Directory_and_Chronicle_1912 — Page 1171

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

CHIN KIANG

961

1908, but a scheme for waterworks fell through. The water question is particularly important, as the bund in summer is lined with hundreds of native boats, and water for all purposes has to be obtained from the river. This is probably why the port is not as healthy as it should be.

The population of the Native City is estimated at about 150,000. There is a Tartar garrison, and a Regiment of the new foreign-drilled infantry. To the west of the Concession is a handsome temple adorned with a pagoda standing on a con- spicuous elevation, and known as Golden Island. It is interesting to record that in the time of Marco Polo this hill was on the north bank of the river. In 1842 it was an island near the middle of the river, and the British fleet anchored where the railway station now stands.

The net value of the trade of the port for 1910 was Hk. Tls. 25,801,434. The only trade that makes steady progress is the importation of kerosene oil, both the Standard Oil Company of New York and the Asiatic Petroleum Company having installations for tinning. A new paper mill, recently erected and to be run under Chinese management, has not succeeded, and the Electric Light Company, under Chinese management, has not proved lucrative. There are no local industries of importance, and the trade of the port is with the districts to the north of the river. The Commissioner of Customs in a recent trade report opines that it is probable that the port will gradually sink into insignificance and decay, owing to the railway facilities which are diverting its trade to Hankow, Kiaochow and Nanking.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1912 — Page 1171

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