By the 1930s, the concern over morality became the mainstream, and therefore, enforcing bans on prostitution was the inevitable trend. On top of that, in 1929, the economic depression of the US led to global recession. As a result, the wealth of many merchants was drastically reduced, and the sex industry of West Quarry was also greatly affected. The Hong Kong Government finally decided to enforce bans on prostitution in phases. On 30 June 1932, foreign and Japanese prostitutes were the first batch to be banned. In view of the fact that Chinese prostitutes and their derivative industries were so numerous, the Hong Kong Government allowed the ban on Chinese prostitutes to be deferred by a period of three years, enabling the thousands of affected people to re-train for new careers. Soon after the 12th Young Master and I, Fleur, committed suicide for our love, the total ban on prostitution in Hong Kong came into effect on 30 June 1935. Thereafter, Shek Tong Tsui slipped back into peace and quiet, and the erotic romance of West Quarry became history.

Some of the prostitutes from West Quarry became domesticated; some turned to the small brothels on Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, and in the areas around Central, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai, and continued to survive in the grey area of laws; some joined the singing and performing industries; some took advantage of the reputation of West Quarry and went to do their trade in Guangzhou, Macau, Vietnam and various ports in Southeast Asia. Over the years, prostitutes who led a desolate life were the majority – getting involved with the gangsters, indulging in drugs and gambling, being infected with various diseases and being cheated on by swindlers in terms of money, sex and emotions. There were others like me, Fleur, whose love was thwarted because of a disgraceful past. They died for their frustrated love by committing suicide in the end. This was also the kind of story often heard of.

Don’t forget that behind the legend, the glamour and the unique culture of West Quarry, the miserable life of several generations of Hong Kong women are also hidden…