Peak Reservation Ordinance

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Peak Reservation Ordinance (1904-1930) was a law passed by the British colonial government in Colonial Hong Kong that restricted Chinese citizens from living on Victoria Peak. It was a law created based on racial restriction. At the time the social status was measured by the altitude of one's house. The law made the peak exclusive to Europeans and government officials[1].

[edit] Effect

Other benefits that came with the law include the reservation of the Peak Tram at certain hours of the day. From 8 to 10am in the morning, the tram service was for top officials, first class passengers only. They would be guaranteed good commute time every morning. The only exception made was for the millionaire, Sir Robert Ho-Tung. On record he was the only Chinese citizen ever allowed to live in the peak while the law was active. Eventually the law was repealed in 1930.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Wiltshire, Trea. [First published 1987] (republished & reduced 2003). Old Hong Kong - Volume Two. Central, Hong Kong: Text Form Asia books Ltd. Page 21. ISBN Volume One 962-7283-60-6