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香港回望 HK Old Days, Hong Kong (2026)

04/06/2026

【林護有幾犀利?】
How Remarkable Was Lam Woo?

你聽過聖公會林護紀念中學吧？林護除了對教會有貢獻外，他在建造業的江湖地位、他作為孫中山革命同志的事蹟，你知道多少呢？

林護是四邑新會人，是一個典型海外歸僑奮鬥致富的故事。由於父親早逝，他1876年14歲便到澳洲，在雜貨店當雜工。林護為人勤奮好學，工餘時還到鄰近青年會學習英文，他更在墨爾本受洗，加入聖公會。數年後林護來到香港發展，與兄長林裘謀合辦聯益建築公司，業務更遍及內地多個城市，成為20世紀初最重要的華人建造商，被推舉為香港建造商會首兩屆會長。

在香港，林護參與過不少工程，包括渣甸行、香港大酒店、聖保羅堂、聖保羅男女中學、拔萃男校、聖士提反書院、青年會等，部份建築物保存至今，被評為不同級別的古蹟。他在20世紀初，也替政府承辦灣仔填海計劃，在軒尼詩道、告士打道、洛克道、謝菲道發展地產項目，是當時全港最富有的華人基督教徒。

林護積極提升華人在教會的地位和參與度，1911年倡導興建首間位於中環鐵崗的華人教堂—聖公會聖保羅堂；他也是1914年聖保羅女書院(聖保羅男女中學前身)的創辦人及主要資助來源之一；他與青年會淵源深厚，除了捐款3千元興建上環的必列啫士街青年會外，也參與了尖沙咀青年會的建造工程。為表揚林護對基督教和教育方面的熱誠及捐獻，聖公會1970年開辦了一間以林護為名的紀念中學。

林護不僅在建造業、宗教和教育界受到推崇，他一直關心國是，是孫中山革命事業的忠實支持者，他1903年加入興中會，同年出資興辦革命言論機關「世界公益報」。無論在辛亥革命前，還是孫中山在廣東建立政權後，都一直提供財政資助，孫中山對他十分感激。由1925年孫死後至1927年南北統一，林護仍然不斷努力籌募捐款。

所以林護在1935年逝世後，孫中山的兒子、時任中華民國立法院長的孫科，為他出殯時執紼，並撰寫「墓表」，刻在林護的墓碑上，其中提到孫中山曾多次想向林護授官作表揚，林都推辭不接受；也提到林護為黃河氾濫捐出可觀金額救災、為興建寧陽鐵路奔走、解決鄉鄰之間的糾紛，盜匪焚刼鄉鎮時請兵清肅匪黨，因而被推舉為鄉長。「墓表」的內容，正反映了林護對家鄉事務的關心。

#林護 #聖公會林護紀念中學 #聖公會 #孫中山 #興中會 #聖保羅男女中學 #青年會 #聖公會聖保羅堂 #四邑 #拔萃男校 #辛亥革命

How Remarkable Was Lam Woo?

You’ve likely heard of S.K.H. Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School. But beyond his contributions to the Church, how much do you know about his preeminent status in the construction industry or his legacy as a revolutionary comrade of Sun Yat-sen?

Lam Woo was a native of Sze Yap —a classic tale of an overseas Chinese striver rising to wealth. Following his father’s early passing, he moved to Australia in 1876 at the age of 14 to work in a grocery store. Diligent and eager to learn, Lam studied English at a nearby YMCA after work. He was later baptized in Melbourne, joining the Anglican Church.

Years later, he moved to Hong Kong and co-founded Lam Woo & Co. (聯益建築公司) with his brother, Lam Kau-mow. Their business expanded across various cities in mainland China, establishing Lam as the most prominent Chinese contractor of the early 20th century. He was subsequently elected as the inaugural president of the Hong Kong Construction Association.

Lam Woo was involved in numerous landmark projects in Hong Kong, including Jardine House, the Hong Kong Hotel, St. Paul’s Church, St. Paul’s Co-educational College, Diocesan Boys’ School, St. Stephen’s College, and the YMCA. Some of these structures survive today and are classified as graded historic buildings. In the early 20th century, he also undertook the Praya East Reclamation Scheme for the government, developing real estate along Hennessy Road, Gloucester Road, Lockhart Road, and Jaffe Road. He was the wealthiest Chinese Christian in Hong Kong at the time.

Lam actively elevated the status and participation of Chinese members within the Church. In 1911, he advocated for the construction of the first Chinese church in Glenealy, Central—S.K.H. St. Paul’s Church. In 1914, he became a co-founder and primary benefactor of St. Paul’s Girls' College (the predecessor of St. Paul’s Co-educational College). His ties with the YMCA ran deep; in addition to donating $3,000 to build the Bridges Street YMCA in Sheung Wan, he participated in the construction of the Tsim Sha Tsui YMCA. To honor his devotion and contributions to Christianity and education, the Anglican Church founded S.K.H. Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School in 1970.

Lam Woo’s influence extended into national affairs as a loyal supporter of Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary cause. He joined the Revive China Society (Hsing Chung Hui) in 1903 and funded the establishment of the revolutionary newspaper 世界公益報 that same year. He provided consistent financial backing both before the 1911 Revolution and after Sun established his government in Guangdong. Sun Yat-sen remained deeply grateful to him. Even after Sun’s death in 1925, Lam continued his fundraising efforts until the Northern Expedition unified the country in 1927.

