Hong Kong 1836 – 1842 – part 1 | A Peoples' History 1793

Articles in this chapter are initially from Canton Register whilst later ones are from the Friend of China. They need to be read in conjunction with the China and Opium chapters but have been extracted for those people in Hong Kong who specifically seek for data on their own history.

The first few articles relate to the use of Hong Kong as a smuggling anchorage before its informal and later formal cession to the British. It was the place to which British merchants retired after they were evicted from Macau and their trade with China was perpetually cut-off. They used the anchorage to trans-ship arriving British goods to American bottoms for the river carriage to Canton.

I have left Capt Elliot’s two naval battles – the Battle of Kowloon Bay and his Battle of the Bogue – in the China chapter.

The subsequent articles detail the early history of Hong Kong after its transfer of sovereignty to the British crown. It is regrettably comprised of a rather long list of crimes and punishments which appear due to the island being repopulated with British trading intermediaries who were a rough lot, whilst the original residents largely removed to China to preserve their livelihoods.

Apart from endless robberies ashore and piracies afloat, the new colony was also noted in its early years for a type of summer fever that carried-off a great many residents. The crime spree was eventually contained by registration of small boats and the fatal fevers were diminished by better hygiene.

In respect of smuggling, which was Hong Kong’s raison d’etre, a quotation attributed to ‘the grandfather of free trade’ Adam Smith is reproduced here from an earlier chapter:

“to pretend to have any scruples about buying smuggled goods would be regarded as one of those pedantic pieces of hypocrisy which instead of gaining credit with anybody seems only to expose the person who affects to practise them to the suspicion of his being a greater knave than most of his neighbours.”

Vol 9 No 18 – 3^rd May 1836

Letter to the Canton Register Editor – I recently made a survey of the Pearl River Estuary. We started at Kap Shui Mun (the passage between Ma Wan and Lantau Islands) at the end of which was a perfect harbour. We then went to Lamma which had looked good but turned out to be unprotected from the weather – the best bay (Sok Kwu Wan) was too landlocked. We found a small but good harbour at the waterfall on Hong Kong opposite Lamma (Waterfall Bay, Pokfulam). This had good depth by two entrances. We then looked at Lyemun and, of all the harbours in this vicinity, this is the best. The entrance from Tai Tam is as safe as the Bogue and gives access to deep water passages both north and south of Lintin. Kowloon Bay is an excellent anchorage of 5-7 fathoms over a clay bottom, plenty of fresh water ashore and easy approaches east and west.

These observations lead us to conclude that if England is to occupy any part of South China it should be Hong Kong. If it was a free port it will be the most considerable mart east of the Cape. The Portuguese got it wrong – they accepted shallow water and exclusive rules. Hong Kong has deep water and should be a free port for ever.

Sgd A Passenger

Editor – The survey of the estuary was called by the India Company’s Select Committee to discover the safest passages up the China Sea. It was not then intended to promote an extensive smuggling trade outside the river so not every bay was examined. Indeed a close inspection of the coast would have unsettled the local officials whom the Company was at pains to keep friendly.

Now the situation has changed but what does England want with Hong Kong and its wretched village of poor fishermen (Chek Chu, later called Stanley). If ‘A Passenger’ is suggesting we possess the islet and oust its inhabitants that would be a thievish, cunning and cowardly deed, unbecoming to our country.

Vol 9 No 18 – 3^rd May 1836

Letter to the Editor – Do not decry Hong Kong too quickly. There are fine granite quarries worked by industrious stone masons who will benefit if we fortify the island. There is a thriving fishing village whose business will improve if we move in.^{^[1]}

The present poverty of the Hong Kong people makes them more amenable to us. We can buy their land more cheaply. Sgd Temper

Editor – Hongkong is part of China, we cannot just take it. If we multiply Lintins along the China coast we avoid the restrictive commercial laws by trading at sea. When we go on land we and our native trade partners are oppressed by the government. We do not have to forcibly take and retain an island – that would be piracy.

The China trade is too important for the British government to abandon or leave it subject to the interdiction of the Chinese government. If we seize an island, how can we carry on a trade in Canton within ten minutes walk of the Viceroy’s yamen? It would be too rapacious. We are despondent at British efforts hitherto to protect and promote the China trade but things are so bad they can only get better.

Vol 10 No 34 – 22^nd August 1837

In response to the objection of the Viceroy of the Two Kwong, it is contemplated to remove the shipping from Kap Shui Mun to Hong Kong. This chasing of the shipping from harbour to roadstead and from roadstead to somewhere else should be carefully monitored.^[2]

Hong Kong is a good anchorage but is a long voyage from Macau and Canton. The renewed zeal of the coast guard suggests the shipping may not remain there long either. Whether the ships will be able to return to Lintin in November remains unclear.

These removals weaken our cause and encourage the local officials to believe they can stop the smuggling trade. Whilst the Canton government is enforcing these Imperial orders, we should continue to treat its officers with contempt.

Vol 11 No 39 – 25^th September 1838

Notices:

The Lulworth will sail from Hong Kong for Calcutta on 1^st October. For freight visit Captain Graham at 5 Imperial Hong, Canton.
The Forth will sail from Hong Kong for Singapore and Calcutta on 1^st October. For freight visit L de Souza, 5 Danish Hong.

Vol 12 No 3 – 15th January 1839

Captain Ho Ko Chung, commanding the Chinese squadron at Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, has petitioned the Viceroy on 10th January 1839 as follows:

“A small foreign ship with an awning over her aft deck (a schooner – likely one of the ferries banned from the river) is cruising off western Hong Kong between Apleichau and Green Island. I have sent boats to constantly observe her and prevent native fishermen, etc., from contacting with her.

“Ships that enter the river and go to Whampoa are trading ships. Ships that loiter in the outer waters are smuggling ships. This is clearly a smuggling ship.

“If this ship is attacked by pirates and robbed, the foreigners will assuredly protest and routinely inflate the real value of their claim.

“Please publish an Edict so the Hong merchants can tell the foreigners not to allow their ships to wander around, otherwise they risk being fired upon.”

Viceroy’s reply:

“I order the warjunks to drive this ship away. Should she resist, open fire and destroy her. The foreigners ignore my determination and continue in their old ways. The Hong merchants will again impress on them that ships coming to China for trade must enter the river and anchor at Whampoa.

They will be examined and give a bond that they will not smuggle. Then their trade may commence.

If they bring opium or other contraband they will be driven out and not allowed to sell their contraband in the outer waters. If they disobey they will be attacked by our warjunks.”

Vol 12 No 10 – Tuesday 5th March 1839

Captain E Parry of the receiving ship Hercules has provided a report from the smuggling fleet at Hong Kong harbour, 2nd March 1839:

The government junks have been more numerous and reduced the number of visits our customers have been able to make. A few of the local grog shops that supply our sailors with Sam Shoo on Sundays have been burned down.^{^[3]} There is a rumour that five fire rafts are to be sent against us but I think it unlikely. That is the extent of the difficulties we have.

