Britain formally takes possession of the Hong Kong New Territories

Background. The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, signed in Peking on 9 June 1898, leased the New Territories and New Kowloon, including 235 islands, to the United Kingdom for 99 years rent-free. Although the convention became effective on 1 July, the British did not immediately take over the New Territories. The boundary was settled in March 1899 at the Sham Chun River, defining the extent of the leased territory.

Administrative Setup. The new Hong Kong governor, Henry Blake, arrived in November 1898. The date for the takeover of the New Territories was fixed as 17 April 1899, with Tai Po chosen as the administrative center. In early April 1899, captain superintendent of police Francis Henry May and some policemen erected a flagstaff and temporary headquarters at Tai Po and posted the governor's proclamation of the takeover date.

Boundary Definition. The leased territory included areas north of Boundary Street and south of the Sham Chun River, along with surrounding islands. The boundary was officially settled in March 1899 at the Sham Chun River, clarifying the extent of British possession under the 1898 convention.