Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, I, the rice class leader

British Army Service Corps?

Gao Yao sneered, just by hearing the name, you knew what this organization was.

Westerners have always been the best at self-promotion and flattery. In later generations, the British Army Service Corps was praised as the key to victory in the Pacific War...

Gao Yao really believed in its evil deeds!

But this also reminded Mr. Gao that the reactionaries are determined to destroy me.

According to Gao Yao's understanding, this British Army Service Corps actually saved many Westerners during the war, and had deep ties with all walks of life in China.

The Chinese Association of All walks of life was an organization established under the orders of the Japs during the Japanese occupation. Its main purpose was to assist the Japs in governing Hong Kong Island. Most of the people who could join it were the Chinese and foreign leaders of Hong Kong Island at that time.

Only five of them, such as Luo Xuhe, Zhou Shoushen, Liu Tiecheng, Li Zifang, and Chen Lianbo, can almost represent the Chinese elite at that time.

Among them, senior Hong Kong government officials such as Na Lulin, Yan Libo, and Fu Ruixian also instructed the Chinese People's Association to cooperate with the little devils.

Gao Yao had to give an early warning. After much consideration, it seemed that he would be able to dominate Kowloon for a period of time.

He immediately called the chief accountant, Axia, to ask: "How do we reserve land now?"

Axia unconsciously pushed down her gold-rimmed glasses. After wearing them for a long time, she found that she had become accustomed to wearing them...

"Tsuen Wan has a total area of ​​150 million square feet, Repulse Bay 300 million square feet, Clear Water Bay 500 million square feet, Lee Garden Hill 40 square feet, and Tung Cang 27 square feet."

Nearly 1000 million square feet, which is less than 100 million square feet.

When Gao Yao heard this, he realized that he still had a long way to go.

"I plan to reclaim the sea in Hung Hom."

"Hung Hom?"

Axia often looked at the map of Hong Kong and Kowloon collected by Gao Yao, and knew all the locations clearly. She suddenly thought about it and asked: "But where are we going to build a dock?"

Hung Hom is on the coast of Victoria and is now a barren land. From an economic point of view, Axia thought that Gaoyao was planning to open another wharf.

Gao Yao said with a smile: "It would be a waste to just use that place as a ferry terminal."

"When I prepare for the future, I will develop it there."

When Hung Hom was in later generations, there were only two most well-known buildings, one was the Hung Hom Undersea Tunnel and the other was the Hong Kong Coliseum.

At present, of course it is Huangpu Dockyard (big factory).

With the development of the times, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon will need to be linked sooner or later.

Gao Yao visited both places. From the current point of view, it will not affect the current main business and trade, and it is also close to the urban area.

Indeed, the location from Causeway Bay to Hung Hom is most suitable for building an undersea tunnel.

Gao Yao is prepared to seize this wealth channel in advance.

In later generations, people can set up border crossings to collect fees, but why can't they build an undersea tunnel to collect fees?

Axia nodded: "I'll contact the Public Works Department."

In fact, Westerners' reclamation was accidental.

In 1841, when Hong Kong Island opened as a port, the Hong Kong government dumped excess sand and gravel into the harbor when building roads and wharves.

Who knew that this move would not only expand the land area, but also reduce the complexity of transporting and storing sand and gravel, saving a lot of costs. It can be said that it kills two birds with one stone.

Later, the foreign companies that came to Hong Kong needed land.

The Hong Kong government divided the newly added land into 40 sections, each section being about 100 feet wide, and conducted the first land auction.

Its first auction was held in Haojiang, and the proceeds from the sale were immediately used as construction funds for the British Hong Kong government.

In this land sale plan, there are several types of lots, namely waterfront lots, urban lots, suburban lots and market lots.

Among them, the waterfront areas (mostly obtained from reclamation) were convenient for shipping and trade, and were immediately divided up by British merchants.