When Lam Woo passed away in 1935, Sun Fo—son of Sun Yat-sen and then-President of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China—served as a pallbearer and penned the "Tomb Inscription" carved onto Lam’s headstone. The inscription notes that Sun Yat-sen had repeatedly offered Lam government positions as honors, all of which Lam declined. It also recounts his generous donations to Yellow River flood relief, his efforts in facilitating the construction of the 寧陽鐵路, his role as a local mediator, and his successful petition for troops to clear bandits from his hometown, which led to his election as village head. These records reflect Lam Woo’s lifelong commitment to his roots and his country.

20/05/2026

【香港早期珍貴圖片展】
Unveiling Stories: Reviving Memories

那天路過怡和大廈，被陳列在走廊的小型展覽吸引著，展覽的佈置充滿懷舊風情，散出發出優雅的情懷，令我不知不覺駐足觀看了幾十分鐘。

展覽的名稱是「記憶之源：重塑故事。」設於中環怡和大廈走廊，展出置地公司的珍藏繪畫和照片，重現香港早期的面貌。

展品包括標示著1841年的香港早期地圖、1850年代的維港舊照片、20世紀初的著名建築物包括亞歷山大行、香港大酒店、告羅士打酒店、畢打街連鐘樓等；還有一些刊登於英國報章Illustrated London News的插圖，包括一張1882年的版畫，以三組畫作描述在節慶日子，皇后大道上慶祝的盛況，中間一幅展示舞龍隊伍在水泄不通的人群中通過，旁邊西式的建築物露台上擠滿觀眾，熱鬧非常。上面一張畫描繪巡遊隊伍旁，有幾名乘客坐在山兜和人力車上。下面一張畫則描繪巡遊的另一番景象。

展品的陳列也很有心思，部份圖片托上硬板，或竪立或平放在古色古香的桌面，以金屬線繫在木底座上，讓人隨意拿起來細閱。有些文字或圖像，印在柔軟的物料上，一幅幅垂下，讓參觀者一層層地揭起，隨意閱讀那一層的資料。

展覽在3月20日開始，至6月20日才結束，有興趣的話，還來得及去看。

#中環 #怡和大廈 #香港大酒店 #告羅士打酒店 #畢打街 #皇后大道 #維港

I happened to be passing through Jardine House the other day when a small exhibition in the corridor caught my eye. There was something about the curation—an old-world elegance and nostalgic gravity—that pinned me to the spot. What I thought would be a quick glance turned into a forty-minute journey through time.

The show, titled “Unveiling Stories: Reviving Memories”, draws from Hongkong Land’s corporate archives to piece together a visual history of early Hong Kong.

Some of the exhibits include a map of Hong Kong from 1841, a painting of Victoria Harbour from the 1850s, and the city’s grandest early 20th-century icons—from Alexandra House to the Hong Kong Hotel and the old Pedder Street Clock Tower. It also features a series of engravings from The Illustrated London News.

If you’re looking for a quiet moment of reflection amid the Central hustle, this is it. The exhibition kicked off on March 20 and runs through June 20, so you still have a window to catch it before it disappears.

01/05/2026

【台山猛人你認識多少？】
How Many Toi Shan Big Shots Do You Know?

台山人的祖先很早便移民到南洋及美洲，香港開埠後，也有一些人來香港謀生，他們與海外的鄉親互相照應，形成了一個龐大的網絡，推動新思潮的傳播和各行各業的發展。

早期台山的靈魂人物有富商李煜堂，他是同盟會會員，曾資助革命報紙、透過旗下商號接收革命滙款及掩護革命黨人。電影「十月圍城」中的愛國富商李玉堂，便以他為藍本。辛亥革命之後曾短暫擔任廣東財政司，其後在香港創立了聯益等保險公司，時人稱為保險大王。他也參與創辦四邑輪船公司、廣東銀行、安樂園食品公司等。

投身革命的，還有前養和醫院院長李樹芬醫生。他曾入讀拔萃、西醫書院、同樣懷有救國理想。於李煜堂兒子李自重介紹下，加入同盟會，任總軍醫。1923至1925年間，出任孫中山醫務顧問及衛生部長。1926年，回港擔任香港養和醫院董事會主席兼院長，曾任市政、立法局議員。

祖籍台山的傑出商人有身兼銀行家、實業家及慈善家的李星衢，他早年經營廣泰隆辦莊，進而與李煜堂一起成立廣東銀行，之後再創辦康年銀行，此外，他出任多家保險公司董事，也是油麻地小輪公司的創辦人之一。他還活躍於慈善組織以至各商會社團。今天，他的故居仍䇄立在羅便臣道15號。

台山人很重視同鄉關係，很多企業家在創業早年，都與其他同鄉有所交集。陸海通集團創辦人陳符祥來港經商，就是從李煜堂有份創辦的四邑輪船公司開始，之後又替李煜堂到上海主持上海聯保水火險有限公司。陳符祥1924年創辦陸海通集團，業務有保險、旅館、藥行等，還有著名的皇后戲院、六國飯店和彌敦酒店。位於中環的皇后戲院現已改建為陸海通大厦，標誌着集團走過的歲月。

這種交集同樣體現在著名飲食集團美心創辦人伍氏兄弟身上。哥哥伍舜德嶺南大學經濟系畢業後，到香港加入陳符祥的陸海通，出任總經理，其後與弟弟伍沾德一同管理皇后戲院，兩人於1956年在中環創辦美心餐廳，逐漸發展為美心飲食王國。

