/41.\n\n52. P. S. A162 Williamson, Officer-in-Charge Aberdeen, 9-25/12/41.\n\n53.\n\n54.\n\n55.\n\n56.\n\n57.\n\nL. J. 103 Hendrick at Shaukiwan, 8-16/12/41.\n\nL. S. A175 Jack (i) attached to Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, 8-11/12/41\n\n(ii) at Shaukiwan, 12-19/12/41.\n\n* In the absence of Inspectors Post & O'Connor (missing from Shaukiwan).\n\nInspector A. Kirby, on Special Duty at the Taikoo Dockyard.\n\nP. S. A69 Simpson, Officer-in-Charge, Stanley Police Station.\n\nP. S. A41 Hemsley, Officer-in-Charge of Guards.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579398, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 77, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "75\n\njunction of Tai Hang and Broadwood Roads. He was arrested and handed over to the Military Authorities.\n\nThere were occasional reports of rioting at rice and food distributing centres but none turned out to be of any importance. When investigated it was proved that the reports were generally prompted by nervous clerks anxious to lock up and go home.\n\n6.\n\nIn\n\nMr. L.A. Searle, Assistant Superintendent of Police, No.1 Sub Area Commander states:- \"Daily sniping by fifth columnists in Upper Levels district took place during the war in various parts of the district. In spite of full investigation no offenders were located. (ii) Aberdeen was under continual shell fire throughout the war owing to its close proximity to Aberdeen Naval Headquarters at the Aberdeen Industrial School.\n\n7.\n\nMr. E.S.C. Luscombe, Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of regular duty work in Hong Kong and later No.2 Sub Area Commander, states:- \"Many reports on fifth columnist activities were received but none were substantiated in subsequent investigation. I was, myself, however, fired on twice by fifth columnists, once at Pedder Street and Queen's Road junction when a Chinese male standing near me was killed and secondly when I was in my car near the Club de Lusitano.\n\n(2) There was very little looting.\n\nIn this respect, Central, Eastern and Western districts were very quiet. None of it was on an organised scale. The only incidents I noted were (i) two rice shops at Shaukiwan, (ii) the Imperial Chemical Industries Godowns in front of our front line, (iii) the French Store near Central Market, (iv) Rice godowns on the Western water front.\n\n8.\n\nMr. F.W. Shaftain, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Director, Criminal Investigation, states:- \"After the evacuation from Kowloon the Chinese detectives deteriorated and became practically useless, owing to defeatist propaganda spread by fifth columnists, by vested interests, and at first by Triad Societies. (N.B. The co-operation of the Triad Societies was obtained on the 11th December, see entry No.62 of 11.12.41)\n\n(2) Owing to the break down of the Chinese Detective staff an outside organisation had to be formed. Members of the Triad Societies were able to buy over certain Wang Ching Wai personnel and valuable information was continually obtained which led to numerous raids and drastic action against subversive elements.\n\n9.\n\nMr. G.W. Wright-Nooth, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commander of No.1 Sub Area, states:- \"There was little crime in Central and Western districts and not until after the surrender when Police had been withdrawn did wholesale robbery and looting take place. Police carried out continuous patrols throughout the 24 hours, guarded Vital Points and food depots and controlled crowds at fires and in rice queues. In the Central district there was a little looting of shops and houses damaged by shells and bombs but none in Upper Levels district. In the Western district Police had a great deal to do preventing damaged godowns on the water front being looted.\n\n(2) The complete break down of Food Control arrangements led to difficulty in feeding Police and their families. It took a week for Police to make, in lieu, their own arrangements which was only done under the prevailing circumstances with difficulty and by ingenuity.\n\n#\n\n10.\n\nMr. Chesterwoods, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, Officer in Charge Police Food Control, points out the difficulties under which he worked:- \"(i) The utensils etc., indented for about seven weeks before the war started were never received, (ii) The Food Control in Kowloon was never properly organised or completed and never put into operation, (iii) The Land Transport failed to supply vehicles indented for through the Traffic Inspector, Hong Kong. A bare sufficiency was eventually obtained but no light transport was available which would have been useful. The lorries were on several occasions damaged by shell fire, (iv) Only Central received rice, salt and beans free of indent. (v) Chinese Police claiming non-existent families were inclined to sell the free extra rations which they obtained to outside Chinese, (vi) The Indians had to continue to use kitchens at Central even after the move to the Gloucester Building. (vii) The impossibility of issuing 'Sung' to Police families led to discontent, (viii) Police from out stations arriving successively at the Gloucester Building on evacuation, (ix) Men sent to Dispersal Points and the Station Supply Officers concerned not being informed, (x) After the surrender no more food was received from the Food Controller so Police", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579403, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 82, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "3\n\nWOUNDED.\n\nIndian Contingent\n\n1. Inspector Noor Mohamed\n\nWounded by shell fire in Upper Levels District on 10/12/1941.\n\n2. S.B445 Trashna Singh\n\n3. 1.S.B251 A.P.C.B675 Akber Singh\n\n4. 5.L.S.B453\n\n5. 80\n\n6. P.C.B582\n\n7. Jan Mohamed wounded by shell fire in Upper Levels District on 14/12/1941.\n\n8. Gulam Hussain - wounded by shell fire at Tai Tam Tuk Pumping Station on 15/12/1941.\n\n9. P.C.B83* Boor Singh - wounded by shell fire at Quarry Bay on 18/12/41.\n\n10. P.C.B804 Bhajan Singh - wounded by shell fire at Sikh Temple on 21/12/1941.\n\n11. P.C.B554 Fazal Dad - wounded on 10/12/1941.\n\n12. L.S.B143 Mohamed Hayat wounded on 10/12/1941.\n\n13. P.C.B669 Drishna Singh wounded on 17/12/1941.\n\n14. L.S.B709 Ajaib Singh wounded on 18/12/1941.\n\n15. P.C.B235 Rahim Dad wounded on 21/12/1941.\n\n16. L.S. Jajar Khan wounded on 21/12/1941.\n\n17. P.C.B115 Sheer Singh admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 28/12/41 wounded.\n\n18. P.C.B629 Kahan Singh admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 29/12/41 wounded.\n\n19. P.C.B463 Sham Singh admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 29/12/41 wounded.\n\n20. P.C. Non Singh admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 29/12/41 wounded.\n\n21. F.C.B621 Ala Mohamed admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 31/12/41.\n\nMISSING.\n\n1. P.C.B124 Feroze Ali was on duty at Sha Tin Pass with the Army and has not been seen since 8/12/1941.\n\n2. P.C.B301 Mir Afzal Khan\n\n3. P.C.B185 Mir Abdullah\n\n4. P.C.B150 Mohamed Amin\n\nThese men were stationed at Quarry Bay and have not been heard of since 18/12/1941.\n\nWEI HAI WEI CONTINGENT.\n\nKILLED.\n\nNIL.\n\nHowever, to better follow the original format and instructions, here is a more formatted version:\n\n3\n\nWOUNDED.\n\nIndian Contingent\n\n 1.Inspector Noor Mohamed\n Wounded by shell fire in Upper Levels District on 10/12/1941.\n 2.S.B445Trashna Singh\n 3.1.S.B251A.P.C.B675Akber Singh\n 4.5.L.S.B45380\n 5.P.C.B582\n 6.Jan Mohamed\n wounded by shell fire in Upper Levels District on 14/12/1941.\n 7.Gulam Hussain\n - wounded by shell fire at Tai Tam Tuk Pumping Station on 15/12/1941.\n 8.P.C.B83*Boor Singh\n - wounded by shell fire at Quarry Bay on 18/12/41.