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.
source of the editor : Canton Register Vol 14 No 22 (based on the Hongkong Gazette No. 2, 1841-5-15)
Book / Document
Date(s) of events described
Comments
some more details from Hong Kong Gazette No. 2, 1841
(extract)
The list is as follows, the names being written as they are pronounced on the spot.
Population
Chek-chu, 赤柱 the capital, a large town. 2000
Heongkong, 香港 A large fishing village. 200
Wong-nei-chung, 黄坭涌 An agricultural village. 300
Kung-lam, 公岩 Stone quarry, Poor village. 200
Soo-ke-wan, 掃箕灣 Do. Large village # 1200
Tai-shek-ha, 大石下 Stone quarry, a hamlet. 20
Kwun-tai-loo, 群大路 Fishing village. 50
Soo-koon-poo, 掃竿浦 A hamlet. 10
Hung-heong-loo, 紅香爐 Hamlet. 50
Sai-wan, 柴灣 Hamlet. 30
Tai long, 大浪 Fishing hamlet. 5
Too-te-wan, 土地 Stone quarry, a hamlet 60
Tai-tam, 大潭 Hamlet, near Tytam bay. 20
Shek-tong-chuy, 石塘嘴 Stone-quarry. Hamlet. 25
. . . . . . . .
4350 (subtotal)
# the population is migratory
In the Bazaar 800
In the Boats 2000
Laborers from Kowlung 300
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Actual present population 7,450
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source : refer e.g. Chinese Repository 1841