The senior naval officer asked us to go elsewhere for 2-3 weeks as Commissioner Lin is arriving in about a week. We will leave on Monday morning and probably anchor off the Soko Islands.

Vol 12 No 11 – 12th March 1839

Letter to the Editor – it is apparent that we are approaching a crisis. The terms of our future trade are about to be settled. Opium importation is the paramount matter to the Chinese. It will have to end before any permanent arrangements for the rest of our trade can be made. The Chinese are threatening to end the opium trade on the coast and at Hong Kong (where the receiving ships are temporarily based). The foreigners will struggle to preserve their valuable trade.

One proposal is to withdraw the ships to Manila or Singapore, wait a few months until things are quiet again, and then incrementally resume business.

What about the rest of our trade once the Chinese find they are able by mere Edicts to stop this important branch of it. Will we all be exposed to greater extortion? We cannot conduct reciprocal trade when the Chinese have such an advantage. How can we risk our capital when we will be putting it at the mercy of the Chinese? Opium has been a most lucrative trade due to Chinese connivance. If it is not to be tolerated in future we must either abandon it or conduct it without Chinese assistance. No-one will give-up while there is a prospect of continuing.

The only way we can continue the business is by taking a settlement under British rule on the Chinese coast. Many suitable places exist, not least the Bonin Islands which Britain recently took possession of, presumably with just such an eventuality in mind.^{^[4]} We have repeatedly put this proposal to the British government but Palmerston has temporised and little should be expected. British politicians are anticipating war with Russia in which case maritime trade will be subject to attack by privateers.

The Bonin Islands would make a splendid naval base for a Russian war and could also protect our China trade. The islands are perfect for forcing a trade with north China and south Japan. If they were made a free port, they would quickly become as valuable as Singapore. The islands would also give our south sea whalers a place to refit and allow their exploitation of the fishing grounds off Japan. They would be a better place for the opium fleet to withdraw to than either Manila or Singapore – the Spanish government at Manila has enacted the death penalty on opium offences.^{^[5]} If we uninterruptedly developed opium at Bonin we could grow trade to the size at which the British government must take note of it. Sgd X, Canton, 1st March.

Editor – We should not voluntarily withdraw from Canton as it has been the established port for foreign trade for 70+ years. We should be able to establish our free trade on Taiwan if the other European powers can be brought to agreement. The Chinese are just commencing to subdue the aboriginals, occupy the productive land and develop the island. Their rights to do so are based on superior force – there are no Imperial assertions of a moral basis to the occupation.

The annoying thing is that the Chinese are disinterested in anything non-Chinese. They do not value any of the things we think they should value – our technological, scientific & military knowledge and commercial methods. The British government should recognise the absolute necessity for its interference.

Vol 12 No 13 – 26th March 1839

From the Editor of Canton Register’s diary of events:

Sunday 24th March – We told How Qua today is a holy day and no work or official duties might be performed. He was pleased at the postponement.

Later that morning we received a circular from Capt Elliot:

“I hear you are detained in Canton. I have lost confidence in the provincial government. I require all British ships to assemble at Hong Kong and prepare to defend themselves.

In the absence of HMS Larne, Captain Parry of the receiving ship Hercules (or failing him Captain Wallace of the Mermaid) will command the defence of the fleet.

I command you all to submit to the orders of Parry and Wallace.” Dated at Macau, 22nd March.

Vol 12 No 22 – 28th May 1839

W P Snow, American Honorary Consul, has circulated the following edict of Commissioner Lin, dated 18th May, for the information of the American community:

“Chinese officials have visited the fleet at the Nine Islands to examine the ships but an American ship raised its anchor and sailed away. The details of this ship are to be widely circulated so she can do no more trade in China.

“The foreigners say the Nine Islands anchorage is exposed and they want to move their ships to Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong harbour. Thirteen ships at Macau have been measured and are ready to enter the river for trade but the details of their cargo is not yet known.

“The foreigners speak in general terms in their routine attempts at deception but they have consented to be measured and have applied for a safer anchorage at Hong Kong so we will be compassionate to them.

“The (Chinese) officials at Macau will tell the foreigners they do not need to anchor at Tsim Sha Tsui – all ships may come to Whampoa for trade.”

Vol 12 No 28 – 9th July 1839 (actually published 12^thJuly)

An affray on the Hong Kong waterfront between foreigners and Chinese has caused the death of two of the latter. We await details.

Vol 12 No 32 – 6^th August 1839

Elliot’s notice to British citizens, 5^th August, Macau:

A session of the British Court of Justice will be held on a British ship in Hong Kong harbour on 12^th August.

Vol 12 No 33 – 13^th August 1839 (published 16^th August)

Proclamation of the Tso Tong of Macau, 15^th August:

“The English ships have remained outside and the sailors have been going ashore at Hong Kong and causing disturbance. People have died and Elliot is ordered to surrender the murderer(s) for justice.

“He is also ordered to send the empty opium ships away – 12 of them still remain. Of those ordered away by the Emperor, only Dent’s ships have gone. The other traitorous foreigners keep their ships here spying around and Elliot does nothing to further the Imperial will.

“Now whether the English live on their ships at Hong Kong or reside at Macau their provisions are to be cut-off. The Portuguese at Macau and the merchants of other nationalities are not involved in this. The compradors and servants of the English have three days to withdraw their services and return to their homes.”

Vol 12 No 33 – 13^th August 1839 (published 16^th August)

Elliot called a well-attended public meeting of the English mercantile community at Macau to consider the above Edict. A committee was appointed to identify the way forward.

Editorial – our provisions and servants are to be withdrawn for what? A Chinese was killed in a fight and the law demands ‘a life for a life’. In this case Elliot invited Commissioner Lin to send an observer to the trial of the suspected murderer(s) (the purpose of convening a Court in Hong Kong above) and Lin responded by marching on Macau with a body of troops.

Vol 12 No 34 – 20^th August 1839

The grand jurors empanelled on a ship in Hong Kong harbour on 12^th August to hear the trial of three suspects in the Tsim Sha Tsui murder case are John Harvey Astell, William Bell, George T Braine, David L Burn, Wilkinson Dent, Thomas Fox, Thomas Gemmell, Crawford Kerr, William P Livingston, James Matheson, Peter Scott, John Rickett, Dadabhoy Rustomjee, Dinshaw Furdonjee, Framjee Jamsetjee, Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee and Bomanjee Maneckjee.

Two indictments were presented.

The first was against a British seaman for the murder of Lam Wai Hei on 7^th July at Tsim Sha Tsui village at the eastern end of the harbour. It was ignored by the jurors.

The second was against five sailors for riotous assembly at the same village, for entering private dwelling houses, for searching those houses, for assaulting and wounding the male and female occupants, young and old, and for destroying a temple outside the village. They were all convicted after hearing.

