Directory_and_Chronicle_1882 — Page 230

MONGKONG.

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There are three daily papers published in English, the Hongkong Daily Press, which appears in the morning, the China Mail, issued in the evening, and the Hongkong Telegraph, a small paper published in the afternoon. There are also two fortnightly papers, which are published on the morning of the departure of the English mail, namely, the China Överland Trade Report (the commercial journal of the Far East), and the Overland China Mail. The Hongkong Catholic Register is a religious paper published weekly. The Chronicle and Directory for China, Japan, &c., app ars annually, an is issued from the Daily Press office. The China Review, which is devoted to reviews and papers on Chinese topics, is published once every two months. The native Press is represented by three daily pa ers-the Chung Ngoi San Po, which is the oldest, published at the Daily Press Office; the Wa Tsz Yat Po, or Chines Mail; and the Tsun Wan Yat Po, or Universal Circulating Herald. There is also a bi-weekly called Kam Sz 1ing Luk. The Government Gazette is published once a week.

Manufactures are represented by two large sugar refineries, the China and the Wanchai, a Distillery, and some native factories. Among the industries pursued by the Chinese are glass blowing, vermillion manufacture, tanning, dyeing; bean curd, tooth-powder, match, cigar and tobacco making, &c.

There are several villages on the island, the larg st of which is Shau-ki Wan, situate in a bay in the Li-ü Mun Pass. Aberdeen, on the south of the island possesses a well sheltered little harbour, much frequented by fishing craft. Two large docks of the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company are situated there, and add to the importance of the place. Pokfolum, on the road to Aberdeen, about four miles from Victoria, is a place of resort for European residents in the hot w ather, and some elegant bungalows have been erected in pleasant and picturesque situations, commanding fine sea views and cool breezes. The sanitarium of the French Missions is located at Pokfolum, and is' a fine building with an elegant chapel attached. Stanley, situated in a small bay on the south-east of the island, was once the site of a military station, but the barracks were pulled down a few years back, and the village is stagnant. There are good carriage roads from Victoria both to Aderdeen and Shau-ki Wan, and a bridle road to Stanley. A good bridle road leads up to the summit of Victoria Peak, with other paths branching off from it along the adjoining.bills. Within the past three years the number of bungalows on and about the Peak has increased so much that they now form quite an alpine village.

Across the harbour is the dependency of British Kowloon. This peninsula was ceded to Great Britain in 1861. It has an area of four square miles, and, though formerly a most aid and desolate strip of land, has latterly made considerable pro- gress. Yau-ma Ti, the principal village, has latterly increased in population, and bids fair to b come an important town. A number of European houses and a club have been erected and numerous gardens laid out at Tsim-sha Tsui, which place is much resorted to by the British and foreign residents. Steam ferries ply regularly between this place, Yau-ma Ti, and Victoria.

The total population of the Colony of Hongkong, according to the census of 1881, was 160,402, showing an increase o: 21,258 since 1876, when the preceding census was taken. The European community was larger by 273, but this increase was in women and children among the British, German, and Portuguese residents. The male adult population had decreased. The total population of the city of Vic- toria was returned at 141,494; that of Kowloon at 9,021; of Shau-ki Wan 3,274; of Aberdeen 1,305; and Stanley 829. The rest of the population is distributed among the smaller villages and the boat population other than in Victcria harbour. The total British and foreign population numbered 7,990, but the residents proper are returned at 3,040, the former figures including the naval and military estabi shments, policy, shipping in harbour, and temporary residents. The Indians and others of nixed blood numbered 1,722.

Hongkong formerly enjoyed a most unenviable no'oriety for unhealthiness, and in years past the troops garrisoned here undoubtedly suffered severely. A great deal of the sickness in the early days of the Colony was caused by excavating and other-