\n 9.P.C.B804Bhajan Singh\n - wounded by shell fire at Sikh Temple on 21/12/1941.\n 10.P.C.B554Fazal Dad\n - wounded on 10/12/1941.\n 11.P.C.B669Mohamed Hayat\n wounded on 10/12/1941.\n 12.L.S.B143Drishna Singh\n wounded on 17/12/1941.\n 13.L.S.B709Ajaib Singh\n wounded on 18/12/1941.\n 14.P.C.B235Rahim Dad\n wounded on 21/12/1941.\n 15.L.S.Jajar Khan\n wounded on 21/12/1941.\n 16.P.C.B115Sheer Singh\n admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 28/12/41 wounded.\n 17.P.C.B629Kahan Singh\n admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 29/12/41 wounded.\n 18.P.C.B463Sham Singh\n admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 29/12/41 wounded.\n 19.P.C.Non Singh\n admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 29/12/41 wounded.\n 20.F.C.B621Ala Mohamed\n admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on 31/12/41.\n\nMISSING.\n\n 1.P.C.B124Feroze Ali\n was on duty at Sha Tin Pass with the Army and has not been seen since 8/12/1941.\n 2.P.C.B301Mir Afzal Khan\n 3.P.C.B185Mir Abdullah\n 4.P.C.B150Mohamed Amin\n These men were stationed at Quarry Bay and have not been heard of since 18/12/1941.\n\nWEI HAI WEI CONTINGENT.\n\nKILLED.\n\nNIL.\n\nHowever, the best representation as per the instructions is the first HTML response.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579422, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 97, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Appendix \"D\"\n\nOFFICER“ MAK ING RECOMMENDATIONS.\n\nXVIII\n\nSub-Inspector F. J. Crick, Traffic Inspector, Hong Kong.\n\nXIX.\n\nSub-Inspector Smith, Officer in Charge, Gough Hill.\n\nOFFICERS RECOMMENDED.\n\n(b) P.S. A91 McInnes.\n\nNot worth special distinction\n\n11\n\nEXTRACT FROM RECOMMENDING OFFICER'S REPORT, AND/OR DIARY REFERENCES.\n\n95\n\n\"P. S. A91 McInnes worked very hard both at the Transport Receiving Depot and later at the Central Garage. It was mainly his efforts that kept requisitioning running smoothly at the Transport\n\n(c) Sgt. Shea\n\nSgt. S.W. Lee of the Police Reserve.\n\nNot worth special distinction\n\n10\n\n(a) L. S. A66 Willerton,\n\nL. S. D206, P.C. D148, P. C. D157, P. C. D243, P. C. 191.\n\n(b) L. S. A152 Ware.\n\nD\n\n1\n\n\"On or about 20th December Mr. Calthrop asked me to take over and reorganize the Police Reserve Flying Squad which was being used as despatch riders. This I did and it ran very satisfactorily. There were several men deserving of commendation but I can only remember sergeants Shea and S. W. Lee.\"\n\n\"These officers worked well during the whole period of the war in dealing with fires, special patrols at night and as regards the Weihaiwei men standing by the station when the others deserted.\n\nThey paid visits to houses damaged by air raids and shelling when the premises were still under bombardment.\"\n\n\"I should also like to mention L. S. A152 Ware who was Rations Officer and carried rations to the Special Branch, Wan Chai Gap, Gough Hill Station itself and all Vital Posts (Wireless Station, Peak Tram, Telephone Exchange & Honourable Colonial Secretary's residence), under heavy continual shelling and air raids. Two cars which he was using were smashed while he was out on duty though fortunately he was not injured.\n\nHe also delivering rations at the time. volunteered to proceed to Victoria Peak on 14th December when there was a reported landing of Japanese troops in Gliders &\n\nThis turned out to be a false report.\" accompanied me to the scene.\n\nXX.\n\nSub-Inspector McMahon, Officer in Charge, Upper Levels, up to December 16th.\n\n(a) P. S. A50 Mattison, P. S. A44 Blackburn.\n\n-00\n\nn\n\n\"P. S. A50 Mattison and P. S A44, Blackburn deserve praise for their willingness and co-operation they displayed during the first seven days of the War while I was at Upper Levels. On their day off from Charge Room duty they were always out on some mission, e.g. control of rice crowds, visits to dispersal points or reports of lights showing or Fifth Columnists. They hardly had more than two hours consecutive rest during the week and yet they carried on cheerfully and efficiently.\"", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579423, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 98, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Appendix \"D\"\n\nOFFICER MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS.\n\nXXI.\n\nP. S.\n\n224 Carruthers at Kowloon City.\n\n2\n\nXXII. P. S. A203 Groves, Officer in Charge at Kowloon City Pier.\n\nOFFICERS RECOMMENDED.\n\n(a) P. S. A32 Dowman; L. S. A28 Hutchinson; L. S. A98 Michie; L. S. A007 Willison & Indian P. C. B549.\n\nDealt with page 1\n\n(a) L. S. A188 Summers.\n\nDealt with page 12\n\nEXTRACT FROM RECOMMENDING OFFICER'S REPORT, AND/OR DIARY REFERENCES.\n\n11.12.41.. at about 16.00 hours P. S. A32 Dowman volunteered with L. S. A28 Hutchinson and several Indian Police Constables for duty at Ma Tau Kok Ordnance Pier where they remained until about 23.59 hours assisting the Military in evacuation. They came over to Hong Kong that night. L. S. A98 Michie also volunteered for rear-guard duty & was sent with L. S. A107 Willison, Y. C.I.D. and three Indian Constables to Kowloon Docks, Main Gate, where he remained until 22.00 hours when he came over to Hong Kong with the \"Canadian Troops\". During his passage by car to Kowloon Docks he had to shoot his way by Thompson Gun through a hostile crowd of about 300 Chinese males who attempted to hold up the car in Ta Ku Street. During his duty at the Main Gate of the Docks his party was sniped at in the darkness from the hillside. Police returned the fire and on several occasions attacked up the hillside and cleared the snipers out. Indian Police Constable B549, (name unknown) attached to the party displayed zeal and determination in these attacks on the snipers.\n\n(This recommendation has already been made by Mr. Calthrop in Paragraph 1(b) except for Indian Police Constable B549.)\n\nGuarding of the Kowloon City & Ma Tau Kok Piers on December 11th.\n\n\"L. S. A188 Summers was also a volunteer and was employed as he knew how to operate No. 17 Motor Boat. The motor boat stayed with me at Kowloon City Ferry Pier till we left again. He rendered valuable assistance by taking the two parties to Kowloon City & Ma Tau Kok Piers. He was fully aware of the potential danger of the enterprise.\"\n\n(This recommendation has already been made by Mr. Calthrop, see Paragraph 1 (b))\n\nXXIII. P. S. A76 McHardie, Officer in Charge, Upper Levels, after December 16th.\n\n(a) P. S. A50 Mattison; P. S. A44 Blackburn; L. S. A184 Fyffe and special\n\n\"P. S. A50 Mattison, P. S. A44 Blackburn, and L. S. A184 Fyffe assisted me to their best ability, this I highly appreciated. They turned out at all hours of the night for waterfront patrols, flashing lights, alleged Fifth Columnists, looting or anything whatsoever. Sergeants Mattison & Blackburn did this in addition to their Charge Room duties. Sergeant Fyffe was with me for only about one week but worked very well during that period.\"\n\nXXIV.\n\nP. S. A214 Mawer, Officer in charge, Bay\n\n(a) L. S. A68 Campbell.\n\n\"On or about 12th December L. S. A68 Campbell was posted to my station for duty. He was a great help and performed his duty", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579428, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 103, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "# Appendix \"D\"\n\n(2) ADVERSE REPORTS.\n\nOFFICERS REPORTING.\n\nI. Mr. L. A. Searle; No. 1 Sub-Area Commander.\n\nII. Inspector Kirby;\n\nOFFICERS REPORTED.\n\n(a) S. I. Orem.\n\n(b) S. I. Byron.\n\n(c) Sergeant E337.\n\n(a) Russian Sergeant on Special Duty at the Taikoo Docks.\n\nREPORTING OFFICER'S STATEMENT AND/OR DIARY REFERENCE.