港史文本 - HK In Texts: Administrative Reports

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1923

Table of Contents

1 Finances

2 Shipping and Trade, industries, Fisheries, agriculture, and Land

3 Legislation

4 Education

5 Public Works

6 Government and aided institutions

7 Institutions Not Supported By Government

8 Criminal and Police

9 Vital Statistics

10 Postal and Telegraph Services

A Financial Returns

A(1) Finances

B Assessment

C Secretariat for Chinese affairs

D Harbour office

E Imports and Exports office

F Royal Observatory

G Supreme Court

H Police Magistrates' Courts

I Land office

J New Territories

K Police and Fire Brigade

L Prison

M Sanitary

M(1) Medical

N Botanical and forestry

O Education

P Volunteer Corps (Not Published)

Q Public Works

R Post office

S Railway

I.-FINANCES.

The revenue for the year amounted to $24,783,763 being $6,216,493 more than the estimate and $2,492,698 more than the revenue for the previous year.

Compared with the returns for 1922 there were increases under all the heads except Kowloon-Canton Railway.

The expenditure amounted to a total of $21,571,905 inclusive of a sum of $4,716,602 spent on Public Works Extraordinary.

The detailed figures for 1923 are set out in the following statements:-

Light Dues

HEADS OF REVENUE.

Light Dues, Special Assessment -

Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise

specified

Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes, and Reimbursements in Aid -

Post Office

Kowloon-Canton Railway

Rent of Government Property, Land, and

137,455.61

151,097.65

16,123,980.81

1,601,281.37

761,119.97

474,721.78

Houses

1,183,846.53

Interest

577,986.73

Miscellaneous Receipts

283,474.91

TOTAL, (Ordinary)-

$21,294,965.36

Land Sales, (Premia on New Leases)

3,488,797.17

ΤΟΤΑΙ

$24,783,762.53

The total expenditure brought to account amounted to $21,571,905 being $1,011,930 less than the estimate, and $3,008,902 more than the expenditure in 1922. Compared with the estimates there were increases under 15 heads as against 12 heads where there were decreases. The excess amounting to $1,285,783 under Miscel- laneous Services was due to :—

University -

Compensation in respect of Yaumati Ferry

service

176,000.00

$5,000.00

Publicity Bureau

30,000.00

Swatow Typhoon. Relief Fund

29,998.00

War Memorial Nursing Home

200,000.00

British Empire Exhibition, H.K. Section

250,000.00

Loss on Subsidiary Coins

199,480.00

Japanese Earthquake H.K. Relief Fund

250,000.00

$1,220,478.00

Military Expenditure exceeded the estimate by $240,331 due to increase in revenue. Public Works Extraordinary was less by $2,528,898 than the amount estimated and Education Department decreased $73,905 on account of unpaid Building Grants.

EXPENDITURE.

Governor

94,100.92

Cadet Service

300,211.05

Colonial Secretary's Department and Legis-

lature -

60,759.08

Secretariat for Chinese Affairs

28,795.63

Audit Department

48,196.15

Treasury

70,880.33

Harbour Master's Department

316,994.95

Imports & Exports Department

908,095.52

Royal Observatory

38,374.11

Miscellaneous Services

1,828,078.38

Judicial and Legal Departments -

285,009.31

Police-

1,633,832.14

Fire Brigade

166,783.43

Prison Department

324,698.26

Medical Department

402,761.76

Sanitary Department

620,390.31

Botanical and Forestry Department

77,157.40

Education

→

856,367.04

Military Expenditure -

4,033,500.36

Public Works Department

901,782.71

Do.

Recurrent

Do.

Extraordinary

Post Office -

1,424,532.80

4,716,602.94

123,492.33

Kowloon-Canton Railway

Charge on account of Public Debt

Pensions

Charitable Services

757,030.11

964,810.00

486,167.76

102,499.94

ΤΟΤΑΙ

- $21,571,904.72

The balance to the credit on the year's working was $3,211,858 and the assets and liabilities account showed on the 31st December a credit balance of $15,971,495.

The following is a statement of the revenue and expenditure of the Colony for the five years 1919-1923 :—

Expenditure.

Revenue.

16,524,975

$ 17,915,925

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

14,689,672 14,489,594 17,728,132 15,739,652 22,291,065 18,563,003 24,783,763

21,571,905

Colony by itself. In 1905 the Hongkong Government ceased to issue any subsidiary coin and in 1906 it began a policy of demonet- ising all its subsidiary coin received as revenue.

This policy was continuously followed till 1918 except during a brief period in 1911. Coin to the face value of $26,235,459. has thus been redeemed. The total issue by the Hongkong Government was of the face value of $44,049,830.

STATEMENT OF SUBSIDIARY COINS.

Received and redeemed (from 1911)

Blue Book 1911. Amount in circulation.

$43,999,830

Since received :--Copper coin.

1919...

1923...

25,000.00

50,000

Total Amount put into circulation ... $44,049,830

Less since redeemed :-

1911...

...5,527,459.04

1912...

...1,040,000.00

1913...

...1,040,000.00

1914...

...5,000,000.00

1915...

...5,100,000.00

1916...

***

...5,028,000.00

1918...

500,000.00

1922...

...3,000,000.00

26,235,459.04

Total Amount of coin in circulation in 1923...$17,814,370.96

IL-SHIPPING AND TRADE, INDUSTRIES, FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE, AND LAND.

(a.)--SHIPPING.

The total Shipping entering and clearing at Ports in the Colony during the year 1923, amounted to 778,222 vessels of 53,402,239 tons, which, compared with the figures of 1922, show an increase of 69,978 vessels, and of 6,835,475 tons.

Of the above 49,900 vessels of 35,011,533 tons were engaged in Foreign Trade as compared with 50,427 vessels of 29,543,564 tons in 1922.

Table I shows an increase in British Ocean-going shipping of 842 ships or 18.5 per cent. and an increase of 1,533,250 tons or 15.8 per cent. This increase in ships and Tonnage is due to new Steamers built in Europe being put on the Eastern trade, new Steamers locally built being put on the Coasting trades, the Norwegian s.s. "Helios" put under British Registry and re-named the "Wong Shek Kung".

Foreign Ocean-going vessels have increased by 1,153 ships, and by 2,389,646 tons or 189 per cent. in numbers and 19.4 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in ships and tonnage is due to new German Steamers being put on the Eastern trade, new Spanish Mail Steamers being put on the Eastern trade, the Chinese s.s. "Ling Nam" being put on the South American trade. New Nippon Yusen Kaisha Steamers being put on the run to Europe and a number of new vessels put on the Coasting trade principally Dutch and Norwegian. The British s.s. "Wong Shek Kung" being put under the Chilian Flag and the s.s. "Haimun” being put under Panama Flag. The s.s. "Dashtestan" being put under the Portuguese Flag and renamed the s.s.

Coloan".

British River Steamers have increased by 1,142 ships with an increase in tonnage of 1,967,123 tons or 23′1 per cent. in numbers and 527 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in ships and tonnage is due to new River Steamers Lung Shan" being put on the Canton run, the "Kwong Fook Cheung" being put on the West River run and the Chinese River Steamer "Wah Kiu" renamed the "Fook Sing" and put under British Registry.

Foreign River Steamers show a decrease of 353 ships with a decrease in tonnage of 74,985 tons or 83 per cent. in numbers and 102 per cent. in tonnage. This decrease in ships and tonnage is due to a number of vessels being unable to run owing to the unsettled state on the West River and the Chinese Steamer "Wah Kiu" being put under British Registry and renamed “Fook Sing".

A comparison between the years 1922 and 1923 is given in the following table:--

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

Class of Vessels.

No.

Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

British Ocean-

going,

4,547 9.688,891

5,389 11,222,141

842 1,533,250

ForeignOcean-

going,

6,095 | 12,282,271

7,248|14,671,917

1153 |2,389,646 ...

British River

Steamers,

4,866

Foreign River

Steamers,

3,731,227

4,244 732,715 1,891

6,008 5,698,350

657,730

1142 (1,967,123

353 74,985

Steamships un-

der 60 tons

6,520

(Foreign

200,363 4,811 142.392

1,709

57,971

Trade),

Junks, Foreign

Trade,

26,155

2,908,097 24,553| 2,619,003

|1,602 | 289.094

Total, Foreign

Trade,

Steam Laun-

50,427 | 29,543,564| 49,900|35,001,533 | 3137 5,809,0193,664 422,050

in Waters of639,554 | 15,903,758 705,544 | 17,077,346 65,990 1,173,588

ches plying

the Colony,

Junks, Local

Trade;

*18,263*1,119,442 †22,778 | †1,313,360 4,515 193,918

Grand Total,... 708,244 46,566,764 778,222 | 53,402,239 73,642 7,257,525 3,664 422,050

Net Increase,.......

69,978 6,835,475

* Including 11,134 Conservancy and Dust Boats of 795,926 tons.

†

15,134

of 961,910

In Steamships not exceeding 60 tons employed in Foreign trade, there is a decrease of 1,709 ships with a decrease in tonnage of 57,971 tons or 26.2 per cent. in numbers and 289 per cent. in tonnage. This decrease in launches and tonnage is due to a number of launches employed in Foreign trade being laid up or trading in the waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West Rivers.

Junks in Foreign trade show a decrease of 1,602 vessels, and a decrease of 289,094 tons or 6'1 per cent. in numbers and 9.9 per cent. in tonnage. This decrease in vessels and tonnage is due to a number of Foreign trading Junks, being laid up on trading in the Waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the

Canton and West Rivers.

In Local trade (i.e. between places within the waters of the Colony) there is an increase in Steam Launches of 65,990 and an increase in tonnage of 1,173,588 tons or 10.3 per cent. in numbers

and 74 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in launches and tonnage is due to a number of Foreign trading launches now trading in the waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West Rivers.

Junks in Local Trade show an increase of 4,515 vessels and an increase of 193,918 tons or 24*7 per cent. in numbers and 17-3 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in vessels and tonnage is due. to a number of Foreign trading Junks now trading in the waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West

Rivers.

Of vessels of European construction 6,321 Ocean Steamers. 3,951 River Steamers and 2,404 Steamships not exceeding 60 tons, entered during the year, giving a daily average of 347 ships as compared with 33:2 ships in 1922 and 33:8 ships in 1921.

The average tonnage of Individual Ocean Vessels entering the Port has decreased from 2,0686 to 2,0532 tons, that of British Ships has decreased from 2,1310 to 2,0709 tons while that of Foreign Ships has increased from 1,957·7 to 2,0403 tous.

The average tonnage of Individual River Steamers entering during the year has increased from 5988 tons to 6281 tons, that of British River Steamers has decreased from 822-8 tons to 809·9 tons, and that of Foreign River Steamers has increased from 3189 tons to 3327 tons.

The actual number of individual Ocean-going vessels of European construction during the year 1923 was 1,186 of which 529 were British and 657 Foreign. In 1922 the corresponding figures were 1,092 of which 410 were British and 682 were Foreign.

These 1,186 Ships measured 3,468,321 tons. They entered 6,321 times and gave a collective tonnage of 12,979,033 tons.

Thus 94 more ships entered 1,002 more times and gave a collective tonnage greater by 1,978,285 tons, an average of 1,9743 tons per entry.

Thus:

Steamers.

No. of times entered.

Total Tonnage.

Flag.

1922, 1923. | 1922. 1923.

1922. 1923.

British,

410

5292.273 2,691 4.843,837 5,572,944

Japanese.......

334

U.S.A.,

84 258

285 | 1,246 1,337 2,881,813,3,129,156

272 1,109,4601,421,952

Chinese,

836 788 596,048 650,643

German,

99,810 275,583

Danish,

108,671 141,171

Dutch,

203

221

618,455 666,173

French, .....

190

281 386,440 515,507

Greek

Italian,.....

79,879

95,222

Panamaian, ...

105

63,242

Chilean,

122

52,975

Norwegian,

32 176 215 179,436 266,564

Portuguese,.

4 108

2,103 51,003

Russian,

འ་

1,544

2,331

Siamese,

38,403 2,621

Swedish,

41,849 47,932

Spanish,

24,014

Total,.... 1,092 1,1865,319 6,321

| 1

11,000,718 12,979,033

The Nationality of the Crews in British and in Foreign Ships was as follows:-

AMERICANS

VESSELS.

BRITISH CREW.

AND OTHER

ASIATICS.

EUROPEANS.

1922. 1923. 1922. 1923.

British,. 410 529 28,161 81,710 1,235 2,263 180,330303,231

Foreign,. 682 655

1,796 1,088 27,586 35,558|151,338|267,770

Total,

•

1,092 1,184 29,957 82,798 28,821 37,821 331,668 571,001

Hence in British ships :- 1922. 1923.

13.43% 21·10% of the crews

And in Foreign ships :-

1922. 1923.

1.00%

0.36% of the crews

were British.

15.42% 11.68 % of the crews

0.59 %

were British. 0.59% of the crews were other Europeans.

were other Europeans.

85.98 % 78.31 % of the crews were Asiatics.

83.58 % 87.96 % of the crews

were Asiatics.

100′00 % 100·00 %

100·00 % 100·00 %

Trade.

Detailed statistics of imports and exports are collected and published by the Imports and Exports Department;

Imports.

The number and tonnage of ships of European type of con- struction carrying cargo for import and transit, compared with 1922 were as follows:

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

Steamers,............. 5,318 11,000,704 6,321 12,979,033 1,003 1,978,329 River Steamers, 3,552 2,229,597 3,951 | 3,153,891 399

924,294

Sailing Vessels,

Total,... 8,871|13,230,345 |10,272 16,132,924 1,402|2,902,623|

Nett Increase,. |1,402 2,902,623

EXPORTS.

The corresponding figures relating to ships of European type of construction, shipping bunker coal, are as follows:-

Steamers,

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

No.

Tonnage. No. Tounage. | No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

5,322 | 10,970,458|6,316|12,915,025, 994 1,944,567||

River Steamers, 3,558 2,231,345 3,948 3,202,189 390 967,844

Sailing Vessels,

Total,... 8,88113,204,847|10,264 | 16,117,214 1,384 2,912,411

Net Increase,

......

1,383 2,912,367||

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

No.

Bunker Coal.

No.

Bunker Coal.

No.

Bunker Coal..

Bunker

No.

Coal.

Steamers,

5,322

439,734 6,316

River Steamers, 3,558

59,159 3,948

543,324 994

62,737 390

103,590

3,578

Total,... 8,880

498,893 10,264

606,061 1,384| 107,168

Net decrease...

1,384| 107,168

The River Trade, compared with 1922, is shown in the following Table:-

Year.

Imports.

Exports.

Passengers.

1922,

353,134

452,424

1,436,434

1923,

369,685

598,849

1,923,909

The following table shows the junk trade of the Colony for the years 1922 and 1923 :-

IMPORTS.

1922.

1923.

Junks.

Tons.

Junks.

Tons.

Foreign Trade, ...... 12,927

1,578,924

12,234

1,297,253

Local Trade,

3,516

162,521

3,759

173,363

Total,

16,443

1,741,445

15,993

1,470,618

Cattle, 553 head,......

Swine, 14,612 head,

Earth and Stones, General,

Tons.

860

11,657

505,120

Total..........

517,702

EXPORTS.

1922.

1923.

Junks.

Tons.

Junks.

Tons.

Foreign Trade,.............. 13,228

1,616,084

12,319

1,321,750

Local Trade, 3,613

160,990

3,885

178,085

Total, ......16,841

1,777,074

16,204

1,499,835

Exported 885,833 tons as under :——

Kerosine, 1,811,526 cases, .

Rice and Paddy,..

Coal,.......

General,

Tons.

62,660

241,534

170,155

411,484

Total,.......

885,833

Emigration and Immigration.

One hundred and Twenty thousand, two hundred and twenty-four (120,224) emigrants left Hongkong for various places during the year 1923, (98,393 in 1922). Of these, 62,679 were carried in British ships, and 57,545 in foreign ships.

One hundred and twenty-one thousand one hundred and two (121,102) returning emigrants were reported to have been brought to Hongkong from the several places to which they had emigrated either from this colony or from coast ports, as against 143,547 in 1922. Of these, 65,200 arrived in British ships, and 55,902 in foreign ships.

Statement of number of emigrants to Straits Settlements, 1912 to 1923, compared with total Chinese emigration.

No. of Emigrants

Straits Settlements,

Total No. of

Emigrants.

1912

84,024

122,657

1913

102,353

142,759

1914

44,974

76,296

1915

41,278

68,275

1916

82,797

117,653

1917

63,292

96,298

1918

8,019

43,830

1919

11,638

59,969

1920

43,935

105,258

1921

87.324

156,011

1922

...

50,356

98.393

1923

65,584

120,224

(b.)-INDUSTRIES.

(i.)-Under European management.

Engineering and Shipbuilding. The figures are as follows for the years 1922 and 1923 :-

H.K, & Whampoa Dock Co., Lal... Taikoo Dockyard & Eng. Co., Ld. W. S. Bailey & Co., Ld

Kwong Hip Lung Co., Ld. A King..

Kung Tuck Cheong

Tong Lee

Total

1922.

6 vessels of 11,842 gross tons and 7,300 L.A. P.

11,087 174

8,550

340

14+

•

260

400 80

.22 vessels of 23,309 gross tons and 17,074 I.H.P.

1923.

H.K. & Whampoa Dock Co., L... 5 vessels of 9.577 gross tons and 7,680 I.H.P. Taikoo Dockyard & Eng. Co., Ld. 5 W. S. Bailey & Co.. Ld...

4,711 830

3,120

700 •

Total

.17 vessels of 15,118 gross tons and 11,500 1.H.P.

Trade in China was bad for the first six or seven months of the year but greatly improved during the latter half of the year.

Cement Manufacture.-Despite the importation of Cement from Europe and elsewhere, the demand for the local product continued strong throughout the greater part of 1923. Towards the end of the year, however, the accumulation of imported Cement had the effect of forcing prices down to a lower level, and with continual shipments of Cement arriving, the prospects for 1924 are not so favourable as they have been for the past 3 years.

Cotton.-American Cotton fluctuated considerably during 1923.

The year opened with quotations from 15d to 153d per lb. which before the end of January had reached 163d per lb.

At the end of March prices had declined and during May were reduced to 144d.

June, however, saw a substantial advance, 174d being quoted.

The beginning of August registered the lowest value during the year i.e. 13.40d.

Afterwards the market showed firmness and the price advanced to 181d in September, and reached the highest value of the year at the end of November i.e. 21.99d.

During December prices fluctuated between 183d and 213d and the year closed with quotations between 201d and 214d.

Rope Making.-The demand for Manila Cordage was fairly good throughout the year, and the total turnover shows an improve- ment on that of the previous twelve months. The demand from India was seriously affected by the political cry for preference to native goods, the enquiries from Burmah also fell off owing to the preference for Wire Rope on the oil fields. But on the other hand this was offset by a better demand from Japan.

(ii).-Under Chinese Management.

Chinese Paper.-The exports-48,000 piculs-approximated closely to those of 1922.

Feathers.-There was a good demand during the first half of the year, and £166,000 worth were exported, principally to the United Kingdom.

Ginger-Exports amounted to £238,000 as compared with

£206.000 in 1922.

Hides. Returns are as follows:-

Buffalo

Cow

Goat

Sheep

1923

1922

1921

piculs.

4,550

6.7.14

11,243

.46,130

58,642

54,911

200

2,126

6.254

2,672

1,388

615

Continued trouble in the interior was responsible for a further falling off.

Mats and Matting.-The value of this commodity exported from the Colony during 1923 was $375,500, as against $600,000 during 1922.

Native Tobacco.-Exports again showed a decrease—£419,000, as compared with £471,000 in 1922.

Rattan and Fibre Furniture.-Values of exports closely approx- imated the 1922 figure of £165,000. The U. S. A. and the Straits Settlements were the largest buyers.

Soy. Prices during the whole year were about $23.50 per cask, with slight fluctuations and little demand from Europe. The U. S. A. absorbed half the output--£35,000 worth.

Tin.-The China Tin business in Hongkong was comparatively quiet during 1923.

Enpeeled Groundnuts.-Rather small quantities were shipped in the beginning of the year but the total exports for the year amounted in value to over £300,000.

Vermillion. £109,000 worth was exported, as compared with £110,000 in 1922.

Wood Oil. The demand for this commodity from Europe and the United States of America was much better during 1923 than in the previous year, and the prices obtained were on the average con- siderably higher.

The total exports to England and the Continent amounted to about 22,000 piculs, valued at £86,000, and about 53,000 piculs were shipped to America, valued at £198,000, which figures represent about seven times the total quantity shipped in the previous year.

(c.)--FISHERIES.

A considerable proportion of the boat population of Hongkong supports itself by deep-sea fishing, in which pursuit a large number of junks are engaged. The villages of Aberdeen, Stanley, Shanki- wan, and also many in the New Territories, are largely dependent upon this industry for their prosperity. Fresh water fish is im- ported from Canton and the West River. There are oyster beds of considerable value in Deep Bay.

(d)-FORESTRY, AGRICULTURE, AND BOTANY.

Formation of Pine tree plantations.

Seeds of Pinus Massoniana were sown in situ in the following places, sixty three pounds of seed being used :—50,000 near the new Shek O Motor Road, 3,077 on Cheung Chau Island and

50,000 at Quarry Bay.

230 pounds of seed were also sown broadcast on the grassy banks below Shek O Road, Tsun Wan Road and between Shatin

and Taipo Roads.

In Plantation 7C below the Matilda Hospital, Mount Kellet, where hill fires had taken place, 250 pounds of pine seed were used for resowing purposes, and in other plantations 5°C and 5D at Repulse Bay 213 pounds were similarly used.

Broad-leared trees planted.

Fortunei, Poinciana regia, Cassia fistula and Cinnamomum Cam- phora, which were used in the following places, Stubbs Road 192, Conduit Road 4, Broadwood Road 32, Shek O Road 101, Repulse Bay Road 5, Pokfulam Road 8, Magazine Gap Road 17, Wong-Nei- Chong Gap Road 10, Salisbury Road (Kowloon) 30, Nam Chong Street (Shumshuipo) 90, Taipo Road (N. T.) 59, Lok Ma Chau Road (N. T.) 153 and Shatin Road (N. T.) 13.

Eighty four young "Jak" trees (Artocarpus integrifolia) were planted to replace failures in a plantation near Aberdeen Reservoir.

Care of trees in plantations.

Creepers and Loranthus were removed from trees on roadsides and in plantations as far as possible whenever they are observed.

Pine tree caterpillars fortunately appeared only in very small numbers in one plantation near Fan Ling.

Twenty five miles of fire barriers were cleared in the mainland and eighteen on the island; these barriers almost always proved useful in checking hill fires. ·

Remoral of trees.

In connection with the general improvement and widening of roads, the sale of building lots, excavations of reclamations and various public works a large number of trees, both large and small and of various kinds were felled; those which were cut down near public roads were mainly Banians.

About 500 pine trees were cut down for the laying-out of an extension to the Tai Shek Kwo Cemetery, Kowloon.

In addition very large number of trees were cut down after they had suffered badly from the typhoon.

The usual removal of undergrowth as part of the campaign against malaria was conducted throughout the year, the total area cleared amounting to over 6,500,000 square feet while the total area cleared for survey purpose by P. W. D. 2,400,000 square feet.

Nurseries, Agriculture, &c.

10,000 Cinnamomum Camphora, 300 Poinciana regia and 340 Bauhinia variegata were raised in the 9A Nursery, Kowloon, for reafforestation purpose in 1924.

The growing of Aleurites Fordii and Aleurites montanu for the investigations into the possibilities of the commercial produc- tion of wood oil has not been satisfactory as most of the seedlings of both varieties suffered heavily from the typhoons. A further

trial of seeds of Aleurites montana has been made at the Fan Ling Experimental Garden about 45 pounds of seeds having been raised before the end of the year.

At the Fan Ling Experimental Garden a small quantity of seeds of Perilla ocymoides obtained locally were raised. It is hoped in due course to furnish a report to the Imperial Institute, London, on the possibilities of oil production from perilla.

Five hundred and sixty pounds of seeds of Pinus Mossoniana and forty pounds of Camphor seeds were collected during the year.

The first and second crops of rice were good and pineapples were fair. The one thousand young pineapples obtained from Honolulu have now made good progress.

Eight thousand five hundred and forty packages containing 1,070,040 bulbs of Nacissus Tazetta were inspected and certified for export to the United States of America and Honolulu, the lar- gest number examined since the inauguration of this service in 1919.

(e.)-LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND.

The net amount of premium received from sales of Crown Land and pier rights, New Territories excepted, for the year 1923 was $2,892,445.78 an increase of $348,220.25 on the preceding year, and $990,387 more than the average for the previous five

years.

The principal items were $242,400 for Inland Lot No. 2413, $156,000 for Inland Lot No. 2411, $100,200 for Inland Lot No. 2421, $94,500 for Marine Lot No. 430, $450,500 for Kowloon Inland Lots Nos. 1558 to 1561 and $82,700 for Kowloon Inland

Lot No. 1556.

In the New Territories the net amount received for premium was $589,799.14, the principal items being $150,500 for New Kowloon Inland Lot No. 419 and $98,700 for New Kowloon Inland Lot No. 435.

Resumptions include several Farm Lots in the Wongneichung Valley and Kowloon Farm Lots Nos. 3 & 4 at Yaumati, all of which were required for development purposes.

The total area sold or granted during the year was 1,897 acres O rood 37 poles of which 1,790 acres 1 rood 25 dealt with by the District Officers.

poles were

The total area of land resumed was 82 acres 1 rood 261 poles.

The number of deeds registered in the Land Office was 6,837, 2,371 more than the year 1921, which was a record year. The aggregate consideration set out in deeds registered in the land Office was $223,828,607.85 as against $107,392,435.38 in 1922.

Land Registration Fees exclusive of the New Territories amounted to $123,631.00 being $42,094.00 more than the previous best year on record. Land Registration Fees in the New Territo- ries amounted to $16,241.06 an increase of $13,318.06 on 1922.

There has been considerable development in New Kowloon on the lines of the town planning schemes, in other portions of the Southern District there has been a steady demand for sites.

In the Northern District there has been keen competition for land and a considerable area has been disposed of for various pur-

poses.

III-LEGISLATION.

Thirty-five (35) Ordinances were passed during 1923, of which seventeen were amendments of previous Ordinances.

The most important matters with which these Ordinances dealt

were:-

The Female Domestic Service (No. 1) The object of this ordi- nance was to regulate certain forms of female domestic service.

The Police Supervision, (No. 5)-The object of this ordinance was to provide for police supervision of certain criminals,

The German Missions Trustees (No. 9) →The object of this ordi- nauce was to provide for the carrying ou of the work formerly carried on by certain German societies and persons in the Colony of

Hongkong and to deal with certain property formerly held or ad- ministered by, or used in connection with the work of, such societies and persons in the Colony of Hongkong, and to provide for the con- trol of the persons by whom the said work is to be carried on.

The Fraudulent Transfers of Businesses, (No 25)-The object of the ordinance is to prevent certain fraudulent transfers of businesses.

The Ordinances of Hongkong 1844-1923 (No. 18)—The object of this ordinance was to authorise the preparation and issue of a new edition of the ordinances in force in the Colony to be known as the Ordinances of Hongkong 1844-1923.

Statute Laws (Proof and Preservation) (No. 19)--The object of this ordinance was to provide for the preservation of certain portions of the Statute Laws (New Revised Edition) Ordinance, 1911.

IV. -EDUCATION.

The European staff was increased by Twelve new appointments from England during the year.

The total number of pupils at schools in the Colony excluding the Police School and the uncontrolled schools in the New Terri- tories are:

Number of Pupils.

Total.

English

Vernacular

Schools.

Government Schools

3.439

3,480

Military Schools

157

Excluded Private Schools!

348

Grant Schools

3,351

1,051

4,402

Controlled Private

Schools

5,621

23,253

28,874

Controlled

Private

Schools, New Terri-

tories

4,665

Technical Institute

526

Total

13,442

29,010

42,452

The most important schools, apart from the excluded schools, are Queen's College for Chinese, four District

and the Belilios Public School for Chinese girls.

Schools its feeders. There is an Indian

The Fraudulent Transfers of Businesses, (No 25)-The object of the ordinance is to prevent certain fraudulent transfers of businesses.

Statute Laws (Proof and Preservation) (No. 19)--The object of this ordinance was to provide for the preservation of certain portions of the Statute Laws (New Revised Edition) Ordinance, 1911.

IV. -EDUCATION.

The European staff was increased by Twelve new appointments from England during the year.

The total number of pupils at schools in the Colony excluding the Police School and the uncontrolled schools in the New Terri- tories are:

Number of Pupils.

Total.

English

Vernacular

Schools.

Government Schools

3.439

3,480

Military Schools

157

Excluded Private Schools!

348

Grant Schools

3,351

1,051

4,402

Controlled Private

Schools

5,621

23,253

28,874

Controlled

Private

Schools, New Terri-

tories

4,665

Technical Institute

526

Total

13,442

29,010

42,452

The most important schools, apart from the excluded schools, are Queen's College for Chinese, four District

and the Belilios Public School for Chinese girls.

Schools its feeders. There is an Indian

School of growing importance housed in a building presented to the Colony by the late Sir Ellis Kadoorie. Central School and Kowloon Junior and Victoria Schools for children of British parent- age have an average attendance of 204. There is also a school for the children of the Peak District with an average attendance of 45. The Diocesan School and Orphanage and St. Joseph's College are important boys' schools in receipt of an annual grant. The Italian, French, and St. Mary's Convents, and the Diocesan Girls' School, are the most important of the English Grant Schools for girls.

The Hongkong Technical Institute affords an opportunity for higher education of students who have left school. Instruction was given in 1923 in Building Construction, Machine Drawing, Mechanics, Chemistry (Practical and Theoretical), Physics, Electricity, Com- mercial English, French, Shorthand, Book-keeping. Classes for men and women teachers, both "English" and "Vernacular" are a feature of the Institute.

The lecturers are recruited from the members of the Medical and Educational faculties of the Colony, and from the Department of Public Works, and receive fees for their services. The Institute is furnished with a well equipped Chemical Laboratory and excel- lent Physical apparatus.

The University of Hongkong, incorporated under the local University Ordinance, 1911, and opened in 1912, is a residential University for students of both sexes for the promotion of Arts, Science and Learning, the provision of higher education, the develop- ment and formation of the character of students of all races, nation- alities, and creeds.

The late Sir Hormusjee Mody, bore the entire expense of the erection of the main building and additions have been made through the liberality of benefactors of varied nationality and domicile.

The University includes the three Faculties of Medicine, Engineering and Arts. Admission to all faculties is conditional upon passing the matriculation examination of the University or some examination recognised as equivalent thereto.

The Faculty of Medicine provides a five year course of study in the usual pre-medical and medical sciences, supplemented by clinical work in the Government Civil and Tung Wah Hospitals, leading to the degree of M.B., B.S. The degrees of M.D., and M.S., may be obtained for post-graduate work. The degrees above-mentioned are recognised by the General Medical Council for registration in Great Britain.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a four year course in practical and theoretical engineering, leading to the degree of B.Sc., (Eng.). ́ Fourth year students specialize in civil, in mechanical or in electrical engineering. The degree for post- graduate work is that of M.Sc., (Eng.).

The Faculty of Arts includes departments of pure Arts and Science, Education (including practical teaching) and Commerce. The course is in all cases one of four years and leads to the degree of B.A. The degree for post-graduate work is that of M.A.

With a view to better securing the maintenance of the desired standard which in the Faculty of Medicine is that of an English University degree and in the Faculty of Engineering that of the corresponding degree in the University of London-external examiners are, in all Faculties, associated with the internal examiners in all annual and final examinations. In the Faculty of Engineering, but not in other Faculties, degrees with honours are granted, the standard being assessed by special examiners chosen from amongst the external examiners in the University of London.

The degree of LL.D., is also granted, honoris causa.

The site of the University was given gratuitously by the Colonial Government. As subsequently enlarged by minor grants and by purchase, it includes an area of some 25 acres, looking out upon the harbour over the City of Victoria.

In the main buildings are housed the Chemical, Physical and Biological Laboratories, the University Library and portions of the Engineering Laboratories. They further include a Great Hall, a Senate Room and the Lecture and Class rooms used by the Faculty of Arts and for general purposes.

Special medical buildings include schools of Anatomy, Phy- siology, Pathology and Tropical Medicine, erected at the cost of Chinese gentlemen risident in the Colony. In the case of each of the three schools last mentioned a large or smaller remains available for further equipment.

Special engineering buildings include: --

sum still

a Power Station, generating light and power for the estate, energy being supplied by internal combustion engines of varied types which are available for instructional purposes;

(b) a Prime Movers (steam) and Hydraulics Laboratory, at present housed in a converted Pumping Station, formerly the property of the Government; and

and carpenter's shop.

Electrical machinery (other than the main generating plant), electrical technology, the testing of materials and experimental mechanics are dealt with in the main building.

The larger part of the engineering equipment was the gift of British engineering firms.

Quarters on s

PUBLIC WORKS.

BUILDINGS.

During the year under review good progress was made on the following works:-In Hongkong,-Foundations and steel framework of the New Fire Brigade Station opposite the Central Market; site formation of the new Sai Ying Pun School; site formation of the new Queen's College Building; site preparation and retaining walls for the new garage on Stubbs Road. In Kowloon :--Medical Officers' Quarters and site formation of the Kowloon Hospital site; new market at Mong Kok Tsui. In the New Territories :--New Police Station at Shatin; Police Block House at Castle Peak. The undermen- tioned works were completed-In Hongkong:-Senior Officers' Homestead site at the Peak (except semi-detached houses) under Messrs. Little, Adams & Wood; Quarters at Leighton Hill, under Messrs. Dennison, Ram & Gibbs; Maternity Block and alterations to the Sisters' Quarters, Victoria Hospital; additional offices for the P.W.D; Miniature Rifle Range at the Hongkong Volunteer Defence Corps Headquarters. In Kowloon : Police Stations at Yaumati and Mong Kok Tsui; additional storey to Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station. In the New Territories :- Quarters for Indian Married Police at Au Tau and Lok Ma Chow; additions to Land Court Building, Tai Po. Many other smaller works of minor importance were also accomplished.

COMMUNICATIONS.

The road and path from Wanchai Gap to Middle Gap; road contouring hillside above Conduit Road (1st Section); the low level road (25 feet wide) from Island Bay to Big Wave Bay; road from Wongneichong Gap to Repulse Bay Road (1⁄2 mile at Repulse Bay Road end); were completed. The road connecting Broadwood Road with Wongueichong Gap Road was nearing completion.

Substantial progress was made with the undermentioned works:-Road from Taitam Gap to Shek-O (2nd Section Shek-O Gap to Shek-O Village); extension of the 20 foot road from Magazine Gap to Peak Tram Station, Chamberlain Road; road contouring Wongneichong and Tai Hang Valley!(2nd Section).

Fair progress was made with the widening of the road through Quarry Bay Village, and road from Causeway Bay to North Point.

Mention may also be made of improvements being carried out to Kennedy, Bonham, Conduit, Pokfulam and Victoria Roads.

In Kowloon, the extension of Coronation Road northwards through the hill (formerly K.F.L. 11) was completed.

Good progress was made with diverting the roadway near the site of the new Kowloon Hospital, the extension of Waterloo Road, Tokwawan Road (section between Kowloon City Road and K.M.L. 90).

Fair progress was made on the Kowloon City to Mong Kok Road (2nd Section) but owing to heavy rock cutting the work to the Argyle Street extension was somewhat delayed.

Preliminary works were in progress in connection with the extension of Chatham Road from Hung Hom to Kowloon City,

The work of metalling and tar-painting the Coastal Road from Lai Chi Kok to Castle Peak and the Tai Po Road was continued during the year.

A section of the Tai Po to Shun Wan Road was completed. An access road from Tsun Wan to the proposed New Waterworks at Shing Mun was commenced.

DRAINAGE.

The existing outfall from below Wanchai Gap was continued to the sea near Aberdeen.

Good progress was made with the Mong Kok Tsui Nullah East through the Railway Bridge.

The Waterloo Road Nullah was completed in November,.

A contract for training and diverting the main stream course at Ma Tau Chung was let in October. The work is being carried out in conjunction with the Chatham Road Extension and Kowloon Bay West Reclamation.

WATERWORKS.

The excavation in connection with the new Eastern District Filter Beds; and work on the Stanley Mound East, Stanley Mound West and Jardine's Lookout catchwaters proceeded satisfactorily.

The work in connection with the Hydraulic Ram and Dis- tribution System for the lower Wanchai Gap District was completed.

The Repulse Bay Water supply scheme was extended.

A commencement was made with the diversion of Peak Pump- ing mains and Distributing mains in connection with the Conduit and Hatton Roads Development Scheme.

In Kowloon, the work in enlarging the mains to improve the distribution system was continued.

The work in connection with the extension of Kowloon catchwater and new Shek Lai Pui Reservoir proceeded satisfactorily.

A large amount of survey and contour work was done in connection with the Shing Mun Valley Scheme.

The Tai Po water supply scheme was completed.

RECLAMATIONS.

Good progress was made with the Praya East Reclamation, the filling in of the Tidal Flat, cutting down hills between Tai Kok Tsui and Fuk Tsun Heung and Reclamation at Shamshuipo.

A contract was let for forming a Reclamation at Kowloon Bay East to form permanent accommodation for the junk building and repairing industries.

Work was continued on certain private reclamation works, and, in the case of the Kai Tak Land Investment Company, some further

progress was made..

PIERS.

The steel work for roof and granite facade to the new re- inforced concrete pier opposite Queen's Statue were commenced and proceeded satisfactorily.

The reinforced concrete pier for landing pigs and cattle at Kennedy Town and the Ferry Pier at Public Square Street Yaumati were completed.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Report of the Consulting Engineers (Messrs. Coode, Fitzmaurice, Wilson & Mitchell) on Hongkong Harbour Improve- ments was received, and was referred to the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce for its consideration. The Report recom- mends six jetties forming ship and junk basins in Hung Hom Bay.

Several meetings were held to discuss the question of universal water meterage, but the Chinese community expressed them- selves against the scheme which was therefore not proceeded with during the year.

Good progress was made with the development of areas in the neighbourhood of Kaulung Tong, some 14 acres of formed land being handed over to the Kaulung Tong Development Company.

Contracts were let for the erection of piers at Whitfield and Blackhead's Point.

A contract was let for constructing a road from Fan Ling to Sha Tau Kok.

The total amount expended on Public Works Extraordinary was $4,716,602.94 and on annually recurrent works $1,424,532.80.

RAILWAY.

The new bay to the carriage shed referred to in the last Annual Report was completed.

On the arrival in the Colony of the necessary steelwork for the New Carpenter's Shop, a contract was entered into for its erection. This structure was nearly finished, but as it was urgently required by the Locomotive Department in connection with the building of wagons, its completion was delayed.

Indents were sent home through the Crown Agents for steel- work, roofing and glazing required for the extension to the Work- shops. This material is expected to arrive early this year.

The boundary wall at Kowloon Station for which provision was made in the Estimates, was not proceeded with. In May an indent was forwarded for a quantity of steel fencing of similar pattern to that now in use, for repairing portions of the existing fence, but the consignment had not arrived at the end of the year.

The over-bridge to the north of Yaumati Station referred to in last year's report was opened on May 10th. The bridge is com- pleted with the exception of the drains which will be laid as the roadway below is formed.

5,285 sleepers were renewed in the main line, of these 1,180 were of reinforced concrete. During the year 1,314 reinforced concrete sleepers were cast. These sleepers are proving most satisfactory and are found particularly useful in checking rail creep, and where laid continuously they entirely prevent it.

Three areas of vacant railway land were let on short leases for the erection of motor bus and car garages at remunerative rates, and further vacant areas of the Hung Hom railway reclamation were leased to the Hongkong & Kowloon Wharf & Godown Company as timber yards.

In July it was decided to erect quarters at Blackhead's Point for those of the traffic staff who are required to reside near to Kowloon Station; and who are at present accommodated in rented houses. Designs were prepared for two blocks of three floors each in reinforced concrete suitable for housing 60 men, and a contract for their construction was awarded by the end of the year.

A new operator's cabin was built at Hung Hom which relieves the operator from all danger in crossing the lines in order to exchange tokens.

Traffic between Kowloon and Sha U Chong in Chinese Terri- tory via the ferry from Taipo, increased to such an extent that the licensee running the ferry service put on a new and much larger launch to cope with it.

After careful consideration the Government decided that a motor road should be built in place of the Fanling Branch Liue, and when this is completed the branch line is to be taken up, and the track and rolling stock, including the two new locomotives on order, made over to the Public Works Department for use in con- nection with development schemes under its control. The branch line will be run as economically as possible until the end of 1924, when it is anticipated that the new motor road will be completed.

A severe typhoon on July 22nd necessitated the suspension of the train service from 1.18 p.m. for the rest of the day. Traffic was again suspended on the 18th of August from 9 a.m. until the afternoon on account of a typhoon.

The Colony experienced an abnormal amount of typhoon weather during the summer months, but only on the two occasions mentioned above, when the typhoons actually struck the Colony, was it necessary to suspend the train service.

The typhoon of the 18th August caused considerable damage to the Railway, more particularly to works on the sea border. long length of granite pitching built after the 1913 typhoon was so seriously impaired as to necessitate the slewing of the track for a quarter of a mile. The railway pier and mole at Tai Po suffered considerably, the whole of the timber work of the pier was washed away, the approach mole undermined and the pitching on the eastern side collapsed.

The electric power supplied to the Workshops by the China Light & Power Co. was changed from direct to alternating current, and separate motors of lower power were supplied to most of the machines independently. This resulted in a considerable saving in current consumption, and Government was relieved of the cost of transforming. A new agreement on more favourable terms was entered into with the power company on the completion of the alterations. The two transformers and seven of the old direct current motors have since been disposed of.

The year 1923 was a very unfortunate one for the Railway. The political unrest in the Province of Kwong Tung and consequent periodical disturbances referred to in last year's report continued throughout the year. Naturally the Chinese Section was by far the greater sufferer of the two, but as the working of both Sections is so interdependent, the misfortunes of either reflect on the other, with the result that the receipts from through traffic compare most unfavourably with those of previous years instead of showing a steady improvement,

Trouble commenced on the Chinese Section with the departure from Canton of General Chan Kwing Ming on the 15th January. His troops in a panic made a rush for Shek Lung. About 3,000 were got away by rail when all arrangements were upset by retreating troops stopping trains and forcing the drivers to take

them where they willed. Chinese Section engines were left standing wherever they happened to be when coal and water gave out. From this time onwards there was spasmodic and intermittent running of trains until 27th October when all through traffic ceased. There was no express service from the 16th April to the end of the year. Conditions gradually went from bad to worse. Chinese Section locomotives were run, or kept in steam, night and day by the soldiery without proper attention or repairs, derailments and collisions were frequent until there was scarcely and engine in running order on the Chinese Section. Much damage was done to stations, doors and windows being torn out, electrical in- struments stolen or smashed, and tickets and documents wantonly destroyed. Of 1,460 tabled Express trains only 264 ran and of 730 Slow Through trains, only 409 ran.

There were occasions when it become necessary for the British Section to withdraw from Shum Chun Station and make Lo Wo Siding the terminus, where the Hongkong Government stationed police or military patrols to prevent Chinese soldiers from crossing the border. It was also once necessary to withdraw from the Sha Tau Kok terminus for the same reason.

During the year the British Section suffered considerable inconvenience by the retention of its goods stock by the Chinese Section. Owing to the commandeering of the Chinese Section rolling stock by the military for the transport of troops and military stores, and the general interference with the working of the Chinese Section, the British Section wagon stock was held up on that Section with the result that goods destined for Canton accumulated in the Railway goodshed at Kowloon to such an extent that many remunerative cargoes amounting to thousands of tons had to be turned away, and several consignments already loaded were eventually withdrawn.

The Gross Roccipts for the year were $474,721.78 as against $710,295.75 for 1922, a decrease of $235,573.97. The working expenses exceeded the revenue by $48,791.35.

The Through and Joint Sectional Passengers carried were as follows:-

Passengers booked by Stations

in British Territory to Stations in China

Passengers booked by Stations in China to Stations in British Territory

1921.

1922. 1923.

435,933 526,111 250,719

462,379 522,909 249,152.

The Local Passengers carried were as follows :--

Main Line

Fanling Branch Line..

1921.

1922. 1923. 429,133 639,709 951,001 43,733 52,431 73,838

VI-GOVERNMENT AND AIDED INSTITUTIONS.

(a.)-HOSPITALS.

Government Hospitals consist of the Civil Hospital, to which is attached an isolated Maternity Hospital, the Victoria Hospital for Women and Children, and the Kennedy Town Infectious Dis- eases Hospital.

The Civil Hospital contains 170 beds in 21 wards. 5,455 in-patients and 28,297 out-patients were treated during 1923 as against 4,447 and 25,892 respectively in 1922. 964 cases of malarial fever were admitted as against 484 in 1922 and 399 in 1921. The total cases of malaria for all Government Hospitals and the Tung Wa Hospital shows an increase of 166 cases as compared with the year 1922. The Maternity Hospital contains 9 beds for Europeans, plus 3 extra beds, and 8 for Asiatics. 674 confinements occurred during the year as against 617 in 1922. The Victoria Hospital at the Peak contains 41 beds, and during 1923, 299 patients were under treatment there. At Kennedy Town Hospital, which contains 26 beds, 30 cases were treated in 1923, all being infectious,

(b).-LUNATIC ASYLUM.

The Asylum is under the direction of the Superintendent of the Civil Hospital. European and Chinese patients are separated, the European portion containing 14 beds in separate wards and the Chinese portion 16 beds. 309 patients of all races were treated during 1923 and there was 3 deaths.

(c.)—THE TUNG WA AND OTHER CHINESE HOSPITALS,

The Tung Wa Hospital, opened in 1872, is mainly supported by the voluntary subscriptions of Chinese, but receives an annual grant of $8,000 from the Government. Only Chinese are treated in this institution. Various other services not appertaining to a hospital are performed by the institution, such as the free burial of the poor, the repatriation of destitutes, the maintenance of free vernacular schools, and the organisation of charitable relief in emergencies. Chinese as well as European methods of treatment are employed in accordance with the wishes expressed by the patients or their friends. Over half the number are now treated by Western methods. The hospital is managed by a committee of Chinese gentlemen annually elected, their appointment being sub- mitted to the Governor for confirmation. It is under the supervi- sion of a visiting physician, who is a member of the Medical Department, whilst two Chinese house surgeons, trained in Western medicine, are members of the hospital staff. There are 450 beds in the buildings, and 10,142 patients were accommodated during 1923.

The Tung Wa also maintain a brauch hospital for small-pox cases (Chinese only) at Kennedy Town. It contains 60 beds and during 1923, 229 cases were treated.

The Alice Memorial and Affiliated Hospitals are managed and controlled by a General Committee consisting of subscribers and supporters of these institutions, and an Executive Committee consisting of representatives of the London Missionary Society and members of the General Committee.

The Affiliated Hospitals at present consist of the Alice Memorial Hospital Dispensary, temporarily replacing the Alice Memorial Hospital which was sold in 1921, the Nethersole Hospital, opened in 1893, the Alice Memorial Maternity Hospital opened in 1904, and the Ho Miu Ling Hospital opened in 1906.

The number of Inpatients in 1923 was 1,623, and the number of Outpatients, 15,892.

The total Expenditure was $57,934.22. The number of Labours in the Maternity Hospital in 1923 was 456. The Government grant to these Hospitals is $2,000.00 and a special grant is made to the Maternity Hospital of $300.00.

The Kwong Wa Hospital for Chinese in the Kowloon Peninsula was opened on the 9th October, 1911. It occupies a site having an area of three acres and provides accommodation for 210 patients. The existing buildings contain 244 beds and 6,039 patients were accommodated during 1923. The collection of sub- scriptions and the supervision of the building were undertaken by a special committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. The hospital receives a grant of $8.500 per annum from the Government,

VIL-INSTITUTIONS NOT SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT.

One of the most important institutions in the Colony not sup- ported by the Government is the Matilda Hospital, which stands on a commanding site of nearly three acres at Mount Kellet in the Hill District. An account of this hospital will be found in the report for 1917.

Among institutions recognised and encouraged, but not to any considerable extent supported by Government may be mentioned the Pó Leung Kuk, the Eyre Refuge, the City Hall, and the Chinese Public Dispensaries.

The Tung Wa also maintain a brauch hospital for small-pox cases (Chinese only) at Kennedy Town. It contains 60 beds and during 1923, 229 cases were treated.

The number of Inpatients in 1923 was 1,623, and the number of Outpatients, 15,892.

VIL-INSTITUTIONS NOT SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT.

VIII-CRIMINAL AND POLICE.

The total of all cases reported to the Police was 14,200 being an increase of 261 or 1.87 per cent. as compared with 1922. There was in 1923 an increase in serious offences of 123 or 0.54 per cent. as compared with the previous year. The number of serious offences reported was 156 below the average of the quinquennial period commencing with the year 1919. The number of minor offences reported shows an increase of 238 as compared with 1922 and was 1,371 over the average of the quinquennial period.

The total strength of the Police Force in 1923 was Europeans 235, Indians 500, Chinese 805 making a total of 1,540 exclusive of the six superior officers and staff of clerks and coolies. These figures include police paid for by the railway and other Government departments. Of this force 20 Europeans, 34 Indians, and 169 Chinese were stationed in the New Territories during the year.

The District Watchmen Force, numbering 102, to which the Government contributes $2,000 per annum, was well supported by the Chinese during the year. These watchmen patrol the streets in the Chinese quarter of the City. They are placed on police beats and are supervised by the European police on section patrol. A detective branch of the force has done useful work under the supervision of a European Inspector.

The total number of persons committed to Victoria Gaol was 5,338 as compared with 5,014 in 1922. Of these 926 were committed for criminal offences against 1,358 in 1922. Of com- mittals for noncriminal offences there were 59 less for hawking without a licence, and 24 more for unlawfully boarding steamers. than in 1922.

The daily average of prisoners confined in the Gaol was 861 the average for 1922 being 787, and the highest previous average being 764 in 1921. The percentage of prisoners to population, according to the daily average of the former and the estimated number of the latter, was 0.12. The average percentage for the last ten years was 0.12. Owing, however, to the large floating population, which is constantly moving between the Colony and Canton, the percentage of crime to population does not convey an accurate idea of the comparative criminality of the residents of the Colony. The Victoria Gaol has accommodation for 700 prisoners including patients in Hospital. The Branch Prison at Laichikok has accommodation for 200 prisoners in association.

The prison discipline was very satisfactory, the average of punishments per prisoner being 0.5 as compared with 0.52 in 1922 and 12.6 in 1921.

Long sentence prisoners serving two years and upwards are taught useful trades, including printing, book-binding, tin-

smithing, mat-making, tailoring, carpentering, etc. The profit on the work done was $116,714.72 as against $125,571.47 in 1922. A sum of $4,207 was received and credited to Government for non-Government work as against $3,298 in 1922.

IX.-VITAL STATISTICS.

(a.)-POPULATION.

The civil population of the Colony, according to the census taken on April 24th, 1921, was 625,166, of whom 83,163 reside in the New Territories and in New Kowloon; at the census taken in 1911 it was 456,739 with 104,287 as the figure for the New Territories and New Kowloon. The estimated total population at the middle of the year under review was 681,800, but this includes the New Territories; and, as the birth and death figures given below do not include those from this area (with the exception of New Kowloon), the population for the purposes of calculating these rates is estimated at 597,300, of whom 15,500 were non-Chinese.

The distribution of population estimated to the middle of 1923 was as follows:

Non-Chinese Civil Community,...

Chinese

Population.

City of Victoria (including Peak), Villages of Hongkong,

15,500

350,000

26,300

Kowloon (including New Kowloon),

140,000

New Territories,

84,500

Population afloat,

65,500

Total Chinese Population,

Total Civil Population,

666,300

681,800

(b.)-PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION.

The activity in building operations, which has been so notice- able a feature since 1912, has not abated, and the demand for housing accommodation by the Chinese continued to be greatly in excess of the supply, as many of those who fled with their families to Hongkong during 1911, 1912, and 1913 elected to remain in the Colony.

The birth-rate for the year was 6'97* per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 23-03 per 1,000 among the non-Chinese community, as compared with 6:25 and 22.84 for 1922.

* This figure is wholly misleading as it is impossible to register more than a portion of the births.

38.

The death-rate for the year was 23-27 per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 14-83 among the non-Chinese civil com- munity, as compared with 25-47 and 20:46 for 1922.

The deaths from Malaria numbered 674 (454 in 1922). The deaths of Chinese from this cause in the City of Victoria numbered 260 out of a population of 350,000 or a rate of 0.74 per 1,000 per annum.

The deaths from Plague numbered 136 as compared with 1,071 in 1922.

Small-pox deaths numbered 1,141, of which all but nine were

-Chinese.

There were 4,317 deaths from respiratory diseases other than Pulmonary Tuberculosis as compared with 4,863 in 1921, and 35 of these were among the Non-Chinese community. Pulmonary Tuber- culosis claimed 1,472 Chinese and 31 non-Chinese victims whilst other forms of Tuberculosis represent an additional 605 deaths making a total of 2,108 or 13:56 per cent. of the total deaths among the community.

Beri-beri was responsible for 1,270 deaths, as compared with 892 during 1922 and 526 in 1921.

A tabular statement of the principal causes of death is appended.

(c.)-CLIMATE.

The climate of Victoria is similar in its broad features to that of Kowloon and the New Territories, but at the higher levels, from 1,400 to 1,800 feet above sea level the temperature is on the average about 3° lower than at the Observatory, Kowloon, in the winter, and 8° lower in the summer. The humidity is usually greater than in Kowloon and approaches saturation for several days at a time during March and April when mist is very prevalent. In summer the city of Victoria, and the rising terraces behind it, derive little or no benefit from the SW monsoon, being sheltered by steep hills from SE to SW. In winter it is exposed to the NE monsoon, which occasionally blows along the harbour through Lyemun Pass with considerable violence. On the other hand the south-west side of the Island is protected from the NE monsoon in winter and enjoys the benefit of the SW monsoon in summer.

For further particulars see Appendix F.

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICES.

The total revenue from the postal service in 1923 amounted to $714,340.03 being $51,477.92 more than that collected in 1922. The net expenditure amounted to $91,639.77. The balance of revenue over expenditure amounted to $622,700.26.

38.

The death-rate for the year was 23-27 per 1,000 among the Chinese community and 14-83 among the non-Chinese civil com- munity, as compared with 25-47 and 20:46 for 1922.

The deaths from Malaria numbered 674 (454 in 1922). The deaths of Chinese from this cause in the City of Victoria numbered 260 out of a population of 350,000 or a rate of 0.74 per 1,000 per annum.

The deaths from Plague numbered 136 as compared with 1,071 in 1922.

Small-pox deaths numbered 1,141, of which all but nine were

-Chinese.

Beri-beri was responsible for 1,270 deaths, as compared with 892 during 1922 and 526 in 1921.

A tabular statement of the principal causes of death is appended.

(c.)-CLIMATE.

For further particulars see Appendix F.

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICES.

Light Dues ...

Appendix A.

FINANCIAL RETURNS FOR THE YEA!

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR TE

Revenue for

HEADS OF REVENUE.

Estimates,

1923.

Actual Revenue to

same

31st Dec., 1923.

period of preceding Year.

Increase.

Decrease.

HEA

Light Dues, Special Assessment

Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified

Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes,

and Reimbursements in Aid

Post Office

Kowloon-Canton Railway

105,000

137,455.61

115,979.56

21.476.05

Governor

Cadet Service

115,000 151,097.65

125,185.71

25.911.94

Colonial Secretary

13,009,800 - 16,123,980.81 14,681,055.85|1,442,924.96

Secretariat for Chin

Audit Department .

Treasury...

1,592,080 | 1,601,281.37|1,412,027.09

189,254.28

Harbour Master's 1

728,000

761,119.97 695,654.50 65,465.47

694,000 474.721.78 710,295.75

Imports & Exports

Royal Observatory

235:573-97

Miscellaneous Serv

Judicial and Legal

Police Department

Rent of Government Property, Land, and Houses

1,200,640 1,183,846.53 1,132,116.60

51,729.93

Fire Brigade

Prison Department

Interest

300,000

577,986.73 439,291.41

138,695.32

Medical Departme

Sanitary Departme

Botanical and Fore:

Miscellaneous Receipts

222,750 283,474.91 257,654-77 25,820.14

Education Departu

Military Expenditur

Public Works Depa

Do.

Recu

TOTAL, (exclusive of Land Sales)

17,967,270 21,294,965.36|19,569,261. 24 1,961,278.09

235,573-97

Do.

Extr.

Post Office

Land Sales, (Premia on New Leases)

Kowloon-Canton R

TOTAL,

Deduct

600,000 3,488,797.17 | 2,721,803.57 766,993.60

Charge on account

Pensions

Charitable Services

18,567,270 |24,783,762.53|22,291,004.81|2,728.271.69

235,573-97

235-573-97

opendix A.

RNS FOR THE YEAR 1923,

་ ་

EXPENDITURE FOR THE PERIOD EXDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1923.

'case.

HEADS OF EXPENDITURE.

Actual Expenditure

Estimates,

1923.

to 31st Dec., 1923.

Expenditure for same

period of preceding Year.

Increase.

Decrease.

Governor

91,466.00

94,100.92

94,287.62

186.70

Cadet Service

316,608.00

300,21 1.05

11.05 280,567.54

19,643-51

Colonial Secretary's Department and Legislature ...

64,209.00

60,759.08 56,454.03

4394-45

Secretariat for Chinese Affairs

21,021.00

28,795.63 21.115.67

7,679.96

Audit Department

55,154.00 48,196.15 51,060.35

2,864.20

Treasury...

Harbour Master's Department

70,146.00

70,880.33! 68,367.64

2,512.69

300,031.00 316,994.95 310,717.36 6,277.59

Imports & Exports Department .......

8:8,542.00 908,095.52 631,733.97 276,361.55

73.97

Royal Observatory

Miscellaneous Services...

Judicial and Legal Departments...

Police Department

42,385.00 38,374-11 38,350.10

542,295.00 1,828,078.38 1,617.305.35 :

295,349.00 285,009.31 282,989.15

24.01

210,773.03

2,020.16:

1,662,393.00 1,633,832.14 | 1,533,757-51

100,074.53

Fire Brigade

132,019,00 166,783.43 177.799.07

11,015.64

Prison Department

Medical Departments

Sanitary Department

Botanical and Forestry Department

Education Department

Military Expenditure

Public Works Department

632,983.00

72,739.00 77,157.40 71,223.47

930,272.00 $56,367.04 728,153.89 128,213.15

3,793,169.00 4,033,500.36 | 3,230,779.89 So2,720.47

879,303.00 901,782.71 $21,674.89 80,107.82

323.350.00 324,698.26 324,175.12

523.14

407,827.00 402,761.76 371,781.92 30,979.84

620,390.31 548,824.20 71,566.11

5,933-93

Do.

Recurrent

73.97

Do.

Extraordinary

951,550.00 1,424,532.80 1,074,646.30 349,886.50

7,245,500.00 4,716,602.94 3,575,635.19 1,140,967-75

Post Office

Kowloon-Canton Railway

Charge on account of Public Debt

Pensions

Charitable Services

447,871.00 123,492.33 309,042.61

185,550.28

1,022,773.00 757,030.11 922,355.75

165,325.64

954,418.00 964,810.00 914,040.13 50,709.88

441,693.00 486,167.76 429,361 04

56,806.72

68,767.00 102.499.94

76.802.56

25,097.38

73.97

TOTAL.

£122,583,835.00 21,571.904.72 18,363.002.91-3-373844-27

304942.40

Light Dues ..

FINANCIAL RETURNS

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE REVENUE AND EXPE

HEADS OF REVENUE.

Estimates, 1923.

Actual Revenue to

Revenue for

Same

31st Dec., 1923.

period of preceding Year.

Increase.

Dereuse.

Light Dues, Special Assessment

105,000

137,455.61 115,979.56 21476.45

115,000 151,097.65 125.185.71 25.011.94

Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified

13,009,800 16,123,980.8i 14,681,055.85|1,442.924.96

Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes,

and Reimbursements in Aid

1,592,080 | 1,601,281.37 |1,412,027.09 189.254.28

Post Office.

Kowloon-Canton Railway

Rent of Government Property, Land, and Houses

Interest

Miscellaneous Receipts

728,000 761,119.97 695,654.50

65,465.47.

694,000

474,721.78 | 710,295-75

1,200,640 1,183,846.53 1,132,116.60 51.729.93

300,000 577,986.73 439,291.41 138,695.32

222,750 283,474.91 257,654-77 25.820.14

235.573.97

TOTAL, (exclusive of Land Sales)

17,967,270 21,294.965.36 | 19,569,201. 24 1.961,278.09

235,573.97

Land Sales, (Premia on New Leases)

Toral,

Deduct

Net

...

600,000 3,488,797.17 | 2,721.803-57 766.993.60

18.567,270 24.783,762.53 22.291,004.81 2,728.271.69

235-57397

235-573-97

.....$ 2.492,097.72

TAL RETURNS FOR THE YEAR 1923,

NUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST DICEMBER, 1923.

ease.

Decrease.

HEADS OF EXPENDITURE.

Actual Expenditure to 31st

Estimates,

1923-

: Dec., 1923.

Expenditure for same period of preceding Year.

Increase.

Decrease.

476.05

Governor

91,466.00

94,100.92

94,287.62

186.70

Cadet Service

316,608.00

300,211.05

280,567-54 |

19,643-51

911.94

Colonial Secretary's Department and Legislature ...

64,209.00

60,759.08

56,454.03

4304-45

Secretariat for Chinese Affairs

21,021.00

28.795.63

21.115.67

7.679.96

924.96

Audit Department ..

254.28

55,154.00

18, 196.151

51,060.35

2,864.20

165.47

235.573-97

Treasury...

Harbour Master's Department

Imports & Exports Department ...

Royal Observatory

Miscellaneous Services...

70,146.00

70,880.33 68,367.64 2.512.69

300,031.00 316,994-95

310,717.36 6,277-59

8.8,542.00 908,095.52 631,733-97 276,361.55

Judicial and Legal Departments...

Police Department

29.93

Fire Brigade

95.32

Prison Department

Medical Departments

Sanitary Department

42,385.00 38,374.11 38,350.10

542,295.00 1,828,078.38 : 1,617,305-35

295,349.00 285,009.31 282,989.15

1,662,393.00 1,633,832.14 | 1,533,757-51

132,019.00

166,783.43 177,799.07

323,350.00 324,698.26 324,175.12

407,827.00 402,761.76 371,781.92 30,979.84

632,983.00 620,390.31 548,824.20 71,566.11

24.01

210,773.03

2,020.16

100,074.53

11,015.64

523-14

Botanical and Forestry Department

20.14

Military Expenditure

72,739.00

77,157.40

Education Department

930,272.00

5,933.93

856,367.04 728,153.89 128,213.15

71,223-47

| 3,793,169.00 4,033,500.36 | 3,230,779.89 | S02,720.47

Public Works Department

879,303.00 901,782.71 $21,674.89

80,107.82

78.09

235,573.97

Du.

Recurrent

Do.

Extraordinary

951,550.00 1,424,532.80 | 1,074,646.30

349,886.50

7,245,500.00 4,716,602.94 3.575,635-191,140,967-75

93.60

Post Office

Kowloon-Canton Railway

Charge on account of Public Debt

Pensions..

Charitable Services

447,871.00 123,492.33 309,042.61

185,550.28

1,022,773.00 757,030.11 922,355.75

165,325.64

954,418.00

964,810.00 914,040.12 50,709.88

441,693.00

486,167.76! 429,361 04

56,800.72

68,767.00 102.499.94

76,802.56

25,697.38

1.60

235-573-97

73.97

97.72

Toral,

Deduct

Net...

$122,583,835.00 21,571,904.72 18,563,002.91-3-373844-27

× 364,942.46

$3,008,901.81

304942.46

Appendix A (1).

REPORT ON THE FINANCES FOR THE YEAR 1923.

REVENUE.

The total revenue for the year amounted to $24,783,763 being $6,216,493 more than the estimate and $2,492,698 more than the revenue in 1922. Compared with that year there were increases under all the heads except Kowloon Canton Railway.

2. The principal sub-heads showing excess over the estimate are as follows:-

(a) Liquor Duties,

(b) Opium Monopoly,

(a) Tobacco Duties,

(e) Interest,

(f) Land Sales,

...

....

...

64,993 2,212,057

774,807

78,568

277,987

2,888,797

The increases are due (a), (b) and (d) to increased sales, (c) more assignments, (e) increased balances, (f) land boom.

3. The principal deficits compared with the Estimates were :-

(a) Assessed Taxes,

(b) Water Excess Supply and

Meter Rents,

...$ 121,193

109,715

(e) Railway, Coaching Through

340,120

18,503

(e) Permits for encroachments, etc., (f) Conservancy Contracts

19.157

...

14,881

(d) Rent of Buildings,

EXPENDITURE.

4. The total expenditure brought to account amounted to $21,571,905 being $1,011,930 less than the estimate, and $3,008,902 more than the expenditure in 1922.

Compared with the Estimates there were savings under twelve

heads.

Miscellaneous expenditure exceeded the estimate by $1,285,783 mainly due to the following items :-

University,

Compensation in respect of Yaumati

Ferry Service,...

...

War Memorial Nursing Home,

...$ 176,000

85,000 200,000

Swatow Typhoon Relief Fund,

...

29,998

British Empire Exhibition,

250,000

Loss on Subsidiary Coins,

199,480

Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund, Other Miscellaneous Services,

250,000

30,000

$1,220,478

A (1) 2-

Military Expenditure exceeded the estimate by $240,331 due to increase in revenue.

Expenditure in the Education Department was less than the estimate by $73,905 on account of unpaid Building Grants and other savings. $2,528,898 less than the estimate was spent on P. W. E. as the programme of works could not be completely carried out. Certain transit charges for the years 1920-22 were recovered by the Post Office during the year which reduced the expenditure in that department by $324,379.

5. The revenue for the year exceeded the expenditure by a sum of $3,211,858.

6. The following statement shows the Liabilities and Assets on the 31st December, 1923-

LIABILITIES.

ASSETS.

Deposits not Available,

1,209,014.25 | Subsidiary Coins,

1,097,352.91

Advances,

157,353.21

Postal Agencies,.....

25,259.76 Building Loans,

997,700.00

Imprest,

3,097.84

Shipping Control A/c.,

2,220,493.91

House Service A/c.,

22,334.81

Crown Agents' De-

Suspense Account,......

1,755.00

posit Account,

9,496,620.09*

Unallocated Stores,

(P. W. D.),...

366,004.92

Unallocated. Stores,

(Railway),

247,893.56

Total Liabilities,... 3,456,522.92

Coal Account,

Investment Account,

Balance at Banks,

Crown Agents' Cur-

74,740,74

6,420,211.23†

542,669.24

rent Account,

2,039.60

Balance,

15,971,495.23

Total......$19,428,018.15-

Total,......$19,428,018.15

*Cash lent at Interest,

Cash on deposit,

89,000 0s. Od.

.£1,009,046 14s. 1d.

† Invested as follows:-

Hongkong 6% War Loan, 1921-23.

4% Funding Loan,

1960-1990, Queensland 44% Stock

1920-1925, Queensland 4% Stock

1924,

Queensland 44% Bond

Value of Stock.

.$120,000.00

£835,000 Os. Od.

£ 18,000 Os. Od.

£ 23,500 Os. Od.

Actual Cost.

$120,000.00

£662,991 14s. 9d.

£ 17,697 58. Od.

£ 23,381 68. 3d.

