Firstly, the Governor was constrained by the British government. For example, the British government could appoint and dismiss the Governor and appointed all high-ranking officials, such as the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong, Chief Secretary, Attorney General, Financial Secretary and Chief Justice. The Governor had to return to London annually to report his work, and seek the British government’s instructions for all important decisions. He was also the Commander-in-Chief in name only since the British Forces in Hong Kong were under direct command of the Ministry of Defence in Britain. Secondly, the Governor was constrained by conventions. For example, when appointing government officials and judges, the Governor would always follow the advice of the Public Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission respectively instead of acting on his own will. Thirdly, the Governor was constrained by the civil service system. For example, the Governor had to corporate with the government officials in Hong Kong and could not bring his own men from England when taking office. Fourthly, the Governor was constrained by British merchants in Hong Kong. For example, a few Governors had been dismissed because they could not get along with the British merchants in Hong Kong.
Besides, the second characteristic of British administration was that government officials and council members were all being appointed. Firstly, Governors and high-ranking officials such as the commander of British Forces in Hong Kong, Chief Secretary, Attorney General, Financial Secretary and Chief Justices were appointed by the British Government. Secondly, the ex-officio, official and unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils were all appointed. Members of the two councils would support all government’s decisions to ensure the smooth implementation of decisions made by the British government.
Moreover, the third characteristic was that the government under British administration was an executive-led government. The executive branch played a leading role in the government, making and proposing all policies and bills. Firstly, the governor in the executive-led system held all powers as the head of the executive-led system. He enjoyed executive, legislative and appointment power, presided over the two councils and had certain judiciary and military power. Secondly, the Government Secretariat held the power to initiate legislation. The Government Secretariat proposed legislation to the Governor. It was then approved by the Executive Council before drafting into bills by the Legal Department, and passed back to the Executive Council for evaluation. Thirdly, under the executive-led system, the governor used to appoint the same senior government officials to the Executive and Legislative Councils in order to ensure policies could be carried out smoothly and efficiently without opposition.
In addition, the fourth characteristic was that British merchants exerted enormous influence upon British administration in HK. The British merchants had the greatest power since must unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative councils were rich and had received British education, and were mainly the leaders of the British mercantile houses, such as Jardine, Matheson and Company. Hence British administration in Hong Kong was very much influenced by British merchants and had a lot of important decisions made in favour of the business group.
Moreover, the fifth characteristic of British administration was that Chinese leaders and associations were consulted by the government for efficient administration. Firstly, Chinese elites were absorbed into the Executive and Legislative Councils. For example, in 1929, 3 out of 8 unofficial seats in the Legislative Council were taken up by local Chinese; Chow Shouson was the first Chinese unofficial member. Secondly, the British administration established communication with Chinese associations through the Secretariat fro Chinese Affairs. The government also offered support to mutual-aid associations such as clam associations and kaifong welfare associations to compensate for its lack of social welfare services. The government also formed partnerships with Chinese organizations like Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Po Leung Kuk and Heung Yee Kuk to bridge the gap between the British government and local Chinese community. Thirdly, the British government recognized Heung Yee Kuk and other rural associations to deal with the land rights of the inhabitants in the New Territories. Heung Yee Kuk acted as a bridge of communication and the mediator between the government and the inhabitants to balance interest of both sides.
Finally, the sixth characteristic of British administration in Hong Kong was that the government adopted both oppressive and conciliatory measures over Chinese people. Firstly, for oppressive measures, the British designated the Peak as the residential area for Westerners only; Governor and official and unofficial members of Executive and Legislative Councils were mainly made up by British. For local Chinese, only a very insignificant number of Chinese were appointed in the two councils; could only take up junior positions in the civil service and important posts like Administrative officers, were not open for them. Besides, British also implemented Western education and made English the official language. On the other hand, however, the British government did adopt some conciliatory measures. For example, Chinese traditions and customs were kept and all traditional laws relating to family, marriage and inheritance remained effective until even the late 19th century, while high-ranking government officials had Chinese names. Finally, the government also attempted to conciliate the Chinese by entrusting Chinese associations like Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and paid due respect to Chinese leaders such as Robert Hotung and Chow shouson by awarding them noble titles.
To analyze, the British government introduced much of its tradition British style of ruling to Hong Kong and had exerted enormous influence towards the Chinese community. To pacify the Chinese, the British administration did attempt to build a good relationship with Chinese associations, but the inclusion of local Chinese was kept minimal.
To conclude, there were six major characteristics of British administration in the first half of the 19th century, namely, the governor as the core of the government; the British government appointing all government officials and council members; the government being an executive-led government; great influence by the British merchants; Consulting Chinese associations and the adoption of both oppressive and conciliatory measures.
by
bellychan (student)
