Directory_and_Chronicle_1908 — Page 1048

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

HOIHOW

929

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 30,000 souls, and is governed by a Tsan-fu, or Lieutenant-Colonel; the population of Kiungchow being 50,000. 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 fourteen years' negotations, and a consulate building has now been erected to the S.W. of the Hospital. Towards the end of 1897 a piece of land was granted and a French Consulate has been built on the Northern side of the river and facing Hoihow town. Since the beginning of 1899 a free school has been opened by the French Government for teaching the French language to the Chinese, and an officer from the Tonkin Medical Staff was detailed to this port for the purpose of giving the natives and others free attendance and medicine. During 1903 a German Consulate was created. The foreign residents at present number about sixty-five. The net value of the trade of the port in 1906 was Tls. 6,737,000, Tls. 6,876,804 in 1905, Tls. 5,018,603 in 1904, and Tls. 4,530,372 in 1903. A large export trade in pigs, poultry, eggs, bullocks and provisions is carried on with Hongkong. The memorable typhoon which on Sep- tember 18th, 1906, played havoc with the shipping craft in Hongkong harbour had the effect of bringing trade at Hoihow to a standstill for several weeks, as two of the regular steamers were wrecked and a third disabled, and the annhilation of small craft led to ex- orbitant rates being demanded by those which later visited the port. There has been some talk among the natives of opening mines, constructing railways, and bringing out timber from the virgin forests of the interior. While all this may not be realised on any scale for some years to come, it has been noticed that foreigners are beginning to explore the island, and the assistant commissioner of Customs opines that the searchlight of modern civilisation will reveal much that is of value to science as well as to com- merce. "Perhaps" he adds, "when this is accomplished it will be seen that this 'Island of Palms' is not the least rich nor the least fertile of China's possessions." The island of Hainan is described as a terra incognita to the world.

The postal service was at first conducted at the British Consulate only; when the Chinese Imperial Post was created, a branch of that service was also established at this port. In the beginning of 1900 a French Post Office was added; the public is therefore well provided for in that respect. Telegraphic communication with the other ports of the world is established through the line under Chinese administration, but the service is most wretchedly conducted the line being more often interrupted than not. A harbour light, as well as one at Lamko (western entrance of the Hainan Straits), were opened in 1894; also one at Cape Cami in 1895.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1908 — Page 1048

Comments

Private Research Note