1920-1925, ...£ 25,000 Os. Od. £ 21,391 12s. 6d.

Market Value.

$120,000.00

£730,625 Os. Od. (87)

£ 17,640 Os. Od. (98)

£23,265 0s. Od. (99)

£ 24,500 Os. Od. (98)

A (1) 3.

7. The following table shows the Revenue and Expenditure

during the last five years :—

1919.

Revenue,.

Expenditure,

Surplus,

1920. $

$ 16,524,975 14,689,672 17,728,132 17,915,925 14,489,594 15,739,652 200,078 1,988,480

1921.

1922.

1923.

22,291,065

24,783,763

18,563,003

21,571,905

3,728,062

3,211,858

Deficit,

1,390,950

PUBLIC DEBT.

8. The Inscribed Stock Loans of 1893 and 1906 amount to £1,485,733 and the Sinking Fund now stands at £432,592 being £33,001 more than the amount at credit of that fund at the end of 1922.

The local Loan (under Ordinance No. 12 of 1916) stands at $3,000,000 with a Sinking Fund of $1,176,086 and £98,441 sterling. GENERAL REMARKS,

9. The total receipts and payments in the Treasury books during the year were $68,076,489 and 67,531,781 respectively. The figures not accounted for under revenue and expenditure relate to transactions under various heads such as Deposits, Advances, Subsidiary Coin, Unallocated Stores, etc.

10. Subsidiary coins in stock on the 31st December were as follows:

*--

50 cents

...

•

5 Copper

•

3,000 40,190

665,260

375,835

...

13,068

$1,097,353

The nominal amount of coins in circulation is $17,814,370 and the market value is now practically par.

11. The local circulation in December of notes of the three Banks having authorized issues was as follows:-

Hougkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation,...$44,681,129 Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China, ... 12,837,330 Mercantile Bank of India, Limited,......

1,455,649

The specie in Reserve came to,

...

$58,974,108

...$36,150,000

12. The rate of exchange for the Estimates was taken at 2/4 whereas the average rate for purposes of conversion in the Treasury books was 2/34.

6th May, 1924.

C. McI. MESSER.

Treasurer.

Appendix B.

REPORT ON THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE YEAR 1924-1925.

1. By Order of His Excellency the Governor in Council a new valuation of the whole Colony has been made and the Rateable Value has thereby been increased from $21,059,700 to $22,147,951 an addition of $1,088,251 or 5.16 per cent.

2. The following Table gives a comparison of the Assessments for 1923-1924 and 1924-1925 :-

DISTRICT,

VALUATION 1923-1924.

VALUATION 1924-1925.

PER

INCREASE.

CENT.

The City of Victoria,.

16,342,173

Hill District,.....

392,695

16,729,945 440,305

16,729,945

387,772 2:37

Shaukiwan, Saiwanho,

and Quarry Bay,

478,180

493,290

Hongkong Villages,

502.018

1,367,893

576,429

1,510,024

142,131 10-39

Kowloon Point,

988,670

1,105,050

Yaumati,

798,395

1,022,010

Mongkoktsui, .............

545,235

575,890

Hunghom & Hokun,

191,030

534,570

Kowloon Villages,

173,975

177,319

New Territories,

319,329 3,349,634

493,143

3,907,982

558,34816-67

Total,.........

21,059,700

22,147,951 1,088,251 5.16

3. The number of tenements reported to be vacant averaged about 104 monthly, as compared with 75 last year.

4. During the year ending 30th April, 1924, 2,094 Interim Valuations were made as follows:-

New or rebuilt tenements and tenements structurally altered .......

CITY OF VICTORIA,

REST OF COLONY.

No.

Rateable Value.

No.

Rateable

Value.

353

761,170

672

724,725

Assessments cancelled, tenements

resumed, pulled down or being in other respects not rateable.......

651.

740,190

418

158,190

Number and increase.

1,004

$20,980

1,090 $566,535

B 2

5. The following comparative statement shows the Rateable Value of the Colony of Hongkong in each of the ten years from 1915-1916 to 1924-1925 inclusive

Year.

Increase

Decrease

Rateable as compared as compared

Value.

Percentage of Increase or Decrease

with pre-

with pre- vious

vious year.

in Rateable Value

year.

as compared with previous year.

1915-16

14,287,285

122,818

0.85 Decrease.

1916-17

14,282,186

5,099

0.03 do.

1917-18

14,410,153

127,967

0'89 Increase,

1918-19

15,638,736 1,228,583

8.52 do.

1919-20

16,304,801

666,065

...

4.25

do.

1920-21

17,408,959 1,104,185

6.77

do.

1921-22

18,696,660 1,287,701

7.40 do.

1922-23 ... 19,805,929 1,109,269

5.91 do.

1923-24

1924-25

21,059,700 1,253,771

22,147,951 1,088,251

6.33

do.

5.16

do.

6. In the ten years 1915-1916 to 1924-1925 the Rateable Value of the Colony has increased by $7,860,666 or 55:02 per cent.

THE TREASURY,

16th May, 1924.

D. W. TRATMAN, Treasurer & Assessor.

Appendix C.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS FOR THE YEAR 1923.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE,

(Tables I and II).

REVENUE.

1. The revenue derived from all sources during the year was $16,777; more than that for 1922 by $1,263.

EXPENDITURE.

2. The total expenditure was $28,795 as compared with $21,115 in 1922. The increase was due to the appointment of 2 Inspectors of Juvenile Labour, 2 interpreters and a steno-typist.

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS.

(Table III).

Women and Girls Protection Ordinance No. 4 of 1897.

Po Leung Kuk Incorporation Ordinance No. 6 of;1893.

3. The number of persons detained under warrant and sent direct to the Po Leung Kuk during the year was 57 as compared with 26 in 1922; the action taken in each case (as also in those cases not decided at the end of 1922) is shewn in Table III. The number of women whose detention was found unnecessary and who were allowed to leave after investigation was 48 or 84.2%, as compared with 13 or 50.0% in 1922; 3 were sent to their native places; 1 was restored to her relative; 2 were sent to Charitable Institutions in China; while 2 cases were still under consideration on December 31st.

4. In this year one name was added to the list of girls nnder bond to report themselves periodically to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. The number of names on the list on December 31st was

10.

5. The number of persons reported by Hongkong residents to the Po Leung Kuk as missing during the year was 46 of whom 25 were found, as compared with 82 and 17 in 1922. The total number of persons reported missing, including reports from China and Macao was 63, of whom 26 were found, as compared with 18 out of 96 in 1922.

C 2

EMIGRATION.

Asiatic Emigration Ordinance No. 30 of 1915.

(i).-EMIGRATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN, (FREE).

(Table IV).

6. The number of female and minor passengers examined and allowed to proceed abroad was 18,479 (women 10,831, girls 1,887 and boys 5,761) as compared with 17,044 in 1922.

7. The record of the occupations of the female emigrants over 16 years of age shows that out of a total of 10,831, 3,762 were going to join relatives, 3,969 with relatives or husbands, 396 as tailoresses, 184 as prostitutes, 2,307 as maidservants or nurses, 38 as cooks, 167 to work on the land. There were also one actress, 5 hair-dressers, and 2 nuns.

8. 26 women were detained for enquiries; 2 were detained in 1922.

9. Repatriation of Women and Girls.-

(a.) From Singapore.- Fifty-eight (58) prostitutes were sent back from Singapore of whom Forty-nine (49) were returned on the ground that they were too young to practise prostitution.

(b.) From Penang.-Two prostitutes were repatriated during the year.

(c.) From Perak.-4 girls taken into Perak for immoral purposes were returned at their own request. Two were handed back to their mothers and the other 2 were sent to the Kwong Yan Charitable Institution in Canton with a view to restoration to their relatives.

10. Prosecutions under the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance undertaken by this office numbered 14 with 11 con- victions as compared with 7 cases and 4 convictions in 1922.

(ii.)— MALE EMIGRATION, (ASSISTED).

(Table V).

11. The figures for the year indicate a return to normal conditions, the total showing an increase of about 150%.

C 3

(a.) Banca.--The assisted emigration to Banca continued during the year. There was an increase of about 50% as compared with 1922.

(b.) Deli, Sumatra.-The Assisted Emigration to Banca and Deli doubled during the year in comparison with 1922.

(c.) British North Borneo, Sandakan and Miri.-The figures for 1923 show an increase on those of 1922, but the total is still below that of 1920.

(d.) There were 2,611 emigrants during the year to Billiton, 334 to Ocean Island, 2,926 to Singapore, 7 to San Francisco, 3 to Solomon Island and 46 to Calcutta, while there was no emigration to Billiton, Ocean Island, Solomon Island and Calcutta in 1922.

(iii.)- Miscellaneous.

12. The total number of free emigrants to the Fiji Islands passed through this office was 55 as compared with 50 in 1922. The men went as usual in small parties at irregular intervals.

13. Decrepits.-The number of decrepits repatriated has declined with improving conditions in the East Indies and the figures show a considerable decline on those of 1922.

(a.) From Penang.-Four hundred and forty-one (441) as against 1,013 in 1922, of these 4 died in the Tung Wa Hospital, 1 died on the voyage and 6 left the Tung Wa Hospital of their own accord. The remainder were repatriated at the expense of the Protector of Chinese, Penang.

(b.) From Singapore.-172 were returned from Singapore as compared with 12 in 1922 and 148 in 1921.

(c.) From British North Borneo.-One hundred and seven- teen (117) decrepits repatriated from British North Borneo as compared with four hundred and seventeen (417) in 1922, were sent to their homes in the usual way. All the charges incurred were refunded by Messrs. Gibb, Livingston and Company, the agents in Hongkong of the British North Borneo Government.

14. Repatriation of Assisted emigrants.

(a.) From Banca.-Ninety-three (93) assisted coolies rejected by the medical officer were repatriated from Banca, as compared with seventy-six (76) in 1922. All were sent home by the Tung Wa Hospital and the expenses incurred refunded by the Holland China Trading Company by whom the coolies were recruited.

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(b.) From Balik Papan.-Nine (9) assisted coolies rejected by the medical officer were repatriated from Balik Papan as com- pared with nine hundred and thirteen (913) in 1922.

All were sent home at the expense of the Holland China Trading Company, by whom they had been recruited.

15. Redemption of Assisted Emigrants.-Ten (10) applications of this nature were received as compared with eleven (11) in 1922.

(a.) Banca.-Four (4) applications were received, and all the men were repatriated and handed back to their relatives.

(b.) Singapore.-Three (3) applications were received and forwarded to the Protector of Chinese, Singapore, and all the men were repatriated and handed back to their relatives.

(c.) Deli, Sumatra.-Three (3) applications were received, and all the men were repatriated and handed over to their relatives. Redemption from Deli was managed through the Agent for the Deli Planters Association in Hongkong, who has so far borne all the expenses.

16. Seven (7) passage broker's licences at $200 each were issued under the Asiatic Emigration Ordinance No. 30 of 1915.

17. A classification of assisted emigrants according to langu- age spoken is given in Table V.

THE BOARDING HOUSE ORDINANCE.

No. 23 of 1917.

18. Under this Ordinance Chinese Boarding Houses are divided into seven classes for the purpose of licensing and regulation.

19. Class I, Chinese Hotels.-These are run very much on the lines of European Hotels, and are licensed for the the sale of alcohol. There are only three houses of this class in the Colony, the Great Eastern, the Oriental and the Stag.

20. Class II, First Class Hak U.-These are large boarding houses, which cater principally for independent emigration and interport passenger business. During the year two (2) new boarding houses of this class were opened. At the end of the year the houses numbered twenty-three (23) all of which had renewed their licences. The lawful accommodation provided by these twenty-three (23) houses is three thousand three hundred and ninety-eight (3,398) persons as compared with three thousand two hundred and twenty-three (3,223) for twenty-one (21) houses in

1922.

The

21. Class III, Second Class Hak U-These are small board- ing houses for independent emigration mostly to and from the Straits Settlements and Java ports. No new houses of this class were opened during the year, and one (1) house was closed. numbers of houses at the end of the year was twenty (20), with lawful accommodation for one thousand three hundred and thirty- eight (1,338) persons.

The above three classes of Boarding Houses are reported to have done fair business during the year.

22. Class IV, Boarding Houses for Assisted Emigrants.- These houses are mainly used by assisted emigrants and their recruiters, who may not, while in this Colony, be lodged in any other place. During the year two (2) existing houses were closed and two (2) new ones opened. At the end of the year there were twelve (12) houses in existence, with lawful accommodation for one thousand one hundred and fifty-one (1,151) men as compared with twelve (12) houses accommodating nine hundred and thirty- six (936) men at the end of 1922.

During the year (2) licences for the transfer of names of licensees, for the removal of premises or for the addition of floors were issued to Boarding Houses of Classes II and IV, as compared with four (4) licences issued to houses of classes II, III, and IV in 1922.

23. Class V, Ku Li Kun (lodging houses for coolies).—396 licences were issued as against 421 in 1922; of these 385 were renewed at the end of the year as against 396 in 1922. 3 licences were issued for transfer of name of licensee or for removal of premises (in 1922 there was 1). No prosecution was instituted against houses of this class (in 1922 there were 5).

24. Class VI, Ku Kung Ngoi U (lodging houses for employees of firms).—251 licences were issued as against 253 in 1922 ; of these 197 were renewed at the end of the year as against 229 in 1922. 5 licences were issued for transfer of name of licensee or for removal of premises, as against 5 in 1922. 33 houses were closed as against 50 in 1922. No prosecution was instituted against houses of this class (in 1922 there was none).

25. Class VII, Hang Shun Kun (residential clubs for seamen).-116 licences were issued as against 113 in 1922; of these 110 were renewed at the end of the year as against 109 in 1922. 7 licences were issued for transfer of name of licensee or for removal of premises as against 9 in 1922. No prosecutions were instituted against houses of this class (in 1922 there were also none).

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REGULATION OF CHINESE.

Ordinance No. 3 of 1888.

(i.)-REGISTRATION OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

26. One thousand and eighty-two (1,082) householders were registered as against 1,359 in 1922; of these 107 were first regis- trations as against 189 in 1922, 2,700 changes of tenancy were also notified for registration as against 2,410 in 1922.

27. The number of Chinese business men in Victoria and Kowloon offering themselves as sureties to Government Depart- ments and reported on by this office was 1,089 as against 1,048 in 1922.

28. No non-resident householder was required to enter into a bond; there was 1 in 1922. 23 certified extracts from the regis- ters were issued as against 33 in 1922. No duplicate House- holder's certificate was issued; there was also none in 1922. 6 Householder's Removal Certificates were issued as against 2 in 1922.

(ii.) DISTRICT WATCHMEN. (Table VI.)

29. The District Watchmen Committee met on 12 occasions : the average attendance being 12. The loyal advice and assistance Committee (which deals with every kind of question affecting the Chinese Community) continues to be of the greatest value to the Government.

30. Mr. Tong Yat Chun's term of 5 years expired and he was re-appointed by His Excellency the Governor for a further period of 5 years.

The vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Ng Hon-tsz was filled by the appointment of Mr. Li Po Kwai.

The Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall was appointed member of the Committee.

During 1922 the two members selected from the retiring Committee of the Tung Wa Hospital and the Po Leung Kuk, who hold their appointments for one year, were Mr. Lo Chung Kui and Mr. Li Shun-fan vice Dr. Wan Man-kai and Mr. Li Yik-mui whose terms had expired.

31. The balance to the credit of the District Watchmen Fund at the end of the year was $49,758 as compared with $34,890, the income thus exceeding the expenditure by $14,868. Of the balance $28,000 is invested in Hongkong 6% War Loan, and the remain- der $21,758 deposited in the Colonial Treasury.

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32. The total strength of the District Watchmen Force at the end of the year was 96 while the approved establishment is 102. At the end of the year there were 6 vacancies-2 caused by deaths, 3 by resignations, and I by dismissal.

33. The number of convictions secured by the force was 239 as compared with 289 in 1922, and 363 in 1921.

34. During the year the house used for District Watchmen's Quarters at Yaumati which was bought some years ago out of District Watch Funds, was sold for $12,000.00. Temporary pre- mises have been found, pending the building of new District Watchmen's quarters on a site granted by the Government.

35. Inspector Appleton has again done excellent work, of a kind requiring initiative and perseverance in a high degree. Co-operation with the Regular Police has been well maintained without sacrificing the essential character of the District Watch.

(iii,)-PERMITS.

36. Eight hundred and eight-nine (889) permits to fire crackers were issued as against six hundred and ninety-seven (697) in 1922, and of these seven hundred and eleven (711) were on the occasion of marriage.

37. Other permits issued were 33 for religious ceremonies and 8 for processions. 201 permits were issued for theatricals, 178 of which performances were held in permanent and 23 in temporary buildings.

MARRIAGES.

Ordinance No. 7 of 1875 and No. 6 of 1903.

38. The number of marriages solemnised during the year was 154 as compared with 169 in 1922. The number contracted at the Registrar's Office was 30. In 1922 it was 31.

CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY to Chinese ENTERING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Ordinance No. 3 of 1898.

39. 5 certificates were issued to Chinese to enter the United States of America (the figure was 6 in 1922), and no certificates to enter the Philippine Islands were issued. (There were also none in 1922).

These certificates are limited to Chinese British subjects resident in Hongkong.

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BRITISH BORN SUBJECT CERTIFICATES,

40. There were sixteen applications for these certificates, thirteen of which were granted and certificates issued; three were refused.

One was

There were two applications for naturalisation. refused as the applicant was only 8 years of age, and the other was still under consideration at the end of the

REGISTRATION OF BOOKS,

Ordinance No. 2 of 1888.

year.

41. Fifty-one books were registered during the year as compared with forty-one in 1922.

TUNG WA HOSPITAL AND MAN MO TEMPLE.

Ordinance No. 1 of 1870, No. 9 of 1904 and No. 10 of 1908. (Tables VII to XI).

42. The following gentlemen were elected to form the Com- mittee for 1924 :-

Ma Chi-lung,

Yik Kei-chau, Au Long-hin, Tang Shiu-kin, Leung Ki-ho, Lai Man-wai,

Tong Hok-ting,

Kwan Yik-chi,

Uen Man-chun, Chan Sui-ki, Lau Yuk-wan,

Ho Tat-sang, Wong Tsui-chui, Lam Lai-tin.

43. The year's work (1923) was carried out with the usual efficiency and care. Events during the year calling for special effort on the part of the Committee were the earthquake in Japan, and the typhoon and flood of August in Hongkong.

44. The total number of in-patients admitted during 1923 was 10,142 as compared with 8,079 in 1922 and 6,881 in 1921. Of these 5,155 or 51% as against 56% in 1922 elected to be treated by European methods.

The out-patients numbered 166,422 as against 166,002 in 1922 and 123,001 in 1921, and of these 42,302 or 25% as against 18% in 1922, chose European treatment.

45. The number of surgical operations performed was 357 as against 268 in 1922. There were also 113 eye operations per- formed as against 132 in 1922.

46. The number of destitutes temporarily housed and then sent to their homes was 1,009 (1,289 in 1922); most of whom were sent to the Hospital from this office.

47. Of the Charitable Funds managed by the Hospital, the Man Mo Temple Fund (Table XI) shows an excess of receipts over expenditure of $39,853, an increase of $9,100 over the balance of 1922. The Maternity Hospital at Saiyingpun shows a credit balance of $2,570 (Table XII).

48. The balance sheet of the Brewin Charity as set out in Table XIII shows that income for the year exceeded the expendi- ture by $18,144.42.

The amount spent in gratuities and pensions was $4,963 as compared with $4,847 in 1922 and $4,689 in 1921.

$6,000 is invested in Hongkong 6% War Bonds.

KWONG WA HOSPITAL.

Tables XIV to XV (B).

49. The work of the Hospital continued to show an increase during 1923. In all 6,039 patients were admitted (as against 4,947 in 1922) of whom 4,136 or 68% (as against 69% in 1922 and .72% in 1921) came under European treatment, while 1,903 elected

to be treated by Chinese methods.

50. The total number of out-patients treated was 68,179 as against 44,881 in 1922; of these 24,383 elected to receive Euro- pean treatment. This gives a percentage of 36 as against one of 60 in 1922.

In the absence of any other Hospital in Kowloon, the Kwong Wa does much work-all cases from the Police and the Docks for instance are treated here-which perhaps falls outside the limits of a Chinese Charity.

51. In order to meet the growing need of the hospital, an additional area of some 84,600 sq. ft., adjoining the hospital was granted by the Government for the purpose of building an extension, and plans were under consideration at the end of the year. An open space of 62,880 sq. ft., in front of the hospital was leased by Government on an annual permit for use as a garden, which will not only add to the attractiveness of the place but will by remaining an open space be of hygienic value to the hospital.

CHINESE PUBLIC DISPENSARIES AND PLAGUE HOSPITALS.

(Tables XVI to XXI).

52. The total number of cases treated at the Dispensaries was 142,744 as compared with 137,818 in 1922. Of this total 77,741 were new and 65,003 return cases.

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53. The total number of vaccinations performed was 36,454 as against 14,211 in 1922.

The Chinese Public Dispensaries took an active part in the vaccination campaign organised by the Sanitary Department to combat the unusually severe out-break of small-pox towards the end of the year.

54. The total expenditure on the Dispensaries, was $38,351.42 as against $39,358 in 1922.

55. The net revenue of the Dispensaries, excluding a grant of $9,000 by Government was $46,131 as compared with $42,568 in 1922.

56. The two Kowloon Dispensaries at Hunghom and Sham- shuipo show balances of $4,408 and $6,878 respectively. In 1922 the balances were $3,828 and $7,185.

57. The number of dead and dying infants brought to the Dispensaries was 1,510 as against 1,494 in 1922.

58. 1,328 corpses were removed to hospital or mortuary as against 1,375 in 1922; 514 applications for coffins were received as against 588 in 1922 ; and there were 366 attendances for the cleansing of infected premises as against 668 in 1922.

59. The Dispensaries Committee are again indebted to the authorities of the Alice Memorial Hospital for assistance in the matter of the issue of medicines and drugs, and the regulation of their consumption.

60. The number of bodies considered by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs to have been abandoned during the year was 1,502 as compared with 969 in 1922. The monthly figures varied from 74 in April to 57 in January and September (Table XX).

Of the 1,502 bodies abandoned none were taken to the Chinese Public Dispensaries: there were also none in 1921.

61. Table XIX compiled from statistics in the Sanitary Department shows the number of death certificates issued in proportion to the total number of Chinese deaths, and the number of cases in which post-mortem examinations were held.

TSAN YUK MATERNITY HOSPITAL,

West Point.

62.--(a) This hospital was formally opened in October 1922. The year under review is therefore the first fall year of its work- ing. 28 beds were available for patients and 436 cases in all were

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admitted. We were fortunate in securing the service of Miss S. C. Leung as matron. She has proved to be a capable manager and organizer.

There were several changes in the nursing staff, but in November we engaged 2 trained nurses from the Alice Memorial Hospital, who are doing good work. 6 pupil nurses have been admitted and have entered for the two years course of training required by the Midwives Board.

In May an Infant Welfare Centre was established on the ground floor of the hospital by Mrs. Hickling. The sessions take place once a week, and within some 7 months 181 babies were brought with a total of 630 visits. Mrs. Hickling reports that it is gratifying to see the interest some of the mothers take, though the attendance of many is spasmodic.

A charge of 20 cents a day is made for patients in the general wards, but no patient is refused admittance, even if she is unable to pay anything. Patients who occupy a private room pay $2 or $1 a day, and no tips are allowed to anyone in the employment of the hospital. $1,350.40 was received from patients, $745.00 from private patients and the remainder from the general ward patients.

WAN-TSAI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.

(b) The work of this hospital has steadily increased since it was established in 1919. In that year 194 patients were admitted. In 1923 we reached a total of 814.

The two nurses have been there since the opening, and they have given great satisfaction in their work.

A charge of 20 cents a day is made, and only 6 out of 814 patients were unable to pay this. Two small private wards are available for patients at $2 a day. Altogether $1,608.60 was received from patients in fees.

The hospital is small, and has few modern conveniences, but it meets a need in the neighbourhood, and is evidently growing in popularity.

A word of tribute is due to the work done by Mrs. Hickling in connection with both these establishments.

CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY.

(Table XXII).

63. The balance increased from $24,030 in 1922 to $29,347 :

in 1921 the balance was $22,749.

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64. Translation Work done in the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs during the year 1923.

Translation from Chinese into English.

Translation from English

into Chinese.

Petitions..

122

Ordinances

Letters

185

Regulations

Newspaper articles and Į

Government notices

...

179

items of news....

Minutes

Unspecified..

191

Unspecified

Total

279

Total............ 513

Grand total,....

792

The total number of translations done by the Translator was thus 792 as against 758 in 1922, 608 in 1921, and 823 in 1920.

65. In addition, a large number of translations made in other Government Departments are sent to this office for revision. Much translation work is done by members of the staff other than the Translator, but of this no record is kept.

CHINESE RECREATION GROUND.

(Table XXIII).

66. The income from stalls had slightly increased from $3,274 in 1922 to $3,342. The Ground continued to make a contribution of $100 a month to the funds of the Tsan Yuk Hospital to which institution a sum of $5,000 was also advanced.

PASSAGE MONEY FUND.

(Table XXIV).

67. The net income of the Fund was $640 and the total expenditure $482 as compared with $279 and $402 last year.

NEW ORDINANCES.

68.-(a.) Employers of factory labour have been found very ready to meet our requirements. Before the introduction of this ordinance, the working hours for children were often excessive, extending sometimes to 11 and 12 hours a day. Nine hours is now the maximum for persons under the age of 15. Some employers have preferred to dispense with the labour of children

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altogether, but where they remain, little or no difficulty has been experienced in enforcing our regulations as to hours, and periods of rest. A few of the factories have adopted the system of closing down on Sundays and this practice seems to be gaining ground. In trades declared dangerous, such as glass-making and boiler- chipping, no children may be employed, and special care has been taken to see that this rule is observed. With regard to the em- ployment of children in casual outdoor labour, such as débris- carrying through the city and brick-carrying to the Peak, which are particularly liable to draw the attention of residents and visitors, measures have been taken to control and regulate this form of labour. Building contractors and coolie contractors have been visited and their help invited. Copies of the ordinance in Chinese have been distributed and notices posted at the principal Loading- places on the water front.

A number of sub-contractors and coolie contractors have been summoned to this department and cautioned. It may fairly be said that the result has been a distinct decrease in the number of young children so employed. Constant supervision, however, is needed to attain our object in this direction.

In administering a new ordinance of this nature, it is important to secure the co-operation of employers and over-hasty action has been carefully avoided. It has not yet been found necessary to bring any prosecutions.

Our inspectors have put in a great deal of quiet work, and credit is due to them for the smooth and effective working of the ordinance during its first year of experiment.

(6) Female Domestic Service, Ordinance No. 1 of 1923. It is generally agreed that the number of "mui-tsai" in Hongkong has been very considerably reduced since the ordinance came into operation. In many cases the girls have been voluntarily restored to their parents or relatives by masters or mistresses wishing to avoid all risk of contact with the law. In other cases "mui-tsai" have been given in marriage at an earlier age than usual. Instead of waiting till a girl is 20 or so, arrangements have been made for marriage at the age of 17 or 18, the object being to divest the masters or mistresses of further responsibility.

In some cases "Mui-tsai" have shown the utmost unwilling- ness to return to their parents. They had been enjoying a higher standard of living with kindly masters or mistresses, and were strongly disinclined to revert to a life of comparative hardship. The result has sometimes been that by general consent the girl has remained with her master. Sometimes on the other hand the parent has insisted on recovering the girl who has been prevailed upon by means of exhortation, appealing to her sense of filial- piety, to leave her comfortable home and rejoin her relatives.

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It is generally agreed that the section prohibiting engagement of new "mui-tsai" has been scrupulously observed, and that no transference from one master to another has taken place. Whether or not parents who have recovered their "mui-tsai daughters have disposed of them again outside the Colony, is beyond our power to determine.

Owing to the disordered conditions in the neighbouring provinces, it is probable that some "mui-tsai" have been brought in to the Colony by masters or mistresses who have come to find temporary refuge in Hongkong.

It has been an old Chinese custom to provide a newly married woman with a mui-tsai" who accompanies her to her new home as her personal servant. Since the passing of this ordinance, this custom is said to be dying out in Hongkong, and instead of a "mui-tsai" the bride is presented with money to engage a servant on a regular wage. Apart from such special cases, moreover, there is a general tendency to engage "chu-nin-mui" or servants on a wage agreement.

"Mui-tsai in this Colony are well aware of the solicitude on their behalf which has found expression in the ordinance under review.

(c) Chinese Certificates, (Fees) Ordinance No. 6 of 1923. This ordinance provides that for each certificate issued by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs to a Chinese person other than a labourer proceeding to any foreign country, there shall be paid a a fee of $50.00.

(d) Chinese Recreation Ground Ordinance, No. 17 of 1923. This ordinance deals with the management of the Chinese Recreation Ground and expenditure of revenue derived therefrom.

(e) Fraudulent Transference of Businesses Ordinance, No. 25 of 1923, which provides for the giving of notice, and makes the transferee of a business liable for the liabilities of the transferor in certain cases.

(f) Rent Ordinance. During the year cases arising out of the Rents Ordinance 1922-23 increased steadily. These had their origin largely in complaints brought by tenants or subtenants, but in some instances landlords themselves called and asked for advice and assistance.

498 cases were entered in the Rent Book from January to December, and as no written entry was taken of those cases in which the issue was a simple one, the actual number of cases dealt with was very much larger. The procedure adopted was to get both parties to the dispute together, to point out the rights and

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duties of each as defined in the Rents Ordinances, and to leave it to the parties themselves to effect a settlement. This method proved successful in very many instances, but in some where the issues were complicated or the interests at stake considerable, it was found impossible to arrive at any compromise, and the case had its sequel in the Law Courts.

The chief class of case centred round the notices to quit issued by the landlord with a view to demolition and rebuilding. Complaints from tenants in this connection reached their maximum in the early summer, just before the passing of the 1923 Amending Ordinance. The Section in that Ordinance requiring the landlord to affix to his notice to quit a copy of the Building Authority's certificate declaring that the premises when reconstructed would be a "new building" removed one fruitful source of complaint, and increased the difficulties of those owners of house property who were seeking some way of evading the ordinance.

The number of cases reported in which an excess over the standard Rent was demanded and received by the landlord or chief tenant was relatively small, but there were numerous instances of the standard Rent being refused by the lessor on some pretext or other in the hope that the lessee might give up possession, or might be deprived of possession subsequently on the grounds of non-payment of rent. Here an early warning to the lessor usually prevented the matter from developing further.

Complaints from landlords arose mainly from the practice of tenants assigning their tenancies without informing their landlord. In the absence, generally, of any written agreement or clause forbidding sub-letting, the landlord found himself unable to remove the "tenant in actual occupation" although this person from the landlord's point of view might be most undesirable. It is safe to presume that on each sub-letting, the recognised tenant netted an appreciable sum as "tea money", indeed the evasion of section 16 by chief tenants is almost certainly general, but there are great difficulties in the way of obtaining evidence of it.

In some cases also a tenant, taking advantage of the fact that the Rent Ordinances contain no machinery for "apportioning rent, would sub-let a portion of his tenancy for the first time at a rental which exceeded considerably the rent that was due to the head lessor for the whole tenancy. In such cases it was not hard to understand the landlord's indignation.

During the year 23 petitions to H. E. the Governor praying for exemption from the provisions of the Rent Ordinances were referred to the department for investigation and report.

GENERAL.

69. Under the terms of the Deportation Ordinance (No. 25 of 1917) reports were furnished on 174 suspects arrested by the

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Police under warrants of detention. Of these suspects 38 were released, and 136 were banished. The number of reports furnish- ed in 1922 was 218.

70. The allocation of the Annual Grant of $25,000 to Local Chinese Charities was the same as last year, viz:-

Kwong Wa Hospital,

Shaukiwan Chinese Public Dispensary, Sham Shui Po Chinese Public Dispensary, Kowloon City Chinese Public Dispensary,

$ 15,000

5,000

3,000

2,000

$ 25,000

71. In connection with the medical work of the Tung Wa Hospital and Kwong Wa Hospital, the Western and Eastern Maternity Hospitals, and Chinese Public Dispensaries, the Government appointed Mrs. Hickling from October 1st., as an assistant medical officer in charge, and before the end of the year there were already signs that excellent results may be expected from this appointment.

72. In July at the request of the British North Borneo Government Mr. Hallifax paid a visit to North Borneo in order to assist that government with advice on Chinese affairs there. With regard to the encouragement of Chinese immigration certain proposals were made. The Borneo Government is anxious to introduce Chinese families of a good farming class. Among other suggestions made, it was thought that the inhabitants of the Shing Mun village in the New Territory of Hongkong who are to lose their homes in consequence of the new water works scheme, might find conditions in Borneo sufficiently attractive to induce them to migrate thither; and negotiations were in hand at the end of the year for a deputation of villagers to go down to Borneo as guests of the Borneo Government, after which they would return to Shing Mun and report to their fellow villagers on the proposals made.

73. Severe water-shortage in June and July led to consider- able discussion with regard to waste of water, and the steps that should be taken to control distribution. It was eventually decided that no change should be introduced in the water supply system but that such restrictions should be enforced in the Rider Main Districts as should be necessary for the conservation of the supplies.

LABOUR.

74. A list is given below of trades in which disputes arose during 1923 calling for investigation by this department. Although it contains no less than 20 names, the difficulty of reaching a settlement was on the whole much less than in 1922.

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I am encouraged to believe that this is partly due to a greater general spirit of reasonableness. We are by no means free from the professional agitator, but he has not found his material so pliable as in 1922.

Employers, for their part, are recognizing, perhaps more fully than before, the importance of giving a prompt and reason- able hearing to representations by their men. It of course does not follow that a particular trade is always capable of granting an increase in wage, and in some of the cases on this list a strike was ended or died out without change in the rates of pay. In some cases new hands have been employed and a firm front opposed to intimidation.

LIST OF STRIKES AND DISPUTES.

(1) Carpenters in Building Trade.

(2) Watch Repairers.

(3) Shark's Fins Dealers Employees.

(4) Sandal Wood Workers.

(5) Second Hand Clothes Dealers Employees.

(6) Telephone Company's Joiners.

(7) Taikoo Sugar Refinery Fitters. (8) Taikoo Refinery Employees. (9) Taikoo Docks, Moulders..

(10) Taikoo Refinery, Moulders.

(11) Ships Carpenters, at Kowloon Docks.

(12) Tailors at J. T. Shaw's.

(13) French Polishers at Wm. Powell's Limited.

(14) Blacksmiths, Anchor and Nail Makers.

(15) Rattan Workers.

(16) Coopers Guild, Barrel and Tub Makers.

(17) Vermilion Workers.

(18) Marine Delicacies Employees.

(19) Sail Makers.

(20) Taikoo Dock Blacksmiths.

STAFF.

Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

75. Mr. E. R. Hallifax's services were lent to the British North Borneo Government from 1st July to 11th August.

Chief Assistant to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

76. Mr. A. E. Wood acted as Secretary for Chinese Affairs from 1st July to 11th August, and went on vacation leave from 5th September to 17th October.

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2nd Assistant to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

77. Mr. W. Schofield acted as 2nd Assistant to Secretary for Chinese Affairs up to 20th March. Mr. E. I. Wynne-Jones acted as 2nd Assistant to Secretary for Chinese Affairs from 22nd March to 1st May, and Mr. R. A. C. North from 12th May.

3rd Assistant to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

78. Mr. T. W. Ainsworth acted as 3rd Assistant to Secretary for Chinese Affairs up to 21st March. Mr. J. H. B. Nihill acted as 3rd Assistant to Secretary for Chinese Affairs from 1st April. Mr. G. S. Kennedy-Skipton acted as 3rd Assistant to Secretary for Chinese Affairs from 1st to 14th October,

Sub-Inspector under Protection of

Women and Girls Ordinance.

79. Sub-Inspector J. Spencer went on leave from 9th May, and Sub-Inspector C. Evans was seconded to the post from the Police Department on the same date.

80. Mr. Fung Hon, 2nd grade Interpreter, resigned on 1st September, and Mr. Luk Yam Ko, 3rd grade Interpreter, was appointed to fill the vacancy on 15th September.

81. Mr. Lau Pak Tun was promoted to 3rd grade on 7th October.

82. Mr. Leung Tun Sheung was promoted to 3rd grade on 1st March.

83. Mr. Lai Shiu Fuk was promoted to 4th grade on 1st March.

84. Mr. Chan Yik Hi was appointed 5th Grade Clerk on 1st April.

Industrial Sub-department.

85. Mr. F. Meade and Miss R. M. M. Irving were appointed. Inspectors of Juvenile Labour on 1st January, and 1st June respectively.

86. Mr. O. Wai-som and Mr. Wan Kwong Ting were appointed Interpreters to Inspectors of Juvenile Labour on 29th January, and 22nd June respectively.

A. E. WOOD.

29th May, 1924.

Secretary for Chinese Affairs,

Table I.

Revenue for the years 1922 and 1923.

Ordinance under which received,

لام

Heads of Revenue.

Details of Revenue.

Revenue in

1922.

Revenue in

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

Licences and Internal Revenue not other- wise specified,

Chinese Boarding House Licences, Marriage Licences,

Fines,

Emigration Passage Brokers' Licences, Forfeitures,

No. 1 of 1889 & No. 4 of 1908. No. 7 of 1875 & No. 15 of 1902. No. 30 of 1915.

$ C.

11,850

$ C.

1,621

13,484 *

1.247

1.634

374

1,400

Fees of Court

or]

Office, Payments for

ments-in-aid,.

Specific Purposes,

and Reimburse-

Interest,

Certificates to Chinese entering U.S.A., Bond by Non-resident Householders, Official Signatures,

No. 3 of 1898.

300

250

No. 3 of 1888.

No. 14 of 1913.

Ba8

Interest accrued on official account,

102

Other

Miscellaneous

Receipts,

Permits for Firework Displays,

170

220

Total...

C 19-

15,514.50

16,777,69

1,727.19

464

464.00

Deduct Decrease,.

Total Increase in 1923,

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

.$ 1,263,19

C 20

Table II.

Revenue and Expenditure of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs since 1914.

Revenue.

Expenditure.

Year.

Total. Decrease. Increase. Total.

Decrease. Increase.

Percent-

age of Expen- diture to Revenue.

な

$ c.

1914,

7,258.10 3,387.48

1915, .... 5,072,07 2,186.03

51,178.04

9,504.00 705-12

53,188.73

2,010.69 1,048.66

1916,

9,236.95

4,164.88 | 54,966.19

1.777.46 595'07

1917,

11,370.52

2,133.57

51,867.18

3,099.01

456·15

1918,

26,678.50

15,307.98 50,117.67 1,749.51

187.86

1919,

21,430.72 5,247.78

52,634,57

2,516.90

245.60

1920,

18,007.65 3,423.07

57,716,27

5,081.70

320-51

1921,

15,659.34 2,348.31

18,705,03 | 39,011,24

102.25

1922,

15,514.50 144.50

21,115.67

2,410.64

136.10

1923,

16,777.69

1,263.19 28,795,63

7,679.96 171.63

Table III.

Number of Women and Girls detained in a Place of Refuge by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs under Sections 34 and 35 of Ordinance No. 4 of 1897, and arrangements made regarding them.

Permitted to leave,

Permitted to leave under bond,

Restored to husband,

Restored to relatives,

Sent to native place,

Married,.

Adopted,

Sent to Refuge or Convent, Died,

Under Detention on 1st January, 1923.

Detained during 1923.

Total.

Prostitutes. Emigrants. Total. Prostitutes. Emigrants.

Total.

•

...

4:12

Awaiting marriage,

Cases under consideration,

Total,

Cases brought forward, 6.

Cases dealt with during the year, 60.

Cases carried forward, 3.

C 21-

Table IV.

Number of Female Passengers and Boys examined and passed before the Secretary for Chinese Affairs under "The Asiatic Emigration Ordinance, 1915," during the year 1923.

@ 22 -

Women, and Children, 1923.

Total

Women

and

Whither Bound.

Children;

Women.

Girls.

Boys. Total.

1922.

Burmah,

...

Japan,

Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States,

7,488

1,369

2,994

11,851

10,573

119

206

646

Dutch Indies,

Belawan Deli,

374

116

548

482

British North Borneo,

422

112

110

644

576

148

238

314

Honolulu,

Central America,

338

Canada,

United States of America,

240

454

718

1,052

Mexico,

South America,

Mauritius & Re-Union,

148

240

221

Australia,

...

106

India,

380

474

South Africa,

Cuba,

Batavia,

1,266

194

666

2,126

1,270

West Indies (Jamaica), .

...

Sourabaya,

Balikpapan,..

425

Rangoon,

104

Port Elizabeth,

Delagoa Bay,

Salina Cruz,

Callao,

...

Brisbane,

Victoria,....

124

1,030

1,166

703

Total, 1923,....

10,831

1,897

5,761 | 18,479

Total, 1922,..

10,231

1,595 5,218

17,044

C 23

Table V.

Number of Assisted Emigrants.

Rejected.

Year,

Examined. Passed.

Un-

Rejected Rejected

Total Percentage

willing.

S.C.A.

rejected. Doctor.

as unfit.

of rejection.

1921,

22,049 19,171

130

•58

1922,

8,072 6,712

1923,

19,213 16,681

105

Treatment of Rejected Emigrants for 1923.

Sent home through Tung Wah Hospital at expense

of Boarding Houses,

59.

Rejected by doctor and sent back to boarding houses

to be cured,

Total rejected,.....

105

Native Districts of Assisted Emigrants Passed.

West River,

East River,

North River,

Canton,..

Delta,

Kwong Sai,...

Southern Districts,

Mandarin, (Hunan, Kwong Sai and Kiang Si),

Total,

1,148 11,047

285

1,144

663

1,267

670

457

16,681

C 24

Table V,-Continued.

Destinations of Assisted Emigrants.

Whither bound.

Male Assisted Emigrants.

1922.

1923.

Straits Settlements and F. M. S.,...

183

2,926

British North Borneo,...

1,035

1,339

Dutch Indies :-

Banca,

1,738

2,410

Billiton,

2.611

Balikpapan,

Belawan Deli,

2,905

7,005

British Solomon Island,

India,

242

Samoa,

Ocean Island,

535

334

Nauru,

Makatea,

Christmas Island,

Total,

6,712

16,681

Classification of the Assistant Emigrants examined, according to the language spoken gives the following figures

*---

Cantonese, Hakka,

Hoklo,

Southern Mandarin (mostly from Kwong Sai and

Hunan),

Hainanese,

Total,

5,052

3,360

9,998

629

174

19,213

-C 25

Table VI.

Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure relative to the Hongkong District Watchmen's Fund for the year 1923.

Receipts.

***

Expenditure.

器

To Balance,

34,890 56

By Wages and Salaries :-

Contributions,

38,897

Chief District Watchmen, Assistant Chief District Watch-

3,056

men..

2,155

Detectives,

6,089

وو

Grant by Government,.

2,000

1st Class District Watchmen,...11,054

2nd

وو

3,570

Proceeds of Sale of No. 369 Shanghai Street, Yaumati......................

3rd

555

12.000

26,480

Miscellaneous

Payment for District Watchmen for

Special Services,......

Cooks,...

724

1,187

Coolies,

620

Messengers,

Interest on Hongkong Government

6% War Loan,

1,430

1,680

Office Staff:-

Manager,

Rent of No. 369 Shanghai Street,

Yaumati

Writer,

132

111

Interpreter, Collector;

432

576

1,230

Interest on Current Account,

290

Total,......

29,140

Reward Fund, .

Other Charges

Fines,

Allowance to Detectives,

1,508

Medal Allowance, ...............................

1,650

Sale of Condemned Stores,

Instructor Allowance,

Oil Allowance,

128

Electricity,

354

Rent from Mr. Yeung Ying-Ink for per- mission to erect the iron gate on In- land Lot No.680, for the year 1923.

Conservancy Allowance,..

Coolie Hire and Conveyance

Allowance,

650

Uniform and Equipment,

1,781

Stationery and Printing,......

243

Furniture,

83.

Repairs and Fittings to D.W.

Stations,

1,704

Rent of Telephone,

373

Premium on Fire Policies,

270

Gratuity and Rewards,

586

Crown Rent,

Solicitors Fee

Rent for Yaumati D. W.

Station

448

Photos for District Watchmen, Sundries,

279

10,244

Total,....

91,159.75

Pensions :-

Ex. Chief District Watchman So Tai

and others, .....

2,016

Total Expenditure,.........

41.401.06

Balance,

49,758.69

Total,

91,159.75

Balance in Colonial Treasury

In Hongkong Government 6% War Loan,.. $28,000.00

Cash,...............

Fixed Deposit

Total...............

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

$ 9,758.00 $12,000.00

.$49,758.69

Patients.

on 31st December, 1922. Remaining in Hospital

Table VII.

Number of Patients under treatment and other statistics concerning the Tang Wa Hospital during the year 1923.

Admitted.

Male,

Female,

248 4,093 3,322 7,4157,663 5,628 1,658 377 88 894 1,833 2,727 2,815 | 2,188 483

Out-patients.

Total.

Vaccinations.

Dead bodies brought

to Hospital Mortuary

for burial.

Destitutes sent home.

69,469 23,244| 92,713|8,828 |1,055 | 1,009 144 54,651 19,058 73,709 591

Total,..

336 4,9875,155 | 10,142 10,478 7,8162,141

521 124,120 42,302 166,422 8,828 1,646 1,009

Total for 1922,

257 3,574 4,505 |8,079 | 8,336 |5,733 | 2,267

3267

|1:36,280 1,850 336 136,280 29,722 166,002|2,395 | 1,850 | 1,289

C 26

Receipts.

C 27

Table VIII.

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL CASH ACCOUNT 1923.

Amount.

Payments.

Amount.

Cash Balance from last year

Tung Wah Hospital account$ 90,474.86

Kwong Wah Hospital Man Mo Temple................... Emergency Fund Maternity Hospital

Current account with Kwong Wah Hos-

pital

Current account with Man Mo Temple Current account with Maternity Hospital...

Current account with Kwong Wah Hos-

pital...

159,608.89

152,565.52

30.753.39

►

59,365.96

3,563.16

Current account with Man Mo Temple... Current account with Emergency Fund....... Current account with Maternity Hospital Provisions for staff

15,307.48

1,733.00

7,253.25

10,879.25

336,722.89

Salaries for staff

31,815.57

Provisions for sick rooms

25,537.36

55,202.85

Siek room sundries

10,382.25

24,407.52

Hospital sundries

1,671.95

4,184.36

Chinese drugs...

23,034.06

Interest collected on behalf of Emergency

Western drugs

10,980.49

Fund

1,424.77

Repairs....

5,123.54

Subscriptions from Directors (western

drugs)

Destitutes' and Patients' passages

193.58

1,152.34

Repairs to landed property.

794.83

Rents

81,942.55

Lights

6,271.59

Subscriptions collected from steamers

7,166.64

Insurance

977.90

Annual subscriptions of Hongs......

10,407.00

Crown rent and taxes

9,993.47

Subscriptions from wealthy persons.

6,550.00

New building on hospital property

5,130.00

Subscriptions and donations

3,468,37

Small-pox Hospital expenses

3,521.48

Subscriptions from Directors past and pre-

Yee Shan burying ground

3,918.89

sent

7,163.00

Stamps, stationery and advertisements

2,438.17

Special contributions for supply of medi-

Grant to Kwong Wah Hospital

2,000.00

eines, quilted clothing, coffius and

Grant to Fong Pin Hospital

1,000.00

shrouds

3,673,30

Subscription to Old Men's Asylum......

200.00

Government grants

8,000.00

Burial of bodies by Tung Wah Hospital...

4,204.56

Grant from Man Mo Temple...

2,500.00

Coffins for buried bodies by Tung Wah

· Contributions from Theatres.

2,050.00

Hospital ....

5,315.52

Hongkong War Loan dividend

3,000.00

Burial of bodies from Government Mor-

Subscriptions for coffin home.

3,410,00

tuary

2,662.64

Interest on loans and deposits

22,181.84

Coffins for bodies from Government

Premium on notes and discount on goods

purchased

795.80

Mortuary Balance

5,610.96

253,449.70

Fees from Patients

4,686.01

Sale

of kitchen refuse, coffin home charges, boat hire and sundries

19,418.30

Sale of medicines

4,802.84

Grand Total...

$ 614,310.38

Grand Total...

$614,310.38

The Balance of $253,449.70 consists of the following credit balances :

Tung Wah Hospital Kwong Wah Hospital.

Man Mo Temple

Emergency Fund.......

Maternity Hospital..

(For particulars see separate sheet attached).

$105,884.79 48, 159.48 39,853.43 59,057.73 494.27

C 28

Table VIII.-(A).

Particulars as to Credit Balances.

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL IN ACCOUNT WITH KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.

To credit Balance brought forward from 1922, $152,565.52 | By Payments during 1923,

Amount received during 1923,

-55,202.85

$207,768.37

Balance,

...

$159,608.89 48,159.48

$207,768.37

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL IN ACCOUNT WITH MAN MO TEMPLE.

To credit Balance brought forward from 1922, $ 30,753.39 | By Payments during 1923,

Amount received during 1923,

...

24,407,52

$ 55,160.91

Balance,

$ 15,307.48 39,853.43

$ 55,160.91

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL IN ACCOUNT WITH EMERGENCY FUND.

To credit Balance brought forward from 1922, $ 59,365.96 | By Payments during 1923, ...

Interest received during 1923,

1,424.77 Balance,

$ 60,790.73

$ 1,733.00 59,057.73

$ 60,790.73

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL IN ACCOUNT WITH MATERNITY HOSPITAL.

To credit Balance brought forward from 1922, $ 3,568.16 | By Payments during 1923,

Amount received during 1923,

...

4,184.36

$ 7,747.52

Balance,

...

$ 7,253.25 494.27

$ 7,747.52

C 29

Table IX.

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE.

$ (.

90,474.86

Income

Funds bought forward from 1922

A. Ordinary:--

Subscriptions:—

Annual Subscriptions of Hongs.$10,407.00 Subscriptions collected

steamers

Subscriptions and donations ...

from wealthy persons

...

7,166.64

3,468.37

6,550.00

Subscriptions from Directors

past and present...

***

7,163.00

34,755.01

...$8,000.00 2,500.00

10,500.00

...

...$ 3,410.00 2,050.00

Grants:

Government

Man Mo Temple

Special contributions:

For Mortuary expenses...

From Theatres

For supply of medicines, quilted

clothing, coffins and shrouds. 3,673.30

A. Maintenance :

Provisions:

Expenditure

Food for staff Food for sick room.

...

Surgery and Dispensary :—

Chinese drugs... Western drugs

Establishments:--

Light

Insurance...

Repairs.

...

Repairs to Hospital property Sick room expenses

Small pox hospital expenses Yee Shan burying ground Crown rents and taxes

Salaries, wages, &c :-

Staff salaries

Sundries and bonuses

...$10,879.25

...

25,537.36

36,416,61

...$23,034.06 10,980.49

34,014.55

...

$6,271.59 977.90 5,123.54

794.83

10,382.25

3,521.48

...

3,918.89

9,993.47

40,983.95

...$31,815.57 4,671.95

36,487.52

Invested property :-

Rents

...

Interest

Appeals, grants, &c :-

9,133.30

...$81,942.55

22,181.84

passages

Destitutes' and Patients'

Kwong Wah and Fong Pin

...

...S 493.58

Hospitals

...

3,200.00

Hongkong War Loan Dividend 3,000.00

Premium on notes and discount

Other receipts :—

on goods purchased

...

Sale of kitchen refuse, coffin

home charges, boat hire and sundries

...

Fees from Patients...

3,693.58

107,124.39

Miscellaneous :—

Stationery, &c.

$2,438.17

Burial of bodies by Tung Wah

...$ 795.80

Hospital

4,204.56

Coffins for bodies buried by

Tung Wah Hospital

5,315.52

19,418.30

Burial of bodies by Govern-

4,686.01

ment Mortuary ...

2,662.64

Sale of medicines

4,802.84

29,702.95

Coffins of bodies buried by

Government Mortuary

5,610.96

20,231.85

B. Extraordinary :-

Subscriptions from Directors (for western

drugs)

B. Extraordinary :-

New building on Hospital property

5,130.00

1,152.34

Balance

•

105.884.79

$282,842.85

Receipts.

Balance from account 1922.

Interest,

Table X.

Emergency Fund Account, 1923.

Amount.

Payments.

Amount.

59,365.96

Gratuity to destitutes,.

1,610.00

1,424.77

Passage money for 10 destitutes,.

123.0)

Balance,

59,057.73

Total,...

60,790.73

Total,.

60,790.73

C 30

Receipts.

Table XI.

Man Mo Temple Fund Account, 1923.

Amount.

Balance from account 1922,

Rent from Temple keeper,...

Interest,

Rent of stalls and Temple property,

Government Grant in Aid of free Schools,

Crown rent recovered,

Total,......

Payments.

Amount.

30,753

Subscription to Tung Wa Hospital,

2,500

6,465

Free Schools and sundries,

9,593

721

Repairs to Temple property and free schools,

1,277

13,126

Police Rates, Crown Rent, and Insurance

4,050

Premium,

1,590

Water accounts and repair to water pipes, Advertisement to call for tender,

250

Refund of Deposit to tenant,...................

school at Belcher's Street,

Deposit given for the tenancy of a free

Balance,

39,853

55,160.91

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

Total,..

55,160.91

C 31 -

Table XII.

Statement of Receipts and Payments of the Saiyingpun Maternity Hospital, 1923.

Receipts.

Balance from 1922,

Rent of Hospital Property,

Interest,

Grand Total,.

Amount.

明

3,563

4,163

Expenditure.

Amount.

€

Balance of Maternity Hospital 1922 $3,500.00 and rent of Hospital pro- perty $3,200.00 handed over the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs,.. Police Rate, Crown Rent, & Insurance Premium,

Repairs to Hospital Property, Balance,

6,700

511

494

7,747.52

-C 32

Grand Total,.

7,747.52

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

Table XII.-(A).

Western Maternity (Tsan Yuk) Hospital Statement of Accounts for the year 1923.

-C 33 -

Receipt.

Expenditure.

To Balance......

268

59 By Mr. Lam Dore, Contractor,

Subscription:-

Chinese Recreation Ground,.. Rent of houses purchased with

1,200

Tung Wah Hospital, Jubilee

Donation,

6,700

Committee of the Hospital, etc........

340

Salary,

Drugs,

Furniture,

Gas and Electricity,

Repairs and fitting,

Clothing, etc.,

4,750

3,030 00

458 00

8,240

Fees paid by patients in the Hospital,

1,125 00

Money paid by pupils in the Hospital, for their food,.

Interest,

Loan from Chinese Recreation Ground,

360 00

37 00

Crown Rent,

5,000 00

Water account,

Miscellaneous,

Stationery and printing,

Bedding,

00 Food for patients in the Hospital, Food for pupils in the Hospital, One Obsteric Phantom plain with foetus and one Natural foetus skull,

Fee for District Watchmen on duties at the door,

1,061 00

367

131

68 00

336 00

384 00

179

540

1 00

196

8888 8

Balance with Colonial Treasury,

852 00

Total,.

15,031

Total,.

Cents ommitted except in the totals.

7,711 04

2,570

15,031 07

C 34

Table XIII.

Revenue and Expenditure of the Brewin Charity during the year 1923.

Revenue.

Amount.

Expenditure.

Amount.

To Balance from 1922,

22,023.58

Rent from shop property in Temple Street, Gratuity from the Electric Co. for Wong

Fung Sze and son

6,014.50

By Charity given to widows and orphans

Police Rates for shop property in Temple

Street

4,963.90

637,00

1,000.00

ૐ સફ

Subscriptions from Directors, T. W. H.

3,490.00

Crown Rent for shop property in Temple

Street

103,00

Directors, K. W. H.

Committee, P. L. K.

350.00 1,300.00

Lime-washing for shop property in Temple

Street

110.00-

Mr. Lau U Fong $1,000.00

and from an unknown person

Interest on War Bonds fr. Shanghai Bank

from Shanghai Bank.............

for a year on fixed deposit of

$3,000.00 with Shanghai Bank

100.00

1,100.00 360.00

Repairs to shop property in Temple Street Salary of Rent Collectors Messrs. Chan

Hung and Leung Hing-yeung Salary of Accountant Mr. Chan Yik-wan

12.50.

240.00

100.00

Singapore

281.45

» Stamps

24.05

205.59

Stationery, fares for launch and Tram

cars, and printed matters

23.50

146.60

Balance

40,168.00

Interest ou fixed deposit of $2,040.00 with

Shanghai Bank

91.80

Interest on deposit of Sat A Li with Wing

Hing Bank

18.43

Deposit money for the sale of the shop

property in Temple Street

10,000.00

Total,......

46,381.95

Total,...

46,381.95

By Deposit with Tung Wa Hospital

>>>

Fixed Deposit and Interest with Shanghai

Bank

Fixed Deposit with Shanghai Bank of the Gratuity money for Wong Fung Sze and

son

War Bond..

دو

Deposits with Shanghai Bank

Fixed deposit & interest with Shanghai Bank through the proceeds raised from theatrical performances by Mr. Li Yick Mui

Deposit & interest of Sat A Li with Wing

Hing Bank through Mr. Li Wing Kwong. War Bonds of Singapore government

Total....

31.32

3,407.00

1,000.00

6,000.00

22,295.90

2,131.80

301.98 5,000.00

40,168.00

Patients.

Table XIV.

· Number of Patients under treatment and other statistics concerning the

Kwong Wa Hospital during the year 1923.

on 31st December, 1922.

Remaining in Hospital

Chinese Treatment.

European

Treatment.

Total.

Admitted.

Total Number of pa-

tients under treatment.

Discharged.

Deaths.

Remaining in Hospital

on 31st December, 1923.

Chinese Treatment.

European Treatment.

Total.

Out-patients.

Vaccinations.

Dead bodies brought to Hospital Mortuary for burial.

Destitutes sent home.

Male,

Female,

153 1,471 2,131 3,602 3,755 2,538 1,051 166 24,754 13,058 37,8121,519

347

432 2,005 2,437 2,502 1,906 534 62

19,042 11,325 30,367 829

154

Total,.

218

1,903 |4,136 | 6,039 6,257 | 4,444 | 1,585 | 228

43,796 24,383 68,179 2,348

501

Total for 1922, 207

1,530 | 8,417 | 4,947 | 5,1543,448 | 1,488 | 218

|18,080 |

18,080 26,801 44,881

449

-C 35

C 36

Table XV.

Statement of Receipts and Payments of the Kwong Wa Hospital for 1923.

Receipts.

Amount.

Payments.

Amount.

Balance brought forward from

previous year,

9,838.16

Current account with Tung Wal

Hospital,

64,883.77

Government Grant,

8,500.00

Salaries to Hospital staff,

14,342.95

Special Donation,...

15,000.00 |

Provisions for staff,

4,534.46

Subscription from Tung Wah

Hospital sundries,

1,303.43

Hospital,.....

2,000.00

Provisions for patients,

10,726.20

66,289.81

Current account with Tung Wah

Hospital,

Subscriptions from

charitable

persons and yearly subscrip- tions,

Subscriptions by Ko Shing and

Tai Ping Theatres,.... Donations from A Fong and Tai

Wo Photographers,

Donation from Old Yaumati

Chinese Public Dispensary, Subscription by Po Hing Theatre,

2,200.00 | Stationery, stamps, and adver-.

Sick room expenses,

3,383.23

Charcoal,

1,118.36

Chinese drugs,

9,725.05

Western drugs,

20,941.47

18,393.44 | Lights,

1,782.64

Telephone,

118.94

tisements,

2,182.17

800.00

Water,

15.00

Discount on notes,

6.02

6.948.95

Furniture and Repairs,

2,352.68

990.00

Building

Contract

(Garden

Sale of drugs and medicines,.

4,606.28

&c.)

3,005.35

Premium on notes,

87.82

Coffins,

4,214.75

Sale of kitchen refuse,

1,282.68

Burial of bodies from Hospital

Payments by in-patients and

Mortuary,

460.95

drugs

1,786.63

Burial of bodies from Yaumati

Special subscriptions:-

Public Mortuary,

441.15

By Mr. Chan Kang

Old Men's Asylum

11.20

U for sick room

extension, ......$ 2,000.00

Subscriptions

Grave stones,

179.60

Cumsha to coolies, sale of refuse,

&c.,

161.30

from charitable

Crown Rent

.15

persons for free

BALANCE,.

5,428.53

drugs,...

3,385.00

Yearly Sub-

scriptions from

charitable per-

sons for free

drugs,

1,300.00

Interest on Sub-

scriptions for

free drugs,

5,910.88

12,595.88

Grand Total,..

$151,319.65

Grand Total,...$ 151,319.65

C 37

Table XV. (A.)

KWONG WAH HOSPITAL

Income and Expenditure 1923.

Income.

Expenditure.

Payments of loan,

General Funds brought forward from 1922,... $ 16,012.12

10,310.92 A. Maintenances :

$ 3,100.04

To Free Chinese Drugs, ...

A. Ordinary:--

Government Grant,

SUBSCRIPTIONS :--

Tung Wah Hospital, Charitable persons,

ENTERTAINMENTS :-

PROVISIONS:

...$8,500.00

8,500.00

Staff, Patients,

.$ 4,534.46 10,726.20

15,260.66

DISPENSARY:-

...

..$ 2,000.00 18,393.44

20,393.44

Chinese Drugs, Western Drugs,

.$ 9,725.05 20,941.47

30,666.52

Ko Shing & Tai Ping Theatres, $2,200.00 Po Hing Theatre,

DONATIONS :-

...

990.00

3,190.00

ESTABLISHMENT:--

Lights,

Furniture and Repairs,

Sick rooms expenses,

Charcoal,...

Telephone,

Water,

...

Sundries,...

...$ 1,782.64

2.352.68

3,383.23

1.118.36

118.94

15.00

1.464.73

6,948.95

Building Contract (Garden &c.) 3,005.35

7.748.95

Crown Rent,

SALARIES:

A. Fong & Tai Wo Photographers $ 800.00 Old Yaumati Chinese Public

Dispensary,

PATIENTS PAYMENTS:-

.15

13,241.08

In and Out patients,

Chinese and Western Drugs,

...$ 1,786.63 4,606.28

6,392.91

Hospital Staff,

14,342,95

14,342.95

OTHER RECEIPTS :--

MISCELLANEOUS :----

Premium on notes,

.$ 87.82

Sale of kitchen refuse, flowers,

bamboo shoot, ..

...

1,212.68

Stationery, Stamps and

Advertisements,.

Discount on notes,

.$ 2,182.47

1,370.50

Coffins,

6.02 4,214.75

Burial of Bodies,

460.95

•

B. Extraordinary

Burial of Bodies from Yaumati, Old Men's Asylum (Home)

441.15

DONATIONS :-

Government Special Donation,.....$ 15,000.00

for Aged), Grave Stones,...

11.20 179.60

7.496.14

15,000.00

BALANCE,

4,811,45

$ 88,918.84

38.

Table XV. (B)

FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.

Amount left deposited in Tung Wah Hospital at end of 1922, Amount paid to Tung Wah Hospital on current account in 1923,

Amount received from Tung Wah Hospital on current account in

1923,

$ 152,565.52 64,883.77

$ 217,449.29

66,289.81

$ 151,159.48 5,428.53

Amount left deposited in Tung Wah Hospital at end of 1923, Cash in hand at end of 1923,

...

$ 156,588.01

Funds classified

General,

Chinese Drugs,-

Sick room extension,

...

:::

....

:::

PARTICULARS AS TO SPECIAL FUNDS.

KWONG WAH HOSPITAL

...

IN ACCOUNT WITH SICK ROOM EXTENSION SPECIAL FUND.

To Special Subscriptions receiv-

ed in 1922,

Balance

$ 21,734.66

Additional Subscriptions re- ceived in 1923, (Chan Kang U) 2,000.00

4,811.45 128,041.90 23,734.66

$ 156,588.01

...

$ 23,734.66

$23,734.66

KWONG WAH HOSPITAL

IN ACCOUNT WITH FREE CHINESE DRUGS SPECIAL FUND.

1$ 23,734.66

To Subscription Brought over

from last year,

$124,656.90 By Chinese Free drugs

Loan recovered,

3,100.04

for the year 1923.

Balance.

$ 10,310.92 128,041.90

Subscriptions of charitable

persons,

...

3,385.00

Yearly Subscriptions of chari-

table persons for free drugs,

1,300.00

Interest,...

....

5,910.88

$ 138,352.82

Table XVI.

Summary of work done by the Chinese Public Dispensaries: Victoria, Harbour, Shaukiwan, and Kowloon Peninsula.

Description.

Grand Grand

Total. Total Total

1922.

1923.

New Cases,..

Return Cases,

77,741 65,003

Total,.....

142,744 137,818

Certificates of nature of disease issued,

cause of death,

Patients removed to hospital by ambulance,... Corpses removed to hospital or mortuary, Attendances at cleansing of infected premises, Compensation claims sent in,

Applications received for coffins,

for midwives,

Confinement cases in Maternity Hospital,. Infants brought to Dispensaries, (alive),

459

441

528

€35

1,328

1,375

366

668

514

588

153

283

...

814

712

(dead),...

1,493

Total,....

1,510

1,494

Vaccinations at private houses,

وو

Dispensaries,

296

36,158

Total..

36,454

14,211

Table XVII.

Chinese Public Dispensaries: Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December, 1923.

C 40

Receipts.

艙

Expenditure.

To Balance,

Grant by Government,

59,618|93

9,000

By Maintenances of Dispensaries,

Donations from :—

Tai Ping Theatre,

5,550

San Theatre,

850

Ko Shing Theatre,.

Subscriptions, Land,..

375

120,297

Harbour,

11,436

Shaukiwan,

1,904

Balance in Colonial Treasury :-

Ou Hongkong Government 6%

Kowloon City,

741

War Loan,

41,154

In Cash,

Victoria,

Harbour and

23,211

Yaumati, | 5,815

Shaukiwan, 5,281

Kowloon City, 4,043

38,351

51,000

24,778

Fees from Maternity Hospital in Chinese Public Dispensary at Wan-

Advance to :~

chai,.

1,604

Dispensaries Clerks,

120

Interest,

312

Alice Memorial Hospital for

Interest on Hongkong Government

purchase of drugs,

500

6% War Loan,

Total,.

3,060

76,398

$114,750 21

Total,..

114,750 21

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

C 41

Table XVIII.

Hunghom and Shamshuipo Dispensaries.

Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December, 1923.

Descriptions.

Hung- Sham-

hom.

shuipo.

Receipts :-

Balance,

3,828

7,185

Subscriptions, etc.,

3,296

1,157

Donation from

Po Hing Theatre,

Kun Yam Temple,

Mr. Chan Pak-ping,

Mr. Chan Tak-wa,

Scavenging Contractor at Hunghom,...

Grant by Government,

Expenditure—-

Total,

600

175

870

3,000

9,576.94 11,342,16

Through Secretariat for Chinese Affairs,

2,082 2,400

By Local Committee,

3,086

2,063

Total,

5,168.83 4,463.79

Balance :-

At Colonial Treasury,

With Local Committee,

Total,

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

1,364 6,837

3,043

4,408.11 6,878.37

Number of deaths.

Table XIX.

Deaths of Chinese in Hongkong and Kowloon during 1923 showing number in which the cause of death was duly certified and number in which a post-mortem examination was held,

Number certified.

uncertified.

Number

Percentage of 3 to 2.

after death and not ✪ sent to mortuary.

Number examined

Victoria,

Harbour,

9,331

4,818

4,513

51.6

554

1.6

4,435

47.5

988

242

746

24.5

212

21.4

380

38.5

Kowloon,..

