Some of those looked like big recycled thin metal oil bins with its top removed, also with a wooden handle bar mounted across the top. Some others looked like they still have their tops intact. By the look of it those might be queuing up for water or other fluid commodity. They usually use a 擔挑 (a slightly flexible wooden or bamboo stick) to balance two or more such containers on one's shoulders to carry them around.
As I see it, we're looking downhill from lower Lyndurst Terrrace with Wellington Street forking off to the right towards Central, and Pottinger Street running uphill left to right past the postbox. Anyone concur?
In the summer of 1929, Hong Kong Island in particular was going through a period of tough water restrictions. As David says, the 'boxes' would probably be tin cans left on the streets waiting for the public standpipes to be opened.
A comparison photo from the period. Probably in Central somewhere. It would be interesting to find out the actual location. Note the tailor shop.
The original photo shows the location of the Lai Tai Pawn Shop at the eastern cormer of Pottinger and Wellington Streets. The street fire alarm is also shown here
Comments
Any ideas what we're looking
Any ideas what we're looking at along the road's edge on the right? They look like boxes of some sort.
I see there's a letter box on the corner, and one of those sturdy pawn-shop buildings in the background.
Re: Any ideas what we're looking
Hi there,
Some of those looked like big recycled thin metal oil bins with its top removed, also with a wooden handle bar mounted across the top. Some others looked like they still have their tops intact. By the look of it those might be queuing up for water or other fluid commodity. They usually use a 擔挑 (a slightly flexible wooden or bamboo stick) to balance two or more such containers on one's shoulders to carry them around.
Thanks & Best Regards,
T
View
As I see it, we're looking downhill from lower Lyndurst Terrrace with Wellington Street forking off to the right towards Central, and Pottinger Street running uphill left to right past the postbox. Anyone concur?
Concurred
For a long while, I knew there was a George V postbox at the bottom of Pottinger and Wellington Streets.
It took me a while to figure out the general direction of the above photo. As for the 'boxes' on the street, I do not have a clue!
Tin Cans
Thomas, here's a photo from the 1960s showing tin cans lined up while people wait for water. They certainly look similar:
1929 Water Restrictions
In the summer of 1929, Hong Kong Island in particular was going through a period of tough water restrictions. As David says, the 'boxes' would probably be tin cans left on the streets waiting for the public standpipes to be opened.
A comparison photo from the period. Probably in Central somewhere. It would be interesting to find out the actual location. Note the tailor shop.
Re: Original Photo
The original photo shows the location of the Lai Tai Pawn Shop at the eastern cormer of Pottinger and Wellington Streets. The street fire alarm is also shown here
Kerosine cans lined up for fresh water
Those were empty kerosine cans lined up for fresh water. There were frequent draught periods in Hong Kong and water was rationed.