ENG-1951 — Page 154

The opening of Haiphong and Hanoi to trade with Hong Kong enlarged the scope of the Colony's commercial importance, as did the establishment by Chinese capital of the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company (1874). This was followed by the connexion of Hong Kong by cable to Canton, Macao, Shanghai, Foochow and other places. Further provision was made in Hong Kong, at the Praya East, for the expanding city, followed by extensive reclama- tion at Causeway Bay. Some interest in Kowloon took place, the Portuguese community taking a leading part in this enterprise. building of houses on the Peak commenced at this time adding to the residential areas and providing the Colony with a salubrious retreat during the hot season.

The

One of Hong Kong's most interesting contributions to Chinese progress may be said to be the Hong Kong College of Medicine, founded in 1887. Dr. James Cantlie was the fons et origo of this institution. His son relates in his biography of Sir James Cantlie that his father conceived the idea on the voyage out from England, and "the College of Medicine for the Chinese was the result." To this end a public meeting was convened in the City Hall on October 1st 1887. Major-General W. Gordon Cameron, c.B., the Officer Administering the Government, who presided, promoted the new venture by placing the College under the auspices of the Government of the Colony.

The Chinese students were carefully selected, and seven entered the College on its inauguration. "July 23, 1892, may well be called a day of triumph," Dr. Cantlie's wife wrote, "Hamish's great day for the College of Medicine for the Chinese, presenting of licences to practise by the Governor.' It was to Hong Kong, therefore, and its College of Medicine, later to expand into the University of Hong Kong, that Dr. Sun Yat-sen was indebted for the opportunity to acquire the scholastic background which was to bear fruit in China in a momentous way.

The establishment of the Alice Memorial Hospital for Chinese, under the auspices of the London Missionary Society, also dates from this period. It was only one of many contributions by this worthy institution to the amelioration of the lot of poor and needy Chinese.

Another important institution inaugurated at this time (1889) was Queen's College which provided accommodation for 924 scholars, subsequently increased. This school has been the Alma mater of a large number of local boys who later in life were to distinguish themselves in Hong Kong and in other places.

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