The Hong Kong government later calculated that the profit from land reclamation and land sales could be several times higher, and the cost was twice as low as that of land reclamation (Hong Kong Island is full of rocks).

Is that okay?

Since then, in the process of development and construction of Hong Kong Island, as long as it can be reclaimed, reclamation will be the main method, and the construction of mountains will be auxiliary.

At that time, reclamation was mainly concentrated in Central, including Bonham Reclamation Project, Bowring Reclamation Project, Sai Wan to Central Waterfront Reclamation Project, Sai Wan to Central Waterfront Reclamation Project, and Waterfront Eastern Reclamation Project. .

These reclamation projects not only expanded the area of ​​Hong Kong Island, but also created considerable taxes for the Hong Kong government.

The Hong Kong government is happy with this.

Because Kowloon's development progress is lagging behind, its reclamation history is slightly later, and it is mainly dominated by private developers, with little intervention from the Hong Kong government.

Just like before when Gao wanted to reclaim Tsuen Wan, he only needed to inform the Public Works Department and let the Public Works Department coordinate the project, and then he could get started directly.

The astute Axia asked: "Brother Yao, are you interested in Dachang?"

The largest shipyard was Huangpu Dockyard, which was founded on July 1863, 7 by several shipowners such as Jardine Matheson & Co., Rail Line Steamship Company, and De Gees & Co.

Later, the company acquired the Cobai Shipyard and Repair Shop in Huangpu, Guangfu, hence its name as Huangpu Company.

In 1866, Whampoa Dockyard was officially registered as a limited company on Hong Kong Island. Later, it merged with the United Dockyard Company in Hung Hom (also known as Yu Yan Dockyard), becoming the largest shipyard company on Hong Kong Island at that time. Until the end of the 19th century, Huangpu Dockyard almost monopolized all large shipyards between Huangpu, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Its shipbuilding technology was comparable to that of Japan at that time!

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was able to build giant ships of tons!

It was difficult for Gao Yao not to be tempted. He laughed and hugged Axia: "My dear Axia, you are really a roundworm in my belly."

Axia's face turned slightly red, and she then said with a worried look on her face: "Brother Yao, the big factory tree has big roots and deep roots."

"Your previous experience with Lane Crawford and CLP has alerted foreigners. If you attack the big manufacturers again, I'm afraid..."

"What's more, if you want to acquire a large factory, you may need to use a lot of funds."

Since its establishment, Whampoa Dockyard has been ranked among the top ten foreign banks in Hong Kong Island, and its heavy assets are amazing.

Gao Yao smiled and asked: "Is it because I don't buy the shipyard that these foreigners will look at me differently?"

"Axia."

Gao Yao said leisurely: "Foreigners are all paper tigers. The more you are afraid of them, the more they will look down on you."

"The tougher and more powerful you are, the more he will respect you."

It is said that Luobotou and Bangzi are afraid of power rather than virtue. In fact, foreigners are also like birds.

Gao Yao has been in Hong Kong Island for nearly two years and has long seen the virtues of these foreigners.

"But you're right."

Gao Yao smiled and said: "Now I really don't have the ability to eat Huangpu Dockyard in one go."

Whampoa was formally established as a limited company on Hong Kong Island in 1866. At that time, the share capital was 75, and a considerable part of the stock was circulated in the public market.

It is not easy to suddenly acquire individual shares.

Now that Gao Yao has made up his mind, Axia will naturally not object. She said smoothly: "The ability of big factories to repair ships is first-rate."

"Compared with this aspect, Yulong Shipyard still needs to improve. It would be good to become a director of a large shipyard."

Gao Yao suddenly laughed.

Since 47, Hong Kong Island's ocean-going trade transit function has gradually become more important. Ships traveling to and fro usually dock on Hong Kong Island for repairs. The business of large shipyards such as Whampoa Dockyard and Taikoo Dockyard is mainly focused on ship repair.

The shipbuilding business was ranked behind.

"With Axia's support, I will be able to count."