4,306

692

3,614

16.1

0.4

1,922

44.6

Shaukiwan,

492

421

14:4

9.3

240

48.8

Other Villages in Hongkong,

172

146

15.1

133

77.3

52.3

Total,........

15,289

5,849

9,440

38.2

962

6.3

7,067

46.2

Percentage of

6 to 2.

mortuary.

Number sent to

Percentage of

8 to 2.

-C 42 -

Table XX.

Monthly Return of Bodies of Chinese considered by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs to have been abandoned during the year 1923.

Victoria.

Harbour, Kowloon.

Month.

West.

Central. East. Total.

Hongkong outside

Victoria.

New Territories.

Total.

Grand

Total.

January,

February,

March,..

April,

May,

114

June,

101.

July,

August,

September,

10)

October,

121

190

November,

135

227

325

December,

174

117

291

Grand Total,

436

294

156

886

135

394

Total for 1922,

110

115

160

385

105

408

215

616

1,502 †

584

969 *

* In 1922, of 969, none was taken to Chinese Public Dispensaries. † In 1923, of 1,502 none was taken to Chinese Public Dispensaries.

C 43-

C 44

Table XXI.

Return of Bodies abandoned during the years 1921, 1922, and 1923.

(Figures supplied by the Police Department.)

1921.

Male.

Female.

Unknown.

Over

15 years.

15 years and under.

Over

15 years.

15 years and under.

Over

15 years.

15 years

and under.

Victoria,

129

Kowloon,...

154

151

Harbour,

Elsewhere,

Total.

234

313

Total,

4 331

3 288

639

1922.

Victoria,

Kowloon,.

Harbour,

Elsewhere,

4928

206 203

158

385

183

408

105

3. 42

Total,

45 497

407

Victoria, Kowloon,.... Harbour, Elsewhere,

10 406

4 186

62 48

1923.

969

463

886

193

394

135

Total,

40 702

726

1,502

ין

Receipts.

Table XXII.

Statement of Receipts and Payments of the Chinese Permanent Cemetery for 1923.

Amount.

Payments.

A mount.

C 45

To Balance,

Interest from Hongkong aud

24,030.35 | By Payment to the Architects, Messrs. Little Adams & Wood for

surveying lands,..

90.00

Shanghai Bank,

109.28

Rent of telephone,

176.22

Tai San Bank,...

754.17

200 stone tablets from Yeung Tam Kee,

160.00

War Bonds, ......

480.00

Repairs to the building, pavilions, roads and embankment etc. by

Sale of 114 lots,

6,440.00

Yeung Tam-kee,

4,703.52

Stone Embankment,..

1,665.00

Wages for Ma Shu-hoi & gardeners, and 2 grass cutters,.

1,479.00

Wages from Mr. S. W. Tso

Motor car hire,

9.20

for refilling vaults,

172.00

Printed matters,

13.50

....

Sale of the lot as designated by the character of "Fat" to Mr. Lo Chung Kui,

2,500.00

50 Bamboo poles,

Manure, flower pots bamboo wares etc.,

Stamps,

Rent of wharf,

Rates for getting water from river,.

Crown Rent,

Flowers,

Balance,

138.07

7.00

1.00

8.50

15.75

29,347.04

Total,

.$ 36,150.80

Total,.

$36,150.80

By deposits with Hongkong & Shanghai Bank,

$5,908.63

Tai San Bank,

War Bonds,.

Cash,

15,000.00

8,000.00

438,41

$29,347.04

To Balance,...................

}}

Rent of Stalls,

Table XXIII.

Chinese Recreation Ground: Receipts and Expenditure, 1923.

Receipts.

Payments.

7,036

By Wages of Watchmen, etc,.

وو

Water Account,

8,342

894

226

270

297

1,200

5,000

Consumption of Gas,

Repairs to stalls, chairs and benches, etc., Subscription to Western Maternity Hospital, Advance to Western Maternity Hospital,

Miscellaneous,

Balance,

Total,..

$ 10,378

Cents omitted except in the totals.

2,457

Total,.

10,378

C 46

Receipts.

Table XXIV.

Statement of Accounts of Passage Money Fund.

Payments,

To Balance ou Fixed Deposit,.

..$4,250

By Gifts to 5 women on being married,

in Colonial Treasury,...

2,973

7,223

sons,

Passage Moncy received,.

$ 400

Less Refund,

385

Interest on Fixed Deposit,

$ 170

on money deposited in Treasury,

in Colonial Treasury,

255

Annual Charitable Allowances to two per-

Subscription to Alice Memorial Hospital,

170

129

$4,250

3,061

7,311

Eyre Diocesan Refuge, Hawker's Licences to destitute persons, Gifts in aid of repatriation of emigrants,... Miscellaneous,.

Balance on Fixed Deposit,

Total,

7,863.84

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

- C 47

Total,

$ 7,863.84

Remarks.

Table XXV.

Prosecutions under Ordinances No. 3 of 1888, No. 30 of 1915, and No. 4 of 1897.

Offence.

Convicted.

No. of

Cases.

Male.

Discharged.

Female.

Male.

Female.

...

心心

...

27-

Ordinance No. 3 of 1888.

Bills,-Posting without permission,

Fireworks, Discharged without permission, Drums and Gongs,-Night noises by beating, Processions,-Organising in the public streets without permission,

Householders' Registration,-Failing to register, Ordinance No. 30 of 1915.

Decoying men or boys into or out of the Colony,.. Emigration House offences,..

Personating emigrants,.......

Sending assisted emigrants out of the Colony with- out notifying the Secretary for Chinese Affairs,

Ordinance No. 4 of 1897.

Abduction of girls under 21,

Decoying women and girls into or away from the Colony,

Detaining, harbouring, or receiving women or girls,... Procuring women or girls to be common prostitutes,.| Procuring girls under age to have carnal con-

nection,

Deriving profits from prostitution and trading in

women, .....................

...

227

...

:..

- C 48

C 49

Annexe A.

Report on the work of the Po Leung Kuk for the year 1923.

The Po Leung Kuk Society was founded in 1878 to aid in the detection and suppression of kidnapping, especially of girls and women, and to shelter such girls or women as had been kidnapped in the interior and brought to Hongkong for sale or emigration. Its name means "institution for the protection of good women. The initiative in its formation came from the Chinese themselves, and ever since, by subscription and personal service, they have continued to support it.

There is a paid Chinese staff-matron, amahs and nurses, and two clerks who are secretaries to the managing Committee. This Committee meets every evening from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. the principal meeting of the week is held at 12 noon on Sunday. It not only manages the Po Leung Kuk, but acts as an advisory Committee to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, in all cases affecting women and children, and Chinese family life generally, which are often extremely difficult and tedious. It corresponds when necessary with charitable institutions and private persons in various parts of China, traces parents of lost children or ill-treated muitsai, and shelters for the night any Chinese woman or girl who chooses to go.

When parents or relations cannot be traced, the Committee arranges for the girls in its care to be given in marriage (never as concubines) or in adoption, always under bond and always with the consent of this office; and in every case this office ascertains the girl's willingness before giving consent to either adoption or marriage.

In addition to the annual Committee appointed by co-option there is a Permanent Committee, which serves to maintain con- tinuity of policy, and of which the Secretary for Chinese Affairs is the ex-officio chairman.

The buildings and their inmates are visited every month by two unofficial Justices of the Peace, one English and one Chinese.

The following gentlemen were elected in March to serve as Managing Committee for the year :-

Kwok Siu Lau,

Wong Yiu Tung, Chau Shu Ming, Fok To Kai, Yip Lo Shiu, Leung Pat Yu,

Ma Chi Lung, Lei Cho San, Mok Ching Kong, Lei Tsz Fong, Ng Yiu Ting, Kong Sui Ying.

The number of inmates of the Po Leung Kuk on January 1st 1923, was 66 and during the year 393 persons were admitted as against 257 in 1922. The circumstances of admission and the action taken in regard to them are set out in Table A.

C 50

57 women and girls were committed, under warrant and 253 were admitted without warrant. Of the remainder 41 were lost children, 16 were accompanied by parents or guardians, and 26 were maid-servants or "muitsai who had left their masters or mistresses.

On leaving the Kuk 153 women and girls were restored to husbands or other relatives, 47 were sent to charitable institutions in China, 25 were given in adoption, 4 married, 140 released (one released under bond), 13 sent to the Italian Convent and three died. The number of inmates remaining in the Kuk on December 31st was 66.

The income and expenditure during the year and the assets and liabilities of the institution are set out in Table B and C attached.

The accounts of the Managing Committee in the customary form have been audited by Messrs. Lei Cho San and Kong Sui Ying. The balance to the credit of the Society at the end of the year was $7,253 as compared with $6,766 at the end of 1922.

The institution was visited monthly by Justices of Peace, 'Messrs. A. G. Coppin and Chau Siu-ki, who on no occasion found cause for adverse comment. The average monthly number of inmates was 58.

The matron reports favourably on the conduct, health and industry of the inmates during the year. There were 62 cases of sickness of which 37 were sent to the Tung Wa Hospital for treatment and of these three died.

Certain structural alterations, involving the removal and rebuilding of the kitchen, were carried out by the Committee with the advice of the P.W.D., and constitute a great improvement.

The Committee took a keen interest in the building and raised some $3,000 for the above alterations and also for a general overhaul, including replacement of wooden-beams and white- washing of walls.

Mrs. Chow Shou-son and Mrs. R. H. Kotewall, (the wives of the two Chinese Members of the Legislative Council) consented to undertake the duty of regular monthly visits of inspection during the year.

A. E. WOOD, Secretary for Chinese Affairs, President.

27th May, 1924.

Table A.

arrangements made regarding them. Number of Women and Girls admitted to the Po Leung Kuk during the year 1923 and the

Committed under Warrant from the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs

Committed under Warrant from

the Emigration Office. Pending the opening of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. Sent with their own consent by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs Sent with their own consent from Singapore. Manila, and Swatow. Sent with their own consent by the Police.

Lost Children.

Accompanying parents or guardians.

Runaway maid-servants.

Total.

January, 1923, ........ ... }

In the Po Leung Kuk on 1st {

Released after enquiry.

Released under bond.

Placed in charge of husband.

Placed in charge of parents and relatives.

Sent to Charitable Institutions

in China.

Sent to School, Convent, or Refuge.

Adopted.

Married.

Died.

Cases under consideration.

Total.

2 | 11 17

4 14

ลง

:..

98 41

16❘ 26

393

134

14 | 126] 30

9 11 2 3

393

136 95 24

189 102 32 115 48 17 36

Admitted during the year, ....

Total,

Kuk on the 31st Decem-

Remaining in the Po Leung

ber, 1923,

11 19

452

140

16 (137) 47

13 | 25

452

C 51

Table B.

PO LEUNG KUK.

Statement of Receipts and Expenditure from 1st January to 31st December, 1923.

RECEIPTS.

c.*

EXPENDITURE.

At Current Account,

6,766

By the Elected Committee :-- (see Table C),

Subscriptions:

,, Mortgage,

Elected Committee,

3,875

Balance :-

Yue Lan Celebrations, West Point,...

At Current Account,

Guilds,

4,626

Hongkong Citizens,....

180

Man Mo Temple,

1,233

Theatres,

1,312

11,276

Interest :-(on Mortgage)

On Deposit,

On Current Account,

Total,.

3,095

256

3,351

21,39 21,395.04

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

9,141

5,000

7,253

Total,.

..$ 21,395.04

}

Table C.

Statement showing particulars of Expenditure by the Elected Committee from 1st January to 31st December, 1923.

RECEIPTS.

EXPENDITURE.

c.*

C 53

Balance from previous year,

Decorations,

Received from Permanent Board,.

9,141

Food,.

3,105

Miscellaneous Receipts,..

Light and Fire,

1,114

Premium on bank notes,

Miscellaneous,

351

Passage Money,

Petty Expenditure,

217

Printing,

110

Repairs,..

359

Stationery,

110

Telephone,

153

Insurance,

Wages,

3,449

9,207

Balance,

Total,..

9,260.71

Total,....

9,260.71

* Cents omitted except in the totals.

Appendix D.

REPORT OF THE HARBOUR MASTER FOR THE YEAR 1923.

1.--Shipping.

2.-Trade.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.-Revenue and Expenditure. 4.-Steam-launches.

REPORT.

5.-Emigration and Immigration. 6.--Registry of Shipping. 7.-Marine Magistrate's Court.

9.-Examination of Masters,

Mates, and Engineers.

―

10. Examination of Pilots. 11.-Sunday Cargo Working. 12.-New Territories.

13.-Lighthouses and Signal

Stations.

8.-Marine Court.

14.-Government

Harbour

Moorings.

TABLES.

I.-Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels entered. II.-Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels cleared. III.-Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels entered at each

Port.

IV. Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels cleared at each

Port.

V.-Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels of each Nation

entered.

VI.-Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels of each Nation

cleared.

VII.-Junks entered from China and Macao. VIII.-Junks cleared for China and Macao.

IX. Summary of Arrivals and Departures of all Vessels.

X.-Licensed Steam-launches entered. XI.-Licensed Steam-launches cleared. XII. Number of Boat Licences issued,

XIII.-Statement of Revenue.

XIV.-Chinese Passenger Ships cleared by the Emigration Officer

(Summary.)

XV.-Return of Immigration.

XVI. Return of Male and Female Emigrants.

XVII.-Vessels bringing Chinese Passengers to Hongkong from

places out of China (Summary.)

XVIII.-Return of Immigration.

XIX. Return of Male and Female Emigrants returned.

XX.-Vessels Registered.

XXI.-Vessels struck off the Register.

XXII. Comparison in Number and Tonnage of Vessels in Foreign

Trade entered and cleared since 1910.

XXIII.-Revenue and Expenditure of the Harbour Department. XXIV. Diagram of Tonnage of Vessels entered.

D 2

ANNEXES.

A.-Report on the Mercantile Marine Office.

B.-Report on the Marine Surveyor's Office.

C.-Report on the Gunpowder Depôt.

D.-Government Coaling Depôt Yaumati.

Slipway

Yaumati Harbour Office.

Tables A. B. C.

1.-Shipping.

1. A comparison between the years 1922 and 1923 is given in the following table :-

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

Class of Vessels.

No.

Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

British Ocean-

going,

ForeignOcean-

going,

British River |

...

4,517 9.688,891

6,095 12,282,271

5,389 11,222.141

7,248 14,671,917 || 1153|2.389,646|

8421.533.250

Steamers, Foreign River (

Steamers.

4,866 3.731,227

4,244

6,008 5,698,350 11421,967.123

732,715 1,891 657,730

353 74,985

Steamships un-

der 60 tons

(Foreign

6,520

200,363 4,811 142,392

1.709

57,971

Trade),

Junks, Foreign

Trade,

26,155 2,908.097 24,553 2,619,003

|1,602 | 289.094

Total, Foreign

Trade,

Steam Laun-

ches plying

in Waters of the Colony, Junks, Local

Trade,

50,427 29.513,564 | 49,900|35,001,533 3137 5,809.019 3.664 | 422,050

639,554 15,903,758 705,544 17,077,346 65,990 1,173,588

*18,263

*1,119,442 +22,778 †1,313,360 | 4,515 193,918

Grand Total,... 708,244 46,566,764 778,222 53,402,239 73,642 7,257,525 3,664 422,050

Net Increase,.

69.978 6,835,175

* Including 11,134 Conservancy and Dust Boats of 795,926 tons.

15,134

of 961,910

D 3

2. The total Shipping entering and clearing at Ports in the Colony during the year 1923, amounted to 778,222 vessels of 53,402,239 tons, which, compared with the figures of 1922, show an increase of 69,978 vessels, and of 6,835,475 tons.

Of the above 49,900 vessels of 35,011,533 tons were engaged in Foreign Trade as compared with 50,427 vessels of 29,543,564 tons in 1922.

3. Table I shows an increase in British Ocean-going shipping of 842 ships or 185 per cent. and an increase of 1,533,250 tons or 15'8 per cent. This increase in ships and Tonnage is due to new Steamers built in Europe being put on the Eastern trade, new Steamers locally built being put on the Coasting trades, the Norwegian s.s. "Helios" put under British Registry and re-named the "Wong Shek Kung".

Foreign Ocean-going vessels have increased by 1,153 ships, and by 2,389,646 tons or 189 per cent. in numbers and 194 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in ships and tonnage is due to new German Steamers being put on the Eastern trade, new Spanish Mail Steamers being put on the Easten trade, the Chinese s.s. "Ling Nam" being put on the South American trade. New Nippon Yushen Kaisha Steamers being put on the run to Europe and a number of new vessels put on the Coasting trade principally Dutch and Norwegian. The British s.s. "Wong Shek Kung" being put under the Chilian Flag and the s.s. "Haimun being put under Panama Flag. The s.s. "Dashtestan" being put under the Portuguese Flag and renamed the s.s. "Coloan".

British River Steamers have increased by 1,142 ships with an increase in tonnage of 1,967,123 tons or 23.1 per cent. in numbers and 527 per cent, in tonnage. This increase in ships and tonnage is due to new River Steamers Lung Shan" being put on the Canton run, the "Kwong Fook Cheung" being put on the West River run and the Chinese River Steamer "Wah Kiu" renamed the "Fook Sing" and put under British Registry.

Foreign River Steamers show a decrease of 353 ships with a decrease in tonnage of 74,985 tons or 8.3 per cent. in numbers and 102 per cent. in tonnage. This decrease in ships and tonnage is due to a number of vessels being unable to run owing to the unsettled state on the West River and the Chinese Steamer "Wah Kiu" being put under British Registry and renamed

Fook Sing".

In Steamships not exceeding 60 tons employed in Foreign trade, there is a decrease of 1,709 ships with a decrease in tonnage of 57,971 tons or 26-2 per cent. in numbers and 28.9 per cent. in tonnage. This decrease in launches and tonnage is due to a number of launches employed in Foreign trade being laid up or trading in the waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West Rivers.

D 4

Junks in Foreign trade show a decrease of 1,602 vessels, and a decrease of 289,094 tons or 61 per cent. in numbers and 9.9 per cent. in tonnage. This decrease in vessels and tonnage is due to a number of Foreign trading Junks, being laid up on trading in the Waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West Rivers.

In Local trade (i.e. between places within the waters of the Colony) there is an increase in Steam-Launches of 65,990 and an increase in tonnage of 1,173,588 tons or 10-3 per cent. in numbers and 74 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in launches and tonnage is due to a number of Foreign trading launches now trading in the waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West Rivers.

Junks in Local Trade show an increase of 4,515 vessels and an increase of 193,918 tons or 247 per cent. in numbers and 17.3 per cent. in tonnage. This increase in vessels and tonnage is due to a number of Foreign trading Junks now trading in the waters of the Colony owing to the unsettled state on the Canton and West Rivers.

4. Of vessels of European construction 6,321 Ocean Steamers, 3,951 River Steamers and 2,404 Steamships not exceeding 60 tons, entered during the year, giving a daily average of 347 ships as compared with 332 ships in 1922 and 33-8 ships in 1921.

The average tonnage of Individual Ocean Vessels entering the Port has decreased from 2,0686 to 2,0532 tons, that of British Ships has decreased from 2,1310 to 2,070 9 tons while that of Foreign Ships has increased from 1,9577 to 2,040-3 tons.

5. The average tonnage of Individual River Steamers entering during the year has increased from 5988 tons to 6281 tons, that of British River Steamers has decreased from 8228 tons to 809.9 tons, and that of Foreign River Steamers has increased from 318.9 tons to 3327 tons.

6. The actual number of individual Ocean-going vessels of European construction during the year 1923 was 1,186 of which 529 were British and 657 Foreign. In 1922 the corresponding figures were 1,092 of which 410 were British and 682 were Foreign.

These 1,186 Ships measured 3,468,321 tons. They entered 6,321 times and gave a collective tonnage of 12,979,033 tons.

Thus 94 more ships entered 1,002 more times and gave a collective tonnage greater by 1,978,285 tons, an average of 1,974:3 tons per entry.

Thus

D 5

Steamers.

No. of times entered.

Total Tonnage.

Flag.

1922. 1923.

1922. 1923. 1922.

1923.

British,

410

Japanese,

334

U.S.A.,

5292,2732,691 | 4,843,837 | 5,572,944 2851,246 | 1,337 2,881,813 | 3,129,156 258 272 | 1,109,460 | 1,421,952

Chinese,

836 788

596,048

650,043

German,

99.810

275,583

Danish,

108,671

141,171

Dutch,

203

221

618,455

666,173

French,

190

281

386,440

515,507

Greek,

Italian,

79,879

95,222

Panamaian,

105

63,242

Chilean,

122

52,975

Norwegian,

176

215

179,436

266,564

Portuguese,

108

2,103

51,003

Russian,

1,544

2,331

Siamese,

38,403

2,621

Swedish,

41,849

47,932

Spanish,

24,014

Total, 1,092 1,186 5,319 6,321 11,000,748 12,979,033

7. The Nationality of the Crews in British and in Foreign Ships was as follows:

AMERICANS

VESSELS.

BRITISH CREW.

AND OTHER

ASIATICS.

EUROPEANS.

1922. 1923. 1922, 1923. 1922. 1923. | 1922. 1923.

British, 410 529 28,161 81,710 1,235 2,263 180,330 303,231

655 1,796 1,088 27,586 35,558 151,338 267,770

Foreign, 682

Total,

1,092 1,184 29,957 82,798 28,821 37,821 331,668 571,001

Hence in British ships :-

And in Foreign ships:-

1922.

13:43 %

0.59 %

85.98 %

1923. 21.10% of the crews were British. 0.59% of the crews were other Europeans. 78-31% of the crews

were Asiatics.}

1922.

1·00 %

15.42%

1923. 0.36% of the crews were British. 11.68 % of the crews

were other Europeans.

83.58 % 87.96 % of the crews

were Asiatics.

100.00% 100·00 %

2.-TRADE.

8. Detailed and accurate statistics of Imports and Exports are collected and published by the Imports and Exports Department.

9. The number and tonnage of ships of European type of construction carrying cargo for import and transit, compared with 1922, were as follows:-

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

Steamers,

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage

5,318 (11,000,704 | 6,321 12,979,033 River Steamers, 3,552 2,229,597 | 3,951 | 3,153,891 Sailing Vessels,

Total,.

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

1,003 1,978,329

399

924,294

8,871 13,230,345 | 10,272| 16,132,924 |1,402 (2,902,623)

Nett Increase..... 1,402 2,902,623

10. The corresponding figures relating to ships of European type of construction, shipping bunker coal, are as follows

Steamers,

River Steamers,

Sailing Vessels,

Total,

EXPORTS.

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

No.

Tonnage.

No. Tonnage. No.

Tonnage.

No. Tonnage.

...

5,322 | 10,970,458 | 6,316|12,915,025

3,558 2,234,345 3,948 3,202,189 890

8,881 | 13,204,847 |10,264 | 16,117,214 1,384 2,912,411

Nett. Increase,.... 1,363 2,912,367

994 1,944,567

967,844

1922.

1923.

Increase.

Decrease.

No.

Bunker

Coal.

No.

Bunker

Coal.

No.

Bunker

Coal.

Bunker

No.

Coal.

Steamers,

5,322

439,734 6,316

543,324 994 108,590

River Steamers,

3,558

59,159 3,948

62,737 390

3,578

Total,...

8,880

498,893 10,264

606,061 1,384

107,168

Nett Increase,

1,384

107,168

-D7-

D 8

11. The River Trade compared with 1922 is shown in the

following Table:-

Year.

1922

1923..

Imports.

Exports.

Passengers.

353,134

452,424

1,436,434

369,685

598,849

1,923,909

12. The following Table shows the Junk Trade of the Colony for the year 1922 and 1923 :

IMPORTS.

1922.

1923.

Junks.

. Foreign Trade,......12,927 Local Trade,... 3,516

Tons. 1,578,924

Junks.

Tons.

12,234

1,297,253

162.521

3,759

173,365

Total, .16,443

1,741,445

15,993

1,470,618

Tons.

Cattle, 553 heads,

Swine, 14,612 beads,.

Earth and Stones,

General,

860

11,657 ..505,120

Total

517,702

EXPORTS.

1922.

1923.

Junks.

Tons.

Junks.

Tons.

Foreign Trade,...... 13,228

1,616,084

12,319

1,321,750

Local Trade,....

3,613

160,990

3,885

178,085

Total, ....16,841

1,777,074

16,204

1,499,835

Exported 885,833 tons as under :-

Tons.

62,660

Kerosine, 1,811,526 cases,

Rice and Paddy......

Coal,

General,

.241,534

170,155

.411,484

Total,..

....885,833

13. Summary of the Shipping of the Port for the year 1923 :-

Registered.

Passengers.

No. of

Ships.

Emigrants.

Tonnage.

Bunker Coal.

Arrived. Departed.

British Occan-going,

5,383

11,222,141

292,614

138,811

121,720

15,137

Foreign Ocean-going,

7,248

14,671,917

240,710

136,038

107,982

13,630

British River Steamers,

6,008

5,698,350

52,995

936,423 811,952

Foreign River Steamers,

1,891

657,730

19,742

65,211

110,323

Total,.

20,530

32,250,138

606,061-

1,276,483

1,151,977

28,767

Steam-launches, Foreign Trade.....

4,811

142,392

12,275

8,896

8,947

Junks, Foreign Trade,..

24,553

2,619,003

112,079

97,097

Total, Foreign Trade,

49,894

35,011,533

618,336

1,397,458

1,258,021

28,767

Steam-launches, Local Trade,

705,444

17,077,346

58,654

7,582,358

Junks, Local Trade,

7,644

351,450

914

7,556,177

1,088

Total, Local Trade,

713,088

17,428,796

58,654

7,583,272

7,557,265

Grand Total,..

762,982

52,440,329

676,990

8,980,730

8,815,286

28,767

D 9 -

D 10

3.-Revenue and Expenditure.

14. The gross Revenue collected by the Harbour Department during the year was $925,643.02 as against $857,576.04 collected in the previous year showing an increase of $68,066.98 or 7.35%.

1922.

Light Dues,

$115,979.56

1923. $137,455.61

Increase. Decrease. $21,476.05

Light Dues, Special Assessments, Licences and Internal Revenue,. Fees of Court and Office,

125,185.71

151,097.65

25.911.94

180,856.29

186,879.90 6,023.61

435,554.48

447,707.09

42,152,61

Miscellaneous Receipts,

2,502.77

$857,576.04 $925,643-02

$68,066.98

The principal individual increases are under Light Dues $21,476.05, Light Dues Special Assessments $25,911.94. Boat Licences $5,060,90, Junk Licences $3,578.75, Medical Examination of Emigrants $9,276,50, Official Signature $1,146, Survey of Steamships $6,158.34, Examina- tion fees $1,230 and Gunpowder Storage fees $6,679,68,

The principal individual decreases are under, Fees for use of Government Buoys $6,217.96 (the previous year's figure was abnor- mally high owing to prolonged stay of ships in Harbour during the Seamen Strike) and Sunday Cargo Working Fees $7,750 (owing to no work having been done on two Sundays and very little on several other occasions on account of Typhoons).

The Expenditure of the Harbour Department for 1923 was $300,484.95 as against $280,625.57 showing an increase of $19,859.38. This increase is principally due to revised salaries, new posts, and stipulated increments.

Under special expenditure a sum of $7,960 was expended for providing new Buoys, and a sum of $8,150 was expended for building a new motor boat for the use of Government Marine Surveyors' Office.

17.

The Amount of Light Dues collected during the year 1923 was as follows:-

Special Assessment.

No. of

Class of Vessels.

Trips.

Tonnage.

Rate

per tou.

Fees

Collected.

Rate

per ton.

Fees

Collected.

Total Fees

Collected.

131,250.86

262,501.72

661.36

1,322.72

8,315.01

13,858.40

10,870.42

Ocean Vessels,.

7,089

13,125,086

1 cent.

131,250.86

I cent.

Steam-launches,

1,878

66,136

661.36 1

River Steamers, (Night Boats),.

2,060

1,662,995

5,543.39

وو

Do.,

(Day Boats),

1,284 1,304,450 Nil.

Total,..

12,311

16,158,667

$137,455.61

$151,097.65

$288,553.26

D 11

D 12

Steam-launches.

18. On the 31st December, 1923, there were 438 steami-launches (including licensed motor boats) employed in the harbour. Of these 390 were licensed for the conveyance of passengers, etc., 31 were the property of the Colonial Government, and 17 belonged to the Imperial Government, comprising 3 Military and 14 Naval. In addition to the above there were 25 motor boats privately owned for pleasure and private purposes.

Two coxswains' certificates were suspended for incompetence or negligence in the performance of their duties; one for six months and the other for three months.

Six hundred and fifty-six (656) engagements and six hundred and forty (640) discharges of Masters and Engineers were made during the year.

5.-Emigration and Immigration.

19. One hundred and twenty thousand, two hundred and twenty-four (120,224) emigrants left Hongkong for various places during the year 1923 (98,393 in 1922). Of these 62,679 were carried in British ships and 57,545 in Foreign ships.

One hundred and twenty-one thousand one hundred and two (121,102) returning emigrants were reported to have been brought to Hongkong from the several places to which they had emigrated either from this Colony or from Coast Ports, as against 143,547 in 1922. Of these, 65,200 arrived in British ships and 55,902 in Foreign ships.

6.-Registry, etc., of Shipping.

20. During the year 50 ships were registered under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts, and 24 Certificates of Registry cancelled. 215 documents, etc., were dealt with in con- nection with the Act, the fees on which amounted to $2,814 as compared with $3,412 in 1922.

7. Marine Magistrate's Court.

21. Two hundred and sixty-eight (268) cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court (306 in 1922). Boarding ships without permission, failing to observe the Rule of the Road, making fast to steamers while under way, neglecting to exhibit the Regulation lights, being in Causeway Bay Harbour of Refuge without permit, being within 100 yards from low water mark during prohibited hours without permit and carrying passengers in excess were the principal offences.

D 13

8. Marine Court.

(Under Section 19 of Ordinance 10 of 1899).

22. During the year 1923 three courts were held, viz:-

(1) On the 11th day of June, 1923, to enquire into the circumstances of the stranding of the British Steamship Kum Sang", Official No. 110,076 of London. Mr. Thomas Grant, certificate of competency as Master No. 2,523 of Hongkong, was Master.

(2) On the 13th day of September, 1923, to enquire into the circumstances of the foundering of the British Steamship "Loong Sang", Official No. 105,383 of London. Mr. Percy Jowitt, certificate of competency as Master No. 3,376 of Hongkong, was Master.

(3) On the 12th day of October, 1923, to enquire into the circumstances of the stranding of the British Steamship "Changsha ", Official No. 151,438 of London. Mr. F. C. Gambrill, certificate of competency as Master No. 618 of New South Wales, was Master.

9.-Examination of Masters, Mates, and Engineers. (Under Board of Trade Regulations.)

23. The following Tables show the number of Candidates examined under Ordinance No. 10 of 1899 for Certificates of Compe- tency, distinguishing those who passed from those who failed:--

Grade.

Passed.

Failed.

Master,

Master, River Steamers,

First Mate,

Only Mate,

Second Mate,

Mate, River Steamers,.

* Total,

First Class Engineer,

Second Class Engineer,

† Total,

* Passed 634 per cent. † Passed 490 per cent.

Failed 366 per cent. Failed 51.0 per cent.

D 14

For Steamships not exceeding 60 tons, under Section 37 of Ordinance 10 of 1899:-

For Master.

For Engineer,

Candidates.

Passed.

Failed.

143

132

Total,...

275

Master Passed 68.4 per cent.

Failed 316 per cent.

Engineer Passed 910 per cent.

Failed 9:0 per cent.

10.-Examination of Pilots.

(Under Ordinance No. 3 of 1904.)

24. There was one (1) candidate examined during the year and Passed. Twenty-four (24) Licences were also renewed during the year 1923.

11.-Sunday Cargo-Working.

25. Under Ordinance No. 1 of 1891, 827 permits were used during the year as compared with 850 in 1922.

The Revenue collected under this head amounted to $138,500 as against $146,250 in 1922 showing a decrease of $7,750.

On two occasions typhoon completely prevented cargo from being worked on Sundays and on several other occasions very few ships worked on account of typhoons.

12.--New Territories.

(Twenty-fourth year of British Administration.)

26. The Out-stations attached to the Harbour Department con- tinued to perform the work allotted to them and during the year Licences, etc., were issued by them as follows:

1922.

1923.

Cheung Chau, opened

1899....

2,014

3,565

Tai O, Tai Po,

1899.

1,319

2,366

1900..

1,728

1,597

Sai Kung,

1902..

760

1,146

Long Ket, Deep Bay, Lantao,

1905..

919

863

1911.

680

577

1912..

1,054

737

8,474

10,851

D 15

13.-Lighthouses and Signal Stations.

GAP ROCK LIGHTHOUSE.

27. During 1923 a total number of one thousand and seventy- nine (1,079) vessels signalled this station, out of which, eight hundred and three (803) were reported by telegraph, two hundred and fifty-two (252) by wireless telegraphy and twenty-four (24) were not reported owing to communication being interrupted. Out of the total, two hundred and twenty-nine (229) were communicated by Flash lamp.

One thousand five hundred and eighty-eight (1,588) messages including meteorological observation for the Royal Observatory were sent by telegraph, and one hundred and eighty-six (186) messages were received,

Telegraphic communication was interrupted from the 18th of August until the 20th November, owing to defects in cable and land line.

The damage caused by the Typhoon of 18th August was slight.

There were eighty-five (85) hours of fog throughout the year and the fog signals were fired five hundred and thirty-three (533) times.

The fortnightly reliefs were delayed three (3) times during the year owing to rough weather.

WAGLAN LIGHTHOUSE.

During the year 1923, two thousand five hundred and twenty- seven (2,527) vessels signalled this station, and seven hundred and eighty (780) were not reported, owing to telegraphic communication being interrupted. Of the total number passing, eight hundred and eighty-six (886) vessels of various nationalities were signalled at night by morse lamps.

Two thousand two hundred and forty-nine (2,249) messages including meteorological observations for the Royal Observatory were sent and six hundred and fifty (650) messages were received.

Telegraphic communication was interrupted on one hundred and eight (108) days during the year.

There were two hundred and twenty-six (226) hours, fifty (50) minutes fog and the fog signal was fired two thousand eight hundred and eight (2,808) times.

D 16

The Diaphone is still in its experimental stage and was used a supplementary fog signal and sounded one hundred and twenty-two hours, fifteen minutes (122 hrs. 15 min.) and; engines consumed one hundred and eighty-two (182) gallons of kerosene.

On three (3) occasions the fortnightly relief was delayed by bad weather.

GREEN ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE AND SIGNAL STATION.

During the year 1923, one thousand nine hundred and seventy- seven (1,977) vessels were signalled and reported.

In addition two hundred and fifty-three (253) messages were sent and twenty-six (26) were received.

Owing to telephone interruptions at three different times during the year, one hundred and twelve (112) vessels were not reported.

The number of Aga lights (including Green Island) is now fifteen (15).

It was found necessary to renew the burner at Signal Hill lighthouse, also refit Ma-wan Light, the remainder have been burning continuously, accurately, and satisfactorily throughout the

year.

KAP SING LIGHTHOUSE.

This station has been regularly inspected and has worked satisfactorily during the year.

SIGNAL STATIONS.

The Peak Signal Station reported three thousand and fifty- eight (3,058) ships during the year, and the Gun signal denoting the arrival of Mail steamers was fired ninety times. From the 18th August to the 6th September, no reports were sent owing to telephone interruptions.

Signal Hill Station reported four thousand eight hundred and fifty (4,850) ships as entering and one thousand four hundred and ninety-nine (1,499) vessels as leaving the harbour.

Two hundred and nine (209) Typhoon signals and six (6) gale signals were hoisted during the year.

D 17

14.-Government Harbour Moorings.

There are at present laid down in the Harbour for the use of vessels frequenting the Port fifty-six (56) complete sets of Govern- ment Harbour Moorings and are classed as follows:-

A Class. Moorings for vessels of 450 feet to

600 feet in length

1922.

1923.

B Class. Moorings for vessels of 300 feet to

450 feet in length

C Class. Moorings for vessels of 300 feet in

length or under

Total...

The total expenditure on the upkeep on Government Harbour Moorings and Buoys for the year was $24,926.06.

Table showing the Gross revenue from Government Harbour

Buoys for the past eight years, as follows:--

The Gross Revenue for the year 1916 was $50,722.00

1917

1918

60,156.00 59,594.00

1919

69,436.00

1920

75,448.00

1921

89,176.80

1922

105,805.02

1923

99,587.06

Gross Revenue for eight years...$609,924.88

The Harbour Moorings consist of 13 A Class, 19 B Class and 24 C Class Buoys, making a total of 56 Buoys. The 13 A Class Buoys in use during the year averaged 3,908 days rent at $8 per day, the 19 B Class Buoys averaged 5,228 days rent at $6 per day, and the 24 C Class Buoys averaged 9,029 days rent at $4 per day, Private Buoys $840, making a total revenue of $99,587.06 against $105,805.02 in 1922, showing a decrease of $6,217.96. This decrease is due to the fact, that the revenue from Buoys in 1922 was abnormally high, on account of the Chinese Seamen Strike, which lasted about 2 months, during which period all the Govern- Harbour Moorning Buoys were fully occupied, also to number of Typhoons, which visited the Colony when vessels which were occupying Government Mooring Buoys had to take shelter, being unable to return to their berths until Typhoon Signals were lowered.

the

Several moorings had to be examined on account of the Typhoon of the 18th August.

HARBOUR DEPARTMENT,

C. W. BECKWITH, Commander R.N.,

Harbour Master, &c.

Table I.-NUMBER, TONNAGE, AND CREWS, OF VESSELS E

BRITISH.

COUNTRIES WHENCE ARRIVED,

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Vessels. Tons. Crews. Vessels. Tons.

Crews. Vessels. Tons. Cre

Australia,

British North Borneo,.....

27 66,755 2,642

50,225 1,808

Canada,

Coast of China, Ships,..

345,157

3,240 3,932,013 | 203,715

13,565

66,755 2.

50,225

345,157

13.

206

297,637 15,497

3,446

4,229,650 219.

Steamships under 60 tons....

Junks,

...

Cochin China

151

200,191 10,998

Dutch East Indies,

45,230 3,001

Europe, Mediterranean Ports,............................

7,884

133

Atlantic Ports,

193,878 1,980

Baltic Ports,

73,651

1,253

Formosa,

6,530

275

Great Britain,

India,

133

648,101 14,578

267,096 10,640

139 183,067 18,310

151 200,194 10.

45,230

7.884

193,878

73,651

6,530

133

648,101

14.

267,096 10,

139

183,067

18.:

Japan,

Kwong-chau-wan,

...

Macao, Ships,

902

650,922 35,686

902

...

650,922

35,0

Steamships under 60 tons,

...

Junks,

Mauritius,

1,144

North and South Pacific Islands,

Philippine Islands,

101

Ports in Hainan and Gulf of Tonkin,

191

212,187 7,362

241,051 13,026

101 212,187 7,3

3,685

197

194 244,736

13,2

Russia in Asia,

Siam,

185

South Americau Ports,

༡

Straits Settlements,....

109

270,605 14,782

27,732 457

256,689 9,560

1,354

186

271,959

14,8

27,732

109

256,689 9,5

Tsingtau,

United States of America,

18 26,226 1,492

75 379,329 5,627

1,774

19 28,000 1,5

1 11,866

417

391,195 6,0

TOTAL,......

5,485

212 8,085,666 370,967

316,316 16,237

5,697 | 8,101,982 387,2

- D 19

SHIPPING, 18.

Table I.-NUMBER, TONNAGE, AND CREWS, OF VESSELS ENTERED AT PORTS IN THCOLONY OF HONGI

BRITISH.

FOREIGN.

ARRIVED.

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO,

IN BALLAST.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews. Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews. Vals. Tons. Crews. Ve:

27 66,755

2,642

50,225 1,808

66,755 2,642

50,225 1,808

74,436 2,192

345,157 13,565

4.0

3,240 3,932,013 203,715

206

297,637

15,497

345,157 13,565

3,446 4,229,650 | 219,212

nder 60 tons....

:..

7,884

133

193,878

1,980

73,651

1,253

6,530

275

133

648,101 14,578

267,096 10,640

139

183,067 18,310

151 200,194 10,998

45,230 3,001

21,218

22,022

1,626 | 1,287,996 | 102,245

884

682

626

512 389,254 23,022

...

7,883

26,114 10,094

711,785 115,726

145 42,998 15,783

657 492,236

58,231

151

200,194 10,998

162

15,230 3,004

121

204,034 9,448

392,508 9,993

876

7,884

133

32,991

531

193,878

1,980

109

189,720

11,467

73,651 1,253

267,371

3,604

133

6,530

648,101 14,578

275

241

266,540 12,078

120,315 3,045

267,096 10,640

139

183,067 18.310

216,594

418 1,410,723

4,980

5,376

33,553

240

96,654

11,316

:..

_ons,

902 650,922 35,686

902

650,922 35,686

1,854

161

140

39,232

2,364

1,144

932

369

1.050

335

199

...

34,557

2,251

495

58,675 8,0.7

1,144

ds,.

24,491

494

ΙΟΙ

212,187

7,362

...

101 212,187 7,362

47 351,081 9.737

1,618

4.7

Tonkin,

191

241,051

13,026

3,685

197

194

244,736 13,223

262

211,147 13,273

1,844

212

...

185 270,605 14,782

7 27,732

109 256,689 9,560

457

1,354

186

271,959 14,866

181

210,294 9.791

27,732

157

109

26,226 1,492

379,329 5,627

1,774

11,866

417

256,689 9,360

19 28,000 1,534

391,195 6,044

201

91,011 1,193

189,564 6,178

8.7 5 169

1.297,459

2,000

2,214

31,527

5,485 | 8,085,666 | 370,967

212

316,316 16,237 5,697 8,401,982 387,204

12,916 | 8,062,116 | 407,023

6,297 1,037,173|108,279

TOTAL.

IN THLONY OF HONGKONG FROM EACH COUNTRY IN THE YEAR 1923.

7, 18

FOREIGN.

N BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WS.

Tons.

Crews.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews. Vessels. Tons.

Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

192

74,436 2,192

141,191 4,834

582

21,218

682

71,443 2,490

326

245

094

42,998

389,254 23,022

15,783

492,236

58,231 11,540

876

163

204,910 9,497

22,022 626

2,138 | 1,677,250 | 125,267 4,866 5,220,009 | 305,960

2,329

69,112 25,877 884 26,114 10,094

1,204,021 173,957 7,883 711,785 115,726

404.228 20,446

367,179 14,191

45 367,179 14,191

718

686,891

38,519

5,584 | 5,906,900 |344,478

1,445

12,998

15,783

2,329 69,112 25,877

3,657

492,236

58,231

11,540 | 1,204,021 |173,957

313

876

314

105,104 20,495

121

392,508 9.993

136

437,738 12,997

136

ני

32,991

531

109

489,720

11,467

134

40,875

683,593 13,417

661

267,371

3,604

341,022 4,857

241

266,540 12,078

245

273,070 12,353

120,315 3,045

154

768,416 17,623

437,738 12,997

40,875

664

134

683,598 13,447

341,022 4,857

245

273,070

12,353

154

768,416 17,623

5,376

221.770

5,028

156

483,690 15,620

5,176

418

1,410 723

23,553

557

1,593,790 51,863

240

96,654 11,316

240

96,654 11,316

157 488,866 15,668

557 1,593,790 51,863

240 96,654 11,316

[

140

39,232

2,364

143

41,086

2,525

905

652,776 35,817

140

38 1.050 335

1,982

704

932

369

495

58,675

8,0.17

694

93,232

10,318

199

34,557

2,251

495

39,232 2,364

1,050 335

58,675 8,097

1,045

694

1,144

692,008 38,211

1,982

93,232

1,144

704

10,348

24,491

494

7 24,491

494

7 24,491

494

1,618

352,699 9,781

148

563,268 17,099

1,618

149 564,886 17,146

1,844

212

267

212,591 13,485

453

452,198 26,299

5,529

409

461

457,727 26,708

181

210,294 9,791

366

180,899 24,573

1,354

367

182,253 24,657

2,000

93,011

1,538

118,743 1,950

2,000

29 120,743 1,995

2,214

191,778

6,224

179

446,253 15,738

2,214

8,705

169

201

34,931 1,661

1,297,459 31,527 276 1,676,788 37,154

1,774

11,866

417

277

180 418,467 15,784

22 36,705 1,703

1,688,654 37,571

6,297 1,037,173|108,279 19,213 9,099,289 515,302 18,401 16,147,782 | 777,990

6,509 1,353,489 124,516

24,910 17,501,271 | 902,506

COUNTRIES TO WHICH DEPARTED.

Australia,

British North Borneo...

Canada,

Table II-NUMBER, TONNAGE, ANI

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crew

WITH CARGO.

59,592 2,729 1,250

3,205

500

62,797 2.80

37,417

1,969

965

46,780

889

1,980

84,197 2,85

335,583

13,938 3,290

3,141

350

333,724 14.00

3,431 | 4,068,431 |222,247132,971

79,816

3,308 8,515

3,486 4,148,247 | 225,55:

Steamships under 60 tons,...

Junks,.

Coast of China, Ships,..

184,901 2,95!

103 138.243 6,989 20,619

57,027

2,196 10,715

7,278

258

800

18,951

502 1,050

138 195,270 9.48:

11 26,239 760

:..

180,109

2,894

2.930

4,792

Cochin China,

Dutch East Indies,

Europe,--Mediterranean Ports,

Formosa,

Atlantic Ports,

Baltic Ports,

Great Britain,.......

India,

Japan,

Kwong-chau-wan,

Macao, Ships,

901

649,591 35,609

6 23,675

363

447,414 11,981 3,710

6,520

100

23,675

453,934 12,067

36:

265.023 11,185 4,349

7,408

217

400

79 272,431 11,40%

201

81!,859 22,111 19,945

22,223

432

1,400

209 834,082 22,548

...

901

649 591 35,609 6,917

Mauritius,

7,604

280

700

7,601

280

Philippine Islands,

107

233,444 8,012 16,019

Ports in Hainan and Gulf of Tonkin,

149

150,790 10.655 15,401

Siam,

136

197,019 11,652 41,353

95,586 3,855 9.309

28,916 1,485 5,010

107 233,414 8.012

208

246,376 14,510

156

225,935 13,137

South American Ports,

Straits Settlements,

United States of America,

117,776 5,680 18,103

299.974 1,609 5,845

50,386 16,57 5.495

62,926

5.588

168,162 7,337

362,900

6,152

Steamships under 60 tons,

Junks,.......

TOTAL,

5,453 | 8,030,822 373,161|295,197 247 487,687

16,677 50,412

5,700

8,518,509 | 389,838

D 20

UMBER, TONNAGE, AND CREWS OF VESSELS CLEARED ITHE COLONY OF HONGKONG TO EACH COUNTRY IN T

FOREIGN.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Sunker coal.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Bunke

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Coal, Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tous.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

500

62.797

2,806 1,750

54,217

1,698

100

6,742

540

1,980

84,197 2,858

2,945

992

176

16,007

673

2,455

60,959 1,791

16,999

640

755

2,630

350

8,515

35 338,724 14,003 3,640

3,486 4,148,247 |225,555 |141,486

1,938 | 1,517,768|120,755

50,873 140

133,373

7,466

4,536

2,078 1,651,141|128,221

55,409

400

12,987

5,113

2,248 1,931

56,282

20,645

9,694

2,331

9,206 | 1,058,635 |149,922

2,528

183,687

30,581

11.734

69,269

1,242,322 | 180,503

25.758

11,942

10,715

1,050

11 26,239

138 195,270 9,485 31,334

760 1,850

112

138,685 4,400

22,313 13

78,034

2,027

9,061

155

216,719 6,427

31,374

104

325,694 10,411

5,926

40,902

823

2,945

119

366,596 11,234 8,271

195,680 7,562

2,110

184,901 2,959 2,930

234,377 4,220

3,080

44,173

386

6 23,675 363

185

219,074 10,725

769

129,873

3,136

1,160

281

100

91 453,934 12,067 3,810

187,416 5,090

400

195,680 7,562 2,110

234,377 4,220 3,080

44.173 366

3.861 348,947

187,416 5,090 400

2,229

400

79 272,431 11,402 4,749

137

434,229 4,088 13,000

137 434,229 4,088 13,000

1,400

209

22,543 834,082

21,345

338

1,388,541 30,969 22,026

23,438

583

885

350

1,411,979

31,552

22,911

242

54,114 12,026

9,501

2,595

181

200

245

56,709

12,207 9,701

901 649,591 35,609

6,917

2,577

149

130

37,476

2,206

831

133

40,053 2,355

886

656

220

1,373

157

241

2,029

677

333

514

68,113

7,585

11,316

777

585

79,429

8,362

...

7,604

280

700

1,435

390

8.129

274

4,504

664

9,309

208

5,010

107 233,444 8.012 16,049

246,376 14,510 24,710

156 225,935 13,137 46,363

127

5,495

168,162 88

5,588

7,337

76 362,900 6,152

23,598

11,433

185

90 599,318 16,042 12.206

240 154.566 11,977 12,618

143,817 7.570 34,728

107,068 3.431 1,960

52,797 903 2,330

1,871,334 27,052 14,183

5,570

115

604,888 16,157 12,256

142

217,829

6,085

7,942

382

372,395 18,062 20,560

50,843

2,066

12.450

172

47,178 194,160 9,636

25 107,068 2,431 1,960

21.317

40,205

198 1,960

523 6.720

194

74,114 1,101

1,911,539 27,575

4,290

20,903

50,412 5,700 8,518,509 389,838 | 345,609 14,043 | 8,67,763 |441,439|211,083

5,247 1,059,991

78,969

61,644

19,290

9,927,754 520,408 272,727

TO EACH COUNTRY IN THE YEAR 1923.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

TOTAL.

IN BALLAST.

GRAND TOTAL.

sels.

Tous.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

60,959 1,791

640

113,809

4,427

1,350

9,947

170

1,040

123,756

4,597

2,390

16,999

755

2,630

38,409

2,051

1,140

62,787

335,583 13,938 3,290

3,141

1,562 4,435

101,196

3,613 5,575

078 | 1,651,141 |128,221

331

69,269

25.758

55,409

11,942

.734

1,242,322 180,503

195 5,369 | 5,586,199 343,002 183,844

1,931 2,248 400

5,113 12,987

2,528 9,206 | 1,058,635 |149,922

213,189 10,774

56.282 20,645

183,687 30,581

350

13,051

9,694

5,564 | 5,799,388 |353,776 | 196,895

338,724 14,003 3,640

2,331 69,269

11,374 | 1,242,322 |180,503

25,758 11,942

155

216,719

6,427

31,374

2:5

276,928

11,389 42,932

135,061

4,523

19,776

293 411,989

15,912 62,708

119

366,596

11,234 8,271

106

332,972

10,669

6,726

59,863

1,325

3,395

130

392,835

11,994

10,121

195,680

7,562 2,110

195,680

7,562

2,110

195,680 7,562

2,110

234,377

4,220 3,080

414,486

7,114 6,010

4,792

419,278

7,179 6,010

44.173

3-6

44,173

386

***

14,173

386

281

348,947

3.861

2,229

191

242,749

11,088

769

129,873

3,136

1,460

287

372,622

14,224

2,229

187,416

5,090

400

124

634,830 17,071

4,110

6,520

100

125

641,350

17,157

4,210

137

434.229

4,088 13,000

214

699.252 15,273 | 17,349

7,408

217

400

216

706,660 15,490

17,749

350

1,411,979 31,552 22,911

539 2,200,400 | 53,080

41,971

45,661

1,015

2,285

559

2.246,061 51,095

44,256

245 56,709

12,207

9,701

242

54,114 12,026

9,501

2,595

181

200

245

12,207 56,709

9,701

133

40,053

2,355

886

904

652,168

35,758

6,972

130

37,476

2,206

831

1,034

689,644

37,961

7,803

2,029

677

333

656

220

1,373

457

241

2,029

677

333

585

79,429

8,362

514

68,113

7,585

11,316

777

585

79,429

8,362

4,564

664

9,039

343 1,090

3,129

274

12,168

377

1,364

16,157 604.888

12,256

197

832,762

24,054 28,255

5,570

115

200

838,332

24.169

28,305

172

382 372,395

194,160

18,062 20,560

389

305,356

22,632 28,019

201 313,415

9,940 17,251

590

618,771

32,572

45,270

9,636

47,178

263

340,336

19,222

76,081

1995

79,753

3,551

17,460

328

22,773 420,095

93,541

74,111

107,068 2,431

1,101 1,290

1,960

107,068

2,431 1,960

2,431 107,068

1,960

194

1,911,539 27,575 20.903

248

179,573

2,171,308 131,661

6,583

20,433

20,028

71,703 2,155

103,131 2,066

7,455

12,308

114

242,276 8,738

27,888

270

2,274,439 33,727

32,336

19,290 | 9,927,754 520,408 272,727

19,496 16,898,585 |814,600 |506,280

5,494

1,547,678 95,616 | 112,056

24,990 18,446,263 910,246 618,336

Names of Ports.

Table IV.-TOTAL NUMBER, TONNAGE, and Cl

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

22242

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

WITH CARGO.

131

Yaumati,

983

Victoria,...

5,453 | 8,030,822 |373,161|295,197

247 487,687

16,677

50,412

5,700 8,518,509 389,838 345,609 12,884 | 8,

Total,

5,453 | 8,030,822 373,161|295,197 247 487,687 16,677

50,412

5,700 | 8,518,509 | 389,838 | 345,609

14,043 8,

Aberdeen,

Cheung Chau,

Saikung,......

Shaukiwan,

Stanley,

Tai 0,

D 21

NNAGE and CREWS of VESSELS ENTERED at EACH PORT in the COLONY of HONGKONG in the YEAR 1923.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

FOREIGN.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

Tons.

Crews.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews. Vessels. Tons.

Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews. Vessels. Tons. Cre

1,754

253

1,821

259

1,754

253

1,048

196

132

1,180

248

1,048

196

132

190

7,148

1,267

1,594 257

210

8,742

1,524

190

7,148 1,267

1,594

300

144

1,186

57,086 | 10,565

332

8,401,982 387,204 11,435 7,990,295 394,598

| |

30,624 4,558

5,935 1,004,756 103,406 | 17,370

1,518

300 144

144

87,710 15,123 1,186

332 57,086 10,565

30,624 4,

8,995,051 498,004 16,920 16,075,961 765,565 6,347 1,321,072 119,6

300

8,401,982 387,204 12,901 8,057,631 407,023

6,297 1,037,173, 108,279 19,198 9,094,804 515,302 18,386 16,143,297 777,990

6,509 1,353,489| 124,i

n the COLONY of HONGKONG in the YEAR 1923.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

TOTAL.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Tessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

1,741

275

1,017

222

999

151

742

124

1,741

275

399

114

618

108

1,017

222

208

8,873

1,460

...

300

1,560

86,472

144

15,531

131

6,703

1,024

2,170

436

983 57,839

10,350

300

144

577

28,633

5,181

208

8,873

1,460

300

144

1,560

86,472❘ 15,531

7,423 9,829,351 | 502,776 | 272,727 18,337 16,832,645 | 802,961 506,280

19,290

9,927,754 520,408 | 272,727 19,496 16,898,585 814,600 | 506,280

4,786 1,515,215 89,653 112,056 | 23,123 |18,347,860 | 892,614 | 618,336

5.494 1,547,678 95,646 | 112,056 24,990 18,446,263 910,246 | 618,336

Names of Ports.

Table IV.-TOTAL NUMBER, TONNAGE, and CRE

BRITISH.

...

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Bunker

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Coal.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Ton

:..

131

50,412

5,700 | 8,518,509 389,838 345,609

983

12,884 8,801,

57,

Z47 487,687 16,677

Total,

5,453 8,030,822 373,161 | 295,197

247 487,687 16,677 50,412 5,7008,518,509 389,838 | 345,609

14,043 | 8,867,

Tai O,....

...

Yaumati,

Victoria,......

5,453 8,030,822 373,161 295,197

Aberdeen,

Cheung Chau,

Saikung,.................

Shaukiwan,

Stanley,

D 22

(BER, TONNAGE, and CREWS of VESSELS CLEARED at EACH PORT in the COLONY of HONGKONG in the YEAR 192

FOREIGN.

131

6,703

1,024

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Bunker

Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

999

151

742

124

399

114

618

108

1,741

275

1,017 222

999

151

399

114

TAL.

6,703 1,024

77 2,170

436

208

300

144

983

57,839

10,350

12,884 | 8,801,823 | 429,800 | 211,083

577 28,633 5,181

4,539 1,027,528 72,976

61,644

8,873 1,460

1,560 86,472 15,531

17,423

983 57,839

10,350

9,829,351 502,776 | 272,727

18,337 16,832,645 | 802,961

300

144

9389,838 345,609

14,043 | 8,867,763 | 441 439 211,083

5,247 1,059,991 78,969 61,644

19,290 9,927,754 520,408 272,727

19,496 16,898,585 814,600

...

131

9 389,838 345,609

le COLONY of HONGKONG in the YEAR 1923.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

is.

Tous.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

1,741

275

999

151

1,017

222

399

114

742

124

618

108

...

8,873

1,460

131

6,703

1,024

2,170

436

1,741

275

1,017

222

208

8,873

1,460

.:.

...

300

144

86,472

15,531

983 57,839 10,350

300

144

...

577

28,633 5,181

} 9,829,351 502,776 | 272,727 18,337 16,832,645802,961,506,280

) 9,927,754520,408 | 272,727 19,496 16,898,585 814,600 | 506,280

300

144

1,560 86,472 15,531

4,786 1,515,215 89,653 112,056 | 23,123 18,347,860 892,614 618,336

5.494 1,547,678 95,646 112,056 24,990 18,446,263|910,246 | 618,336

Table V.-NUMBER, TONNAGE, and CREWS of VESSELS of EACH NATION ENTERED at Ports in the Colony of Hongkong in the Year 1923.

ENTERED.

D 23 -

NATIONALITY

WITH CARGO.

VESSELS.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.

Vessels. Tons.

Crews.

British,.

5,485

8,085,666 370,967

212316,316

16,237

5,697 | 8,401,982 | 387,204

American,

262

1,384,054

Chinese,

1,490

34,434 890,265 76,247

25 42,383

1,956

287 1,426,437 36,390

102 60,334

4,488

1,592

950,599

80,735

Junks,

8,082 746,342 117,977

4,152

550,911

66,329

12,234

1,297,258

184,305

Danish,

137,150

2,733

4,021

178

141,171

2,911

Dutch,

210

645,085

16,609

21,088

697

221

666,173

17,306

French,

251

475,076

20,168

40,431

1,366

281

515,507

21,534

Italian,

95,222

1,766

95,222

1,766

Japanese,

1,001

2,926,958

96,490

336 | 202,198

13,530

1,337

3,129,156

110,020

Norwegian,

189

235,771

8,973

26 30,793

1,409

215

266,564 10,382

Portuguese,

109

41,157

3,683

125

30,258

1,625

234

71,415 5,308

Russian,

2,331

195

2,331

195

German,

275,583

4,694

275,583

4,694

Swedish,

47,932

426

....

47,932

426

Siamese,

1,623

998

2,621

Chilian,.

120

51,255

6,585

1,720

122

52,975

6,682

Panamanian,..

104

55,252

4,480

7,990

445

105

63,242

4,925

Spanish,

24,014 1,056

10 24,014 1,056

Steamships under

under 60

tons trading to ports

921

27,046

10,463

1,483

44,048 16,118

2,404

71,094 26,581

outside the Colony,

TOTAL,

18,401 16,147,782 777,990

6,509 1,353,489 124,516

24,910 |17,501,271902,506

Table VI.-NUMBER, TONNAGE, and CREWS of VESSELS of EACH NATION CLEARED at Ports in the Colony of Hongkong in the Year 1923.

CLEARED.

NATIONALITY

WITH CARGO.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

VESSELS.

Vessels.

Tous.

Crews.

Vessels.

Tons,

Crews.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

D 24

British,

5,453

8,030,822

373,161

247 487,687

16,677

5,700 | 8,518,509 | 389,838

American,

256

1,315,409

33,947

78,737

1,379

285

1,394,146

36,326

Chinese,

1,487

801,445 | 103,483

102

97,435

5,546

1,589

898,880 | 109,029

Junks,

9,720

1,126,748 |157,507

2,599 195,003

31,358

12,319

1,321,751 | 188,865

Danish,

138,208

3,091

4,021

178

142,229

3,269

Dutch,

179

650,223

16,957

75,280

2,233

214

725,503

19,190

French,

245

163,436

22,250

44,329

1,453

279

507,765

23,703

Italian,

90,424

2,142

90,424

2,142

Japanese,

1,051

3,568,449

61,781

280 | 419,754

10,894

1,331

3,988,203

72,675

Norwegian,

172

195,629

9,793

53,363

2,267

219

248,992

12,060

Portuguese,

101

47,113

6,100

130

22,945

1,925

231

70,058

8,025

Russian,

3,008

198

3,008

198

Panamanian

104

56,192

5,342

7,900

445

105

64,182

5,787

Swedish,

17,932

473

47,932

473

Siamese,

1,623

998

2,621

German,

273,943 |

4,981

273,943

4,981

Spanish,

24,014

1,051

24,014

1,051

Chilian,..

125

50,324

5,976

2,481

147

130

52,805

5,123

Steamships under 60 tons

trading to ports outside

426

13,643

5,333

1,981

57,655

21,102

2,407

71,298

26,435

the Colony,

TOTAL,.

19,496 16,898,585

6,898,

814,600

5,494 1,547,678 59,646

24,990 18,446,263 910,246

Table VII.

Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers, and Cargoes of Junks ENTERED in the Colony of Hongkong, from Ports on the Coast of China and Macao, in the Year 1923.

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

D 25

Vessels.

Tons. Crew.

Passen

gers.

Cargo, Ves-

Tons. sels.

Tons. Crew.

Passen-

Vessels. Tons.

Crew.

gers.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo,

Tons.

Canton,..

West River,

Macao,

287 71,927 6,378 5,630 513,999 91,148 107,646 199 31,557 2,251

38,426 491127,815

8,386

778

199,742

14,764

38,426

316,591 2,951 | 351,490 | 47,643

4,371

8,581

865,489 | 138,791 112,017

316,591

19.162 495 58,675

8,097

694

93,232 10,348

19,162

East Coast,

1,836

West Coast,

130

115,405 16,450

10,454 1,750

74,884 133 4,836 2,452 82 8,095 1,237

965

1,969

120,241

17,415

74,884

212

18,549

2,987

2,452

Total, 1923,

8,082

746,842 | 117,977 | 107,678

451,515 | 4,152 | 550,911

66,328

4,401

12,284 1,297,253 184,305 112,079

451,515

Total, 1922,

8,663

916,815 135,587|128,651

743,564 4,289 663,114

72,643

2,710

12,952 | 1,579,929 | 208,230 | 131,361

743,564

Table VIII.

Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers, and Cargoes of Junks CLEARED in the Colony of Hongkong for Ports on the Coast of China and Macao, in the Year 1923.

Total.

Ballast.

Cargo.

Passen-

Vessels.

Tons.

Crew.

Passen- Cargo, Ves- gers.

Tons. Crew.

tons.

sels.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo,

Vessels. Tons. Crew.

gers.

tons.

D 26

Canton,

1,008

225,400 18,513

West River,

6,519

746,447 115,507

91,791

Macao,

514

68,113 7,585

East Coast,..

1,522

70,774 13,446

213,520 12 2,044 179 542,487 1.971127,347 25,031 46,727 71 11,316 777 34,684 508 52,202 5,058

1,020

227,444 18,692

213,520

5,231

8,490

873,794 140,538 97,025

542,487

585

122

79,429 8,362

46,727

2,030

122,976 18,504

34,684

West Coast,

157

16,014 2,456

10,024 37 2,094 313

194

18,108 2,769

10,024

Total 1923.

9,720 1,126,748 | 157,507 91,791

847,442 2,599 | 195,003

31,358

5,306

12,319 1,321,751 | 188,865

97,097

847,442

Total 1922,

10,887 | 1,393,629 |182,424 | 138,599 | 1,111,965 |2,363 | 223,146 30,047

2,443

13,250 1,616,775 |212,471 141,042 | 1,111,965

FOREIGN TRADE.

D 27

Table IX.

Summary of Arrivals and Departures of all Vessels.

1922.

1923.

No. of VESSELS.

TONS.

CREW.

No. of VESSELS.

Toxs.

CREW.

British Ships entered with Cargo

Do.

....

do. in Ballast,

4,610 92

6,701,216 9,697

302,386

5,485

8,085,666

370,967

7,740

212

316,316

16,237

Total,

4,702

6,710,913

310,596

5,697

8,401,982

387,204

British Ships cleared with Cargo,....

4,472

6,276,704

298,831

5,453

8,030,822

373,161

Do.

do. in Balast,

239

432,501

15,765

247

487,687

16,677

Total,

4,711

6,709,205

314,596

5,700

8,518,509

389,838

Foreign Ships entered with Cargo,

Do.

3,746

6,303,430

225,991

3,913

7,288,728

278,583

do. in Ballast,

423

216,002

25,756

662

442,214

25,833

Total,

4,172

6,519,432

251,747

4,575

7,730,942

304,416

Foreign Ships cleared with Cargo,...

3,543

5,846,802

227,468

3,897

7,727,372

278,599

Do.

do. in Ballast,

627

648,839

23,752

667

807,333

26,509

Total,

4,170

6,495,641

251,220

4,564

8,534,705

305,108

Steamships under 60 tons entered with Cargo,...

985

31,455

13,060

921

27,046

10,463

Do.

do.

do. in Ballast,

2,258

68,297

23,880

1,483

44,048

16,118

Total,

3,243

99,752

36,940

2,404

71,094

26,581

Steamships under 60 tons cleared with Cargo,..........

518

17,696

8,335

426

13,643

5,333

Do.

do.

in Ballast,

2,759

82,915

29,438

1,981

57,655

21,102

Total,

3,277

100,611

37,778

2,407

71,298

26,435

Junks entered with Cargo,

8,663

916,815

135,587

8,082

746,342

117.977

Do. do. in Ballast,

4,289

663,114

72,643

4,152

550,911

66,328

Total,

12,952

1,579,929

208,230

12,234

1,297,253

184,305

Junks cleared with Cargo,.....

10,887

1,393,629

182,424

9,720

1,126,748

157,507

Do. do. in Ballast,

Total,

Total of all Vessels entered,

Total of all Vessels cleared,

2,363

13,250 1,616,775

25,066 14,910,026 25,408 14,922,232

223,146

30,047

2,599

195,003

31,358

212,471

12,319 1,321,751

188,865

807,043 24,910 17,503,271 816,060 24,990 18,446,263

902,506

910,246

Total of all Vessels entered and cleared, in

Foreign Trade,

50,474 29,832,258

1,623,103

49,900 35,947,534

1,812,752

LOCAL TRADE.

Total Junks entered,

3,516

162,521

30,299

3,759

173,365

30,192

Do.

cleared,

4,213

160,990

40,777

3,885

178,085

31,429

Total Local Trade entered and cleared,

7,729

323,511

71,076

7,644

351,450

61,621

Total Foreign Trade entered and cleared, Total Local Trade entered and cleared,.

50,474 29,832,258 7,729 323,511

Grand Total,

58,203

30,155,769

1,623,103 71,076

1,694,179

49,900 7,644

57,544

35,947,534 351,450

1,812,752

61,621

36,298,984

1,874,373

PLACES.

Table X.

Statement of Licensed Steam-launches Entered in the Colony of Hongkong during the year 1923.

TOWING.

NOT TOWING.

Vessels.

Tonnage.