1920年代九龍蓬勃發展，以生意頭腦著稱的台山人，也看到商機。人稱深水埗皇帝的黄耀東出身於台山的鄉村，來香港後，在一間金山庄打工，認識商業運作後，自立門戶，經營不同行業，趁深水埗填海發展，大量購入土地興建洋房，成為大地主，他捐錢興建的深水埔(埗)公立醫局，見證了他對深水埗的貢獻。

九龍交通發展離不開九巴，其主要創辦人中，有兩名雷姓的台山鄉親，分別是雷瑞德家族和雷亮，前者是澳洲歸僑，後者從家鄉到香港謀生，他們連同其他人，於1921年創辦了九巴，並於1933年取得九龍區巴士專營權。

#台山 #深水埔埗醫局 #美心 #九巴 #皇后戲院 #六國飯店 #四邑 #李煜堂 #辛亥革命 #養和醫院 #十月圍城

The Toi Shan people emigrated early to Southeast Asia and the Americas; after Hong Kong became a port many returned, keeping strong overseas kin networks that spread new ideas and supported industry growth.

Key figures and enterprises:

Li Yuk-tong李煜堂: wealthy merchant and Tongmenghui supporter who funded revolutionary activities, later served briefly as Guangdong Commissioner of Finance, founded insurers (e.g., Luen Yick), co-founded Sze Yap Steamship Co., Bank of Canton, and On Lok Yuen.

Dr. Li Shu-fan李樹芬醫生: revolutionary surgeon and Sun Yat-sen’s physician (1923–25); later chaired Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital and served on Urban and Legislative Councils.

Li Sing-kui李星衢: banker, industrialist, philanthropist; co-founded Bank of Canton and Hong Nin Bank, served on insurance boards, co-founded Yaumati Ferry; his former residence at 15 Robinson Road remains notable.

Chan Fu-cheung陳符祥and Wu brothers伍舜德、伍沾德: Chan founded Luk Hoi Tong 陸海通 (insurance, hotels, pharmacies); S.T. Wu and James Wu, once LHT managers, founded Maxim’s Restaurant in 1956, later a catering empire.

Wong Yiu-tung黄耀東: “King of Sham Shui Po,” landowner and philanthropist who developed western-style housing and funded a public dispensary.

Louey and Lui families雷瑞德和雷亮: Toi Shan founders of Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) in 1921; Louey managed operations, Lui raised capital—together securing the Kowloon franchise in 1933.

15/04/2026

【台山人點解咁有錢？】
Why are Toishan people so wealthy?

香港台山商會最近慶祝成立150週年，它的前身寧陽會館早在1876年(光緒二年) 成立，比歐籍商人組成的香港總商會只遲了15年，是香港其中一個最早的商會。

為什麼台山人這麼早便來到香港做生意? 他們人數很多嗎? 這個問題要從台山人向外闖的歷史淵源說起。

台山(前稱新寧)在珠三角西南，屬海濱地區，與新會、開平、恩平合稱為四邑，現在隸屬江門。早在宋朝已有人因政治原因，被迫逃亡海外，例如元朝滅宋的最後一戰(崖門海戰)，便是在新會對開海面進行，宋軍內有不少四邑人。清朝著名海盜張保仔，也是四邑新會人，他不少部眾後來去了南洋落户，這些都是早期的移民。

16世紀初，葡萄牙人、荷蘭人相繼來到亞洲，開始了以澳門作為根據地，販運勞工出洋的生意。貼近澳門的四邑地區，自然首當其衝。1860年第二次鴉片戰爭之後，苦力貿易合法化，不少華工被騙或被拐賣到美洲、澳洲等地淘金和建鐵路。除此之外，也有人是自願離鄉別井的。那時候四邑地區天災頻繁，農作物失收，很多人生計受損。加上在廣東一帶長達14年的「土客械鬥」，台山又是重災區之一，雙重打擊下，有些人甘願遠走他方。他們除了前往舊金山(美國)、新金山(澳洲)外，香港也是目的地之一，因為那時香港已發展為國際商埠，謀生機會較多。

台山前臨大海，佔盡地利，所以出洋人數是四邑之冠，有中國第一僑鄉之稱。
華工們大多是隻身出洋，省吃儉用也要將工資寄回老家。四邑之中，由於台山出洋的人最多，僑滙收入亦最多，1929年之前，每年收入過千萬美元，佔全國總數1/8。1930年，更增至3,000萬美元，佔全國1/3。可想而知當時的台山人多麼富貴。

到了19世紀末、 20世紀初，為甚麼有些台山人又從美、澳來到香港，成為我們口中的「金山亞伯」，更在1876年，人數多至可以成立商會呢? 原來那時美、澳分別通過歧視性法案，限制華人入籍，不但阻截了新移民的去路，亦令心灰意冷的舊移民重新尋求出路。不少華人寧願來到政治穩定、經濟繁榮的香港，以他們累積的資本、技術和營商網絡，為香港帶來新的產業和營商模式，造就香港1920年代初的高速發展。

