Directory_and_Chronicle_1904 — Page 1160

ADVERTISEMENT.

GEO. FENWICK & CO., LD.,

Engineers and Shipbuilders,

Praya East, HONG-KONG.

T

HE Island of Hongkong had not been long a possession of Great Britain when the need

of facilities for repairing ships became of pressing urgency. Even in the early days. of the Colony when the greater amount of tonnage passing through the port consisted of sailing vessels, there required to be on hand always a staff of Blacksmiths and Carpen- ters; but with the increased number of steam vessels which the opening of the Suez Canal introduced, and the continual growth of the port, the existence of large engineering shops became essential.

One of the earliest of these was that known as the Victoria Foundry established in the Wanchai district; these works not only catered for the repairing of ships and machi- nery, but vessels of considerable tonnage were constructed there: the shipyard was for years an object of interest to passers by the Praya East, but Government requirements necessitating the filling up of the creek which ran through the property, and closing the drawbridge which then existed, the vessels had to be built elsewhere and the Wanchai Works became engineering shops entirely.

For nearly 20 years the works were in private hands and invariably successful, turning out handsome first-class steam launches and other craft, not only for local owners but for customers in other countries from Australia to Siberia: in every port on the far Eastern seaboard, more especially in the Philippines, may be found vessels built at this famous yard. The works continued to expand, and in 1889 the Company was incorporated under the style and title of Geo. Fenwick & Co., Ld., since when progress has been such that the existing premises have became too small; every foot of space is occupied with plant and stock. and the various shops are crowded with powerful and modern machines capable of dealing with large work such as present-day navigation demands: a staff of skilled Europeans is employed, and nothing but the best materials and workmanship is ever allowed to pass.

As one of the pioneer industries of the Cclony, Geo. Fenwick & Co., Ld., have progressed not by leaps and bounds, but in a steady go-ahead manner which is the surest indication of reliability all kinds of engineering work are undertaken; shipbuilding, either in steel or wood; engines and boilers; constructional work such as wharves, bridges, and roofs; electrical installation, and repairing work of all kinds.

Many of the steam launches about the harbour of Hongkong are productions of this firm ; the steel wharf from which the visitor embarks for Canton or Macoa was erected by them ; and if one desires to penetrate into the interior of China 200 miles above Canton, it will be done on a steel sternwheel steamer built by Geo. Fenwick & Co., Ld.

To anyone interested in engineering and shipbuilding a visit to the works recommended.

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