Crew.

Passengers.

Vessels.

Tonnage.

Crew.

Passengers.

Cargo,

Within the Waters of the Colony, 1922, 1923,

Do.,

228,320 | 4,383,306 2,157,773 260,347 | 5,077,101| 2,593,567

96,457 | 3,568,573 1,031,866 92,425 | 3,461,572 1,021,705

6,572,681

6,483

7,582,358

7,343

319,777 | 7,591,879 | 3,189,639 | 6,572,681 352,772 | 8,538,673 3,615,272 | 7,582,358

6,483

7843

Outside the Waters of the Colony :—

Canton,

117 2,616 1,307

West River,

Macao,

East Coast,

Other places,

265 9,185 3,078

38 1,050

41 1,369

335

410

1,022 29,828 10,988 6,009

103 2,767 1,036

108 3,141 1,321

...

220 5,383 2,343

373 12,326 4,399

D 28

932 369

75 1,982

704

Total,.

1,483 44,048 16,118 6,009

174 6,653 2,589 1,235 499 13,553 5,148 | 1,650 92127,046 10,463 2,887

215 8,022 2,999 | 1,235

1,521 43,381 16,136 7,659

60 2,404 71,094 26,581 8,896:

Tons.

Vessels.

TOTAL.

Tonnage.

Crew.

Passengers.

Cargo,

Tons.

Table XI.

Statement of Licensed Steam-launches Cleared in the Colony of Hongkong during the year 1923.

PLACES.

TOWING.

NOT TOWING.

TOTAL.

Bunker

Vessels.

Ton-

uage.

Crew.

Passen-

gers.

Vessels.

Ton-

nage.

Crew.

Passen- Cargo, Vessels. gers. Tons.

Ton-

nage.

Crew.

Passen- Cargo, gers. Tons.

Coal,

Tons.

Within the Waters of the Colony1922, 223,196

Do.,

1923.

260,177

4,379,266 2,156,753 5,071,852 2,592,210

98,581 | 3,572,613 1,032,886 6,577,029 92,595 | 8,466,821 |1,023,062 | 7,556,177

3,595

5,176

319,777 7,951,879 | 3,189,639 | 6,577,029 352,772 8,538,673 3,615,272 7,556,177

3,595

54,098

5,176

58,654

Outside the Waters of the Colony :-

Canton,

West River,.

Macao,

East Coast,

Other places,

Total,

D 29

171

4,191 1,859

322 10,915 8,701

50 1,373

457

108 3,594 1,083

1,330 37,582 14,002 6,011 1,981 57,655 21,102 6,011

832 309

203 5,023 2,168

1,322

1,503 616

153

375 12,418 4,317

153

3,358

656 220

76 2,029 677

333

114 4,598 1,982 1,235

2228,192 3,065 1,235

1,285

...

1,531 43,636 16,208 7,682

...

5,977

201 | 6,054| 2,206|1,671 426 13,643 5,333|2,936

214 2,407 71,298 26,435 8,947

214|| 12,275

Table XII.

Number of Boats Licences, Permits, etc., issued and Fees collected during the year 1923.

(Under Table UT, Section 40, of Ordinance No. 10 of 1899.)

DESCRIPTION.

LICENCE.

LICENCE DUPLICATE BOAT RE- SPECIAL BOOKS. LICENCE. PAINTING

FEES.

PERMITS.

Licence Book, $1.00 each,..

Boat Repainting, .25

Special Permit, ` .25

Passenger Boat, Classes A & B,

3,564

$ 3,564.00

2,062

Lighter, Cargo and Water Boat, ·

2,124

Other Boats,

12,052

Fish Drying Hulks,

Duplicate Licence,

3,682

920.50

1,684

421.00

11,804.20

53,848.45

40,319.50

706.25

16.00

TOTAL,

16,321

3,564

3,682

1,684 $111,599.90

D 31

Table XIII.

Comparative Statement of Revenue collected in the Harbour Department during the years 1922 and 1923.

Sub-head of Revenue.

Amount

1922.

1923.

1. Light Dues,......

Special Assessment,

2. Licences, Internal Revenue not otherwise

specified

115,979.56 | 137,455.61 125,185.71 151,097.65

Boat Licences, Ordinance 10 of 1899, ... 106,539.00|111,599.90 Chinese Passenger Ship Licences, Or-

dinance 1 of 1889,

1,845.00

1,485.00

Fines,

6,693.67

5,684.50

Forfeitures,

554.17

50.00

Fishing Stake and Station Licences,

Ordinance 10 of 1899,.

48.30

46.00

Fishing Stake and Station Licences, do.,

1,491.90

1,125.00

Junk Licences, &c., Ord. 10 of 1899,

42,091.75

45,067.00

Junk Licences, &c., Ord. 10 of 1899,

10,013.25

10,616.75

205.00

150.00

11,374.25

11,055.75

from the New Territories,

Pilots Licences, Ordinance 3 of 1904, Steam-launch Licences, &c., Ordinance

10 of 1899,

3. Fees of Court or Office, Payments for specific purposes, aud Reimbursements- in-Aid-

Engagement and Discharge of Seameu,

Ördinance 10 of 1899,.

Engagement of Masters and Engineers of Steam-launches, Ord. 10 of 1899, Examination of Masters, &c., Ordinance

10 of 1899,

Fees for use of Government Buoys,

Ordinance 10 of 1899,. Gunpowder, Storage of, Ord. 10 of 1899, Medical Examination of Emigrants, Ord.

1 of 1889,

Official Signatures, Ordinance 1 of 1888, Printed Forms, Sale of, Ord. 10 of 1899,. Registry Fees (Merchant Shipping Act),

Ordinance 10 of 1899,... Steam-launches, Surveyor's Certificate,

Ordinance 10 of 1899,..... ....

Survey of Steamships, Ordinance 10 of

1899,...

Sunday Cargo Working Permits, Ord.

1 of 1891,..........

4. Miscellaneous Receipts :-—

Sale of condemned stores,

Sale of Wreck of S.S. "Loongsang' Interest,

41,245.40 41,665,20

280.50

328.00

3,157.50 4,387.50

105,805.02 99,587.06 3,038.06 9,717.74

*77,474.00 186,750.50 6,054.00 7,200.00

527.00 1,372.75

3,412.00

2,814.00

9,165.00

10,080.00

39,146.00 45,304.34

146,250.00|138,500.00

451.00 2,000.00

51.77

Total,.....$857,576.04 925,643.02

* † See next page.

D 32

* Statement of Emigration Fees, 1922 :-

Revenue collected by.

Harbour Department,..... $ 77,474.00

Expenditure incurred by.

$ 4,200.00 (Estimated.)

Office of Secretary for

Chinese Affairs,

Stamp Office, on account

of Bill of Health,

Medical Department,.......

8,660.00

5,629.40

14,004.00

21,023.75

$100,138,00

$ 30,853.15

Net Revenue. 69,284.85

† Statement of Emigration Fees, 1923:

Revenue collected by.

Expenditure incurred by.

Harbour Department,...... $ 86,750,50

$4,200.00 (Estimated.)

Office of Secretary for

Chinese Affairs,

8,765.00

4,074.80

Stamp Office, on account

of Bill of Health,

Medical Department,....

14,952.00

18,927.12

$110,467.50

$ 27,201,92

Net Revenue.

.$ 83,265.58

Table XIV.

Summary of Chinese Emigrants from Hongkong to Ports other than in China, during the year 1923.

BRITISH SHIPS.

FOREIGN SHIPS.

GRAND TOTAL.

PORTS.

Adults.

Children.

Adults.

Children.

Adults.

Children.

Total.

F'.

D 33

Australia,.

Africa (South),.

British Borneo, Calcutta,

1,559

1,586

94 1,653

1,680

105

131

1,939

331

84 2,444

1,269 129

23| 1,489

Canada,

6,770

616

2 7,398 1,260

Delagoa Bay,

Dutch Indies,

57 (10,907

1,224

:: 2

13 1,952

331

2,457

1,269

129

1,489

1,367 8,030

680

8,765

646

203

12,890 10,951| 1,229

650

207

13,037

Fiji,

...

Honolulu,

2 4,822 | 1,703

429

295

7,249 4,824 | 1,703

429

295

7,251

Jamaica (Torouto),

Japan,

502

599

510

607

Mauritius,

464

612

128

178

592

108

790

Mexico,

229

243

229

243

Panama,

...

South America,

737

3 848 737

848

...

Straits Settlements,...

32,429

Sumatra (Belawan Deli),

2,051

Tahiti,

United States of America,

8,977 | 3,520 | 1,450 46,376 |14,312| 2,595| 1,750 150 80 52 2,333 5,175 526 235 2 133 73 78 7,512

55119,208 46,741 11,572 | 5,270 | 2,001

65,584

483 465

161 6,097 7,226 676 315 213 73 157 39 59 8,519 7,588

8,430

485 465

206

8,597

Total 1923,

Total 1922,

46,819 9,744 4,495

|39,474| 8,364 3,487

1,621 62,679 45,809 6,787 3,661 1,313 (52,638|38,365| 4,250 || 2,399

Total Passengers by British Ships, Total Passengers by Foreign Ships,

1,288 57,545 92,628 16,531 8,156 2,909120,224 741 45,755 77,839|12,614| 5,886 2,054|| 98,393

Excess of Passengers by British Ships,.

|46,819| 9,744 4,495 1,621 62,679 45,809 6,787 3,661 1,288 57,545

1,010 2,957 834 333 5,134

Table XV.

Statement of Average Number of Emigrants from Hongkong to Ports other than in China, for Quinquennial Periods from 1885 to 1920 inclusive.

1885. 1890. 1895. 63,138 66,706 60,360

1900. 1905. 66,961 73,105

1910.

88,452

1915.

109,110

1920.

84,602

Table XVI.

Number of Male and Female Emigrants from Hongkong to Ports other than in China, for Ten Years, from 1914 to 1923 inclusive.

- D 34

Whither bound.

1914.

1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921.

1922.

1923.

Straits Settlements, Males, Straits Settlements, Females,

Total,

36,764 32,440 8,210 8,838

44,974

66,965 53,250 15,832 10,042

41,278

82,797

63,292

8.019

5,914 7,424 30,330 67,032 39,616 52,011 2,105 4,214 13,605 20,292 10,740 13,573 11,638 43,935

87,324 | 50,356 €5,584

Other Ports, Males,

30,358

25,811 33,182 31,078

Other Ports, Females,

964

1,186 1,674

1,928

34,096

1,715

46,044 59,128 64,293 44,109 48,773 2,287 2,195 4,394 3,928 5,867

Total,

31,322

26,997 34,856

33,006

35,811

48,331 61,323 68,687 48,037 54,640

Grand Total,

76,296

68,275 117,653

96,298

43,830

59,969 | 105,258 | 156,011 98,393 120,224

Table XVII.

Summary of Chinese Emigrants Returned to Hongkong from Ports other than in China, during the year 1923.

BRITISH SHIPS.

FOREIGN SHIPS.

GRAND TOTAL.

Adults.

Children.

Adults.

Children.

Adults.

Children.

PORTS.

Total.

M. 17.

Australia,

ཋཱ་

Bangkok,

2,893

490

British Borneo,......

452

Canada,

4,182

283

Continent of Europe,

Dutch Indies,

100

Honolulu,

Japan,

2,643

309

Mauritius,

14 31

Naru Island.

⠀

: : : x2

173 270 81 3,417

107

629

393

82 30

623

227

433

135

5,033

1,253

110

163

255

124

14,923

855 | 1,230

323

1,690

107

158

431

120

3,503

2,581

227 370

103

100

200

153

3,000

186

290

543

883

110 142

272

679

106

1,572

5,435

393

596

181

255

ཚ ཚ 1 : སྒྲ

3,570

1,172

895

6,605

255

17,331

15,023

861

1,244

827

17,455

1,998

1,690

107

158

1,998

D 35

3,281

5,224

536

801

223

6,784

115

151

218

438

South America,

345

428

345

31 42 10

428

Straits Settlements,

39,342

Sumatra (Belawan Deli),

106

3,941 6,501 | 18,28 15

51,612

11,658

949

1,299

468

14,374

51,000

4,890 |7,800 (2,296

65.986

156

7,049

556 793 329

8.727

7,155

United States of America,

5,303

392 557 163

Total 1923,

50,259

4,8537,8522,236

65,200

46,322

3,318 4,741 (1,521

6,415 5,303

57,902 96,531

571 818 339 392 557 163

8,883

6,415

8,171 12,5933,757 | 121,102

Total 1922,

67,597

7,7586,888 | 2,814 85,057

49,049

3,902 | 3,756 | 1,783

58,490 | 116,646 11,660 10,644 4,597 || 143,547

Total Passengers by British Ships,

Excess of

Foreign

50,259

4,853 7,8522,236

65,200

46,322

3,3184,741 1,521 55,902

3,937

1,535 3,111 715 9.29%

Table XVIII.

Statement of Average Number of Emigrants Returned to Hongkong from Ports other than in China, for Quinquennial Periods from 1885 to 1920 inclusive.

1885.

68,830

1890. 1895. 1900. 1905. 96,068 104,118 109,534 137,814

1910. 1915. 146,585 151,728

1920.

100,641

Table XIX.

Number of Male and Female Emigrants Returned to Hongkong from Ports other than in China, for Ten Years, from 1914 to 1923 inclusive.

D 36

Where from.

1914.

1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922.

1923.

Straits Settlements, Males, Straits Settlements, Females,

136,753

79,349 46,454 65,539 36,662 60,812 4,605 1,482 1,201 6,896 2,534

2,871

68,316 91,203 74,694 58,800 4,610 9,490 10,950

7,186

Total,.

141,358 80,831 | 47,655

72,435 39,196

63,683

72,926 | 100,693

85,644 65,986

Other Ports, Males,.. Other Ports, Females,

Total,

26,462 27,952 23,933 1,007

969

817

27,469 28,922

24,750

34,913 72,337 49,512

23,827 32,014 70,070 46,776 52,429 52,596 50,374 1,970 2.899 2,267 2,736 5,942 5,307 4,742 25,797

58,371 57,903 55,116

Grand Total,

168,827 | 109,753

72,405

98,232

74,109 | 136,020 122,438 159,064 | 143,547 | 121,102

Table XX.

Return of Vessels Registered at the Port of Hongkong during the year 1923.

Official

Name of Vessel.

Number.

Registered

Tonnage.

Horse

Power.

Rig.

Build.

Where and when built.

Remarks.

1. Sarvistan, 2. Sumatra 3,

143,175

107,024

4,817

509, N.H.P.

Schooner

Clincher Geestemunde....1899

Transferred from London.

604

101,

...1894

Formerly Dutch flag as Sumatra.

3. Rhexenor,

152,099 4,995

1,190,

Hongkong,

..1922

First Registry.

4. Yungling,

152,100

31,

.1923

5. Taikoo Mok,

152,101

None

Carvel

1923

י,

6. Nanning,

152,102 1,505

160.

Schooner Clincher

1923

7. Wing Hong

152,103

2.672 369,

Germany,

1898

8. Virginia Dollar,.

118,002

6,222

750,

Belfast,

1903

9. Hang Shan,

152,104:

None

Carvel

Hongkong,

1923

10. Tai Pang,.

152,105

16,

1923

ད་

11. KwongFook Cheung, 152,106

538

40.

Clincher

1923

12. Moonshine,

152,107

43,

13. Wong Shek Kung,... 152,108

1,002

177,

Ketch

Schooner

1905

14. Kasara,

97,616

505

215,

}}

15. Tong On,...................

152,109

14,

་

Broom Ayrshire!890 Hongkong,

Formerly American flag as Antonio. Transferred from Liverpool.

First Registry.

Aberdeen, .1918 | Formerly Chinese flag as Moonshine.

Newcastle-on-Tyne,

Transferred from Glasgow.

Helios.

1903 | Formerly Chinese flag as Tong On.

16. Wo Fu,....

152,110

147

17. Kandoo,

152,421

18. Anjou,

135,014

354

17,

26, B.H.P.

59, N.H.P.

None

Carvel

1920

Sze Woo 3.

1923

་་

First Registry.

Clincher Nantes,

1899

19. Wenchow,

152,422

1,887

230,

20. Shing On,

152,423

293

41,

Schooner

None

Carvel

}}

21. Wing Hing,

152,424

13,

܆,

Hongkong.

Canton,

Hongkong.

1923

.1919

22. Fat Hing Cheong,.

152,425

10,

23. Tangistan,

109,605

2,679

324,

24. Yan On,

152,426

10,

Schooner

None

Clincher Leith, Carvel

25. Chi On,

152,427

13,

1916

1900

.1900

903

ม

Formerly Chinese flag as Anjou.

First Registry.

Formerly Panama flag as Shing On.

1915 Formerly Chinese flag as Wing Hing.

Transferred from Leith, Formerly Chinese flag as

Fat Hing Cheong.

Yan On.

Chi On.

— D 37 —

Official

Name of Vessel.

Number.

Table XX.-Continued.

Return of Vessels Registered at the Port Hongkong during the year 1923.

Tonnage

Registered

Horse

Power.

Rig.

Build.

Where and when built.

Remarks.

26. Kwong TuckCheong, 152.428

10, N.H.P.

None

Carvel

Hongkong,

27. Chee Fat,

152.429

14,

1913

}}

28. On Shun,.

152,430

29,

Canton,

1921

፡፡

29. Kwong Ying,.

152,431

124

56,

Clincher Hongkong,

1914

}}

30. Kwong Foon,

152,432

487

73,

1922

};

31. U and I,

152,433

None

Yacht

Carvel

1923

First Registry.

};

32. Hangly,

152,434

16, N.H.P.

None

Canton,

1920

1918 Formerly Chinese flag as Kwong Tuck Cheong. Chee Fat. Unregistered as On Shun. Chinese flag as Kwong Ying.

Kwong Foon.

Formerly Chinese flag as Hangly.

33. On On...

152,435

13.

1915

34. Peking,

152,436

17,

1922

On On.

ን።

Peking,

}}

35. Sui Sang,

152,437

1,983

272,

Schooner

Clincher Hongkong,

1923

First Registry.

36. Tai Wayfoong,

93,210 3,085

H.P. Combined.

Greenock,

1888

Formerly French flag as Song Hoi.

};

37. Lung Shan,

152,438

1.898

351, N.H.P.

None

38. Sai Alı,

152,439

32,

Carvel

Hongkong,

Canton,

1923

First Registry,

1922

Formerly Chinese flag as

Sai Ah.

་

39. Kam Cheong,.

152,440

11,

1911

Kam Cheong.

40, Luen Sheung,.

152,441

16.

1912

Luen Shoung.

41. Sun Wai Fung,

152,442

28,

1923

}

Sun Wai Fung.

42. Hang Tung,

152,443

22,

Wuchow,.

1923

First Registry.

43. Yuen Sang,

152,144

1,983

272,

Schooner Clincher Hongkong,

.1923

44. Ning Hoi,

152,145

18,

None

Carvel Canton,

..1922

45. Sing Ping,

152,146

12,

1923

46. Ying Wah,

152,447

240

None

Clincher Hongkong,

1928

First Registry.

47. Tai sun,

152,448

15 N.H.P.

Carvel Canton,

1916

Formerly Chinese flag as Ning Hoi.

Formerly Chinese flag as Tai Sun.

Sing Ping,

48. Ash Leaf,

152,449

17,

.1921

49. Kin Yuct,

152.450

1923

50. Moon Tong,

109,857

37,

Hongkong,

1899

Ash Leaf.

Kin Yuet.

Atalanta.

- D 38

Table XXI.

Return of Registers of Vessels Cancelled at the Port of Hongkong during the year 1923.

Name of Vessel.

Official

Number.]

Registered

Tonnage.

Date of

Registry.

Rig.

Build.

Where and when built.

Rear on of Cancellation.

1. Kaying,

152,086

1.572

15. 6.22

Schooner

Clincher

Hongkong,

.1922 Transferred to London.

2. Kwangtung, .

151,431

1,572

14. 11, 21

1921

}}

3. Wanshien,

152,081

473

28. 3.22

None

1922

4. Chang Sha,

| 151,438 |

1.480

7. 3.22

5. Stathis,

151,412

3,293

3. 8.20

Schooner

None

1922

;}

1920

Sold by Board of Trade.

6. Laon Taikoo,

120,978

19. 7.05

Carvel

1903

7. Bessie Dollar,.

121,272

2,798

6. 10. 22

Fore and Aft Schooner Clincher

8. Kei Kung,

128,074

24. 7.11

9. Nanning,..... 10. Rhexenor, 11. Peiching,.

152,102

1.505

29. 3.23

None

Schooner

Glasgow,

Hongkong,

1905

Sold to Foreigners.

1911 Change of Ownership (unregist'd). Transferred to London.

1923

152,099 4,995

23. 2.23

1923

Liverpool.

}}

127.227

272

15. 2,12

12. Hai Mun,

95.861

641

21, 6. 20

None

Schooner

Shanghai,

.1911 Sold to Foreigners.

Glasgow,

1896

13. Wing Shing,

98,596

3,361

20. 3.17

Dumbarton,

1890

}}

14 Enrica,

137,679

1, 3.15

15. Wenchow,

132,422 1,887

23. 7.23

16. Tina,

142,219

34 21. 5.19

17. Dashtestan.

95,284

2,081

2. 2.22

None

Schooner

None

Schooner

Hongkong,

1914

1923

Carvel

Clincher

Sunderland,

18. Wong Shek Kung,

152,108

1,002

8. 6.23

Newcastle on Tyne,

1905

19. Atalanta,...

109,859

23. 5.01

None

Carvel

Hongkong,

1899

20. Poet Langland,

142,229

17. 2.20

Clincher

21. Aspinet,.

114,733

,171 26. 4.17

22. Wing Hing,

152,424

23. Fat Hling Cheong, 152.425

24. Mee Lee, .

142,220

222

3. 8.23

Schooner

None

Clincher

Glasgow,

Transferred to London.

1912 Transferred to Kuching.

1889 Sold to Foreigners.

1919 Change of Ownership (unregist'd).

1901

Carvel

Hongkong,

1915

3. 8.23

.1916

21. 5. 19

1916

- D 39-

D 40

Table XXII.

Number and Tonnage of Vessels in Foreign Trade Entered and

YEAR.

Cleared since 1910.

No. of

VESSELS.

TONNAGE.

1910

38,727

23,067,391

1911

44,978

23,063,108

1912

46,603

24,269,270

1913

47,520

25,821,652

1914

51,214

25,279,624

1915

50,148

22,515,023

1916

48,350

22,308,311

1917

48,026

20,547,119

1918

43,436

16,955,332

1919

41,985

21,072,129

1920

43,364

24,194,022

1921

52,222

27,852,616

1922

50,427

29,543,564

1923

49,900

35,947,533

Table XXIII.

Revenue and Expenditure of the Harbour Department.

Year.

Total Revenue of Department.

Total Expenditure of Department.

Percentage of Expenditure to Revenue.

1910,

494,234.84

160,035.89

32.38

1911,

506,964.85

161,149.32

31.76

1912,.....

549,275.40

149,043.58

27.13

1913,

612,672.08

168,069.06

27.42

1914,

579,442.92

173,214.01

29.89

1915,...

551,237.90

166,465.04

30.19

1916,.....

649,732.24

165,295.31

25.44

1917,......

666,102.79

198,015.49

29.73

1918,.

594,278.91

173,527.64

29.20

1919

633,794.25

192,026.19

30.29

1920,...... 701,493.26

230,033.12

32.79

1921,...... 800,798.13

246,295.53

30.76

1922,

857,576.04

280,625.57

32.72

1923,..

925,643.02

300,484.95

32.46

1878.

Table XXIV.

AGRAM of Tonnage entered at Hongkong, from 1868 to 1923 inclusive.

itish Shipping Tonnage only. 7 represents German Shipping epresents Japanese Shipping Foreign Shipping Tonnage

's British and Foreign Ship-

YELLOW LINE represents Junk Tonnage only, ex- cluding Local Trade.

VIOLET LINE represents Steam-launch Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade.

THICK BLACK LINE represents entire Foreign Trade in: British and Foreign Ships, Junks and Steam- launches.

DOTTED GREEN LINE represents U.S. A. Shipping

only.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1884.

1885.

1886.

1887.

1888.

1889.

1890.

1891.

1892.

1893.

1894.

1895.

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

1902.

1903.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907.

1908.

1909.

1910.

1911.

1912.

1913.

1914.

1915.

1916.

1917.

1918.

1919.

1920.

1921.

1922. 1923.

TONS.

19,000,000 18.798,524

18,000.000

17,000,000 | 17.430.177

16,000,000

15,000,000

14.910.026

|14.800,000

114,600,000

14,400,000

14.200,000

14,000,000

13,800,000

13.600,000

13,400,000

13.230,353

13.200,000

13,600,000

|12,800,000

12.600.000

12,400,000

12.200,000

12.000.000

Appendix E.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF IMPORTS

AND EXPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1923.

LIQUORS.

The net revenue collected under the heading of Liquor was $1,276,152.87 as against $1,196,799.01 in 1922. The slight increase is due to more strict measures to prevent evasion of duty in the case of Chinese Liquor, but the collection of duty on Chinese Liquor still remains unsatisfactory, the amount paying duty being slightly under the figures for 1914 the first war year, notwithstand- ing the very large increase in the Chinese population. The con- sumption of European Liquors shows a very slight increase on the whole compared with 1914.

Detailed figures are as follows :—

1922.

1923.

Duties on European Liquors...$ 458,374.69 $ 458,256.77

Duties on Chinese Liquors......

Licensed Warehouse Fees

730,868.15 7,354.17

810,325.10

7,250.00

Licensed Warehouse Overtime

Fees

202.00

321.00

$1,196,799.01 $1,276,152.87

Full particulars are shown in Tables I-V.

TOBACCO.

The net revenuc collected under the Tobacco Ordinance was $1,831,079.17 as compared with $1,474,677.50 for 1922. The smuggling of cigarettes referred to in the report for last year was chiefly confined to high grade cigarettes of foreign manufacture of which some large seizures were made.

The amount of Tobacco seized was as follows:-

Cigars..... Cigarettes

Foreign Tobacco

Chinese Tobacco

...

10,200 515,230

1654 pounds

1,224

E 2

OPIUM MONOPOLY.

The gross revenue was $5,759,443.58 as compared with $5,551,305.35 in 1922. The price of prepared opium remained unchanged during the year. Sales maintained a steady level throughout the year notwithstanding the large amounts of Chinese raw opium which reached the Colony. This was due largely to the enterprise of Senior Revenue Officer Watt in conducting raids all over the Colony on Illicit Opium Divans at all hours of the day and night. The record of his work for the year is as follows :—

Number of keepers of Opium Divans convicted......... Number of smokers of Illicit Opium convicted Number of dealers in Illicit Opium convicted. Number of Boilers of Illicit Opium convicted....

716

3,359

386

Had another Officer been available for this work a far larger number of convictions could have been obtained in the Kowloon Peninsula. The fines inflicted proved no deterrent and in many. cases a second conviction was recorded against the same defendant within a few months. The policy of appointing paid agents on a fixed salary was extended and by the end of the year arrangements had been made to abolish the payment of commission for the sale of opium throughout the Urban Districts. The change has been made without any friction, and I have received no complaints that the paid agents were neglecting their business.

The amount of Raw Opium seized was 284,824.17 taels in 250 seizures. The amount of Prepared Opium seized was 15,659.65 taels in 1,065 seizures, most of the seizures being of small amounts under 1 tael. Most of the small seizures of Prepared Opium were made in Opium Divans, where a large part of the Illicit Opium used in the Colony is consumed.

No fewer than 284 persons were banished for Opium Offences. In cases large quantities of Chinese documents relating to opium smuggling were seized. The work of examining and inter- preting the mass of documents was extremely heavy, but the result was well worth the time spent as valuable details were obtained of the extent and methods of opium smuggling, and some powerful and wealthy syndicates of smugglers were dispersed, and their connections in the Colony indicated. The amount of Chinese Raw Opium mentioned in the documents examined amounted to over 600,000 taels, smuggled into the Colony in a period of 12 months. To double this figure to account for those smugglers not discovered would give a fairly conservative estimate of the amount of Opium mostly of Chinese Origin which is successfully introduced into the Colony during 12 months. The documents examined go to show that not much more than a quarter of this contraband was retained in the Colony for local use. During the year Canton, Konginoon, Swatow, Amoy and Shanghai, as well as the places in Mirs Bay and over the border have been supplied with raw Chinese Opium,

E 3

especially the popular Yunnan product, by dealers working from Hongkong. Kongmoon and Canton are now drawing their supplies direct, while the excellent promise of the opium crop in the Foochow district renders it improbable that the markets of Swatow, Amoy and Shanghai will need to draw on Hongkong during the latter part of 1924.

Among the documents examined were found many references to the great demand there was in Shanghai for Indian and Persian Opium. This demand was met partly by direct shipments from the Persian Gulf nominally consigned to places such as Vladivostock and Dalny. Dalny with a small number of Chinese and a smaller number of registered smokers seems to have taken large quantities of Persian Opium during the year. The Government at Vladivostock also seem to have given certificates freely for the import of Persian Opium. Information from various sources was to the effect that much of the Persian Opium consigned to these places was in fact put off into Chinese gunboats near the mouth of the Yangtsze. Large quantities of Turkish Opium were noticed on Japanese ships en route from Marseilles to Japan.

The places from which most of the raw opium seized came were Haiphong, Pakhoi, Hoihow and Kwong-chow-wan. Kong- moon supplied a regular stream of prepared opium in I tael brass tins so shaped as to fit a matchbox or small cigarette carton. Owing to the failure of the opium crop in the Fuhkien Province, due to drought, Amoy was a buyer and not a seller during the year. Macao continued to be the chief source from which the markets of Manila and the United States were supplied. Demand from the Philippines and America continued strong throughout the year.

The illicit opium used in Opium Divans was mostly composed of Chinese Raw Opium boiled in the Colony, in many cases on the premises of the Divan keeper. Divan keepers are supplied daily with small quantities of illicit prepared or raw opium, generally not more than half a tael of prepared and up to 6 taels of raw opium at one time. Regular dealers send women and children to deliver the daily supply to the various divans. Many of the divans are managed by paid keepers, one man owning several places while the real owner keeps in the background and is rarely caught. After a certain time a valuable goodwill attaches to a floor cr cubicle which has become a popular divan, and though the divan has been raided and the keeper convicted and his opium smoking gear confiscated it is not very long before the same place is in full operation again under a new keeper. In some instances the tenant of the floor charges a regular fee each night for allowing one of the cubicles to be used as a divan, so that one man may run it for a few days and then someone else. In one case the same floor was found to be used as a divan no fewer than five times, the keeper was convicted each time and in some cases went to prison, but the only thing which finally put an end to the use of this place as a

E 4

divan was the demolition of the house.

The use of children to act as managers of divans is increasing, it being impossible to imprison children, or punish them for doing what their parents or employers would punish them for refusing to do.

An attempt was made by divan keepers in the Eastern District of the city to form a mutual protection society, but the project was discovered in time and steps were taken to prevent the formation of the society. According to information received the objects of the proposed society were to pay watchers, and engage solicitors whenever a member was arrested, and to pay compensation to any member who was sent to prison, and to set him up in the business again as soon as he was released by providing him with a new divan outfit. A fixed subscription was to be paid every month, and from the funds accumulated it was proposed to pay the fines in- flicted on any member. The originators of the scheme were Hakkas and it was reported that membership was intended to be restricted to Hakkas, who conduct most of the opium divans patronised by the working classes in the Eastern District.

The chief seizures were as follows:-

1. 231,996 taels of Raw Persian opium on a small uninhabited island at the West entrance to the harbour by the Police from Cheung Chow Island. The opium was found in a cave on which considerable work had been done to fit it up as a storehouse. The opium had been packed in 5 pound parcels which had been enclosed in flour bags. No evidence was ever discovered to indicate in any way who the owners were. A sampan was seized which was lying off the entrance to the cave, and on it were found automatic pistols, ammunition and a pair of field glasses. The Chinese in charge was sentenced to a long term of imprisonment for the unlawful possession of arms.

2. 19,272 taels, about half of which was Bengal Opium the remainder Chinese opium, on s.s. "Tai Shun". This was consigned to Shanghai; one person who was a school boy and was not the principal was arrested, and released on heavy bail, but absconded.

3. 13,680 taels of Chinese Opium on s.s. "Yan On" on her arrival from Haiphong. The compradore and part owner was arrested and convicted in respect of part of the opium. The con- tract for the sale of the opium was found in his safe on the ship, and documents found in his house proved him to have been a dealer in opium both prepared and raw for some time.

"Yunnan

4. 2,424 taels of Chinese raw opium on s.s. the Water Police in an oil tank in the lamp trimmer's room. this opium had revenue stamps affixed issued in Pakhoi.

All

E 5

5. An unknown quantity of Yunnan Opium found in the wreck of a Canton Government armed launch which was sunk in a collision in Kapshuimun Pass after leaving Yaumati harbour of refuge in the middle of the night. Submersion for months had caused the packages of opium to decay, but the remains found rendered it probable that the original consignment, which was carried in the cabin of the launch, amounted to about 1,000 pounds. A consignment of Mauser Pistols was also found in the same place.

PREPARED OPIUM:-

1. 500 taels of Macao opium on s.s. "Loongsang" just before she sailed for Manila, in the engine room sump in the hollow core of the crank shaft bearing. The owners were fined.

2. 7,240 taels of Macao Opium on s.s. "Kam Sang" on the plates of the stokehold in bags ready to be taken ashore. The ship was on a voyage from Amoy to Manila and went ashore a long way out of her course on the Island of Luzon. She was refloated and brought into Hongkong for repairs. The Chinese newspapers in which the opium was wrapped proved that the opium had been packed up in Amoy. It had apparently been concealed among the coal in the bunkers.

3. 915 taels on a private yacht under repairs on a slipway. This was apparently Chinese in origin.

LEGISLATION.

The Opium Ordinance was completely recast as Ordinance No. 30 of 1923. The penalties have remained the same but great- er powers have been given in respect of the collection of evidence, and dealing in raw opium has been definitely declared unlawful, and powers has been given to prevent this Colony being used as a base for the smuggling of opium into those countries which pro- hibit its import. Powers have also been given to deal with the rich man who trades in opium without ever having the drug under his actual control or ever seeing the opium at all. It is hoped that the new provisions will be efficacious in dealing with the financing by Chinese Banks of operations in opium, for without their assistance opium smuggling would only be confined to small

amounts.

REWARDS.

The amount paid out as rewards in connection with opium and drugs including sundry expenses in connection with seizures was $88,882.00. The largeness of this sum is due to the heavy seizures and to the intensified campaign against opium divans, as all information has to be paid for at a fairly high rate to encourage informers to come forward.

E 6

DANGEROUS DRUGS

The seizures during the year were as under :

Morphine

Heroin

Cocaine.

5,263 ounces

..23,400

12 seizures were made and 3 persons were convicted 2 being Japanese and 1 Chinese.

Heroin made its appearance for the first time, and has ap- parently rapidly become popular amongst Chinese. Germany has rapidly regained her supremacy in the manufacture of Opium derivatives, the actual distribution of which appears to be still. largely in the hands of Japanese or Formosan Japanese subjects. So far as could be ascertained all the drugs seized were intended for use outside the Colony. In the Colony there would appear to be at present little misuse of such drugs. Canton has been taking drugs in small quantities and there is some indication that the trade there in drugs is reviving notwithstanding the facilities for the purchase of opium. Most of the morphia seized was intended for Amoy, most of the Heroin for Japan. It is reported that the demand for Heroin in Canton came from one source chiefly, the manufacture of a popular patent medicine.

Revenue Officer Ward did very good work in connection with drugs during the year.

LEGISLATION

A new Ordinance No. 22 of 1923 was passed based on the Home legislation. The penalties are greatly increased and the import sale and use strictly regulated in accordance with the system in force in England.

ARMS

The number of arms seized during the year was 1,683 in- cluding 11 machine guns; 148,383 rounds of ammunition were seized, and 32 convictions were obtained. The United States sup- plied the greater number, even Mauser Pistols of German manu- facture being imported in large quantities from this source. The makes were Smith-Wesson, Harrington & Richardson, Colt, Mauser, Luger, and Steyr. Most of the ammunition was manu- factured in the United States by the well known large ammunition factories. A certain number of Mauser pistols bore the marks of an arms dealer in Paris, France appears to have developed a trade in second hand Mauser Pistols of German manufacture; ammuni- tion to fit Mausers is specially manufactured in France. There were no seizures of Browning Automatics which used to be popu- lar among the pirate and robber class of South China. In three cases the seizure of weapons probably prevented a piracy, as the weapons were cleaned and ready for use, each with about 50 rounds. The crews of the steamers were undoubtedly implicated, but it was impossible to bring it home to any single person.

MANA

E 7

one box and 2,099 deto- In one case the dynam- crew's quarters, where going on.

In this case

5 cases and 108 sticks of dynamite, nators, and 21 coils of fuse were seized. ite in large quantity was found in the smoking of cigarettes and opium was detonators were found in the Chinese cook house close to the open fire.

MISCELLANEOUS

Senior Officer Watt was responsible for the seizure of a large outfit for the printing of Foreign Bank Notes; a large number of forged notes were sized and two persons arrested and convicted.

In six cases quantities of lottery tickets were seized and con- victions obtained.

Chief Preventive Officer Clarke earned the bronze medal and certificate of the Royal Humane Society for a plucky rescue of two Chinese who had jumped off the wharf of the Canton Steamers during a typhoon.

STAFF

Mr. J. D. Lloyd was appointed Superintendent on January 6th. Revenue Officer Cassin was dismissed and Revenue Officer Hancox died, their places being filled by the Appointment of Messrs. T. Tallon and H. V. Pearse. The staff was increased by one by the appointment of Mr. P. J. O'Neill.

The opium shroff at the head office was dismissed, and on the last day of the year the two shroffs in charge of the Taipo Branch Office were arrested and charged with the possession of illicit opium in pots bearing false labels, and were subsequently dis- missed.

Seven Chinese Revenue Officers were dismissed, nine resigned and two absconded. The force lost an unusual number of senior men, five of those dismissed, and three of those who re- signed being 1st class. Considerable corruption and dishonesty were prevalent, and the stricter regulations passed for controlling the grant of rewards for the seizure of contraband were much re- sented for the time, and led to a general disinclination to make seizures.

Thirteen clerks were transferred to other departments, and were replaced by one 4th grade clerk and twelve probationer clerks. Four clerks resigned. The Chief Clerk Mr. F. Place da Silva retired on pension and was replaced by Mr. M. J. D. Alves.

J. D. LLOYD,

Superintendent of Imports & Exports.

Table I.

European Liquors.

E 8

Balance in

Exported

Bond on

ex Ship

Class of Liquors.

31st

to Ship

Arrivals.

Ships'

Stores.

Denatured.

Consumed

Locally.

December,

or ex

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec., 1923.

1922.

Bond,

In H.K. & K.

Wharf & Godown Co.'s General Bonded] Warehouses.

In Holt's

Wharf

General

In Licensed

Total.

Bonded Warchouses.

Warehouses,

Gallons.

Gallons,

Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons.

Ale, Beer, and Stout,..

72,813

466,948

179,703

33,785

246,764

22,753

11,780

44,976

79,509

Bitters,

526

559

172

317

547

557

Brandy,

16,528

89,082

74,882

1,480

11,301

4,750

1,110

12,087

17,947

California Wine,

Champagne,

3,463

5,519

3,684

315

2,203

624

2,152

2,780

Cider,

133

121

129

Claret,

7,058

16,090

9,063

437

(d) 496

5,676

2,736

104

4,636

7,476

Cocktail,

Gin,.

9,448

21,490

10,579

4,686

7,140

1,374

7,103

8,533

Ginger Wine,

442

127

236

174

Liqueurs,

4,024

6,545

4,704

795

1,429

317

3,324

3,641

Madeira,

233

283

112

137

254

Malaga,

Marsala,

247

209

Medicated Wine,

244

215

Muscatel,.

...

Port,

6,303

15,274

9,555

831

5,218

506

482

4,985

5,973

Prune Wine,

280

120

240

120

Rum,

1,928

34,287

15,885

147

(a) (b) (c)

(a)

18,383

(b) (d)

1.022

1,957

778

(c)

(4) Includes 12,717 gallons distilled locally.

(7))

(e)

}}

12,944

1,232

}}

(d) Used in manufacture of tobacco.

Table 1,-Continued.

European Liquors,-Continued.

Balance in

Bond on

Exported

ex Ship

Ships'

Class of Liquors.

•

31st

Arrivals.

to Ship

Denatured.

Stores.

Consumed

Locally.

December,

1922.

or ea

Bond.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec., 1923.

In H.K. & K, Wharf &

Godown Co.'s

Warehouses,

In Holt's

Wharf

General

General Bonded Bonded

In Licensed Warehouses.

Total.

Warehouses.

Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons.

Sake,

168

8,231

2,717

5,348

278

Sherry,

2,275

5,000

855

837

2,078

156

3,333

3,505

Sparkling Wine,.....

568

739

515

288

453

471

E 9

Spirits of Wine & Arrack,

62,960

1,635,015

1,164,476

17 (a)378,606

138

44,986

109,696 | 154,738

}

Still Wine, (not specially

mentioned),

4,426

5,744

1,610

388

3,489

292

4,381

4,683

Tonic Wine,

Vermouth,

3,697

7,914

4,315

738

3,168

855

225

2,310

3,390

Vibrona,

...

Whisky,

23,377

83,880

Wincarnis,

482

55,233

208

8,636

21,604

582

4,116

308

17,086

21,784

Wine and Spirits, (Un-

classified),

8,046 |(b)110,506 |(b)112,684 (0) 444

Note.-Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this table.

(a) For burning, perfumery, vinegar, etc.

(b) 2,424 (b)1,104 (6) 1,890 ((b) 5,418

(4) Transhipment cargo not examined.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec., 1922.

Arrivals.

Consumed

locally

Tabe II.

Chinese Liquors.

Exported.

Denatured and

used for

Vinegar, etc.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec., 1923.

Bonded

Ware-

Dis- · Im- Distilled houses. tilleries.] ported. locally. ported. locally.

Im- Distilled

ex Bonded

Ware-

houses.

Not more than 25%

27,840932,341 | 758,003 | 722,733 624,985 | 218,471 33,408 19.242

80,761

Imported

Liquors.

ex Bond or

ex Ship

to Ship.

Liquors Distilled Locally.

In H.K. and

ex Dis.

tilleries.

Im- Liquors K. Wharf and Licensed In Dis- ported Distilled Godown Co.'s General Ware- tillerics.

Liquors. Locally. houses.

Total

Bond.

Bonded

Warehouses.

- E 10

277

9,262 27,447

36,986

35%

2,722

896 44,538

21,482

16,043

17,457 29,578 3,954

222

1,639

745

2,384

45%

“

86,974

207246,863 45,666

57,541

177 198,048

1,524

1,656

42,156

12,982

65,266

360

78,608

50%

1,988

970

1,018

...

Above 50%

1,387

181

468

136

964

Total,

109,185

28,943 1,22 5,911 825,151 797,755 642,619|447,251

38.886

21,120

122,917

13,259 77,131

28,552 || 118,942

Note.-Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this table.

Table III.

Return of Distilleries for the year 1923.

Stock on

31st Dec.,

1922.

Output,

1923.

Consumed

locally.

Sold into Bond.

Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons.|Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons. Gallons.

Hongkong and New Kowloon... Not more than 25% of alcohol by weight, 16,667 307,076|| 215,051

19,016

18,115

58,136

13,425

35%

45%

196

Rum,

1,157

215 11,279 7,008

40,637

25,736

180 3.914

392

177

1,656

1,624

37,116

- 360

12.717 12,944

1,232

(1) Total,

18,235 | 384,728 | 222,236 |

20,852

36,270 12,944

37,116

58,136

15,409

Manufactured in New Territories Not more than 25% of alcohol by weight, 11,173 301,151 260,158 for consumption in Hongkong.]

226

15,293

35%

45%

681 7,157 7,403

11 5,029

22,625

14,022

353

5,040

(2) Total,

11,65 313,337| 267,561

268 15,333

5,040 22,625

14,375

Exported.

Denatured

for making preserving Tobacco.

Bean-curd.

Denature d

for

Used for

Vinegar.

E 11

Stock on

31st Dec.,

1923.

Table III,-Continued.

Return of Distilleries for the year 1923,—Continued.

Manufactured in New Territories Not more than 25% of alcohol by weight, for consumption in New

Stock on

31st Dec.,

1922.

Output,

1923.

Consumed

locally.

Sold into

Bond.

Gallons, Gallons. |Gallons. Gallons.

80,576 80,576

Exported.

Denatured

[for making Tobacco.

Denatured

for

preserving Bean-curd.

Used for

Vinegar.

Stock on

31st Dec.,

1923.

Mons. Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Gallons.

Territories.

35%

45%

(3) Total,.

(1) Hongkong and New Kowloon,

(2) Manufactured in New Territories for consumption in Hongkong, (3) Manufactured in New Territories for consumption in New Territories,

Grand Total,.

3,046

83,622

83,622 20,852

18,235 384,728 | 222,236 11,865 | 313,337 | 267,561

268 36,270

15,333

12,944

37,116 58,136

15,409

5,040 22,625

14,375

83,622

30,100| 781,687 | 573,419 21,120 51,603

12,944

42,156 80,761 29,784

NOTE. Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this table.

-E 12 -

Table IV.

E 13-

Paid European Liquors during the year 1923.

Still Wines. (In Bottles).

Medicated

Wine.

Moscatel.

Red Still Tonc Wine. Wine. Wire.

Vermouth. Vibrona.

White

Wine.

Wincarnis

Claret.

Still Wines. (In Wood).

Red

Prune Still Wine. Wine. Wine.

Bitters.

White

Sake.

Beer.

Amount

Cyder.

Stout.

Wine.

Duty

Collected.

Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Gallens.

Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Galions. (Gallons. {Gallons, {Gallons. |Gallons.

Gullons.

Gallons.

...

SENAREX

172

410

149

135

616

19,465

со

178

1,886

40,700.76

434

124

236

14,857

1,805

35,571,14

250

232

175

110

142

599

18,741

131

515

21,688

131

220

165

•

430

17,212

281

340

264

21,110

123

382

15,788

136

379

121

134

170

162

15,128

214

224

132

19,518

266

246

650

16,810

287

175

885

✪

779

436

21,381

135

235

118

184

1,350

23,390

ON NOTOaca

1.687

41.074.08

2,061

40,667.36

1,512

84,409.12

1,899

35.818.50

1,485

30.035.29

1.027

38,834.73

2.121

31.393.42

1,459

34.865.55

2,424

38,320.27

2,315

57,227,57

441

1,129

3,168

1.080

308 3,448

573

162

1,118 5,348 225,083

21.681

458,917.78

Table IV.

Return of Duty Paid European Liquors

MONTHS.

Champagne. Liqueurs. Sparkling Brandy.

Wine.

Cocktail. Gin. Rum.

Spirits

of Whisky. Wine.

Still Wines.

Madeira. Malaga, Port. Sherry.

Bitters.

Claret

Ginger

Wine.

Marsala.

Medicated

Wine.

Moscatel.

Gallons. Gallons,

Gallons, Gullons.

Gallons. |Gallons,|Gallons,|Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons. Gallanı, Gallons, Gallons. |Gallons. |Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Gal:

January,

February,

March,

300

143

....

858

595

104

170

1,757

511

232

102

1,134

.485

121

164

1,619

574

157

969

103

522

April.

197

133

2,429

844

436

228

791

125

May,

226

112

692

1,877

427

189

120

617

June,

154

119

1,730

293

103

943

634

July,

694

1,380

415

133

574

August..

243

135

1,555

233

100

1.072

729

131

September,

113

1,651

379

222

237

903

483

October,

123

November,

166

129

December,

350

185

252

1,395

239

1,114

478

1,600

421

112

780

522

1,704

1,308

423

124

142

710

154

2,907

867

413

126

Total,.

2,203

1,499

288

11,301

7,140

1,022

138

21,504

137

委

5,218

2,078

315

1.214

236

12.

Note.-Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this table.

Table V.

Return of Duty Paid Chinese Liquors during the year, 1923.

· DUTY COLLECTED ON CHINESE WINES IMPORTED EX SHIP And/or Ex Bond. FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION.

DUTY COLLected on CHINESE WINES DELIVERED FROM DISTILLERIES FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION.

DESCRIPTION.

MONTHS.

25%

Gallons,

35%

Gallons.

45%

48 to

50%

above

50%

Amount

of Duty

Collected,

Amount

Gallons.

25% 35% Gallons. Gallons.

45%

Gallons.

46 to

50%

above

50%

of Duty

Collected,

Gallons. Gallons.

Gallons. Gallon s.

- E 14 -

January,.

70,215.

2.799

4,859

49,370.79

54,277

2,421

February,

41,947

2,599

4,545

31,409.54

39,250

March,

1,494

68,600

2,599

5,317

31,005.73

21,869.73

48,556,70 55,327

April,

3,571

107

53,474

1,988

33,201.10

3,675

136

37,449.32

44,746

1,172

May,

58,342

1,457

24,715,77

4,272

40,402.52

56,297

June,

2,204

53,181

896

5,381

30,318.38

37,978.94 38,344

852

July,

42.338

983

20,992.31

3,604

29,804.77 35.255

930

August, ...

47,653

698

4,398

19,254.79

33,495.68

41,835

732

September,

71,627

329

22,974.02

4,594

47,849.55 40,722

1,020

October,.

81,144

310

22,761.77

4,370

236

53,658.90

53,720

November,

1,072

62,404

635

28,619.96

6,826

171

December,

44,981.51 48,330

1,023

71,808

750

5,700

25,246.97

328

167

5,000,630 47,682

966

25,307.99

Total,

722,733 16,043

57,541

970

468

504,964,52 555,785* 17,457

177

306,268,52

Note:-

Fractions of a gallon are not shown in this table.

* Excludes 69,200 gallons=$13,840.06 duty collected and paid into the Treasury by the District Officer, North.

༧ ཀw, ༧, *,54**

Table VI.

Return" of Duty Paid Tobacco Manufactured Locally during the year 1923.

CIGARS.

CIGARETTES.

MONTH.

$2.50

$1.50

70 c.

50 c.

30 c.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty

Collected.

$1.50

per lb.

70 c.

50 c.

30 c.

per 1b.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty Collected

CHINESE TOBACCO.

30 c.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty

Collected.

Total

Amount

of Duty

Collected.

mille.

inille.

mille.

lb.

January,..

147

505

3,705.58

4,204

24,111

8,070

11,522

78,587.97

56,362

16,908.60

99,202.15

February,

250

543

3,881.92

6,072 28,034

7,608

9,785

92,361.19

44.571

13,371,30

109,614.41

March,

222

711

4.652.53

4,526

23,356

7,619

10,955

77,802.82

19,257

14,777.10

97,232.45

April,

124

624

2,822.35

4,156

22,915

7,620

10,905

75.857.20

55,178 16,553.40

94,732.95

May.

255

697

4,500.69

5,088

23,087

8,870

11,305

81,593.40

56.183

16,854.90

102,949.06

June.

599

2,660.98

3,975

20,055

6,340

10,252

67,584.44

54,337

16,301.10

86,546.52

July,

6 f

102

541

2,525.39

1,325 19,522

6,480

9,270

67,836.68

58,295 17,488.50

87,850.57

August,

101

486

2,325.22

4,259

23,091

6,330

9,510

73,943.41

53,042

15,912.60

92,181.23

September.

114

543

2,812.61

4,229 21,750

5.930

8,062

70,024 72

57,269

17,180.70

90,018.03

October,

147

481

2,928.74

5.220

29,660

7,780

9,960

91,663.70

60,425 18.127.50

112,719.94

November,

137

718

3,464.04

4,680

29,039

11,970

11,872

89,074.13

53,588

December,

204

776

5,390.94

4,875 30,821

6,975

11,091

92,308.22

53,303

16,076.10

15,990.90

108,615,17

113,690.06

Total,

101

554

1,902

7,224

41,671.59

295.441

55,609

91,592

124,489

958,137.95

651,810

195,543.00 1,195,352.54

Note.-Fractions of a mille or a pound are not shown in this table.

E 15

Table VII.

Return of Duty Paid Tobacco Imported during the year 1923.

CIGARS.

CIGARETTES.

TOBACCO.

CHINESE TOBACCO.

TOBACCO LEAF.

MONTH.

$2.50

$1.50

70.c.

per lb.

50 c.

30 e.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty

$1.50

70 r.

50 c.

30 e.

Collected.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty

Collected.

$1.50

per lb.

50 e.

50 c.

per lb.

30 e.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty Collected.

30 c.

per lb.

Amount

of Duty Collected.

Amount

30 c.

per lb.

of Duty

Collected.

$2.50

per lb.

SNUFF.

Amount

of Duty

Total

Amonut

of Duty

Collected.

Mille.

Mille. Mille.

Mille.

lb.

$6.

January,.

February,

March,

April,

May,

114

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November.

December,

152

20 10 10 10 10 10+×2××2

2,878.45

2,442

6,060

7,276

515

32,871.20

590

3,907.16

2,985

6,173

6,065

20,244

34,447.22

570

3,017.95

3,012

6,826

7,975

224

37,132.91

1,259

222

886.05

10,277

3,082.96

1,318

395.58

1,008

40,113.94

1,360.40

10,975

3,292.61

1,008

304.40

1,296

2,537,17

7,454 2,236.11

2.576.01

5,262

4,100

1,238

371.52

100.09

43,409.79

25.00

5,401

270

35,047,74

45,320.66

567

2,052

170

1,875.75

6,165.00

11,631

3,489.33

5,730

3,191

2,431

1,719.12

11.162

533

34,147.99 769

222

1,264.59

2.308.70

8,937 2,681.19

41,707.95

4,651

6,105

5,086

1,525.80

11,086

3,062

46,985.55 737

45,784.57

1,132.68

10,950 3,285.06

3.234.75

4,436

5,266

4,416

1,234.65

1.25

9,676

6,744

48,796.90 565

55,037.89

847.50

2,013.82

10,173 3.051.87

3.497

3,733

5,381

1,048.95

9,903

4,228

42,072.27 788

158

1,291.86

56,979.97

2,798.45

10,361 3,108.21

,350

404.88

5,797

6,930

12,727

4,520 59,919.68 1,400

48.819.04

2,124.95

3,370.33

14,267

4.343.82

2,679

803.76

3,358

3,516 10,236

2.50

4,317 40,164.27 569

729

1,218.27

2.472.68

12,887 3,866.03

69,993.16

3.892

5,985

1,795 56

4,218

13,016

110

7,229.89

6,836

2.478

14,937

5,055 47,517.37 792 425 54,761.17 847

50,429.46

480

1,428.60

8,058

2,417,28

5,058

1,517.49

55,353.42

147

1,344.03

8,553

2,566,02

4,535

1,360.59

67,261.70

Total.....

803

605

556

168 41,973.19

49,595

59,484

119,460

(a)

50,137 513,864,27 9,453

165

6,038

17,311.85

124,523 37,420.49

(b)

41,900

12,570.00

128.75

623,339,93

* At 50 cents per lb.

(a) Used in manufacture of Chinese Pipe Tobacco consumed in New Territories. (b) Includes $56.38 being Cost for purchasing of Confiscated Raw Tobacco Leaf. Note.-Fractions of a mille or a pound are not shown in this table.

E 16

Table VIII.

Tobacco Local Factories for the year 1923.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec.,

Issued

for

Produced.

1922.

manu-

Exported.

Ships' Stores

Removed

to other

Factories.

Consumed locally.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec.,

1923.

Class of Tobacco.

facture.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille. lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Cigars 1. Valued at not less than $2.20 per lb.

214

1,411

1,291

$1,60

243

721

830

$1.10

1,314

9,654

8,636

$ .60

678

}}

2,656

598

5. Valued at less than

$ .60

1,089

17,073

8,475

237

101

554

1,728

1,902

834

7,224

2,463

Total,.

3,538

31,515

19,830

9,863

5,288

Cigarettes 1. Valued at not less than $1.60 per lb...

9,726

740,203

676,996

$1.10

10,066

507,310

209,746

$ .60

45,586

4. Valued at less than

1,415,858

1,319,001

$ 60

}}

3,775

136.539

14,385

22:2

55,609

17,300

295,441

12,169

91,592

50,851

124,489

1,388

Total,.

69,153

2,799,910

2,220,128

Note.-Fractions of a pound or mille are not shown in this table.

...

567,131

81,708

- E 17

Issued

for

manu-

Produced.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec.,

1922.

Table VIII,-Continued.

Tobacco Local Factories for the year 1923.

Exported.

Ships' Stores.

Removed

to other

Factories.

Consumed locally.

Balance in Bond on 31st Dec.,

1923.

facture.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille. lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Class of Tobacco,

15,787

1,053,060

393,527

1,053,060

393,527

-E 18

651,810

23,510

651,810

23,510

13,116

681

13,797

Note.-Fractions of a pound or mille are not shown in this table. (a) Includes 41,888 lbs. consumed in New Territories.

Raw Tobacco.

American and Manila Tobacco Leaf,

536,548 | 9,476,513

137.901

Clean

99,253

8,271,056

3,178

Total,.

635,801

| 9,476,513

8,271,056

146,079

(a)

Asiatic Tobacco Leaf,

Clean

}}

278,768 | 2,100,925

12,538

11,205

1,034,961

Total,.

289,973 | 2,100,925

1,034,961

12,533

Pipe Tobacco (non-Chinese) valued at not less than

$1.60 per lb..

at less than 60c. per lb..

Total..

l'ipe Tobacco (Chinese) valued at less than

60c. per lb.

Total.

...

375,319

196,344

571,663

257,181

10,533

267,714

CLASS OF TOBACCO.

Cigars 1. Valued at not less than $2.00 per lb.

$1.60

$1.10

less than

$ .60 $ .60

BALANCE IN BOND ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1922.

TOBAC

ARRIVALS.

Cases. Pkges. Bales. Hhds. Mille.

lb.

Cases. Pkges. Bales. Hhds.

Mille.

lb.

(Unclassified),

Total,........

Cigarettes 1. Valued at not less than $1.60 per lb.

$1.10 $ .60 $ .60

Total,..

less than

(Unclassified),

(Non Chinese)

Pipe Tobacco 1. Valued at not less than $1.60

2. 3.

per lb..

ور

$1.10 $ .60

less than

$ .60

(Unclassified),

Total........

(Chinese)

Pipe Tobacco, Valued at less than $.60 per lb.

(Unclassified),

Total..........

Snuff,

(Unclassified),

Total,...

222

227

1,131

500

1,131

13,276

164,210

8,263

3,324

189,073

אה.

3.88:

409

1,02

5,318

906

1,076

618

484

282

2,553

186,361

32,900 281,721

61,821

562,803

24,718

1.509

6,497

5,464

38,188

44,968

2,005,113

78,808 5,533

44,968 78.808: 3,533

|2,005,113

3,174

3.174

American and Manila Leaf,..

273,728

;)

(Unclassified),

Total......

182 9.680 605

46.409

182 9,680 605

273,728

Asiatic Leaf,

968,539

2.253.168

(Unclassified),

149| 9,221 5,688;

Total....

149 9.224; 5.688 515

968,539

39.100

2,253.168

Note-Fracti

E 19

Comment

Table IX.

TOBACCO RETURN FOR THE YEAR 1923.

General Table.

MANUFACTURED TOBACCO.

ARRIVALS.

ISSUED FOR MANU-

FACTURE.

EXPORTED EX SHIP OR EX BOND.

SHIPS STORES,

CONSUMED

LOCALLY.

HOLT'S

WHARF

WARE-

HOUSES,

es. Hhds.

Mille.

lb.

Cases. Pkges. Bales. Hhds. Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

Mille.

lb.

121

SOB

605

556

168.

1,076

296

618

484

282

124

1,123

2,553

1,123

555

149

186,361

32,900

22,151

-108.839

136,1507

16,923

49,595

319

59,484

281.721

159,514

214

119,460

61,821

5,155

50,137

10,367 906

562,803

10,367

906

109,658

17,494

278,676

BALANC

IN GENERAL BONDED WAREH

HONGKONG & KOWLOO WHARF & Gopown Co.'s WAREHOUSES.

Cases. Bales. Cases. Pkges.] Bales.] Hb

24.718

8,154

6,160

9.453

1,509

165

6,497

109

6,038

5,464

3,846

252

96 1.252

38,188

96 1,252

12,126

6,521

15,656

2,005,113

;1,773,384

78 824 | 3,535

|2,005,113.

|78,824 | 3,535

1,773,384

3,174

8.174

1,489

1.489

166,423

166.423

3.120

3,120

RAW TOBACCO.

273,728

9,476,513

253,119

605

}

605

278,728 9,476.513

182 9,003 224

253.119

1,253,168 2,100,925

3.221,707

472 42,206

12,253,168

2,100,925

472) 12,206|

3,221,707.

Note-Fractions of a pound or mille are not shown in this table.

677

285

2 4309

285

2 4,309

Appendix F.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, HONGKONG, FOR THE YEAR 1923.

1.--GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.

The grounds were kept in order by the Botanical and Forestry Department with the assistance of the Observatory coolies.

In October two rows of iron shelves were fixed round the wall of the Old Time-Ball Tower to take the overflow of records from the Observatory.

The underground room for the seismograph and clocks was completed in the month of May. It consists of a double room with an air space of 2 feet between the inner and outer walls and roofs. The floor is 17 feet below the level of the ground. The inner room is 20 feet square and 10 feet 9 inches high at centre, with 9 inch brick walls.

The outer walls are of concrete, 2 feet 6 inches thick at the base tapering to 12 inches thick at the top.

Both roofs are of ferro-concrete. The outer roof is 4 feet below the level of the ground and is covered with disintegrated granite, which is turfed to the level of the surrounding lawn.

In the middle of the room is the seismograph pillar, a block of concrete 6 feet by 4 feet rising from a depth of 10 feet below the floor. The latter consists of 6 inches of lime and red earth concrete covered with 4 inches of cement concrete. It is not in contact with the pillar. The corners of the inner walls are bricked in so as to make the horizontal section an isosceles right-angled triangle, of which the hypotenuse is 4 feet. These will serve as pillars for the clocks.

A system of subsoil drainage is provided and ventilation is assisted by a 9 inch extract pipe, running to the roof of the Obser- vatory, which connects with the air space between the inner and outer roofs. 18 inch cast iron grids are also provided at ceiling and floor levels to give air communication between the chamber and enclosing air space.

Steps leading from the verandah in front of the old Clock Room give access to the inner room through two pairs of swing doors four feet apart.

The room was very damp at first, the mean relative humidity in May being 96%. At the end of June five radiators were installed temporarily, and with the current on for 48 hours the relative humidity was reduced from 96% to 75%. On removing the

F 2

radiators, however, it increased again to 94% in 3 days, and remained between 90% and 97% until September 10, when the relative humidity of the outside air fell to 47%. In response the relative humidity in the basement fell to 75% on the 12th.

After fluctuating between 91% and 76% it fell to 58% on September 29 owing to another dry spell. The mean was 79% in November and 73% in December, occasionally increasing to 85% however.

The diurnal variation of temperature is negligible, as shown by the following table :-

Mean Temperature in Underground Chamber at 4 hourly intervals.

Month

Hour (H.K. Standard Time).

1923

I 2

November,

December,

75*28 7523 75°24 75*25 | 75°27 75723

72 72 72164 7263 72:66 7268 72-68

The annual variation is given below.

Mean Temperature in Underground Chamber from May to December 1923, compared with the temperature of the outside air.

Mean Monthly Temperature.

Month.

of Basement.

of Outside Air.

May,

732

778

June,

76.6

80.6

July,

79'7

820

August,

79'5

812

September,

79'3

SrI

October,

77'1

76'0

November,

75'3

71.6

December,

72'7

643

II. METEOROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Barometers.-The Marvin compensated syphon barometer has required frequent attention. In the month of June a stiff wire 6 inches long was screwed into the armature of the buzzer and adjusted so as to vibrate the vertical wire on which the pen carrier slides. This has accentuated the action of the buzzer and kept the

F 3.-

recording parts in correct tension. At the same time the hourly time-break was made to work directly from the hourly signal current, as the original arrangement by which the hand of the barograph clock diverted the minute signal from the seismograph to the barograph, every 60th minute, was occasionally uncertain in its action.

The station barometer No. 1323 and the large Casella barome- ter were compared with the Observatory Standard on April 30.

Beckley Anemograph.-This instrument was oiled and the orientation of the vane checked once a month,

During the typhoon of August 18, the cups were caught in the antennæ of the wireless aerial, which were broken by the strong wind. They were repaired on August 23.

Dines-Burendell Anemograph.-The bearings of the vane were oiled and its orientation checked once a month. The spindle of the float was cleaned and oiled once a week.

The Mean monthly results of comparisons with the records of the Beckley Anemograph from 1910-1922 are given in the follow- ing table, together with the results for 1923 :-

Factor for converting the actual run of the Beckley Anemo- graph cups to velocities recorded by the Dines Pressure Tube Anemograph.

Factor (Dines Beckley).

Month.

Mean 1910-1922.

January,

February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

Year,.

1923.

2'01

1°31

2:06

1'40

2'09

1'58

2.II

158

2.21

152

2.10

1*69

2.20

1'95

2.21

1'95

2'14

1.86

2°07

1.86

1997

1.80

195

150

2.09

1.67

Gap Rock Anemograph.-As the exposure of this instrument was found to be unsatisfactory, it was not returned to Gap Rock. It is proposed to mount it at Waglan early in 1924.

F 4

Thermometers.--All thermometers in use were compared with Kew Standard No. 647 in winter and summer.

A new Standard was obtained from Messrs. Gallenkamp in November. It reads 004 (F) lower than the Kew Standard, No. 647, at 60° F.

Hygrograph for Underground Room-In November a small dry and wet bulb hygrograph, of the bi-metallic spiral type, was set up in the Underground Room. The record is obtained on a drum 5 inches high and 34 inches in diameter. Both dry and wet bulb records are time-scaled by an hourly signal from the mean time clock which operates an electro-magnet and causes the arma- ture to engage in a toothed wheel concentric with the axis of the spiral thermometers. This moves the pen sufficiently to make a distinct mark on the paper, the record being quite smooth.

When the record shows rapid movements, such as in the case of an ordinary thermograph exposed to the outside air, the system of time-breaks is more satisfactory than time-marks.

Richard Thermograph.-The base lines laid down on the Richard thermograms from the hourly observations of rotating thermometers still show larger irregularities than might be ex- pected, seeing that the thermograph is mounted in a well ventilated Indian pattern shed, and that the thermometers are aspirated auto- matically during the last five minutes of each hour.

III. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT THE OBSERVATORY.

Automatic records of the temperature of the air and evapora- tion were obtained with a Richard dry and wet bulb thermograph, and of the direction and velocity of the wind with a Beckley and a Dines-Baxendell anemograph, modified as described in the report for 1912. The amount of rain is recorded automatically by a Nakamura pluviograph, the amount of sunshine by two Campbell- Stokes universal sunshine recorders, and the relative humidity of the air by a small Richard hair hygrograph. Eye observations of barometric pressure, temperature of the air and of evaporation and the amount of cloud are made at each hour of Hongkong Standard time. The character and direction of the motion of the clouds are observed every three hours. Daily readings are taken of self-regis- tering maximum and minimum thermometers.

Principal features of the Weather.-The principal features of the weather in 1923, were:—

(a) Drought in January, February, March and May, and abnormally heavy rains in June, July, August and October.

F 5

(b) Large number of typhoons; one of which, on August 18,

caused considerable damage in Hongkong,

December.

ins.