下一篇帖文，我們再看看有甚麼名人或企業家祖籍台山，到今天他們還有甚麼影響力。

#台山 #移民 #香港 #香港台山商會 #主客械鬥 #四邑 #張保仔 #新會 #賣豬仔 #華工 #金山
Why are Toishan people so wealthy?
The Hong Kong Toi Association recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. It was established as early as 1876. This was only 15 years after the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce—formed by European merchants—making it one of the earliest chambers of commerce in Hong Kong.
Why did the Toishanese come to Hong Kong to do business so early?
Toi shan台山 (formerly known as San Ning新寧) is located in the southwest of the Pearl River Delta. It is a coastal area that, along with San Wui新會, Hoi Ping開平, and Yan Ping恩平is collectively known as Sze Yup 四邑(the Four Counties), currently under the jurisdiction of Jiangmen. As early as the Song Dynasty, people were forced to flee overseas for political reasons. For instance, the final battle of the Yuan Dynasty’s conquest of the Song took place in the waters off San Wui新會, and many Sze Yup natives served in the Song army. The famous Qing Dynasty pirate, Cheung Po Tsai, was also a Sze Yup native from San Wui新會; many of his associates later settled in Southeast Asia, forming the early waves of migration.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese and Dutch arrived in Asia and began using Macau as a base for the labor trade. The Sze Yup region, being adjacent to Macau, was naturally the first to be affected. Following the Second O***m War in 1860, the coolie trade was legalized. Many Chinese laborers were deceived or kidnapped and sold to the Americas and Australia to "dig for gold" or build railroads.
However, others left their homes voluntarily. At that time, the Sze Yup region suffered from frequent natural disasters and crop failures, devastating many livelihoods. Furthermore, Toi Shan was one of the worst-hit areas during the Punti-Hakka Clan Wars土客械鬥, which lasted 14 years in Guangdong. Faced with this double blow, some were willing to travel far afield. Besides heading to Old Gold Mountain (San Francisco, USA) and New Gold Mountain (Australia), Hong Kong was a popular destination, as it had already developed into an international commercial port with many opportunities.
Because Toi Shan is closest to the coast, it possessed a geographical advantage. Consequently, the number of people going abroad from Toi Shan was the highest among the Sze Yup counties, earning it the title of "China's No. 1 Overseas Chinese Hometown."
Most Chinese laborers went abroad alone, living frugally to send their wages back home. Among the Sze Yup counties, Toi Shan had the most people abroad and thus the highest overseas remittances. Before 1929, the annual income from these remittances exceeded 10 million USD, accounting for 1/8 of the national total. In 1930, this figure rose to 30 million USD, representing 1/3 of the entire country's remittances. One can imagine how wealthy the Toishanese were at that time.
From the late 19th century into the 20th century, why did some Toishanese move from America and Australia to Hong Kong, becoming the "Uncle Gold Mountains" (金山亞伯) we speak of, and growing numerous enough to form a chamber of commerce by 1876?
It turns out that both the US and Australia passed discriminatory legislation (such as the Chinese Exclusion Act) to restrict Chinese naturalization. This not only blocked new immigrants but also caused disillusioned old immigrants to seek new paths. Many Chinese preferred to come to a politically stable and economically prosperous Hong Kong. Bringing their accumulated capital, skills, and business networks, they introduced new industries and business models, fueling Hong Kong's rapid development in the early 1920s.
In the next post, we will look at which famous figures or entrepreneurs share Toishanese ancestry and see what influence they still hold today.
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01/04/2026

【那銀行是九龍第一家？】
Which Bank Was the First in Kowloon?

香港最早期的銀行，當然設在歐洲人聚居港島。最早跑到九龍「插旗」的是那間銀行呢？它就是我們今天的主角﹕主打華人業務的東亞銀行。

20世紀初，華商財力和影響力逐漸上升，開始出現華資銀行。由李子芳兄弟、簡東浦、周壽臣等9位社會名人於1919年創辦的東亞銀行，就是早期華資銀行之一。能夠打入西方人為主的銀行業，有兩個條件，一是財力雄厚，二是經驗豐富。東亞董事局的組合，正是兩者兼備。

先看看李氏家族。李子芳Li Tse-fong、李冠春Li Koon-chun兩兄弟，祖籍廣州，父親李石朋Li Shek-pang在港經營食米進口、船運、地產等業務。李子芳本人在香港大學畢業後，與長兄李冠春接手家族業務。李子芳是成立東亞的主要推手，他找來在日本銀行界經驗深厚的簡東浦，加上其他當代有頭有面的華商，共創東亞。往後數十年，李子芳一直在銀行任職，1941年更獲委為立法局議員，日治時期曾出任華民代表會Chinese Representative Council委員之一，1953年逝世。

另一主要創辦人是簡東浦Kan Tong-Po。他是廣東順德人，皇仁書院畢業，留學日本，先後在日本正金銀行、萬國銀行等服務多年。參與創辦東亞銀行後，一直出任總經理，至1963年逝世。他也是本港華商銀行業同業公會創辦人之一。他的兒子簡悦強Yuet-keung Kan，是著名律師，於1963至1983年間，任東亞銀行主席，亦曾任行政、立法局兩局議員和貿易發展局主席。80年代之後淡出政壇，亦將東亞股份轉讓予李家。現任東亞銀行主席李國寶David Li Kwok Po，以及聯席行政總裁李民橋Adrian David Li Man-kiu及李民斌Brian David Li Man-bun，便是李家後人。

