Queries + Answers 9 to 16 revisited – further research needed

Our first Queries + Answers was posted on 7th February 2013.

Here are the Q+A 9 to 16 with subsequently posted Indhhk Group articles below which are relevant to the subject but may not answer the original query.

Q+A 9 Peninsula Spinners Ltd + Hong Kong Spinners Ltd Carles Brasó Broggi, is researching two related companies. Peninsula Spinners Ltd. was established in Hong Kong in 1948 and became Hong Kong Spinners Ltd. in 1954. Carles is also interested in the founder of HK Spinners, C.Y. Wong (Wang Qiyu or Wang Chi Yue, 1883-1965) and T.Y. Wong (Wang Tongyuan or Wong Tong Yuen) who by 1975 was Chairman and Managing Director. Can anyone provide more information about the two companies or men?
Carles, now living back in Spain lived in Shanghai and Hong Kong whilst researching the history of Textile Spinning Companies in both places and their move to Hong Kong post WW2. He wrote the following article which is one of the most read on the website:
Shanghai Spinners: Pioneers of Hong Kong’s industrialization, 1947-1955
See also Eleanor Wong’s A History of the Wong Family Textile Business – Part Two: Life in Hong Kong

Q+A 10 Bicycle Rickshaws in Hong Kong George Fogh, Denmark, read Fung Chi Ming’s article in Newsletter 7 about hand-pulled rickshaws and asks if there were ever bicycle (also known as tricycle, trishaw and pedicabs) rickshaws in Hong Kong and if so were any manufactured here.
This Q+A is a close relative of Q+A 2 Where were HK’s Rickshaws made?
Fung Chi Ming’s articles provide ample information:
The Hong Kong Rickshaw over Time
Rickshaw Makers’ Stores

Q+A 11 The Elm Tree Tool and Die Company Information wanted about the American Louis Marx, company manager David Yea as well as Elm Tree Tool…
Sarah Monks wrote to say the correct name was The Elm Tool & Machinery Company Ltd.
The Elm Tool and Machinery Company Ltd – The Toy King comes to town
More information needed about Elm Tree….

Q+A 12 The term “Compradore” James Chan wrote that the compradore system originally came to prominence after the Canton system in the late Ming dynasty, as abolished in 1842 and the compradores replaced the “hong merchants”.
James was somewhat mystified and wonders if anyone can explain these terms and elaborate on the general subject.
Can anyone?

Q+A 13 Ivory Chopsticks – made in Hong Kong? Hugh Farmer saw an AFCD sign by the path leading to Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, Sai Kung, which said, “Rough leaves of the sandpaper vine, Tetracera Asiatica, were used for polishing ivory chopsticks and tinware…”
When, where and by whom were such chopsticks made in Hong Kong?

Q+A 14 Inland River Operations Company HF: I am trying to gather information about this company and not coming up with much. Apparently in mid-January 1942 (ie during the occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese) the IROC resumed river steamers between Hong Kong, Macau and the Mainland.
No information has been forthcoming…

Q+A 15 Shek Pai Wan (Aberdeen) HF: While walking around Aberdeen last week I saw an information board that said, “the name Shek Pai Wan meant a bay packed with rows of stone”
Shek Pai  Wan is Aberdeen harbour ie the water between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau.

Can anyone confirm that the above is correct. And if so what were the stones intended for, where did they come from and would I be right in thinking they were ready for shipping out of Hong Kong, (or less likely into)? And what period are we taking about?
It sounds very much like a HK quarry was involved. If so where was it?

Thomas Ngan responded: Shek Pai Wan (Aberdeen) – update

Q+A 16 The Public Steelyard system? HF: I was reading about the Public Steelyard system which was used at Luen Wo market, Fanling.

What was this system?

What was the origin of the term?

When was it used?

Was it used all over the NT or the whole of HK?
No information has been forthcoming…

This article was first posted on 18th September 2016.