ENG-1954 — Page 322

HISTORY

cession of Hong Kong was confirmed by the Treaty of Nanking on August 29th, 1842, and the work of build- ing 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; though many aspects of Chinese domestic life continued 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, the population decimated by fevers and The Times on December 17th, 1844, com- plained 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 administration was undeterred by these handi- caps and steady progress was made. Encouragement was given to merchants to erect 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.

At the first census, the population of Hong Kong did not exceed 3,650 villagers and fisher- men living in some 20 villages and hamlets, including Stanley, Aberdeen, and Wongneichong, with about 2,000 Chinese living in boats in the harbour. En-

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