HF: Three industries which once flourished in Hong Kong, were salt making, incense tree cultivation and pearl fishing. Of these, pearl fishing was probably the oldest and the waters of the so-called ‘Tai Po Sea’ were fished for pearl oysters as early as the Han Dynasty. The term ‘Tai Po Sea’ referred loosely to all offshore waters around the New […]
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HF: IDJ has sent the photographs below from his collection taken during his time in Hong Kong. ”Bamboo scaffolding is highly preferred in Hong Kong for several reasons. Firstly, it offers significant advantages over steel scaffolding. Bamboo is lighter, more flexible, and readily available in the region, making it a cost effective option. Moreover, bamboo is an enviromentally friendly choice […]
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HF: The first phase of Hong Kong’s light rail transit (LRT) system opened in September 1988, providing a fully integrated transport service for the fast growing northwestern region of the New Territories. Designed as a high-capacity carrier yet providing a comprehensive network of services, the system features a large number of stopping points located in commercial, industrial, and residential areas. […]
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IDJ has sent an article, The Development of Rail Transport in the Logging Industry, which is about Borneo. This briefly mentions a Taikoo dockyard steam locomotive being used by the British Borneo Timber Company around the 1920s. “It is also believed that the BBTC later added a second steam locomotive of unidentified manufacture Taikoo No. 1, purchased second hand from Hong […]
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HF: The Peak Tram is arguably the most enduring emblem of Hong Kong’s unique past. It has seen war, been featured on films and television and played host to numerous dignitaries. Planning the First Tram By 1883 Hong Kong’s population had reached 173,475 with some 30-40 families calling the Peak their home. Although the Peak Hotel had opened in 1873 […]
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HF: “Francis Richard Marsh was born on the 30th August, 1876, and was educated at St. George’s School, Harpenden. [He was the son of Richard Brewster Marsh and Alice Marsh] After receiving his practical training with the Coalbrookdale Co. he was employed for a short time as a draughtsman by Ferranti, Ltd. In 1899 he joined the staff of Preece […]
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HF: 1962 saw the release of the first officially designed envelopes for first day covers, marked with ”Official First Day Cover”, for the 100th anniversary of the first postage stamp of Hong Kong. Prior to 1962 there were no official designs other than the postmarked date, and envelopes were designed instead by hobbyists such as the Hong Kong Philatelic Society […]
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HF: Desalination (or “Desalting” as it appeared to be called at that time) was a source of water in Hong Kong between 1975 and 1981. A large desalination plant was commissioned at Lok On Pai, near Tuen Mun, in 1975, but was decommissioned in 1981 because its operation was more expensive than importing water from Dongjiang in China. A Water Supplies […]
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HF: Thanks to SCT for proofreading the following retyped article. Post-war 1945-1997 Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, and postal service under the British resumed on 25 August, initially for free. No stamps were available, so octagonal hand stamps inscribed with Hong Kong 1945 postage paid were later used in lieu of stamps. In early September, the government rediscovered the […]
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HF: Alfred Herbert Rennie, came to Hong Kong from Canada as the sales representative of the American Company, Portland Flouring Mills. He started the Hongkong Milling Company in what was then called Junk Bay. However, despite backing from several prominent local businessmen his company quickly became mired in multiple problems and Rennie committed suicide while travelling by boat to his […]
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