In his judgment Elliot said ‘I have sought for extenuating circumstances as you are all English Christians but I have found none. It was inexcusable negligence to permit such a large party ashore without an officer-in-charge, particularly in the present circumstances.^[6] Two named seamen will be imprisoned in some British gaol for three months and do hard labour. They are both fined £15 and will remain incarcerated until they pay. The other three are imprisoned for six months hard labour and are fined £20, sentences to commence from the date you are committed to prison.

Vol 12 Nos 36 – 39 – 1^st 8^th15^th 22^nd 29^th September

Editorial – our absence from Macau since 26^th August stopped publication of the Canton Register throughout September.

This issue addresses what happened during that month. We will preface those events with details from Hong Kong since 7^th July.

Readers may know that Captain Douglas of the Cambridge was appointed by Elliot to protect British shipping at Hong Kong.

After the death of Lam Wai Hei on 7^th July, Elliot requested us to be more circumspect and to prepare our defences. Social calls between the ships were stopped. People going ashore now go in groups.

On 12^th July Capt Douglas published a reward of £200 for information leading the arrest of the murderer of Lam Wai Hei (provided he was an Englishman) and £100 for identification of the other rioters and their ring leaders. Commanders of ships were severely reprimanded for permitting their sailors ashore in large uncontrolled groups.

On 27^th August Elliot reported the lives of English people were threatened and he had to protect the fleet from surprise attack. In the absence of any military authority he would assume it in addition to his civil duties.

On 3^rd September, Commissioner Lin with the Viceroy of the Two Kwong and Governor of Kwongtung visited Macau.

The Portuguese put out an honour guard of 150 men and fired a 19 gun salute from the Monte Fort. The Bar Fort and St Pedro Fort later also fired 19 gun salutes.

The major commanding the honour guard accepted 400 Taels of silver, 10 cows, 10 pigs, 6 baskets of flowers, 4 jars of wine, 2 tubs of sugar and 4 chests of tea from the Commissioner as gifts for his men. The Portuguese governor prepared a lavish lunch at Monte Fort (the Governor’s palace, his official residence, is in the fort) but the Commissioner declined to attend. The Procurador met the Commissioner at the temple near the bar fort and found himself being questioned:

‘do you know why I have come to Macau?’ ‘To stop the opium trade’;

‘If Portuguese again trade in opium will the Macau government surrender the culprits to China?’ ‘It is not possible to surrender a Portuguese to Chinese jurisdiction whatever offence is alleged.’

In spite of this independent response, the Commissioner conferred the Chinese rank equivalent to the Kwongchow Foo on the Procurador. He then left the temple and passed along Beale’s Lane to the Praia Grande. He proceeded via Rua de Hospital to St Antonio’s Gate (the gate wherein he came) and left the enclave.

On 4^th September Elliot and Captain Smith in the Louisa together with the schooner Pearl and the boats of the Cambridge and some other ships, sailed to Kowloon Bay village for provisions. Elliot is said to have hoisted the British flag and told the warjunks stationed there that it would remain hoisted as an invitation to villagers to bring provisions alongside the British boats. If no provisions were supplied he would deem it due to the presence of the warjunks and the flag would be pulled down signalling the start of an attack on the Chinese fleet.

The villagers did indeed bring provisions to the shore but the warjunk officers would not permit any trade. Between 2 – 3 pm about 30-40 shots were fired by the British flotilla at the warjunks. Elliot used all the gunpowder on Louisa and sent a signal to the Fort William receiving ship to send its boats in assistance. The Louisa then sailed down on Kowloon village and three warjunks were driven ashore. A Chinese petty officer and two men were killed. Capt Douglas and two of his crew were wounded.

Next morning many of the boats of the English fleet sailed on Kowloon village reportedly with the intention of destroying the fort but they unexpectedly changed their minds and returned to the shipping without firing a shot.^{^[7]}

On 12^th September the Spanish brig Bilbaino was fired and burned whilst at anchor in Taipa Roads. According to the Canton Press of 14^th September the ship had anchored in the Taipa at 5 am 12^th September. Later some warjunks approached. On seeing this, the watch officer ordered the Spanish flag hoisted. The warjunks then floated two lighted fire rafts towards the ship which the foreigners avoided by paying-out cable. The warjunks then attacked from ahead and astern using cannon while soldiers boarded the ship at the gangway. Most of the crew jumped overboard and were rescued by the Chinese attacking force. The ship was then plundered and fired. The Spanish Chief Officer was taken away with a chain around his neck. The Boatswain and five other crew were put ashore on a nearby island. 13 other crew were left in the ship’s longboat without oars or rudder. They were later rescued by a boat from the Bar Fort. Six others were saved and four more are detained by the Chinese with the Chief Mate. The Portuguese Governor subsequently approved publication of the following Edict:

“Chinese officials have burnt the Spanish brig Bilbaino on suspicion it contained opium.

The Leal Senado has approved the use of an armed brig to cruise Taipa Roads to preserve order. Any ship with opium is commended to surrender its cargo to the armed brig. These regulations come into effect on 1^st October.”

Sgd Silveira, Pinto, Braga, Silva, Barretto, Leinos, Lima (all the Leal Senado members). 14^th September.

On 10^th September some officials with three Linguists came to Rev Bridgman and took him to the Bogue to interview the Wei Yuen, representing the Commissioner, reportedly to request the American to act as intermediary with the British.

Bridgman returned to Macau two days later.

18^th September was the Emperor’s birthday. The usual ceremonies were held. At a meeting with Portuguese officials, the Chinese said they hoped the difficulties with the English could be soon resolved.

On 24^th September Elliot with Capt Smith of HMS Volage interviewed the Keunmin foo (Prefect) at the Portuguese governor’s house. According to the Canton Press the purpose was to seek for some means whereby British ships could offload. The Chinese require that:

- no opium ship come near Chinese coasts;
- the opium ships and the 16 banned foreigners leave (see the China chapters for names) and
- the murderer of Lam Wai Hei be surrendered.

On fulfilling these conditions the British shipping with legal cargo is welcome to resume trade at Whampoa.

Editor – while this is tempting, we must take a long view of our future China trade. We need the British government to intervene. Then it is conceivable that the Commissioner will remove the ban on the 16 men.

The boat of the Myram Dyaram was chased by Chinese warjunks through the Kap Shui Mun passage (Between Lantau and Ma Wan Islands). Captain MacDonnell of the Psyche was cut off from the shipping at Hong Kong by warjunks and fled to Macau which he reached next day. His crew had to drink seawater and were very tired. The boat departed Macau 6^th September to return to Kap Shui Mun anchorage. On board were Capt MacDonnell, the Chief Officer and 11 other people. The boat never arrived. It is supposed they were captured by Chinese patrol boats in the estuary.

