Here stands Kowloon Water Works boundary stone No. 19. This seemingly unremarkable stone has a story to tell. It marks the boundary of the Kowloon Waterworks.
Let’s step back in time to 1902. The British Government erected these boundary stones. They defined the limits of the water collection area for the Kowloon Reservoir. This was a crucial step in ensuring a reliable water supply for Kowloon.
The stone before you is one of many. Originally there were thirty-two such markers. They were strategically placed around the Kowloon Reservoir. Each stone bore the inscription “KWW 1902 No. X.” “KWW” stood for Kowloon Water Works. The “X” represents a sequential number.
Interestingly the inscriptions always faced away from the reservoir. This helped to clearly mark the boundary of the water collection area. It was a simple yet effective way to prevent encroachment.
These boundary stones served a dual purpose. They were practical markers and symbols of British administration. At that time Britain leased the New Territories from China. The lease was for 99 years. The boundary stones showed a sense of permanence. They marked the British intent to manage the region.
Think of the workers who placed this stone. They carefully positioned it to define the waterworks limits. They likely considered this a long-term project. It was designed to benefit the growing population of Hong Kong.
Number 19 has been renovated. It is near the “Kauffmann Garden”. Unlike others it seems to have been retouched. Most of the other stones appear untouched.
Today only twenty-five of these markers remain. Some have been lost to time and development. Others are hidden in the undergrowth. They await rediscovery. This stone serves as a reminder of Hong Kong’s history. It showcases its struggle to secure vital resources.
Water Supplies Department staff have recorded these stones. It’s worthwhile to check out their work.
This Kowloon Water Works boundary stone stands as a silent witness. It has witnessed Hong Kong’s transformation. From a colonial outpost to a global metropolis. Take a moment to appreciate its significance. This is a tangible link to the past. A past that shaped the present.
So next time you see a seemingly ordinary stone remember its story. It could be a boundary marker. It might hold a secret about our city’s past. Kowloon Water Works boundary stone No. 19 is such a stone.