Hong Kong Government Gazette: A History of Official Records
The official record of government notifications in Hong Kong has a rich history that mirrors the territory's own political evolution. From its early days as a private publication to its current status as the definitive legal organ of the state, the Gazette serves as the primary medium for proclamations and public papers.
The Early Press and the First Gazette
The origins of official printing in the region date back to May 1, 1841, with the founding of the Hongkong Gazette. Established by John Robert Morrison, it holds the distinction of being the earliest newspaper in Hong Kong. During its initial years, the publication was printed in Macao and released every two weeks.
On March 24, 1842, the Hongkong Gazette merged with The Friend of China, an English weekly newspaper, to form the Friend of China and Hongkong Gazette. While it initially served as a mouthpiece for the Superintendency of Trade, the publication eventually ceased operations after its editor, William Tarrant, was imprisoned for libel in 1859.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Establishment of the Official Government Gazette
The modern iteration of the official record began on September 24, 1853. Following a proclamation by William Caine, the Colonial Secretary, the Hongkong Government Gazette (香港政府憲報) was launched. Caine declared that this publication would serve as the sole official organ for all government proclamations, notifications, and public papers.
Transition to the Special Administrative Region
A significant shift occurred on July 1, 1997, when Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. To reflect this change in sovereignty, the publication was renamed the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Gazette. While the general format of the document remained consistent, the serial numbering of the volumes was reset, starting again from Volume 1.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: The first newspaper, Hongkong Gazette, started on May 1, 1841.
- Official Status: The current official government format began on September 24, 1853.
- Renaming: Changed to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Gazette on July 1, 1997.
- Reset: Volume numbering restarted from Volume 1 upon the 1997 handover.
- Digital Access: Online PDF records are available from the year 2000 onwards.
Summary of Gazette Evolution
| Period/Date | Publication Name | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| 1841 | Hongkong Gazette | Earliest newspaper; printed in Macao. |
| 1842 | Friend of China and Hongkong Gazette | Merged entity; mouthpiece of Superintendency of Trade. |
| 1853 | Hongkong Government Gazette | Established as the sole official government organ. |
| 1997 | Government of the HKSAR Gazette | Renamed following the transfer of sovereignty. |
Archiving and Public Access
Historical records of the Gazette are preserved globally and locally to ensure transparency and historical accuracy. Physical copies are maintained by various libraries worldwide, including the Hong Kong Central Library and the Central Preservation Library for Government Preservation of the Public Records Office.
For researchers and the general public, digital access is available through multiple channels. The HKU Libraries website provides scanned copies of gazettes issued prior to World War II, while the official Gazette website hosts PDF records dating back to 2000.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the first newspaper in Hong Kong?
The Hongkong Gazette, the earliest newspaper in the territory, was founded by John Robert Morrison on May 1, 1841.
When did the official government gazette begin?
The Hongkong Government Gazette began publication on September 24, 1853, after a proclamation by Colonial Secretary William Caine.
What happened to the Gazette during the 1997 handover?
It was renamed the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Gazette, and its volume numbering was reset to Volume 1.
Where can I find gazettes published before World War II?
Scanned copies of gazettes issued before World War II are available on the HKU Libraries website.
Are there digital records of the Gazette available online?
Yes, the official website of the Gazette provides online records in PDF format dating back to the year 2000.