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townsmen availed themselves of the opportunity to enjoy a little relaxation from the labour consequent upon the accelerated departure of the overland steamer. The weather was most propitious during the whole period, the sea unruffled, and although the tide was unfavourable, the return voyage was completed in little more than five hours, while the former occupied four and a half. Every attention was paid by those connected with the vessel, of which we can speak from personal experience, as well as of the hospitality of our kind friends at Macao.
Every one on board seemed to enjoy the excursion highly, and the wish was generally expressed that the steamer would make periodical excursions after the despatch of each mail when there is generally little business of an urgent nature to attend to.
Hidden away in the shipping news published on March 6, 1850, was a paragraph of more than ordinary interest. It marked the commencement of American trade with Hongkong, typified to-day by fast luxury liners and commodious freighters. The paragraph read: By a reference to the shipping list, our readers will see that an English ship is laid on and loading for New York. A new feature or rather the commencement of a new era in navigation, and national intercourse. We cannot flatter ourselves that this is a particularly healthy sign, as it very likely arises from low freights to England. But whatever the cause, it is a commencement honourable to the American charterers; and we trust to see some of Brother Jonathan's Skimmers of the Sea showing our vessels the way to England, and if they do drive some slow coaches off the road, we will owe them our best thanks. Fair play, honest rivalry, and may the best men win, or rather may both win!
The year 1905 saw the advent of motor launches in Hong Kong harbour. It was an important innovation, the stepping stone for great changes to come.
The South China Morning Post of January 12, 1905, has the following:
"That within the next few years there will be somewhat of a revolution in the methods at present employed in our busy harbour, there seems to be little doubt. What with the modern turbine and the equally important innovation, the motor launch, great changes may be counted upon.
"We have yet to see the turbine steamer, but the compact, simple and reliable little petrol or kerosene motor is with us, and several local firms are doing all in their power to advocate its advantages over the expensive and uneconomic steam power at present in use.
"Messrs. Moxon and Kew have sold several petrol motors which have turned out very satisfactory. They have just fitted a launch 29ft. by 7 ft. by 3 ft. 6 ins, with an 8 h.p. motor, giving a speed of 8 miles at a cost of 60 cents per hour when running full speed. All expense of fuel ceases when the motor is stopped, and one man can both steer and drive the engine. This launch can seat from twenty-five to thirty persons, is very roomy, and a good sea boat, and has been favourably commented upon whilst running in the harbour lately.
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townsmen availed themselves of the opportunity to enjoy a little relaxation from the labour consequent upon the accelerated departure of the overland steamer. The weather was most propitious during the whole period, the sea unruffled, and although the tide was unfavourable, the return voyage was completed in little more than five hours, while the former occupied four and a half. Every. attention was paid by those connected with the vessel, of which we can speak from personal experience, as well as of the hospitality of our kind friends at Macao.
Every one on board seemed to enjoy the excursion highly, and the wish was gene rally expressed that the steamer would make periodical excursions after the despatch of each mail when there is generally little business of an urgent nature to attend to.
Hidden away in the shipping news published on March 6, 1850, was a paragraph of more than ordinary interest. It marked the commencement of American trade with Hongkong, typified to-day by fast luxury liners and commodious freighters. The paragraph read' By a reference to the shipping list, our readers will see that an English ship is laid on and loading for New York A new feature or rather the commencement of a' new era in navigation, and national intercourse. We cannot 20 flatter ourselves that this is a particularly healthy sign, as it very likely arises from low freights to England. But what- ever the cause, it is a commencement honourable to the American charterers; and we trust to see some of Brother Jonathan's Skimmers of the Sea showing our vessels the way to England, and if they do drive some slow coaches off the road, we will owe them our best thanks. Fair play, honest rivalry, and may the best men win, or rather may both win!
The year 1905 saw the advent of motor launches in Hong Kong harbour. It was an important innovation, the stepping stone for great changes to come.
:
The South China Morning Post of January 12, 1905, has the following:
"That within the next few years there will be somewhat of a revolution in the methods at present employed in our busy herbour, there seems to be little doubt. What with the modern turbine and the equally important innovation, the motor launch, great changes may be counted upon.
"We have yet to see the turbine steamer, but the compact, simple and reliable little petrol or kerosene motor is with us, and several local firms are doing all in their power to advocate its advantages over the expensive and uneconomic steem power at present in use.
*Messrs. Moxon and Kew have sold several petrol motors which have turned out very satisfactory. They have just fitted- e launch 29ft. by 7 ft. by 3 ft. 6 ins, with an 8 h.p. motor, giving a speed of 8 miles at a cost of 60 cents per hour when running full speed. All expense of fuel ceases when the motor is stopped, and one man can both steer and drive the engine. This launch can seat from twenty-five to thirty persons, is very roomy, end a good sea boat, and hes been favourably commented upon whilst running in the harbour lately.
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