Despite its name, Statue Square appears to have very few statues. In fact, only one remains, that of Sir Thomas Jackson, the Chief Manager of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, who dedicated his money and effort to the development of Hong Kong. Yet, had you visited Statue Square at the end of the 19th century, you would have seen it replete with statues. Originally called Royal Square and home to the statue of Queen Victoria that was erected in 1887, in celebration of her Golden Jubilee, the square featured many other statues of royals. During the Japanese occupation in WWII, these were sent to Japan to be melted and converted into essential war material, most probably used for boats, guns, or helmets. This was not unusual at a time when resources were scarce and statues of Prince Albert, Edward VII and Mary of Teck, to name a few were seized from the square. Some of them were eventually returned, notably Queen Victoria’s statue, which is now in Victoria Park, and the HSBC lions. They currently decorate the exterior of the HSBC Headquarters. Stephen and Stitt, as they are named by the locals, are thought to bring good luck and have become a city landmark. Thus, you might see people stroking their paws and noses to enjoy good luck and prosperity.