HOKOW
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Hokow was opened to foreign trade by the Supplementary Convention between China and France of 20th Junc, 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 is 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.
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The climate is very unhealthy and new residents soon feel its undermining effects. In sunimer, when it does not rain it is hot and trying, whereas rain is accompanied by a damp, uncomfortable atmosphere which becomes even more disagreeable as soon as the sun reappears. The main climatic feature, by no means a pleasant one, is 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. Malaria is rampant and claims numerous victims amongst the natives. Foreigners manage to recover by taking large quantities of quinine. During the summer, foreigners go to Chapa, a summer resort in Tonkin (Altitude: about 1,700 metres; distance from Laokay; 37 kilometres). Since the bridge over the Red River has been finished, a regular motor service is working between Chapa and Laokay: 2 companies (Veyrenc et Cie. and Schneider et Cie.) maintain this service.
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DIRECTORY
關分口河
Ho kow fên kwan
'INESE MARITIME CUSTOMS (Sub-Office of Mengtz Customs
Officer-in-charge-A. T. Powell
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