Gao wanted to acquire Huangpu Shipyard because of its shipbuilding capabilities.

Hong Kong Island has always been dominated by transshipment and shipping, and the shipyard workers are very skilled and experienced. Especially in January this year, because Great Britain had decided to reduce the size of the Pacific Fleet, the naval dockyard (specialized in building warships) was also forced to follow the decision and lay off employees.

So far, nearly 3000 people have been laid off.

As the saying goes, when others abandon me, I take them. Gao Yao, who changed his mind and prepared to develop the shipbuilding industry, wanted to draw these people into the civilian shipbuilding industry.

Gao Yao suddenly asked: "How is the condition of my Yang Taishan?"

The shareholders behind Huangpu Dockyard are mainly foreign companies and mixed-bloods. For example, Jardine holds a certain number of stocks, and Hedong is no exception.

Normally speaking, it would be better for Li Wanhua to deal with this kind of matter.

However, starting from this year, Li Deng's physical condition deteriorated rapidly, so Li Wanhua naturally had to go back to check on him from time to time.

Axia sighed: "I'm afraid it's not too good."

Gao Yao nodded slightly: "Good Axia, it seems that I have to help you with this matter."

Axia glanced at Gao Yao coquettishly, "This enemy works as hard as he can, so why bother?"

in the future.

Gao Yaocai, who had already planned it, said: "Jardine, Ruttonji, He Tung, HSBC, etc. all have shares in Whampoa Dockyard."

The Jardine family was one of the founding shareholders of Whampoa Dockyard. It was also because of the support of Jardine Matheson that Whampoa Dockyard was able to annex shipyards such as United Dockyard and build supporting machinery factories on the shore. Later, under the leadership of Jardine Matheson, Whampoa Dockyard Obtained the privilege of repairing official ships for the Hong Kong government.

This is how the Huangpu Dockyard emerged!

As for Rutton Chi, He Tung, etc., of course it was because of their reputation.

Fame is as good as the advertisements of later generations, just as many companies currently invite Gao to serve as directors, because of Gao's reputation.

Huangpu Dockyard is no exception.

Needless to say, HSBC is a big bank and it definitely has shares in Huangpu Dockyard.

Since ancient times, beauty is like a famous vessel, and Gao Yao was full of praise for Axia, who was carrying a jade urn.

The ancients said it well, if you don’t go through all kinds of ups and downs, how can you pick the heart of a flower?

Gao Yao took a long breath, bowed his head and said to Axia: "Good Axia."

"Like Jardine and Ruttonji, tell them that I will build public housing in their name, and all the proceeds will be invested in the charity fund they established."

"At the same time, Renai Cixiao Hall will donate to build a library in their name to enlighten the people!"

None of the Jardines are short of money.

The difference is that Jardine and Ruttonji are currently fully engaged in charity business due to their own reasons, so Gao Yao follows his preference.

As for He Dong, this guy is a lonely ghost, and he is famous for recognizing money but not people.

When there was a general strike at the seaport that year, he promised that he would fully advance the wages of the seafarers during the strike. However, after paying part of it, he actually refused to pay it because he felt distressed...

"I bought it at 1.5 times the market price."

Gao Yao was very confident that He Dong would agree: "This is a good deal, just go and negotiate."

"With HSBC, I'll handle it myself."

Gao Yao estimated that if these four parties were secured, he would be able to obtain no less than 4% of the shares.

If we go to the public market and make money, we can still be the chairman of Huangpu Company. If Lei Guantai is thrown in as a director, we will be fine.

Axia, who had a peach-like face, looked at Gao Yao with admiration: "Brother Yao, why do you feel so light about so many things when it comes to your hands?"

Gao Yao smiled and said: "Information."

The most important thing is information!

Just like Ga Tung, why did he become the richest man in Hong Kong Island in just a dozen years? And become what great people call a capitalist?

Ability is one thing, but the most important thing is the information that can be obtained because of its location.