\n\n100 Adverse report from Mr. Searle on these two officers for misconduct during the siege have already been submitted to the Honourable Commissioner of Police. (See Enclosure (2) the relevant reports)\n\nPlease see Diary Entry No. 6 of December 19th, 1941.\n\nIII. Sub-Inspector Fell; Officer in Charge Emergency Unit Hong Kong.\n\nIV. P. S. A36 McHardie; Officer in Charge, Upper Levels.\n\n(a) Sergeant Major Chanchail Singh & Indians attached to the Emergency Unit, Kowloon,\n\n(b) Cantonese attached to the Emergency Unit.\n\n(c) P. C. D168\n\n\"The Indians were very unsatisfactory from the start. Sergeant Major Chanchail Singh had no control over the men.\n\nOnly \"The Cantonese were fair only. four of them performing duty from the 8th to 25th December, the remaining four having deserted.\"\n\n\"At 20.00 hours on December 21st P. C. D168 was arrested in a brothel in Western District hiding under a bed. He was in possession of a revolver concealed under his jacket. Suspected of taking part in a robbery. He was tried by Mr. Searle, Assistant Superintendent of Police, and sentenced to six days solitary confinement in the cells at Upper Levels.\"\n\nV. P. S. A214 Mawer, Officer in Charge, Bay View.\n\n(a) Russian Anti-Sabotage Sergeant 322 Verbenkoff.\n\n\"On 9th December this officer was sent to Bay View as my assistant. Unfortunately, he appeared to be suffering from a bad attack of nerves and was of little or no help to me. He told me he had previously been in the hands of the Japanese and was nervous in case this should happen again. However, in the end, on or about the 12th December, I had to ask the Divisional Inspector Last to take him away.\"\n\nVI. P. S. A152 Williamson\n\n(a) P. S. A55 Fitzpatrick.\n\nFor cowardice and disobedience of orders. (Please see Diary Entries Nos. 21 & 29 of December 19th, 1941, 2 Enclosure)", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579433, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 108, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "ENCLOSURE 3.\n\n3\n\n3\n\n105\n\nQuestion put by Mr. Calthrop to P. S. A162, Williamson, Officer in Charge, Aberdeen.\n\nHow was it that after the first evacuation of Aberdeen which took place on the morning of the 19th December, Police were not waiting for you at the Dairy Farm Pokfulum in accordance with the instructions you had given P. S. A55 Fitzpatrick and L. S. A145 Goldie before they had left the Station with their respective parties?\n\nP. S. A162, Williamson, states:-\n\nI cannot say. That the Police were anxious to get into town is the only explanation I can think of. I told them to wait till 14.00 hours and if I did not arrive to go to Pokfulum and telephone for instructions. I understand that the mistake occurred owing to P. S. A55 Fitzpatrick. He left the Station with the second party but overtook the first party and reached the Dairy Farm first. He did not remain at the Dairy Farm Hill so L. S. A145 Goldie, arriving there with the first party and not finding him decided to push on to town. Both parties were on foot. I noticed that two police constables of L. S. A145's party were knocked down by blast or direct shell when some shells hit some lighters below the road about 3/4 mile from the Station at the foot of Bennett Hill, just my side of the military line. The men knocked down got up immediately and carried on. They were unhurt. I saw them afterwards; they returned to Aberdeen.\n\nTaken by me - L. H. C. CALTHROP, Senior Superintendent of Police, 23/1/43.\n\nQuestion put by Mr. Calthrop to P. S. A162, Williamson, Officer in Charge, Aberdeen.\n\nIn your statement you recorded that during the first evacuation of Aberdeen which took place on the morning of the 19th December, you were subsequently informed that P.S. A55 Fitzpatrick had boarded a lorry just outside Aberdeen and left his men to themselves. Is this correct and can you give further details?\n\nP. S. A162 Williamson states:\n\nThis is correct, I believe, though I did not see it myself. I was informed so next day by Mr. Chiu Kwan Ait, the interpreter, who left in the second party. I have questioned L. S. A145 Goldie who states he did not see it. I saw A55 myself trying to stop a lorry but it refused to stop. When I saw the two police constables knocked down I noticed that the two parties, though one left a quarter of an hour ahead of the other were not far apart, some 200 yards only, presumably the first party had been held up somewhere. Sergeant Fitzpatrick must have boarded a lorry somewhere about Bennett Hill or after there. I myself picked up the interpreter and detective L. S. C. Lai Kwong who had waited as they did not like the firing. The remainder of A55's party and A145's party had gone on. Both the interpreter and the detective noticed A55 boarding the lorry and leaving the remainder of the party. Both were annoyed by this. I have never received a satisfactory explanation from A55 concerning this. I do not know where the remaining members of the party went; only A145's party arrived at No. 7.\n\nTaken by me - L. H. C. CALTHROP, Senior Superintendent of Police, 25/1/1943.\n\nP. S. A162, Williamson, adds:-\n\nIf A55 boarded the lorry by himself I can only agree it was cowardice. The Inspector on Duty Upper Levels told him the following", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579434, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 109, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Enclosure 3.\n\n4\n\n106\n\nmorning to collect men at No. 8 and bring them back the same day. This was done at my request. He did not carry out these instructions but appeared by himself at about 16.00 hours. I obtained no satisfactory explanation as to why he had not brought his men with him. A145 received similar orders and carried them out, bringing six men back with him - all that had reported by the time he left. He arrived about 15.30 hours. After consideration I now say that after his lapse of time I am not certain if he did bring men back with him or not. It may have been that A145 had collected all or nearly all the available men as he must have started a short time only before A55. About 7 men deserted on the way in to the Dairy Farm Hill, on the first evacuation, and I traced and got back five the next day. Neither A55 nor A145 remember losing men from their party.\n\nTaken by me\n\n—\n\nb. H. C. CALTHROP,\n\nSenior Superintendent of Police, 25/1/43.\n\nP. S. A55 Fitzpatrick states:\n\nI agree that we were instructed by P. S. A162 to wait at the Dairy Farm Hill, but when I arrived first with my party I was told by an Army Sergeant that we could not wait there. He did not want a concentration there he said. Besides my party of 12-14 men there were about 20 Dockyard Police and two military lorries. We were offered a lift on the lorries and we and the Dockyard Police got into them. I decided to go as far as the University. The Interpreter and Detective Lai Kwong started with my party but hung back and said they would wait for the Officer in Charge. I am certain that the remaining numbers of my party got on the two lorries together with me apart from the two above-mentioned stragglers. Sergeant Goldie's party left the Station before me. We over-stepped his party as we got a lift on a lorry, by \"we\" I mean our party. The interpreter and detective did not get on this lorry as they were already in the rear. This lorry was a military one and it stopped at the Dairy farm. Sergeant Goldie did not see my party getting on the lorry as he was well ahead still. I could not give his party a lift as the lorry was travelling too fast and was practically full, composed of us and Naval Yard Police. I deny that I ever boarded a lorry by myself and left my men. I did not insist on the interpreter and detective coming with me as I considered they were of no importance. I cannot understand why the interpreter and detective say I boarded the lorry by myself.