Lin’s proclamation to the Chinese people to resist English landing parties:

“The English are overbearingly proud and oppose Chinese law. The opium smugglers linger at Macau and the empty receiving ships stay nearby. Newly arrived ships bring opium and other goods and remain at Hong Kong unable to enter the river and offload. While there they killed our Lam Wai Hei in a drunken brawl.

“We have repeatedly told Elliot to settle this matter but he opposes our authority. His contumacy and stiff-necked presumption is unsurpassed.

“We have accordingly instructed all local officers on land and sea to intercept any provisions being sold to the English so they may finally be brought to reason.

“The English are now living on their ships in Hong Kong harbour and it may be foreseen that they will sail along the coasts seeking for food and water. If they cannot buy supplies they may attempt to forcibly take them.

“This proclamation is to advise all the coastal people to form groups, buy weapons and defend themselves.

“If the foreigners come to trouble you, it is lawful for you to oppose them, fire upon them, drive them away or imprison them. They are few, you are many.

“But you may not take to your boats and go looking for trouble.” Sgd 31^st August 1839

Vol 12 Nos 36 – 39 – 1^st 8^th15^th 22^nd 29^th September

Elliot’s proclamation, 11^th September:

Commissioner Lin alleges some of the shipping at Hong Kong is engaged in selling opium. I am at the Hong Kong anchorage and I fly the national flag. I will not protect opium smugglers. The smugglers have put our lawful trade at risk and the Commissioner uses their actions to vindicate his.

I now require the commanders of each ship that does not carry opium to attend me on board the Fort William within the next 48 hours and make Oath of the fact. I require all British ships engaged in opium trafficking to depart the China coast.

Vol 12 Nos 36 – 39 – 1^st 8^th15^th 22^nd 29^th September

Petition of the British merchants in Hong Kong harbour to Foreign Secretary Palmerston:

We wrote to you on 24^th May about the outrages of the Chinese but their violence against us continues. Elliot surrendered our opium to them and ordered us to adjourn to Macau where we expected to continue trade under Portuguese protection until you responded.

After three months at Macau we found Lin’s actions menacing and retired to our ships.

Our lives were threatened to secure the surrender of an alleged murderer for execution. He had been involved with other British and American sailors in a fight at Hong Kong. Elliot held a judicial hearing but was unable to fix the death on any British subject. Had we still been at Canton we fear we would again have been imprisoned to secure the surrender of the man.

We have been deprived of servants, food and residences without notice and had insufficient time to bring our necessaries with us. The Macau government at first offered to protect us then withdrew the offer. A British-owned ferry was boarded, five of the seven Lascars killed and an English passenger mutilated. The boat’s contents were looted.^[8]

We protested the Commissioner’s seizure of the property of our constituents in our previous memorial and asked you to display British power so the outrages might be redressed.

Sgd Dent & Co, Bell & Co, D & M Rustomjee, Fox Rawson & Co, Lindsay & Co, Dirom & Co, Gribble Hughes & Co, R Wise Holliday & Co, MacVicar & Co, Jardine Matheson & Co, Jamieson How & Co, Bomanjee Maneckjee, Framjee Jamsetjee, Cowasjee Shaporjee, Bujujee Sorabjee, Hormanjee Framjee, Cowasjee Saporjee Tabac, Burjorjee Maneckjee, Nasservanjee Bomanjee, Pestonjee Cowasjee, Cowasjee Pananjee, Eglinton MacLean & Co, W & T Gemmell & Co, Turner & Co, Cox & Anderson, A & D Furdoonjee, Daniell & Co.^{^[9]}

Vol 12 No 41 – 8^th October 1839

extract

……..all the British rioters in the affray leading Lam Wai Hei’s death were brought to trial, none were missing, but the accused was not convicted. He is a crewman of the Snarley Yow.

The Jurors’ refusal to hear the case may have derived from the fact that the Snarley Yow was not in Hong Kong on 7^th July (date of affray).

Vol 12 No 43 – 22^nd October 1839

extract

The man who was accused of Lam Wai Hei’s murder was serving on the Portia but it was not until two days after his acquittal that Elliot and Capt Smith learned he had formerly served on the Snarley Yow.”

Vol 14 No 7 – 14^th Feb 1841

Reverend Shuck (Editor of the Friend of China) and some other missionaries sailed to Hong Kong (the island of fragrant streams, he calls it) for inspection.

They found Wong Nai Chung has some 400 people. A mile further east was Hung Heung Soo with some 100-120 people. Then for 3-4 miles there was no habitation, just occasional groups of 2-3 families, including at the quarry which was ‘the last place we saw on the north side.’

‘We slept in the ship and next morning returned to Wong Nai Chung and followed a narrow path over naked rocky hills and valleys and frequent streams. After several miles we found a larger stream with several fields along its banks which we followed to Tai Tam, a village of 10-12 families totalling 70-100 people. There was more natural forest here than anywhere else.

‘2-3 miles on was Chek Chu (later Stanley), the most commercial place on the island. It is on a peninsula like Macau with harbours at either side. There were over 1,000 people living there and about a 100 shops and 100 boats in the harbour. We walked back to Wong Nai Chung via a different path and saw a few houses at one point which our guards said were occupied by robbers. They told us we had missed one village called Hong Kong (now Aberdeen), after which the island is named. It is in the SW of the island and has 60 families with about 300 people.

‘In sum, the island has plenty of good water, plenty of good rock for any purposes, small areas suitable for cultivation and numerous fine bays and deep harbours. It appears to represent a substantial foundation on which to build our new colony. The total population appears to be 2,000 – 2,500 people of which 1,000 are in the west and north and 1,500 in the east and south.

‘Several other villages could be seen on nearby islands.’

Vol 14 No 18 – 4^th May 1841

Elliot’s notice of Principles and Conditions of land grants in Hong Kong, pursuant on his (unratified) Treaty of Chuen Pi:

Land will be disposed of in accordance with public need.
Each title will require a certain value of structure to be erected within a reasonable time.
There will be a general reservation of Crown rights.
Pending for further instructions, land will be allotted upon the basis of quit rent to the Crown.
Each allotment will be auctioned publicly at a certain upset rate of quit rent. It will be disposed of to the highest bidder.
Anyone taking land on these terms may purchase the freehold, if HMG offers it, or continue to hold their original quit rent.
Arrangements with natives for cessions of lands may be made only through authorised government officers. Titles must be registered with government.
All natives occupying land must prove title and register it with government.

A sale of town lots with water frontage will be held in Macau soon. Successful purchasers will be entitled to buy rural lots of ….. square acres each. They may choose their own sites. No river is to be diverted.

Sgd Charles Elliot & J R Morrison, 1^st May 1841

Editor – we doubt Elliot has authority to found a civil government on Hong Kong or sell any land. We cannot even say whether the British government will retain the island.^[10]

Vol 14 No 22 – 1^st June 1841

A Tso Tang is an assistant magistrate. He is appointed at busy ports like Macau. For military purposes, Hongkong is included in Tai Pang district, a town to the east of Hong Kong & Kowloon (on the spit of land between Mirs and Daya Bays) where the Tso Tang of Sai Ngon (the sub-district in which Hong Kong is sited) resides.