東亞在1919年創辦時，總部位於皇后大道中，由於大受華商歡迎，業務發展迅速，其後，更將目光投向發展潛力優厚的九龍，在華人聚集的油麻地建立分行。

1920年代開始，九龍的發展越見蓬勃，政府設施陸續出現，例如1922年的油麻地警署、1924年初的九龍巡理府(今梁顯利社區中心)等。1924年11月，東亞便早着先鞭，在廣東道設立了九龍首間銀行。為了確保安全，銀行特別安裝了警鐘，在緊急情況下，可以第一時間接通油麻地警署。

主席周壽臣在開幕禮致辭時，展現一貫幽默風趣的本色，特別強調銀行的安全性，說油麻地警署就在對面，客戶存放金錢及貴重物品可倍感安心。他建議女士們可以將手鐲存進銀行，警員出糧之後，也可將錢放進銀行保險箱，甚至打算儲錢結婚的人們，也可先把未用上的錢放在銀行。他這番話正反映了100年前，銀行對普羅市民的作用。

#華資 #周壽臣 #東亞銀行 #李子芳 #簡東浦 #簡悦強 #李國寶 #李民橋 #李民斌 #油麻地警署 #油麻地 #香港歷史 #懷舊

Which Bank Was the First in Kowloon?

It’s no surprise that Hong Kong's very first banks set up shop where the European traders congregated: on Hong Kong Island. So, who was the first to cross the harbor and 'plant its flag' in Kowloon? That would be the hero of our story: The Bank of East Asia (BEA), an institution that made its name catering to the local Chinese community.

By the early 20th century, the financial power and influence of Chinese merchants were on the rise, giving birth to Chinese-funded banks. Founded in 1919 by nine prominent community figures, including the Li brothers, Kan Tong-po, and Sir Shouson Chow, the Bank of East Asia was one of these pioneering local institutions. To break into an industry dominated by Westerners, you needed two things: deep pockets and a wealth of experience. The board of directors at BEA had both in spades.

First, let's look at the Li clan. Brothers Li Tse-fong and Li Koon-chun hailed from a family with roots in Guangzhou. Their father, Li Shek-pang, had built a fortune in Hong Kong through rice importation, shipping, and real estate. After graduating from the University of Hong Kong, Li Tse-fong joined his elder brother Li Koon-chun in managing the family empire. Li Tse-fong was the main driver behind the establishment of BEA. He sought out Kan Tong-po, who had extensive experience in the Japanese banking sector, and rallied other respected Chinese businessmen to create the bank. For decades to come, Li Tse-fong remained with the bank. He was appointed to the Legislative Council in 1941 and, during the Japanese occupation, served as a member of the Chinese Representative Council. He passed away in 1953.

The other key founder was Kan Tong-po. A native of Shunde, Guangdong, he was a graduate of Queen's College and had studied in Japan. He brought years of invaluable experience from his time at the Yokohama Specie Bank and the International Banking Corporation. After co-founding BEA, he served as its General Manager until his death in 1963. He was also one of the founders of the Chinese Banks' Association in Hong Kong. His son, Sir Yuet-keung Kan, became a renowned lawyer and served as BEA's Chairman from 1963 to 1983. He was also a member of both the Executive and Legislative Councils and the Chairman of the Trade Development Council. In the 1980s, he stepped back from the political limelight and transferred his BEA shares to the Li family, consolidating their control. The current Chairman, Dr. Sir David Li Kwok-po, and the Co-Chief Executives, Adrian David Li Man-kiu and Brian David Li Man-bun, are all descendants of the Li family.
When BEA opened its doors in 1919, its headquarters was on Queen's Road Central. It was an instant hit with Chinese merchants, and its business grew rapidly. Before long, it set its sights on the promising territory of Kowloon, establishing a branch in the bustling Chinese district of Yau Ma Tei.

Throughout the 1920s, Kowloon was booming. Government facilities began to spring up, like the Yau Ma Tei Police Station in 1922 and the Kowloon Magistracy (now the Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre) in early 1924. In November 1924, BEA made its move, becoming a pioneer by opening the very first bank in Kowloon on Canton Road. To ensure security, the bank was specially fitted with an alarm bell that connected directly to the Yau Ma Tei Police Station, guaranteeing a swift response in an emergency.

At the opening ceremony, Chairman Sir Shouson Chow, known for his wit and humor, made a special point of emphasizing the bank's security. He cheekily pointed out that with the Yau Ma Tei Police Station just across the street, customers could feel doubly secure about their money and valuables. He suggested that ladies could deposit their bracelets for safekeeping, police officers could deposit their paychecks right after getting paid, and even young folks saving up for a wedding could park their money in the bank. His remarks perfectly captured the role of a bank for the common citizen a century ago.