\n\nI had all my men with me including two Cantonese non-commissioned officers but excepting the two stragglers. When we got to the University our party disembarked and we waited for Sergeant Goldie's party. They did not put in an appearance so after about a quarter of an hour we moved off towards Bonham Road as I thought it was safer there as I noticed a Japanese plane.\n\nLater his party came up and joined mine except that Sergeant Goldie went up a side street about 100 yards from me. I took both parties to No. 8 Station, but found it was full from some European there, I cannot remember whom. I reported to the Inspector on Duty at No 7, Sub-Inspector Orem, with my men. The Chinese then went to the barrack rooms and I went to the European quarters. I had no option but to leave the Dairy Farm Hill but I left a message with the military. (Officer in Charge, Aberdeen, states that he was told that Police had been at Dairy Farm, but had gone on) I received instructions from the Inspector on Duty, West, to call at Upper Levels to see P. S. A162, Williamson.\n\nI collected one man, the only one still at No. 7, and went to Upper Levels, met Sergeant Goldie who told me the Officer in Charge had left and returned to Aberdeen. I would return also. I walked to the Chinese Cemetery near the Queen Mary Hospital, and then boarded a passing taxi. I found at least five Chinese Constables who were returning to Aberdeen. I got in with my one man and we all went back to Aberdeen. I reported direct to the Charge Room with my five men on my arrival at the station.\n\nThe Police drifted back in batches. I never received definite instructions to collect men. I asked the Police Constable with me where the other men were and he told me they had all left No. 7 station. I arrived back at Aberdeen before Sergeant Goldie.\n\nTaken by me\n\nL.H.C.Calthrop,\n\nSenior Superintendent of Police, 26/1/43.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 579435, "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": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "page_number": 110, "title": "CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946", "content_text": "Enclosure 3.\n\n- 5\n\nP. S. Al62, Williamson, states:-\n\n107\n\nIf my instructions which were simple had been carried out, I would have worked the district from Pokfulum or returned to Aberdeen as soon as the situation permitted. I could have returned the same evening because it turned out the enemy were held east of Aberdeen, and there was no obstacle to this course. As it was, when I got into No. 7 my men had all scattered. Moreover, Mr. Jearle told me to remain at No. 8,\n\nTaken by me. H. C. Calthrop,\n\nSenior Superintendent Police, 26/1/43.\n\nL. S. A145 Goldie states :-\n\nmore.\n\nSometime between 11.30 and 12.30 hours on the 19th December 1941 the Officer in Charge ordered the Police at Aberdeen to leave the Station in two parties and proceed to the Dairy Farm Hill and await him there. I left first with my party and later A5 followed with his. Sergeant Fitzpatrick passed me in a lorry at the foot of the Dairy Farm Hill. He was sitting on some baggage. There were two or three Police in it, not\n\nThe lorry took the Victoria Road and did not go up the Dairy Farm Hill. I am prepared to swear to this and also that it did not stop. It therefore follows that A55 could not have gone to the Dairy Farm, and presumably he went straight into town. I thought he must have misunderstood the Officer in Charge's orders, which were quite clear and which I received at the same time as A55. I proceeded with my party to the Dairy Farm and waited there. We waited more than half an hour. I saw a lorry going along Victoria Road and thought the Officer in Charge was in it and had not carried out his own instructions. I thought he might have altered them. I decided to carry on, intending to return to No. 8. At the University Main Gate, at the junction of Bonham Road and Pokfulum Road near Hill Road, I met A55 standing there alone. We had a discussion as to where I should report - No. 8 my own station or No. 7, Aberdeen's Divisional station. I decided to report to No. 8 and left Sergeant Fitzpatrick, taking all my men with me. There were definitely no men with Sergeant Fitzpatrick when I saw him. I remained at No. 8 and was told by phone by the Inspector on Duty, West, to send my men to No. 7. From the time I met A55 to the time I sent my men off to No. 7 from No. 8 would be about half an hour.\n\n1\n\nI cannot agree that Sergeant Fitzpatrick went to the Dairy Farm or that he took my party to No. 8 or that we did not have a conversation at the University. The only time I went up a side street was during the second evacuation which took place on the 24th. On the latter occasion all the Police came in together on one lorry except those ordered to stay behind. I got off at Oaklands Path and the lorry continued on to No. 8. I wanted to go to my dispersal point in Oaklands Path.\n\nI returned to Aberdeen the next day (20th) with some Aberdeen men on the instructions of Al62, given personally sometime earlier the same day as my return (to Aberdeen). I was asked by Al62 to convey instructions to A55 to return to Aberdeen and when I phoned the Inspector on Duty, West, I asked him to warn A55 and the Aberdeen men in No. 7. Some seven or eight men came to upper Levels and I took them back to Aberdeen. A55 returned to Aberdeen after I did. I cannot remember if I saw Sergeant Fitzpatrick before leaving for Aberdeen or not. I cannot say if the Inspector on Duty West did tell A55 about these instructions, though the men were sent to me, as I have said.\n\nThe interpreter and Detective Lai Kwong were not in my party and did not later make any complaint to me, nor did anyone else, as regards being left stranded.\n\nOn my way on the 19th December I reached the Military Defence line before getting to the Dairy Farm Hill. There were machine gun posts all along the road but the main position appeared to me to be a short distance west of Aberdeen, about half way between the Station and the Dairy Farm.\n\nTaken by me\n\nL. H. C. Calthrop\n\nSenior Superintendent Police, 26/1/43.\n\nPage 110\n\nPage 111", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-592-4 Reports on current situation- Police 14-11-1945 - 1-7-1946.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 584012, "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": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "page_number": 55, "title": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "content_text": "## HONG KONG WATERWORKS TABLE No. 6\n### SERVICE RESERVOIRS\n\n| Area | Name | Notes | Capacity in M.G. | Height Above Principal Datum in ft. |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Hong Kong Western | Elliot | West Point | 5.317 | 286.00 |\n| | | 30 ft. deep, leaking-to be reconstructed | 0.851 | 460.00 |\n| | | 750 ft. | | |\n| | Central | Albany | Leaking. No division wall. New reservoir being built before old one can be repaired. Open, settlement, to be reconstructed & roofed | 0.388 | 750.00 |\n| | Gardens | | 5.187 | 382.15 |\n| | | Settlement at N.W. corner; corner cut off 1947. | 4.6173 | 240.25 |\n| | Peak Road | Reinforced Concrete Contilever walls-1938 | 0.600 | 750.00 |\n| | Bowen Road | Two tanks, upper one converted filter bed. To be reconstructed. | 1.120 | 283.00 |\n| | | 650 ft. | 0.395 | 650.00 |\n| Eastern | Eastern | | 4.906 | 304.00 |\n| | North Point | Balance Tank | 1.145 | 240.00 |\n| | Chai Wan | | 0.350 | 222.50 |\n| Eastern Mid-levels | Middle Gap | Jardines Look-Out | 0.217 | 778.00 |\n| | Tai Hang | Partly break-pressure tank. | 0.200 | 778.00 |\n| | | | 0.045 | 533.00 |\n| Rural | Repulse Bay | Two tanks | 0.061 | 489.00 |\n| | West Bay | | 0.011 | 439.00 |\n| | Shouson Hill | Temporary steel tank 32,000 galls. in addition | 0.047 | 409.50 |\n| | Aberdeen | | 