There is an army commander (Heep Toi) at Tai Pang who splits his time between that place and a government office in Kowloon City. The following is a list of the settlements on Hong Kong with their approximate populations:

Chek Chu 2,000; Shaukeiwan 1,200; Wong Nai Chung 400; Heung Kong 200; etc., totally some 4,200 people plus 2,000 boat people and 800 shopkeepers in the bazaar.

Vol 14 No 25 – 22^nd June 1841

34 lots of land have been sold at Hong Kong on 14^th June 1841 and £3,238 per annum obtained in quit rents. Successful bidders are:

Lot No	£	Successful Bidder
1	20.00	R. Webster.
2	21.20	H. Leighton.
3	32.10	Gemmell & Co.
4	38.10	Holliday Wise & Co.
5	52.00	Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee.
6	52.00	Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee.
7	57.00	Dirom & Co.
8	50.00	A Parsee.
9	43.00	M/s Hooker & Lane.
10	50.00	D & M Rustomjee & Co.
11	65.10	Dent & Co.
12	64.00	Dent & Co.
13	80.00	Lindsay & Co.
14	80.00	Gribble Hughes & Co.
15	111.00	D & M Rustomjee & Co.
16	150.00	Innes Fletcher & Co.
17	140.00	Gemmell & Co.
18	160.00	Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee.
19	150.00	J M & Co.
20	185.00	J M & Co.
21	230.00	J M & Co.
22	35.00	R. Gully.
23	60.00	M/s Jamieson and How.
24	57.00	John Smith.
25	67.00	John Smith.
26	25.00	Framjee Jamsetjee.
27	57.00	Capt Hart.
28	75.00	MacVicar & Co.
29	95.00	MacVicar & Co.
30	100.00	Turner & Co.
31	115.00	Turner & Co.
32	265.00	T. Larkins.
33	250.00	Fox MacVicar & Turner.

205.00

Capt Morgan.

The total of quit rent committed for was £3,238 per annum. This information comes from the Hong Kong Gazette but it is wrong.

The terms of sale were read to the assembled people and the lots immediately put up for sale. If this is A R Johnstone’s first official act (he is appointed Governor of Hong Kong by Charles Elliot a week after the auction) it is worrying. Aliens cannot own British imperial land without the sovereign’s permission but several appear to have won title at this auction.

Some other lots were sold to a total of 50 lots with additional terms apparently related to all lots, e.g:

the buyers will build to a minimum appraised value of £1,000 on each lot within 6 months of sale;
a £500 deposit as security is required with the first year’s quit rent in advance.

Each lot is a marine lot (between the proposed road and the sea) and has a frontage of approx 100 feet but overall sizes vary from 5,400 sq ft to 35,000 sq ft. Many of the purchaser’s names have now changed. It appears there was an immediate secondary market in the titles.

If our quarrel with China ends honourably, we will have to return Hong Kong to the Emperor and all expenses paid in Hong Kong will be forfeit.

A reassuring indication of nascent co-operation amongst the community occurred. One English firm, which desperately needed warehouse space, had already built on Hong Kong before the lots were offered for sale. Friendliness amongst the bidders resulted in no competing bids being made for that part-developed lot.

Vol 14 No 25 – 22^nd June 1841

Charles Elliot’s letter to J M & Co and Dent’s concerning the auction of Hong Kong land:

The response was good. I will move Her Majesty’s Government to pass the lands in fee simple for 1 – 2 years purchase at the existing rates or charge them in future with a nominal quit rent.

I am motivated to provide both Britons and foreigners with enough space at moderate rates as will enable you to accommodate yourselves. Please tell everyone. Sgd. Elliot, 17^th June.

Vol 14 No 26 – 29^th June 1841

On 22^nd June 1841, A R Johnstone was appointed Governor of Hong Kong by Elliot (apparently acting in his own capacity – no mention of Bremer, the supposed Joint Plenipotentiary, on the documents).

Vol 14 No 29 – 20^th July 1841

The self-elected government of Hong Kong has placed advertisements in the Canton Press referring to Victoria Avenue, Government Quay and Government House. This will mislead readers in England.

Firstly, a ship has arrived with cargo for Whampoa or Hong Kong discharge at 30 rupees per ton or Macau discharge at 24 rupees.
Secondly, Government House turns out to be a mat-shed that blew away in the last typhoon. Everything else there is just as temporary. Readers in London should forget Hong Kong and the notion there is a British government ensconced there. It is a mere utopia.

Vol 14 No 29 – 20^th July 1841

Palmerston has received a delegation of City merchants on 21^st April. The group comprised Wm Crawford MP for the City, John Horsley Palmer former Governor of the Bank of England, Wm Jardine MP for Ashburton, Jamieson and Milligan.

They discussed Elliot’s negotiations with the Chinese.

They said they were apprehensive and needed reassurance. No-one knew what Elliot was doing.

Palmerston was not sure either.

The deputation said it spoke on behalf of the merchants in China, Calcutta, Bombay and those interested in East India trade in London. They had all lost confidence in Elliot and wanted to know what the government would do now. They insisted that government policy should consider their commercial interests. They thought none of the objects of the expeditionary force would be met by Elliot’s preliminary negotiations.

Jardine explained the trading systems in detail to illustrate his advice that British trade could unlikely be transferred to Hong Kong. Palmerston mentioned a Petition from Bombay which said “According to the press and private letters, Elliot has made a treaty which abandons our protection. We want to talk with you.” It was signed by 39 Bombay merchants and dated 12^th March 1841 at London. He said it was due to be debated in the Lords.

Editor – Great to see Jardine, with 20 years experience in China, upholding our view on the uselessness of Hong Kong

Vol 14 No 34 – 24^th August 1841

Elliot and Bremer sailed over to Hong Kong from Macau in the Louisa on 20^th August in the teeth of the typhoon that blew away the mat-shed Government House. They were themselves blown back to the west and wrecked on Kow Lan, near the village of Fei Sha, south of the Broadway. The island is in the Wong Leung To group, part of Heung Shan.

At first the Plenipotentiaries were knocked down by the villagers and Bremer was stripped of all his possessions but then a man, who turned out to be an ex-comprador, intervened and took them into his house. He fed and clothed them and eventually brought them back to Macau in his boat.

Bremer landed on the Praia Grande in a red Guernsey frock and drawers. He looked quite attractive from a distance. The price of their freedom was $3,000 (later corrected by the Editor to £3,000). The remaining crew returned later.

It was a terrible typhoon. The barometer fell below 29” on 21^st. The Sylph was lost on Lintin, the James Laing on Kau Yi Chau, the transport Prince George fell to pieces, the Black Joke and Jane were wrecked, the Framjee Cowasjee and many others went aground, the Rose and Snarley Yow foundered. Most other ships were dismasted or remain missing.