Barometric pressure was moderately above normal in January, March and December, moderately below from April to July and considerably below in August and November. The mean pressure for the year at station level was 29-828 as against 29'820ins. in 1922 and 29-842ins for the past 40 years. The highest pressure was 30.311ins.

on December 30 as against 30 445 in 1922 and 30'509ius. for the past 40 years. The lowest pressure was 28 590ins. on August 18 (the lowest on record) as against 29-174 in 1922.

ins,

The temperature of the air was considerably above normal in March, November and December and moderately above in April and May. In the remaining months it was nearly normal. The mean temperature for the year was 725 as against 724 in 1922 and 719 for the past 40 years. The highest temperature was 92°9 on August 4, as against 93°1 in 1922 and 97°0 for the past 40 years. The lowest temperature was 45°-7 on January 4 as against 43° 7 in 1922 and 32°:0 for the past 40 years.

ins.

The rainfall was moderately above normal in April, consi- derably above in July and very considerably above in August and October. It was considerably below normal in January, February, March and May. The total for the year was 10674 as against 69:43. in 1922, and 84-79" for the past 40 years. The greatest fall in one civil day was 11:50ins on October 31 and the greatest in one hour was 2'82ins between 1.30 a.m. and 2.30 a.m. on October 31.

The wind velocity was very considerably below normal in September, considerably below in February and moderately below in January, May, October and December. It was very consider- ably above normal in July and considerably above in August. The mean velocity for the year was 12.2 m p.h. as against 116 m.p.h. in 1922, and 126 m.p.h. for the past 40 years. The maxim- um velocity for one hour, as recorded by the Beckley Anemo- graph, was 106 miles at 10 a.m. on August 18 as against 55 miles in 1922 and 108 miles for the past 40 years. The maximum squall velocity as recorded by the Dines-Baxendell Anemograph, was at the rate of 130 m.p h. at 10h. 13m. a.m. on August 18 (the highest on record) as against 75 m.p.h. in 1922.

Rainfall at Four Stations.-In the following table the monthly rainfall for the year 1923 at the Observatory is compared with the fall at the Police Station, Tai Po; the Botanical Gardens; and the Matilda Hospital, Mount Kellet:-

F 6

Botanical

Matilda

Observatory Police Station!

Months.

Gardens

(Kowloon).

(Taipo).

Hospital

(Hongkong). (Hongkong).

inches.

January,

0°130

0'53

O'21

0*20

February,

0°390

0.28

0'64

0.86

March,

0·660

0'40

0.84

0.60

April,

8.370

10'45

7'94

6'41

May,

3'795

4'49

4'36

3.86

June,

15 720

17.84

18.51

7114

July,

18.525

28.57

20 ̊43

1158

August,

34°310

42.08

3518

25'02

September,...

6.285

3*02

6.91

918

October,

17.835

9:00

12.84

18.05

November,

0*405

0.28

0*55

0'56

December,

0.315

0*08

063

0'5+

Year,..

106'740

117'02

109'04

94'00

Floods. The heaviest rainfall occurred at the Observatory as

follows:

Period.

Amount.

Duration.

Greatest fall in 1 hour.

‹l.

11.

d. h.

inches.

hours.

Amount.

inches.

Time.

d. h.

July

April...12

...30

May June...12

...20

April 13

5.26

2.17

1 to

June 4

4:50

0.61

April 12 5 June 1 18

June 15

7:45

1.19

June 14 10

July 23

6.29

0:60

July

July...26

to July 31

9.61

0.81

July

Aug. 4

20 to Aug.

نا

6.86

0 $3

Aug.

Aug. ...10

10 to Aug. 19

10:55

1·23

Aug.

Aug....27 12 to Aug. 31

1.4

15.87

1.58

Aug.

43768 29

27 13

18 14

Oct. ...30 9 to Oct. 31

16.09

2.82 Oct. 31

rains.

Serious floods and landslides were caused by these heavy

Typhoons.The tracks of 20 typhoons and 4 of the principal depressions which occurred in the Far East in 1923 are given in two plates in the Monthly Meteorological Bulletin for December,

1923.

IV.-PUBLICATIONS.

Daily Weather Report and Map.-A weather map of the Far East for 6 a.m. of the 120th meridian, and the Daily Weather Report (containing meteorological observations, usually at 6". and 14", from about 40 stations in China, Indo-China, Japan, the Philippines

F 7

and Borneo) and Daily Weather Forecasts for Hongkong to Gap Rock, the Formosa Channel, the south coast of China between Hongkong and Lamocks, and between Hongkong and Hainan, were issued as in former years. Copies of the map were exhibited on notice boards at the Hongkong Ferry Pier, Blake Pier, and the Harbour Office. One copy was sent daily to the Institute of Engineers and Ship- builders and one to the Director of the Meteorological Observatory, Macao. Forty copies of the Daily Weather Report were distributed to various offices, etc., in the Colony, and a copy was sent daily to the Director of the Meteorological Observatory, Macao. Copies were sent every week to the Hydrographic Office, Bangkok.

A charge of $10 a year is made for supplying private firms and individuals with the Daily Weather Report, and $36 for the Weather Map. No map was published on August 12, owing to the late arrival of weather telegrams. On several other occasions the map, though published, contained but meagre information.

The Weather Forecast is telegraphed daily to the Cape d'Aguilar Wireless Station in time for distribution at 1 p.m. It is broadcast again at 5 p.m.

An evening Weather Report and Forecast, based upon the 2 p.m., observations from about 30 stations, has been issued since June 1. It is broadcast by Cape d'Aguilar at 7 p.m., and repeated at 8 p.m.

Monthly Meteorological Bulletin.-The monthly Meteorological Bulletin, which includes the Daily Weather Report, was published as usual, and distributed to the principal observatories and scientific institutions in different parts of the world.

Monthly Seismological Bulletin.-The publication of a monthly seismological bulletin, giving particulars of earthquakes recorded by the Milne-Shaw seismograph, was continued throughout the year, and distributed to the principal seismological Observatories.

Miscellaneous Returns.-A monthly abstract of observations made at the Observatory is published in the Government Gazette, and monthly and yearly results are published in the Blue Book in the form suggested by the London Meteorological Office for the British Colonies. The monthly departures from normal of the barometric pressure at four China Coast Ports are communicated to the Commonwealth Meteorologist, Melbourne, in connection with long range weather forecasts. Monthly meteorological returns are forwarded to the Meteorological Magazine, and annual returns to the Stock Exchange Official Intelligence, the Colonial Office List and Whitaker's Almanack. Particulars of the calendar, eclipses, times of sunrise and sunset &c., are communicated to the "Directory and Chronicle" and the "Hongkong Dollar Directory."

F 8

V.-WEATHER TELEGRAMS, FORECASTS, AND STORM WARNINGS.

Daily Weather Telegrams.-The improvement in this service. received a set back by the disastrous earthquakes near Yokohama on September 1——2. No weather telegrams were received from Japanese stations between September 1 and October 2.

On March 8 the service of weather telegrams from Wei Ilai Wei ceased, owing to the closing of the Eastern Extension Tele- graph Company's Office at this station, in view of the impending rendition of Wei Hai Wei. Through the courtesy of the Cable Company and the Chinese Maritime Customs this station was replaced by Chefoo from which weather telegrams have been promptly and regularly received since September 5.

A welcome addition to the list of telegraphic reporting stations is Basco, one of a group of islands midway between Luzon and Formosa. By the courtesy of the Director of the Philippines Weather Bureau observations from this station have been received, with few interruptions, since October 2, ria Manila,

Occasionally belated weather telegrams are received from South China, but as a rule the observations from these districts are posted in batches to Hongkong, as are those from Central China.

Extra Weather Telegrams.-The following stations send extra weather telegrams at half rate during typhoons, on receipt of cer- tain code words from Hongkong:-Amoy, Canton, Macao, Phulien, Sharp Peak, and Taihoku. The Director of the Philippines Wea- ther Bureau also sends extra telegrams, at his discretion, from Aparri or some other station nearer the typhoon centre. The extra 9 p.m. telegram from Swatow, kindly sanctioned by the Chinese Telegraph Administration during the typhoon season, was seldom received.

Weather Telegrams by Radio.-The following table gives the monthly number of ships from which radio meteorological messages have been received, and the number of messages received (each) arrival and departure is counted separately) :-

Month,

F 9

British (including H.M.

Ships).

Other National-

ities.

Total

No. of ships.

No. of

messages.

No. of ships.

No. of

messages.

No. of ships.

No. of

messages.

January, February, March, April,..

26 13

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,.....

November,.

December,

# aut ayout wit

128

153

108

Totals 1923,

196

431

627

Totals 1922,

280

369

649

Totals 1921,

121

145

266

Totals 1920,

140

Totals 1949,

It will be seen that while the number of foreign ships sending weather reports by radio telegraphy has increased by 17%, the number of British ships has decreased by 30%.

This is a serious matter which is engaging the attention of the Government.

Results of Weather Forecasts.--The results of comparison of the daily weather forecasts with the weather subsequently experienced are given below, with the results of the previous five years:-

F 10

Year.

Complete Partial Success. Success.

Partial Failure. Failure.

Total

1918

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

ale OOOO-

The forecast comprises wind direction, wind force, and weather. Complete success means correct in three elements. Partial success means correct in only two elements. Partial failure means correct in only one element. Total failure means correct in no element.

The method of analysis is described in 1918 Report.

Storm Warnings.-At the request of the Chamber of Commerce the Hongkong Government adopted the China Seas Storm Signal Code from 1920, June 1, in place of the Hongkong Non-Local Code introduced in 1917. The signals are displayed on Kowloon Signal Hill,

The following Ports are warned by a telegraphic adaptation of the code:-Sharp Peak, Swatow, Amoy, Santuao, Macao, Canton, Wuchow, Phulien, Taihoku, Manila, Labuan, and Singapore. 218 storm warnings were sent in 1923 and 229 were received from Manila. 3 were received from Phulien, via Quang Chau Wan Radio Station.

Local typhoon signals are exhibited on the Observatory radio. mast and repeated at the Harbour Office, H.M.S. Tamar, Green Island, the Godown Company, (Kowloon), Lyemun, and Lai Chi Kok, during the day.

The local night signals are exhibited on the Observatory Radio Mast and repeated on the tower of the Kowloon Railway Station, on H.M.S. Tamar, and at the Harbour Office.

A translation of the non-local and local storm warnings is exhibited at the Harbour Office, the General Post Office and the Star Ferry Piers and also sent to the Cape d'Aguilar Radio Station, whence it is broadcast at about noon and repeated every two hours until midnight. If a second warning is issued during the day the later warning is substituted.

When a local storm warning is displayed at the Observatory a cone is exhibited at several outlying stations for the benefit of native craft and passing ocean vessels.

F 11

In the following table is given the number of hours the local signal were hoisted in each of the years 1919-1923 :—

Red Signals.

Black Signals.

Bombs.

Year.

Number of hours hoisted.

Number of times fired.

1919

105

1920

107

156

1921

121

1922

ISI

154

1923

181

252

The figures in the above table include the number of hours that night signals, corresponding to the day signals, were hoisted.

The red signal indicates that a depression exists which may possibly cause a gale at Hongkong within 24 hours. The black signals indicate that a gale is expected at Hongkong.

Three bombs fired at intervals of 10 seconds indicate that wind of typhoon force is anticipated.

VI.-METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FROM SHIPS, TREATY POrts, &c.

Logs received. In addition to meteorological registers kept at about 40 stations in China, meteorological logs were received from 178 ships operating in the Far East. These logs, representing 7139 days' observations, have been utilised for verifying typhoon tracks. The corresponding figures for the year 1922 were 172 and 5763.

Comparison of Barometers.-The corrections to ships' baro- meters are usually obtained by comparing their readings while at Hongkong with those of the Observatory Standard. Occasionally ship captains bring their barometers to the Observatory to be com- pared with the Observatory Standard.

VII-MAGNETIC OBSERVATIONS.

Horizontal force, declination, and dip are observed once a month. In the dip observations 4 needles are used in rotation, the result for each month being the mean of determinations with two needles.

F 12

In the following table are given the annual values of the magnetic elements in 1923, as derived from observations made in the new magnetic hut with magnetometer Elliott 83 and dip circle. Dover 71:--

1923.

Declination (west)

0.23.2

Dip (north)

30.44.7

Horizontal Force (C.G.S. unit)

0.37284

Vertical Force (C.G.S. unit)

0'22177

Total Force (C.G.S. unit)

0.43381

The Horizontal Force and Declination observations were made with Magnets No. 83 from January to May inclusive. On May 16 the lens and scale of the collimator magnet were accidently fractured and Magnets No. 55 were used in unifilar Elliott No. 83 from June until the end of the year.

The damaged magnet was sent to England for repair in January 1924.

VIIL-TIME BALL.

Time Ball. The Time Ball on Kowloon Signal Hill is dropped at 10a.m. and 4 p.m., daily, except on Saturdays when it is dropped at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Sundays and Holidays when it is dropped at 10 a.m. only. (120th Meridian Time).

The Ball is hoisted half mast at the 55th minute and full mast at the 57th minute. If the ball fails to drop at the correct time it is lowered at 5 minutes past the hour and the ordinary routine repeated at the following hour, if possible.

On no

When the Time Ball is out of order the above routine is carried out with flag "Z", on the storm signal mast. occasion was the flag system required in 1923.

From

Time Signals are also given at night by means of three white lamps mounted vertically on the Observatory radio mast. Sh. 56m. Os. to 9h. Om. Os. p.m. the lamps are extinguished momentarily at the even seconds, except at the 2nd, 28th, 50th, 52nd, and 54th of each minute. The 9 p.m. signals were repeated at midnight on December 31, the last flash indicating the close of the year 1923. The hours refer to Hongkong Standard Time (8 hours East of Greenwich).

F 13

The Time Ball was dropped successfully 658 times. There was one failure; on November 23, when the handle of the winding gear was broken and it was impossible to raise the ball to the top of the mast by 10h. The handle was repaired by the Railway Department and replaced in time for the ball to be dropped at 16h. The ball was also dropped accidently on November 20 at 15h. 57 m., but was raised and dropped correctly at 16h. On 9 occa- sions the ball was not raised owing to typhoon gales.

In the following table is given the number of times different errors occurred in the years 1922 and 1923.—

Error.

Number of Times.

1923

604

1922

03 sec. or less

633

0'4

0*5

0.6

0'7 0.8

0'9

The mean probable error of the time ball in each month for the past five years is given in the following table :-

Probable Error of the Time Ball.

Month.

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

January,

0*24

+0.17

±0.25

*20

February,

*30

±0.10 *15

+0.16

*12

*21

"I I

March..

April..

*19

*15

*27

*20

*18

May,

*17

*16

*10

*13

June,

*17

'I I

*21

July,

*22

August,.

*15

'I I

*10

*28

ΙΟ

September,

*24

'20

*15

October,

*15

'10

'JO

*15

November,

*14

'IO

*17

'21

'I I

December,

Means,....

±0.15 +0.18

+0.18

+0.13

±0.17

F 14

Time Signal by Radio Telegraphy.-In addition to the time signals given by the Time Ball, and on the radio mast, signals are sent at 10h. and 21h. by radio telegraphy via Stonecutters. Par- ticulars of the programme are given in the 1918 Report and in Government Notification No. 452 of 12.3.21. The service was transferred from Cape d'Aguilar to Stonecutters on May 1, 1921.

Radio Receiving Set.-The radio receiving set was in use throughout the year. 256 comparisons were obtained with the Manila Observatory clock via Cavite, and 5 with the Tokio Observatory clock, via Funabashi.

The mean of the comparisons makes Tokio 0'44 sec. fast and Manila 114 secs. fast on Hongkong. The corresponding figures in 1922 were 0.54 and 1:03.

made

Transit Instrument.-Observations for time were chronographically by the Chinese computers, and were supple- mented by eye and ear observations of the sun's limbs, circumpolar, and other stars made by the Chief Assistant for the purpose of checking the computers' observations, and determining the errors of the instrument.

The number of observations in the years 1922 and 1923 were as follows:

Transits

Level determination

Azimuth

Collimation

1922 1923

1307

1424

696

787

On January 11 the 3" transit instrument by Troughton and Simms was dismounted and sent to England for renovation by Messrs. Cooke, Troughton and Simms. A 24" non-reversible transit by Dolland, kindly loaned by the Singapore Government, has been in use since that date. The observations made with this instrument by the Chinese computers have been extremely discord- ant and, in consequence, the pre-determination of clock errors has presented considerable difficulty.

Clocks. The performance of the Standard Sidereal clock has been characterised by a steady increase in the daily losing rate for the past two years, apparently irrespective of any consideration of pressure, temperature or season. On November 8, 1923, the losing rate having increased to 117 secs., 14 gramme was added to the pendulum. This altered the losing rate to-0'40 sec., which has since been maintained, with inconsiderable variations.

•

F 15

In the following table is given the excess of the observed over the computed error after cloudy periods during 1923 :-

Date 1923.

January

Interval without observations.

2 days

Excess of observed over computed error.

sees.

+ 0'00

0'45

+ 0'20

+ 0.29

+ 0.04

February

23 28

March

I I

April

May

June

爷爷

July

[ I

August

September 2 15

October 16

November 16

་་

December 3

哆哆

+MNON+N+MO on M M N 1900 in 10 in tIGN O NANNNN ~~+

+ 0.04

0*36 +0*24 + 0.03 0'09

+ 0.15

+ 0.27

+ 0.25 +0.14

+ 0*39 +053

+ 0·09 0*10

+ 0*35

O'I I

+ OII

+ 0·09

+ 0.24

0.95

0'49

0.62

+ 0.56

0'27 + 0.27

0*33

0*18

0.42

+ 0.18

The Dent Mean Time clock (No. 39740) was used throughout the year for dropping the Time Ball, maintaining the electric time service in the Observatory, and sending hourly signals to the Railway, the Post Office, the Telephone Co., and the Eastern Extension Telegraph Co. The clock is corrected daily before 10 a.m. and before 4 p.m. by the electric regulating apparatus. The daily rate of the pendulum is kept below 0'5 sec. by the addition or removal of weights.

Chronometer Dent No. 40917 is on loan to the Stonecutters Radio Station.

Batteries, Power Supply, &e.--The necessary current for the Time Service has been supplied by accumulator batteries, charged as found necessary from the alternating maius of the China Light

F 16

and Power Co. Ltd., by a rotary converter. For rectifying alternat- ing current the converter has proved more economical than Nodon Valves, which were used only for charging the high tension battery of the radio receiving set, for which purpose the converter is unsuitable. Becoming gradually less efficient the valves were finally discarded in July in favour of a Tungar rectifier, which has worked satisfactorily.

IX.-MISCELLANEOUS,

Seismograph.-The Milne-Shaw seismograph received in December, 1922, was set up on the west side of the seismograph pier in the newly completed Underground Room on May 3. It is orientated to record movements in an East-West direction. The instrument received in September 1921 remained on a temporary mounting until August 8, in order that its records might be com- pared with those of the new instrument on the underground pier. It was then set up parallel to the new instrument on the same pier.

An examination of the records showed that during an earth- quake, the movements of the two pendulums side by side, though generally similar, were not identical.

The older pendulum was mounted in its final position at right angles to the other pendulum on September 3, thus completing the outfit for obtaining the north and east components of earth

movements.

The result of comparisons of the records of the instrument on the temporary and permanent mountings is given below :--

Phenomenon.

Temporary mounting.

Underground Pier.

Diurnal Tilt.

Very marked; magnitude de- pending on daily range of temperature.

So small as to be

usually unmea- surable.

Effect of typhoons. Very marked; large irregular Only slight

movements superposed on

tremor storms.

1remor storms.

Tremor Storms.

Irregular micro-

seisms.

Very marked; fairly frequent and occasionally lasting for several days at a time.

Very slight; only

occasional.

Very marked; fairly frequent | Very slight; only

and occasionally lasting for occasional. several days at a time.

F 17

So far as I am aware this is the first time that direct compari- sons between two such mountings has been made, though it has generally been conceded that a solid pier in an underground room is necessary for the satisfactory registration of earth movements.

141 earthquakes were recorded during the year, as against 144 in 1922. The seismograms have been forwarded to the President of the Seismological Committee, Oxford.

Upper Air Research.--49 flights with pilot balloons were made during the year. The results of the observations have been sent to the Commission International pour l'exploration de la haute atmosphere, Kristiania.

Observations by the "tail" method have shown that the assumption of a constant rate of ascent is not justified. Observa- tions with one theodolite therefore will not give results of the accuracy necessary in upper air research. An attempt is being made to secure observations with a second theodolite at a point about 3 miles to the NNW of the Observatory.

Staff. No change occurred in the European staff. Mr. B. D. Evans, First Assistant, was on leave from February 21 to November 14.

Wan Suit Ngam, (IIIrd grade Telegraphist-computer) retired on January 31 and Lam Kai Tseung was promoted to IIIrd grade.

Lau Pak Wah and Chu Ip Sheung were promoted to Vth Grade on January 1, Chan Lai Man was appointed IVth Grade Telegraphist-Computer on 1922, December 7.

Expenditure.--The annual expenditure on the Observatory for the past ten years is as follows:

Year.

Total Expenditure.

Increase.

Decrease.

1914

25,398.31

1,142.82

1915

23,233.12

1916

21,977.78

2,165.19 1,255.34

1917

26,890.50

4,192.72

1918

20,028.24

6,862.26

1919

23,450.57

3,422.33

1920

25,965.66

2,515.09

1921

32,700,51

6,734-85

1922

38.350.10

5.649.59

1923

38,522.58

172.48

F 18

Acknowledgements.-Acknowledgements are here made to the Directors of Weather Services in the Far East, and the Chinese Maritime Customs authorities, for daily observations and extra observations during typhoon weather, to the Telegraph Companies for transmitting the observations free of charge, to the Commanders of vessels who have furnished meteorological observations by post and by radio telegraphy, to the Directors of the various Observa- tories and Institutions, and private persons, who have presented their publications to the Library, and to the Observatory staff for the efficient manner in which they have carried out their respective duties.

1924, February 20.

T. F. CLAXTON,

Director.

Appendix G.

REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT FOR THE YEAR 1923.

1.-ORIGINAL JURISDICTION,

Two hundred and seventy five (275) actions were instituted in this division of the Court during the year 1923, as against 229 in 1922. One hundred and sixty eight (168) were disposed of during the year, 38 being settled or withdrawn before trial as against 130 and 52 respectively in 1922. Of the 49 cases which had been set down for trial 19 were disposed of during the year.

No injunction was granted during the year.

The claims amounted to $2,170,228.52.

The debts and damages recovered amounted to $1,550,436.35 as against $771,401.97.

The fees collected amounted to $12,166.40 as against $11,073.35 in 1922.

Tables setting out in detail the figures contained in this and the following paragraphs are printed at page O 1, O 2, Y2 and Y3 of the Blue Book for the year 1922.

2.-SUMMARY JURISDICTION.

One thousand nine hundred and thirteen (1913) actions were instituted during the year as against 1689 in 1922.

The cases were disposed of as follows:-Settled or withdrawn $56, Judgment for the Plaintiff 645, Judgment for the Defendant 29, Nonsuit 2, Struck off, Dismissed, or Lapsed 16, and Pending 365 as against 710, 569, 23, 5, 13 and 369 respectively in 1922.

The claims amounted to $355,439.12 as against $310,577.34 in 1922, and the amounts recovered were $127,916.62 as against $122,871.85 in 1922.

The number of Rent Distress Warrants issued was 467 representing unpaid rents amounting to $62,709.06 of which $14,610.60 were recovered, as against 414, $44,610.70 and $15,604.96 respectively in 1922.

G 2

Three hundred and sixty nine (369) Warrants were withdrawn on settlement between the parties as against 327 in 1922.

The fees collected amounted to $3,088 as against $5,733.35 in 1922.

3.-CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.

There were 146 cases and 209 persons committed for trial at the Criminal Sessions, as against 93 and 130 respectively in 1922.

The number of persons actually indicted was 203 of whom 167 were convicted and 36 were acquitted. Against 6 persons the case was abandoned. In 1922 the figures were respectively 123, 101, 22 and 7.

4.-APPELLATE JURISDICTION.

Four appeals were lodged during the year, three from the decisions of the Chief Justice, and one from the decision of the Puisne Judge.

Of the four appeals two were dismissed, one was discontinued and the other is pending.

Provisional leave to appeal to the Privy Council was granted in one action viz:--Procureur General in Hongkong of the Sociètè des Mission Etrangères v. The Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company, Limited (O. J. No. 229 of 1921).

5.--ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION,

Fourteen actions were instituted during the year. tried, two were settled and the others are pending.

Three were

The fees collected amounted to $584.85 as against $945.45 in 1922.

6.--BANKRUPTCY JURISDICTION

Seventeen (17) petitions were filed, 9 being creditors' petitions and 8 debtors' petitions. The figures for 1922 were respectively

13, 10 and 3.

The number of Receiving Orders made was 7, being 3 on creditors' petitions and 4 on debtors' petitions. The figures for 1922 were respectively 8, 5 and 3.

The number of Public Examinations held was 3 as against 1 in 1922. There were 6 Adjudications as against 5 in 1922.

No Scheme of Arrangement was put through. Two petitions were withdrawn, 2 bankrupts obtained their discharge, 1 Receiving Order was rescinded, and no petition was dimissed.

G 3

The estimated assets, in cases where Receiving Orders were made and not subsequently rescinded, were $39,176.02 and the estimated liabilities $900,254.14 as against $37,715,55 and $356,703.00 respectively in 1922.

The fees collected amounted to $2153.15 as against $945.45 in 1922 and the Official Receiver's Commission as Trustee, where no Trustee had been appointed by the Creditors, was $2,676.34 as against $3,107.17 in 1922.

7.—PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION.

Two hundred and thirty (230) grants were made by the Court being:-

Probate

Letters of Administration........ Declarations for Commissioner.

110

120

Nil

230

The figures in 1922 were respectively 113 and 118 total 231.

The aggregate value of the estates was $6,648,100.00 as against $11,970,400.00 in 1922.

Probate and Estate Duties amounted to $281,747.85, Court Fees to $13,710.55, and Official Administrator's Commission to $2,148.71. The figures in 1922 were, respectively, $709,614.85, $15,482.60 and $2,045.88.

There were 116 Estates vested in or administered by the Official Administrator during the year, representing an aggregate value of $117,032.02. The figures for 1922 were respectively, 94 and $88,389.83.

Eighteen (18) were wound up during the year, of the total value of $16,543.38 as against 23 in 1922 of the total value of $33,141.89.

Twenty two (22) new accounts were opened during the year amounting to $28,642.19.

S.-OFFICIAL TRUSTS.

The number of Trust Estates in the hands of the Official Trustee at the end of 1923 was 17 with Trust Funds amounting to $15,727.45. In 1922 it was $16,534.94. One trust was wound up during the year. No new trust was opened.

G 4

The amount of commission collected was $68.82 as against $70.72 in 1922.

9.-REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.

On the 31st December there were 560 companies on the Hongkong Register, of which 35 were in course of liquidation. During the year 87 new companies were put on the Register and 19 struck off. One company was transferred from Shanghai to the Hongkong Register.

The fees collected in respect of "China" companies amounted to $141,512.76 and those in respect of other companies to $19,518.30.

No firm was registered under the Chinese Limited Partner- ship Ordinance, 1911, and no firm under the Limited Partnership Ordinance, No. 18 of 1912 was registered.

Deposits of the total value of $3,930,000.00 have been made by Insurance Companies under the Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Deposit Ordinance, 1917.

10.-FEES AND COMMISSION,

The total sum collected during the year by way of fees and commission amounted to $69,955.20 as against $60,488.59 in the previous year.

11.-STAFF.

Mr. C. D. Melbourne, Deputy Registrar, acted as 2nd Police Magistrate from 25th June to 5th November.

Mr. H. R. Butters, Cadet Officer, acted as Deputy Registrar from 30th June to 3rd November.

[

Mr. J. V. Dodd was appointed Interpreter on probation on 1st December.

Mr. E. L. Stainfield, Clerk and Usher, proceeded on leave on 20th April and returned on 13th December.

HUGH A. NISBET, Registrar, Supreme Court.

29th February, 1921.

Table showing total number of Cases dealt with in, and Expenditure and Revenue of the Supreme Court.

(From 1913 to 1923).

G 5

Total

Number

Expenditure

Revenue

Year.

of cases

dealt with

Percentage of Revenue

Total

Increase Decrease

Total

Increase

Decrease Expenditure

號

$ C. $

€

1913.

898

1914...

98,351.02

1,091 | 107,780.92

10,004.66

*63,303.78

2,759.48

64.36

...

9,429.90

*73,422.69 10,118.91

68.12

...

1915.

832 | 110,667.68

2,886.76

*63,382.63

10,040.06

57.27

1916.

753

105,252,44

5,415.24*56,719.68

6,662.95

53.88

1917.

764

99,662,88

5,589.56*48,334.81

8,384.81

48.48

1918..

931

98.281.40

1,381.48*68,032.72 19,697.91

69.22

1919.

982 98,844.23

562.83

*61,305.87

6,726.85

62,02

1920.

872 | 113,082.79

14,238.56

*55,957.31

5,348.56

49.48

1921

851 | 118,782.72

5,699.93

*58,830.97 2,873.66

49.52

1922.

827 | 126,424.34

7,641.62

...

*60,448,59 1,617.62

47.83

1923

962 | 128,838.62

2,414.28

*69,955.20 9,506.61

54.29

*Not including amounts paid direct to Treasury for fees in respect of Licences to keep Local Registers by the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Ordinance, 1911.

€

Appendix H.

REPORT OF THE POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURTS FOR THE YEAR 1923.

Mr. J. R. Wood acted as First Police Magistrate and Coroner from 1st January to the end of the year.

Mr. R. E. Lindsell acted as Second Police Magistrate from 1st January to 24th June; Mr. C. D. Melbourne from 25th June to 6th November; Mr. N. L. Smith from 6th November to 19th November; and Mr. E. W. Hamilton from 20th November to the end of the year.

The number of cases was 21,811 as compared with 18,221 in 1922 and the revenue was $184,926.15 as compared with $159,928.50.

Table I shows the total number of cases tried and the Revenue and Expenditure of the Magistracy for the years 1914–1923.

Table II shows the list of offences tried during the year.

Table III gives an Abstract of cases under cognizance of the Police Magistrates' Courts during the year.

Table IV gives a return of punishments awarded in respect of certain classes of offences during the year.

Table V gives an Abstract of cases brought under cognizance of the Police Magistrates' Courts during a period of the last ten

years.

7th April, 1924.

R. E. LINDSELL,

Police Magistrate.

Table I.

Table showing total Number of Cases tried in, and Expenditure and Revenue of the Magistracy for the years 1914 to 1923.

H 2

EXPENDITURE.

REVENUE.

Year.

Total.

Increase. Decrease. Total.

Increase.

Decrease.

Total

Number

of Cases

tried.

Percentage

of Ex-

penditure to Revenue

1914.

1915.

42,807.15*

60.06 92,109.34*

66,342.22

11,034

46.47

44,041.33* 1,234.18

75,130.13*|

16,979.21

12,263

58.62

1916.

40,642.43*

3,398.90 109,664.82* 34,534.69

15,057

37.06

1917.

38,510.07**

3,132.36

75,391.17*

34,273.65

11,922

51.08

1918.

40,804.18* 2,294.11

69,603.39*

5,787.78

10,051

58.62

1919.

40,774.23*

29.95 90,851.36* 21,247.97

12,998

44.77

1920.

1921.

45,539.94* 4,765.71 21,867.02*;

103,132.51* 12,281.15

15,304

44.15

23,672.92 149,195.72* 46,063.21

17,374

14.65

1922.

24,694.04* 2,827.02

159,928.50* 10,832.68

18,221

15:44

1923..

184,926.15* 24,997.65

21,811

* Cases tried in New Territories Courts not included.

ม่

OFFENCES.

Table II.

POLICE COURTS.

LIST of OFFENCES TRIED during the year 1923.

No. OF

CASES.

NO. OF

PRI-

SONERS.

OFFENCES.

No. OF

No. of

PRI-

CASES.

İSONERS.

H 3

Accessories and Abettors Ordinance-3 of 1865,

Brought forward,

303

312

Common Law Offences,

Advertisement Regulation Ordinance-3 of 1918,

7 Copyright Ordinance--11 of 1918,

Arms and Ammunition Ordinance-2 of 1900,- Contraventions of,

Criminal Intimidation Ordinance-13 of 1920,

251

259

Coroner's Abolition Ordinance-5 of 1888,

Bankruptcy Ordinance-7 of 1891,-

Dangerous Goods Ordinance-1 of 1878,-

Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance-7 of 1896,— Contraventions of,

Contraventions of Regulations made thereunder,

Dangerous Smoking Prevention Ordinance-3 of 1900...

Boarding House Ordinance--23 of 1917,

Deportation Ordinance- 25 of 1917,

Chinese Marriage Preservation Ordinance--42 of 1912,

心

Dogs Ordinance-5 of 1893,~

Coinage Offences Ordinance-7 of 1865,-

Contraventions of.

Offences relating to the King's gold and silver coin, (Sections 3-12),

15 Employers and Servants Ordinance-45 of 1902,— Proceedings under,

Offences relating to the King's foreign coin, (Sec.

tions 15-20),

2 Extradition Acts-1870 to 1906,.

Carried forward,.

303

312

Carried forward,.

530

568

OFFENCES.

Table II,-Continued.

List of OFFENCES, ETC.,-Continued.

NUMBER No. of

PRI-

CASES.

SONERS.

OFFENCES.

NUMBER No. of

PRI-

CASES. SONERS.

H 4

Brought forward,.

530

568

Explosive Substance Ordinance-23 of 1913,

Fisheries (Dynamite) Ordinance-4 of 1911,

Brought forward,

Gunpowder and Fireworks Ordinance-14 of 1901,— Contraventions of and Offences under,

Holts Wharf Ordinance-6 of 1908,

1,287 2,576

Forgery Ordinance-11 of 1922,-

Forgery of Bank notes, (Section 2A),..

1 |│Importation and Exportation Ordinance-32 of 1915,

Forgery of Bank notes, Deeds, Bon·ls etc. (Section 4),

Indecent Exhibition Ordinance-3 of 1918,

Making and engraving seal, dies for forgery, (Sec- tion 8),

Larceny Ordinance-5 of 1865,—

Simple Larceny,

912

945

Demanding Property upon forged instruments, (Sec-

tion 9).

Larceny of cattle and other animals, (Sections 9-17), of things attached to or growing on land, (Sections 22-28),

201

218

Larceny from the person and similar Offences,

In possession of special paper for making bank notes (Section 11),

(Sections 29-37),

368

413

Fugitive Offenders Act 1881,- Proceedings under,

Gambling Ordinance-2 of 1891.—

Contraventions of and Offences under,

723 1,975

Carried forward.

1.287 | 2,576

Sacrilege Burglary and house breaking, (Sections 38—47),

Larceny in dwelling houses. (Sectious 48-49),

or embezzlement by clerks, servants, &c., (Sections 54-60),

Frauds by bankers, agents, &c., (Sections 62–74). Obtainingproperty by false pretences,(Sections75-78),

Carried forward..

2,965 4,363

OFFENCES.

Table II,-Continued.

LIST of OFFENCES, ETC.,-Continued.

NUMBER No. of

PRI-

CASES. SONERS.

OFFENCES.

NUMBER No. of

PRI-

CASES. SONERS.

- H 5 —

Brought forward,.

Receiving stolen property, (Sections 79–87),

2,965 | 4,363

129

148

Restitution and recovery of stolen property, (Sec- tions 88-90),

Apprehension of offenders and other proceedings,

ง

Marine Store Protection Ordinance-13 of 1919,

Brought forward,

Malicious Damage Ordinance-6 of 1865 Injuries by machinery etc., (Section 15),

Miscellaneous injuries, (Sections 42-44),

7,896 10,339

(Sections 91-97),

Licensing Ordinance--8 of 1887,-

Married Women (Maintenance in case of desertion) Ordinance-10 of 1905,-

Contraventions of and Offences under,

2,830 | 2,880

Proceedings under,

Regulations made thereunder,

282

Merchant Shipping Ordinance-1 of 1899,-

Live Stock Import and Export Regulation Crdinance- 15 of 1903.

Contraventions of and Offences under Part VI, (Sections 21-30),.

Liquor Licence Ordinance – 9 of 1911,~ Contraventions of and Offences under Part I,

Merchant Shipping Act, -

Branches of discipline,

(Sections 3-40).

Part II, (Sections 41-73),

III. (

74-96),

Merchandise Marks Ordinance-4 of 1890,-

Contraventions of and Offences under,

Magistrates Ordinance-3 of 1890,-

Misdemeanour Punishment Ordinance-1 of 1898,-

ม่

Offences under,..

1,593 2,590

Offences under,...

110

111

Carried forward,

7,896 10,339

|10,339

Carried forward,..

8,047 10,500

|10,500

OFFENCES.

Table II,-Continued.

LIST of OFFENCES, ETC.,-Continued.

No. or

CASES.

No. of

PRI-

SONERS.

OFFENCES.

No. of

CASES.

No. of

PRI-

SONERS

H 6-

Brought forward,

8,047 |10,500

Brought forward,.

Offences against the person Ordinance-2 of 1865,—

Piers Ordinance-11 of 1899,-

Homicide, (Sections 2-9),

Contraventions of Regulations made thereunder,.

|11,361 | 15,858

Attempt to Murder (Sections 10-14),

Acts causing or tending to cause danger to life, &c., (Sections 16-31),..

Police Force Ordinance-11 of 1900,— Offences under,.

Assaults, (Sections 32–43),

378

411

Forcible taking or detention of persons, (Sections

Post Office Ordinance-6 of 1900,-

44-45),.

Abominable offences, (Sections 50–54), .

00.00

Contraventions of and Offences under,

Prison Ordinance-4 of 1899,—

Opium Ordinance-4 of 1914,-

Offences under..........

ล

Contraventions of Part I,

(Sections 5-18),

188

223

II.

19-34),

III,

35-62),

1,238 | 1,826 1,349 | 2,698

Protection of Women and Girls Ordinance-4 of 1897,- Offences under,..

222223

Opium Ordinance-27 of 1917,

Pawn Brokers Ordinance-1 of 1860,-- Contraventions of,

Pharmacy Ordinance-9 of 1916,

Piracy Prevention Ordinance-23 of 1914,

Curried forward,

19 Public Health and Buildings Ordinance-1 of 1903,- Contraventions of Part II, (Sections 8-95), 96-235),

315

824

III, (

344 356

Public Places Regulation Ordinance-2 of 1870,- Cont aventions of Regulations made thereunder,

8 Railway Ordinance-21 of 1909,

تات

11.361 15,858

Carried forward,

|12,119 |16,645

OFFENCES.

Brought forward,

Table II,-Continued.

LIST of OFFENCES, ETC.,-Continued.

Rating Ordinance-6 of 1901,

Registration of Persons Ordinance-6 of 1916,

Regulation of Chinese Ordinance-3 of 1888,- Offences under Part IV, (Sections 18-21),

No. of

CASES.

No OF

PRI-

SONERS,

12,119 16.645

OFFENCES.

Brought forward,.

Possession of stolen goods, (Sections 36—41),

Theatres and Public Performances Regulation Ordinance-18 of 1908.

No. OF

PRI-

SONERS,

No. of

CASES.

15,182 19,961

310 322

137

139

V. (

22-28),

Tobacco Ordinance-10 of 1916,

Tramways Ordinance-2 of 1883,-

Rogue and Vagabond 5 Geo. IV, c. 83,

Contraventions of Rules made under bye-laws, and Offences made thereunder,

Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance--8 of 1896,— Offences under,..

Servant Quarters Ordinance-11 of 1903,-

Offences under.............

Vagrancy Ordinance-9 of 1897,-

Proceedings under,.

Societies Ordinance-47 of 1911,

Vehicles and Traffic Regulation Ordinance-40 of 1912,- Contraventions of Regulations made thereunder,

4,440 | 5,000

Stamp Ordinance-16 of 1901,—

and Offences

1,573 | 1,595

Öffences under,.

Volunteer Ordinance-4 of 1893,

Stowaways Ordinance—5 of 1903,—

Offences under,

Water Works Ordinance-16 of 1903,—

Offences under,

Summary Offences Ordinance—l of 1845,-

Nuisances, Trespasses and Similar Offences, (Sections 3-21),

2,704 | 2,841

Weights and Measures Ordinance—2 of 1885,- Contraventions of and Offences under,

Offences against good order, (Sections 22–35),

188 265

Undecided Cases,

103

Carried forward,

|15,182 |19,961

TOTAL,

21,842 27,230

H 7

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCES.

Table III.

ABSTRACT of CASES under COGNIZANCE of the POLICE MAGISTRATES' Courts during the Year 1923.

CASES, HOW DISPOSED OF, AND THE NUMBER OF MALE AND FEMALE PRISONERS UNDER EACH HEAD.

Ordered to find Security.

WRITS ISSUED BY THE POLICE MAGISTRATES DURING THE YEAR.

Warrants.

TOTAL NUMBER

OF CASES. TOTAL NUMBER OF

PRISONERS.

Convicted and

Punished.

Discharged,

Committed for Trial

at the Supreme Court.

Committed to Prison or Detained pending Orders of H.E. the Governor.

To keep the Peace.

To be of Good Behaviour.

L. M. F. J. F. M.

Assaults and against the person, .......... Malicious injuries to property, Gambling,

offences other offences |

Offences against property other

than malicious injuries to property or predial larceny, Offences against Revenue Acts,] Highway Acts, Health Acts,

and other Acts relating to the social economy of the Colony,

Offences against Opium Ordin- ance No. 4 cf 1914 and No. 6 of 1922,

Offences against Masters and Servants Acts, including Acts relating to indentured coo- lies.....

Other offences,

M. F.

༤

599

239

25 177

723

536

1,975 1,752 2 217 4

1,817 1,946| 1,220; 48 426 12 114

7,776| 9,780| 7,557 | 141 | 1,603 |

1,537 | 2,921 | 2,078 | 25

799

242

9,302 | 9,851 | 8,601 | 114

549

104

Total,

|21,720 |27,123 |21,875|356 | 3,790

72246

سات

༧ཚ

To answer

any Charge.

Witnesses punished for preferring False Charge or giving wilful False Testimony.

Undecided.

だ

F. M.

...

121

100 + 43 3

ཁ་

M. F.

Total Number of Prisoners.

567

པ

1,975

1,946

9,622

177

FO.

2,884

Summons for Defendants.

Summons for Witnesses.

Notices of Re-hearing.

Arrest.

Distress.

Search.

For entering Gambling Houses.

Magistrates' Orders.

TOTAL.

7,512 24

127

2033 583

10,337

8,818

103

5 25,894 368 7,512 24

10 127

2033 583

48 10,337

26,262

* TOTAL MALES AND FEMALES,

Consisting of Offenders not sentenced to Imprisonment.

- H 8 ·

Table IV.

· 3.-RETURN of PUNISHMENTS awarded in respect of CERTAIN CLASSES of OFFENCES, during the Year 1923.

PUNISHMENTS.

Assaults

and other

Description.

Number of

each kind

offences

against

the

person.

Malicious

injuries to

property.

Gam-

bling.

inflicted.

Offences against property other than malicious injuries to pro- perty or predial larceny.

Offences against Revenue Acts, Highway Acts, Health Acts, and

other Acts relating to the social economy of the colony.

Offences against Masters and

Servants Acts,

Other

including Acts

offen-

relating to

ces.

indentured

coolies.

Fines,

18,104

182

1,752

202

Imprisonment in lieu

of fine or security,

3,706

6,498

9,751

128

1,182

2,025

Peremptory Imprison-

ment,

1,432

Whipping,

216

994

128

121

250

Solitary Confinement,.

"Exposed in Stocks,

Sentenced to House of Detention,

122

Bound over with or without Sureties,

324

157

Juvenile Offenders'

Prison,

TOTAL..

24,114

436

6 H

1,775

1,426

8,266

· 23

12,074

H 10

Table V.

4.—ABSTRACT of CASES brought under COGNIZANCE of the POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURTS during a period of ten years 1914-1923.

CASES, HOW DISPOSED OF, AND THE NUMBER OF MALE AND FEMALE PRISONERS UNDER EACH HEAD.

absconded.

Did not appear and

Total Year number

cases.

Convicted and punished.

Discharged.

ted for trial at

Supreme

Excellency

Court.

the

Governor.

Commit-

Committed to prison or detained pending or- ter of His

Ordered to find security

To keep the

peace, to be of

good beha- viour, and to answer any charge.

Escaped

before

being

brought

for trial at

the Ma-

gistracy.

Escaped.

Punished for preferring

false charge

Undecided.

or giving false testimony.

Total number

of defendants.

11 12 13 14 15

શ

F. M F.

M. F.

M. M. F. M. M. F. M. F.

བར

1914,

1915,

11,192 12,890 267

2,401

115 116

ลง

296 22

15,789 406

· 1916,

12,263 12,788 305 2,056 111 149

2,238

1917,

1918,

9,805

15,057 14,881 455

11.922 11,727 441 2,163 92 119

9,359 373

=£

272 20

15,320 446

96 116 4

813 40

248

17,625 595

14,311 570

1,947 127 117 10

197 41

11,665 545

Total,..

60,239 61,645 | 1,841

10,805

541 617 29 41

1,326 157

Average

per 12,047.8

Yenr.

12,329 | 368-2

2,161108-2 123.4 5.8

1919, ... 12,961

1920,

1921,

1922.

1923, ... 21,720 21,975 356 3,790 72 246

13,788 364

1,662 108 146

15,267 15,520 517 1,541

17,374 18,726 695 2,247

18,535 11,338 614 2,018 76198

སྙ

ស

8.2

2652 31-44

રે

119 136

151 85 ४

143 19

173

246 30

264 17

Total,.. 85,857

81,347 2,546 11,258

526 811 15

902 78

274

74,710 | 2,562

54.8

14,942 512-4

Average

per 17,171-4 16,269 4 509-2 | 2,2516 105-2 162-23 2.2

Year,

180-415-6

Grand Total for the

146,096

142,992 4,387

22,063 | 1,067 |1,428 44

2,228 235 2

Years,

Average

per

14,669-6 14,299-2 | 438-7 | 2,206-3 106-7 142-8 4 4

5.2

222.8 23.5

ம்

•2

Year,

13,673 475

17,380 665

21,275 864

20,835

722

.98

26,773 450

245

99,936 | 3,176

3.2

19,987-2635-2

519 16

174,646 | 5,738

51.9 1-6 17,464-6573-8

Appendix I.

REPORT OF THE LAND OFFICER FOR THE YEAR 1923.

1.-REGISTRATION.

During the year six thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven (6,837) Deeds and Documents were registered under the provisions of Ordinance No. 1 of 1844, affecting seven thousand six hundred and twenty-one (7,621) lots of land. The total money considera- tion on sales, mortgages, surrenders and miscellaneous documents amounted to $223,828,607.85 particulars of which are shown in Table 1. The total number of documents registered in the Land Office under the provisions of Ordinance No. 1 of 1844 to the end of 1923 was 89,114. The number of Deeds registered each year for the last ten years is shown in Table III.

2.--GRANTS OF LAND.

The total area of land sold and granted during the year was 1,897 acres 0 roods 36% poles of which 1,790 acres 1 rood 25% poles was in respect of lands dealt with by the District Officers; the total area resumed was 82 acres 1 rood 264 poles; the excess of land granted over land resumed during the year was 1,814 acres 3 roods 10, poles. This is exclusive of quarries and lands let for short terms or occupied under temporary permits issued by the Public Works Department.

3.-GRANTS OF LEASES.

The number of Crown leases granted during the year was 209 particulars of which are specified in Table II. The number of Crown leases issued each year for the last ten years is shown in Table III.

4.-FEES.

The total of fees collected by stamps, exclusive of the New Territories, during the year was $123,631.00 being $47,990.00 more than the previous year, and $46,094.00 more than any year on record. Land registration fees in the New Territories amounted to $15,941.06 and Crown lease fees to $300.00.

The amounts of fees collected under the different headings for the years 1914 to 1923 are shown in Table IV.

5. CROWN RENT ROLL.

The total Crown Rent due in respect of leased lands in Hong- kong and Kowloon (excluding certain Villages in Hongkong and Kowloon entered in the Village Rent Roll) amounted for the year ending 25th December to $549,076.47, an increase of $42,725.10 on the previous year. The total amount due in respect of leased lands in the Villages of Hongkong and Kowloon appearing in the

I 2

Village Rent Roll for the year ending 30th September was $3,145.25 a decrease of $197.00 on the previous year due mainly to the resumptions at Mong Kok and Aplichau. The total number of lots of Crown Land appearing in the Rent Rolls with the total Rents is shown in Table V.

6.-NOISY AND OFFENSIVE TRADES.

Ninety-three licences were granted to Crown Lessees under the provisions of the Crown leases to carry on offensive trades on their premises in cases where such licences were recommended by the Sanitary Department.

7. BUILDING COVENANTS.

In six cases applications by Crown lessees for extension of time in which to comply with the Building Covenant or stipulation in their Crown leases or grants were granted on payment of penal- ties and on agreements being completed and registered; in other cases formal agreements were unnecessary.

S. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS.

In addition to the above two hundred and nine Crown leases, and seven hundred and twenty miscellaneous documents were drawn and completed, the latter including agreements to secure Government Contracts and Purchase Deeds on the resumption of properties by the Crown.

9.-STAMP DUTY.

Stamp Duty paid on registered documents exclusive of Pro- bates and Letters of Administration registered amounted to $1,321,801.47. Stamp Duty on Probates and Letters of Administra- tion registered amounted to $358,685,15.

10. STAFF.

Mr. T. M. Hazlerigg acted as Assistant Land Officer in addition to his other duties until the 14th February when Lt.- Col. F. Eaves, D.S.O. arrived in the Colony.

Mr. Tam Hing Yan, IV Grade Clerk who had been in this office since 1904 resigned at the end of August as also did Mr. Ng Kwok Choi, a VI Grade Clerk, who had been in the office since July 1919.

Mr. Chan Fung-cheung was promoted to be a V Grade Clerk on 1st September.

Mr. Wong Kin-fan joined the staff as a VI Grade Clerk on 1st March, and Messrs. Yung Kam-sing and Lai Ping-kwan were appointed VI Grade Clerks on 1st September.

March, 1924.

PHILIP JACKS,

Land Officer.

Marine.

со

I 3

Table I.

Particulars of Deeds and Documents registered in the Land Office.

No. of Lots

Description of

Documents.

Number Registered.

or portions

of Lots affected.

Total Consideration.

Assignments.

2,848

3,170

113,620,673.00

Mortgages and Trans-

fers of Mortgages..

1,874

2,099

68,760,091.00

Reassignments and Sa-

tisfactions

1,286

1,443

31,841,678.00

Surrenders

116

112,117,85

Judgments and Orders

of Court

30,000.00

Probates and Letters of

Administration....

103

126

Miscellaneous Docu-

ments

606

619

9,464,048.00

Total

6,837

7,621

223,828,607.85

Table II.

Crown Leases granted during the year 1923.

Hongkong.

Kowloon.

Hunghom.

New

10 9 1 43 3 92 1

Kowloon.

209

Total.

I 4

Table III.

Number of Deeds registered and Crown Leases issued during the years from 1914 to 1923.

Year.

Deeds Registered.

Crown Leases Issued.

1914

2,433

1915

2,154

166

1916

2,670

118

1917

2,824

135

1918

2,922

117

1919

3,021

114

1920

3,405

1921

4,466

1922

4,146

207

1923

6,837

209

Table IV.

Fees collected during the years from 1914 to 1923.

Registration Searches and

Grants

Year.

of Deeds.

Copies of

Documents.

of Leases.

Total.

ته

$ C.

1914

38,362.00

3,200.25

2,450.00

44,015.25

1915

32,305.00

2.719.00

5,455.00

40,479.00

1916

42,070.00

3,368.25

3,960.00

49,398.25

1917

43,478.00

3,199.75

4,370.00

51,047,75

1918

45,225.00

3,399.35

3,505.00

52,129.35

1919

45,896,00

3,486.90

3,102.00

52,484.90

1920

52,569.00

3,849,75

2,870.00

59.288.75

1921

70,617.00

4,235.00

2,685,00

77,537.00

1922

65,407.00

4,683,50

5,550.00

75,640.00

1923

109,671.00

7,280.00

6,680.00 123,631.00

I 5

Table V.

Crown Rent Roll.

Locality and Description.

No. of Lots.

Total Crown Rent.

Victoria Marine Lot...

347

Praya Reclamation Marine Lot.. Inland Lot

78.797.47

SAG191

1,986

217 799.27

Quarry Bay Marine Lot

1,158,00

Quarry Bay Inland Lot

1,166.00

Victoria Farm Lot

2.280.23

Garden Lot

Rural Building Lot

191

Signalling Station

Aberdeen Marine Lot

Inland Lot

Aplichau Marine Lot

Inland Lot

1.176.00

24,380.24

1.00

579.16

2,227.28

156.64

260.08

Shaukiwan Marine Lot

1,928.00

Inland Lot

203

4,343.76

Stanley Inland Lot

4.00

Kowloon Marine Lot

44,416.13

Inland Lot

Farm Lot

1,120

78,365.30

Garden Lot

Hung Hom Marine Lot

Inland Lot

Shek O Inland Lot Tai Tam Inland Lot Tong Po Inland Lot..

1.00

6,140.00

182

10,807.00

9.00

1.00

New Kowloon Marine Lot

20,442.00

Inland Lot

390

16,381.00

Farm Lot

1,103.00

Rural Building Lot

42.00

Tai Po Inland Lot

480.00

Fan Ling Lot

1,192.00

Sheung Shui Lot

548.00

Sai Kung Inland Lot

500.00

Ping Chau Farm Lot

225.00

Mining Lot

2,560.00

Tsun Wan Inland Lot..

1,144.00

Total..

4,839

549,076.47

I 6

Village Rent Roll.

Locality and Description.

No. of Lots.

Total Crown Rent.

Wongneichung.

128

224.50

Aberdeen

82.50

Pokfulam

28.25

Tai Hang

157

633.50

Ah Kung Ngam

18.25

Shaukiwan

20.50

Tai Kok Tsui

16.00

Mong Kok....

38.00

Hok Un.

219.50

Tokwawan.

Shek Shan..

182

313.00

69.00

Sun Shan

59.50

Mataukok

44.50

Mati

5.50

Ho Mun Tin

17.00

Ma Tau Chung.

91.00

Ma Tau Wei

158.50

Kau Pui Shek

26.50

Hau Pui Loong....

53.50

Wong Tsuk Hang

34.50

Tai Hang Stream

72.00

Little Hongkong

3.00

Tong Po

3.50

Stanley

Tytam

19.50

3.50

Tytam Tuk

2.50

ong Ma Kok

2.00

Chai Wan

15.00

Shek O

23.00

Hok Tsui

1.50

Chung Hom Bay

3.00

Chinese Joss House, Bowen Road,

Victoria

3.00

Aplichau

203.50

Tsat Tsz Mui

99.00

Telegraph Bay

Hung Hom West

Little Hongkong Shek O

Hok Tsui

43.50

6.00

1,581

280.75

1,064

173.00

181

34.50

Total

3,882

3,145.25

Appendix J.

REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YEAR 1923.

A.-NORTHERN DISTRICT.

I. STAFF.

Mr. D. W. Tratman was in charge until 1st May and Mr. E. I. Wynne-Jones from 2nd May until the end of the year. Mr. G. J. Chambers, Land Bailiff, returned from leave on 18th January, and Mr. A. C. Burford transferred to the Public Works Department on 1st February, Mr. Chambers taking his place at Tai Po. Mr. W. G. Routley was seconded from the Police Force to act as Land Bailiff, Ping Shan from 8th July: Mr. Mak Tai, Land Office Shroff and 4th Grade Clerk retired on 1st May, and Mr. Luk Tat Cheung was transferred from Imports and Exports Department on the same date: Mr. Kwok Yuk Tin, 6th Grade shroff retired on 31st May, being replaced by Mr. Kwok Yim Hing on 1st June: Mr. Fung Ping Shan, 3rd Grade Interpreter and Magistrate's Clerk resigned on 31st August, 1923, being replaced by Mr. To King Kei, from the Medical Department, on 1st September.

II-MAGISTRACY.

Table A shews the number of cases heard by the District Officer sitting as Police Magistrate and as Judge of the Small Debts Court.

The increase in fines inflicted is due to the fact that a large proportion of the cases heard dealt with opium smugglers who took advantage of the disturbances over the frontier to run increased quantities of illicit opium.

The policy with respect to "wui" claims continued to have effect, as is shewn by the number of Small Debt Cases, and Warrants of Execution issued.

III.-LAND OFFICE.

The number of sales and other transactions affecting land which took place during the year is set out in Table B.

The number of memorials registered was 3,625, as against 3,004 in 1922, the registration fees being $6,046.16, as against $2,739.20.

The demand for building sites continued to be brisk, the total number sold being 181 as against 241 in 1922, and prices ruled high, especially for lots in the neighbourhood of Tai Po Market, chiefly owing to the operations of speculators.

J 2

Two large brickfields were sold, one near Castle Peak, and the other near Lo Wu.

The sale of the salt padi reclamation at Mai Po was completed, and negotiations commenced for several others on a large scale.

IV. REVENUE.

The revenue collected in this office is set out under the various heads in Table C the total being $280,848.64. Table D gives the revenue for each year since 1914.

The following amounts were paid by the District through other offices :-

Liquor Duties, Sai Kung

Harbour Dues

No. 2 Launch

No. 3 Launch

No. 4 Launchi

4,719.12

3,013.75

2,093.20

5,028.70

...

2,038.20

Crown Rents paid to Treasury

Tobacco Duties

...

Mining Licence fees paid to Treasury.

...

C. S. O.

...

Total...

5,807.00 12,134.40

4.405.00 716.00

..$35,955.37

The total revenue for the Northern District during 1923 was therefore $316,804.41 as against $190,967.60 in 1922. This large increase was almost entirely due to the high premia on land, especially in the case of the brickfields and in the vicinity of Taipo Market.

V.-GENERAL.

Crops. The last year of the Chinese Cycle lived up to its reputation by bringing disaster in its train; the first crop was poor, only 50%, by reason of the drought in the first quarter and too heavy rainfall in April; the second crop, was practically ruined by the typhoon in August and the heavy rains which breached the bunds and laid waste large areas, especially at Sha Tin. Sugar cane was almost entirely destroyed but the winter vegetable crops were good, and the lichee crop was excellent. The fishing industry had a bad year, partly due to the bad weather and partly due to the cutting off of communications with the Shek Lung district, which formed the chief market.

Cattle and pigs.--Outbreaks of disease, probably rinderpest, have again been noticed, but it was impossible to get the owners to send the animals for investigation, as they prefer to conceal the presence of such calamity.

J 3

Small Pox.-Sporadic outbreaks of this disease coincided with the epidemic in Hongkong, but owing to the assistance given by the Sanitary Department, the St. John's Ambulance Association and others, in providing means for voluntary vaccination in the different districts, the disease was kept in check.

Crime.--The more serious crimes reported included 1 murder and robbery, 1 armed robbery and kidnapping, 2 armed robberies on land, 1 armed robbery on water, 1 robbery with violence, and 1 robbery accompanied by cutting and wounding.

The murder took place at Un Long, the victim being an old widow, who was known to be wealthy and who lived alone. No clues were found and no arrests made,

The first armed robbery took place at Lan Nai Wan; money clothing and jewelry was stolen but no report was made to the police for two days.

The second case was a similar one at Lang Kwat Tau, the criminals being believed to have come from over the border, where there was much disturbance at the time. No arrests were made in either case. The robbery with violence took place on the Lun Tak Co.'s land at Ping Shan, and one of the complainants, a coolie, is believed to have been involved, as he decamped across the border a few days later.

The robbery and kidnapping occurred at Lung Ko Tan in August, in a matshed used as a shop, the master's brother being taken back across the border to Tai Ping District. The kidnapped man was ultimately ransomed for $480, and the robbers were traced, rounded up by the Chinese authorities, and executed by them.

The robbery with cutting and wounding occurred in the Sai Kung district. Warrants were made, but the men were discharged through lack of evidence.

The armed robbery on water is supposed to have occurred in Tai Long Harbour, but, from enquiries made by the Police it is extremely doubtful that anything of the kind happened at all.

Accidents.-Six fatal accidents were reported: one being the death of Police Sergeant Henderson on his motor bicycle at Sheung Shui, another the death of a little girl who was accidentally knocked down and killed by a motorbicycle near San Tin, two were pedestrians knocked down and killed by trains, one was a man killed through tampering with detonators and the last the collapse of a matshed with loss of six lives at Sha Tin during the typhoon.

Local Public Works.-Table E gives the works constructed or assisted from this vote.

Rainfall.-Table F gives the rainfall for the year at Taipo, and the average for the preceding 5 years.

E. I. WYNNE-JONES,

District Officer, North,

J 4

Table A.

POLICE COURT,

AVERAGE

1923.

1918-1922.

Cases heard.......

Persons brought before Magistrate

345

271

477

469

Persons convicted and punished

...

316

312

Persons bound over

43.

Persons discharged

118

108

Persons committed..

Nil

Persons imprisoned

115

Fines inflicted....

$10,615.63

$1,344.58

Warrants executed................

SMALL DEBTS COURT.

Cases heard....

72.

234

Writs of Execution

213

Heading.

No. of Sales,

Permits, Li-

cences etc.

No. of Lots.

Table B.

Area in Acres.

Increase of Annual Rent.

Decrease of

Annual Rent.

تم

Amount of Premia, Fees,

etc.

Amount paid

for Resump- tion of Land.

Term of Years.

22,237

65,124

36,931

.80

7.80

17.50

8,156

102

7,382

Sales of Land for Agriculture

Brick-kiln

Building Lime-Kiln

121

1,622.50 acres.

31.00

33.16

168.50

181

11.16

816.20

.13

6.00

Orchard

Threshing floor

...

Play Ground...

276

11.96

15.00

.23

1.50

.76

Conversions

Exchanges

Fish Drying Ground

Permits to occupy Land for Agriculture.

.33

.21

.09

8.00

12.18

35.82

192 | 330

85.27

Stone Quarry Leases.

303.68

Building etc....

2.85

143 00

...

5.00

50.00

號

123

116

abraã

- J 5 -

Heading.

No. of Sales,

Permits, Li- cences etc.

No. of Lots.

Table B,-Continued.

Area in Acres.

Increase of Annual Rent.

Decrease of

Annual Rent.

Amount of Premia, Fees, etc.

Amount paid

for Resump- tion of Land.

Term of Years.

Remarks.

Stone Quarry Leases

Surrenders

ཨ

76.00 acres.

600.00

.87

5.20

步步

Resumptions

112

3.78

Re-entries,

174

6.59

39.60

Stone Quarry Permits

182

Permits to cut Earth, etc.

126

6.92

245.50

Matshed Permits

128

1.93

395.00

Forestry Licences

497

30000

3,078.03

Pineapple Land Leases

9.11

27.33

Ferry Licences

9.00

Water-wheel Licences

2.00

Grave Certificates

131

64.50

Deeds Registration and Fees

3,620

6,046.16

eff

1,052.11

- J 6 -

J 7

Table C.

$ c.

Crown Rent, (Leased Lands),

Kerosene Oil Licences.....

360.00

Revenue for 1922.

85.792.16

Average of Revenue for 1918-1923.

$ C. 82,549.63 299.00

Chinese Wine & Spirit Licences,

4,587.50

3.716.25

Distillery Licences,

2,746.50

2,495.85

Pawnbrokers' Licences,

1,000.00

880.00

Money Changers' Licences,

430.00

528.00

Fines,

1.397.25

1,616.30

Reward Fund, (quor

1,676.50

276.40

and Tobacco)

265.00

74.80

Forfeitures,

122.63

690.72

(Land Sales)..

18.00

38.00

Distress Warrants,

42.00

150.80

(Crown Rent),

16.00

25.20

Courts Fees,

Nil.

.72

House Rent,

Nil.

575.70

Liquor Duties,

13.840.06

7,118.39

Arms Fine Fund,

Nil.

24.00

Arrears of Revenue,

16.43

.20

Rent of Government Furniture,

Nil.

24.20

Other Miscellaneous Receipts,...

323.69

2.00

Forestry Licences,"

3,078.03

3,140.30

Permits to cut Earth, etc.,

199.00

134.60

Mining Licences,

Nil.

50.00

Grave Certificates,

64.50

59.00

Pine-apple Land Leases,

29.76

28.49

Matshed Permits,

395.00

206.60

Permits to occupy Land,

843.15

658.95

Stone Quarry Permits,

712.00

231.80

Stone Quarry Leases,

650.00

1,031.67

Water Wheel Licences.

2.00

2.80

Ferry Licences,...

9.00

Certified Extracts,.

227.00

125.40

Sunprints,

220.00

68.40

Premia on Land Sales,.

152,949.42

15.003.96

Stamps for Deeds,.....

6,046.16

2,405.98

Boundary Stones,

144.00

58.00

Deposit not Available,

2,503.40

332.80

Crown Leases,

120.00

24.00

Old Building,.

Piers,

Nil.

40.00

22.50

Nil.

Total,................

.$ 280,848.64

$124,697.91

J 8

Table D.

Revenue collected from 1914-1923.

1914.

$108,455.14

1919.

$117,174.51

1915.

112,075.71

1920.

115,865.45

1916.

174,153.77

1921

121,080.38

1917.....

117,095.84

1922..

159,191.56

1918....

120,244.93

1923.

280,848.64

Table E.

LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS, 1923.

New Works.

Tsun Gap,

Bridge over the stream at Sháp Pat Heung,

Repairs.

Road from Kam Tin to Sheung Tsun and thence to Lam

...

Road from Toi Shan to Lin Fa Li including 3 bridges,

915.23

1,000.00

Bridge near Pak Ngau Shek, Lam Tsun,

600.00

Bridge on the Pat Heung Road at Wai Tsai

150.00

Bridge above Sheung Tsun village

150.00

Bunds at Shatin,

600.00

Road between Yun Long New and Old Markets,

300.00

Unexpended,

284.77

$5,000.00

– J 9

Table F.

Rainfall at Taipo Police Station.

1923

Average 1918-1922.

inches

January.

*53

January..

3.29

February

-28

February

2.36

March

*40

March

3.64

April

10'45

April...

5:33

May

4:49

May

15:49

June

17.84

June

18.85

July

28.57

July

21.49

August

66.83

August

25.73

September

3:02

September

9.82

October

9:00

October

2:30

November.

3.86

November.....

3:58

December

*08

December

*55

Total ......... 145 35

Total Average... 112:43

J 10

B.-SOUTHERN DISTRICT.

1.-STAFF.

Mr. E. W. Hamilton was in charge until 20th of March when Mr. W. Schofield took over and acted as District Officer, South, until 5th of November. Mr. S. B. B. McElderry acted from November 6th to November 19th and from December 17th to December 23rd., and Mr. N. L. Smith from November 20th to December 16th and from December 24th until the close of the

Mr. W. E. Hollands, Land Bailiff, went on leave on 2nd of May and Mr. S. H. Peplow was transferred from Sanitary Depart- ment to act in his place. Mr. Wei Sun resumed duty on return from leave on 16th of July. Mr. Ho Ping Nam was transferred to Public Works Department and Mr. Ng Ying Lok was transferred from Colonial Secretary's Office to take his place on 20th of June. Mr. Chan Ua Chau resigned on 31st of July and Mr. Tsoi Chak Fai was appointed on probation to fill his post.

2.-MAGISTRACY.

The District Officer sitting as Police Magistrate heard during the year 175 cases affecting 403 persons, 283 persons were fined or bound over, 58 were discharged and 62 imprisoned. The following table gives a comparison with 1921 and 1922.

1921.