0.350 | 272.20 |\n| | Applichau | | 0.163 | 210.00 |\n| | Pokfulam | | 0.272 | 710.75 |\n| | Queen Mary | Supplied from Pokfulam or 750 ft. | 0.102 | 675.00 |\n| | Stanley Mound | New S.R. to be built with new R.G. filters at Red Hill | 0.202 | 268.00 |\n| | Stanley Prison | | 0.082 | 238.00 |\n| Peak | Peak | | 0.395 | 1751.88 |\n| | Mt. Gough | | 0.211 | 1518.25 |\n| | Wan Chai Gap | | 0.036 | 917.50 |\n| | Mt. Cameron | | 0.100 | 1323.50 |\n| Kowloon | Shek Lai Pui | | 11.410 | 443.00 |\n| | Pipers Hill | Leakage repaired in 1947 | 1.508 | 274.50 |\n| | Yaumati Hill | Leakage at one corner caused major wash-out during occupation. Repaired 1945/6. | 5.433 | 215.00 |\n| | Hung Hom | | 0.093 | 160.50 |\n| | Kowloon Tsai | Flat slab roof | 6.351 | 300.00 |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 584017, "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": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "page_number": 60, "title": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "content_text": "# ISLAND DATA\n\n## WORKS-TABLE NO1 STORAGE RESERVOIRS\n\n| ISLAND | 1 DATE OF COMPLETION | 2. TOP WATER LEVEL ABOVE | 3 HEIGHT (FOUNDATION LEVEL | 4 THICKNESS AT BASE OF DAM | 5 LENGTH AT CREST OF DAMİ | 6 TYPE OF PROVISION FOR OVERFLOW | 7 LENGTH OF SPILLWAY | 8 MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION | 9 DRAW OFF ARRANGEMENTS | 10 DRAW OFF LEVELS | 11 DELIVERY BY SECONDARY SPILLWAY DAM |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| TYTAM | 1883 | 503-25 FT. ARD] 500 FT.A.P.D. | 130 FT. | 52/2 FT. | 480 FT. | OVERFLOW WIERS & CHANNEL | | CONCRETE WITH MASONRY FACE | VALVE TOWER IN MAIN DAM | 2- 347 FT. | |\n| WONG NEI CHONG | 1904 | 200 FT. A.P.D. | 90 FT. | 48 FT. | 390 FT. | CENTER PORTION OF DAM OF SPILLWAY SECTION | 266 FT. | CONCRETE WITH PRECAST FACING | VALVE TOWER | 18*** 487.466.4458 424PT|491.& 472 FT A.P.D. | |\n| POKFULAM | 1871 | 119-50FT.A.P.D. | 60 FT. | 35 FT. | | AROUND ONE END | 200FT. | EARTH DAM | | | |\n| TYTAM TUK | | | | | | | | | | | |\n| HONG KONG WATER WORKS | | | | | | | | | | | |\n\n| ISLAND | 12 ACRES OF CATCHMENT DIRECT | 13 ACRES OF CATCHMENT INDIRECT | 14 STORAGE CAPACITY | 15 CATCHMENT AREA | 16 ESTIMATED YIELD PER M.G. STORAGE | 17 COMBINED YIELD | 18 CAPACITY OF SERVICE RESERVOIRS | 19 CAPACITY OF FILTERS | 20 REMARKS |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| TYTAM | 735 ACRES | 440 ACRES | 36179 M.G. | | 2.02 | 8.25 M.G.D. | FROM TYTAM | SLOW SAND FILTERS: 1575 M.G.D | DAM RAISED 9FT IN 1897 |\n| WONG NEI CHONG | NIL | OVERFLOW FROM TYTAM | 22 M.G. | | 7.2 | 0.5 M.G.D. | | | |\n| POKFULAM | 260 ACRES | 160 ACRES | 196 M.G | | 6.44 | COMBINED YIELD 2-12 M.G.D. | | R.G FILTERS: 17.956 M G. | |\n| TYTAM BYEWASH | | | | | | | | | |\n| EASTERN | | | | | | | | | |\n\n## MAINLAND\n\n| MAINLAND | 1 DATE OF COMPLETION | 2. TOP WATER LEVEL ABOVE | 3 HEIGHT (FOUNDATION LEVEL | 4 THICKNESS AT BASE OF DAM | 5 LENGTH AT CREST OF DAMİ | 6 TYPE OF PROVISION FOR OVERFLOW | 7 LENGTH OF SPILLWAY | 8 MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION | 9 DRAW OFF ARRANGEMENTS | 10 DRAW OFF LEVELS | 11 DELIVERY BY SECONDARY SPILLWAY DAM |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| KOWLOON | 1910 | 730FT. A.P.D.| 554 FT. A.R.D. | 161 FT. | 1,255 FT. | 580 FT. | OVERFLOW WIERS ⇓ CHANNEL | 400 FT. | CONCRETE WITH PRECAST FACING | VALVE TOWER IN MAIN DAM | 4- 16\" DIA. | |\n| KOWLOON BYEWASH | 1931 | 365 FT. A.P.D. | 112 FT. | 73 FT. | | CENTER PORTION OF DAM OF SPILLWAY SECTION|SPILLWAY AT CENTER | | MASONRY UPSTREAM | VALVE TOWER | 3- 14\" DIA. | PUMPING TO GAUGE BASIN |\n| UPPER SHING MUN | 1931 | 263-50FT.A.R.D. | 87FT. | 48 FT. | 600 FT | RECONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS SPILLWAY SECTION | 140 FEET | CONCRETE BLOCKS DOWNSTREAM GRANITE FACINGS | VALVE TOWER | 350 350 310, 291FT | GRAVITY AND BOOSTER PUMP |\n| SHEKLEIPUI RECEPTION | 1925 | 448FT.A.R.D. | 65 FT. | 285 FT. | | | | RUBBLE CONCRETE WITH MASONRY FACE | VELVE TOWER ON FACE OF MAIN DAM | 4- 16\" DIA. | |\n| SHING MUN | 1927 | 380FT. A.P.D. | 76 FT. | 82 FT. | | BELLMOUTH OVERFLOW PLUS & AUTOMATIC SIPHONS | | COMBINATION CONCRETE AND ROCK-FILL | VALVE TOWER OVER. OVERFLOW TUNNEL AT MAIN | 14- 30\" DIA. | GRAVITY |\n| PINEAPPLE PASSİ | 1936 | 645 FT. A.P.D. | 143-5 FT. | 550 FT. | | NONE | | EARTH AND ROCK [FILL CONCRETE CORE, AND SAND WEDGE | | 6:4-50 576 537-60 # 479-75 FT. A.RD. | GRAVITY |\n| | 1936 | 480 FT. A.P.D. | 72 FT | 220 FT. | | NONE | | | | MO. AT 486-23 FT. ARD. | 46°MAIN TO NORTH CONDUIT |\n\n| MAINLAND | 12 ACRES OF CATCHMENT DIRECT | 13 ACRES OF CATCHMENT INDIRECT | 14 STORAGE CAPACITY | 15 CATCHMENT AREA | 16 ESTIMATED YIELD PER M.G. STORAGE | 17 COMBINED YIELD | 18 CAPACITY OF SERVICE RESERVOIRS | 19 CAPACITY OF FILTERS | 20 REMARKS |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| KOWLOON | 109.168 ACRES | | 1406 M.G | | 4.97 | 3.16 M. G. D. | THRU KOWLOON RES MAIN | | PAPER WORKS 1690 WATER WORKS RECONSTRUCTED 1932 |\n| KOWLOON BYEWASH | 6.198 ACRES | | 30. M.G | | 2.18 | | | | |\n| UPPER SHING MUN | 24.792 ACRES | (PLUS OF. FROM UPPER RES.) | 66 M.G. | | 2.09 | | | SLOW SAND FILTERS: FAST GRAVITY FILTERS: 6-941 M.G. | CONSIDERABLE TAKES OVERFLOW LEAKAGE |\n| SHEKLEIPUI RECEPTION | 25.825 ACRES | 181 ACRES (PLUS O.F“. FROM UPPER RES.) | 173 M.C. | | | | | | |\n| SHING MUN | 96.585 ACRES | 940 ACRES | J07 M.G. | | | | | R.G. FILTERS 20 M.G.D. | AN ADDITIONAL IS M.G.D. CAN BE PASSED TO ELLIOT FILTERS |\n| PINEAPPLE PASSİ | 15 ACRES | 28 ACRES | 353 M.G. | | | | | | |\n| | | 776 ACRES (PLUS OF. FROM SHEKLIPUI) | 185 M.G. | | | | | | |\n| | | 66 ACRES FROM SHING MUN CONDUIT | 116 M.G. | | | | | | |\n| | | 3.000 ACRES | 33 M.G. | | | | | | |\n| | | | 2.921 M.G. | | | | | | |\n\nPage 60\nPage 61", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 584025, "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": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "page_number": 68, "title": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "content_text": "# DIAGRAM SHOWING EASTERN PUMPING SYSTEM\n\n## Map and Legend\n\nThe diagram appears to be a map of the Hong Kong water supply system, specifically the Eastern Pumping System to Mt. Cameron.\n\n| Location | Feature |\n| --------------- | ------------------------------ |\n| Jardines Lookout| |\n| Middle Gap | |\n| Tai Tam Tuk | |\n| Mitchell | |\n| Upper Pump Sta. | |\n| Lower Pump Sta. | Tytam |\n| Junior Station | Mt. Cameron |\n| Wong Nei Chung | |\n| Tai Tam | Impounding Reservoir |\n| | Service Reservoir |\n| Barker Road | Magazine Gap |\n| | Slow Sand Filters |\n| Peak Area | |\n| Tai Tam | Reservoir |\n| | Gravity Filters |\n| | Pressure Line |\n| | Filters |\n| | Distribution |\n| Albany | |\n| Bowen Road Conduit| |\n| Shouson Hill | |\n| West Point | To West Bay |\n\n## Distribution Scheme\n\nThe distribution scheme includes conduits to various areas:\n\n| Area | Distribution |\n| --------------- | ------------------------------ |\n| Mid Levels | |\n| Shouson Hill | |\n| West Point | To West Bay |\n| Central | |\n| Kowloon | From Kowloon |\n| University Area | |\n| Garden Road | |\n| Elliot | Tunnel |\n\n## Legend and References\n\n- `PLATE NO 5`\n- References to various locations and features, including reservoirs, pumping stations, and distribution conduits.\n\n## Other Notable Features\n\n- Aberdeen\n- Jardine's Lookout\n- Mt. Cameron\n- Tai Tam Tuk\n- Bowen Road Conduit\n- Fast Galne (likely a typo or OCR error)\n- Various other locations and features related to the water supply system.\n\nPage 123 \nJardine Kohout 2 Mon 1260 \nPlate No 5 \n75", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 584062, "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": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "page_number": 105, "title": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "content_text": "- 5 - \n\n112 \n\nIn order to safeguard the water supplies for the future, it is important that the local soil erosion of the hillsides should be checked, and that afforestation should be greatly extended.