Directory_and_Chronicle_1891 — Page 701

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

304

BANGKOK

in the wet season, the Charurn Krung, extends from the Palace walls to Bangkolem, and a telegraph line connects the Light-house at the Bar beyond the mouth of the river with the business portion of the city. Bangkok is connected, through Saigon, with the rest of the world by wire, and a line to Lower Burmah has since been completed. The principal trade of Bangkok, and the foundation on which not only its prosperity but its actual existere mainly rests, is rice. This article is drawn in immense quantities, not only from the innumerable fields which line the fertile valley of the Menam, but from the adjacent rivers which flow into the Gulf from the enormous watershed of the moun- tain crescent which fringes the northern extremity of the kingdom. The outturn of this grain in favourable years is scarcely to be calculated. It not only furnishes support to the native population of Siam and the Malay Peninsula, but supplies China, Manila, the Straits, and even Java and Sumatra. There is also a large and flourishing trade in teak- wood and ivory, with very many other minor articles of native produce which are exported to China and the Straits. The steamers of the Scottish Oriental Steamship Co. keep up regular communication with Hongkong, (occasionally leaving and return- ing via Swatow and the Straits Settlements), besides special boats only running during the rice season; while another line of steamers connects the kingdom with the Straits Settlements.

The public buildings and institutions include the British Consular Church, a Roman Catholic Cathedral, several Missionary Chapels both Protestant and Catholic, two Hospitals, a Ladies' Library, several Schools under Government, Assumption College, managed by the French Roman Catholic Mission, liberally patronised by the King, and assisted by the community generally. There are two Hotels, one a new one on a hand- some scale; also a club called the Bangkok United Club. The King's palace, the temples, and public buildings are magnificent and on a large scale. The architecture is of a kind peculiar to the country, and there is much more of novelty and interest to be witnessed by passing travellers in Bangkok than can be found in Chinese cities. Tramways were introduced in 1888, and have proved financially successful. The population of Bangkok is estimated at 350,000. There are about 400 foreigners in Siam, most of whom are resident in Bangkok, and of whom 160 are British subjects. The number of Asiatic British subjects in Siam is estimated at about 30,000.

The harbour and island of Koh-si-chang, which lie some 20 miles from the bar and about 50 miles from Bangkok, are fast rising into places of considerable importance. The harbour, formed by a strait of sea running between islands, offers a fine anchorage for vessels loading rice and teak during the south-west monsoon, or from April to the end of October. The largest ships can take shelter there. An hotel and a government sanatorium have lately been erected on the island.

The imports during the year 1889, as reported by the Custom House, amounted to $9,559,541 as compared with $10,872,016 in 1888; the exports to $13,717,676 as compared with $16,342,026 in 1888. The cause of the decline in values was mainly due to the falling off in the treasure imported and exported. The principal imports were piece goods and opium, the principal export rice.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1891 — Page 701

Comments

Private Research Note