16/03/2026

【利希慎的神秘刺殺案】
The Mysterious Assassination of Lee Hysan

上一篇文章談到利希慎向怡和購入利園山的來龍去脈，今日看看利希慎在1928年遇刺身亡的悲慘下場。

1928年4月30日下午1時許，利希慎如常經中環九如坊旁小巷，打算前往威靈頓街196號三樓裕記俱樂部用午餐，就在他登上樓梯期間，突然被人從後連放三槍。人們聽到喊「救命」趕出來時，兇手已丟棄手槍，逃去無蹤，全程沒有人看到兇徒容貌。正在永安公司逛街的妻子趕到時，利希慎已經氣絕身亡，她悲傷過度，當場暈厥。事後警方在現場，以至在前往澳門的碼頭附近調查，亦懸紅2萬緝兇，也毫無所獲，案件始終是懸案。

利希慎平日行踪固定，每日中午及傍晚，必會到俱樂部用膳，他出入沒有保鏢隨身，也沒有帶手槍。相信行兇者已經在附近觀察多日，最後選擇在僻靜小巷下手。

利希慎是怎樣的一個人，為甚麼有人想他死呢？

利希慎從事澳門鴉片買賣，之後投身地產，像流星般高速崛起，卻是個備受爭議的人物。據報章China Mail 形容，他一方面性格開朗，對朋友慷慨，也支持了不少慈善活動。另一方面，他為人精明(shrewd)，好冒險，膽識過人(daring in business ventures)。他外表粗獷(rugged exterior)，態度專橫跋扈(domineering) ，樹敵不少。
利希慎經常捲入糾紛，最終要在法庭解決，然而他總是吉星高照，逢官司必贏，相信很多人不服氣。

早在1918年，他贏得了審訊歷時122天，破香港開埠紀錄的著名「百萬元鴉片案」。案情指利希慎與其他股東合組了裕興公司，其後一名股東向法庭申請將公司清盤，最後由官方接管人擔任清盤人。清盤人控訴利希慎及另一人，涉嫌將裕興行98箱價值約100萬的生鴉片，轉移到他們擁有另一間公司名下，結果法庭判被告得直。

利希慎遇害前兩周，他又贏了澳門官員控告他誹謗的一場官司。利希慎承辦澳門鴉片煙的裕成公司在1927年合約期滿，澳門當局打算收回專營權。然而，他後來聽到傳聞，指澳門鴉片管理專員(Pedro Lobo)不經公開招標，將專營權轉給另一家公司佑生行，利希慎憤而向澳督和其他人士提交請願信，指Lobo在過程中受賄瀆職。Lobo認為利希慎信件有誹謗成份，因此告上法庭。最後，法官基於請願信件屬於特權性質，看不到利希慎有明確惡意，判利希慎勝訴兼得堂費。

另外，利希慎的裕成公司在清盤過程中，有股東曾就利希慎提出的溢利分派方案，表示強烈不滿。

利希慎出事前不久，曾收到恐嚇信件，指明要對他不利。但利一直不以為然，最後卻遭逢厄運，一代梟雄在爭議中殞落。

#利希慎 #鴉片 #利園 #銅鑼灣 #九如坊 #中環

【The Mysterious Assassination of Lee Hysan】

In our previous article, we explored how Lee Hysan acquired Lee Garden Hill from Jardine Matheson. Today, we delve into the tragic events leading to his assassination in 1928.

Around 1:00 PM on April 30, 1928, Lee Hysan was walking through a narrow alley next to Kau U Fong in Central, heading to lunch at the Yu Kee Club on the third floor of 196 Wellington St. As he climbed the stairs, he was suddenly shot three times from behind. By the time bystanders responded to cries for help, the shooter had already discarded the weapon and vanished into thin air. No one witnessed the assailant's face. Lee's wife, who was shopping nearby at Wing On Company, rushed over, but it was too late—Lee Hysan was dead. Stricken with grief, she fainted at the scene. Despite a thorough investigation and a substantial reward of $20,000 offered by the police for information leading to the killer’s capture, the case remains unsolved.

Lee Hysan had a rigid daily routine; he consistently visited the club for meals at noon and in the evening. He rarely employed bodyguards and did not carry a pistol. It’s believed the assailant had been observing him closely for days before choosing that secluded alley for the attack.

Who was Lee Hysan, and why would anyone want him dead?

Lee Hysan was a polarizing figure, having made his fortune in the Macau o***m trade before branching into real estate. According to a description in the China Mail newspaper, on one hand, he had a cheerful personality, was generous to his friends, and supported numerous charitable activities. On the other hand, he was described as shrewd, adventurous, and "daring in his business ventures." He had a "rugged exterior" and a "domineering" attitude, which made him many enemies.

Frequently embroiled in legal battles, Lee seemed to live a charmed life, as he often emerged victorious, which likely bred resentment among many. Notably, in 1918, he triumphed in the "Million-Dollar O***m Case," a protracted trial that set a record in Hong Kong. The case involved the Yue Hing Co., which Lee had co-founded with several shareholders. When one shareholder sought the company's liquidation, a receiver accused Lee and another of illegally transferring 98 chests of raw o***m worth about one million dollars to another firm. Ultimately, the court sided with Lee.

Just two weeks prior to his murder, he won a libel suit against a Macau official. Following the expiration of his Yue Sing Company's contract, rumors surfaced that the Macau Superintendent of O***m, Pedro Lobo, planned to transfer the monopoly to another company without a public tender. Lee, outraged, submitted a petition to local authorities alleging Lobo accepted bribes. Lobo retaliated by suing Lee for defamation, but the judge ruled in Lee's favor, citing the petition as a privileged communication with no evidence of malice on Lee's part.

Moreover, during the liquidation of his Yu Shing Company, several shareholders contested Lee's proposed profit distribution plan.

Leading up to the tragic event, Lee had received threatening letters warning of dire consequences. He dismissed these threats, only to face his grim fate. Thus, a controversial tycoon of his time met a shocking end.

