Tymon Mellor: The acquisition of Kowloon was primarily undertaken as a military exercise, but with it came the responsibility to provide fresh water for the existing population and the new large military contingent. The solution was to establish a number of wells and an associated rudimentary water distribution system, elements of which can still be seen today. The first official […]
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HF: These aerial photographs show the Lok On Pai desalting plant in 1973, 1982 and 2013. The plant opened in 1973 and closed in 1981 so the photos show it in the year of being commissioned, the year after its closure and last year. This article was first posted on 9th November 2014. Related Indhhk articles: Lok On Pai “desalting” […]
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HF: Gin Drinkers Bay ( 醉酒灣, Drunkard’s Bay) is also known as Lap Sap Wan (垃圾灣, Rubbish Bay). Explanations of why these two pejorative Cantonese terms are used would be welcomed. This photo comes from the Journal of the Geographical, Geological & Archaelogical Society March, 1961. This area of Hong Kong has changed almost beyond recognition since then. The bay was reclaimed later in […]
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Hugh Farmer: This article is the result of several people’s research into industrial development, manufacturing, agriculture, aviation, fishing, quarrying, utilities, shipping and other related topics on Lamma Island. We also include information about Lamma during World War Two which may be of a more general nature. If you can provide information on any of the subjects below, or add to […]
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James Chan: I found this 1889 map while looking through an archaelogical assessement of the MTR West Island line. The map shows Kennedy Town. On it are a silk works betwen Cadogan and Davis Streets. And a rope works along Forbes Street between Davis Street and Smithfield. What does anyone know about either of these two works? This article was […]
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Elizabeth Ride: A selection of information reported in the BAAG Intelligence Summaries. 1. Layout. September, 1944. [From indistinct original] The sketch plan and its key have been extracted from BAAG KWIZ Report #68 dated 29th September 1944 sent in by Elizabeth Ride. During the Battle of Hongkong, December 1941. * At the outbreak of war, HMS Moth was […]
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Stephen Davies: These are the eleven lighthouses (excluding beacons and buoys) that the records show were operated by the Harbour Master before 1941. Note: The locations of Ma Wan (Kap Shui Mun) and Tungkwu/Lung Kwu Chau lighthouses are not yet shown on the map. Gap Rock lighthouse was in Chinese waters but under the aegis of, and paid for by, […]
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New Information in red Extracts from reports in the BAAG Intelligence Summaries sent by Elizabeth Ride. Layout. Map reference 253545 . Map “GSGS 3868, 1/20,000 HK&New Territories” BAAG Agents´ drawings. [Can a Chinese speaker add more information about these drawings?] Craig Mitchell had this one translated and has kindly sent a copy. He writes “My friends have been up to the […]
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Tymon Mellor: Introduction The Ma On Shan Mine was developed using open cast excavation as the primary means to extract the iron ore following the initial find in 1905 to the early 1950’s. As part of the Japanese managed mine modernisation, mineral extraction went underground with the use of mining techniques. This had a twofold effect, reducing labour requirements, and […]
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Tymon Mellor: With the end of the Second World War and the growing population of Hong Kong, it was clear that upgrading of the Kowloon – Canton Railway line would be required to accommodate the increase in passenger and freight traffic. The first priority was to provide a new terminus within Kowloon to accommodate the passenger and freight services. Following […]
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