HOIHOW (IN HAINAN)
Kiung-chau
Hoi-hau
Hoihow is the seaport of the city of Kiung-chow (the seat of government in the island of Hainan, and distant from its port about three and a-half miles) which was opened to foreign trade on the 1st April, 1876. The position of the port, though geographically favourable, is topographically unsuitable for the development of any extensive com- mercial transactions, vessels being compelled to anchor some two miles from the entrance of the creek, or branch of the main river upon which Hoihow is situated. The tides are extremely irregular, and the anchorage is liable to the visitation of very severe typhoons, being moreover entirely unprotected from the north. The width of the Hainan Straits, between Hoihow and the mainland-the Lien-chau peninsula—is about twelve miles. As regards health, Hoihow compares favourably with other parts of Hainan, though fever and a gue 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. The town itself contains about 12,000 souls, and is governed by a Tsan-fru, or Lieutenant-Colonel; the population of Kiungchow being 41,000. The native mercan- tile population, though respectable, is by no means rich. No foreign settlement has as yet been formed, and with the exception of the Roman Catholic Orphanage erected in 1895, and the American Presbyterian Mission Hospital and doctor's, residence, the houses occupied by the foreign residents are Chinese converted into European habitations by alterations and improvements. H.B.M. Consulate obtained a site after 14 years' negotiations, but this having been found unsuitable another site contiguous to the Roman Catholic Orphanage was secured in the latter part of 1896. This was again found to be unsuitable, and another plot of ground to the S.W. of the Hospital was selected. The erection of a building for the Consulate has been com- menced and is expected to be completed in May, 1899. Towards the end of 1897 a piece of land was granted to the French Government for the construction of a Con- sulate; this site is situate on the Northern side of the river and facing doihow town. The building is approaching completion and will be ready for occupation early in 1899, The foreign residents at present number about thirty. The net value of the trade of the port in 1897 was Tls. 3,300,239, in 1896 Tls. 2,760,185, and in 1895 Tls. 2,385,173. A large export trade in pigs, poultry, eggs, and provisions is carried on with Hong- kong. A steam plant for the preparation of albumen for the European market was established by a French firm in 1896. It has recently been bought by Messrs. A. Schombury and Company, who are making preparations to run the concern on im- proved principles.
A harbour sight and one at Lamko (western entrance of the Hainan Straits) were opened in 1894; and one at Cape Cami in 1895.
DIRECTORY
AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN MISSION
Dr. H. M. and Mrs. McCandliss Rev. Frank P. and Mrs. Gilman Mrs. Melrose
Rev. P. W. and Mrs. McClintock Rev. Wm. J. Leverett
Dr. E. D. and Mrs. Vanderburgh Rev. C. H. and Mrs. Newton Rev. W. M. and Mrs. Campbell Miss Etta M. Montgomery Miss K. L. Schaeffer
CONSULATES —
FRANCE (Kiungchow)
also
PORTUGAL-in charge of interests of
Vice-Consul—G. C. Kahn (enmission)
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Acting Vice-Consul-J. Beauvais Chinese Writer-Tong Fou Ping Annamese Writer--Tran Si Có
GERMANY
In Charge-J. F. Schoenicke
GREAT BRITAIN (Kiungchow)
also
AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, Consulate
Act. Consul-P. E. O'Brien Butler Postal Agent-E. G. Burke Constable-E. G. Burke
CUSTOMS-IMPERIAL MARITIME
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Commissioner-J. F. Schoenicke Assistant-E. H. de Ste. Croix
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