For example, Li Jiacheng and Li Zhaoji, both of Gao Yao's subordinates, were called Asian stock gods in the stock market in later generations...

Why?

Naturally, it is because they can not only obtain first-hand inside information, but also create first-hand information themselves...

……

The red sun hung on the hilltop, and Liang Chang appeared at the European Coast Company at 21 Chiu Lung Street, Central.

He was obviously very familiar with this place. He greeted the busy staff all the way and went up to the chairman's office on the third floor.

Inside, a 30-year-old young man was reviewing documents. After looking up at Liang Chang, he squinted his eyes, then picked up the phone at hand and started making calls while continuing to sign.

"Suyi, help me tell my mother that I won't be back for dinner tonight."

After making the call, the young man said, "Brother Chang, it's up to you."

"Wait until I finish signing these papers."

"Row."

Liang Chang knew this young man very well, and they had many cooperations during the war.

After almost 10 minutes, the young man put down his pen. He immediately stood up and started taking tea leaves from the cupboard to make tea.

"Biluochun."

Liang Chang was a man who knew what he was buying. He laughed and said, "Yujie, it costs you money every time you come here."

"If the aunt finds out, I won't even dare to come to the door."

The young man's surname is Zhang and his given name is Yujie. He is the proprietor of the European coast and the second generation head of the Zhang family.

The Zhang family is originally from Xinhui and is affiliated with Wuyi. In the early days, his family opened Zhang Jinji in Guangfu, specializing in rattan wholesale.

During the war, his mother Zhang Guo Geng and her sons took refuge in Hong Kong Island.

The Zhang family's style is that as long as it can make money, they will never miss it. Therefore, after coming to Hong Kong, they opened many stores such as Zhang Jinji Shanhuo Store, Li Lai Western Medicine Store, Zhu Xing Foreign Store, Taihe Store, etc.

Among these businesses, what really makes the Zhang family prosperous is Western medicine!

At the very beginning, the Zhang family did not pay attention to Western medicine. It was when Zhang Yujie was doing the accounting that he suddenly discovered that the sales and profit margin growth rates of the humble Western medicine were extremely exaggerated.

After that, Zhang Yujie actively contacted foreign businessmen through the Wuyi Labor Union, and finally obtained the agency rights of the British Gallic Pharmaceutical Company Sandulian Western Medicine in the Far East.

He immediately opened a European Coast Company at No. 21 Chiu Lung Street and imported Sandulus in large quantities.

The original package of Sandurium produced by Jializi Pharmaceutical Company had a net weight of 35 ounces. However, Zhang Yujie changed the packaging to 1 ounce per vial, and affixed the Qian brand trademark, selling for HK$100 per bottle!

As Sandulus is an anthelmintic raw material, it is indispensable to pharmaceutical factories and drug stores. It is usually bought back and made into Fujisan and Huatatang for sale in the market.

This alone caused the Zhang family's pig cage to flood.

Having tasted the benefits, the Zhang family moved around, signing agency contracts with pharmaceutical companies in the United States, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and other countries, and importing large quantities of new drugs such as P·A·S Fei Tablets and Penicillin.

It is worth mentioning the P·A·S lung tablets. At that time, the disease with the highest mortality rate in Asia was lung diseases such as tuberculosis. For example, Ruttonji's daughter died of the disease.

At that time, when everyone heard about the word "tuberculosis", their expressions changed, and many doctors were helpless.

Li Jiacheng, a high-ranking subordinate, was suffering from tuberculosis back then, and it was the same at that time. Only then would his uncle look down on him...

Thanks to the introduction of P·A·S Fei Tablets, Xiao Li was able to cure his lung disease and get rid of the label of a tuberculosis ghost...

This alone not only brought the Zhang family a lot of wealth, but also gained a lot of fame. Last year, he was even elected to the board of directors of the Wuyi Trade Union!

That year, Zhang Yujie was only 33 years old and could be described as a young talent! (End of chapter)