1922.

1923.

No. of cases

161

127

175

No. of persons affected

261

242

...

403

No. of

persons fined or bound over

155

173

283

No. of persons discharged...

No. of persons imprisoned Fines

Reward Fund

...

.$1,455.25

$1,705.85

$2,739.21

...

$25.00

$150.00

$919.50

Forfeitures...

$190.00 $183.25 $1,412.78

3. SMALL DEBTS COURT.

22 cases were instituted during the year as compared with 56 in 1922 and 75 in 1921, and thus the decrease in numbers continued.

4.-LAND OFFICE.

The number of land sales and other transactions affecting land which took place in 1923 are set forth in Table A. 1929 deeds were registered during the year as compared with 1423 in 1922. Registration fees for 1923 were $9,894.90 as compared with $4,892.80 in 1922. These figures are a good index of the "boom" in land prevailing in New Kowloon, Tsun Wan, Tsing I and other developing portions of the District.

J 11

5.-REVENUE.

The total revenue collected by the District Officer is shown in Table B. The collection of the village rates was in the hands of the Treasury for the whole year. Table C gives details of revenue collected in Licence fees by the Police in 1922 and 1923.

Table D shows the revenue collected in 1922 and 1923 in the District by all Departments other than the District Office and includes the totals in Table C.

Table E shows comparatively the total revenue collected from the Southern District by all Departments during the last three years.

6.- LIQUOR

Liquor duties collected in the Southern District during 1923 amounted to $162,651.40. The total for 1922 was $145,610.71. The chief sources of this revenue are given in the following Table which shows comparatively the totals of the last three years.

No. of Revenue

District.

Distilleries

in 1923.

1921.

Revenue

1922.

Revenue

1923.

Sham Shui Po....

$37,379.00 $42,993.54

$38,182.50

Kowloon City....

19,112.00

18,030.60

17,885,00

Tsun Wan

60,266.00

68,223.36

96,450.08

Kwai Chung

11,779.00

11,086.67

6,500.00

Kap Shui Mun...

178.00

189.60

Cheung Chau

2,441.00

1,292.90

224.40 1,398.60

Tai O

2,518.00

1.243.52

650.24

Hang Hau

1,475.00

2,385.92

2,137.94

Po Toi

34.00

17.92

55.04

Tsing I....

116.00

91.00

110.00

Mang Kung Uk

...

55.68

57.60

VII.-GENERAL.

Fish

Tai O enjoyed a fairly good year, in spite of damage to pro- perty by the August typhoon, estimated at about $40,000. were less plentiful, but the total catch (35,800 piculs) fetched higher rates than those prevailing last year. The salt pans did well, producing altogether 22,000 piculs, and the trade seems likely to prosper. There is a slight increase on last year's output. The rice and sweet potato crops were only fair. All the stalls in the market were let.

The 10 foot path from Tai O to Shek Pik was repaired at a cost contributed half by Government and half by the inhabitants of the two places.

J 12

Cheung Chau.--The fishing season compares badly with that of the previous year, in consequence of the loss of a great many junks in the various typhoons. The first padi crop of the district was good, but the second was practically destroyed by typhoon. The quarry here did good business, as also the lime-kilns on the neighbouring island of Ping Chau. The market stalls were all let.

Two ferry launches were running until November 7th when one launch was pirated shortly after leaving Cheung Chau and carried off into Chinese waters. A new and bigger launch is to be put on the run early in 1924.

There were 170 deaths during the year, a decrease of 17 on last year.

The island's popularity as a summer resort increases. An assembly hall for religious, social and educational purposes is being built on a site granted by Government..

The value of building land on the foreshore near the market · continues to rise steadily.

Tsun Wan.-The agricultural report from this district shows a comparatively bleak year. In particular the pine-apple crop, a very important factor in the district, gave a very poor yield. The lime-kiln business in Tsing I is steadily growing; the output last year being about 150,000 piculs of lime as against 35,490 for 1922. Prices also ruled high. Exports of Chinese wines and spirits realized $13,899.00, and a good business was done in pigs of which 1800 were exported at prices varying from $24.00 to $28.00 per head. The general health conditions remained good.

Lamma.-The year was on the whole a good one. The banana and sweet potato crops were good, but the second padi crop suffered badly in the typhoon. Chicken-farmers did well owing to the high prices prevailing in the Hongkong markets.

J. A. FRASER, District Officer, South:

15th May, 1924.

Table A.

No. of

Increase

Decrease

Amount

Sales,

Area

Headings.

Permits,

Crown

Licences,

&c.

Lots. Acres.

Rent.

Premia,

Fees, &c.

Amount

paid for

Resump-

Term

tion of

Land.

years.

Land Sale for Buildings (New Kowloon) Agriculture (New Kowloon)

Land Sale for Buildings (Island).

Agriculture (Island)

Conversions (New Kowloon)

(Islands)

Permits to occupy Land

Matshed Permits

Earth Permits

Forestry Licences

Pineapple Licences Deeds Registered Resumption Surrender

Re-entry

16.00

2.54

222.50

2.75

5.35

*45

69.00

1.65

156.00

510.00

2,095.96

| 2,562.22

980.00

615.86

661

973.50

499

2,183.50

115

1,666.08

411

819.29

1,929

9,894.90

159

21.70

184.12

32,917.14

*56

5.35

ગાવાવના

J 13 -

J 14

Table B.

Revenue collected by the District Officer, Southern District, New Territories.

1922.

1923.

$ c.

Land Sales

5,758.57

Crown Rent

27.010.73

3,885.18 29,401.26

* Assessed Taxes

15,145.54

Lease of Stone Quarries

850.00

725.00

Forestry Licences

1,719.24

1,666.08

Earth Permits

1,462.00

2,183.50

Matshed permits

990.00

973.50

Permits to occupy land

871.93

615.86

Pineapple Licences

915.58

819.27

Registration Fees

4,892.80

9,894 90

Crown Lease

30.00

180.00

...

Distress Warrants (Crown Rent)

39.00

23.00

(Small Debts)

6.00

Writs of Summons

77.00

Fines (Police Court)

1,705.85

2,739.21

Forfeitures

183.25

1,412.78

Certified Extracts

25.00

49.00

Grave Certificates

9.25

11.25

Miscellaneous Receipts

D. O./S. Deposit Interest

117.04

238.80

Legal Costs...

7.50

Sunprint Plans

55.00

85.00

Boundary Stones

153.00

396.00

Water Wheel Licences

25.00

Reward Fund

150.00

919.50

Market Fees

1,187.47

1,191.00

Total...

$63,386.75

$57,435.09

* Collection transferred to the Treasury.

Station.

Table C.

Licence Fees collected by the Police Department.

Money

Distilleries.

Wine and

Spirit.

Pawn

Kerosene.

Dogs.

Chan-

Total.

Brokers.

gers.

J 15 ---

Kowloon City

1922

800.00

3,150.00

300

1,500

1923

4,550.00

243

...

3,000

5,806.00

7,793.00

1922

Sham Shui Po

1,200.00

6,000.00 42

879

7,000

15,121.00

1923

1,200.00

7,200.00

438

8,000

150

16,988.00

1922

25.00

650.00

Tai O

400

1,175.00

1923

50.00

650.00

400

1,202.00

1922

Cheung Chau

75.00

875.00

800

1,874.00

1923

100.00

937.50

800

1,985.50

1922

520.00

425.00

Tsun Wan

969.00

1923

532.00

462.50

...

1,018.50

.1922

400.00

75.00

Lamma

1,500

...

1923

50.000

100.00

...

2,017.00

150.00

Total

1922 $3,020.00 11,175.00

288

1,179

1923 $1,932.00 13,899.00

164

681

11,200

12,200

100

26,962.00

260 29,136.00

J 16

Table D.

Revenue collected through other Departments from the New Territories, Southern District.

1922.

1923.

$ C.

$ c.

Treasury, Village Rates

26,782.61

39,749.45

(Crown Rent for Inland Lots)..

28,996.26

28,795.19

(Quarries in New Kowloon)

14,053.52

18,703.65

Eating House (Licence Fees)

185.00

355.00

Harbour Office, (Harbour Dues, Stake Nets,

&c.)

17.813.40

19,378.55

Police, (Licence Fees).......

27,147.00*

29,136.00*

Imports and Exports Office, (Liquor Duties) 145,610.71 162,651.40

* See Table C.

Total,...

Table E.

$260,588.50 $299,769.24

Total Revenue collected from Southern District,

New Territories, during the last three years.

By District Office,

By Other Departments,

+ See Table D.

Total,

1921.

1922.

1923.

64,355.29 235,964.54

$5 C. 63,386.75 245,257.96

$ C.

57,435.09

299,769.24†

$300,319.83 $308,644.71 $357,204.33

Appendix K.

REPORT OF THE CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT

OF POLICE FOR THE YEAR 1923.

SUMMARY OF CRIME FOR 1923.

The total of all cases reported to the Police during the year 1923 was 14,200 as against 13,939 in 1922 being an increase of 261 or 1.87%. The average for the last five years is 12,567.

In the division of these cases into serious and minor offences there were 4,011 serious cases in 1923 as against 4,260 serious cases in 1922 a decrease of 249, cases, or 5.8%. There were 10,189 minor cases in 1923 as against 9,679 minor cases in 1922, an increase of 510 cases or 5.2%.

Table I shows the number and character of the serious and minor offences re- ported to the Police during 1922 and 1923 and number of persons convicted and discharged in connection with these offences.

The following shows in detail the serious offences for 1922 and 1923 :-

Table 1

Offence.

1923

1922

32.1

Charge Cases

Cases without

charge

Total

Charge Cases

Cases without

charge

Total

Increase total

Increase %

Decrease total

Decrease %

227

Column 2

Burglary

109

Part

House & Godown Break-

ing

♡

Larceny

1180

980

2160

in Dwelling House

51'

509

560

3193

on Ship & Wharf

153

179

Manslaughter

•

Marder

•

Attempted Murder.......

Robbery and Assault with

intent to Rob

134 174

244

Total

1342

1919 3261

3600

Other serious offences not

classified above

Serious offences total

750

4011

❤

7,1

33.3

37.1

28.7

660

90 13.6

4260

249

5.8

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Other Serious Offences in Table I not specially classified above

are as follows:-

Column.

Offences against Ordinance for protec-

· 1923.

1922.

tion of Women and Girls

644

Unlawful possession

325

336

Kidnapping

4 Part Cutting and Wounding

Demanding Money with menaces

Embezzlement

Forgery...

Receiving Stolen Property

Child Stealing

...

Indecent Assault

Throwing corrosive fluid

...

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ܘ: : : :

...

: -:

Arson or Attempted Arson...

Wounding and causing grievous

bodily harm

Act of gross indecency

Accessory before the fact to kidnap-

ping...

Forging valuable securities Rape

Uttering forged bank notes. Falsification of accounts Conspiracy

...

Aiding and abetting in an Armed

Robbery

...

Aiding and abetting in a Murder

Having carnal knowledge of a girl Aiding and abetting in a Highway

Robbery

...

Being in possession of coining

machinery

Gaol Breaking

Detaining person to procure a ransom.

Being in possession of explosive

substance

Other Misc. Offences in Col. 4

***

...

151

- 62

750

660

Table 2 shows the Serious and Minor Offences for 1923 (under a different classification) with the number of charge Cases and Cases without charge, Number of Persons convicted and Dis- charged, and Amount of Property Stolen Recovered.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT.

1. Mr. T. H. King, assumed duty as Director of Criminal Intelligence on March 26th, 1923. Chief Detective Inspector Murison retired on leave and pension on May 2nd, 1923, and Inspector J. Grant was appointed to the vacant post.

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2. The strength of the Criminal Investigation Department on December 31st, 1923, was:

Europeans Chinese

Inspectors & Sub-Inspectors

Sergeants

Lance Sergeants

Chinese Constables

...

The attention of the Department has been directed chiefly to the suppression of crime within the Colony. Other branches of Criminal Investigation work have not received the attention that may be possible in more peaceful times.

3. While serious crime within the Colony has diminished, piracy has become a very serious menace. This may be ascribed chiefly to the unsettled conditions in South China. The number of Hongkong vessels pirated has been but a fraction of the number of Chinese craft looted by pirates in the Delta.

4. On November 15th extra temporary searchers were engaged. The piracy of the Cheung Chau Launch "Li Fat" showed the necessity of searching ferry launches plying within the waters of the Colony. Extra men were required for this work. The search-

are regular

regular duty constables under the supervision of European Detective Officers. The strength of the searching staff for outgoing steamers was on 31st December, 1923 :-

ers

Europeans Chinese (regular)

(temporary)

.30

.15

5. In November, 1923, special regular duty and detective measures were adopted to check crime before Chinese New Year. The number of cases of serious crime (murder, armed robbery, highway robbery) during the two months before Chinese New Year (February 5th, 1924) was 40. The number for the corresponding period in the previous year was 75.

Table III gives particulars of Piracies perpetrated during 1923.

GUARDS.

1923

1922

Steamer Guards (Indian)...

326

284'

Steam Launch Guards (Chinese)

Shore Guards (Indian)

420

275

(Chinese)

Total of Guards employed

796

603

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Number of vessels which have entered into bond up to 31st December. 1923 :-

·-

Steamers

Steam Launches

Total...

1923

1922

233

223

273

260

IDENTIFICATION BY FINGER IMPRESSIONS.

Number of

convictions: convictions:

finger prints

examined.

persons identified.

records

filed.

Deportation

Market

Ordinance.

1922

8.339

1.746

5,675

802

1923

9.888

1.736

6,533

560

Increase

549

858

Decrease......

242

Year.

DEPORTEES AND VAGRANTS.

Number of person

Banished from

Hongkong.

Number of persons

Discharged from Gaol.

Number of persons Deported from Singapore.

Number of Vagrants sent from Singapore.

Number of undesirables sent from D.E.I.

Number of undesirables sent

from Saigon.

Number of persons Repatriated from Balikpapan.

1922

1923

918 1,027

1.624 1,953

737 812

1,021

2,601 795 1,754

861

752

674

790

Increase

109

329

Decrease

226

847

187

GAMBLING.

Two hundred and two Gambling Warrants were successfully executed during the year as against 120 in 1922. There were seven cases in which no convictions were obtained.

There were seventy four Lottery cases, compared with 14 in 1922.

PROPERTY REPORTED STOLEN AND PROPERTY RECOVERed,

The estimated value of property stolen during the year was $657,671.44 as against $882,674 in 1922, a decrease of $225,003.04 or 25.4%.

The average for the last five years is $565,032.81 as against $492,558.91 in 1922 an increase of $72,473.90.

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The value of Property recovered during the year was $55,073.68 or 8.3% of the value of the Property stolen, as against $81,099.81 or 9.2% of the Property stolen in 1922 a decrease of 0.9% in the ratio between the Property stolen and Property recovered.

LOST PROPERTY.

The following is a return showing Property lost or recovered:--

Year.

Articles reported lost.

Value lost.

Articles re- covered and found but not reported lost.

Value of

articles

found.

1923

1922

355

375 $59,373.56 34,363.23

132

$3,708.61

3,589.34

Weights and Measures.

Weights and

Correct

Incorrect

Total

Measures examined

Foreign Scales

Chinese Scales

1,387

1,417

Yard Measures

342

344

Check Measures

1,006

1,017

Liquid Measures....

Total......

2,840

2,890

The following prosecutions were instituted under the Weights and Measures Ordinance :

Number of Cases

Convictions

$590.60

Fines

Dangerous Goods.

The following prosecutions were instituted under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance :-

Number of Cases

Convictions

Fines

$590,00

$200.00 Bail estreated.

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ARMS ORDINANCE.

Table IV shows Arms & Ammunition seized and confiscated during the year 1923.

Traffic Regulations.

The following prosecutions were instituted under the Traffic Regulations (Notification No. 231: Government Gazette of 30th April, 1920):-

Prosecutions Convictions

With-

Dis- drawn charged

Remanded

Result

5,730

4,088

392

327

$18,326

Manslaughter

Examination of Motor Drivers.

Persons examined

Persons passed

389

210

The total number of accidents reported during the year was

267 as against 110 in 1922 :--

1. Motor Car

2. Truck...

3. Ricksha

4. Tramear...

209

Total..... .... 267

The total number of fatal accidents was 33 as against 22 in 1922:

1. Motors

2. Trucks

3. Tramcar.

Total........

Mendicants.

During the year 1923 one thousand four hundred and thirty one Mendicants were arrested and dealt with as follows :-

17 Mendicants charged before the Magistrate.

وو

1,303

sent to Tung Wah Hospital. handed back to parent.

sent to Shanghai.

let go by order of C.S.P.

Sent to Canton once.

twice.

three times.

รร

four

.99

235

five

six

seven

eleven

nineteen times.

Total...... 1,431

SAKĀCIJA JO

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Dead Bodies.

Table V shews the number of unknown dead bodies found by the Police in the streets and elsewhere during the year.

Licences.

The following licences were issued during 1923-

1,250 Hongkong Public Jinrikshas.

1,406

Private

732 Kowloon and Taipo Public Jinrikshas.

35 Sze Ka Che Jinrikshas.

856 Hongkong Public Chairs.

16 Upper level Jinrikshas. 40 Peak Jinrikshas.

243 Hongkong Private Chairs.

40 Hill District Chairs. 29,404 Drivers and Bearers.

1,600 Truck Licences.

254 Motor Car (Livery).

(Private).

(Drivers). Cycle(Drivers).

542

1,184

475

405

Licences.

212 Money Changers

146 Pawn-brokers licences.

3 licences to store Petroleum in bulk.

fuel.

Phosphorous.

Rockets.

Poisons (wholesale)

370 Chinese Wine and Spirits (Old Territories)

(New

21 licences to store Sulphur Acid & Nitric Acid.

3 Auctioneer Licences.

4 Licences to store Acetone.

3 Billiard Tables and Bowling Alleys.

7 Licences to store Calcium Carbide.

N M

135

Chlorate Mixture.

of Potassium & other

[Chlorates.

Compressed Oxygen.

Dissolved Acetylene.

K S

13 Distillery Licences (old Territories).

(new

1 Compressed Ammonia Gas,

4 Compressed Carbonic Acid.

147 Licences to store Dynamite & 147 Detonators.

Ether & Alcholic liquids.

shoot and take Game.

store Gunpowder.

329

1,089

Kerosine Oil (in godown).

(ordinary).

(New Territory).

30 Marine Store.

17 Licences to store Naptha & Benzine.

(in Garage).

Nitrobenzine or Oil of Nirbane.

8,947 Hawkers.

DOGS ORDINANCE.

3,479 dogs were licensed during 1923.

20 watch dogs were licensed free of charge.

134 dogs were impounded.

88 dogs were destroyed.

46 dogs were sold or claimed.

PROFICIENCY IN LANGUAGES.

The following certificates were obtained during the year 1923:-

1923

1922

Europ-

Indians. Chinese, Europ-

Indians. Chinese.

eans.

Cantonese 1st Certificate! 19

2nd

3rd

56°

Hoklo

1st

2nd

ララ

Hindustani 1st

Mandarin 1st

2nd

Hakka English

2nd

1st

Full 2nd

* 2

...

In addition to the above, four men of the Wei Hai Wei Contingent obtained 1st English Certificates and two men 1st Cantonese Certificates.

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ANNUAL MUSKETRY COURSE 1923-1924.

EUROPEANS.

Two hundred and one Europeans fired their musketry course and were classified as under :-

Marksmen

1st Class Shots

2nd

3rd

1923. 1922.

107

102

...

201

Sub-Inspector Booker obtained the highest score viz :—179 out of a possible of 200 points.

INDIANS.

Four hundred and twenty-two Indians fired their musketry course and were classified as under :-

Marksmen

...

1st Class Shots

2nd

3rd

...

1923.

1922.

...

196

209

191

188

...

422

451

Sergt. Major Nand Singh obtained the highest score riz :-148 out of a possible of 200 points.

REVOLVER COURSE.

EUROPEANS.

One hundred and sixty-eight Europeans fired, their Revolver course and were classified as under :-

1st Class Shots

...

2nd

3rd

1923.

1922.

133

...

168

176

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INDIANS.

Three hundred and ninety-nine Indians fired their Revolver course and were classified as under :-

1st Class Shots

2nd 3rd

...

1923. 1922.

...

270

192

131

399

400

CHINESE.

Three hundred and eighty-nine Chinese fired their Revolver course and were classified as under :—

1923. 1922.

1st Class Shots

2nd

3rd

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282

102

382

389

520

CONDUCT.

The conduct of the European Contingent (average strength 220) was good. The total number of reports against them was 106 as against 60 in 1922.

There were 9 reports for being drunk or under the influence of drink as against 5 in 1922.

Four were reported for sleeping on duty and twenty-five for neglect of duty as against 19 in 1922.

The conduct of the Indian Contingent (average strength 450) was good. There were 532 reports as against 330 for the preceding year. For drunkenness there were 23 as against 10, for disorderly conduct 30 as against 24, for neglect of duty 110 as against 87, for absence from duty 110 as against 85, for gossiping and idling on duty 81 as against 47 and for sleeping on duty 25 as against 21. 247 had no reports as against 254 in 1922.

Three Indian Policemen were convicted by the Police Magis- trate and dismissed from the Force for the following offences (a) for being absent from station and duty (b) for assault and (e) for accepting bribes.

The behaviour of the Chinese Contingent (average strength 733) was fair. There were altogether 1389 reports as against 977 in 1922. For drunkenness there was one case, 95 for sleeping on

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duty as against 92, 29 for disorderly conduct as against 25, and 727 for minor offences as against 424. 275 men had no reports as against 229 in 1922.

Twenty-four Chinese Constables were convicted by the Police Magistrate and dismissed from the force for the following offences (a) six for demanding money with menaces (1) nine for sleeping on duty (c) four for being absent from station and duty (d) one for larceny (e) two for gambling in a common Gaming house (f) one for having stolen property in his possession and (g) one for manslaughter.

The behaviour of the Chinese (Wei Hai Wei) Contingent (average strength 183) was fair. There were altogether 54 reports, 2 for drunkenness, 4 for disorderly conduct and 48 for minor offences. 78 men had no report.

The conduct of Seamen, (Coxwains, Engineers and Stokers, average strength 254) was fair. There were 207 reports as compared with 110 for the previous year. For disorderly conduct there were 27 reports as against 1 in 1922, 26 for neglect of duty as against 9, 125 for absence from station and duty as against 87, and 10 for sleeping on duty as against 8 for the previous year. 138 men had no report recorded against them as compared with

77 in 1922.

HEALTH.

Admissions to Hospital during the last three years were as

follows:

1921.

1922.

1923.

Nationality.

Establish- ¿ment of

Admis- sions.

the Force.

Establish- ment of the Force.

Admis- sions.

Establish- ment of the Force.

Admis- sions.

Europeans,.

185

135

188

145

220

235

Indians,.

430

455

431

497

550

666

Chinese,.

726

381

762

326

681

549

Return of Police treated in Government Civil Hospital for

Fever or Dengue Fever during the year 1923-

Old Territories.

New Territories.

Nationality.

Establishment of the Force.

Establishment

Treated.

of the Force.

Treated.

Europeans,

Indians,

Chinese,

225

469

712

4449

143

152

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In addition to cases treated in Hospital for Fever or Dengue Fever, the cases treated for Fever in the various stations in the New Territories without being removed to Hospital were :--

Europeans 19, Indians 50. Chinese 357.

WATER POLICE.

Details concerning the Water Police are contained in Annexe A.

RECRUITING.

Details concerning recruiting and the Police Training School will be found in Annexe B.

SPECIAL EVENTS.

The first Wei Hai Wei Contingent arrived in the Colony on the 21st March and were posted to four Stations in the New Territory, viz., Lok Ma Chau, Au Tau, Ping Shan and Castle Peak, thus relieving Indians who had previously done duty in these Stations.

On 3rd May a serious Armed Robbery was averted through the presence of mind of L. S. A156 Dowse. The facts briefly are as follows:-L. S. A156 was patrolling along Hollywood Road at about 10 p.m. and when he arrived at Shing Wong Street he noticed a small crowd who all seemed to be looking in his direc- tion. He went down to investigate and not noticing anything unusual turned back to Hollywood Road again where he stood for a few minutes. The crowd in Shing Wong Street was still looking up towards him, and being suspicious that something was afoot he went down a second time. On his approach the crowd began to disperse, and when he got as far as the stone steps which run down from No. 7 Shing Wong Street two men emerged from a small gangway overlooking the steps who appeared to be trying to make a get away. Sergeant Dowse sprang in front of the first man and caught hold of him, but he managed to wrench himself free from the Sergeant's hold, and whipped out a revolver, firing at the Sergeant at point-blank range. Sergeant Dowse was hit above the right collar-bone. His assailant then bolted. The Ser- geant who must have been in severe pain fired two shots at his assailant as he fled. The assailant who was subsequently arrested was sentenced at June Criminal Sessions to 20 years hard labour.

The S. S. "Tai Shun" which left Hongkong for Shanghai at 6 p.m. on 11th May carrying two Europeans and 170 Chinese passengers, most of the latter having embarked at Canton, was pirated off Breakers Point at 9.30 a.m. on 12th by about 35 Chinese who represented themselves as passengers and who were armed with revolvers and daggers. They held up the ship for about 19 hours and left in a fishing junk taking with them treasure valued at $10,100 and one case of Ginseng valued at $300. They also searched the passengers and crew from whom they stole

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money, jewellery, etc., to the value of about $50,000. During this hold up the Chief Officer was wounded in the left arm.

A most regrettable fatal accident occurred on 8th June when L. S. A155 Cole (Asst. Musketry Instructor) who was instruct- ing European Police officers in revolver firing was accidently shot dead. An enquiry into the accident was held on 13th June, and the verdict arrived at was Accidental death”.

On 13th July the second Wei Hai Wei contingent arrived in the Colony and were posted to six Stations viz., Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Sheung Shui, Ta Ku Ling and Sha Tau Kok thus reliev- ing the remainder of the Indian Police stationed in the New Territory. With the arrival of this contingent the Cantonese constables were also transferred from the Territory leaving Detec- tives only for Criminal Investigation work.

A further very regrettable fatal accident occurred on the Tai Po Road on the evening of 1st August when Acting Sub Inspec- tor W. Y. Henderson who was stationed at Tai Po was returning on a Government Motorcycle with Sidecar from Sheung Shui. The machine left the road at a corner near Fan Ling Village and Acting S. I. Henderson's head came into contact with a low branch of a tree fracturing his skull. The exact cause of the accident is not known, but it is surmised that owing to the vivid lightning at the time he was temporarily blinded and ran the machine off the road.

On the 18th August the Colony was visited by a very severe typhoon, the wind reaching a velocity of 130.8 miles per hour. This resulted in much damage to shipping, the chief casualty being the foundering of the Indo China S. N. Co.'s steamer" Loong Sang which sank off Praya Central with heavy loss of life. Amongst other vessels which were either driven ashore or sunk were the S. S. Tai Lee" and "Chung On" off Kowloon Dock, the "Kwong Sai" and "Lake Farrar" on Stonecutters Island and the S. S. "Haldis " on Green Island. Many other craft compris- ing Launches, Lighters, Junks and Sampans were sunk in various parts of the Harbour. Much damage and loss of life resulted on shore, especially in the Native areas owing to the collapse of houses, and electrocution through live wires being blown down.

The S. S. Hsin Chang" which left Canton for Hongkong at 10.50 p.m. on 8th September having on board 140 passengers and

cargo was held up and pirated at 1.15 a.m. on 9th when about two miles below Tapo Light in the Canton River. The Pirates who numbered about fifty, and who were armed with Mauser Pistols and Revolvers embarked at Canton as passengers. As soon as the pirates gained control of the ship they blew the ship's whistle when two large junks and about ten sampans each con-

K 14

taining men armed with rifles came out from the East Cape Creek. The ship was then ransacked and the cargo and booty transhipped. About $23,000 worth of property and money was stolen.

The S. S. "Sunning" which left Hongkong for Kong Moon at 6.30 a.m. on 23rd October having on board a general cargo and about three hundred passengers was held up and pirated by a gang of men who had embarked as passengers (while nearing Brothers Pointat 7.50 p.m.) The arms used may have been smuggled on board in cargo.

Property was stolen from passengers to the amount of $11,442.00. It is not known how much was stolen from the ship.

A torrential downpour of rain which reached its height during the early hours of the morning of 31st October caused landslides, wide damage and serious dislocation of business and traffic. The heavy rain began on 30th and continued with great intensity until 9.30 a.m. on 31st. During the twenty four hours from 10 a.m, on 30th until 10 a.m. on 31st 15.91 inches of rain were recorded at the Royal Observatory. At Pokfulam and Tytam similar records were taken. The basements of the International Banking Corpora- tion, Donnelly and Whyte, the Hong Kong Hotel, Watson and Comp- any Limited and practically every shop in Queen's Road and Des Voeux Road were flooded with sandladen water, and the amount of damage done was considerable. The Fire Brigade were kept busy during the day pumping out these basements. As was only to be expected serious landslides occured in various parts of the Colony, the biggest among them being at Stubbs Road, Findlay Road, Magazine Gap Road, Bowen Road and Robinson Road.

One of the most serious happenings was the break caused in the Conduit on Bowen Road which was damaged by the heavy rainfall after the big August typhoon.

The only fatality recorded is that which befell a Chinese woman and young child in Third Street who were washed into a nullah and drowned.

At 6.40 p.m. on 27th December while the S. S. “Hydrangea was off Single Island en route from Hongkong to Swatow reports of firearms were heard from the direction of the Saloon Deck. Immediately afterwards eight men appeared, four at either door of the saloon and held up the Officers with Revolvers.

The pirates ordered the Captain to the Bridge Deck and took a revolver from his person. Two rifles were taken from the rack in his cabin. He was then taken to the Indian Guard Room and ordered to unfasten the door. The pirates took all the fire- arms there were there and then marched him back to his cabin where he was forced to remain until the pirates left the ship in Bias Bay. Seven of the pirates embarked as 1st Class, nine as

K 15

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2nd Class and the balance as 3rd Class passengers, numbering about fifty in all. Money, jewellery, clothing, etc., were stolen all to the value of $33,369.00 from the ship and passengers.

On the 31st December the third Wei Hai Wei Contingent consisting of 5 L. S. 58 men and 3 Interpreters arrived in the Colony; these men were drafted to eight Stations, viz., Tai Po, Lok Ma Chau, Au Tau, Ta Ku Ling, Ping Shan, Castle Peak and Sha Tin and replaced 65 men of the 1st and 2nd Contingents who were transferred to four Stations in Kowloon.

REWARDS & COMMENDATIONS

Principal Chinese Detective Chu Heung was granted a 4th Class Medal for hard work and valuable services rendered during

1921 and 1922.

Detective C. C. 382 Cheung Shiu Fai was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police and granted a reward of $15 for pluck and courage in effecting the arrest of a man in connection with an Armed Robbery at No. 63 Kowloon City Road on 17.12.22.

C. C. 364 Ko Kit was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police and granted a gratuity of $20 for his brave action in jumping into the harbour fully clothed and rescuing a Chinese woman who attempted to commit suicide.

Detective P. C. 52 Tam Kui was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police and granted a reward of $25 for good work done in a case of larceny from the person on 26.1.23.

Detectives P. S. C84 Ho Hung and P. S. C236 Lau Yat were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for their plucky action in arresting an armed robber outside the Kwong Chi Theatre, Yaumati, on 2.1.23.

Detective C. C. 378 Wong Kin was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police and granted a reward of $25, and C. C. 658 Tong Tau, C. C. 79 Tang Lam, C. C. 275 Lam Leung and C. C. 149 Cheung Kong $10 each for the prompt and courageous manner in which they performed their duty on the night of 5th January which resulted in the arrest of two men for the unlawful possession of Arms.

Detective C. C. 577 Leung Ping was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for good work in arresting one Lau Yau on 27th January for being in possession of a loaded Revolver.

Detective P. C. 345 Shek Tui was commended by H. E. the Governor and granted a reward of $25 for intelligence and devo- tion to duty displayed by him in arresting two men with loaded

57.

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Revolvers in their possession. P. C. C237 Cheung Kwong was commended by the Captain Sapt. of Police for his praiseworthy action in the above case.

Detective C. C. 447 Chau Tim was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for zeal in obtaining information that led to the arrest of an Armed Robber in Kowloon City in February.

C. C. 375 Lui Hing was commended by H. E. the Governor and granted a reward of $75 for courage in pursuing an Armed Robber in Yee Wo Street on 31st January.

Detective C. C. 113 Kwong Luen was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police and granted a reward of $25 for good work performed in a case of Armed Robbery in Upper Lascar Row.

P. S. A3 McFall was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for diligence and intelligence displayed in a case of Armed Robbery which took place on 21st January at the Ng Chit Nunnery. Detective C. C. 376 Cheung Cheung and C. C. 340 Chan Ping Lam were also commended and granted a reward of $10 each for good work in the above case.

P. S. B281 Kimay Khan and I. P. C. B118 Channan Deen were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for good work in arresting an armed Chinese who was on the point of com- mitting an Armed Robbery in Kowloon City on 5th February.

C. C. 151 Yau Chong was granted a 4th Class Medal in addition to a commendation by His Honour the Chief Justice for courage and presence of mind on the occasion of an armed robbery in Arthur Street on 22nd February. C. C. 281 Tsoi Cheung was commended by the Chief Justice and granted a reward of $50 for arresting another Robber in this case.

L. S. C64 Lo Wing and C. C. 183 Tse Pan were commended by H. E. the Governor and granted a reward of $25 each for smartness in effecting the arrest of four men who had committed a Highway Robbery on Victoria Road on 10th January.

P. S. A58 Dorling and P. S. C42 Li Kwan were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for smartness in effecting the arrest of three Armed Robbers who had attempted to commit a robbery at 23 Canton Road on 8th March.

Detective P. C. C1 Chan Kwai was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for smartness in effecting the arrest on 12th March of a man suspected of taking part in a highway robbery on the Old Shaukiwan-Stanley Roads.

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Detective P. C. C558 Chan Pui was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for energy and intelligence displayed in recovering a roll of cloth valued at $1,360 which was stolen from the Lee Yuen Piece Goods Store on 30th January.

Detective P. C. C611 So Kin Cho was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for vigilance and zeal in preventing a street fight at Sai Wan Ho on 27th April, and arresting one man armed with a dagger.

C. C. 187 Chan Kam was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for zeal and attention to duty for arresting a Chinese male for being in possession of a revolver and 44 rounds of Ammunition at Hung Hom Ferry Wharf on 28th April.

I. L. S. B324 Labh Singh was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police and granted a reward of $25 for zeal and attention to duty in arresting a burglar at Yaumati on 15th April.

Detective P. C. C329 Wong Kee was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for intelligence displayed in securing in- formation resulting in the arrest of the perpetrators of an armed robbery and murder at No. 46 Kennedy Town on 9th February.

P. C. D. Chu Heung was highly commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for intelligence and zealous work in conducting the investigation of the Shing Wong Street shooting case. L. S. C. 166 Kwan Hing Nam was also commended for good work in the

same case.

Sergt. Major Nand Singh was commended by His Excellency the Governor for good work done in the New Territory during the period 3.5.21 to 12.7.23.

L. S. A147 Johnson was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for resource and perseverance in clearing a fouled propeller of No. 6 Police launch on 18th August.

C. C. 191 Ng Sze was highly commended by Mr. J. R. Wood, Police Magistrate, for his pluck and courage in climbing through the window of the Guards quarters at Government Quarries, Tsat Tsze Mui on 28th June and disarming and arresting one Gul Mohamed who had committed a murder..

Detective P. C. C558 Chan Pui was highly commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for zeal and intelligence displayed by him in making enquiries which led to the arrest of a gang of ten thieves and pickpockets, and to the recovery of stolen property valued at $271.50,

I. P. C. B240 Bachan Singh was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for presence of mind in saving the life of a Chinese male who had fallen into the harbour on 28th August,

K 18

P. C. C118 Ma Yuen was granted a reward of $100 and a 4th Class Medal for the smart capture of an Armed Robber in Yaumati on 18th July.

Lance Sgt. A156 Dowse was commended by His Excellency the Governor for acting with commendable promptness and pre- sence of mind when shot by an Armed Robber in Shing Wong Street on 3rd May.

C. C. 563 Wong Kam Ling was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for alertness on duty on 11th October. His action led to the arrest and conviction of two Chinese for store-breaking.

Detective P. S. A58 Dorling and Detective P. C. C383 Lui Yau Cheung were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for good work in a case of larceny of stores valued at $5,000 from s.s. "Salvistan." The whole of the property was recovered.

Sub-Inspector W. Shannon and Detective P. C. C214 Lau Kin, and Detective P. C. C56 Li Sek were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for diligent work during the months of September and October in the investigation of gangs of Pick- pockets and Thieves.

Detective C394 Lam Fuk was commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for zeal and pluck on duty in pursuing three armed men who fired on him in Kowloon City on 3rd November.

Detective P. S. C180 Wong Lau and Detective P. C. 105 Chan Chi were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for alertness and diligence when on ambush duty at Waterloo Road. Two members of a gang of robbers were arrested on the spot and two more on information.

Detective P. S. 185 Tang Sang and Detective C. C. 52 Tam Kui were commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for their prompt and intelligent work in the investigation of a stabbing case at Kennedy Town in August.

Detective P. S. C. 649 Chung Wai and C252 Iu Muk were. commended by the Captain Supt. of Police for diligence and cou- rage on duty in securing the arrest of one Chu Cheung who fired on them at Glenealy on 29th September.

L. S. A24 Elston was commended by His Excellency the Governor for excellent work done whilst performing the duties of Sergeant in charge, Hawkers.

P. S. C 185 Tang Sang was granted a reward of $25 for the smart arrest of one Leung Chin who had committed a larceny at No. 2 Broadwood Terrace on 6th July.

น

K 19

Table III.

Return shewing the Establishment and Casualties in the Force

during the year 1923 :--

Nationality.

of Casualties.

Europeans,... 220

Indians,

450

106

Chinese,

902

220

312 1

752

3 26

113

Total, 1,572

360

213

This number includes the Police paid by other Departments, also the Engineers, Coxwains, Stokers, etc., but it is exclusive of:

1 Captain Superintendent.

1 Deputy Superintendent of Police (Kowloon).

Director of Criminal Intelligence.

1 Assistant Director of Criminal Intelligence.

3 Assistant Superintendents.

Probationer.

Accountant.

Assistant Accountant.

2 Storekeepers.

Police Secretary.

13 Clerks.

10 Telephone Clerks.

127

Interpreters.

Messengers and Coolies.

2 Indian and 2 Chinese Constables who are em-

ployed by Private Firms.

Actual Strength on the 10th December, 1923.

Europeans.

Indians.

Chinese.

Total.

Present,

205

409*

909

1,523

Sick or Absent on

leave,

Excess over Estimates'

டே

Vacancies,

Total

225

489

958

1,672

K 20

EXECUTIVE STAFF.

Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe went on special leave to Wei Hai Wei from 18th May, 1923, to 13th July, 1923, and Mr. P. P. J. Wodehouse, C.I.E. acted as Captain Superintendent of Police during this period.

Mr. L. H. V. Booth was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Police (New Territories) on 1st May, 1923, vice Mr. D. Burlingham to Central. Mr. Booth also took over the duties of Divisional Inspector N.T. vice Inspector Boulger who proceeded on leave prior to retirement on 6th September, 1923.

Mr. J. Kerr, 2nd Assistant Superintendent of Police was granted vacation leave from 10th October, 1923, to 29th November, 1923, to visit Calcutta.

Table showing the Total Strength, Expenditure and Revenue of the Police Department for the years 1914 to 1923:

Year

Total Strength

Expenditure

Revenue

1914

1,304

1915

1,289

$ 789,100 765,911

$ 193,915

185,589

1916

1,215

703,743

192,796

1917

1.229

694,115

210,071

1918

1,228

727,233

219,012

1919

1.228

840,977

225,031

1920

1,281

1,165,084

229,122

1921

1,341

1,443,627

259,876

1922

1.381

1,533,772

376,347

1923

1,589

1,633,847

349,443

Annexe A.

REPORT ON THE WATER POLICE.

I have the honour to report that the strength of the Water Police as it now stands is 1 Inspector, 3 Sub-Inspectors, 3 Crown Sergeants, 22 Lance Sergeants and 2 European Constables, 31 Coxswains, 4 Boatswains, 110 Seamen, 33 Engineers, 31 Stokers, 2 Barrack Sergeants, 2 Station Sergeants, 2 Carpenters, 2 Painters, 1 Sailmaker, 1 Motor Mechanic, 12 Detectives and 17 Boatmen making a total of 281.

The above is the actual strength on 31st December, 1923, and includes all the Detectives stationed at Water Police Station, and those under the Piracy Prevention Ordinance.

K 21

Yearly return of Resignations, Dismissals, Enlistments, etc. during the year 1923 :--

Resignations

Dismissals

Struck off

Medically unfit

Retirements

Deaths..

Total

Enlistment

During the year under review the four large Cruising Police Launches Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 have all been thoroughly overhauled besides being slipped Quarterly, when all minor repairs were effected. These launches are now in good running order. The Maxims on these launches have been replaced by Vickers Machine Guns.

Four of the five patrol launches 5, 6, 7 and 8 have been kept on Harbour Beats during the year. They have been overhauled and are in a satisfactory condition.

Motor Boats 10, 11 and 12 have all been overhauled every three months and are in good running order.

A searchlight was installed on No. 1 Police Launch.

No new launches were taken over during 1923.

All Pulling Boats and gear are in good order and condition.

The usual Rifle and Vickers gun practices have been carried out by Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 launches.

A Typhoon of exceptional violence struck the Colony on 18th August. No. 2 Police Launch which was anchored in Tsun Wan Bay broke from her moorings and went ashore on Cheung Hui Island. She was refloated without suffering any material injury.

The traffic in Arms, principally from the United States of America, was a matter of grave concern to the Water Police during the year. Several important seizures were made by a special staff of Searchers.

A special staff was employed throughout the year in carrying out searches under the Piracy Prevention Ordinance.

P. P. J. WODEHOUSE, Deputy Superintendent of Police,

K 22

Annexe B.

POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL REPORT FOR 1923.

Staff-The following changes were made in the personnel of the School Staff during 1923:-

(1) Sub-Inspector Paterson was appointed Assistant

Principal.

(2) Sergt. Major Miram Bux was transferred to the School Staff, vice Sergt. Major Ali Mahadur Khan, returned to regular duty.

(3) Mr. Ng Cheuk Wah was appointed Chinese Verna- cular Teacher vice Mr. Li Man Wan, resigned. (4) Mr. Kwok Lun Ying was appointed Clerk.

Principal

PRESENT STAFF.

Asst. Principal

Indian Teacher & Interpreter

...Insp. W. G. Gerrard. ...Sub-Insp. H. J. Paterson. ...Mr. K. Sohan Singh.

First Chinese Teacher & Interpreter..Mr. Pun Yau Tong.

Second

༑

Chinese Vernacular Teacher... Clerk

Indian Sergt. Major

Chinese

...

European Drill Instructor

...Mr. Yeung Siu Nung. ...Mr. Ng Cheuk Wah. ...Mr. Kwok Lun Ying.

Miram Bux. Kwong Tin Kan.

.Sub-Insp. J. Clark.

Musketry Instructor...P. S. A90 Carpenter.

Physical Drill Instructor

and Barrack Sergeant

...L. S. A114 Condon.

5 Indian Drill Instructors

2 Chinese

Leare. Inspector Gerrard was granted three months leave in November. During his absence his duties were performed by Acting Inspector Paterson.

Removal.--The Police Training School was removed from

Central Police Station to Harbour View in February, 1923.

Recruiting Table 1st January to 31st December, 1923.

Euro-

pean.

Indian. Chinese.

District Watchmen.

Continuing Instruction

ན

from 1922

Recruited

106

Passed out to duty

111

Resigned

Dismissed

Struck off

Invalided

Continuing Instruction

K 23

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE.

The conduct and discipline of the European and Indian Recruits was satisfactory with the following exceptions:-

Two Indians were dismissed for misconduct: six Indians were struck off, and one Indian was allowed to resign as unsuitable for the Police.

The conduct and discipline of the Chinese Recruits was not satisfactory

Four men were dismissed: six were struck off the strength of the Force and thirty-two were permitted

to resign.

All Chinese Recruits are now required to find a surety

in $100 before being enlisted.

PROBATIONARY SYSTEM.

During the year, the six months probationary system for Indians, and the three months probationary system for Chinese was abolished, and all Recruits are now required to enlist for five years.

EXAMINATIONS.

During the year sixteen examinations were held at Police Training School of Europeans, Indians and Chinese for promotion. The following table shows the number of officers who qualified for the various ranks :-

Europeans Indians Chinese

For In-

For Sub- Inspec-

spector.

tor.

For Sgt. Major.

For Sergeant.

For Lance Sergeant.

...

: 200

.....、、

Europeans.

Indians.

CURRICULUM.

Chinese.

District Watchmen. Recruits:

District Watchmen. Recruits.

K 24

Police Regulations and General Instructions. Ordinances-all those that apply to Police. Police Code. Sections and Beats. Local Knowledge. Educational Subjects. Police Court Routine. Observation Lessons. Physical Drill. Squad and Rifle Drill. Musketry Course.

Revolver Course.

Police Regulations and

General Instructions. Ordinances--selected. Sections and Beats. Local Knowledge. Police Court Routine Observation Lessons. Physical Drill. Squad and Rifle Drill. Musketry Course. Revolver Course. Urdu and/or Gurmukhi and/or English.

Police Regulations and General Instructions. Ordinances-selected. Sections and Beats. Local Knowledge. Police Court Routine. Observation Lessons. English and Arithmetic

----elementary.

Geography of China. Excerpts from Book of Morals. Physical Drill. Squad and Rifle Drill. Musketry Course.

Revolver Course.

Police Regulation Book- selected portions and General Instructions. Ordinances-selected. Local Knowledge. Physical Drill. Squad Drill.

Drilled Weekly on

Tues-

days and Fridays. During the year 6 men received instruction in Police Regulations.

Note:-Defaulters sent to School (Indians and Chinese) receive special instruction according to the subject in which they are reported to be inefficient.

Year.

- K 25

Table I.

RETURN OF SERIOUS AND MINOR OFFENCES REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN (

Serious Offences.

1 Robbery with Violence and

3 Larcenies and

Assault with

Burglaries.

Larcenies in

Dwelling-

Murder, Manslaughter

5 Offences against Ordinance

Unlawful

of Protection of

and Other

intent to rob.

Houses.

Felonies.

Women and

Children.

Possession.

1922.

Europeans and Americans,

Indians,

Chinese,

1923.

Europeans and Americans,

Indians,

Chinese,?.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted,

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Chens

:..

1 1 2

244 40

28 109 12

: 8

33,190

1,106 203 312|129| 90 60 55

8:3

12 336

: ོ

313

Total,.

244 40 28 109 12

33,193

1,107 | 205 | 315|131| 91 61

56 12336 313 58

Total Serious Offences 4,260.

♡

174 43 21

2 2,897

1,052 | 306|435 230|148 63

14 352

359292

262 134

Total,..... 174 43 21

2|2,899

1,053 | 307 | 438 | 235|148| 63 57 14.352 262 134

Total Serious Offences 4,011. ́.

K 25

Table I.

RETURN OF SERIOUS AND MINOR OFFENCES REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED DURING THE YE

Serious Offences.

Unlawful

Kidnapping.

Assault and Disorderly

Robbery with Violence and Assault with intent to rob.

Larcenies and

Burglaries.

Larcenies in

Dwelling- Houses.

Murder, Manslaughter

and Other

Felonies.

Offences against Ordinance

of Protection of

Women and Children,

Possession.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

ans,

Cases.

244 40 28

244 40

ns,

Conduct.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted,

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.)

1 1 2 2

3 3,190 1,106 203312129 90

109

F..

60 55 12336 313 58

28 109

12 33,193 1,107|205|315| 131 | 91 61 56 12 336

Total Serious Offences 4,260.

174 43

174

176

313 58

སྣ

1502724

1 542 766

ล

74 18 2 2,897

1,052 306 435 230 148 63 57 14 352

:༣

262 134

895 [960|188

22,899 1,053 307 438 235 || 148 63

57 14 352 262 134 11 S

Total Serious Offences 4,011.`,

2918 981190

K 25

—

Table I.

RTED TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED DURING THE YEARS 1922 AND 1923.

Unlawful

Possession.

Kidnapping.

}

Assault and Disorderly Conduct.

Minor Offences.

Miscellaneous

Total of

Gambling.

Drunkenness.

Nuisances.

Offences.

all cases

2336 313 58

22 24

2 1

13 1

502724

4883

65|471| 1,767 | 143

3333

23 ... 1,388 1,388

:..

415

15:

7,162 9,615 818 13,799

12 83

104

-5

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged,

Cases.

Convicted.

Discharged.

2 336 313

:ལྦ

4352

1,388 1,388

7,221 9,703 825

13,939

58 2 2 1 542 766 69471 1,767 143 57 57

Total Minor Offences 9,679.

262 134

2895 960|188|529 | 2,827|218 | 22

:སྤྱི

1 251 282

8,382|12,100 1,384 14,085

4.352 262 134 11

2 918 981190|529|2,827 218 67

65 2

251

282 26

8,424 12,141 1,393 14,200

Total Minor Offences 10,189.

SERIOUS OFFENCES,

Table II.

YEARLY RETURN OF CRIME FOR THE WHOLE COLONY FOR 1923.

PERIOD-YEAR

1923.

PERSONS

CONVICTED.

Charge cases.

Cases without charge.

Total cases.

% Charge cases

to total.

Europeans.

Indians,

Chinese.

VALUE

PERSONS

PROPERTY

DISCHARGED.

STOLEN RECOVERED.

Europeans.

Indians.

Chinese.

Arnis,

218

220

Assault,

304

294

Assault with intent to rob,

383

Burglary,

61.

18%

Coinage Offences,

Deportation,

Embezzlement,

28%

2275

House and Godown Breaking,

60 67

10%

Intimidation and Extortion,...

Kidnapping,

55%

Larceny,

1,180

980 2,160

59%

975

Larceny from Dwelling House,

...

7,982.68

5 111,898.97

14,789.35

960.23

288 | 168,800.90| 24,699.16

K 26 -

600.00

3,312.00

...

509

560

6:128,969.02

Larceny on Ship and Wharf,

17,998.50

153

179

1.5%

21.

12 34,352,43

Manslaughter.

5,294.25

Murder.

Murder, Attempted,

Obtaining by False Pretences..

64%

18 90,816.61

345.00

Receiving and Unlawful Possession,

352

262

134

Robbery...

35 134 169 21%

21|100,061.48

1,864.5.

Rogue and Vagabond,

Women and Girls,..........

63+

Other Serious Offences,

204

246

185

...

Total,....

2,687 2,042 4,729

32,344

137

...

814 |$657,671.44$ 55,073,68

MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES.

Table II.-Continued.

YEARLY RETURN OF CRIME FOR THE WHOLE COLONY FOR 1923.

PERIOD-YEAR

1923.

PERSONS

CONVICTED.

PERSONS

DISCHARGED.

VALUE

PROPERTY PROPERTY STOLEN. RECOVERED.

Charge cases.

Cases without

charge.

Total cases.

% Charge cases

to total.

Europeans.

Indians.

Chinese.

Europeans.

Indians.

Chinese.

✡A

Damage to Property,.

со

...

Dangerous Goods,

...

Drunkenness,

30 14

...

Forestry Offences,

467

565

Gambling,

455

2,752

189

Hawking Offences,.

4,899

4,779

228

Lottery Offences,

Mendicants,

Merchant Shipping Ordinance,

169

461

...

Morphine,

Nuisances,

251

282

...

Opium,

1,608

...

5,069

913

Revenue,

238

229

Stowaways,

...

Vagrants,

Vehicles and Traffic,...

454

Other Miscellaneous Offences,.

517

97 614 84%

.448

8 666

.90

Total,

9,373

98 9,471

...

25 (15,516

1 1,630

...

Grand Total,..

12,060 2,140 14,200

28 |1.7,860

2 2,444

...

- K 27-

Table III.

PIRACIES, 1923.

Ship and

Date.

Name and Address of Complainant.

Place of Occurrence.

Estimated

No, of Pirates. Dialect Spoken.

Estimated

Value of

Property

Stolen.

No. of Persons Kidnapped.

Remarks.

29th March, 1923.

Ho Kam, Master of Trading | Chinese Waters off | 40. Hoklo dialect. Junk, No. T 109 H.

$5,958.00

Nil.

Ping Hoi.

3rd April,

1923.

Tsang Man-yue, Trading Junk, Chinese Waters off | 25. Hakha dialect. No. T 4625 H.

$2,293.90

Nil.

Ping Hoi.

12th May,

1923.

s.s. “Tai Shun”, Lo Shun-wan, | Chinese Waters off Manager China Merchants Steamship Company.

30-40. Dialect

$60,000.00

Nil.

· Breakers Point.

unknown.

Tam Kai, Pilot, s.s. "Woo Foo",

s.s. “Hsin Chang

30th May,

1923.

26th July,

1923.

10th September, 1923.

owned by Ming Hing S. S. Co., Connaught Road West.

Lam Fuk, unlicensed Chinese | Chinese Waters near Junk.

O.K.C. Newburgh, Master of the Chinese Waters near

Chinese Waters off

Mun Fa Mountain.

40-50. Dialect unknown.

459 bags of bran.

19 men.

Hai Nan Island.

Unknown, Dialect unknown.

Unknown.

Nil.

Tapo Light.

50. Dialect

unknown.

$23,000.00

Mil.

- pod K' Paralangan22 3

Pirates boarded from Hoklo boat.

Two of crew killed and one I

wounded.

Pirates boarded from a 3-masted boat. 4 of the crew wounded. 1 pirate shot dead.

Pirates travelled as passengers

on the s.s. "Tai Shun" from Hongkong or Canton.

Pirates boarded from Launch "Sui În ”.

Steam

All the Junk's crew killed ex- cept one boy,

K 28

Table III.—Continued.

PIRACIES, 1923.

Date.

Ship and Name and Address of Complainant,

Place of Occurrence.

Estimated No. of Pirates. Dialect Spoken.

Estimated

Value of

Property

Stolen.

No. of Persons Kidnapped.

Remarks.

K 29

25th September, 1923.

5th October,

1923.

Chau Yau, Coxswain Steam Launch "Tung On", 214 -Reclamation Street, “Y”. Tsang Ki-ming, Fishing Boat

4222 V.

25th October, John Campbell MacKechnie, Master of the s.s. "San Ning", 11th November, Cheung Kai-chung, Master of 1923. Trading Junk, No. T4753H.

29th December, Mr Brewer, Master of the s.s. 1923.

"Hydrangea".

th-December, Tang Yik, Master of Trading Junk, No. unknown.

1923.

Ling). Chinese Waters off San Chai Kok.

Chinese Waters off Single Island.

Chinese Waters off Lin Tin Island.

Chinese

Waters off

Shun Tak (Sai Ma

42. Dialect

unknown.

$40,000.00

Nil.

Pirates boarded from two boats.

7-8. Dialect

unknown.

$130.00

Nil.

Pirates boarded from small boat.

Chinese Waters, Can- ton River.

Unknown.

Nil.

Pirates travelled as passengers. Master, Chinese Officer, and Indian Guard wounded.

Chinese

Waters off

Chi Lung.

30. Dialect

unknown.

$3,060.00

Nil.

Pirates boarded from small boat.

40-50. Dialect

Unknown.

Nil.

unknown.

Pirates travelled as passengers. No casualties.

6. Dialect

$177.00

Nil.

Pirates boarded from small boat.

unknown.

Table IV

Description of Arms.

Number

In Store end of

Seized.

year 1923

Serviceable.

Ammunition seized during year 1923.

In Store end of

year

Serviceable.

Remarks.

K 30

Winchester Rifles

3,057

1,010

This report does not include

German Rifles

Rifles (Various makes,

43,642

25,738

Revolvers (Various makes)

978

14;

116,006

25,988

Automatic Pistols

126

136

14,081

30,020

entering

arms ammunition surrendered to Police. Not those taken over from Chinese Troops on British Territory

Mauser Pistols

1018

157

169,970

20,737

29-10-23.

Shot Guns

676

Luger Pistols

190

5,991

German Machine Guns

1,860

Thompson Sub Machine Guns

5,017

......

Stored with Ordnance Dept.

1,589 Mauser Pistols, 292,220 Rounds, Mauser Pistol Ammunition, 180 Luger Pistols.

Under

one

month.

VICTORIA.

KOWLOON.

K 31

Table V.

DUMPED BODIES, 1923.

HARBOUR.

I month

and

under

1 year and under

5 years

and

15 years

Under

1 year.

5 years.

under

15 years.

and

over.

one

month.

1 month

and

under

1 year.

1 year and

under

5 years.

5 years

and

under

15 years.

15 years

and

Under

one

over.

month.

1 month

and

under

1 year.

1 year and

under

5 years

and

15 years

and

Under

years.

under

15 years.

over.

one

month.

sex

Junk.

m). f.

SCX

junk.

SCX

m. f.

unk.

11.

in.

f. 1

sex

auk.

111.

m. f.

sex

junk.

in.

'unky

}

70 59 1 374318

ลง

1.4

3 78 74 488. 72

ごい

NOX

junk.

Year.

Victoria.

Kowloon. Harbour. Elsewhere. Total.

Males.

sex

Junk.

mi. f.

Junk.

in.

10 31 6

Females. Unknown. Children. Adults.

1919,

220

144

139

580

312

252

674

1920,

235

257

126

656

295

347

650

1921.

208

282

108

641

340

287

630

1922,

382

392

137

941

527

407

890

1928,

959

381

169

1,528

827

670

1,468

5 years

and

under

15 years.

KOWLOON.

K 31

Table V.

DUMPED BODIES, 1923.

15 years

Under

and

over.

one

month.

1 month

and

under

1 year and

5 years

and

under

15 years

and

Under

one

under

5 years.

over.

month.

1 year.

15 years.

HARBOUR.

1 month

and

under

1 year.

ELSEWHERE.

I month

1 year and

under

5 years

and

15 years

and

5 years.

under

15 years,

over.

Under

one

month.

and

under

1 year.

5 years.

1 year and

under

5 years

Total.

and

15 years

and

under

15 years.

over.

nk.

111.

sex

unk.

sex

11).

sex

unk.

junk.

in.

sex

'unk.

sex

junk.

sex

unk.

sex

شنه

m. f. In

Junk.

32 25 G

78 74

88 72

15 10

3 19

30 87

10 31

Year.

Victoria.

Kowloon. Harbour. Elsewhere. Total.

Males.

Females. Unknown. Children.

Adults.

1919,

220

144

139

580

312

252

574

1920,

235

257

126

656

295

347

650

1921,

208

282

108

641

340

287

630

1922,

382

392

137

941

527

407

890

1923,

959

381

169

1,528

827

670

1,468

6611 50

sex

unk.

Sex

in.

m). f. Ini.

unk.

1 528

K 32

REPORT BY THE CHIEF OFFICER HONGKONG FIRE BRIGADE

The cost of the Fire Brigade for the year 1923 was $166,786.00 as compared with $177,799.00 in 1922. This sum includes $17,153.00 Special Expenditure. The provision of two new Sub- stations, one in Victoria (Kennedy Town) and one in Kowloon (Mong Kok) involve a permanent increase in the cost of the Brigade. However taking into consideration the rapidity with which the Colony, and particularly Kowloon, is expanding, the expenditure involved by the opening of new Sub-stations cannot be considered extravagant or more than the increased fire risk demands.

2. The Fire Brigade equipment was not added to during the year, but provision was made in the 1924 Estimates for some important additions, viz. :-

(i) A First Aid Motor to replace No. 1 tender now converted

into a Fire Brigade Motor Lorry.

(ii) 'A large fire float capable of delivering 4,000 gallons per

minute.

3. Work on the new Central Fire Station continued throughout the year, the steel framework of the 7 storied building being almost completed.

4. A difficulty. was experienced in obtaining recruits for the Brigade owing possibly to the boom in the small traders business in the Colony (hawkers). This can only be attributed to the unsettled conditions in the neighbouring province which has resulted in a large influx of population from Kwong Tung to Hongkong. The same difficulty has been experienced by the Police and District Watchmen's Forces. Towards the end of the year recruits were coming in more freely again.

5. A satisfactory innovation was the starting of a Motor Drivers School at Central Fire Station. This school is divided into 3 classes and instruction is being given to 18 men, all of whom are either firemen or ambulance attendants. All candidates have to

find security and must undertake to serve at least 3 years with the Brigade after passing out. All the men are keen and it is to be hoped that this school will turn out sufficient good drivers in time to do away with the existing trouble in finding suitable drivers for the costly tire appliances with which the Brigade is now equipped.

- K 33

6. The report of the Superintendent Fire Brigade gives full details of the working of the Brigade during the year. It shows that the Colony, and particularly the City of Victoria, has been singularly free from serious fires during the past twelve months. The unfortunate accident to the Motor Turntable ladder involving the death of a promising young fireman cast a gloom over the Brigade, the more so as this is the first fatal accident in the records of the Brigade.

24th April, 1924.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Chief Officer, Fire Brigade.

K 34

Annexe C.

NUMBER OF CALLS, FIRES, ETC.

The Brigade received 170 calls to fires, or supposed fires, the number for year 1922 being 143. The number of fires excluding chimney fires attended by the Brigade was 109 of which 3 were serious fires.

SERIOUS FIRES

The most serious fire occurred on the 7th April at Aplichau where no fewer than 34 buildings were involved. Others, occurred at First Street, Westpoint, on the 7th August (where 2 firemen received severe burns and 11 other firemen and 1 Police Officer suffered partial suffocation), and at Whitfield Road, Causeway Bay, on the 13th September.

LIVES LOST

The number of deaths by fire viz. :-2, was 2 less than the previous year. Both were children aged 6 and 2 years respectively and were burned to death on the 25th December in a matshed in the remote part of Stanley before any assistance could be obtained. The Brigade was not called to this fire.

OFFICERS AND MEN KILLED OR INJURED

The number of Officers and men killed or injured in the execution of their duties was 10, summarised as follows:-

Killed.......

Burns and scalds

Contusions...

Injuries to hands and arms ............3

Injuries to head and face.........................3

SICKNESS AND DEATH

There were 192 cases of illness, 2 of which resulted in death.

STAFF CHANGES

During the year 2 European Foremen (Police) and 60 other ranks were struck off the strength of the Brigade; 27 men were trained as firemen and passed out of the drill class into the Brigade, while 28 men were appointed to positions as motor drivers, mechanics, etc.

K 35

STRENGTH OF BRIGADE

The authorised strength of the Brigade on the 31st December, 1923 totalled 175 including all ranks, viz.:-

FIRE STAFF

EUROPEANS

1 Chief Officer

1 Superintendent

1 Consulting Engineer

1 Assistant Engineer and

Station Officer.

1 Station Officer

2 Foremen (Police)

CHINESE

1 Head Foreman 3 Foremen

3 Assistant Foremen

80 Firemen

24 Motor drivers

4 Coxswains

2 Engineers

6 Engine drivers

10 Stokers

6 Seamen

CLERICAL, TECHNICAL AND OTHER STAFF

EUROPEANS

2 Overseers (W.W.) 1 Dangerous Goods Inspec-

tor (Police)

CHINESE

3 Interpreters

6 Telephone Clerks

2 Motor Mechanics

3 Fitters

6 Ambulance Attendants

3 Artisans

2 Liftmen

1 Carertaker

146

THEATRE AND OTHER DUTIES

The number of duties performed by members of Brigade at Public and private entertainments during the year was 885; the number of four hours duties being 217 and eight hours duties 668, thus a total of 6,212 hours.

MOTOR AMBULANCE SERVICES

The Motor ambulance service shows a considerable increase in the number of cases during 1923 when compared with previous years. No. 1 and 2 Motor ambulances stationed at Central Fire Station and Kowloon Fire Station respectively have attended no fewer than 1,712 cases.

K 36

Police Private

Total.

cases.

Distance run (miles).

No. 1 Ambulance

629

792

1,421

8,945

No. 2

169

122

291

4,985

798

914

1,712

13,930

Ambulance Calls

1923

1922

1921.

No. 1 & 2 Ambulances...)

1,712

1,185

420

EQUIPMENT

During the year the equipment of the Brigade was increased

by the following:-

8000 ft. Rubber-lined 23′′ Hose.

1000 ft. Unlined 33" Canvas Hose.

1500 ft. Unlined 4" Canvas Hose,

60 pairs Instantaneous Couplings for 4" hose.

21 Adaptors for ditto.

60 pairs Gunmetal Couplings for 23′′ hose.

6 Breechings (2 into 1).

4 Hand-Controlled "London" branches,

6"Ajax" Branches.

1 Aerial Branch for Turntable Ladder.

10 Branch holders.

12 Nozzles.

6 Adaptor's for M. Pumps using 4" (screw) hose.

12 Hook ladders.

8 Hook belts.

2 Canvas circular Jumping Sheets.

2 Canvas Chutes.

1 Large Dam.

3 pairs Rubber Gloves.

4 Portable Acetylene Stormproof Hand-lamps.

36 Firemen's Axes.

K 37

10 (Two gallon) Chemical Extincteurs, Ordinary acid

type.

10 (Two gallon) Chemical Extincteurs, Foam Com-

pound type.

The undermentioned apparatus was condemned as unfit for further use:-

2 Fire Escapes. (Sold 2nd October). 1 Hand Manual. (Sold 15th October). 11 (Five gallon) Chemical Extincteurs. 200 ft. of 4/ Unlined Canvas Hose. 4500 ft. of 23" Unlined Canvas Hose.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM & CALLS BY MEANS OF TELEPHONE

On 31st December, 1923, there were 11 street fire alarms which rang into the Central Fire Station only. The number of false alarms received was 5. Of these 2 were maliciously given.

Delay in calling the Brigade by Public Telephone is still ex- perienced evidently due to the person calling the Brigade asking the exchange for "Central 600" or "Kowloon 295"--the respec- tive numbers of Central and Kowloon Fire Stations-only to find that the number "is engaged" instead of asking for "Fire Brigade" when they would have been given preference and put on im- mediately. Other delay is experienced by the Telephone Clerk at the Fire Station being unable to understand the Caller either through the means of a faulty instrument or line or the caller's inability to speak English or the Punti dialect, distinctly..

ACCIDENTS

Unfortunately, two serious accidents, one fatal, occurred dur- ing the year resulting in two machines being severely damaged and one fireman killed.

On November 6th No. 1 Motor Tender (Merryweather) was, with a crew of 6 men, returning to Wanchai Sub-station from morning drill when, in attempting to pass a tram car in Queen's Road near Wellington Barracks it collided with a verandah pillar the impact of which threw four of the men off the machine two of whom sustained severe fractures of the skull. Happily both recovered. The machine, (which was an old one, having been purchased in 1906) was very badly damaged.

The machine was later totally dismantled and is now being converted into an emergency Lorry for Fire Brigade use.

K 38

On November 10th the Motor Turntable Ladder (Merry- weather) was extended for cleaning purposes in front of the Central Fire Station a fireman being mounted at the head of the upper extension, when the ladder suddenly swayed and crashed to the ground killing the Fireman instantly.

The regrettable accident was caused by the breaking of the near-side string of the second extension ladder due to the wood having deteriorated owing to the climate of Hong Kong.

The makers have been approached with a view to replacing the three extension ladders with others built of a material that will effectively withstand local climatic conditions.

NEW TEMPORARY SUB-STATIONS

A portion of the large building belonging to the Sanitary Department and situated in Belcher Street. Kennedy Town, was, during the year fitted out to serve as a Temporary Sub Fire Station. Occupation was taken over on the 13th December when 1 Motor Pump and a staff of 10 Firemen were transferred thence from Central Fire Station.

