retreat for smugglers and pirates. He declared further that "Her Majesty's Government has sought for no privilege in China exclusively for the advantage of British ships and merchants" and he assured "the protection of the British flag to the subjects, citizens, and ships of foreign Powers that may resort to Her Majesty's possession." Hong Kong was formally occupied, and on January 29th Captain Elliot issued another proclamation declaring that Chinese resorting to the Colony "shall be governed according to the laws and customs of China, every description of torture excepted," being promised the free exercise of religious rites, social customs, and private rights.
The cession of Hong Kong was confirmed by the Treaty of Nanking on August 29th 1842 and the work of building up the new Colony began in earnest. In particular steps were taken to bring the Colony under its own laws, based on English law, putting an end to the temporary and informal arrangements made by Captain Elliot; many aspects of Chinese domestic life continued however to be regulated by Chinese customary law.
Early accounts of life in Hong Kong show that the early colonists had many obstacles to overcome. The new settlement was ravaged by fires, the houses levelled by typhoons, and the population decimated by fevers; yet the administration did not lose heart. Encouragement was given to merchants to build their business premises and residences, roads were laid down, and a town planning committee set to work. Markets and hospitals were built, churches for several denominations were provided, and schools established, all within the space of the first three years.
In spite of the community's efforts The Times on December 17th 1844 complained that "The place has nothing to recommend it, if we except the excellent harbour. The site of the new town of Victoria -named after Queen Victoria the Good-is most objectionable, there being scarcely level ground enough for the requisite buildings, and the high hills, which overhang the locality, shut out the southerly winds, and render the place exceedingly hot, close, and unhealthy.
The feelings of the British community in Macao were mixed on the subject of the new Colony, and most of the principal traders kept up their Macao houses, at least for holidays, until about 1850 after which the number of British establishments in the Portuguese colony dwindled.
Undeterred by these handicaps, the administration applied itself wholeheartedly to its task. At the first census, the population of Hong Kong did not exceed 3,650 villagers and fishermen living in some 20 villages and hamlets, including Stanley, Aberdeen, and Wongneichong, with about 2,000 Chinese living in boats in the harbour. Encouraged by prospects of work, Chinese labourers flocked
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