Directory_and_Chronicle_1903 — Page 1248

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

MACASSER

Macasser, the capital of Celebes and dependencies, is situated 119° 24′ E. longitude and 5° 8'S. latitude. The population numbers 21,399, of whom 942are Europeans, 4,202 Chinese, 119 Arabs, 92 other foreign Orientals and 16,044 natives. As the princi- pal centre of the trade in the North-Eastern part of the Archipelago, the place has great importance. A new quay, 500 metres long, is in course of construction, together with new custom houses and entrepôts. Macasser is going to be closed as a free port, remaining open for general trade, The fort Rotterdam commands the roadstead and the northern and southern entrances. The place is nicely built, a fine lane with tamarind trees forming the thoroughfare of the principal part, where the Government House and other public buildings are situated, and leading on both sides to large squares covered with grass, the Konings Plein and Prins Hendrik Plein. The busy part of the place is Passar Street, where houses with colonnades give the impression of a town of southern Europe. Near the European Settlement the natives have made their villages. The surrounding country is low and marshy and covered with rice fields and kampongs. The mountains, with the Peak of Bonthain in the distance, afford a fine view, especially in the evening when they are not covered by the fogs that rise from the plains.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1903 — Page 1248

Comments

Private Research Note