Editor – Elliot was sent here as Master Attendant. Had anyone been doing that job, the shipping in Hong Kong would have been properly anchored with open hawses to the N E and damage reduced, but he appointed no-one to the task.

Vol 14 No 35 – 31^st August 1841

Departures per the Company’s armed steamer Atalanta for Singapore, Madras and Bombay on 24^th August (omitted from last issue due to lack of space):

Capt Elliot and family, Commodore Bremer, Capt W Warren, Dr Alexander Anderson and David Jardine.

The San Pedro Fort at Macau fired 13 guns on Elliot’s embarkation. There were no English marks of respect for the departing Plenipotentiary.^[11]

Vol 14 No 42 – 19^th October 1841

Editor – A R Johnstone, the Governor of Hong Kong since Elliot’s departure, is trying to force us into his island. Our letter bags, which are delivered to the Superintendents Office at Macau, are forwarded unopened to Hong Kong although we are in Canton or one or other of the smuggling bases.

The new Plenipotentiary Pottinger has undertaken to act in accordance with our convenience. Well, this is inconvenient.

Vol 14 No 44 – 2^nd November 1841

One of the last acts of the late Lord John Churchill, as Commander of the Royal Naval fleet, was permitting the British storeships then at Kap Shui Mun to hoist the Union Jack.

Capt Belcher, who has been appointed Harbour Master of Hong Kong, has now forbidden it as contrary to Cap 13 of the 4^th William IV which disallows the wearing of any flags usually worn by H M Ships.

Vol 15 No 12 22^nd March 1842

The Editor of the Friend of China in his 17^th March 1842 edition, has reported that pirates in the estuary are said to be directed by influential Chinese who have moved into Hong Kong as their base.

Vol 15 No 12 22^nd March 1842

A list of property owners in Hong Kong, the successful bidders at the first land auction, is given. The Editor says it may not be entirely accurate.

It includes Dent & Co, Dirom & Co, Fergusson Leighton & Co, Fox Rawson & Co, Gemmel & Co, Gibb Livingston & Co, Holliday Wise & Co, Innes Fletcher & Co, Jardine Matheson & Co, Jamieson How & Co, Lindsay & Co, Turner & Co as well as numerous individuals, including Cowasjee Rustomjee, Framjee Rustomjee, Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee, A R Johnstone the Governor, C Markwick, Lt Pedder, Lt Ochterlony, John Slade the Editor of the Canton Register and four Christian missionary societies.

Friend of China 24.3.42 edition

The Hong Kong Gazette, the Government paper, is discontinued from today. Official notices will in future be made in the Friend of China.

Pottinger has proclaimed that the Hong merchants visited him in Macau. The meeting had nothing to do with the Chinese seizure of a boat in the river as rumoured.
First newspaper adverts for wines and timber for ship- and house-building at Hong Kong in this issue.

Friend of China 24.3.42 edition

Editorial – Its astonishing to see a house building boom in Macau when the British will soon leave to live in Hong Kong. If Macau was a free port it might have a future but Hong Kong is advancing more quickly because it offers free and inexpensive asylum with ample protection for persons and property.

Friend of China 24.3.42 edition

23.3.42 – The Australasian Packet sailed from Hong Kong for Namoa (an island off Kwongtung Province near the border with Fukien where the opium smugglers maintain permanent houses and stores) and Amoy with a full cargo of opium.

Friend of China 24.3.42 edition

22.3.42 the East India Company’s warships Ariadne and Hooghly were sent to Cheung Chau after a man was attacked by pirates and his property taken there while he was allowed to proceed alone in a small boat to Hong Kong to get money to ransom his property. His boat was found at Cheung Chau and was seized but no trace of his property remained in it.

The Company’s Ship Officers captured a few islanders as hostages for the return of the property and handed them over to the Magistrate in Hong Kong.

Vol 15 No 13 – 29^th March 1842

A census of Queen’s Town (the informally adopted name of the foreign settlement on Hong Kong Island) revealed the native population is primarily made-up of carpenters, bricklayers & masons (3,000 of them) who are involved in the construction of our homes and warehouses. Apart from them we have 600 hawkers, 500 chandlers, 440 prostitutes, 300 unemployed people, 130 opium sellers and some others in food retail, services and the like to a total of 8,200 residents.

The major village of Hong Kong at Chek Chu is believed to contain about 3,000 people. There are a few hundred in each of the villages of Wong Nai Chung, Little Hong Kong, Shek Pai Wan and some other smaller hamlets making a total of over 12,000.

Vol 15 No 13 – 29^th March 1842

Friend of China, 24^th March – The Hong Kong Gazette, the Government paper, is discontinued from today. Official announcements will in future be made in the Friend of China.
The popular public house for seamen in Hong Kong is Britain’s Boast. The high-class place in town for the ships’ officers, civil servants and merchants is the Victoria Tavern (named in emulation of the prestigious London Tavern)
The Hong Kong population now is believed to be between 15,000 – 18,000

Editor – the recent census is much too small. The boat population is much more than 2,100. A figure of 5,000 boat people is more realistic. Most of this floating population are outcasts from their own country, perhaps liable to punishment under their own laws. Piracy and robbery are big problems here but, apart from that, the risk of injury in Hong Kong is less than in England.

Vol 15 No 13 – 29^th March 1842

Hong Kong shipping report from the Friend of China, 24^th March, showing date of movement, ship’s name and tonnage, etc.

January Ship Movements:

2.1.42

13.1.42

24.1.42

26.1.42

28.1.42

Sri Singapore 85T to Whampoa with opium.

Mavis 113T from Macau to Whampoa with opium.

Young Queen 85T from Macau to Macau with opium.

Sylph 317T arrived from Calcutta with General cargo;

(departed for Macau 2.2.42 with opium)

Caroline 85T to Whampoa with opium.

Young Queen 85T to Macau with opium.

Lady Grant 236T to East Coast with opium.

February Ship Movements:

4.2.42

7.2.42

6.2.42

13.2.42

15.2.42

17.2.42

16.2.42

17.2.42

24.2.42

28.2.42

1.3.42

Harlequin 292T from East Coast with specie for Macau.

Australasian Packet 194T to East Coast with opium.

American ship Anglona 108T to Macau with opium.

Thistle 140T to Macau with opium.

Aurora 90T to Macau with opium.

Young Queen 85T to Macau with opium.

American ship Ariel 105T East Coast with opium.

Anglona 108T to East Coast with opium.

Harrier 163T to East Coast with opium.

Young Queen 85T to East Coast with opium.

Red Rover 250T from Calcutta to East Coast with opium.

Vol 15 No 13 – 29^th March 1842

Pottinger has proclaimed to the merchants of Hong Kong on 22^nd March:

The Hong merchants have visited Macau to obtain agreement for the reconstruction of the fortifications at the Bogue and up the river to Whampoa.

