Directory_and_Chronicle_1926 — Page 992

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

HOKOW

Hokow was opened to foreign trade by the Supplementary Convention betweers China and France of 20th June, 1895. By the terms of the agreement France was to establish a Vice-Consulate and China a Customs House at Hokow, these stipulations being carried out in August, 1896, and July 1897, respectively. The Vice-Consulate isti subordinate to the Mengtsz Consulate and the Hokow Customs are under the control of the Mengtsz Commissioner, and the value of the trade is not separately stated in the Mengtsz Customs returns.

Hokow is picturesquely situated on the left bank of the Red River at its confluence with the Nanhsi River-commonly called the Namti-and lies immediately opposite Laokay, an important garrison town in Tonkin. The native town has a population of about 4,000, mostly living in bamboo houses and thatched huts; some good semi- foreign style buildings have, however, been built during the last few years. An iron railway bridge across the Nanhsi River was completed in 1902, and connects Hokow and Laokay. Hokow is about 420 li by land from Mengtsz, which can be reached after a train journey of about 8 hours through magnificent country.

The climate is very unhealthy and new residents soon feel its undermining effects. In summer, when it does not rain it is hot and trying, whereas rain is accompanied by a damp, mildewy, uncomfortable atmosphere which becomes even more disagreeable as soon as the sun reappears. The main climatic feature, by no means a pleasant one, ist what is generally known by the French as “Le Crachin," a thin, fever-carrying drizzle, which falls in winter and spring. The thick, tropical vegetation is kept moist, and a light and extremely dangerous mist overhangs everything. The dreaded Hokow Fever is rampant and claims numerous victims amongst the natives. Foreigners manage to recover by taking large quantities of quinine.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1926 — Page 992

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