3-053-815 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New Royal Naval Hospital, Hong-Kong, 1873. Engraving from a drawing by a Chinese artist named Afong. 'The Naval Hospital at Hong-Kong...was formerly the private residence of those merchant princes Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co. It is situated in the eastern and most salubrious suburb of Victoria. It has been purchased by the Admiralty at a cost of 35,000 dols. The hospital consists of four oblong buildings, with...verandahs on all sides protecting the wards from the sun's heat, and affording ample space for recreation in all kinds of weather. The rooms are lofty and well ventilated. The hospital is well lighted with gas, and there is an ample supply of the purest water. The hospital commands a beautiful view of the harbour. In front is to be seen Kellett's Island, named after the Admiral who surveyed all the neighbouring coasts and waters; and in the distance is seen a faint outline of the mainland of China. The promontory stretching out towards Kellett's Island is named Kowloon, which has been ceded to the English, and here the military resort for ball practice...The Admiralty have done wisely in securing so pleasant and comfortable a retreat for the officers and men of the fleet stationed in China who may happen to be sick or wounded'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.