\n\nTai Lam Chung Scheme. I discussed with the Engineer (Construction), Mr. Jackson, the alternative sites that have been proposed for the main dam. The lower site would require the dam foundation to be carried down to a maximum depth of 60 feet below the valley floor, which is subject to tidal flow. Also, drilling has disclosed a small area of weakness and fissuring at the lowest point; this area of weakness is probably of some importance and there is evidence that it is part of a line of weakness that has affected the site of the valley itself. Apart from this weak point, the foundation appears to be good, and the visible sides of the valley at the centre line are of good strong granite free from serious fissuring.\n\nThe upper site, on the other hand, on the valley floor and up the greater part of the valley sides, is wholly of good fresh granite. The lowest section is well exposed in the stream bed and is strong and fresh throughout; it has some slight degree of horizontal jointing but no more than could be suitably dealt with during construction.\n\nAway from the valley, the extension of the dam at high levels in the form of a cut-off wall would cut across weathered rock which would involve a few feet of trenching down to the fresh rock.\n\nThe Engineer (Construction) in a statement dated February, 1948, has summarised the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two sites, and has shown that a dam of 190 feet at the upper site, while storing as much water as one of a total height of 260 feet at the lower site, would offer many advantages from the point of view of cost and difficulty of construction, the amount of concrete required, etc. The object of this note is to record my opinion as a Geologist that the upper site is preferable in that the foundation there is sound and well exposed; moreover, it...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 584063, "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": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "page_number": 106, "title": "CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949", "content_text": "- 6 - \n\nPage 113\n\noffers no special difficulties in construction, and is in every way suitable as a dam site. The foundation of the lower site, on the other hand, extends to 60 feet below tidal waters and has an area of serious weakness at the lowest point, which would have to be cleaned out and grouted to an unknown additional depth, at uncertain but considerable cost. It is true that at the higher levels the upper site would require a long cut-off wall in part in weathered rock, but resting on solid rock, but the cost of construction of this would be very small in relation to the cost and difficulty of securing the foundation at the lower site.\n\n## Control of Mining\n\nThe question of the control of mining operations on the mainland has occupied the attention of Government for some years. The fact is that at present there is no systematic control; Government has no means of checking production and of supervising conditions of labour, and it is generally accepted that a considerable degree of illegal mining and loss of revenue to Government on royalties, leases, etc. is taking place and has taken place for some years past.\n\nIn January of this year Prospecting and Mining Regulations (1948) were published in the Gazette, and in paragraphs 3(13), (2), (15) the Licensee is required to carry out certain provisions for safe and efficient working. I agree with the views expressed in the relative papers that, by the issue of the so Regulations, Government is committed to the appointment of staff suitably qualified to ensure that they are carried out.\n\nA few years ago Mr. Kershaw, of the Malayan Mines Department, recommended inter alia that a Lines Overseer, with three months special training, should be appointed to effect the necessary control. The problems involved seem to me to demand the appointment of an officer of the standing of an Inspector of Mines, such as form most of the staff of any Colonial Mines Department; he would require subordinate staff for examining beacons, checking safety measures,\n\nShould a serious accident take place or a series of minor \n\netc.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-598-2 Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Project 24-6-1948 - 3-3-1949.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 584840, "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": "CO129-599-5 Salaries Commission- Appendices to Report 1-1-1947 - 31-12-1949", "page_number": 5, "title": "CO129-599-5 Salaries Commission- Appendices to Report 1-1-1947 - 31-12-1949", "content_text": "# Secretariat File No: `4174/46C`\n\n## No: 215\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\nSir,\n\nGOVERNMENT HOUSE, \nHONG KONG. \n12th September, 1947.\n\nWith reference to previous correspondence resting with your despatch No. 250 of 7th August, 1947, I have the honour to forward for your consideration:\n\n1. two copies of the report of the Hong Kong Salaries Commission, 1947.\n\nThe Commission, as will be perceived from a study of the Report, recommends that the principles enumerated in the White Paper Colonial No. 197 should in general be accepted and applied to the public service in Hong Kong. It proposes scales of salaries which have been determined according to the nature of the work involved, and at rates which are applicable to locally recruited officers and which take into account, so far as is practicable in present circumstances, the ruling income levels in those classes of the community from which the public service is, or may be, expected to be recruited. It has recommended expatriation pay for overseas officers at rates which, it considers, should be sufficient to attract and retain such officers. It proposes the abolition of the present practice of providing free quarters for certain classes of officers, and of granting other officers rent allowances and has incorporated into the revised salary scales an element for rent. It proposes that an economic rent should be charged if Government quarters are provided. The Commission has recognised that a substantial improvement has taken place, since the reoccupation, in the standard of living of the lower grades of the public service and of manual labourers generally, and it proposes that this improvement should be maintained in the Government Service by a proportionately greater increase in basic salaries than for the middle and upper grades. It recommends, in order to allow for the permanent decrease in the purchasing power of money, that there should be an increase of 200% on lower grade salaries, falling to 30% on salaries of about $1,000 per month and 20% on salaries of about $1500 per month, with a flat rate increase above that figure. In addition, it has added one sixth to existing salary scales in order to assimilate house allowance privileges, but on the higher salaries the increase is proportionately smaller.\n\nTHE RIGHT HONOURABLE \nA. CREECH JONES, M.P.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-599-5 Salaries Commission- Appendices to Report 1-1-1947 - 31-12-1949.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 591372, "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": "CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948", "page_number": 122, "title": "CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948", "content_text": "# 121\n\n## SUBJECT: Proposal of Distribution and Strength of H.K. Police\n### FROM: Col. C.H. Sansom, Commissioner of Police, Hong Kong\n### TO: Civil Affairs Headquarters - Secretariat\n\n24th December, 1945.