Directory_and_Chronicle_1879 — Page 286

HOIHOW (IN HAINAN.)

The port of Hoihow, officially known as K'iu g-chow (the seat of the local govern- ment, and distant from its port about three and a half miles), was opened to foreign trade on the 1st April, 1876. "A Vice-consul, who also acts for Germany, represents British interests, and there is a branch of the Imperial Maritime Customs controlling the duties, &c., paid on foreign trade. The position of the port, though geographically favourable, is topographically unsuitable for the development of any extensive commercial trans- actions, vessels being compelled to anchor some two miles from the entrance of the creek, or branch of the main river, upon which Hoihow is situate. The tides are extremely irregular, and the anchorage is liable to the visitation of very severe typhoons, being moreover entirely unprotected from the North. As regards health, Hoihow compares favourably with the other ports of Haiuan, though fever and ague are said to prevail to some extent. The port is badly supplied with water.

The approaches to the shore are extremely shallow, so that loading and unloading can only be carried on at certain states of the tide. Despite this disadvantage, however, the advent of foreign steamers has given a considerable impulse to trade, and qualified judges believe that Hoihow will before long vie with the Formosan ports in impor'ance. The town itself contains about 12,000 souls, and is governed by a Tsan-fu, or Lieutenant-Colonel. The mercantile population, though respectable, is by no means rich. It numbers about 158 business houses (51 Cantonese, 39 Chao- chouese, 2 Fuhkienese, 10 Leichnoese, and 56 Hainanes) dealing chiefly in silk and cotton piece goods, medicines, opium, tobacco, sugar, oil cake, &e. The inhabitants are friendly to foreigners, and no disturbances have as yet interiered with amicable intercourse. The import of opium in 1877 amounted to 725 piculs, and the net revenue of the port was Tls. 63,150.

No foreign settlement has as yet been formed, nor does it appear that any steps will be taken to that end for a considerable time. Full reports upon the capabilities of the port have been made by H.B.M. Consul at Canton and the Secretary of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce.

BRITISH CONSULATE.

KIUNGCHOW.

Acting Consul-James Scott

Constable-Robert Bruce

DIRECTORY.

CHINESE IMPERIAL CUSTOMS.

Assistant in Charge—A. Lay Assistant-W. Hancock

Acting Tidesurveyor and Harbour Master-

J. Poynter

Assistant Examiner--W. G. Harrison Tidewaiters-T. Williamsoa, G. W. Luce

Herton, Ebell & Co., agents-

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

Corporation

Yangtsze Insurance Association. Union Insurance Society of Canton Austrian Insurance Co. "Donau." Second Colonial Sea and Fire Insu-

rance Co. of Batavia

North German Fire Insurance Co.

Scottish Imperial Fire and Life Insu-

rance Company

瑞昌洋行

Sui-chang-yeung-hong.

Herton, Ebell & Co., commission mer-

chants

Edward Herton

H. Ebell (Swatow)

L. Jüdell