I declined to see them but I sent Major Malcolm to advise them that all such works are not permitted and any rebuilding would cause a resumption of hostilities.

I have asked the navy to watch and, by this notice, request the merchant shipping to report any construction seen.

Friend of China 31.3.42 edition

A Lands Committee was established in Hong Kong in March to compensate villagers for their occupied land; select sites for public landing places; delineate the cantonment boundary, the naval depot and dockyard; and select a watering place. Sgd Pottinger

Friend of China 31.3.42 edition

Editorial – Several Chinese have been killed or hurt while building. We need regulations to prevent dangerous activities on site.

Friend of China 31.3.42 edition

Some readers have enquired if Queen’s Town is to be the name of the city of Hong Kong. We just copied it off the recent government census. It’s a nice name. There are other Queen’s Towns in Jamaica, Ireland and Canada.

Names are important. The capital of upper Canada was long called York but it was too similar to New York and was changed a few years ago to Toronto.

We also want something distinctive to avoid confusion and suggest the Queen’s name – Victoria. It may be considered to prelude a ’victory’ over Chinese superstition, pride and prejudice.

Friend of China 31.3.42 edition

Officers charged with the first British government of Hong Kong:

Pottinger

Alex R Johnstone

John R Morrison

Charles E Stewart

Alex Anderson

Henry Holgate

Major W Caine

S Fearon

G F Mylius

Lt W Pedder

Mr A Lena

Mr Mullaly

Plenipotentiary, Minister Extraordinary

deputy Superintendent of British Trade

acting Secretary and Treasurer

asst Secretary and Treasurer

Surgeon

acting Surgeon

Magistrate

Coroner, clerk of the court, interpreter

Land Officer and Surveyor

Marine magistrate and Harbour Master

asst Marine magistrate and Harbour Master

Postmaster

Vol 15 No 14, 5^th April 1842

Delano, who is US honorary Vice Consul this year, has sent us for publication an official complaint he has received from Admiral Kearney:

The Hong Kong Government Gazette has printed the name of an American ship engaged in the opium trade (see the shipping report above).

The US Government does not sanction the smuggling of opium in violation of Chinese Law. It may not be done in ships flying the American flag. The owners and crew of any American vessel with opium that is seized by the Chinese will receive no support from my naval squadron.

Sgd L Kearney, Commander East Indian squadron.

(This earns a sarcastic rejoinder from Editor Slade of Canton Register in a spoof reader’s letter reviewing the history of American involvement in opium trade)

Vol 15 No 14, 5^th April 1842

The Friend of China of 31^st March reports that some of the successful buyers of marine lots in Hong Kong have complained that the restriction on reclamation of land beyond the high water mark is unreasonable.

This restriction was promulgated by Pottinger in his new Land Regulations.

When they bought their lots they expected to reclaim land beyond the lot boundary to a couple of fathoms where they intended to create a sea wall.

They propose to petition Pottinger for approval to reclaim land from the sea for a modest extra fee.

Vol 15 No 14, 5^th April 1842

The Friend of China also reports on provisions in Hong Kong – food supplies are good.

In the bazaar, all sorts of fish are available. Beef is cheap but mutton is expensive. Pheasants, partridges and venison and other game, all raised on the island of Hong Kong, are available.

On our rambles we have only seen snipe, quail and partridge but have heard there are small deer on the south side. Vegetables are abundant. Bread and biscuits are made locally, even milk and butter are no longer rare.

Goats and cows prosper in Hong Kong but sheep are in such demand they are eaten before they can multiply.

Friend of China 7.4.42 edition

Editor – Many people have told us that the best name for our town is Victoria

Vol 15 No 15 12^th April 1842

Hong Kong Shipping Report, March 1842 (copied from Friend of China, 7^th April)

8.3.42

7.3.42

10.3.42

16.3.42

20.3.42

29.3.42

23.3.42

20.3.42

22.3.42

23.3.42

24.3.42

25.3.42

28.3.42

30.3.42

William 172T opium to east coast.

Harlequin 292T opium to east coast.

Aurora 90T opium to Whampoa.

Young Queen 85T opium to Whampoa.

Ariel (US) 98T opium to east coast.

Arrow 175T opium to Macau.

Hannah Kerr 594T opium to Macau.

Psyche 100T opium to east coast.

Thistle 140T opium to Macau.

Ardaseer 422T opium to Macau.

Australasian Packet opium to east coast.

Arrow 175T opium to east coast.

Poppy 140T opium to east coast.

Primavera 105T opium to Macau.

Rob Roy 380T opium to east coast.

Black Swan 150T opium to east coast.

Sri Singapura 90T opium to Whampoa.

Young Queen 85T opium to Macau.

Maulmein 171T opium to East coast.

Primavera 105T opium to east coast.

Ariel 82T opium to east coast.

Vol 15 No 15 12^th April 1842

Letter of 1^st April from the American Honorary Consul W Delano Jr. to the Editor of the Friend of China – ‘Please publish the attached letter dated 31^st March 1842 from Commander L Kearney of USS Constellation’:

“Your 24/3 edition again reports American ships carrying opium.

I wish you to advise your readers, and the Chinese authorities by translation of this letter, that the US government does not sanction American-flag vessels to smuggle opium into China.

If any such vessel is seized, the US authorities will not assist its owners.”^{^[12]}

Friend of China 14.3.42 edition

Hong Kong’s population is already greater than Singapore’s was five years after its establishment which then numbered 10,683. Singapore’s progress was delayed by a lack of official recognition and it took a treaty with the Netherlands and the Sultan of Johore before its possession was finally confirmed. That is why they were slower than us to get started.

Vol 15 No 14, 5^th April 1842

The Friend of China reports that Pottinger appointed a Lands Committee in March to assess compensation to existing Hong Kong villagers for our assumption of their land titles; to select sites for public landing places; to delineate the boundary of the military cantonment, naval depot and dockyard; and to select a watering place.

Vol 15 No 16, 19^th April 1842

Proclamation of the Hong Kong government, 23.3.42:

Spanish, Mexican and other silver dollars, their component parts, Company Rupees and their component parts and Chinese copper cash are the legal tender of the colony. All dollars are valued at par. The following exchange rates are fixed

2¼ Company Rupees

533 cash

1,200 cash

1 Company rupee

Vol 15 No 16, 19^th April 1842

Friend of China, 14^th April – The fire risk in Hong Kong is grave although not as grave as at Canton. The land officers have proscribed the construction of mat houses by Chinese immigrants and required them to rebuild in brick.

Chinese artisans cannot afford this and are moving up the hill beyond the British area. Already streets are appearing on the hillside where it had previously appeared too precipitous to build.

We hope insurers will set up offices here soon. At present growth rates, the value of European housing, personal effects and merchandise will exceed $5 millions by the end of this year.