A considerable advantage from a fire protection point of view has thus been effected. in that an ever-ready and efficient fire appliance is in the midst of au admitted fire area and will thus be able to check or deal with fires in their early stages.

The fitting out of another Temporary Sub Station is being carried out at Mong Kok on the premises which formerly served as a Police Station. Occupation of this station will be taken over early in 1924 when a Motor Tender and a staff of 8 Firemen will be transferred there from Kowloon Fire Brigade Station.

The effect of a fire appliance being allocated to this area will serve the same useful purpose as the Sub-station in Kennedy Town.

DRILL TOWERS

A new drill and hose drying tower was erected during the year on the vacant ground opposite the Kowloon Fire Station.

The tower has met a long felt want in the Brigade and Fire- men can now be more efficiently trained in some of the various drills peculiar to their work.

The ground which forms the yard is, however, by reason of its being rough loose earth, not suitable, and must be concreted so that it can be used by the motor appliances.

K 39

The same condition regarding the ground at the base of the tower, in the drill yard, prevails at Wanchai Sub Station added to which is the fact that the yard is too small for any important drills to be carried out.

WATER SUPPLY

The water supply in Central Hong Kong is very good, and an improved system of larger mains and greater pressure is being carried out in the Western area and which later will be continued to the Eastern area where the service at present is unfortunately still very poor compared with its size, its risks and its ever increas- ing development.

With regard to Kowloon the pressure in mains has been con- siderably increased thereby affording the Brigade better facilities for dealing with fires. The services in the Hung Hom and Mong Kok districts however are as yet much below what is required but the work of laying very sufficient mains in both areas is in hand. It is anticipated that by the end of 1924 appreciable developments will have been made.

...

H. T. BROOKS, Superintendent, Fire Brigade.

Appendix L.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PRISONS FOR THE YEAR 1923.

year

1. The number of prisoners received into prison during the and the corresponding number for year 1922 were as follows:

Convicted by Ordinary Courts, Convicted by Court Martial,

Debtors,

On remand or in default of finding surety.

Total

1923. 1922.

4,277

4,149

1,040

831

5,338 5,014

There was an increase of 324 on the total number of admissions as compared with the year 1922. There was an increase of prisoners convicted for larceny during the year under review, the number being 1060 against 870 for the previous year.

2. The number of Revenue Grade prisoners admitted to prisons was 3351 made up as follows:

Convicted under the Opium Ordinance

...

1,607

Gambling Ordinance

101

...

Arms and Ammunition Ord........

Vehicles Ordinance

وور

Harbour Regulations

Servants Quarters Ord. Marine Hawkers Ord.

•

Dangerous Goods Ord.

Chinese Wine and Spirit Ord. Societies Ordinance

Public Health and Buildings

Ordinance

Truck Ordinance

•

Women and Girls (Protection)

Ordinance.

Importation and Exportation

Ord.

3333

...

2,015

Pharmacy and Poisons Ord.

Tobacco Ordinance...

Police Regulations...

Carried forward,

L 2

Brought forward,

...

Convicted of committing nuisance in the street.

unlawfully boarding steamers hawking without a licence.... cruelty to animals

keeping houses for prostitution illegal pawning

drunkenness...

trespass...

...

disorderly conduct assault

2,015

475

...

•

obstruction

cutting trees...

removing

dead body without

permission

mendicancy

•

unlawful possession of lottery tickets...

unlawful possession

278

stealing...

110

purpose

offering bribe

the purpose of prostitution

possession of implement fit for unlawful

obtaining by false pretences.

soliciting in a public thoroughfare for

unlawful receiving

Total

3,351

3. The above figures show that 78 per cent of the total admissions to prison were Revenue Grade prisoners.

The following table shows the number of prisoners com- mitted to prison without the option of fine and in default of payment of fine :--

In default of payment of fine.

Year.

Without option of fine.

Served the

Total.

imprison- Paid full

Paid part

ment.

fine.

1922

1,358

2,311

333

147

4,149

1923

926

2,895

927

159

4,277

...

L 3

4. One hundred and seventeen (117) juveniles were admitted during the year, with sentences varying from 24 hours detention to 6 months hard labour. In 32 cases corporal punishment was awarded in addition.

5. The percentage of convicted prisoners admitted to prison with previous convictions recorded against them was 14.5 as compared with 14.4 for 1922.

6. There were 99 prisoners admitted who were convicted by the Police Courts in the New Territories against 124 for the previous year.

7. The following table shows the number of convicts in custody on the 31st December for the past 10 years, and the percentage of the total number of prisoners in custody to the estimated population of Hongkong :-

Percentage

Daily

Precentage

Year. Estimated Number of

population. convicts. population.

average number of prisoners.

population.

1914 501,304

261

*044

600

•120

1915 516,870

213

'041

594

•115

1916

528,010

203

*038

638

•121

1917

535,100

209

*038

600

*112

1918

558,000

224

*040

601

•108

1919 598,100

259

*043

756

*126

1920

648,150

275

*043

755

•117

1921 665.350

231

*035

764

*115

1922 662,200

259

*039

787

*119

1923 681,800

294

*043

861

·126

8. There were 432 punishments awarded for breach of prison discipline as compared with 407 for the preceding year. Corporal punishment was inflicted in fifteen cases for prison offences.

9. One hundred and two (102) prisoners were whipped by order of Courts.

10. There was no escape or attempt to escape.

11: There were 16 deaths (11 natural causes and 5 executions.)

I 4

12. 9,440,324 forms were printed and issued to various Government Departments and 70,809 books bound or repaired, as compared with 11,426,992 forms and 63,611 books in 1922.

13. The buildings are in good repair.

14. The conduct of both European and Indian Staff with few exceptions was very good.

15. The appliances for use in case of fire are in good condition and the water supply adequate.

16. During the year a system of remission has been introduced for prisoners with sentences of over 6 months and under 2 years. By good conduct they may earn a maximum reduction of one sixth of their sentences. (Prisoners whose sentences are 2 years or over may earn one fourth remission if males, and one third if females).

17. The rules laid down for the Government of prisons have been complied with.

18. I append the usual returns.

J. W. FRANKS, Superintendent of Prisons.

30th May, 1924.

Table I.

Return showing the Expenditure and Income for the year 1923.

EXPENDITURE,

Pay and allowance of officers including Uni-

form, etc.

Victualling of prisoners

Fuel, light, soap, and dry earth

Clothing of prisoners, bedding, and furniture

Total

1922

INCOME.

215,556.80

Earning of prisoners Debtors' subsistence

62,736.61

Vagrants

do.

26,486.12

Military

do.

19,918.73

Naval

do.

To Balance

$324,698.26

$291,175.12

€

116,511.32

133.50

161.00

100.80

192.20

207,599.44

Total.

$324,698.26

Average annual cost per prisoner $240.88, in 1922 $209.72, and in 1921 $285.78.

L 5 -

L 6

Table. II.

Return showing Expenditure and Income for the past 10 years.

Year. Expenditure. Income.

Actual cost

of prisoners' maintenance.

Average cost per

prisoner.

$ C.

1914,

108,143.24

70,597.22

37,546.02

62.58

1915,

109,369.95

65,544,33

43,825.62

73.78

1916,

112,615.70

70,019.18

42,596.52

66.77

1917,

108,212.42

68,815.01

39,397.42

65.66

1918,

108,651.95

70,747,97 37,903.98

63.07

1919,

135,550.16

1920,

69,277,07 66,273.09

258,609.17 66,547.61 192,061.56 254.37

87.66

1921,

297,970,56

79,635.73

218,334.83

286.78

1922,

291,175.12

126,124.62

165,050.50

209.72

1923,

324,698.26 117,302.22

207,396.04

240.88

Table III.

Return showing value of Industrial Labour for the year 1923.

Value of

articles

Value of

Nature of Industry.

stock on

Value of

hand

materials

Total Dr.

January 1st purchased. 1923.

articles

manufactur- ed or work

manufactur-

stock on

ed or work

hand

Total Cr.

done for

December

done for

payment.

Gaol or other 31st, 1923. Departments.

Value of

earnings. (Difference

between

columns

3 and 7.)

Oakum,

83.79

451.50

.83.79

535.29

Coir,.

2,907.66

3,229.46

6,137.12

2,514.29

2,394.71

3,924.35

8,833.35

451.50

2,696.23

Net-making,

13.23

216.39

229.62

531.21

20.08

551.29

321.67

Tailoring,

666.27

8,793.01

9,459.28

81.90

10,140.85

911.95

11,134.70

1,675.42

Rattan,

8.69

507.76

516.45

4.05

644.40

1.40

649.85

133.40

Tin-smithing,

48.81

1,089.45

1,138.26

79.31

2,289.10

49.80

2,418.21

1,279.95

Carpentering,

430.59

5,167.70

5,598,29

288.80

5,570.82

561.40

6,422.02

823.73

Grass-matting,

73.36

204.00

.36

204.36

131.00

Shoe-making,

1,867.04

8,916.30

10,783.34

66.70

9,497.18

Laundry,.

2,626.85

Printing and Bookbinding,

82,510.99

Photography,

.25

2,626.85 44,988.63 127,499,62 622.05

2.10

14,742.60

2,244.75

12.25

11,808.63

1,025.29

14,756.95 12,130.10

622.30

Total,.

....$

88,537.32 | 76,230.96 164,768.28

203.40 163,811.60 | 59,363.97 223,378.97 | 95,979,35 30.75

4,254.01 210,036.14 | 67,192.85 281,483.00 116,714.72

Paid into Bank during 1923, which sum includes $190.50 for work exccuted in 1922, $4,207.08. Value of work executed during 1923 for which payment was deferred to 1924, $337.73.

739.88

18.75

789.38

167.08

M 1

CONTENTS.

Page

1. Report of the Head of the Sanitary Department

Sanitary Board Members

Legislation

Staff

...

Administration

•

...

Work done under the Public Health & Buildings

Ordinance

...

Work done under Food and Drugs Ordinance and Sect.

***

83. P. H. & B. 0. Vaccination of children...

Scavenging

...

Refuse Removal

Nightsoil Removal...

...

Work done at Disinfecting Stations Ambulance and Dead Box Service

Public Bath Houses

...

•

Water Closets and Public Conveniences

Markets and Special Food Licences Cemeteries, Mortuaries, Crematoria Exhumations and Interments

...

50.

•

...

•

...

Administration, Births and Deaths Registration... Revenue and Expenditure

General

...

2. Report of the Medical Officer of Health :-

Meteorological data

Population

Immigration and Emigration

Births

...

Birth rates for ten years Deaths

...

Age distribution of death Death rates for ten years

Diseases

...

Notifiable Diseases

...

: :

...

•

...

M 2

CONTENTS,-Continued.

3. Report of the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon :-

Staff

General Statistics

Diseases in Depots...

Kennedy Town Animal Crematorium Slaughter Houses Revenue

...

Grass Supply for Government Bullocks Export of Lard, Dried Meats, etc. Infectious disease in the Colony

...

Examination of Milk for Bacillus Tuberculosis

Cattle Sheds

4. Appendices

*--

...

Page

...

Appendix A. Staff...

وو

B. Nuisances reported...

...

classified

D. (1.) Prosecutions

E. House Cleansing

...

by Health Districts

...

F. Number of Chinese Houses, Hongkong

...

•

G. Houses limewashed

H. Children vaccinated

Kowloon...

...

I. Table 1. Cost of Refuse Collection

Removal...

...

>>>

3. Comparative cost for 2 years...

J. List of Ambulance and Dead Van Stations 32

K. Markets revenue

•

L. Burial space in Cemeteries

...

M. Revenue...

N. Expenditure

5. Tables

O. Certified and Uncertified deaths

Table 1. Deaths registered

2. Notifiable diseases cases

...

***

distribution

...

6. Maps :-

4. Monthly distribution of plague infected

rats

5. Number and causes of deaths

Hongkong Health Districts ... Kowloon

...

•

280

...

}

M 3

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF THE SANITARY

DEPARTMENT.

SANITARY BOARD,

1. The following were members of the Sanitary Board during the year :—

President, the Head of the Sanitary Department, Mr. G. R. Sayer for whom Mr. J. A. Fraser acted from 10th May

to 24th May.

Vice-President. the Director of Public Works, the Honourable Mr. T. L. Perkins from 1st January, to 15th May; the Honourable Mr. H. T. Jackman from 16th May to 23rd August, and the Honourable Mr. H.T. Creasy from 24th August to 31st December. The Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Honourable Mr. E. R. Hallifax, C.B.E., for whom Mr. A. E. Wood acted from 30th June to 10th August.

The Medical Officer of Health, Mr. W. W. Pearse, M.D., D.P.H., for whom Dr. W. J. Woodman acted from 1st May to 4th June.

Lieut-Col. and Brevet-Col. L. Humphry, C.M.G., R.A.M.C., from 1st January to 11th April, and Lieut-Col. F. G. Fitzgerald, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. from 12th April to 31st December.

Dr. W. V. M. Koch,

Mr. Seen-wan Tso.

Mr. Wong Kwong-tin vice the Honourable Mr. Chow

Shou-son resigned on 11th January.

Dr. F. M. Graça Ozorio.

Mr. C. G. Alabaster, K.C.,0.B.E.

LEGISLATION.

2. Amendments to the following by-laws were made by the Board and approved by the Legislative Council.

(i) The Removal of Patients by-laws were amended so as to provide for the removal of infectious cases to approved place only.

(2) The Importation and Landing of Animals and Mitigation and Prevention of Disease among Animals by-laws were amended so as to include the additional power of quarantine and an extension of scope to include horses, etc.

The Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, No. 1 of 1903 was further amended in detail by Ordinance 21 of 1923.

M 4

DEPARTMENTAL STAFF.

Inspectors.

3.-(1) The establishment was increased by the appointment of a Chief Inspector and an additional Senior Inspector (Refuse Removal). A new post of Storekeeper was approved on 1st January,

(2) Arrivals:-

From leave.

On appointment

On probation From P. W. D.

(Seconded)

(3) Departures :—

On leave

Inspector R. C. Witchell (12th March)

W. Old (14th December W. C. Morgan ( 26th July) W. Elliott (10th August) F.W. Bradley (1st January) H. Peplow (2nd February)

•

Seconded.

(To D. O. South).

(4) Promotions :

W. Old (21st March H. E. Strange ( 4th April) W. Fincher (18th April) C. W. Ward (24th Septem-

ber)

H. Peplow.

Senior Inspector P. T. Lamble to Chief Inspector on

1st January.

First Class Inspector D. Davies to First Clerk and Assistant Secretary, Sanitary Board, on 1st January.

First Class Inspector C. E. Frith to Senior Inspector

(Refuse Removal) on 1st August.

Second Class Inspectors, G. Gipson and H. E. Strange to First Class Inspectors on 1st January and 1st December.

(5) Inspectors of Nuisances and other Certificates

At an examination held in November six Inspectors out of seven were recommended to the Royal Sanitary Institute for certificates. Including these six, nineteen Second Class Inspectors will be in possession of this qualification. All First Class Inspectors are required to and do possess it. Inspector W. Old passed the Royal Sanitary Institute examination in Meat and Food Inspection in July. Inspector H. E. Strange passed the Royal Sanitary Institute examination in Tropical Hygiene in December.

(6) Clerical Staff :-

M 5

A First Clerk and Assistant Secretary, Sanitary

Board (Mr. D. Davies) was added in January. Fourth Grade Clerk and Accountant, Chan Kwok On

died on 21st January.

(7) Outdoor Staff:-

No important additions to the outdoor staff were made with the exception of 43 Scavengers who were engaged mainly for Kowloon.

Appendix A shows the distribution of approved staffs

on 31st December.

ADMINISTRATION.

4. General Sanitary Work:-The area controlled by the Sanitary Board is limited to the Island of Hongkong and to Kowloon and New Kowloon.

For the purpose of administering the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance the Island of Hongkong is divided into the City of Victoria; its extension eastwards as far as and including Shaukiwan; the Hill District and the outlying villages of Aberdeen, Aplichau, Stanley and Taitam.

The City proper is divided into eastern, central, western- central and western districts each with a sanitary office, and subdivided into 10 Health Districts each with a Sanitary Inspector in Charge, (See map A). The Shaukiwan extension has also a Sanitary Inspector in Charge. The Hill District is worked in conjunction with Health District 3.

Kowloon is divided into Kowloon peninsula, Shamshuipo and Kowloon City each with a Sanitary office, and subdivided into five Health Districts each with a Sanitary Inspector (See map B).

The outlying villages are controlled by Police officers under the title of Rural Sanitary Inspectors.

Scavenging and Nightsoil Removal:-For the purpose of Refuse Collection the City and Hill District is divided into three main districts, East, Central and West, each with an Inspector in Charge. There is an Inspector in charge of Kowloon peninsula and the district Inspectors of Health Districts 14 and 15 combine supervision of refuse collection with district work. The Inspector in charge of Shaukiwan Health District also supervises refuse collection in this district. The villages of Aberdeen, Aplichau, Stanley and Taitam are scavenged by contractors under the supervision of the Rural Inspectors.

Inspectors in charge of refuse collection also supervise the removal of nightsoil in this area; the removal itself is carried out by contractors.

•

M 6

The removal of refuse from the City of Victoria and Kow- loon is supervised by a Sanitary Inspector who is also in charge of street-watering in Victoria. Kowloon street-watering is under the direction of the Inspector in charge of Disinfecting Station (Kowloon).

Disinfection-For purposes of disinfection of infected cloth- ing there is a Disinfecting Station in Victoria and a Disinfecting Station in Kowloon under the control of an Inspector.

Cemeteries Public cemeteries on Hongkong island are under the charge of a special Inspector. Those in Kowloon peninsula come under the Inspector in charge of the Disinfecting Station (Kowloon) and outlying cemeteries at Kowloon City under the local district Inspector.

Markets: -The Central and Western markets are under an Overseer. Other markets are supervised by the local district Inspector or Rural Inspector.

Veterinary Work:-There is a Government depôt at Kennedy Town (Hongkong) for the reception of all cattle, sheep, swine and goats brought into the Colony for slaughter. There are also Government Slaughter Houses at Kennedy Town and Ma Tau Kok (Kowloon) and controlled slaughter houses at Aberdeen and Sai Wan Ho at one of which all animals for food must be slaugh- tered. The Government depôt and slaughter houses are under the direct charge of the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon and a staff of four Inspectors.

Depôt fees are 50 cents for cattle, 10 cents for sheep, 10 cents for swine. Slaughter fees (which are not additional to depôt fees) are 40 cents for cattle, 20 cents for sheep and 30 cents for swine. There is a crematorium at Kennedy Town Slaughter House at which carcases can be destroyed on payment of a prescribed fee. A certain number of private factories are established in the immediate vicinity of the Government Slaugh- ter Houses (Kennedy Town and Ma Tau Kok) at which lard and meat products derived solely from these slaughter houses are prepared for export to the Philippine Islands and Canada under the direct supervision of the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon and his staff.

WORK DONE UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH

AND BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

5.-() Sanitary Nuisances and Contraventions of Sanitary by- laws. Appendix B shows the total number of nuisances reported, and the action taken to obtain compliance and the amount of fines. The number of reports shows an increase of 60% over last year. This may be due to the fact that in several districts it has been possible to carry out an additional general cleansing during the year; the number of nuisances largely depending on the frequency of inspections:

M 7

Appendix C shows the nuisances in respect of which action was taken. A noticeable point is the large increase in the number of illegal cubicles reported, the number being three times as many as last year. It is suggested that this points to a large influx of population from Canton. The quasi-building nuisances-missing gratings, defective floor-surface, defective rain-water and waste- pipes etc., again represent 50% of the increased total; and the large number of defects reported would suggest that some owners are content to allow their property to deteriorate until this Department intervenes.

Appendix D shows the Health Districts from which these nuisances were reported and Appendix D (i) gives details of all prosecutions and the amount of fines inflicted.

(ii) Building Nuisances-Appendix D line 2 shows by districts the number of nuisances under part (iii) of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance reported by this Department to the Building Authority for action. These are additional to those referred to in paragraph (1) above.

(iii) Miscellaneous Improvements :- Appendix D lines 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, shows miscellaneous improvements effected by District Inspectors in their districts. Lines 9, 10, 11, 12, show the number of houses demolished and erected. The great majority of these

are tenement houses.

(iv) House Cleansing :--The routine work under the by-laws for the Prevention and Mitigation of Epidemic disease was carried out during the year. Appendix E shows the number of floors. cleansed in the various districts and as compared with the last two years.

House cleansing is carried on continuously on five mornings a week throughout the year by our staff. Appendix F shows approximately the total number of Chinese houses liable for cleansing.

(v) Limewashing-The usual limewashing required by the Domestic Cleanliness and Ventilation by-laws was carried out dur- ing the year. Appendix G shows the number of floors limewashed. The difference between the total and the total in Appendix F is due partly to exemptions, many floors being new and not requiring limewashing. A certain number has also been carried over into

1924.

(vi) Rut catching :-Twenty-three members of the cleansing staff are employed during the year setting traps, bird-lime boards and rat-poison; also collecting rats from street rat-bins, private premises, etc., and taking them to the Public Mortuary for

M 8

districts.

examination. A special campaign in January was undertaken, when rat-poison was distributed throughout urban The total number of rats caught was:-

Hongkong

Kowloon

...64,746

...29,325

Of these 8 were found to be plague infected in Hongkong and 3 in Kowloon.

A reduction in the number of rats caught has been noted each month throughout the year. No reason for this has at present been assigned; but it is suggested that it may be connected with the severe plague epidemic of 1922.

(vii) Mosquito Prevention:-The routine work of oiling pools and inspecting dwellings for breeding places was carried out by district Inspectors, (and full use was made of the powers given by the by-law for the Prevention of Dissemination of Disease by Mosquitoes). The usual cutting of undergrowth in May and October was also carried out in conjunction with the Botanical and Forestry Department and the Military Authorities (as regards Military lands).

Special attention was directed to minimize the breeding of mosquitoes in buildings in course of erection and a small staff detached to survey areas on the line of future development with 2 view to locating swamps and nullahs particularly requiring draining and training.

(viii) Educational :-A small pamphlet was distributed on each floor of Chinese tenement houses at the occasion of each house cleansing with a view to preventing mosquito breeding.

WORK UNDER FOOD AND DRUGS ORDINANCE AND SECTION 83 OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

6.-57 samples of milk were submitted for analysis under section 12, of which 55 were found to pass the standard and 2 to be below standard.

The prosecutions under section 10 in these cases resulted in fines of $50 and $5 being inflicted.

Under section 83 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance the following food stuffs were seized and destroyed by order of the President:

17 Ham Cases and 10 tins of miscellaneous tinned foods.

M 9

VACCINATION.

(i) Under Ordinance 2 of 1890 all resident children over 6 months and under 14 years are required to be vaccinated, and their parents or guardians to deliver a certificate of (successful) vaccination to the office if any at which the birth was registered. Appendix H shows the various birth registries, the number of children whose births were registered but who on 31st December, 1922 were under six months, the number of new registered births during the year 1923, the number (successfully) vaccinated, the number accounted for by death, unfitness, or other causes and the number who on 31st December, 1923, were under six months and accordingly not liable for vaccination. Vaccination is not compulsory between 1st May and 30th September owing to the hot weather.

The number of successful vaccinations compares favourably with the figures for the previous year but the recent epidemic indicates that a very large number of parents fail to get their children vaccinated and the exemption allowed during the hot months is only too readily seized in spite of definite warnings by the Board.

The cause is to be sought not in any dislike of vaccination but in an unwillingness to take any steps unless the trouble involved is reduced to a minimum. It is not improbable also that

have not the time to spare.

many

(ii) Owing to indications, which have not been falsified, of a severe small-pox epidemic in the latter end of the year a special campaign was again undertaken by this Department opening in November 1st and still proceeding at the close of the year. Up to December 31st some 330,000 people or fully 50 % of the resident population of Victoria and Kowloon peninsula were vaccinated free of charge at a total cost of about $13,000.

(The proportion of successful operations appears to have been very satisfactory).

SCAVENGING.

Approximately 250 tons of refuse were received daily at the refuse depôts from the City of Victoria, Hill District and Kowloon peninsula. Slightly under 10 tons daily were collected from Shaukiwan and Quarry Bay and 2 tons from Kowloon City and dumped on waste ground. The cost of the service in Hongkong (including Shaukiwan and Quarry Bay) and Kowloon is shown in Appendix I attached. Table 3 shows a comparison with last year. The total cost has risen from $1.11 per ton to $1.25. The increase is due partly to the introduction of 2 motor lorries and partly to

M 10

the staff increases in Yaumati which now give a more efficient service. Special labour was engaged at a cost of $1,700 to clear up after the typhoon on August 18th.

Outlying villages of Stanley and Taitam, and Aberdeen and Aplichau were scavenged by contract at a yearly charge of $396 for the first two and $840 for the latter two. The contractor has the privilege of receiving nightsoil in each case in addition.

REFUSE REMOVAL.

The bulk of the refuse from the City of Victoria and Kowloon was barged away to sea as hitherto. Some 5,000 tons being dumped at Cheung Sha Wan where a reclamation is being gradually formed.

Appendix I, Table 2 shows cost of removal from Victoria, the Hill District and Kowloon peninsula. Comparative figures for the last two years will be found in Table 3. The cost works out at 65 cents a ton, an increase of 10 cents on last year, due to the provision of a new towing launch which will ultimately enable the department to handle the large increase of refuse which it is anticipated will occur as the town expands.

Barges were delayed on nine occasions for a short time only by typhoon signals,

S. D. 1 broke down once.

repairs at a cost of $254.00.

Launches were hired during

New steam tug S. D. 3 was taken over on 3rd February and an additional lighter costing $11,700 ordered in October.

NIGHTSOIL REMOVAL.

9. The contractors for the removal of nightsoil from Victoria and. the Kowloon peninsula, Shaukiwan and Quarry Bay, Aberdeen and Aplichau, Stanley and Taitam respectively carried out their work satisfactorily.

During the year the monthly payment due from the contractor was reduced by $416 in respect of flush-closets opened in Victoria and $270 in respect of flush-closets opened in Kowloon, and owing to loss sustained by contractor in the typhoon he was relieved of all payment of fees for 1 months approximately $6,650. The total deduction amounted to $9,139.00 for Victoria and $5,734 for Kowloon.

M 11

10.

WORK DONE AT DISINFECTING STATIONS.

The appended table shows the number of articles and vehicles disinfected and washed after disinfection during 1923. The figures for 1922 are given for comparison.

1922.

1923.

Hongkong Kowloon Hongkong Kowloon

No. of articles disinfected,

46,242

16,915

28.651 17,382

No. of public vehicles disinfected,.

No. of days disinfecting apparatus in use,

No. of articles washed after disinfection.

237

157

242

181

10.918

12,075

During the year the following carts were constructed at the Hongkong Disinfecting Station :-

4 two-wheeled Hand Carts

2 two-wheeled Bullock Carts.

$545.15

246.60

and miscellaneous repairs were done to the value of $5,685.00. At Kowloon Disinfecting Station, miscellaneous repairs to the value of $1,756.00 were done.

11.

AMBULANCE AND DEAD BOX SERVICE.

Ambulances and dead boxes are obtainable at any time of the day or night at the two Disinfecting Stations and also by day at the Eastern and Western Sanitary Offices at which a staff of bearers is kept. The appended table shows the number of times ambulances and dead boxes were used :

Disinfecting Disinfecting

Station

Station Hongkong. Kowloon.

Eastern District.

Western

District.

Ambulances, European, 43 Ambulances, Chinese.... 209 Dead boxes,

1,018

325

100

1.892

396

606

Appendix J shows the stations at which the Sanitary Department Ambulances are obtainable in emergencies. At these Stations there are no bearers attached and volunteer bearers must be obtained when required.

M 12

PUBLIC BATH HOUSES.

12. The appended table shows the number of men, women and children who used the bath houses during 1923 and 1922 :-

1922.

1923.

Wanchai, Cross Lane

Bath House

Men. 151,665

Men. 176,109

Pound Lane Bath

Women. Men.

House

59,573 162,824

Children. Women, Men, Children.. 33,357 67,550 131,636 18,359

The above figures must be regarded as approximate only.

For some obscure reason, there was a large falling off in the numbers using the Pound Lane Bath House during January, February and March.

The loss of the bath houses in Second Street and Sheung Fung Lane noted in last year's report has not yet been made good..

WATER CLOSETS AND PUBLIC CONVENIENCES.

13. During the year no public trough closets were completed..

The Board approved the installation of 548 water closets, 10- trough closets and 144 urinals on private premises.

MARKETS AND SPECIAL FOOD LICENCES,

14. Reclamation Street Poultry Market was opened during the year.

33 additional food licences were issued under section 78 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance.

Market rentals shew a considerable increase (Appendix K) notably at Yaumati old market where some 20 stalls previously occupied by the poultry dealers (now transferred to Reclamation Street) were re-auctioned at good rentals; and at the Western Market where two large meat stalls were added.

CEMETERIES, MORTUARIES, CREMATORIA.

15.-(1). Sai Yu Shek New Cemetery was opened on 1st January and Cheung Sha Wan Cemetery re-opened on 1st May and closed in October. Appendix L shows approximate burial space in the main cemeteries and the net available space on 31st December.

M 13

(2.) (a) Exhumations were carried out by relatives as follows:---

Aberdeen

Cheung Sha Wan

Chinese Permanent

Chai Wan

Colonial

...

Hau Pui Loong.

Kai Lung Wan East... Kowloon Tong

Ma Tau Wai Mount Caroline Mount Davis

Roman Catholic...

...

167

264

497

191

...

Sai Yu Shek

Sham Shui Po

Stanley

...

Tung Wah Hospital ..

tery Happy Valley

By the authority of the Roman Catholic Ceme-

From places other than unauthorised cemeteries.

Total...

192

137

...

765

1,756

(b) General exhumation at public expense was completed at :--

(1) Authorised cemeteries.

Tung Wah Hospital

Sai Yu Shek

...

2,753 278 1,631

...

560

...

920

Kai Lung Wan East... Aberdeen

...

Mount Caroline'...

Sham Shui Po

Total...

(2) Unauthorised cemeteries.

... 2,682

8,824

Tai Shek Koo Road side,

Mui Kong, Cheung Sha Wan ... Inland Lot 2366 North Point

153

Total

209

...

3. Cremations.-32 bodies were cremated at the Japanese crematorium and 20 at the Sikh Temple.

4. Mortuaries.-175 bodies were awaiting burial at the Tung Wah Hospital Mortuary on 31st December, 1923.

•

929

323

Stanley ...

...

Shek O...

Aberdeen

Tai Shek Ku

•

Kai Lung Wan East Sai Yu Shek

Sai Yu Shek (Christian)

Ho Man Tin...

Cheung Sha Wan

New Territories (Lamma)

M 14

5. Removals-368 bodies were removed from the Colony before burial.

6. Interments.-The following table shows the number of interments at the various cemeteries during the year: :-

PUBLIC

Colonial Mount Caroline

Chai Wan

Chai Wan (Christian)...

PRIVATE

80 Roman Catholic (Happy

236 2.103

Valley) Mohammedan

Valley)

156

(Happy

...

Jewish (Happy Valley)

•

Chinese Roman Catholic

1883

Parsee

Malay

195

...

(So Kon Po)

1,323

Tung Wah Hospital

...

5,164

4,171

Chinese

Permanent,

...

Aberdeen ...

Chinese Protestant, Mt.

Davis

...

Chinese Christian, Kow-

loon Tong... Eurasian (Ho Tung)

8,213

6,872

ADMINISTRATION, BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION.

16. The General Registration Office established by Ordinance No. 7 of 1896, as amended by Ordinance No. 26 of 1923, for registration of both births and deaths is situated at the Sanitary Department, Head Office.

At this office all non-Chinese births and deaths must be re- gistered. Chinese are required to register in the district within which the birth or death occurred. A list of such district registries for births and deaths respectively is appended. As from January 1st, 1924, the death registry for Kowloon peninsula will be trans- ferred from Yaumati Police Station (except on Sundays and General Holidays) to Kowloon Disinfecting Station and Shaukiwan Police Station will cease to be a birth registry. Nos. 2 and 7 Police Stations are available for registration of deaths on Sundays and Public Holidays only when the General Registration office is closed. The Head of the Sanitary Department is 'ex officio' registrar and has appointed the Police officers in charge of stations and the principal clerks in charge of Dispensaries on the appended list as assistant registrars.

M 15

Death registration, being a necessary preliminary to burial, is almost universally done but there is considerable ignorance of the law among Chinese as regards registering of births. Female births in particular are frequently not registered. This is no doubt due to the presence of a large fluctuating population completely unaccustomed to the system.

Appendix O shews the ratio of Certified and Uncertified

deaths.

In this connection it is worthy of note that the records of registered midwives alone show a total of 7,978 (4,137 male and 3,841 female) as against the total officially registered 4,057 Chinese (2,547 male, 1,510 female).

DEATH REGISTRATION OFFICES

Sanitary Department, Head Office. Yaumati Police Station. Shaukiwan Police Station.

Aberdeen Police Station. No. 7 Police Station.

No. 2 Police Station.

Kowloon City Police Station. Sham Shui Po Police Station. Stanley Police Station.

BIRTH REGISTRATION OFFICES

Sanitary Department, Head Office. Yaumati Chinese Public Dispensary. Hunghom Chinese Public Dispensary. Sham Shui Po Chinese Public Dispensary. Kowloon City Chinese Public Dispensary. Eastern Chinese Public Dispensary. Western Chinese Public Dispensary.

Central Chinese Public Dispensary.

Shaukiwan Chinese Public Dispensary.

Aberdeen Police Station.

Stanley Police Station.

Shaukiwan Police Station.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE,

17.-(1.) Appendix M shows under the various heads the revenue collected by the Department during 1923 and also revenue paid to the Treasury in respect of the Department's contracts.

(2.) Appendix N shows under various headings the expenditure of the year. The increase of $40,000 over last year is due mainly to personal emoluments $28,000 (Chief Inspector, First Clerk and Scavenging staff), coffins $1,000 (Small-pox epidemic) Vaccination bonus $600, Barge fuel $3,000 (new tug) Purchase of bullocks $2,000 (losses through rinderpest); and rat poison $1,700 (stock of barium carbonate; and birdlime).

M 16

GENERAL

18. The most important occurrence during the year Small-pox. was the severe small-pox epidemic which, after smould- ering throughout the hot weather, flared up in the second week of October and, in spite of an intensive vaccination campaign begun on November 1st, has raged ever since. The total cases notified in 1923 ex- ceeded 1300 and the deaths 1100, the great majority occurring in the last two months of the year-during which period a weekly average of 100 cases was main- tained. It is probable that the bigh mortality is not as pronounced as it appears and that the actual number of cases was considerably higher than is shewn; the general practice among the Chinese being to conceal the disease until the necessity of removing the corpse results either in a belated notification or, more com- monly, in the surreptitious dumping of the body in the public streets. Several instances of recently recovered cases which were not notified, have actually come to our notice and there are, no doubt, many more of which we hear nothing. A noticeable feature is the high percentage of deaths among children under 5; this is just under 80%.

The campaign to which reference has already Vaccination. been made in paragraph 7 of my report was carried out almost entirely by a staff of Chinese vaccinators hastily collected and trained either immediately before or ac- tually during the campaign. Much assistance was given by the Principal Civil Medical Officer in this respect. Exclusive of unpaid volunteers, this staff reached a total of 40 within 10 days of starting the campaign and was maintained at that figure for some 5 or 6 weeks. The supervision of these men was en- trusted to 4 Sanitary Inspectors, who were exempted from ordinary duty during the whole of November and December, acting under the general direction of the Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Inspector. In addition to fixed stations at the main markets and public bath houses special visits were made to schools and factories and house to house visitation was carri- ed out during which every tenement in the Colony was visited twice and in many cases three times. A vac- cination station was also established on the bridge at Sam Chun where the railway enters our territory, and à vaccinator detailed to travel to and fro on each of the main steam-boats plying between Hongkong and Canton.

Two divisions of the St. John's Ambulance Bri- gade and the Boys Scouts organisation voluntarily

M 17

maintained evening stations at convenient points and the Sea Scouts undertook the difficult task of provid- ing facilities for the junk population in the harbour.

A noticeable feature of the year was the great Demolition. activity in demolition of Chinese houses. The figures re-erection, available shew that 865 houses (or 2,264 floors) were erection. demolished; this is 5% of the total number of Chinese houses as given in last year's return. Against this 832 new houses (or 2,578 floors) have been completed dur- ing the year. Of these some 50% were erected on ground previously unbuilt on, the balance being re- erections. The result seems to be that owing to the delay that must occur between demolition and re-erec- tion little benefit as regards housing accommodation had been gained during the year. There were, how- ever, about 2,000 floors in course of erection in Kow- loon on 31st December, 1923.

The year witnessed a further considerable expan- Expansion. sion on both sides of the harbour. In Hongkong houses of European type are to be found scattered all along the South side of the island; a model settlement at Quarry Bay is replacing notorious slums and Whit- field has a strong claim to inclusion in the City limits.

In Kowloon familiar farm lots have been given over to the builders, and the Indian goat-herd of Austin Road and the watercress growers of Ho Man Tin have been pushed further afield. Sham Shui Po now desig- nates a modern town and Kowloon City shrinks behind a facade of brand-new tenements. The buffalo wallows of Kowloon Tong contract daily and a granite drain threatens to bridle the wandering streams of Kowloon Tsai. The frontiers of the town are being pushed for- ward and it is well to remember that in a tropical country new ground cannot be won except at a price. The price is recorded under the heading Malaria in the Mortality return.

The great increase in the number of the living Cemeteries. brings with it a similar increase in the number of the dead. The death roll this year exceeds 15,000 as com- pared with an average of 10,000 for the previous decade. For the vast majority of these burial space has to be provided within the Colony. The dead of past years occupy some 200 acres and at the present rate alone an additional 15-20 acres is being absorbed each year. In default of any other space-saving device, rigid system of exhumation appears to be the only solution. In certain cemeteries it has already become

- M 18

an absolute necessity and it seems important that it should be adopted universally before it becomes so in the others.

Reports of the Medical Officer of Health and the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon are appended.

G. R. SAYER,

Head of Sanitary Department.

138 128 22

LO 00

حرم

--་

NGING.

H. D.8 7-10,

Kowloon.

Shaukiwan.

la.

23.

ጸ

...

-2X

“..

་་་

- M 19-

Appendix A. 1923.

6a.

162

726

7a.

H. D.'s.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

•

15.

...

East.

Central.

เป

District Offices.

West

Central.

West.

Bath

houses.

Markets.

Leave.

[

Vacant.

Tota

1 H.S.D.

2 M.O.H.

1 C.V.S.

1 A.H.S.D...

18 Clerks and Shroffs.

1 Chief Inspector.

1 First Clerk.

4 Senior Inspectors.......

33 Inspectors

23 Interpreters

1 Storekeeper

2 Overseers

Asst., Store Keeper

I Office Attendant-

1 Office Coolie

2 Foremen. G.I.

་་

}}

Artisans

Drivers

13 Engineers

14 Coxswains

6 Stokers

8 Caretakers

73 Drivers

23 Sextons

5 Tallymen

5 Bullock Boys.

7 Messengers

98 Bargemen

162 Cl. Coolies

726 Scavenging Coolies

17 Artisans

9 Skld. Labourers

2 Apprentices

8 Motor Drivers

4 Motor Drivers' Mates

10 Bath House Attendants

+ Post Office Building Coolies

4 Seamen

1 Boatswain

Central.

D. S. Hongkong.

D. S. Kowloon.

S. H. Kennedy Town.

S. H. Ma Tau Kok.

NOT

...

Cemeteries.

Street Watering.

Refuse Disposal.

H. D.'s 1-3 and leak.

185

138

128

10 00

co co

H. D.'s 4-6.

H. D.'s 7-10,

SCAVENGING.

Kowloon.

Shaukiwan.

la.

23.

M 19

Appendix A. 1923.

6a.

78.

H. D.'s.

M 21

Appendix B.

RETURN FOR THE YEAR, 1923.

Outstanding (31st December 1922)

No. of nuisances reported

947 21,782

No, of nuisances reported in which no

action taken,

No. of 1st letters sent out

Compliance after 1st letter No. of 1st letters withdrawn No. of 2nd letters sent Compliance after 2nd letter

No. of legal notices sent sections 29 & 30 No. of legal notices withdrawn section 31 No. of legal notices modified section 31 No. of legal notices time extended

section 31...

Compliance on legal notices

20,000

13,168

4,280

3,210

4,278

3,800

No. of summons applied for section 32 No. of summons refused

273

No. of summons withdrawn

No. of Magistrate's order section 33

Compliance of Magistrate's orders (including compliance after sum- mons) Fines $2,480

Cases discharged

Cases abandoned through defendant

absconding or otherwise...

Re-summons for failure to comply

section 35...

...

Compliance after re-summons Fines $20 Nuisance abated by Sanitary Depart-

ment section 35 Expenses of abating $ OUTSTANDING

...

***

TOTAL

232 21

...

2,256

...

22,729 22,729 ·

- M 22

Appendix C.

Illegal cubicles

...

1,281

...

Defective gratings

Defective floor surface

No dust bins

...

Defective wastepipes, rain-water pipes, eaves gutters &c. Defective cement rendering

...

2,809

...

2,168

...

2,036

...

1,491

...

1,466

Missing gratings...

1,379

Illegal height of cubicles

1,351

...

Choked wastepipes, rain-water pipes, eaves gutters &c.

1,121

Rat runs filled in

796

...

Obstruction of verandahs

374

•

No receptacles to latrines.

362

...

Obstruction of windows, doors, ventilating openings &c. Gratings not properly fixed

330

292

Choked drains

230

Accumulation of refuse

210

Breeding of mosquitoes.....

205

No urinal accommodation

165

Dirty condition of premises

156

No cement rendering...

No glazed area to windows

Illegal wooden cover over cubicles

Dirty barrel for drinking water

Cooking in yard ...

Illegal urinals

Use of basements for habitation and as workshops &c.

Discharge of sullage water, urine, excreta &c.

Use of room without window openings for sleeping purposes

Use of verandahs for sleeping purposes and cooking &c. Use of kitchens for sleeping purposes

Accumulation of undergrowth

Illegal bunks.

Offensive trades (rag-storing and soap-boiling) &c. Enclosure of cockloft

Illegal wooden partitions in verandahs and kitchens

Keeping of cattle without licence

Illegal showcase

...

Accumulation of stagnant water

Illegal shade over windows

Exposing of fruit and vegetable for sale without licence

Bakehouse without licence...

Laundry without licence

Overcrowding

No cover to water tanks and wells

Depositing of excreta and urine &c.... Matshed used for habitation

No water supply to water closets.

100

TOTAL...

.:.

...

21,782

M 23

Appendix D.

HEALTH DISTRICTS.

6a & 7a

Shaukiwan

Total

415

179

1.169

999

1,330

1,004

1,466

· 1,346

2,212

1,174

1,050

2,744

2,174

1,667

479

656

21,782

128

101

104

168

245

157

143

223

212

231

2,148

, 1

-28

2222222

104

136

101

227

716

796

199

121

548

houses

38 houses

20 houses

16 houses

floors

'119 floors

68 floors

50 floors

52 houses 15 houses 168 floors 51 floors

8 houses

25 floors

54 houses! 122 houses | 47 houses

77 houses

73 houses

houses

I house

2 houses

floors

Hoors

7 floors

8 houses

29 floors

7 houses

159 floors 355 floors 24 houses

96 floors

194 floors

219 floors

43 houses 58 houses

183 houses

58 houses

...

23 floors

93 floors

170 floors 154 floors

566 floors

172 floors

12 houses

16 floors

121 houses

464 floors

45 houses

56 floors

71 houses

208 floors

houses

4 houses

2 houses

floors

12 floors

3 floors

...

house

5 houses

...

Boors

16 Boors

I house

floors

5 houses

13 floors

I house

1 floor

1 house

1 floor

3 houses

3 floors

26 houses

64 floors

73 houses

229 floors

3 houses

7 floors

3 bouses

865 houses

3 floors

2264 floors

832 houses

2578 floors

13 houses

34 floors

30 houses

56 floors

Rural

District

la & 2a

M 23

Appendix D.

HEALTH DISTRICTS.

6a & 7a

Applications for B.A. Notice,

Applications for S.B. Notice,

...

Ground surface repaired,

Ground surface concreted..........

...

Obstructions removed from open space,

...

454

781

898

179

1.169

999

1,330

1,004

1,466

128

101

104

...

Buildings),

Obstructious removed to light and ventilation,

Rat runs filled in,

Water closets installed in private Buildings,

Houses demolished and No. of floors (Domestic

Houses erected and No, of floors (Domestic Build-

104

199

49 houses

101 floors

25 houses

40 houses

94 floors

60 houses

146 houses

377 floors

25 houses

52 floors

38 houses

20 houses

16 houses

52 houses! 15 houses

119 floors

68 floors

50. floors

168 floors

70 houses

ings),

Houses erected and No. of floors

(Non Domestic i

73 floors 1235 floor* 1 house

255 floors

1 house

28 houses

96 floors

I house

4 floors

2 houses

8 houses

7 floors

29 floors

51 floors

2 houses

Buildings',

3 floors

5 floors

Houses demolished and No. of floors (Non Domestic

6 bouses

4 houses

1 house

Buildings),

8 floors

7 floors

2 floors

4 floors

5 houses

16- floors

...

1A &

S'wan.

-M 24-

Appendix D. (1)

PROSECUTIONS 1923.

Hongkong Health Districts.

sale at a

za public

wo tombs...

arket

omodation

of persons

set limits...

for sale the

ug printed ble type in

"This is

iren under

ld not be

lane &c..

sive trade

ence from

...

6A &

...

Kowloon Health Districts.

of Fines.

Total No. Total amount

of cases.

...

جو

110.00

160.00

25.00

5.00

55.00

co:

:ས

:..

...

:ས

::∞

: :

25.00

12.00

~ N

...

•

6 28

F:.

ས

100.00

4.00

25.00

275

80.00

2,500.00

328

$ 3,301.00

11 Defendant absconded.

14 summons withdrawn.

1 case cautioned.

1 case bound over in $100 against recurrence.

1 case cautioned and ordered to sign a personal bond of $100 and an additional fine of $100 on recurrence.

ace which

for that

be used

bitation...

:00

2 cases discharged.

ست

Nature of Offence.

M 24

Appendix D. (1)

PROSECUTIONS 1923.

Hongkong Health Districts.

1A &

S'wan.

•

: :

Dumping rubbish &c.?..

Exposing vegetable for sale at a

place which not being a public market.

Excavating to construct two tombs...] Obstructions avenue of market

Adulterated milk

Providing sleeping accomodation for a greater number of persons than by law permitted

Selling fruit within market limits... Exposing skimmed milk for sale the label of which not having printed thereon large and legible type in Chinese the words. "This is skimmed milk. Children under one year of age should not be fed on it "

Evacuating in scavenging lane &c.. Using premises for offensive trade

purposes without a licence from! the Sanitary Board... Slaughtering swine at a place which not being appointed for that purpose

Using or permitting to be used basement for human habitation... On S. B. Nuisance Notices

Total

6A &

...

Kowloon Health Districts.

Total No.

of cases.

...

:..

co :

...

~ ~

22:2

: *

275

328

11 Defendant absconded.

14 summons withdrawn.

1 case cautioned.

1 case bound over in $100 against recurrence.

1 case cautioned and ordered to sign a personal bond of $100 and an additional fine of $100 on recurrence.

: ེ

22 cases discharged.

ст

M 25

Appendix E.

House Cleansing Return,

Floors cleansed.

1921.

1922.

1923.

Eastern Districts, (Shaukiwan, 1,

la & 2a, 2).

23,561 24,879

33,046

Central Districts, (3, 4 & 5)

20,185 22,344

23,748

Western-Central Districts, (6, fa, &

7a, 7)

19,203 23.198

23,751

Western Districts (8, 9 & 10)

23,331

23,961 26,434

Totals,

86,280

94,382 106,979

Kowloon, (11. 12, 13, 14 & 15).

28,854

35,863 43,959

District No. 3 was cleansed twice, Nos. 4, 5, 6a & 7a, 7, 8,

10, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15, three times and the remainder four times.

Health District.

1 storey.

2 storeys.

Appendix F.

Table Showing Number of Chinese Houses and Floors, Victoria, 1923.

3 storeys.

4 storeys.

Shaukiwan

1 H.D.

la & 2a H.D....

...

160

294

439

...

156

441

164

...

353

222

ลง

2 H.D.

3 H.D.

518

280

.:.

4 H.D.

5 H.D.

6 H.D.

...

6a & 7a H.D....

652

466

...

122

490

290

327

364

...

153

179

7 H.D.

247

353

...

8 H.D.

503

389

...

9 H.D.

16'

247

491

297

:..

10 H.D.

424

234

...

922

2,154

2.33

...

794

1,662

2:09

685

...

2,161

3.15

893

2,85€

3.19

153

509

3.32

1,235

4,133

3:34

957

3,050

3.18

813

2,732

3.36

371

1,264

3.4

645

2,342

3.63

1,039

3,437

3.3

1,051

3,171

3:01

772

2,436

3.15

Total...

520

1,610

4,822

3,195

1.77

6 10,330

31,907

3.1.

5 storeys.

6 storeys.

Houses.

M 26

Floors.

Average.

Health District.

Houses.

Floors.

Average.

Appendix F.

Table Showing Number of Chinese Floors, Kowloon.

1 storey. 2 storeys. 3 storeys. 4 storeys.

11 H.D.

12 H.D.

...

111

350

114

577

1,730

3:0

...

218

963

179

1,364

4,045

2.97

13 H.D.

772

944

2,652

2.8

14 H.D.

589

277

653

1,532

3,154

2:0

15 H.D.

...

1,477

334

235

2,046

2,850

- M 27-

Total,...

...

2,140

1,014

2,973

336

6,463

14,431

2.23

M 28

Appendix G.

Limewashing, 1923.

Victoria.

Kowloon.

Shaukiwan included

Floors limewashed by owners, ...

21,286

6,609

Floors limewashed by S. B. at owners'

request

1,054

490

Floors limewashed by S. B.'s contractor owing to owners' failure to comply with the By-law...

Total

...

596

318

22,936

7,417

Appendix H.

Vaccination Return for 1923.

B. F.

Cannot

Had

New

Registry.

Unvacc-

inated.

Total Vaccin- births. liable.

Left

Insusc-

Dead.

Small-

Unfit.

ated.

Colony.

found.

eptible.

Total

C. F.

Total.

pox.

- M 29

Sanitary Department (Non-Chinese)

198

357

555

336

Sanitary Department (Chinese)

155

555

881

1,158

2,039

679

187

201

Eastern Chinese Public Dispensary

938

491 1,036

2,039

1,527

676

116

130

236

Yaumati Chinese Public Dispensary

369

636

989

1,625

1,527

830

270

Western Chinese Public Dispensary

385

239

1,625

315

554

160

Kowloon City Chinese Public Dispensary Central Chinese Public Dispensary

Shamshuipo Chinese Public Dispensary... Shaukiwan Chinese Public Dispensary Hunghom Chinese Public Dispensary

281

554

116 276

392

· 108

205

392

36 173 209

542

209

Total...

2,650

4,395 7,045

2,928

300

476

889

2,418

7,045

1. Salary of Coolies

- M 30

Appendix I.

Table I.

Collection.

Hongkong Kowloon Total

70,333.74 23,896.85 94,230.59

2. Salary of Drivers

5,515.27 2,172.78 7,688.05

3. Scavenging Gear

...

3,372.91

850.59

4,223.50

4. Maintenance of Bullocks.

5,000.00

2,500.00

7,500.00

5. Maintenance of Dust Carts

1,320.00

680.00

2,000:00

6. Running expenses Motor

Refuse Lorries

1,172.01

Total...

85,541.92 30,100.22 116,814:15

or $1.25 a

ton.

(1) Exclusive of Scavenging Coolies employed on other duties.

(2) Deduction on same basis as last year for drivers employed on street watering.

(4) & (5) Same ratio as last year.

Salary of Bargemen

...

Repairs to Launches and Barges Stores of Launches and Barges

Coal...

...

Table II

Removal.

...

Total

...

..:..

...

Hongkong

Kowloon

Total

21,170.14

3,443.17

24,613.31

12,641.06

5,648.91

17,080.00

21,170.14

3,443.17

59,983.28

Special Expenditure (Wooden Refuse Lighter) $11,700.

Table III

Comparative Table for 2 years.

...

City Scavenging Kowloon Scavenging

Removal

...

1922

1923

81,330,28

85,541.92

...

....

26,635.95

30,100.22

...

52,261.33

59,983.28

M 31

M 32

Appendix J.

List of Ambulance and Dead Van Stations.

Race Course, Wong Nei Chung Road.

Cattle Depôt, Kennedy Town.

Government Civil Hospital.

New Western Market, North Block.

No. 6 Police Station.

Central Police Station. New Post Office Building. Pokfulam Police Station. Bay View Police Station. Aberdeen Police Station. Stanley Police Station.

Scavenging Coolies Quarters, Shaukiwan Mount Gough Police Station. Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, Sham Shui Po Police Station. Kowloon City Police Station. Sha Tau Kok Police Station. Au Tau Police Station.

Appendix K.

MARKETS.

The following statement shows the Revenue derived from Markets :—

Markets.

Central Market Hung Hom Market Mong Kok Tsui Market Sai Wan Ho Market Sai Ying Pun Market Shaukiwan Market Shek Tong Tsui Market So Kon Po Market Tai Kok Tsui Market Tsim Sha Tsui Market

Wan Tsai Market

Western Market, (North Block)

1910-1919

(average for

1920.

1921.

1922.

1923.

10 years).

Western Market, (South Block)

Yaumati Market

Aberdeen Market

Canal Road Market opened 1/4/13

Praya East Market opened 1/12/13.

Reclamation Street Market opened 1/9/13

Staunton Street Market opened 1/10/12

Tai Hang Market opened 1/4/14

Sham Shui Po Market opened 1/6/18

Kowloon City Market opened 1/1/22

Reclamation Street, Poultry Market opened

1/6/23

Total,....

59,745.63

60,792.00

*62,213.20

62,604.30

62,614.80

4,040.67

4,324.20

4,333.20

4,499.70

4,524,50

1,188.61

1,258.80

1,520.40

3,144.90

3,363.90

2,103.41

2,402.30

2,439.30

2,522.60

3,003.60

15,351.37

16,520.40

16,491.60

16,491,60

16,516.80

1,989.00

2,085.60

2,097.30

864.02

942.00

1,461.59

1,490.40

1,603.15

2,193.60

2,080.80

644.02

796.10

845.50

851.00

872.40

393.12

4,553.40

4,556.40

4,557.20

4,576.80

4,760.94

4,862.40

16,594.99

19,171.70

19,239.60

20,467.80

23,185.00

27,851.73

32,569.00

33,098.00

32,917,80

32,946.30

9,399.49

10,840.80

11,260.40

18,460.50

469.70

458.70

430.90

433.30

442.20

516.00

516,00

516.00

425.31

326.60.

364,50

266.30

540.70

2,914.20

2,671.80

2,677.50

2,744.60

3,291,60

887.02

940.80

949.80

952.80

963.43

590.40

571.50

565.20

2,614.95

2,898.40

2,915.40

2,911.50

2,922.90

285.30

314.60

727.20

155,179.88

171,011.80

173,515.65 178,082.20

190,320.30

M 33

Appendix L.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

· (10)

Average

Cemetery.

mate

Approxi-

burial space. 31/12/22.

Available

Subsequent Exhumation.

Gross

Burials

Net

available

Average

burials

space as on

Private. Public.

available

space.

since

private

exhumation

Last General Exhumation.

31/12/22. 31/12/23.

space on

for last

10 years.

Year No.

Year

No.

10 years.

M 34

Colonial

Roman Catholic

Mohammedan

Parsee

Mount Caroline

10,200

1,565

1,568

8,000

3,343

765

4,134

156

3,500

700

888888

1,485

3,978

156

638

200

100

2888-

1917 288

23,000

9,105

191

920

10,216

929

9,287

768

1913 1,669

1916

1918

864

Chinese Protestant..

1,800

764

...

764

700

Eurasian (Ho Tung)

200

...

200

195

Kai Lung Wan East

25,500

1,632

264

1,631

3,527

2,103

1,424

1,347

Tung Wah (K. L.W.). Mohammedan T.S.K.

53,486

3,000

2,753

5,807

5,164

763

4,621

8,000

7,076

7,075

Sai Yu Shek (now)

5,400

195

5,205

132

...

338 1920 | 1,921

Original estimates amended.

1920 1,952

1919 6,000 approximately.

Open 1st January.

Shaukiwan (Chai Wan).

6,700

1,761

1,690

323

1,367

204

1911 1,276 1920

1,197

Shaukiwan (Christian)

185

Stanley (Tung Tau Chau).

1,040

112

So Kon Po (Roman Catholic).)

20,000

17,226

115

17,326

1,323

16,003

1,300

Aberdeen (Shum Wan)..

2,000

424

167

560

1,151

236

915

218

Estimates in column 2 amended.

Jewish

250

118

115

Shek 0.

Malay

100

Ho Mun Tin

30,000

26,205

4,171

22,034

Chinese Permanent.

Kowloon Tong (Christian)

...

Cheung Sha Wan

.....

...

Re-open 1st May. Closed 1st October.

M 35

Appendix M.

List of Revenue from January to December, 1923.

Kip

Chinese Undertakers' Licences,

Forfeitures,

...

Special Food Licences,

...

Ambulance and Cremation Fees,...

Births and Deaths Registration, Chinese Cemetery Fees,

Official Certificates, Use of Motor Vans,

Lands Not Leased, Laundries

Markets, ...

Slaughter House, Kennedy Town, Slaughter House, Ma Tau Kok, Interest,...

Condemned Stores &c.,

Other Miscellaneous Receipts,

...

Scavenging City, Villages and Hill District,

Total,...

•

1922,...

Revenue from Contracts. Conservancy Contract, Victoria, ... Conservancy Contract, Kowloon,... Conservancy Contract, Shaukiwan, ... Blood and Hair, Kennedy Town, Blood and Hair, Ma Tau Kok.......... Slaughtering Contract, Sai Wan Ho, Slaughtering Contract, Aberdeen, ...

Total...

...

640.00 48.64 9.626.71

1,398.50

2,014.30

4,929.00

...

4.112.00

4,807.00

...

50.00

2,400.00

191,644.80 101,511.50 26,959.00

36.69

153.00

300.33

2,464.50

...

$353,095.97

$321,774.95

$ Deduction $

...

38,400 $9,139

29,261

23,400

5,743

17,657

2,712

7,440

2,400

3,096 1,476

...$ 64,042

M 36

Appendix N.

List of Expenditure from January to December, 1923,

Personal Emoluments,

420,436.86

Advertisements,

576.33

♥

Ambulances, Coffins, Dead Vans and Dead Boxes,

1,585.93

Bamboo Poles and Rope,

739.32

Baskets, Buckets and Shovels,

2,722.11

Bath House, Fuel,...

806.44

Bath House, Light,

20.67

Bonuses to Dispensary Clerks for Registration of

Successful Vaccination,...

1,102.90

Brooms, Brushes and Bamboo Hats,

...

1,466.90

Burial of Infected Bodies,

...

2,244.00

Cemeteries, Incidental Expenses,.

16.20

Compensation for Damages by Disinfection and

Cleansing,

30.17

Conveyance Allowances,

6.836.76

Coolie Labour,

1,809.00

Disinfectants,

9,174.24

Disinfecting and Cleansing Apparatus,

Disinfectors,

Dust and Water Carts, ...

Fuel for Blacksmith's Forges

Furniture in Official Quarters,

General Cleansing, Chinese New Year, Head Stones, ...

Incidental Expenses,

Incidental Expenses, Markets,

Launches, Steam Barges and Lighters :-Fuel,.. Launches, Steam Barges and Lighters :-Repairs, Launches, Steam Barges and Lighters :-Stores, Light, Bullock Stables at Victoria and Kowloon, Light, Central Market,

Light, Disinfecting Stations, District Sanitary Offices

and Coolies Quarters,

2,023.38 1,613.71

167.60

17,080.00

12,641.06

2,463.61

1.186.83

2,070.32

•

486.00

27.50 190.35

3.111.42

215.28

2,409.21

960.21

Light, Public Latrines,...

...

954.95

Light, Smaller Markets,

1,370.35

Light, Tsim Sha Tsui Market,

•

831.63

Light, Western Market, North and South Blocks,

543.69

Motor Lorries, Motor Vans and Motor Cars, Running

Expenses,

1,445.34

Nightsoil Receptacles,

835.80

Paint, Turpentine, &c., ...

2,088.06

Purchase and Maintenance of Bullocks,

...

10,519.28

Rat Poison, Rat Traps, &c.,

1,982.95

Carried forward,

...

$517,086.36

M 37

Brought forward,.......

Refund of Fees for Sanitary Institute Examination,... Rent of Quarters for Inspector and Sanitary Officers, Rent of Quarters for Scavenging Coolies, ... Scavenging City, Villages and Hill District, Scavenging Gear, .

...

Scavenging Gear, Kowloon,... Transport,

...$517,086.36

153.12

1,152.00

1,893.00

1,338.35

1,949.36

368.63

1,320.89

Uniform for Staff,...

7,099.72

...

Workshop Apparatus,

103.27

A. D. and S. H. Fuel,

3,980.00

do.

Incidental Expenses,

440.11

do.

Light,

457.06

do.

Motor Meat Vans: Running Expenses,

2,702.69

Cattle Crematorium and Refuse Destructor,

186.57

Total,...

1922, ...

...$540,531.13

•

...$506,161.92

Crown Agents' account for November and December are excluded as they have not yet arrived.

Special Expenditure.

Exhumation, Various Cemeteries,

Dust and Water Carts :-4 2-wheeled Hand Carts,

17,148.74

545.21

do.

2 2-wheeled Bullock Carts,

246.60

Tyres for Motor Meat Vans,...

460.91

2 Motor Refuse Lorries,

16,357.10

...

2 Motor Vans,

7,571.20

2 Motor Cars,

1 Portable Disinfector,

1 Steam Launch,

1 Wooden Refuse Lighter,

Vaccination, ...

Total,...

1922,...

7,717.11

510.99 12,956.00 5,850.00 10,522.80

...$ 79,886.66

•

...$ 41,756.31

(Wooden Refuse Lighter not yet completed).

ESE.

M 38

Appendix O.

RETURN OF CERTIFIED AND UNCERTIFIED DEATHS.

CHINESE.

rtified

Number certified.

Number uncertified.

→

Mortuary

Percentage

certified.

Percentage Number Kowloon. Approx. * uncertified. of

Total

T.W.H.

K.W.H.

M.O.H.'s

reports.

Notified

by private

Chinese

practi-

deaths.

tioners.

Mortuary. Percentage Percentage

certified.

uncertified.

91.1

8.9

14,241

5,617

986

6,603

1,045

493

6,027

46.35

53.65

82.9

17.1

15,289

5,849

1,146

6,995

601

573

7,067

45.75

54.25

in K.W.H. (Kwong Wa Hospital) do not distinguish between cases certified before and after death. The notice is however found to be 2: 1.

NON-CHINESE.

M 38

Appendix O.

RETURN OF CERTIFIED AND UNCERTIFIED DEATHS.

CHINESE.

Number uncertified

Number certified.

Number uncertified.

Non-

Chinese

deaths.

Number Number

certified. by private

Notified

M.O.HI.'s Mortuary Percentage certified.

reports.

Percentage Number Kowloon. Approx. uncertified. of

* Total

T.W.H.

K.W.H.

M.O.H.'s

reports.

Chinese

practi-

deaths.

Notified

by private

practi-

tioners.

1922

328

299

91.1

8.9

14,241 5,617

986

6,603

1,045

493

1923

247

205

82.9

17.1

15,289

5,849

1,146

6,995

601

573

* Certificates from K.W.H. (Kwong Wa Hospital) do not distinguish between cases certified before and after death. The notice is however found to be 2

□ MARKET

SHAM SHUI PO

14.

□ MARKET

HARBOUR

OF REFUGE.

KOWLOON H.D'S.

DYAUMATI STATION

□ MARKET

13.

EUROPEAN PROTESTANT CEMETERY R. C. CEMETERY

MONGKO KTSUI

YAUMATI

WAR DEPT

MARKET

H MARKET

12.

DISINFECTING STATION

INDIAN CEMETERY

CHINESE CEMETERY

MA TAU WA

CHINESE CEMETERY

15.

CHINESE CEMETERY

KING'S PARK

11.

HUNG HOM

BAY

MARKET

SHEKSHA

OUR

KET

14.

KOWLOON H.D'S.

□ MARKET

13.

MONGKO KTSUI

YAUMATI

WAR DEPT

MARKET

DYAUMATI STATION

INDIAN CEMETERY

DISINFECTING

STATION

EUROPEAN PROTESTANT CEMETERY

R. C. CEMETERY

CHINESE CEMETERY

MA TAU WAI

MA TAU KOK

CHINESE CEMETERY

CATTLE DEPOT

15.

CHINESE CEMETERY

TO KWA WAN

KING'S PARK

11.

12.

HUNG HOM

BAY

MARKET

SHEKSHAN

M 41

REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.

The matter of this report except when otherwise specifically mentioned deals only with that portion of the Colony which is under the jurisdiction of the Sanitary Board.

This area includes the Island of Hongkong the Kowloon Pen- insula and about sixteen square miles of territory on the mainland south of the Kowloon hills.

The latitude and longitude of the Royal Observatory in Kow- loon are: Lat. 22° 18' 132" and Long. 114° 10′ 27′′.

The following Table gives the means or totals of the meteo- rological data published monthly throughout the year and the means or totals of the same for the whole

Barometer

at M.S.L.

TEMPERA- TURE.

year

1923.

HUMI-

DITY.

Max. Mean Min. Rel.

Clourliness.

Sunshine.

WIND.

Month.

Rain.

Abs.

Direction. Vel.

ins.

January, February.

March,

April,

p.c. ins.

p. c.

hours. ins.

points. miles p.h.

July,

August,

May, June,....

30.20 65.4 60.0] 50.1 30.08 63.8 58.8 55.0 30.10 70.3 65.2 61.5 29.94 76.1 | 71,5 | 68.6 29.8582.6 77.8 74.2 29.73 84.6 80.6 77.6 29.70 86.1 82.0 78.8 29.65 85.481.2 77.5

September,... 29.83 85.9 81.1 | 77,3

64 | 0.24 54 72 0.38

76 78 0.49 61 85 0.66 77 79 0.75 82 0.87 82 81 0.88

84089

206.4 0.130 103.3 178.6 0.660

E by N

11.8

0.390

E by N

11.8

14.5

130.1 8.370

13.8

235.8 3.795 E by S

10.9

152.3 15.720 ESE

11.1

202.0 18.525 SE by S

17.5

159.3 34.310 SE

13.0

73 0.78

244.8 6.285 ESE

7.0

October,

29.99 80.2 76.0|72,5

72 0.64 50

212.7 17.835: E by N

12.5

November,. 30.06 75.671.6 | 68,3 December, 30.19 | 68.8 64.3) 60,6

72 71

0.56 52

200.6 0.405

ENE

12.4

0.44 66

148.2 0.315

ENE

10.5

Mean or

29.94 77.0 72.5 69.0 76.0 | 0.64 | 65,9

181.17 106.7

12.2

Total,...

POPULATION.

The estimated population of the Colony at the middle of 1923

was as follows :-

Non-Chinese Civil population

City of Victoria (including the Peak)... 350,000

Chinese civil population:-

Villages of Hongkong

...