***m

02/03/2026

【利希慎最風光的日子】
The Glory Days of Lee Hysan

銅鑼灣的發展要不能不提兩大集團：開埠時的怡和集團，以及1920年代的利氏家族。
早在1841年，怡和大班已對時稱東角的土地情有獨鍾，買了下來興建貨倉、冬季府邸，以及糖廠、棉紗廠等。它也是香港首次拍賣的土地之一，與中環其他地段同期發展，反映了香港開埠時的主要經濟活動。

怡和當時認為維多利亞城必會向東發展，東角的土地一定會升值。可惜他們的眼光早了80年，到1920年代，內地局勢動蕩，很多人南來相對穩定的香港，令人口急增，政府為解決住屋緊絀問題，才啟動灣仔至銅鑼灣的填海計劃。

其時，怡和卻鑑於銅鑼灣發展起來後，將變成華人社區，不宜歐洲人居住(detracted from the amenities of the place as a residence for Europeans )，因此把握當時地產熾熱的時機，於1923年將渣甸山連大班府邸以4百萬元天價，售予利希慎的公司。這一宗交易，當時在西方人圈子裡非常注目，多份報章都顯著報道，標題用上Passing of a Landmark(地標轉手)、Record Land Sale(刷新賣地紀錄)、The Old Order Changeth(舊有秩序不再)等。這次交易，見證著華人在經濟活動，尤其是土地買賣中愈來愈活躍。

利希慎買下渣甸山後，將它發展為利園遊樂場，它採用中式園林建築風格，佈置了假山假石，還有多尊民間信仰中的仙人雕像點綴其中。到了晚上，燈火璀璨，遊人不絕。每逢假日，更燃放五光十色的電光煙花。遊樂場還上演粵劇，以及舉辦國際級娛樂表演。

除了優雅景觀和精彩絕倫的娛樂，利園遊樂場還設有高級酒家，不少富商巨賈，都愛在園內宴請賓客，時任港督金文泰也曾是座上客。

利希慎是白手興家的好例子，讓我們看看他怎樣在20年內從走上富豪之路。

利希慎原籍開平，出生於檀香山，12歲來香港，入讀皇仁書院，畢業後，曾當教員和任職匯豐銀行，並到過美洲、南洋各埠，經營煙土業，後由親友介紹與，入股裕成公司，專營澳門鴉片，很快掘得第一桶金。1920年代地產暢旺，他大舉入市，買下渣甸山，之後再購買灣仔利東街、波斯富街、以及西營盤第三街多幢樓宇，他有I妻3妾，6子6女。據生意拍檔估計，他高峯期名下物業共有約1,000間。

利希慎也參與不少社會事務，曾擔任南華會會長，他除了捐贈比賽經費外，亦在南華會取得加路連山地段作會址後，捐款興建泳池和運動場。此外他也是皇仁舊生聯誼會會長，時常支持該會活動。

1928年在他人生顛峰之際，卻遭到暗殺，結束了他48歲的一生。我們在下一篇帖文再詳述他為何招惹殺身之禍。

#利希慎 #利園 #鴉片 #怡和 #渣甸 #匯豐銀行 #怡和集團 #銅鑼灣 #澳門

The story of Causeway Bay's development is inextricably linked to two powerhouses: the Jardine Matheson Group, whose legacy dates back to the early colonial era, and the Lee family, a dominant force in the area since the 1920s.

As early as 1841, the Tai-pan of Jardine's purchased the land then known as East Point to build warehouses, a winter residence, as well as a sugar refinery and a cotton mill. This was one of the first plots of land auctioned in Hong Kong, developing concurrently with other lots in Central, reflecting the primary economic activities of Hong Kong at the time.

Jardines believed at the time that Victoria City would inevitably expand eastward. Unfortunately, their vision was 80 years too early. It wasn't until the 1920s, when political turmoil in mainland China led many to seek refuge in the relatively stable Hong Kong, that the population surged. To address the severe housing shortage, the government initiated a reclamation project extending from Wan Chai to Causeway Bay.

At that time, however, Jardines felt that after development, Causeway Bay would become a predominantly Chinese community and that its development "detracted from the amenities of the place as a residence for Europeans." Therefore, seizing the opportunity of the then-booming property market, they sold Jardine's Hill, including the Tai-pan's residence, to Lee Hysan's company in 1923 for the sky-high price of HK$4 million. This transaction was a shock within the Western community at the time, with several newspapers running reports under headlines such as "Passing of a Landmark," "Record Land Sale," and "The Old Order Changeth." This sale witnessed the growing prominence of the Chinese in economic activities, especially in land transactions.

After purchasing Jardine's Hill, Lee Hysan developed it into the Lee Garden Amusement Park. It featured a traditional Chinese garden architectural style, complete with artificial mountains and rockeries, and was adorned with statues of immortals from folk beliefs. At night, the park was brilliantly lit. On holidays, spectacular firework displays were held, which were immensely popular. In addition to staging Cantonese opera, the amusement park also hosted world-class entertainment performances.

Besides its elegant scenery and spectacular entertainment, the Lee Garden Amusement Park also housed a high-class restaurant. Many wealthy merchants and magnates loved to host banquets there for their guests; the then-Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Cecil Clementi, was once an honored guest.
Lee Hysan is a prime example of a self-made man. Let's look at how he rose to become a tycoon in the span of 20 years.

Lee Hysan's ancestral home was in Kaiping, and he was born in Honolulu. He came to Hong Kong at the age of 12 to study at Queen's College. After graduation, he worked as a teacher and at the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). He also traveled throughout the Americas and Southeast Asia ("Nanyang") engaging in the o***m trade.