\n\nThe following proposals are submitted for the Strength and establishment under the Civil Administration of Gazetted, i.e., senior police officers. Further recommendations will be submitted in respect of other ranks.\n\n2.\n\nAttached is the copy of a letter from His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong and scheme of organisation prepared by Mr. Pennefather-Evans in 1941. This was obtained from the Colonial Office and had not been considered in London.\n\n3.\n\nThere should be two D.C.Ps., one responsible to the Commissioner for the uniformed branch (excluding the Training School) and the other responsible for the plain clothes Branches, i.e., the Special and C.I.D. branches.\n\nUniform Branch. Three Superintendents should be responsible to the D.C.P. uniformed branch for the administration of (1) Hongkong Island, (2) Mainland, and (3) Water Police. (The D.S.B. organisation is dealt with separately).\n\n4.\n\nThere are four police divisions on the island, i.e., Central, Western, Eastern, and Shaukiwan; each should be controlled by an A.S.P.; those divisions should be comprised as shown below.\n\n| Division | Areas |\n| --------- | -------------- |\n| Central | Central, tral |\n| Western | West Point, gh Hill, nchai, Upper Levels, Pokfulam, Aberdeen |\n| Eastern | Hanchai, Happy Valley, Bay View, Wongneichong, Shaukiwan, Quarry Bay, Shek O, Stanley, Tai Tam Gap |\n| Shaukiwan | |\n\n5.\n\nThere should be in the Mainland four divisions as shown below, each under an A.S.P.\n\n| Division | Areas |\n| --------- | ------------------------------- |\n| Yau jati | Yau ati, Csinthaeui |\n| | Samshiuro |\n| Kowloon Tong | Kowloon Tong, N. Territories, SamshiuPO |\n| Mongkok Tsui | Mongkok, Tsui, Kowloon Tong, Hung Hom |\n| Tai Po | Tai Po, é all, Tsun Wan |\n| | Stations in N.T.N., Sai Kung |\n\n**Note**.\nIn order to level up the responsibilities of the four A.S.Ps., there will necessarily be an adjustment of the station areas as at present constituted. This applies especially to Yamati and Mongkok luis and Kowloon Tong.\n\nTraffic will be controlled by 2 Chief Inspectors, one on each side of the harbour, responsible to the two Superintendents and under co-ordinating control of the D.C.P. When reference is made to traffic, it contemplates only road control, not the licensing of motor vehicles, rickshaws, etc. Many months ago, a recommendation was submitted urging that licensing should be divorced from the Police Department. If Municipalities are to be created, then licensing should form a part of their responsibility and incidentally provide a large revenue for them. Seeing that this recommendation re Traffic Road control contemplates only members of the Inspectorate, it may be considered inappropriate to discuss it in this memorandum. At the same time, were it omitted altogether, it would surely involve queries.\n\n17", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 591375, "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": "CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948", "page_number": 125, "title": "CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948", "content_text": "# SUBJECT: FROM TO COPY \n## 126 \n### 24th December, 1945.\n\n**Proposal of Distribution and Strength of H.K. Police.**\n\nCol. C.H. Sansom, Commissioner of Police, Hong Kong. \nCivil Affairs Headquarters Secretariat.\n\nThe following proposals are submitted for the strength and establishment under the Civil Administration of Gazetted i.e. senior police officers. Further recommendations will be submitted in respect of other ranks.\n\n## 2.\n\nAttached is the copy of a letter from His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong and scheme of organisation prepared by Mr. Fennefather-Evans in 1941. This was obtained from the Colonial Office and had not been considered in London.\n\n## 3.\n\nThere should be two D.C.P.s, one responsible to the Commissioner for the uniformed branch (excluding the Training School) and the other responsible for the plain clothes Branches i.e. the Special and C.I.D. branches.\n\n### Uniform Branch\n\nThree Superintendents should be responsible to the D.C.P. uniformed branch for the administration of (1) Hongkong Island, (2) Mainland and (3) Water Police. The D.S.B. organisation is dealt with separately.\n\n## 4.\n\nThere are four police divisions on the island i.e. Central, Western, Eastern and Shaukiwan; each should be controlled by an A.S.P.; those divisions should be comprised as shown below.\n\n| Division | Areas |\n| ---------- | -------------- |\n| Central | Central, Causeway Bay, anchai |\n| Western | West Point, Upper Levels, Pokfulam, Aberdeen |\n| Eastern | North Point, jarchai, Happy Valley, Bay View, Wongneichong |\n| Shaukiwan | Shaukiwan, Quarry Bay, Shek O, Stanley, Tai Tam Gap |\n\n## 5.\n\nThere should be in the Mainland four divisions as shown below each under an A.S.P.\n\n| Division | Areas |\n| ------------ | ------------------------------- |\n| Yaumati | Yaumati, Tsui Tsim Sha |\n| SamshiuPo | SamshiuPo, Mongkok |\n| Kowloon Tong | Kowloon Tong, Hung Hom |\n| N. Territories | Tsun Wan, Tai Po & all Stations in N.T.N., Sai Kung |\n\n### Note\n\nIn order to level up the responsibilities of the four A.S.Ps. there will necessarily be an adjustment of the stations' areas as at present constituted. This applies especially to Yau...ati and Mongkok and Kowloon Tong.\n\n## 6.\n\nTraffic will be controlled by 2 Chief Inspectors one each side of the harbour, responsible to the two Superintendents and under co-ordinating control of the D.C.P. When reference is made to traffic it contemplates only road control not the licensing of motor vehicles, rickshaws etc. Many months ago a recommendation was submitted urging that licensing should be divorced from the Police Department. If Municipalities are to be created then licensing should form a part of their responsibility and incidentally provide a large revenue for them. Seeing that this recommendation we affect Road control contemplates only members of the Inspectorate, it may be considered inappropriate to discuss it in this memorandum. At the same time were it omitted altogether, it would surely involve queries.\n\n## 17", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 591380, "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": "CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948", "page_number": 130, "title": "CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948", "content_text": "# SUBJECT: Proposal of Distribution and Strength of H.K. Police\n\nCOPY\n\nBy 129 \n24th December, 1945.\n\n**Proposal of Distribution and Strength of H.K. Police.** \nCol. C. H. Sansom, Commissioner of Police, Hong Kong. \nCivil Affairs Headquarters - Secretariat.\n\nThe following proposals are submitted for the strength and establishment under the Civil Administration of Gazetted i.e. senior police officers. Further recommendations will be submitted in respect of other ranks.\n\n## Proposal Details\n\n2. Attached is the copy of a letter from His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong and scheme of organisation prepared by Mr. Pennefather-Evans in 1941. This was obtained from the Colonial Office and had not been considered in London.\n\n3. There should be two D.C.Ps. one responsible to the Commissioner for the uniformed branch (excluding the Training School) and the other responsible for the plain clothes Branches i.e. the Special and C.I.D. branches. \nUniform Branch. Three Superintendents should be responsible to the D.C.P. uniformed branch for the administration of (1) Hongkong Island, (2) Mainland and (3) Water Police. (The D.S.B. organisation is dealt with separately).\n\n4. There are four police divisions on the island i.e. Central, Western, Eastern and Shaukiwan; each should be controlled by an A.S.P.; those divisions should be comprised as shown below.