清代臺灣渡口組織的運作：以新店溪流域為例

Abstract

渡口為清代臺灣居民渡河時使用的交通建設，官方編寫地方志時，皆會列載該區域的渡口與橋樑，可知渡口為當時重要的地方交通建設。其中，臺灣北部淡水廳的方志中記載之橋渡數量為臺灣府之冠，且渡口比例高於橋樑。因此，本文首先以淡水廳的渡口為主題，探討清代臺灣渡口組織的運作。本文以渡口的發起、建設、資金來源以及營運等紀錄，判斷官方介入的程度，觀察到淡水廳中，官方介入程度最高者為基隆河與雙溪河流域，最低者為新店溪流域。以「渡稅」作為理解渡口組織營運的切入點分析，發現在官方介入渡口組織程度較高的基隆河流域，未見以繳交「渡稅」營運渡口的案例；而渡口組織全為民間自行經營的新店溪流域，「渡稅」係由新莊慈祐宮所管理。同時，本文也指出「渡稅」在臺灣南部是官方與民間合作經營的媒介，以支應地方政府的財政。但新店溪流域的「渡稅」卻為民間自行經營，實與官方無關，說明清代臺灣的渡口不論有無官方介入，皆可仿照官方管理渡口的模式——「渡稅」以建立其運作模式，渡口經營者用繳交「渡稅」來確立其經營權，或保障經營權的移轉。新店溪流域渡口運作有賴地方自行維持，除了繳交「渡稅」給慈祐宮，個別渡口亦藉由立碑以文字確立其運作。本文以各個渡口向新莊慈祐宮繳交「渡稅」的情形搭配地圖史料，推知新店溪流域各處渡口的歷史脈絡，以及新店溪流域渡口組織的架構。其中，又以大坪林渡、渡口所發展出的大坪林街、與兩者息息相關的大坪林斯馨祠，說明區域內人群網絡緊密參與渡口運作的情形。本文透過新店溪流域渡口的研究，指出清代臺灣由民間經營的渡口，化用原先渡稅充當香資的方式完成組織化，使渡口交通與民間信仰的連結更為強烈，是故渡口附近多有廟宇。藉由廟宇碑文與捐款名單，得以了解渡口經營權的移轉與運作，更顯示渡口作為清代臺灣社會交通熱點，具有活絡社會網絡與人群的特色。

During the Qing Dynasty in Taiwan, the ferry crossing served as a vital transportation facility for residents to traverse rivers. Gazetteers compiled by officials meticulously documented the ferries and bridges in each region, underscoring the significance of ferries in local transportation. Notably, Tamsui Ting（淡水廳）in northern Taiwan had the highest number of recorded ferries, with a greater proportion of ferries compared to bridges. This research focuses on Tamsui Ting's ferries to explore the operations of ferry organizations during the Qing Dynasty in Taiwan. By analyzing historical records concerning the establishment, construction, funding, and operation of ferries, this study assesses the level of official involvement in ferry organizations. Findings reveal that the degree of official engagement was most prominent in the Keelung （基隆） and Xindian （新店） River basins, and least in the Xindian River basin. The "ferry tax" （渡税） system provides insights into the functioning of ferry organizations. Notably, in the Keelung River basin, where official involvement was high, ferries were not operated through the"ferry tax" system. Conversely, in the Xindian River basin, where the ferry organization was privately managed, the "ferry tax" was overseen by the Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple （新莊慈祐宮）. Furthermore, this study underscores that in southern Taiwan, the "ferry tax" served as a collaborative mechanism between the government and the private sector, supporting local government finances. In contrast, the "ferry tax" system in the Xindian River basin operated independently from government influence, relying on self-sustained efforts. Irrespective of official intervention, ferry operations in Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty followed an official mode of management, with ferry operators using the"ferry tax" to establish or transfer their operating rights. In the Xindian River basin, the functioning of ferry organizations relied on local self-maintenance. Beyond paying the "ferry tax" to the Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple, individual ferries established their operational rights by erecting monuments. Historical maps, in conjunction with "ferry tax" payments to the Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple, helped reconstruct the historical ferry network in the region. Notably, case studies of the Dapinglin （大坪林） Ferry, Street, and Temple highlight the active involvement of the local population in ferry operations.Moreover, this research reveals that privately operated ferries during the Qing Dynasty transformed the original"ferry tax" into religious offerings, strengthening the connection between ferry transportation and folk beliefs. As a result, numerous temples were established near ferry locations. Through the examination of temple inscriptions and donation records, this study provides valuable insights into the transfer and operation of ferry rights, emphasizing the pivotal role of ferries as essential social hubs in Qing Dynasty Taiwan.