Later, he invested in the Yue Shing Company, which specialized in the Macau o***m monopoly, and quickly made his first fortune.

When the real estate market boomed in the 1920s, he invested heavily, acquiring Jardine's Hill. He later purchased multiple buildings on Lee Tung Street in Wan Chai, Percival Street, and Third Street in Sai Ying Pun. He had one wife and three concubines, with six sons and six daughters. According to an estimate by a business partner, at his peak, he owned approximately 1,000 properties.

Lee Hysan was also involved in many social affairs. He served as the President of the South China Athletic Association. In addition to donating funds for competitions, he also contributed to the construction of a swimming pool and sports grounds after the association acquired its clubhouse premises on Caroline Hill.

Furthermore, he was the President of the Queen's College Old Boys' Association and frequently supported its activities.

In 1928, at the pinnacle of his life, he was assassinated, ending his life at the age of 48. We will detail why he met such a fatal end in our next post.

***m

15/02/2026

【香港幾時成為世界級旅遊點？】
When Did Hong Kong Become a World-Class Tourist Destination?

一次大戰之後，國際旅遊蓬勃起來，除了傳統來往歐洲和美國的郵輪航線之外，不少富裕遊客，也對亞洲的異國風情感興趣，1920年代開始出現環遊世界的奢華之旅，而香港成為了其中一站。

1926年1月，Belgenland號訪港便十分轟動，雖然這已經是Belgenland 連續第二年來港，各家報紙爭相以顯著篇幅刊登它的新聞，比第一年更甚。Belgenland船身重27000多噸，長約700呎，載有400多名乘客，是當時駛入香港海域最大的郵輪，也是成功環繞世界行駛的最大郵輪。

她從美國紐約出發，停靠點包括洛杉磯、三藩市、夏威夷、日本、上海、香港、馬尼拉、新加坡、加爾各答、亞歷山大、摩納哥、直布羅陀、修咸頓、然後回紐約。
Belgenland隸屬美國著名的紅星航運( Red Star Line)，由美國運通( American Express Co )聯合營運。它的設備極盡豪華，船上除了有舒適的休息室、咖啡室、瑰麗堂皇的餐廳和宴會廳外，還包括健身室、泳池、網球和高爾夫球場，土耳其浴室、圖書館等。

隨船的船員也有600多人，當中有醫生、牙醫、健身教練、教育總監及講師、樂隊領班、甚至有船上報刊的編輯及印刷員等。

環遊世界全程需時4個月，在停留香港的5天裡，遊客分成4组，每組100多人，輪流在香港大酒店享用午餐、遊覽山頂、暢遊淺水灣，還會環遊新界及到澳門去。澳門段的行程包括賭場、白鴿巢公園、大三巴牌坊等。
除了遊覽旅遊點，旅客當然不會錯過購物機會。他們個個豪買絲綢、雕刻、傢俱、珠寶及其他傳統中國產品，人人滿載而歸。

香港政府當局十分重視這一批貴客，他們乘坐人力車都不用付款，而是事後由警察代辦。

#旅遊 #香港 #歷史 #懷舊 #郵輪 #美國 #香港大酒店 #山頂 #大三巴 #白鴿巢公園

【When Did Hong Kong Become a World-Class Tourist Destination?】
After the First World War, international tourism boomed. Beyond the traditional cruise routes between Europe and the United States, many wealthy tourists also developed an interest in the exotic allure of Asia. The 1920s saw the emergence of luxurious round-the-world tours, and Hong Kong became one of the stops.
In January 1926, the visit of the SS Belgenland to Hong Kong was a sensational event. Although this was the Belgenland's second consecutive year visiting the city, various newspapers reported on it with prominent coverage, even more so than the first year. The Belgenland weighed over 27,000 tons, was approximately 700 feet long, and carried more than 400 passengers. It was the largest cruise ship to have entered Hong Kong's waters at the time and also the largest to have successfully circumnavigated the globe.

She departed from New York, with ports of call including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Calcutta, Alexandria, Monaco, Gibraltar, Southampton, and then back to New York.

The Belgenland was part of the famous American Red Star Line and was jointly operated with the American Express Co. Its amenities were the epitome of luxury. Onboard, besides comfortable lounges, cafes, and magnificent dining and banquet halls, facilities included a gymnasium, a swimming pool, tennis and golf courts, a Turkish bath, and a library.

The ship also had a crew of over 600, which included doctors, dentists, fitness instructors, an education director and lecturers, a bandleader, and even an editor and printers for the onboard newspaper.

The entire round-the-world journey took four months. During the five-day stay in Hong Kong, the tourists were divided into four groups of over 100 people each. They took turns enjoying lunch at the Hongkong Hotel, touring The Peak, and visiting Repulse Bay. They would also tour the New Territories and take a trip to Macau. The Macau leg of the trip included casinos, Camões Garden, and the Ruins of St. Paul's.

Besides visiting tourist spots, the travelers certainly did not miss the opportunity to shop. They all splurged on silk, carvings, furniture, jewelry, and other traditional Chinese products, with everyone returning fully laden with purchases.

The Hong Kong government authorities placed great importance on this group of distinguished guests. When they rode in rickshaws, they did not have to pay; the fares were handled afterwards by the police.

香港回望 HK Old Days

04/06/2026

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