Directory_and_Chronicle_1883 — Page 234

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HONGKONG.

the Hongkong Telegraph, a smaller 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 Overland Trade Report (the commercial journal of the Far East), and the Overland China Mail. The Hongkong Catholic Register is a religions paper published weekly. The Chronicle and Directory for China, Japan, &c., app ars annually, and 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 pavers-the Chung Ngoi San Po, which is the oldest. published at the Daily Press Office; the Wa Tsz Yat Po, or Chinese Mail; and the Tsun Wat Yat Po, or Universal Circulating Herald. There are also two bi-weekly papers called the Kam Sz Iing Luk and the Wai San Yat Po. The Government Gazette is published once a week.

Mauufactures are represented by two large sugar refineries, the China and the Wanchai, a Distillery, and some native factories. Two mcrc-extensive Sugar refin ries are in course of erection. Among the industries pursued by the Chinese are glass blowing, vermillion manufacture, tanning, dyeing; bean curd, tooth-powder, match, cigar and tobacco n aking, &c.

There are several villages on the island, the largest 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 weather, and some elegant bungalows have been erected in pleasant an picturesque sitnations, commanding fine sea views and col breezes. The sanitarium of the French Missions is located at Pokflum, and is a fine builling with an elegant chapel at ached. 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 ar good carriage roads from Victoria both to Aberdeen and Shau-ki Wan, and a bridle r ad 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 increasel so much that they now form quite an alpine village. The Military have recently erected a sanitarium on the heights.

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Across the harbour is the dep nd ney of British Kowloon. This peninsula was ceded to Great Britain in 1861. It has an area cf four square miles, and, though formerly a most and and desolate strip of land, has latterly made considera le pro- gress. Yau-ma Ti, the principal village, has latterly increased in population, and bids fair to b c me 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 T, and Victoria.

The total po ulation 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 popula ion had decreased. The total population of the city of Vic- toria was returned at 141,494; that of Kowloon at 9,021; of Sau-ki Wan 3,274; of Aberdeen 1,305; and Stanley 829. The rest of the population is distr buted among the smaller villages and the boat population other than in Vict. ria harbour. The total British and foreign population numbered 7,990, but the residents proper are. re: urned at 3,040, the former figures including the naval and military establishments, police, shipping in harbour, and temporary residents. The Indians and others of mixed blood numbered 1,722.

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

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