Kowloon (including New Kowloon)

New Territories (land)

15,500

... 26,300

140,000

84,500

Population afloat

...

65,500

Total Chinese population

Total Civil population

666,300

681,800

M 42

This figure shows an increase over the last census (1921) of 56,634.

IMMIGRATION AND EMIGRATION,

The Chinese population is liable to much fluctuation owing to variations in the political conditions in the neighbouring province of China.

There is always a great flow of people to and from Hongkong and Canton by rail and ships.

During 1923 the following numbers of passengers came and went between Hongkong and Chinese Territory by the Kowloon Canton Railway and the numerous river steamers.

Immigrants.

Emigrants.

Railway Steamships

...249,152

250,719

...550,360

577,568

Totals

...799,512

828,287

BIRTHS.

The number of births registered in 1923 is shown in the following table with those for the year 1922 for comparison.

Male.

Female.

1922 1923

Total.

1922 1923

Chinese Non-Chinese

2205 2547

1317 1510

3522 4057

188 185

Total... 2393 2732

194

172

382 357

1511 1682

3904 4414

This gives a general civil birth rate of 7.39 per 1000 as com- pared with 6.69 in 1922.

The birth rate amongst the Non-Chinese civil community was 23.03 as compared with 22.84 in 1922.

The birth rate amongst the Chinese as calculated from the re- gistered births was 6.97 per 1000 as compared with 6.25 per 1000 in 1922.

}

M 43

The following Table shows the birth rates (calculated from the registered births) amongst the Non-Chinese and Chinese Civil Community during the last ten years.

BIRTH RATES FROM 1914 To 1923.

Year.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

1914..

16.8

6.8

1915.

13.2

5.7

1916...

20.05

5.8

1917

20.08

4.9

1918.

22.07

3.6

1919.

20.6

3.9

1920.

19.78

3.96

1921.

25.88

5.68

1922.

22.84

6.25

23.03

6.97

1923

The usual preponderance of male over female births is contin- ued for 1923.

Thus there were amongst the Chinese 168 male births to every 100 female births.

Amongst the Non-Chinese the figures for 1923 were 107 males to every 100 female births.

The nationality of the civilian Non-Chinese parents was as follows:-

British 169, Portuguese 73, Indian 52, American 15, Filipino 12, Spanish 7, Malay 5, Danish, Japanese and Dutch 4 each, Jewish, Parsee and French 2 each, Annamite, Mauritian, Eurasian, Arabian, Norwegian and Brazilian 1 each..

Deaths.

The total number of deaths in the Colony during 1923 was 15,536 (14,569 in 1922).

The general Civil death rate was 25.98 per 1,000 (25.16 in 1922).

The Chinese deaths numbered 15,289 (14,241 in 1922).

The Chinese death rate was 26.27 per 1,000 (25.47 in 1922).

The non-Chinese deaths numbered 247 (328 in 1922) including 17 from the Navy and Army.

}

-ť

M 44

The death rate for the Non-Chinese Civil Community was 14.83 per 1,000 (20.40 in 1922).

The nationality of the Civil Non-Chinese deaths was as follows:--

British 66, Indian 56, Portuguese 52, Japanese 28, Filipino 9, American and Malay 7 each, French, Eurasian, Spanish and German 3 each, Swiss, Jewish and Norwegian 2 each, Peruvian, Dutch, Italian and Australian 1 each.

Age Distribution of Deaths.

The number of deaths of children under one year of age was 4,585 of which 4,556 were Chinese and 29 Non-Chinese.

Of these 1,137 Chinese and 13 Non-Chinese were under one month of age.

The ratio of infant deaths to the total deaths registered was 29.5 per cent (28.9 per cent in 1922). For Chinese deaths alone the ratio was 29.08 per cent, while for the Non-Chinese it was 11.7 per cent.

A true infantile mortality can not be calculated owing to the Chinese custom of not registering births unless a child has lived for at least one month and often apparently not registering at any time.

years of age were

The deaths of children between one and five 2,859 of which 24 were Non-Chinese and 2,835 Chinese.

The following Table shows the Death Rates for the last ten

years.

DEATH RATES.

Year.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

General.

1914.......

23.88

12.99

23.34

1915.

19.00

9.4

18.59

1916...

24.60

15.08

24.00

1917

23.0

14.00

23.4

1918.

24.5

19.5

24.4

1919.

23.3

21.9

23.2

1920.

22.78

17.9

21.19

1921....

20.29

18.08

20.27

1922.

25.47

20.46

25.16

1923

26.27

14.83

25.98

DISEASES.

Respiratory Diseases.

The number of deaths from these causes excluding pulmonary tuberculosis was 4,317 of which 35 were Non-Chinese.

M 45

Of these 2,157 occurred amongst children under one year of age.

The deaths ascribed to Lobar Pneumonia and Pneumonia (type not defined) were 398 and 878 respectively or a total of 1,276. Of these 469 were of children under one year of age.

Broncho-Pneumonia accounted for 1,514 deaths of which 9 were Non-Chinese. Of these 989 were infants under one year of age, only 3 being Non-Chinese in this age group.

The total deaths amongst the Chinese from Respiratory Diseases was 5,754 or 37.6 per cent of the total Chinese deaths giving a rate of mortality in the Chinese population (excluding the New Territories, of 9.8 per 1,000.

Tuberculosis.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis caused 1,503 deaths of which 31 were Non-Chinese and 1,472 Chinese.

Other forms of Tuberculosis caused 605 deaths, 6 of which were non-Chinese making a total of 2,108 deaths, this being a percentage of 13.56 of the total deaths registered.

The tubercular diseases may be divided into five groups or types as follows:-

Type 1 Pulmonary and Acute Miliary Tuberculosis.

Type 2 Tubercular Meningitis.

Type 3 Abdominal Tuberculosis.

Type 4 Disseminated or General Tuberculosis.

Type 5 Other Tubercular Diseases.

The following Table shows the numbers of Chinese deaths from each of these types distributed into age groups.

Age Groups

Type Type Type Type Type

}

Under 1 year

Over 1 year and under 5 years

153

Over 5 years and under 15 years Over 15 years and under 25 years Over 25 years and under 45 years.

204

633

2188-8

139

Over 45 years and under 60 years Over 60 years,

291

M 46

The deaths from Tubercular Diseases (all types) are shown distributed according to age groups by the following Table for eight years 1914 to 1923 omitting the years 1916 and 1918.

Years

1914

1915 1917 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923

Age under 1 year

59 193

108

231 219 200 213

1 to 5 years

138

195

290

302

469

340

393

419

5 to 15 years

129

139

204

157

180

169

15 to 25 years...

101

110

124

159

171

181

203

233

25 to 45 years...

424

431

486

569

641

643

640

673

45 to 60 years...

188

199

205

258

278

256

351

301

Over 60 years...

Total

1,053 1,123

Deaths (Chinese)

Percentage of Chinese deaths

due to Tuberculosis

1,469|1,597 | 2,0591,887 2,060 2.071

9,3167,723 10,244 11,348 12,151 |11,604 14,241 15,289

11:3 145 143 14.0 16.9 16:2 14.4 B.5

Tetanus and Convulsions.

These diseases accounted for 146 deaths of children under five years of age.

Thus out of 74 deaths ascribed to Tetanus 54 were of children under one month and 5 of children over one month and under one year.

Convulsions accounted for 72 deaths of children under five years of age.

Of these 3 were under one month and 42 over one month but under one year of age.

Malaria,

The deaths from this disease were 674 (454 in 1922). Of these 7 were Non-Chinese (8 in 1922) and 667 Chinese. This number of deaths is a percentage of 4.33 of the total registered deaths.

The deaths from Malaria in the City of Victoria numbered 260 (116 in 1922) in an estimated population of 350,000 giving a rate of 0.74 per 1,000. In 1922 there were 116 deaths in an estimated population of 340,000 giving a rate of 0.34 per 1,000.

The deaths from Malaria for this year show a considerable increase, their percentage of the total deaths being the highest on record for the last ten years.

To what extent this means an increase in local infection it is not possible to say.

That there has been such an increase is however most probable.

Building operations have extended urban districts into what were formerly purely rural districts and it has been quite im- possible for anti-malarial measures of permanent character to be completed in anticipation of the building and occupation of new houses in rural districts.

Year.

M 47

Table of Deaths from Malaria 1914 to 1923.

Total

Percentage

total deaths

Deaths per

1,000 of

Population

1914

211

2.26

0:55

1915

157

328

4.14

0.78

1916

182

337

3.19

0.78

1917

205

68.

411

3.93

0.92

1918

189

106

388

2.93

0.83

1919

117

101

314

2.69

0.62

1920

141

332

2.67

0.59

1921

159 86

332

2.79

0:55

1922

126

204

454

3.11

0.78

1923

282 324

674

4.33

1.14

BERI-BERI.

The deaths from this disease were 1,270 or a percentage of 8.17 of the total registered deaths.

These total deaths exceed by over 50 per cent the highest number of deaths from this disease during the last ten years.

It is impossible to say whether this increased incidence is all real and due to a lowered standard of living or is at any rate in part due to the presence of a much greater population than that estimated and therefore partly at least an apparent increase.

Deaths from Beri-beri 1914 to 1923.

Year

No. of deaths

Per cent of total deaths

1914

399

4.16

1915

398

5.02

1916

520

4.92

1917

654

6.26

1918

804

6.09

1919

555

4.76

1920

36.1

4.90

1921

526

4.42

1922

829

5.69

1923

1,270

8.17

M 48

NOTIFIABLE INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

The following Table shows the number of notifiable diseases recorded during the year.

Disease

Chinese Non-Chinese

Total

Plague

148

Sinall-pox

1,292

1,320

Cerebro-Spinal Fever

104

107

Enteric Fever

207

272

Paratyphoid Fever

Cholera

Diphtheria

Scarlet Fever......

Puerperal Fever

Relapsing Fever

Typhus Fever

Yellow Fever........

Total....

1,845

153

1,998

The following numbers of these cases were imported. Plague 2, Cerebro-Spinal Fever 6, Enteric Fever 40, Paratyphoid Fever 2, Typhus 1, Diphtheria 6, Cholera 1, Small-pox 49.

CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER.

The cases of this disease were more numerous than during 1922 but less than in any previous year since the disease was first recognised in this Colony.

The following Table shows the monthly prevalence of this disease since its first recognition here in 918.

M 49

Monthly prevalence of Cerebro-Spinal Fever.

Month.

1918. 1919. | 1920. 1921.

1922. 1923.

January,

February,

165

March,...

454

April,

274

May,

146

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

Total...

1,232

267 158

125

53 107

PLAGUE

The incidence of Plague during 1923 was slight. Only 148 cases were notified (1,181 in 1922).

A very few cases namely two each month carried on the disease from 1922 into the first quarter of 1923. With the advent of the warm weather the disease increased but never assumed severe proportions and the epidemic came to an end before the end of September.

The following Table shows the monthly prevalence of Plague for the last ten years.

Month.

1914. 1915, 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. 1923.

January,

Febrnary,

March,

223

| | |

April,

637

247

May,

858

171

June,

248 31

132 56 64 237

July,

55 31

103 26

24 77

August,

25 16

September,..

October,

November,

December,

30.00 4

CON

454 47.

~~~OOR2* |||

Total,

2,146 144 39

266

464

138 150 1,181 148

វ

M 50

As Plague has for many years been the infectious disease in this Colony to which public attention has been mostly drawn the following complete Table of cases notified since 1894 when the disease was first recognised here is repeated and brought up to date. It will be noticed that in spite of occasional severe epidemics during the last fifteen years the incidence of the disease has beer very much less during this period than in the previous fifteen years.

Year

Cases

Year

Cases

1894....

* 5,000

1909.....

135

1895.

1910..

1896.

1,204

1911.

269

1897...

1912.

1.857

1898.

1,320

1913.

408

1899..

1,486

1914..

2.146

1900...

1,087

1915...

144

1901.

1,651

1916.

1902..

572

1917.

1903......

1,415

1918.

266

1904..

510

1919.

464

1905.....

272

1920.

138

1906...

893

1921.

150

1907.

240

1922..

1,181

1908...

1,073 -

1923.

148

* This is an estimate and is probably much too low.

SMALL-POX.

During the last six months of 1922 there were only 12 cases of Small-pox and during the first two months of 1923 only 11 .

cases.

This disease generally diminishes greatly with the advent of hot weather but in 1923 the disease was unusually prevalent in the months of March to July, inclusive.

This was thought to presage a severe epidemic in the following cool season and in October it was clear that such would happen.

The number of cases for the year was the greatest for over ten years.

At the beginning of November a free vaccination campaign was begun and was continued with great success throughout the ensuing cool season.

差

M 51

The following Table shows the monthly prevalence of Small- pox from 1914 to 1923.

Monthly prevalence of Small-pos 1914 to 1923.

Month

1914 1915 1916

1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923

January.

February

358 17.,

March

38 13

April

May June

July

August

September.

October..

November...

December

328

58 54

58 61

165

397

407

=88840HOMOL

210=U03-00000

2639+NOOOOO-

203422-HOOOH

OHHOHOOON

Total

110

712

595

455

34 191 212 1320

INFLUENZA.

This disease is not notifiable and therefore, its prevalence or virulence can only be estimated by the number of deaths ascribed to it.

The total deaths registered as due to Influenza during the year was 83, being the smallest figure since 1918.

The following table shows the deaths registered as due to In- fluenza during the years 1918 to 1923 inclusive.

Month

1918

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

January

February...

118

March

April

May

June...

108

137

July

August....

September..

October

November... 95

December...

Total

405

449

542

303

422

་

}

DIPHTHERIA.

The incidence of this disease continued to be slight during the year 1923. The total cases numbered 91 of which 59 were Chinese.

There were 43 deaths, only one of which occurred amongst the Non-Chinese community. The following Table gives the monthly prevalence of Diphtheria during the last ten years.

DIPHTHERIA CASES NOTIFIED DURING EACH MONTH OF THE YEARS 1914 ro 1923 INCLUSIVE.

Month

1914 1915

1916

1917

1918

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

- M 52 -

+23762

20732123

27944OL

NOW WHA OTIA CU

...

·ON - 1 ∞ TO DO LO OD

LO LO

January

February

March

April

...

May

June...

July

August

September

October

...

November..

December.

Total

101

Chinese

123

BIS

118

109

218

CHOLERA.

Only one case of this disease was notified during the year. The case was a European and was imported from Canton or neighbourhood.

The following table shows the occurrence of this disease for the last ten years.

CHOLERA FROM 1914 To 1923.

Month

1914

1915

1916

1917

1918

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923

January

February

March

1,6

April

May

June

...

· M 53 -

July

August

September.

October

November

December

...

Total.

Chinese cases

།

TYPHOID AND PARATYPHOID FEVERS.

The Prevalence of these diseases is shown in the Table which follows: -

The following table gives the cases of Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever notified during the years 1914 to 1923.

Month.

1914.

1915.

1916.

1917.

1918.

1919. 1920.

1921.

1922.

1923.

M 54

January,

February,

· 18

March,

131

April,...

141

195

1366

101

.86

May,

219

142

204

181

June,

14o

492

171

182

'44

14'

July,

179

121

475

156

211

241

14'

August,

124

·73

323

191

381

September,

152

266

121

123

October,

141

254

November,

123

713

170

151

.101

December,

510

14o

181

173

201

152

Total,....

1508

1983

2201

1887

2472

1333

11814

11579

13927

27230

128

170

152

182

101

Chinese cases

100

207

Small figures in month groups indicate paratyphoid cases and large figures indicate Typhoid cases

M 55

It will be noticed that the total cases of these diseases is the highest recorded for the last ten years namely 302 cases; the next highest figure being 249 in the year 1918.

The estimated population (excluding that of the New Terri- tories) for 1918 was 468,100 while for 1923 it was 597,300.

The factor of increase of population for 1923 on that of 1918 is thus 1.27. The factor of increase of the Typhoid and Para- typhoid cases for the same year is less namely 1.21.

There are many ways in which infection of these diseases inay be acquired. In the first place it is noteworthy that the water-flush system of disposal of night soil is adopted in few buildings in the Colony. There are thousands of privies and commodes in the Colony in which night soil is exposed and which may be visited by flies. Fortunately flies are not in this Colony so plentiful as in some Eastern cities but they may undoubtedly be a factor in the contamination of food by typhoid bacilli.

The Chinese method of manuring vegetables with human excreta is also a possible source of infection.

To what extent carriers of typhoid exist here is unknown.

An attempt was made several years ago to estimate the num- ber of probable carriers by the examination of a few hundred Chinese employed in the preparation and handling of food, but by the time somewhat less than one hundred preliminary blood tests had been made the passive resistance of these employees caused the experiment to be abandoned.

Some few decades ago there prevailed in this Colony an opinion that Chinese, at any rate those of this Colony and the near Province of China, were generally immune to Typhoid.

It is probable therefore that many cases of this disease and of Paratyphoid were not diagnosed as such.

With the introduction of more careful pathological and bacteriological methods this opinion has been greatly modified.

The great increase of Chinese medical men trained in Western medicine has also probably been a factor in bringing to light the existence of much more Typhoid amongst the Chinese than was formerly supposed.

Immunity is not absolute but relative and it may be that the Chinese do have generally a somewhat higher degree of immunity to Typhoid than do Europeans.

M 56

If this be so the idea suggests itself that carriers may possibly be more common amongst the Chinese than Europeans.

During the earlier months of 1923 the Colony was suffering from a shortage of water and the supply to the greater part of the Chinese population was intermittent. The people were therefore compelled to store water. To do this they used a varied lot of buckets, kerosine tins, jars, etc., which they brought to taps and street hydrants to be filled,

Under these circumstances it is not surprising that more typhoid cases occurred than in previous years.

There was however, nothing in the incidence of the disease to suggest that the water as supplied to people at house taps or street hydrants was the cause of the disease.

In the year 1902 a shortage of water was accompanied by a severe outbreak of Cholera, another so-called water-borne disease, and until the time when it will be possible to give every portion of the Colony a full and constant supply of water through- out the year and consequently to prevent the storage of water in Chinese houses and its collection in parts, etc. of doubtful clean- liness there will be a risk of water borne diseases prevailing during times of intermittent supply.

W. W. PEARSE, M.D., D.P.H.,

Medical Officer of Health.

M 57 -

Table I. DEATHS REGISTERED IN THE COLONY OF: HONGKONG › DURING 1923.

Relapsing Fever.

Rabies (Hydrophobia.)|

Dengue Fever. Paratyphoid Fever.

Influenza.

Small-pox.

Measles.

Typhoid Fever.

Diphtheria.

Cerebro-spinal Meningitis.

Dysentery.

12 1 2

Plague.

2 18

27 31

Malarial Fever.

Cholera.

Puerperal Fever. Septic Infections.

Syphilis.

Poisoning.

Injuries.

Developmental Diseases.

Old Age.

General Tuberculosis.

Beri-beri.

Cancer.

Paralysis and Convulsions.

Heart Diseases.

Pneumonia.

Phthisis & Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Enteritis and Gastro- Enteritis.

Cirrhosis of Liver.

Peritonitis.

Nephritis.

Other causes.

Unknown.

All causes.

66857

8131 27 48177

12/260

1 15

12 3 6 17 2

7 12

1 7245

135|100|117|313

1 4

4:4

36 137

5 109

...

247

35 182 67 130 606141214649

20147

222 223

656

13 2

11125

49 78112 1,885 | 830 | 417 37

23 10

724416341

30|173 1973 124

9,331

1 16 118 91 988

84 161 33 3

8166 524184

4,306

4 109 29

492

14 I

124

1 1

61 35 23

1 181

9 28

2 2

95319 136 | 674

831141 9175

3238 189 36

38 245 1071 454

1 19 83332 .77 313 658 |.595 326.1270 87 99190 2,790 1503 821

.9118221 50 | 293 290 | 556 | 395 829 84 | 158 | 223,3,077,1410' 597

41 375 2799 431 | 15,536

63 51 293 3145 325 14,569

British and

Foreign Civil,. Community,

Victoria and

Peak,.

Harbour,

Chinese

Community,

Kowloon,

Shaukiwan,.

M 57

De Table I-DEATHS REGISTERED IN THE COLONY OF;HONGKONG › DURING 1923.

Aberdeen,.

Stanley,

→

27: 31

35 182 67130 606141|214]649

78 112

2014711 125

8851830 1,885 | 8304

84161

36 137

5109

22190

94402 23

3333

724 | 416

:..

61 35

132

.7.

66857

8131

48 177

12260

con

...

6 17

7 245

11:35100|117|313

3 13

1 4

.:.

9175

3333

73 32

2222

95 319 136 | 674

38 245 1071) 454

1 19 83332 77 313 658 | 595 | 324.1270 87 .99|190| 2,790 |1503

3,077

.9'1181221 50 293 290 | 556 395 | 829

84158 223|3,0771410

Total, 1923,

831141

1922,

3 | 238: 189

M 58

Table II.-CASES OF NOTIFIABLE DISEASES RECORDED IN EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR 1923.

January.

February.

March.

April.

May.

June.

European.......

Chinese

10 47 49

Others

European..

id Fever

Chinese

Others

European..

phoid Fever.....

Chinese

cote 5 co

July.

August.

September.

October.

November.

December.

Total, 1923.

Total, 1922.

148

1,174

1,181

207

172

100

139

Others

European..

(

Chinese

Others

European.

Pox

Chinese

eria

Others

European.

Chinese

Others

European.

ral Fever

Chinese

Orbers

1 Fever

ing Fever.

s Fever.

European.

Chinese

Others

European.

Chinese

Others

:ཨ:::::::ས::::::

...

158

391

400

1,292

1,320

204

212

443

}

~ :

...

European.

Chinese

Others

European.

(

Spinal Fever...

Chinese

Others

European.....

› Fever

Chinese

Others

European.....

Chinese

Dogs

...

Total, 1923.

124 180 210 110

192

427

441

Total, 1922

129

327 537 276

106

::ཨg ཌ

107

1,998

1,717

Plague..

Typhoid Fever

Paratyphoid Fever..

Cholero

- M 58

Table II.-CASES OF NOTIFIABLE DISEASES RECORDED IN EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR 1923.

European.

Chinese

Others

European.

Chinese

Others

European... Chinese

Others

co co to:

January.

February.

March.

April.

May.

June.

July.

August.

September.

October.

November.

December.

Total, 1923.

12108

12:27

10 176

19:22

148

•

207

172

...

}

European.

Chinese

Others

European..

Small-Pox

Chinese

158

391

400

1,292

1,320

Others

European.

Diphtheria

Chinese

Others

European..

...

Puerperal Fever.

Chinese

}

Others

Scarlet Fever

European..

Chinese

Others

European.

Relapsing Fever.........

Chinese

Others

European....

Typhus Fever.

Chinese

Others

European

Cerebro Spinal Fever.......

Chinese

104

107

...

Others

European.

...

Yellow Fever

Chinese

...

Others

European..

...

Rabies

Chinese

...

! Dogs

...

}

...

Total, 1923.

124 : 180

210

110

192

427

441

1,998

Total, 1922

888

129 327 537

276 106

Table III. The following Table shows the nature and distribution of these diseases :—

City of Victoria: Health Districts.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9.

No address.

Imported.

Total, 1923.

Total, 1922.

Plague

Enteric Fever

25 12 13

Paratyphoid Fever.

5 2

Cholera

Small-pox

:༤- :སྤྲེ

10 10

124

2 148

1181

31 13

272

139

40 60 62 49 93 864 156

279 23

1320

212

Diphtheria

4 5 6

3 5 10 I

}

Puerperal Fever.

Scarlet Fever

Relapsing Fever.

Typhus Fever...

Cerebro-Spinal Fever....

107

Yellow Fever

Rabies

M 59 -

M 60

Table IV.

MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF PLAGUE-INFECTED RATS DURING THE YEAR 1923.

CITY OF VICTORIA.

Mus Rattus...

Mus Decumanus,

Total Infected Rats......

Local...

Human Cases of Plague,.

Import

ed...

January.

February.

March.

April.

AWA

June,

July.

August.

September.

October.

November.

December.

Total.

8 9 2

MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF PLAGUE-INFECTED RATS

DURING THE YEAR 1923.

KOWLOON.

January.

February.

March.

Mus Rattus,

Mus Decumanus,

Total Infected Rats...... 2

April.

May.

¡ June,

September.

October.

August.

November.

December.

Inly.

Local..

38 47 23

១

Human Cases

of Plague,...

Import-

ed,..

***

The total number of Rats caught in Hongkong

Do.

Kowloon

...

64,746 29,325

94,017

2 6

Total.

160

124

KENNEDY TOWN

SHEKTONGTSUI

రా.

KENNEDY TOWN

SHEKTONGTSUI

SEI YIN

JYING POON

SHEUNG WAN

مثال

CHOONG WAN

HA WAN

WAN CHAI

BOWRING TON

1 A

WONGNEI

CAUSEWAY BAY

SHAUKIWAN

KENNEDY TOWN

SHEKTONGTSUI

自助

SEI YING POON

SHEUNG WAN

مال

THI

CHOONG WAN

CITY OF VICTORIA

WAN

HA WAN

WAN

WAN CHAI

BOWRING TON

1 A

WONGNEI CHUNG VALLEY

CAUSEWAY BAY

SHAUKIWAN

រ

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN

COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Navy.

No. 1.

Troops.

Women & Children.

Army.

camp followers.

1. Enteric Fever

2. Paratyphoid Fever

3. (a) Relapsing Fever

No. 2.

No. 3.

RETURN shewing

No. 4.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

No. 5.

No. 6.

2233

(b)Malta Fever

4. Malaria.....

5. Small-pox (a) Vaccinated

6. Measles.....

(b) Not vaccinated...

(c)Doubtful

7. Scarlet Fever

8. Whooping Cough

9. (a) Diphtheria...................

(b) Membranous laryngitis..

10. Influenza

11. Fever, (undefined)

12. Asiatic Cholera

13. Cholera Nostras

14. Dysentery...

15. Plague

16. Yellow Fever

17. Leprosy

18. Erysipelas

...

:..

...

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

:..

ازم

36/

...

:..

: 18

...

ลง

F:.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

1 mon

KOWLOON SHAUKIWAN ABERDEEN

STANLEY

Under 1

DISTRICT.

month.

and under

month

M 61 -

ETURN shewing NUMBER and CAUSES of DEATHS Registered during the Year ending the 31st day

VICTORIA.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

EALTH DISTRICT.

'0 "O'T

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

Unknown.

No. 10.

Harbour,

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Non-Chinese.

Peak.

...

313

:..

68 364 145

13 245

:..

133

...

15 100

المطار

117

...

day of December, 1923.

1 month and under 12

months.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

1 year and under 5

years.

5 years and under 15

years.

15 years and under 25

25 years

45 years

and under 45

and

60 years

under 60

and over.

Age Un- known.

GRAND

TOTAL.

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

139

}

: :

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

تن

754

ون

117

101

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

246

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

:..

123

Chinese.

...

175

674

1,141

...

319

136

: :

...

3309

: :

:.. :.

888

4:S

...

364

145

: :

:..

: :

:..

: : :

: :

:..

: :

...

}

: :

...

: .:..

: :

.:.

: : :

: :

:. .:.

...

: :

...

: : : :

...

:. :

...

•

: :

:..

101

981

236

228

101

163

107

117

661

232

T:.

: :

:.. : : :. :

...

: :

2. Paratyphoid Fever

3. (a) Relapsing Fever

(b)Malta Fever

4. Malaria.....

5. Small-pox (a) Vaccinated

(b) Not vaccinated...

6. Measles......

(c)Doubtful

7. Scarlet Fever

8. Whooping Cough

(b) Membranous laryngitis.

9. (a) Diphtheria..

10. Influenza

11. Fever, (undefined)

12. Asiatic Cholera

13. Cholera Nostras

14. Dysentery....

15. Plague

16. Yellow Fever

17. Leprosy

18. Erysipelas

19. Other Epidemic diseases.

(a) Mumps

(6) German measles

(d) Chicken-pox.

20. (a) Pyaemia

(6) Septicaemia

21. Glanders

22. Anthrax

23. Rabies-(Hydrophobia)...

24. Tetanus

25. (a) Actinomycosis

(b) Other mycoses

...

26. Dengue Fever

27. Béri Beri

Carried forward.....

: :

Ele

145

...

:..

245

: :

139

:..

754

: :. :.

:..

100

117

: : :

: D.

: :

;

ཀ

...

: : : :.

:. :

: :

: : :

...

::.

: F

: E

༣

: :

: : :

: D :

170

232

320

402

104 1,250

134

: :

256

-I

196

ล

139

754

: : :

101

246

:..

117

: :

...

674

1,141

D. :

:. :

: :

123

...

:. :.

: :

: :.

D : : :

...

:..

දුක

319

136

: :

256

I-

196

...

: :

307

635

202

1,270

શ

282

577

13 1,211

452

148

...

4,026

...

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN

COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Navy.

No. 1.

Troops.

Women & Children.

Army.

Brought forward.

camp followers.

No. 2.

No. 8.

RETURN shewing

No. 4.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

こ

236

228

101

163

107

117

28. (a) Pulmonary tuberculosis 16

(b) Phthisis.

29. (a) Acute Phthisis

() Acute Miliary Tuberculosis

30. Tuberculous meningitis

31. (a) Abdominal Tuberculosis

(b) Other abdominal tuberculosis

32. Tuberculosis of the Spine

33. Tuberculosis of Hips

34. (a) Lupus................

(b) Scrofula

35. Disseminated Tuberculosis.....

36. (a) Rickets

14.

107

:..

(b) Osteomalacia

37. Syphilis

38. (a) Soft Chancre...

(b) Gonococcus infection

39. Cancer and other, malignant tumours of the buccal cavity..

40. Cancer and other malignant tumours of the stomach liver...

41. Cancer and other malonaut

M 62 -

RETURN shewing NUMBER and CAUSES of DEATHS Registered during the Year ending the 31st du

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

No. 10.

Unknown.

107

117

661

232 320

12.

15 165

Peak.

KOWLOON SHAUKIWAN

DISTRICT.

ABERDEEN STANLEY DISTRICT.

Under 1

month.

Harbour.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

104 1,250 45 134

406

...

137

...

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

...

Non-Chinese.

31st day

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

of December, 1923.

I month and under 12

months.

1 year and under 5

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

5 years and under 15

years.

hit

15 years and under 25

25 years and under 45

45 years

and

60 years

Age Un-

under 60

and over.

known.

GRAND TOTAL.

years.

Chinese.

256

How

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

*Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

961

5 282

12 577

13 1,211

4 452

4 148

112

36.

166

8 546

3 239

122

118

•

心

139

:..

i&.

4,026

414

1,089

100

133

325

332

فاده

323535

(b) Phthisis.

29. (a) Acute Phthisis

(b) Acute Miliary Tuberculosis

30. Tuberculous meningitis

31. (a) Abdominal Tuberculosis

(b) Other abdominal tuberculosis

32. Tuberculosis of the Spine

33. Tuberculosis of Hips

34. (a) Lupus.....

;

107

...

•

:..

...

تب

(b) Scrofula

35. Disseminated Tuberculosis...

36. (a) Rickets

(b) Osteomalacia.

37. Syphilis

38. (a) Soft Chancre....

(b) Gonococcus infection

39. Cancer and other malignant tumours of the buccal cavity..!

40. Cancer and other malignant

tumours of the stomach liver

41. Cancer and other malignant tumours of the peritoneum intestines, rectum..

42. Cancer and other malignant tum-

ours of the female genital organs

43. Cancer and other malignant

tumours of the breast.

44. Cancer and other malignant

tumours of the skin

45. Cancer and other malignant tumours of other organs and of organs not specified

46. (a) Angioma

(b) Adenoma

47. Rheumatic Fever.!..

48. (a) Chronic Rheumatism

(b) Osteo-arthritis

49. Scurvy

50. Diabetes

51. Exophthalmic goitre

Carried forward...........

323

602

391

179 272 152 164 185

122

406

...

نت

:..

137

1,117

317

381

:. :

122

T:.

...

139

118

188

: : :

...

190 1,952

: :

...

....

.:..

156

...

582

11 1,403

122

166

546

:..

لسمسم

139

118

239

:..

: E

:..

: :

-- ነ -

1,089

582

F:..

100

133

: :

1,403

ال

: F

ลง

325

332

:. :

459

821

: :

36 1,972

825

ལར

252

6,569

CAUSES.

FOREIGN AND

BRITISH

COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Army.

Navy.

No. 1.

Troops.

Women

Camp

& Children.

followers.

Brought forward......... 92

52. Addison's disease......

53. (a) Leucocythaemia.

No.

RETURN sh.

No.

602

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

No.

391

122

No.

179

272

152

164

185

1,1

: :

:. :

شدم

: :

:..

}

...

(b) Lymphadenoma.........

54. Anæmia-(chlorosis)..

55. (a) Diabetes insipidus...................

(b) Purpura

(e) Homophilia

(d) Other General Lipomatosis..

56. Alcoholism

57. (a) Occupational lead poisoning

(b) Non-occupational

poisoning

lead

58. Other chronic poisoning (occu-

pational)

59. Other chronic poisoning (not-

occupational)

60. Encephalitis...........

61. (a) Cerebro-spinal Fever

(b) Meningitis (nature unspe-

cified)

62. Locomotor Ataxy

63. Other diseases of spinal cord .........

...

(b) Spinal Haemorrhage..

(α).......

1 month

and under 12 months.

- M 63 -

ETURN shewing NUMBER and CAUSES of DEATHS Registered during the Year ending the 31st day

ICTORIA.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TH DISTRICT.

No.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

KOWLOON

DISTRICT.

SHAUKIWAN DISTRICT.

ABERDEEN

DISTRICT.

STANLEY DISTRICT.

Under 1

month.

Harbou.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Population. Land

Boat

Population.

Non-Chinese.

Peak.

164

185

1,117

317

: : :

381

190

1,952

188

: :

E : :

: :

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

: :

: ⠀ : :

:. : :

⠀

:..

Chinese.

156

:..

582

: :

} :

31st day of December, 1923.

I month and under 12

hit

months.

1 year and under 5

years.

NON-CInese,

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

5 582 11 1,403

∞

Chinese.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

Non-Chinese.

5 years and under 15

years.

15 years and under 25

25 years

45 years

and under 45

and under 60

60 years

and over.

Age Un- known.

GRAND TOTAL.

years.

5 459

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

19 821 36 1,972 12 825

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

252

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

6,569

: :

: :.

...

: : :.

: :.

...

: :.

: :

: : : :

: : :

.::. :

: : : :

سر

: 4:

:..

.:.

T:.

.:.

: :

...

]

:.. :

כז

...

:.. :

::.

: : : :

: :

...

: :

: : :

...

: :.

: :

:.. T:

: :

:. :

: :. C

: :..

: .:. :

: :

DE. Addison's disease..

53. (a) Leucocythaemia

(b) Lymphadenoma..........

54. Anaemia-(chlorosis)

55. (a) Diabetes insipidus....

(b) Purpura

(d) Other General Lipomatosis..

56. Alcoholism

57. (a) Occupational lead poisoning

(b)

Non-occupational

poisoning

lead

58. Other chronic poisoning (occu-,

pational)

59. Other chronic poisoning (not-

occupational)

60. Encephalitis.....

61. (a) Cerebro-spinal Fever

(b) Meningitis (nature unspe-

cified)

62. Locomotor Ataxy

63. Other diseases of spinal cord .

(()......

(b) Spinal Haemorrhage......

64. (a) Apoplexy

(b) Serous apoplexy (oedema of

brain)

ding atheroma with cerebral hæmorrhage)

· (d) Cerebral Atheroma (inclu-

(e) Cerebral Hæmorrhage

35. Softening of the Brain

36. (a) Hemiplegia

(b) Paraplegia ..............

67. General Paralysis of the Insane

68. Other forms of Mental Aliena-

tion

69. Epilepsy

(b) Convulsions over 5 years...

71. Convulsions in children under

70. (a) Epileptiform Convulsions....

}

...

731

408

196

284

170

176

194

1,176

320

: : :

: :

:..

5 years......

Carried forward......

106

: :

: :.

: :

یم

F :.

...

: :

FDM

:. : : :

: :.

: :

: E

اسما

⠀

: :

:. E : :

: :. :

: : :

:.. :

328

¥61

387

201

2,030

: :

૬

F99

1,479

166

Appendix N

REPORT ON THE BOTANICAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1923.

GENERAL REMARKS,

The first quarter of the year was exceptionally dry but not unfavourable generally for gardening operations; the second quarter was comparatively wet and unfavourable for garden work but forestry operations were thereby facilitated. During the third quarter copious rain fell especially during and after typhoons, and the fourth quarter was also exceedingly wet, the total rainfall for the year being 109.01 inches. Particulars of the rainfall at the Botanic Gardens are given in Table I.

Typhoon signals were hoisted ten times during the year. Plants and trees in many places suffered considerably from the minor storms experienced and in the typhoon of the 18th August incalculable damage was done to trees and shrubs in the Gardens, many of which were of great economic or scientific interest, to roadside trees and to the plantations generally. Many years must elapse before the effects of the storm can be effaced.

GARDENS, PARKS AND GROunds.

The Botanic Gardens:-The most regrettable losses experi- enced by the Gardens from the typhoons of July and August were as follows an Aleurites triloba, which was an outstanding feature at the north-east entrance to the Old Botanic Garden from Upper Albert Road, was blown down in July and killed; the only full grown specimen of Cinnamomum Burmanni near the Statue, which lost one of its principal limbs in a typhoon last year, was now totally destroyed; a Paulownia Fortunei which flowered magnificently with its neighbours near the plant houses in the Old Garden was uprooted and killed; and several fine ornamental trees, a Lysidice rhodostegia inside the Garden Road wall and a Heteropanax fragrans near the fountain were destroyed. In the avenue above the fountain there were formerly eleven large Australian trees, Grevillea robusta, several of which were completely killed and others so badly damaged that they had to be cut down. Some years ago in anticipation of the loss of these trees, the late Mr. Tutcher had planted a row of Cassia fistula in close proximity and these will now flourish in their place. Losses in the New Garden consisted of an Artocarpus integrifolia, an Erythrina suberosa an Elaecarpus sp., a native tree of Viburnum odoratissimum and a specimen Pandanus furcans. Many other trees were much disfigured.

N 2

Creeper fences and plant houses in both gardens required considerable repairs after the storms. Pot plants which were carried into shelter on the approach of each storm suffered little from the high winds but constant handling robbed them of many of their blooms.

The very heavy rains which fell on the last days in August and October also wrought considerable damage. In the New Garden the Upper Gallery Walk at the west end and the bank above were undermined and a large landslide took place on September 1st, involving the whole earth bank between Robinson Road and Glenealy Path. The slide took place some forty minutes after the great earthquake in Japan and there may possibly have been some connection between the two events. Two large trees of Araucaria Bidwillii which had been growing below the Gallery Walk were involved in the slide and destroyed. The configuration of the garden at this point is completely changed; retaining walls are being built to support the bank but it is unlikely that the Gallery Walk can be reinstated.

The rainfall of the 29th and 30th October, when 11 inches fell in 24 hours, caused damage mainly by the complete choking of the whole drainage system of the Gardens and the consequent scour from the rushing water down the various banks.

Many of the newly planted Summer flowering annuals which form so conspicuous a feature on the lower terrace of the Old Garden were spoiled by the heavy rains of July and August and the continuous wet weather during the Autumn destroyed a large number of rose bushes. Replacements were therefore heavy. Winter annuals also suffered greatly from the Autumn rains.

With a view to restoring in some measure the beauty of the Gardens the following trees and shrubs, many of which have not previously been known or are rarely seen in the Colouy, were planted in suitable positions :-Cassia nodosa, Lespedeza viatorum, Cratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Acacia pennata, Cleroden- dron myrmeophilum and Ficus altissima. Seeds of the last mentioned were presented to this Department by Captain Hodgins of the S.S. "Hoi Hong" in 1906; a specimen of this tree was first discovered at Cape D'Aguilar in 1904 by Mr. S. T. Dunn, then Superintendent of the Department.

The kerb stones along the border at the top of the New Gar- Jen were raised and put in order and the herbaceous plants rear- ranged and replanted; similar stones near the Amaryllis bed under the big Banian in the Old Garden were treated in the same way.

Amaryllis plants in beds were heavily dressed with manure in February before they came to flower. Cannas were removed from the beds, split and after the ground had been well manured, replanted.

N 3

An old clump of Jasminum undulatum on a bank below the Rose Bed, New Garden, was rooted out and the area covered with turf and planted with a few pink Azaleas (Rhododendron squa- matum).

Large numbers of cuttings of various trees, shrubs and creepers and layers of Roses, Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bauhinia Blakeana were propagated in the early Spring. A large collection of ferns and foliage plants was used for the replacement of failures in rockeries in both gardens in the Spring.

In the Plant Houses in the Old Garden all ferns and foliage plants in pots were repotted as usual. The whole stock of Mauritius palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) in the Loan Plant Compound and elsewhere in both Gardens was divided up and repotted.

In the Pot Nursery many flowering or ornamental trees including Artocarpus integrifolia, were raised for 1924 planting.

The total number of plants sold during the year was 3,028, the great majority being Maiden Hair Ferns.

Three persons were arrested and convicted for disorderly conduct in the Gardens.

Government House Grounds:-The greatest loss in these grounds due to the typhoon was a fine specimen tree of Erythrina indica which separated the main building from the servants' quarters and usually had a magnificent show of flowers in the early summer. Other trees and shrubs were more or less damaged.

On October 29th-30th an earth bank below the lower walk was washed away by the heavy rainfall, causing the destruction of a large Banian tree and a Canarium album.

To the west of the area affected about 100 young trees of Pinus Massoniana were planted with a view to forming a small fir plantation and two young trees of "Jak" (Artocarpus integrifolia), five of Araucaria Cunninghamii and ten of Araucaria excelsa (the Norfolk Island Pine) were planted on the north banks, the latter being presented to the Colony by the Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

The creeper fence lining the north side of the grounds was reconstructed and covered with white flowering Jasminum undulat- um, and a large collection of Chrysalidocarpus lutescens and red Azaleas was planted near the southeast entrance gate for screening

purposes.

The areas outside the stables, grown with Blue Grass last year, were broken up and turfed and three large Queensland palms (Archontophoenix Alexandrae) were transplanted from the Albany Nurseries. Similar palms of smaller size were put in beds on both sides of the motor exit.

N 4

"Grass caterpillars" (Thialleta signifera, Walk.) which often do damage to lawns in a dry autumn did not make their ap- pearance this year, Lawns were frequently treated with a solution of "Cha Chai" for detection of earthworms.

The interior of Government House was decorated with palms, flowering pot plants and flower baskets on June 2nd on the occa- sion of the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the King. Similar decorations were carried out on the occasion of dances held on February 20th, and March 1st.

Mountain Lodge Grounds --The principal loss in these grounds by the typhoon was the full grown Ficus repens which was well established and entirely covered the large retaining wall. The upper part of its growth has now been pruned back. Many native trees in the valley and in the small plantation below the west side of the building were also badly damaged,

A row of Chinese palms (Livistona chinensis) and pine seedlings was planted on the east side of the tennis court with a view to forming a screen.

During March the plants of Rhododendron squamatum and Rhododendron indicum on the grassy banks and various levels made a fine show with their flowers and towards the end of that month the purple Azaleas (Rhododendron phoeniceum) produced flowers in great profusion. Hydrangeas were also most attractive on various parts of the grounds during the blooming season. The herbaceous plants Torenia_concolor have now spread extensively and again flowered extremely well.

Blake Garden :-The filling in of the valley with debris was completed and the area has now been remodelled as a level ground. This has much improved the garden generally and provides better accommodation for visitors.

In the typhoon of August 18th, three large trees of Celtis sinensis, which provided good shade on the southern terrace, were lost.

Long grass on the various banks was regularly cut and the garden kept in good order generally.

West End Park :-The Park was maintained in good order throughout the year, long grass being cut as required. Very little damage was done to the small Camphor tree plantation in this park by the typhoons.

King's Park, Kowloon :-All

-All trees in the park received regular attention during the year in the matter of retying and restaking when necessary, and long grass was cut and seedling Lantana and Mimosa were removed from time to time. During the typhoons of July and August very little damage was done to the plantation and to the flowering trees generally,

N 5

Two persons were arrested and convicted for committing forestry offences in the park.

Civil Hospital Grounds :-During the typhoons several large Banian trees were blown down in these grounds and killed; other trees and shrubs which suffered less were raised and pruned as required. The bamboo hedge round the Maternity Hospital which was believed to harbour mosquito larvae was removed and replaced with Chrysalidocarpus lutescens. Undergrowth on the banks to the south of the garden, below the Maternity Hospital, was cleared twice during the year. Blue grass and Fan palms (Livistona chinensis) which had been destroyed during the building of the Out Patients block were replaced on completion of the work. A row of Chinese palms was planted of the west side of the hard tennis court for screening purposes. Grass caterpillars were found once on the tennis lawns during the year; they were at once treated with a solution of Jeyes fluid and checked. Grass plots and creepers on the walls of the Lunatic Asylum were regularly inspected and kept in good order.

Colonial Cemetery :-The position of the Cemetery is well protected by the hill at the back and by the Jockey Club premises in front and little damage was therefore done by the high winds during typhoons. The terrible downpour of rain of the 29th and 30th October, did, however, considerable damage. The lower portion near the entrance was completely flooded as the nullah was inadequate to carry off the immense volume of water and became choked with sand from the hillside above where building operations are being carried out; grass and winter annuals on the lower level were entirely covered with sand and soil and a portion of the wall bordering on the road was knocked down. A large number of trees and palms on graves and those likely to damage headstones have been cut down and removed. Borders of shrub- bery beds were successively planted with summer and winter annuals.

Senior Officers' Quarters, Leighton Hill:-The gardens and grounds were maintained in good condition throughout the year. The slopes near the approach road were planted with six Bauhinia Blakeana and four Bauhinia variegata.

Indian School Grounds, Sukunpo :-Considerable damage was done to the trees growing in these grounds by the typhoons. Grass lawns, flowering trees and creepers on the cut bank received regular attention during the year.

Subordinate Officers' Quarters, Breezy Point:-The grass area round these quarters was regularly cut and kept in good order.

N 6

Volunteer Head Quarters :-On the completion of the build- ing of the new miniature rifle range, the Parade Ground was returfed where necessary. Privet plants on the north east side. were clipped and the flowers removed before opening.

St. John's Cathedral Compound :-Rockeries were overhauled and furnished with ferns and foliage plants, blue grass was planted where necessary and the whole compound kept in a tidy condition generally throughout the year. -

Helena May Institute :-Grass plots and flowering shrubs around the Institute were attended to as required.

Statue Square:-All grass plots in the gardens around the Square were machined, weeded and maintained in good order generally. Trees and shrubs received their annual pruning in February. The grass plots around the Cenotaph have been put in the charge of this Department.

The Cricket Ground :--The actual playing pitch was repaired after each match during the season. The whole pitch was regular- ly machined, weeded and top dressed with finely sifted old manure at the expense of the Hongkong Cricket Club.

Victoria Hospital Grounds :-The gardens and grounds were regularly maintained throughout the year; the grass on the new tennis lawn below the road was machined, weeded and rolled. The garden of "Lyeman" adjoining the Hospital was also attend- ed to by this Department.

Senior Officers' Quarters, Homestead Site :-These grounds have now been placed under the care of this Department; some turfing has been done and the layout will be definitely settled in 1924.

· Government Pavilions and Villas:-Grass was regularly machined and kept short and flowering shrubs attended to as required.

Royal Observatory Grounds :-Lawns and banks were regular- ly cut and maintained in good order. Undergrowth in the planta- tion below the buildings was cleared as usual. Fresh turf was laid down on one of the levels on the completion of the new Seismograph room.

Children's Playground, Kowloon :-Several trees, which had been planted here for shade purposes were removed to give room for the erection of a matshed. The ground was attended to as required.

Island House, District Officer's Quarters, Taipo :-The lawn and banks were cut regularly and undergrowth cleared on the whole island as required. Seedling annuals were occasionally supplied for use as pot plants from the Botanic Gardens.

N 7-

School Gardens, New Territories :-At the request of the Director of Education school gardens were opened at Taipo, Tai Wai and Un Long. They are now maintained and worked by the pupils of the schools. Seeds of vegetables were given on several occasions and the experiments appear to have been most successful.

HERBARIUM.

The usual routine work of the Herbarium cousists in keeping the collections dry and free from insects, and in mounting and poison- ing specimens as required. A large number of old specimens were remounted and poisoned and the whole collection occasionally sun- dried.

Specimens of local plants were identified when brought in by visitors or local collectors.

A hundred and thirty nine specimens were presented by Mr. E. H. Wilson, Jamaica Plain, Mass., U. S. A. and arrangements have been made to secure for the Herbarium a complete set of the extensive collection made of the flora of Hainan Island by officers of the Canton Christian College.

FORESTRY.

The typhoons of the year resulted in great losses among the trees of the Colony; that of August 18th caused enormous damage to trees of all kinds on the Island, in Kowloon Peninsula and in the New Territories and many trees were blown down and killed, while still more were seriously injured. Immediately after each storm and more particularly after the great typhoon the chief duty of the foresters, with the assistance of outside labour as required, was in clearing the thoroughfares of fallen trees; when this was completed broken branches everywhere had to be care- fully looked for and trimmed off. In the plantations this work is not yet completed. In one plantation alone on the Island 2,000 pine trees were killed and over 3,000 seriously damaged.

Formation of Pine Tree Plantations:-Seeds of Pinus Mas- soniana were sown in situ in the following places, sixty three pounds of seed being used :-50,000 near the new Shek O Motor Road, 3,077 on Cheung Chau Island and 50,000 at Quarry Bay. 230 pounds of seed were also sown broad-cast on the grass banks, below the Shek O Road, the Tsun Wan Road and between Shatin and the Taipo Road. In areas burnt by fire resowing took place in the following areas, 250 pounds in Plantation 70 below the Matilda Hospital, Mount Kellet, and 25 pounds on hills near Fanling Golf Course and Sheung Shui. In Plantations 5C and 5D at Repulse Bay 213 pounds were used for the same purpose.

ནཱ

N S

Broad-leaved Trees Planted :-In the natural forest behind Little Hongkong Old Village, where the old trees of various kinds are being felled by contract, 3,500 young Camphor trees were planted. It is hoped in time to produce a Camphor plantation in this area. Eighty four young "Jak" trees Artocarpus integrifolia were planted to replace failures in a plantation near Aberdeen Reservoir. Around the proposed Golf Course at Shek O, 58 Poinciana regia, 2 Albizzia Lebbek, 5 Aleurites montana and 59 Aleurites triloba were planted and along the motor road to Shek ( 207 trees of various kinds were used to replace failures. Owing to the prevailing high winds replacements of failures of young trees along the various roads were exceptionally numerous.

On the slopes of the Sung Wong Toi, Kowloon, a mixed collection of flowering trees was planted consisting of 48 Casuarina equisetifolia, 30 Tristania conferta, 41 Eucalyptus tereticornis, 38 Poinciana regia, 12 Celtis sinensis, 26 Bischofia javanica, 6 Albiz- zia Lebbek, 32 Bauhinia variegata and 78 Cinnamomum Camphora. In Plantation 9A at Tai Wo Po, Kowloon, 9,200 young Camphor trees were planted.

The principal trees used for roadside planting consisted of Tristania conferta, Casuarina equisetifolia, Bauhinia Blakeana, Bauhinia variegata, Aleurites triloba, Erythrina indica, Ficus in- fectoria, Melaleuca Leucadendron, Crataeva religiosa, Paulownia Fortunei, Poinciana regia, Cassia fistula and Cinnamomum Cam- phora, which were used in the following places, Stubbs Road 192, Conduit Road 4, Broadwood Road 32, Shek O Road 101, Repulse Bay Road 5, Pokfulam Road 8, Magazine Gap Road 17, Wong- Nei-Chong Gap Road 10, Salisbury Road (Kowloon) 30, Nam Chong Street (Shumshuipo) 90, Taipo Road (N. T.) 59, Lok Ma Chau Road (N. T.) 153, and Santin Road (N. T.) 13.

Miscellaneous Planting :-Ficus creepers were used to cover up bare earth cuttings on the following positions, Stubbs Road 268, May Road 66, Craigmin Road 80, Broadwood Road 730, Wong-Nei-Chong Gap Road 80 and Chamberlain Road 63. Six Melaleuca Leucadendron were planted near the Wanchai Dispen- sary, and in the vicinity of Tregunter Mansions, May Road, a mix- ed collection of flowering trees, shrubs and creepers was planted. Forty Hibiscus were used for the replacement of failures on Crown Land above Barker Road and twenty five Hydrangeas were trans- planted from a small plot near Chamberlain Road affected by the construction of the motor road, to an open area adjoining Peak Road above the Upper Tram Station.

In Stanley Military Cemetery 28 Aleurites triloba, 2 Crataera religiosa, 2 Casuarina equisetifolia and 10 Allamanda Schottii were planted to replace failures.

N 9

In various positions on Cheung Chau Island 1,000 Camphor Trees, 115 Eucalyptus tereticornis, 60 Crataeva religiosa, 50 Ery- thrina indica, 52 Callistemon rigidus, 95 Casuarina equisetifolia, 180 Tristania conferta, 160 Ficus infectoria and 80 Ficus retusa were planted, some of which were to replace failures.

Trees Removed :-In connection with the general improve- ment and widening of roads, the sale of building lots, excavations for reclamations and various public works, large numbers of trees, both large and small and of various kinds were felled; those which were cut down near public roads were mainly Banians. About 500 pine trees were cut down for the laying-out of an exten- sion to the Tai Shek Kwo Cemetery, Kowloon. Trees which were removed after destruction by typhoons will be replaced as much as possible within the next few years.

Undergrowth Clearing :-The usual removal of undergrowth as part of the campaign against malaria was conducted throughout the year, the total area cleared amounting to over 6,500,000 square feet. In addition over 2,400,000 square feet of undergrowth were cleared for the Public Works Department for survey purposes, and in connection with the laying-out of new building sites, the formation of new roads and other public improvements.

Care of trees in Plantations :-Loranthus and creepers were removed from trees on roadsides and in plantations as far as possible whenever they are observed. Pine tree caterpillars fortunately appeared only in small numbers in one plantation near Fanling. They were immediately collected and destroyed.

Protection from fire:-Fire barriers made in previous years were all inspected and recleared before the beginning of the dry season; 19 miles were cleared in the New Territories, Southern District, 5 miles at Fanling, and 181⁄2 miles on Hongkong Island.

There were 79 fires during the year as compared with 51 last year.

Of these 34 were in the first quarter, 38 in the second, 1 in the third and 6 in the fourth. The most serious fire was one at Mount Kellet on the 1st day of February which lasted nearly 24 hours and destroyed over 4,000 pine trees and about the same number of other trees. In a plantation on Diamond Hill, Kow- loon, over 1,000 young pine trees perished in another fire,

On the Tsing Ming Festival day, April 6th, only 11 small fires broke out in plantations where graves exist. These were speedily extinguished. On October 18th, the Chung Yeung Festival, no fires occurred. On both occasions the assistance of 10 District Watchmen was kindly lent to this Department through the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

The thanks of the Department are due to Police officers at outlying stations for the prompt manner in which fires were re- ported, and for the despatching of coolies to deal with the fires under their supervision pending the arrival of forest officers.

N 10

Forest Guards Service :-The total number of persons arrest- ed and charged for committing forestry offences during the year was 406 as compared with 335 last year and 287 in 1921; of these 306 were convicted, 35 cautioned, 28 discharged, 36 had their bail estreated and 1 was recommended for banishment. Particulars of these cases are given in Tables II and III.

There was a marked increase this year in the stealing of wood from Pantations &c. This is partly accounted for by the high price and inadequate supplies of firewood arriving in the Colony from the usual sources and partly by the increased temptation to the poorer inhabitants of seeing trees damaged by the typhoons lying in the streets and elsewhere. Immediately after the big typhoon of August 18th the services of these unofficial gleaners were somewhat appreciated but when they turned their attention to sound standing timber strong action had to be taken. Notices were printed in Chinese and displayed in prominent places warn- ing the trespassers that exemplary measures would be taken against any offenders caught. The situation righted itself gradu- ally by the end of the year.

About sixty piculs of wood, unlawfully cut down by persons unknown, were seized at Lung Kwo Tan, and at Shek O over 130 piculs of Camphor wood were similarly seized.

Nearly $300 was obtained as compensation from various build- ing contractors and the Hongkong Electric Company for damage done by their workmen to plantations. Enquiries were held ou three occasions under Ordinance No. 6 of 1917 in connection with the illicit cutting of trees near villages and fines were imposed by His Excellency the Governor in Council, $30 on Po Kong; $25 on Chuk Yuen, and $300 on Tai Hang Villages.

For a few weeks before Chinese New Year an effort was again made to protect Enkianthus quinqueflorus which is one of the most beautiful of the shrub flora of Hongkong and the New Territories. But for the vigilance of this Department this beau- tiful shrub would soon be entirely lost to the Colony,

Forestry Service Paths:-These paths were, as far as possible, cleared and repaired during the year.

Forestry Licences, New Territories :-The total amount of fees collected during the year amounted to $4,744.11 as compared with $4,831.87 in 1922.

NURSERIES, AGRICULTURE, &c.

The Albany Nurseries :--New terraces were made in the up- per nursery and planted with a mixed collection of flowering shrubs and Cannas for the purpose of maintaining a supply of cut flowers for Government House. Towards the end of the year a small area in the Lower Nursery was dug up and bedded with flowering plants and bulbs suitable for a similar purpose.

N 11

Sukunpo Vegetable Garden :- Three large Eucalyptus tereti- cornis and one Melaleuca Leucadendron were blown down and kill- ed by the typhoon of August 18th. All the young trees of Cassia fistula, Bauhinia variegata and Paulownia Fortunei were taken up and replanted as roadside trees in various parts of the island. All Cannas and Hedychiums in the garden were taken up, divided and replanted in the spring. They were for a short time completely buried by sand and soil carried down from Mt. Caroline by the heavy rain of October 29th-30th.

Beacon Hill Nurseries :-Part of the old 9B Nursery had to be given up this year in connection with the Kowloon Tong Housing Scheme and many young trees which had been raised there were transplanted to the west of the main stream traversing this area. In January two new nurseries, now named 9A Upper and Lower, were formed for the raising of young trees for afforestation during 1924, the following being raised during the year:-10,000 Cinnamomum Camphora, 300 Poinciana regia, and 340 Bauhinia variegata. The growing of Aleurites Fordia and Aleurites montana for the purpose of investigations into the possibilities of the com~ mercial production of wood oil has not been satisfactory as most of the seedlings of both varieties suffered heavily from the typhoons. A further trial of seeds of Aleurites montana has been made at Fanling about 45 pounds of seeds having been raised before the end of the year. A small quantity of seeds of Sciadopytis verticillata was procured from the Yokohama Nursery and sown at 9A Nursery and at Fanling but unfortunately without success. Cuttings of Cunninghamia sinensis were for the first time propagated with fair results. Glyptostrobus heterophylla seeds were also sown for trial. Kapok, seeds of which were sown in 1922, made good progress, but it is too early yet to report on the experiment.

Little Hongkong Nursery:A small nursery was opened at Little Hongkong Old Village last year for the propagation of Camphor trees for the reafforestation of the adjoining forest. A second crop of young trees was raised during this year and is ready to go into position in the spring of 1924.

Fanling Experimental Garden :-This garden has during the year been in process of reformation, new areas being laid out and the required channels and paths made. Fruit trees and Pineapples were lifted, rearranged and replanted in better positions. Small trees of the wild Mangosteen (Garcinia oblongifolia) were again tried but without success. The "Smooth Cayenne" pineapples procured from Honolulu are progressing favourably, but so far no fruit has been produced. A large portion of the garden formerly occupied by winter and summer vegetables, was broken up, levelled and sown with seeds of Poinciana regia, Aleurites montana and Perilla ocymoides. It is hoped in due course to furnish a report to the Imperial Institute, London, on the possibilities of wood oil production from Aleurites and Perilla. Tobacco was again experi- mented with.

N 12

Inspection of Nursery Stock :-During the months of July to November the usual examination of Narcissus Tazetta intended for export to the United States of America and Honolulu was carried out by the Department. With the exception of a few consignments which were detained for reconditioning all were found to be free from fungoid disease or noxious insects. A total of 1,070,040 bulbs, packed in 8,540 cases, was inspected and certified, the largest number examined since the inauguration of this service in 1919.

SEEDS &C.

Seed Collecting:-The following were collected during the year for sowing purposes :-560 pounds Pine; 27 pounds Callis- temon; 10 pounds Tristania; 16 pounds Bauhinia variegata : S pounds Melaleuca; 5 pounds Ficus retusa; 13 pounds Ficus infec- toria; 12 pounds Casuarina; and 40 pounds Camphor. It is unfortunate that, owing to the destruction of the crop by typhoons, no seeds were obtainable of Eucalyptus tereticornis or of Erythrina indica.

Exchange of Seeds, &c. :-The Department is indebted to the following donors of seeds, plants &c. :-Directors de la Estacion, Experimental Agronomica, Cuba; Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon; Botanic Gardens, Sydney; Superintendent, La Mortola, Ventimig- lia, Italy; Canton Christian College, Canton; Mow Fong Garden; and Messrs. H. Humphreys, H. Campbell (Perth, Western Aus- tralia) and Wilson Popenoe (Agricultural Explorer, U. S. Depart- ment of Agriculture),

The following were the principal recipients :-Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Directors de la Estacion, Experi- mental Agronomica, Cuba; Horticultural Section, El Giza (Mudiriya), Egypt; Superintendent, Horticulture Operations. Raisina, Delhi, India; Secretary, Zoological Society of London; Pere M. Lefebvre, Missionnaire; United States Department of Agriculture, San Francisco; His Honour Mr. Justice Gompertz; Mow Fong Garden; Mrs. Rowe Thornett, F.R.H. (Australia); Mrs. King (Amoy); Tai Wai School Garden; Un Long School; Taipo School Garden; Pok Oi Hospital, New Territories; and Messrs. H. Nehrling, (U. S. A.), H. T. Brooks, H. Humphreys, J. Williams (England), W. J. Kerr, F. H. Dillon, James E. Beland (England), Blake Mould, A. Morris, H. Campbell (Perth, W. A.), D. J. Fullaway (Honolulu), E. H. Walker (Canton), A. Birch (Egpyt), L. S. L. Fraser (Victoria, Australia), J. D. Clifford, F.C.H. (Federated Shan States) and B. Bunting (Selongor, F.M.S.).

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

A statement of the Revenue collected by the Department and a comparison of Revenue and Expenditure are given in Tables IV and V.

N 13

STAFF.

The Superintendent, Mr. H. Green, went on leave on the 30th May, and Mr. W. J. Carrie was appointed to administer the Department in addition to his other duties. Mr. A. J. Thornton, Assistant Superintendent resigned on 31st March and the post has since remained vacant. The Supervisor, Mr. B. E. G. Spinks, resigned on 31st January and Mr. G. B. Twemlow was appointed to succeed him on February 1st.

心

The Head Gardener, Mr. Luk Tsun Fai, has had sole respon- sibility since the departure of Mr. Green for the technical side of garden work and the Supervisor and Head Forester for forestry operations. The general work of the Department has, I trust, been kept to its usual high level.

27th February, 1924.

W. J. CARRIE,

Superintendent.

Table I.

RAINFALL, 1923.

Botanic Gardens.

DATE.

Jan.

Feb. Mar. April. May

June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

| inch. inch. inch. inch. | inch. | inch. inch. inch. inch.

.01

inch. inch.

inch.

...

N 14 -

...

1.33 2.10

.69

.05

.04

...

.42

.02

.14

.08

...

10,

.01

11,

2.68

...

12,

.08

1.42

13,

.05

14,

.06

.03

15,

.01

.03

16,

.34

.06

22: 258: 2:1

.04

2.35

.16

3.85

1.93

...

25x8: Rabbi : 2282

1.30

.70 1.12

...

.76

.18

.48

.14

.10

.07

.73 .03

.05

.02

.03

::623:::;:;:

6.48

.41

...

.02

.01

.11

.04

.10

1.75

.81

.23

.02

1.36

.15

.05

1.14

.03.

1.05

.67

.02 .11

.35

.03

⠀⠀⠀ AR: : REER: : : : :

...

-N 15-

Table I,-Continued.

DATE.

Jan.

Feb. Mar. April

April May June July June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

inch. inch.

inch. inch. inch.

inch. inch. inch. inch. inch.

inch.

17,

.05

.20 1.56

18,

.08

.01

19,

.01

.03 1.00

20,

21,

.21

.26

22,

.06

23,

24,

25,

26,

.08

28565

.25

.02

1.44

.44

.21 .03 3.75

.02 .12

.74

.01

.25 1.41

.05 1.70

.95

4.24

.16

3.53

.05 .01

.16

.01.

.50

.02

.08

.52

2.34

.06

.01

.10

.98

.01

1.00 1.20

.09

.71

.04

27,

.07

5.76

2.77

.07

.05

1.33

7.08

.15

29,

30,

31,

រតនគ

.27

1.67 2.26

.09

.01

.23

.12 .80 2.31

11.00

1.25

.60

.01

.09

Total,

.21 .61

.84 7.94

4.36

18.51 20.43 35.18 6.91

12.84 .55

.63

4 -

Rainfall for First Quarter 1.66 inches on 18 days; for Second Quarter 30.81 inches on 50 days; for Third Quarter 62.52 inches on 51 days; and for Fourth Quarter 14.02 inches on 21 days. Total for the year 109.01 inches. Average for the last ten years at the Botanic Gardens-95.99 inches.

Total rainfall registered at the Royal Observatory, Hongkong, for the year-106.74 inches.

Village or District. Block. Compartment.

Table II.

FOREST GUARDS" SERVICE: OFFENCES.

Victoria,

Wongneichong,

A.B.G. A.B.C.D.E.F.G. 16

Shaukiwan,.

A.B.C.D.E.F.G. 43

Tytam,.

Stanley,

A.G.

Aberdeen,

A.B.C.

Pokfulam,

A.B.C.D.E.G.

Kowloon,..

Harbour Belt,.

A.B.C.D.

Cheungshawan,

Kanghau,

New Territories,

-KONN

IN-

1:0

REPORT OF

Cattle

grazing in

plantation.

Total for 1923,

117

Total for 1922,.

64:

3.18

156

100

Offering

Bribe to

Forest

Guard.

-N 16

མསྐྱུ

N 17

Table III.

POLICE COURT RESULTS.

Cases.

50 cents to $1 fine,

:..

$1.50 to $2

$2.50

to $3

...

to $5

to $10

$11

to $25

.:..

...

1 to 4 days' imprisonment,

5 to 7

8 to 14

3 weeks'

1 month's

1923.

1922.

...

6 weeks'

Discharges,

Cautions,

Forfeiture of Bail,

...

Recommended, for Banishment,

Personal Bond,

Total,...

406

335

-N

N. 18

REVENUE.

· Table IV.

REVENUE.

1923.

1922.

Timber Sales,

带瘤

...

8,533.10

Sale of Plants,

850.05

5,238.52 766.03

Loan of Plants,

696.42

748.58

Forestry Licences,

4.744.11

4,831.87

Inspection of Nursery Stock, Interest on Current Accounts, Miscellaneous Receipts, Forfeiture,

1,005.00

740.00

2.04

4.48

7.37

100.00

Fine Fund,

18.04

27.47

Total,

15,848.76 12,464.32

Table V.

Comparative Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the years 1914-1923.

Year.

Total Expenditure.

Total Revenue.

% of Revenue to Expenditure.

$ C.

1914

49,095.97

6.934.21

14.12

1915

49,404.56

6,871.67

13.19

1916

47,325.89

7.034.67

18G

1917

51,253.82

7,294.49