Directory_and_Chronicle_1869 — Page 617

362

HONGKONG.

of the least pretension sends its stream to the cultivated grounds near the shore, where a portion is retained for irrigation and the remainder is permitted to find its way to the sea.

The population of Hongkong, in 1841, was only 5,000, but in 1861 it amounted to 119,321, of whom only 1,557 were European, and the remainder Chinese. In 1860, the total number of vessels entered was 1,534, amounting to 875,199 tons, of which 272 vessels, 160,410 tons, were in ballast. The native boats frequenting the island import sugar, alum, sulphur, nut-oil, provisions, &c.; taking in exchange opium, manufactured goods, and saltpetre.

The shores of Hongkong, are indented by numerous bays, of which the most con- siderable are on its south-east shore. There is good anchorage throughout the entire channel between the island and the main, except in the Ly-ee-moon pass, where the water is deep; but the best anchorage is in Hongkong roads, in front of the settlement, where the depth is from 5 to 9 fathoms over good holding ground. During the Typhoon months the anchorage in the northern part of the roads is considered perferable, in consequence of the shelter afforded by Kowloon peninsular to the north-east, the point from which the wind blows hardest. The inner anchorage in Victoria bay is in 6 and 7 fathoms water, about half a mile off shore, abreast the ordinance jetty, where a vessel will be sheltered from the eastward by Kellett's Island and the rocks off east or Matheson point, and be out of the strength of the tide.

Aberdeen Dock.-Aberdeen or Shekpywan harbour is a narrow inlet formed between the south-west shore of Hongkong and a small island off it named Aberdeen or Taplichau. On the Hongkong shore of the harbour is a private graving granite dock, with caisson gate 60 feet wide. The dock is 310 feet long on blocks, and 335 feet at top, 42 feet wide at bottom, and 78 feet at top, and depth on sill is 18 to 18 feet at springs, and 15 to 16 feet at neaps. From October to January inclusive the average is 18 feet at springs, and about 17 feet for the remainder of the year.

A new granite dock called the "Hope Dock," in honour of Admiral Sir James Hope, was opened on the 15th of June, 1867, by H. E. the Governor, Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell. The length is 425 feet, breadth 90 feet, caisson gate 70 feet wide, depth over sill 21 to 24 feet.

The patent slip laid down in 1847 at East or Matheson point, on the northern shore of Hongkong, was at that time capable of taking vessels of 600 tons, but now only those of 400 tons..

Tides.-It is high water, full and change, in Hongkong roads at 10h. 15m., and springs rise about 4 feet. The tides around the island are irregular, flowing and ebbing without any apparent change of direction at the surface, and sometimes there appears to be only one tide in 24 hours.

Directions.-Hongkong road is generally approached by sailing vessels from the westward, on which sides it is protected by Green Island and Kellett Bank, which extends nearly 11⁄2 miles northward from the latter island, and carries a depth of 31⁄2 fathoms. It is sometimes approached from the eastward through the Ly-ee-moon Pass during the N.E. monsoon, but the winds are generally baffling under the high land.

When abreast Green Island, if the vessel be of heavy draught, keep the peak of Lamma Island (Mount Senhouse, 1,140 feet high) open westward of Green Island S. E. until Devil's Peak (on the mainland near Ly-ee-moon Pass) is in the line with the White rock on the south point of Won-chu-chau, or Stone-cutter's Island, when a S. E. by E. course will lead northward of Kellett Bank, and direct for the anchorage.

Vessels of proper draught can proceed over Kellett Bank or through that 4 fathoms channel between Green Island and the south part of the bank, by passing about 11⁄2 cables northward of the Island, and then steering for the road.

The narrow channel between Green Island and Hongkong, may be taken if a fresh fair wind blows right through. Many sailing vessels have used it, amongst which were H.M.'s ships Modeste, Wellesley, and Vernon. It has depths of 10 to 12 fathoms in the middle, shoaling to 8, 6, and 4 fathoms after passing the small islets eastward of Green Island.

Tytam Bay and Harbour.-There are several small bays on the southern shore of Hongkong, all of which are safe for small vessels; but at the south-east part of the