The old village of Wongneichong as most people knew it was composed of typical Chinese peasant dwellings, of brick and tiled roofs, but it was probably largely erected in that form shortly after the British Colony came into existence. The dwellings persisted until 1923-4, but had suffered such damage (several houses collapsing) in the heavy rains of the late summer in 1923 when a large part of Happy Valley became flooded that they became unsafe, and when later developments took place the old houses were all razed, and the inhabitants were given newly-built quarters a little further back, which they occupy to-day.
"Bindihi. 'Re Sir Henry Pollock's note on Happy Valley, why is the nullah on that side of the Valley? It seems unnatural. The shortest route to the sea is along what is now Wong Nei Chong Road. I suppose it follows the old creek bed, and there were probably hills where the Hongkong Football ground and Craigengower are. But what I wrote for was to recall the scheme for driving the nullah through the Morrison Hill site, in connexion with the Praya East Reclamation. There was to have been a great drain alongside Homeville and out through one of the new streets to the Praya. While the reclamation was in progress two big culverts were put in for this nullah or sewer; but when Morrison Hill defied removal apparently the whole drainage scheme had to be changed. Bowrington Canal had to be retained and the culverts were abandoned. Some future archaeologist will find them, and wonder what they were all about.'
Several other interesting extracts from the Friend of China and Hongkong Gazette have been forwarded to me by the same correspondent. The following extract is taken from the issue of January 10, 1846:
A circular intimates that the meeting will be held at Mr. Carter's house on Monday to make arrangements for the proposed improvements of the Wong-la-chung (Wongneichung) Valley. More than a year ago several public spirited gentlemen purposed having the valley drained and otherwise reclaimed, so that it would form a good race course or cricket ground. Negotiations with the Government as to the terms upon which the waste would be granted or leased to the public has deferred the prosecution of the desirable public improvement.
We are now given to understand that some definite agreement has been made with the Government, and that the meeting has reference to improvement immediately to be commenced. We do not doubt but that the necessary funds will be subscribed by the community, and next winter Hongkong will have a race course, and racing and other national and manly recreations will be introduced into the youngest British colonial possession.
3.
The old village of Wongneichong as most people knew it was composed of typical Chinese peasant dwellings, of brick and tiled roofs, but it was probably largely erected in that form shortly after the British Colony came into existence. The dwellings persisted until 1923-4, but had suffered such damage (several houses collapsing) in the heavy rains of the late summer in 1923 when a large part of Happy Valley became flooded that they became unsafe, and when later developments took place the old houses were all razed, and the inhabitants were given newly-built quarters a little further back, which they occupy to-day.
Seda
"Bindihi. "Re Sir Henry Pollock's note on lappy Valley, why is the nullah on that side of the Valley? It seems unnatural. The shortest route to the sea is along what is now Wong Nei Chong Road. I suppose it follows the old creek bed, and there were probably hills where the Hongkong Football ground and Craigengower are. But what I wrote for was to recall the scheme for driving the nullah through the Morrison Hill site, in connexion with the Praya East Reclamation. There was to have been a great drain alongside Homeville and out through one of the new streets to the Praya. While the reclamation was in progress two big culverts were put in for this nullah or sewer; but when Morrison Hill defied removal apparently the whole drainage scheme had to be changed. Bowrington Canal had to be retained and the culverts were abandoned. Some future archaeologist will find them, and wonder what they were all about."
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Several other interesting extracts from the Friend of China and Hongkong Gazette have been forwarded to me by the same correspondent. The following extract is taken from the issue of January 10, 1846:
▲ circular intimates that the meeting will be held at Mr. Carter's house on Monday to make arrangenents for the proposed improvements of the Wiang-la-chung (Wongneichung) Valley. More than a year ago several public spirited gentlemen purposed having the valley. drained and otherwise reclaimed, so that it would form a good race course or cricket ground. Negotiations with the Government as to the terms upon which the waste would be granted or leased to the public has deferred the prosecution of the desirable public improvement.
We are now given to understand that some definite agreement has been made with the Government, and that the meeting has reference to improvement immediately to be commenced. We do not doubt but that the necessary funds will be subscribed by the community, and next winter hongkong will have a race course, and racing and other national and manly recreations will be introduced into the youngest British colonial possession.
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