Jointly organized by EVD and CIWEM

Programme Highlights

Waglan is a small island at a distance of 5km South-east of Cape D’ Aguilar or 12 km from Lei Yue Mun. It has the largest lighthouse compound and the largest number of staff working on the island before automation in 1989. In 1860s Waglan Island was among the first choice of Hong Kong Government to build a lighthouse. However, the proposal was shelved due to its location within the Chinese territory. Eventually the lighthouse was built by Imperial Qing Maritime Customs Service and the light was lit on 9 May 1893. Because of the Nanking Treaty, it was transferred to Hong Kong Government in 1901. Situated at such a frontier location, since 1907 weather observations were made on the Island by lighthouse staff and were telegraphed to the Observatory. After the Second World War, a new weather station was in operation by Observatory Staff until 1963. It is popular even today to be reminded by the wind speed recorded on the island as a signal to the severity of an approaching typhoon.

During the busy days, people resided on the island included the lighthouse keepers and attendants, the staff from the Observatory, the technician from Cable and Wireless Limited in maintaining the telecommunication equipment, and a small navy force for a short duration. From 1989 the operation of the lighthouse as well as the weather station have become automated. Since then the island has become deserted with only the regular visits of technical staff in maintaining the installed equipment.

The research team has studied the archives, interviewed the personnel concerned and visited the island. This project is aimed to trace the past records of the Waglan Island which commenced its essential functions 127 years ago. The integral findings would not only rebuild the full history of the lighthouse compound initiated, designed and built by the China Imperial Maritime Customs Service; but also the intangible legacy of those involved in keeping the lights and recording the elements. It is hoped that the dissemination of the lonely men’s stories will help reinstall the forgotten memory of the lighthouse-related work on this frontier Island, the collection and transmission of important weather information, as well as the unique environment, lifestyle and culture over there.

Speaker

Ir Dr. S.W. Poon is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong

Language

Powerpoint in English and Presentation in Cantonese

Registration & Enquiries

The webinar is free of charge with maximum of participants of 150.  For registration, please complete the online Google Form.  Deadline for application is on 13 Jan 2021. Successful applicants will be notified before the event.  For enquiries, please contact Mr. Benjamin Lam at bencamay1119@gmail.com.  Attendance certificate will be issued after webinar.