\n\n| Division | Areas Included |\n| --- | --- |\n| Central | Central, West Point, Gough Hill, Wanchai |\n| Western | Upper Levels, Pokfulam, Aberdeen |\n| Eastern | Wanchai, Happy Valley, Bay View, Wongneichong |\n| Shaukiwan | Shaukiwan, Quarry Bay, Shek O, Stanley, Tai Tam Gap |\n\n5. There should be in the Mainland four divisions as shown below each under an A.S.P.\n\n| Division | Areas Included |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yaumati | Yaumati, TsimShaTsui, Mongkok Tsui |\n| SamshiuPo | SamshiuPo |\n| Kowloon Tong | Kowloon Tong, Hung Hom |\n| N. Territories | Tsun Wan, Sai Kung, Tai Po & all Stations in N.T.N. |\n\nNote. In order to level up the responsibilities of the four A.S.Ps. there will necessarily be an adjustment of the station areas as at present constituted. This applies especially to Yaumati and Mongkok Tsui and Kowloon Tong.\n\n6. Traffic will be controlled by 2 Chief Inspectors one each side of the harbour, responsible to the two Superintendents and under co-ordinating control of the D.C.P. When reference is made to traffic it contemplates only road control not the licensing of motor vehicles, rickshaws etc. Many months ago a recommendation was submitted urging that licensing should be divorced from the Police Department. If Municipalities are to be created then licensing should form a part of their responsibility and incidentally provide a large revenue for them. Seeing that this recommendation re Traffic Road control contemplates only members of the Inspectorate, it may be considered inappropriate to discuss it in this memorandum. At the same time were it omitted altogether, it would surely involve queries.\n\n7. The Water Police should be responsible for the harbour, the water-fronts and all islands. It will be responsible for the steamer searching staff. It must have a station on each ...\n\nPage 130 \nPage 131", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-611-6 Police Department- gazetted officers 24-12-1945 - 10-2-1948.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 597617, "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": "CO129-624-7 Crown leases 1-4-1950 - 28-2-1951", "page_number": 3, "title": "CO129-624-7 Crown leases 1-4-1950 - 28-2-1951", "content_text": "Sec. L/M. B/L. 1845/50\n\nin 30/3181/49.\n\nSAVINGRAM\n\nTo the Secretary of State for the Colonies.\n\nFrom the Governor, Hong Kong.\n\nDate\n\n13 February, 1951.\n\nNo. 3\n\nEncl. A 2/3\n\n54145/4/1/10\n\nEncl. B\n\nEncl. C\n\nEncl. D\n\nYour savingram No. 765 of 2nd August, 1950 and paragraph 5 of my secret savingram No. 99 of the 17th August, 1950. Memorandum from Hong Kong Chinese Reform Association. Renewal of Crown Leases.\n\n1. I regret the delay in furnishing comments. The terms on which 75 year non-renewable Crown Leases should be renewed was the subject of considerable correspondence with you after the war culminating in my confidential savingram No. 217 of 19th March 1949 with which I enclosed a copy of a statement released to the press on the 20th and published on the 23rd February 1949.\n\n2. That correspondence was concerned principally with the Crown Leases of lots on the Peak and Upper Levels on the Island where property had been heavily damaged (largely as a result of looting) during the Japanese occupation. Apart from a representation from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce on matters of detail, the announcement aroused no great public interest and lessees on the Island have since proceeded with the rehabilitation or replacement of their properties, and have in most cases applied for the renewal of their leases on the published terms.\n\n3. The representation made by the Chinese Reform Association to Sir Hilton Poynton is dated on the same day, exactly 18 months after the press release referred to above, as a question put to the Public Relations Officer by the press of which I enclose a copy. The coincidence of the dates gives rise to the assumption that they were inspired by the same source. I enclose also a copy of the reply which was handed to the press on the 15th September 1950.\n\n4. The occasion for this belated memorandum from the Chinese Reform Association is the publication of a further announcement dated the 21st April 1950 regarding expiring Crown leases of Kowloon Inland Lots and Kowloon Marine Lots, of which I enclose a copy. This was followed by letters to the Crown lessees of all Kowloon lots whose leases expired on the 24th June last. I enclose a copy of the standard form of this letter which issued on the 26th and 27th June 1950. The terms of this letter were designed to safeguard the interests of the Crown as ground landlord in the event of any lessee failing to apply for renewal of his lease.\n\n5. I am reluctant to suppose that the gross misrepresentations contained in the memorandum from the Chinese Reform Association are actuated by anything other than its failure to understand the system of land tenure prevalent in this Colony. Despite all the publicity which has been given to this subject both", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-624-7 Crown leases 1-4-1950 - 28-2-1951.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 597618, "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": "CO129-624-7 Crown leases 1-4-1950 - 28-2-1951", "page_number": 4, "title": "CO129-624-7 Crown leases 1-4-1950 - 28-2-1951", "content_text": "Sec. L/M. B/L. 1845/50\n\nin 30/3181/49.\n\nSAVINGRAM\n\nTo the Secretary of State for the Colonies.\n\nFrom the Governor, Hong Kong.\n\nDate..............\n\nNo.\n\nFebruary, 1951.\n\nPage 2\n\n4\n\nbefore and after the war, property owners of all classes have largely failed to appreciate that their tenure is not freehold and that virtually all land is occupied on lease from the Crown as ground landlord, the Crown having of course on the expiry of the lease the normal rights of a landlord incident to leasehold tenure. For the first time in the history of the Colony, the last few years have seen the approaching expiration of a considerable number of non-renewable Crown leases and this has, possibly for the first time, brought about a conscious realization of their position in the minds of lessees.\n\n6.\n\nI find no evidence that the publication of these terms has in any way retarded development. Indeed, full advantage has been taken on the Peak and Upper Levels of the concession of charging a premium based only on land values as distinct from the developed nature of the properties. It is, of course, only to be expected that banks should refuse to accept as collateral properties of which the lease is about to expire; the owner's remedy is to apply for renewal of his lease. The insincerity of the Chinese Reform Association's apprehensions is illustrated by the fact that out of 98 Kowloon lots whose leases expired this year, the owners of only three lots have so far failed to apply for new leases in accordance with the published terms. The Association's lack of understanding of their subject is emphasised by the suggestion that the renewal value (i.e. premium for new leases) should be based on \"the actual returns of the property minus indispensable expenses of maintenance, rates, etc.\". It would be an unwelcome shock to the Association if this were done since the result would then be that the premium would be calculated according to the value (albeit based on actual net returns from the property) not only of the land but also of the building instead of being confined only to the value of the land without any charge for the value of buildings.\n\n7.\n\nI propose to reply to the Association accordingly.\n\nEncls. 4", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-624-7 Crown leases 1-4-1950 - 28-2-1951.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]