Directory_and_Chronicle_1923 — Page 1142

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

MACAO

1077

as it is called, the contract provides that a channel is to be dredged to the deep-water channel-a distance of approximately three miles. This channel will be about 100 feet wide at the bottom, and 21 feet deep.

The Hongkong, Canton, and Macao Steamboat Company run two steamers daily between Macao and Hongkong. A Chinese company runs a regular steamer daily between Hongkong and Macao. Between Macao and Canton there is a daily steam service. The distance from Macao to Hongkong is 40 miles, and to Canton 88 miles. Macao is connected with Hongkong by telegraph. The population of Macao, with its dependencies of Taipa and Colowan, according to returns made in 1920, was-Chinese, 79,807; non-Chinese, mostly of Portuguese extraction, 3,915 - a total of 83,722. Macao is garrisoned with Portuguese troops.

On May 27th and 28th, 1922, a serious conflict occurred between Chinese residents of Macao and the Portuguese authorities. It arose out of a contretemps between an African soldier and a Chinese woman, as a result of which the soldier, who was roughly handled, and his assailant were arrested by the police. An angry crowd demanded the release of the Chinese in custody and stoned the police station. Owing to this riotous conduct, the military were sent for and were stoned and tired upon as they made their way to the police station. On arrival, they were besieged by the crowd, the approaches were barricaded, and no food or other supplies were permitted to reach them. After the lapse of 15 hours another platoon of infantry was sent to relieve them. The officer in command was grievously assaulted, an African soldier was shot dead, and an attempt was made to overwhelm the relieving force, which then opened fire and killed and wounded a number of the rioters. The mob quickly dispersed, but a strike followed as a protest.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1923 — Page 1142

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