Friend of China 28.4.42 edition

Petition of some major British merchants at Macau to Pottinger dated 4.4.42:

The Spanish pilar dollar has become scarce and is no longer minted. We ask the Plenipotentiary to make Mexican and other Republican dollars the standard in government and mercantile transactions at Hong Kong and places in China occupied by Her Majesty’s forces. This might in time encourage the Chinese to cease discriminating between the various coins.

Sgd J M &Co, Dent & Co, Ferguson Leighton & Co, MacVicar & Co.

Pottinger replied 27.4.42:

I agree, but this has no effect on my previous instruction about legal tender in Hong Kong.

Editor – it is seven years since George Best Robinson wrote Pam of his ‘unfeigned regret at the dissensions and violent party spirit that so fearfully prevailed among the mercantile community.’

Now the merchants are combining!

Friend of China 28.4.42 edition

Reports from London describe Hong Kong as the valley of death because of sickness and the high mortality rate amongst the troops.

Friend of China 5.5.42 edition

Powers of Hong Kong Magistrates (land and sea):

William Caine, brevet Major in the Cameronian (26^th) Regiment, Chief Magistrate of Hong Kong, is empowered to exercise authority, as near as may be, according to the laws, customs and usage’s of China (every description of torture excepted) for the preservation of the peace and the protection of life and property of all the native inhabitants, etc.

Any crime attracting an award of 6+ months gaol, $400+ fine, 100+ lashes or death will be remitted to the head of government for confirmation of judgment.

In all cases involving punishment or sentence you will keep a record of the brief facts.

You also have authority over other people (excluding Chinese forces and Her Majesty’s forces) committing breaches of the peace. Any army personnel committing offences will be handed over to the military.

You will investigate all cases of debt up to $50 yourself. Cases up to $200 will be investigated and referred to head of government for disposal. When you confine debtors to elicit payment you will advise the head of government.

William Pedder, Lieutenant of the Royal Navy. Similar jurisdiction for breaches of the peace, felonies and debt in the harbour (same restrictions as Caine). Penalties of 1 month gaol, $100 fine, 36 lashes and death to be confirmed by head of government.

Friend of China 5.5.42 edition

Any land sales made by holders of grants issued after the recent land auction must be registered with the Land Officer to be valid.

Friend of China 19.5.42 edition

It has belatedly been recognised that we also should have requested the cession of Kellett Island from Keshen to prevent the Chinese establishing themselves on it. A fort will be constructed there and garrisoned with a platoon commanded by a lieutenant.^{^[13]}

Friend of China 19.5.42 edition

Rumour – General Burrell is to be Governor of Hong Kong while Pottinger is away in the North. The Editor thinks we should instead have A R Johnstone to whose “unremitting exertions and earnest devotedness, the present prosperity of our colony is mainly owing”.

Vol 15 No 22, 31^st May 1842

Friend of China, 19^th May – Lt Benjamin Fox R N, 29 years, 1st Lieutenant of HMS Nimrod is the officer killed on the heights of Canton on 24^th May 1842.

A memorial to him has been erected on the Hong Kong waterfront.^{^[14]}

Vol 15 No 22, 31^st May 1842

Editorial – The unprofessional conduct of the police at Hong Kong has caused Pottinger to discharge the entire force and replace it with soldiers. These men have also proved inadequate to the task and robberies are out of control. Hong Kong still lacks its own legislature and is fundamentally a garrison town.

The appointment of the magistrate seems ultra vires. The chief magistrate (Caine) has jurisdiction over the Chinese only. The marine magistrate (Pedder) has jurisdiction over everyone who is not in the armed forces.

Thus any English civilian may be imprisoned for a month or fined $400 or lashed 36 times on the order of Pedder for breach of any of the regulations.

We hear Major Caine will soon rejoin his regiment – that will be the time to review these magisterial powers.

Friend of China 2.6.42 edition

3 privates of the 49^th regiment have been caught robbing a Chinese family in Hong Kong.

Many Chinese inhabitants report there have been numerous similar events before but as the criminals are soldiers they have kept quiet.

Vol 15 No 23, 7^th June 1842

The Land and Road Inspector of Hong Kong (G F Mylius) is replaced by Edward Grascott Reynolds effective 1^st May 1842. Reynolds has been told that all land sales are prohibited (Mylius had his land sales approved by Johnstone).

If Reynolds finds anyone building anything anywhere he is to stop the works and report to Johnstone. His job is not to sell land but to keep the roads, bridges and drains in order and ensure those civil works presently authorised for construction are well made.

He is to maintain and keep clean the public watering places, jetties and the market. No nuisances are permitted. If he encounters any difficulty he is to tell Johnstone or ask the magistrate to send police.

Editor – we thought the market building was a private building erected by the marketeers themselves!

Friend of China 9.6.42 edition

Hong Kong burglaries:

Mr Pybus’ godown, Captain Duus’ godown, Mr Kinsley’s godown, the French consul’s godown, the Victoria Hotel, and the naval commissariat stores have all been burgled by gangs from Kowloon who come across the harbour in boats at night.

They scratch out the mortar and remove bricks from the walls to gain entry. This might happen less if our municipal police force had not been summarily disbanded.

Friend of China 9.6.42 edition

We hear capitalists in London are arranging to open a bank here in Hong Kong.

The convenience of paper money is attractive but all the colonial banks print too much, then the money gets too cheap and trade turns into mad speculation. Finally the bank reduces the issue, credit tightens and a panic ensues.

This has happened repeatedly in England and America and we don’t want it here.

Vol 15 No 24, 14^th June 1842

Friend of China of 16^th June reports Mr Dutronquoy of the London Hotel in Singapore has opened a London Hotel in Queen’s Road, Hongkong.

Friend of China 16.6.42 edition

Hong Kong burglaries:

Mr Almack’s China house, Townsend and Co’s godown, D. Wilson and Co (of Calcutta)’s premises have all been burgled this week. Some stolen property was found at the waterside which suggests it might be the same Kowloon gang as last week. There are reports of similar burglaries in Macau as well.

Carpenters living at and employed on buildings near Townsend and Co’s godown knew of that crime but kept quiet as they said they themselves would have been attacked if they raised the alarm.

One thief was caught and sentenced to 60 strokes of the bamboo (the revised punishment instead of the lash). Fortunately the attacks are only on property and not on the person.

A few weeks ago the burglars forced open the treasury of ‘an eminent firm’ in Macau and stole silver but the firm is keeping it quiet.

Vol 15 No 25, 21^st June 1842

Since Pottinger arrived he has had a fresh-fish market built in Hong Kong. There is also Major Malcolm’s Canton Bazaar for other provisions.

Malcolm’s Bazaar was built on one of the lots sold by Johnstone to an English company in the early days. When the buyer could not produce evidence of ownership, the lot reverted to government, which did not want it and it was sold a second time, on this occasion to Malcolm, who built the Bazaar.^[15]